Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1872-06-27
LANES GORDON BENNETT.
How lie Dicd--somc Account of His
Last Moments.


Last Moments.
During the last six months of his
life Mr. Bennett was confined to hls
room on the second floor of his down
town residence, 425 Fifth avenue, and
none but his most intimate personal
friends were admitted to his presence.
Slowly, but surely, did every day bring
him nearer to his grave: the lower pOr-
ton of his body became partly para
lived and almost lifeless, until finally
every spark Of vitality had departed
from his limbs below the thighs. And
vet, while life's dim flame was thus
darkenng, his mind retained its won't
ed force and brightness, and he de
lighted in having the newspapers read
to him from day to day, and to follow
the course Of the periodical press with
the closest possible attention. He en-
tertaiued no false hopes. He was fully
aware If his approaching end, and
spoke of it to his friends with philo-
sophical resignation. As he recllned
in his easy chair, robcd IN comforta-
BILE gown, listening TO the conversation
OF his few visitors, and giving replies in
ms tcrse language, though III voice
weakened by disease, he resembled the
dying Richeheu i'll his Inst moments,
his massive features betokenlng the
great intellect with which he was gift
ed.
On Saturday at half-past twelve
o'clock p. M, he lay on his couch sup
ported 10y pillows, his arms stretched
out at right angles from his chest, with
eyes closed, and breathing the last
breaths of life. He lay III this cOndi-
ton until p, and peacefully passed
away. A week ago last Friday he was
threatened with an absolute paralytic
stroke, but careful nursing, directed by
intelligent medical skill, warded off the
blow at the time. But ON Sunday, the
both ult., he was twice seized with vio-
lent commissions, which gave rise to
fears of almost instant death HIS inn
mediate friends were at once sent for,
but again the vitality of his robust con-
stitution oyercame the danger, and for
a short season death was ayerted.
During this time he expressed regret ut
the absence OF his family in Europe,
and hoped for their speedy return be-
fore the night of the grave should settle
around him.
4 few minutes after Archbishop Nc
Closkey had come to the bedside OF
the dying journalist on Tuesday, he
asked the good prelate to give him
some symbol OF the Catholic faith, that
he might wearlt in his last hours.
wv hat article of devotion would you
like z ~ inquired the Archbishop.
A scapular OF the sacred heart OF
Jesus, replied the founder OF the Her
add.
The Archbishop had one with him,
and he placed i. around the neck OF
Mr. Bennett, who closped his hands as
though i'll prayer. The scapular had
been blessed Mr.. Bennett seemed to
derive great consolation from the sym
boil. He then spoke briefly to the
Archbishop, asking him to administer
the last sacrament of the Church,
After his attack with commissions on
Sunday, the 26th, he often fell into q
state of uncunsciousuess, and vet so
strong was the power of his mind, and
So firm the hold of his vitality. that
even IN this condition of appearant
hteltssness he heard and understood
attendants. and to their questions
whether he wished for any refresh
weuts he plainly and distinctly an
SWergd Yes \ remarkable present
meut of his death is told by one OF his
most intimate personal friends. When
the Herald office was moved into the
new building. Mr.. Bennett said that
ia Lpaty th,f v-,an Tho ola homestead