New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-07
GEN. j. A. RAWLINS.
DEATH OF GEN. JOHN A. RAwLINs, SECRETARY
OF WAR.
,BY rKLKaRApn TO rnE rR1RrNRl


iBY TELEGRAPH TO TBB TRIBCNBl
WASHINGTON, Sept. Seen. Rawns died at IL
minutes past four o'clock this afternoon. His death
was seemingly painless one Last night his rest
was ftful and his condition feeble and exhausted
His condition ths morning gave possible hope to
his friends and his death looked for long before
1T occurred His mind and will were strong till tn
end, and he seemed determined to check the heavy
hand of death that was upon him. His mind was
peaceful and he again and again expressed no fear
of death nor of the future Shortly before
lie died he said, IL know / am to die,
and my only regret ia that | leave my family
paupers" He asked repeatedly during the day
II the PrfAident had retained, and seemed to try to
Keep bach the final moment until his friend aud COM
panion Cseeld arrive. The Presidentsdea was sub
jectOf great anxiety, and he evidently had something
OF Importance TO say to him. His respiration began
20 grew more frequent and feeble, and stimulants
wer1freey administered. He recognized his friends
up 10 the very hour of his death, and was able to
speak until after o'clock. His last audible words
were RAISE mo up" Afterward he lay very still
AND tranquil for nearly ten minutes, his pulse teeby
beating. when suddenly he raised his head,
opened his eyes and fell back upon the pillow. lie
had breathed hs last. There present about his
bed his physician DR.. Bliss twho held his pulse and
listened to the beating of his heart until life was
gone) Secretaries Cox and Robson; Postmaster
Gen. Howard Gen. John L. Smith; Commissioner
Parker; and the Secretarys brother. No other rela
tive was present. Gen. and Mrs. Sherman, Gen.
Meigs Gen. Terrill, Gen. Giles A. Smith, and many
other persons were present III the parlOr
His disease was not, as what was generally sup
posed tubercular consumption. No indicationiof the
fatal disease had appeared in the family Of the
Secretary, and it not until his suflerings and
exposures during the Vcksburg campaign that he
a. 81 lie fret ink
resulted from the exposures and dampncss attending
that campaign. which produced pleuro pneumonia,
and against the advice of physicians he refused TO
leave the field until his health should be restored.
The sequel hydro thOrax, and subsequent intamma-
ion of the lungs continued for several months pro-
ducng cavities in the apex of both lungs Since bis
removal to Washington his case has been one of con-
slant anxiety and fear to his friends and physician
Only with the most untiring effort and ceaseless
watching and nursing has his life been spared so
long. Few who saw him frequently at the head
quarters Of the armies cheerful much absorbed
in the great duties that were his, so untirlng and
earnest in his work. and so patient in his weakness
knew with what effort he kept from his bed. Gen.
Grant and DR.. Bliss have frequently said that there
was never a patient and cheerful invalid, and
that none knew how keen was his suffering. Both
say that impatient or a complaining word
in reference to himself passed his lips yet for
bread, milk, and eggs, and nothing else. Two con-
secuive hours of rest he did not enjoy during the
same time, and undisturbed slumber almost I'M
known to him during his residence in this city. Yes
terday morning he called for his raw
meat breakfast, and when it was set be-
fore him he said, "a king could fatten
on that" About ten days ago the Secretary
was invited to the house of Gen. Giles A. Smith,
Second Assistant Postmaster General, and was
tempted by his appetite to disregard his frugal diet
and he enjoyed hearty dinner which proved hurtfu
TO him in his weak condition, his organs were in
ADEQUATE to dgestit. Severe hemorrhages followed,
and the loss of blood and the frequent periods OF
coughing which ensued Frustrated him. and he never
left his room afterward but died at the house Of his
friend.
He was thoughtful of his friends. and frequently
asked for this one and that one and If they failed
to see him when he expected them he asked if they
had called. He wanted to them all. In the last
hours of his life he inquired for Senator Morton,
who had left him but few hours before, and being
answered that the Senator had returned to his hotel
he seat him an affectionate message, and remarked
to an officer at his bed side that Morton was true
man, and had been faithful to his country and to
her soldiers "Tell him. he said, that Appreciate
bis friendship and his services"
The President arrived at the depot at 5 o'clock,
and was driven to the residence of Cen Smith by
at o'clock and q minutes, just hour after his
friend and companion had breathed his last He
anxiously inquired how long the Secretary had been
dead, and showed the deepest emotion. lie asked
a few questions of Dr. Bliss, and expressed, with
tears in his eyes, the deepest sorrow at his delay
His first act was to write message to Mrs Rawlns
at Danbury Conn. telling her of the mournful event
He also prepared other dispatches to absent friends
He asked if he could remain with the body tonight,
but some of his Cabinet urged him to seek rest.
"No." he said. II must be near his remains"
few hours before the Secretarys death, in speak
ing of his beloved family lie said it was terrible
thing to see and know that his family was unpro-
yided for and that his only JOY in life was the edu
cation of his boys. high officer of the old army of
Tennessee who stood beside his bed took his hand
and said, General will you allow the Old Army to
adopt your boys, and educate and provide for
them - The dying officer his eyes filed with tears,
looked up into the face of his old comrade and
smiled, and faint "Yes" escaped his lips
GENERAL PRESS DISPATCH.l
Att o'clock this morning Secretary Rawlns was IN a
olerably comfortable condition He spoke TO Gen. John
f. emith and Commissioner Parker with his customary
sarnestness on various subjects and inquired whether
they thought he would his health again rise
from his bed TO this question Smith said he feared
not and asked he had wish express with
regard 20 the disposition Of his remains in he should
die He replied he leave that with his friends but
he did not desire to any ostentatious expensive
funeral.
During the afternoon Secretaries Cox and Robson
came into the chamber when the formerread to him the
dispatch from Attorney Hoar. Secretary Raw
ps said with deep emotion am very grateful to the