Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1872-11-01
The Last Hours Of william HI. Seward.


THE doctor reached the house at half
pillows on the lounge In the study suffer
ing from great difficulty in breathing,
caused by a sudden overwhelming ca.
tarrhal effusion into the lungs. 1t began
with the right lung, and soon involved
the left also II was then evident that
the patient was dying. The pro-
priety of having professional coun-
sci was discussed at this time by
his son, VIM. H. Seward, Jr., and DR..
Dimont. II was agreed that counsel
should be summoned, IL the Governor
would consent, but Mr.. Seward had al
ways been adverse to having any of his
physical ailings made subject Of unusu
al attention or comment 1t was only al
this moment that. his siuation was such as
to afford his family end physician suffl.
cient warrant for insisting with him that
he should consent to have counsel. I'm.
happily the pulmonary effusion occurred
too suddenly and Unexpectedly to give
any opportunity to carry out this inten.
tion. His breathing was painfully OBJ
structed and laborlous, coming with a
rafting noise that betokened the effort IL
cost to obtain IL. II was accompanied
with profuse expectoration and mucous
discharges from the lungs. The doctor
ordered stimulants, and rum was given,
but the patient complained that IL oppress-
ed his stomach He could take nothing in.
ternally, but merely gasped and begged
for breath. He was raised higher and
higher from time to time and propped up
with pillows and holsters, In obedience
with his request that he might breathe
easier, until he was nearly in sitting
posture.
The family and household servants, at
his request, were now summoned to his
presence, as it was evident to all as well
as to himself that he was dying In o few
minutes he was surrounded by familiar,
but sad and streaming faces of relatives
and dependents. His son-the only one
at home-General W. H. Seward, Jr., and
his wife and two children occupied posi-.
tions at the head of the couch of death.
Miss Risley Seward, the adopted daugh-
ter of the dying statesman, stood weeping
near by. Mrs. Worden, q sister of the
dying mans deceased wife, stood by his
side holding one Of his emaciated hands.
Mrs. Lucy Bostwick, widowed sister OF
Mrs. William H. Seward, Jr., and her two
children, were also of the number Miss
| Cora Richardson, a confidential member
Of the household, Mrs. Miles Perry, a
near relative, and Mr.. Anthony Gattman,
the Governors private secretary, were
also in the room. Besides these, there
were present all the household servants,
including Harriet Bogart, a venerable
colored woman who has been in the EN-
pley of the family upward of forty years,
and was one of the most sincere and
heartbroken mourners at that scene of
death. DR.. Dimont, who has been Gov
ernor Stewards personal medical attend.
ant and most trusted friend for
a quarter of century, remained
with the group, mingling his tears with
those of the children and dependents, as
he strove by every appliance of science
and skill to assuage the pains of the suf
ferer, and smooth and soften the pillow
of DEATH
"Higher higher !" gasped the fast
sinking man as he struggled for breath
and fresh pillows were brought to raise
him. "That will do" he whispered, as
at last he was placed in an almost up
right position. Then, glancing round
upon the weeping company, smile Of
satisfaction stole over his face as ht
recognized one and another whose pres
ence was pleasure to him. His heaC
then fell back upon the pillow for mo
ment, and he seemed meditating between
his long and labored respiration. Final
ly, at five minutes before three, he agair
signified desire to be raised a littl,
higher, which being done he smiled hi
satisfaction, at the same time saying
This is freer," evidently meaning tina
the position enabled him to breathe easier
Then he motioned one after another o
the bystanders to approach, and EN-
braced each of them in turn, and CAV,
them an affectionate kiss of farewell
Let GgaJ IsoS9t M Rngart YSs not r sor"oitsp p G.
; had single kindly word of leaye.taking
personal and appropriate to the individ
ual, but too sacred in its nature for tn
public ear. When he had finished thi
: painful task, and while the room wa
filled with the heart-broken sobs of thos
who were witnessing the departure of
dear and valued friend, his head SAM
: back upon his pillow, his eyes closed, h
drew few more long and heavy breath
that seemed like sighs, and then, withou
a struggle or moan, his life went out, an
s William H. Seward was no more.
e The immediate end, reached throug
!, great suffering and attributable to absC
h lutte prostration, was as quiet, peaceful
and easy as his most devoted friend coul
:, wish. There was in this scene nOthin
v dramatic, although affectionate EXPIRE:
l. sions of farewell and the last recognition
n of the eye of suffering kindness character
lied the occasion. 1t was obvious ths
u the last hour of the great statesman ha
d come, and that nothing remained but fo
8. him to say farewell to those about hin
70 The work of his life was done, and, lik
another of whom he spoke few yeal
:, ago, he, too, was content, and nothing n
;, mained but to illustrate that "the chan
T Der where the good man meets his fate
at privileged beyond the common walks {
~ virtuous life"
Mr. Seward was communicant of ii
% Protestant Episcopal Church, and h'
u u been for many years connected with S
&c Peters Church in this city. He was n
u, sectarian. Beyond the restricted lal
Is guage of creeds he saw and appreciate
the profound principles of an enlarge
D. Christianity. He was eminently CHART
re BILE in his construction of the conduct
y, mankind, and was ever ready to join Il
a devotiens of any sincere worshipers
IS the common father of all.-NeW York Su