The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1872-11-01
Albaar 9eoister.
TAe Deash.he.l q wm. II. seward.

va ptsAVWS Vtt tttC iVtttlSC tl bitG clttu1
suffering from great difficulty of breath
ing. caused by a sudden eyerwhelmin.
catarrhal effusion into the lungs. I
began with the right lung, and sool
involved the left also. Il was then
evident that the patient was dying,
The propriety of having professional
counsel was discussed at this time b,
his son. William II. Seward. .Jr., anC
DIR. Dimont. 1t was agreed that coun
sci should be summoned, If the Cover.
nor would consent, but Mr.. Seward
had always been avese to having any
Of his physical ailings made 4 subject
Of unusual attention or comment. II
was only at this moment that his situa-
tion was such as to afford his family
and physician sufficient warrant tor
insisting with him that he should cou-
sent TO have counsel. Unllappily the
pulmonary effilsion occurred too sud-
denly and Unexpectedly to give any
opportunity TO carry out this intention.
Hisbreathing was painfully obstruct-
ed and laborious, coming with 4 rat
tling noise that betOkened the effort 1t
cost to obtain it. 1t was accompanied
with prOfuse expectoration and mucous
discharges from the lungs. The doc
tor ordered stimulants, and rum was
given, but the patient complained that
1t oppressed his stomach. He could
take nothing internally, 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 Ia a sitting pos
ture.
The family and household servants,
at his especial request. were now SUM
mOned to his presence, as it was evil
dent to all, as well rs to himself, that
he was dying. Ina few minutes be
was surrounded BY familiar but sad
and streaming faces Of relatives aud
dependents. His sOn-the only one ut
home-General w. H. Seward, Jr.,
and his wife and two children. Occli-
pied prominent positions at the head
of the couch of death.
Miss Risley Seward, the adopted
daughter Of the dying statesman. stool
weeping near by. Mrs. WOrleil,
sister Of the dying mans deceased
wife. stood by his side, holding one Of
his emaciated hands. Mrs. Lucy BOst-
wick, a widowed sister Of Mrs. WIN.
III. Seward. .Ir., and her two children,
were also Of the number. Miss Cora
Richardson, a confidential member Of
the household, Mrs. Miles Perry,
near relative. and Mr.. Anthony Gait
mann, the Governors private secre-
tary, were also in the room.
Besides these, there were present all
the household servants, including Har-
riet Bogart, q venerable Colored wO-
man. who had been In the employ Of
the family upward Of forty years, and
who was one OF the most sincere and
heart-brOken m0urners at that scene
of death. DIR. DimOlt, who has been
Governor Stewards personal medical
attendant and most trusted friend for
4 quarter Of century, remained with
the group iningling his tears with
those OF the children and dependents.
IA he strove by every appliance Of
science aud skill to assliagc the pains
Of the sufferer and smooth and soften
the pillow Of death.
THE LAST FAREWELL.
i" Higher ! higher" gasped the fast
sinking man. as he struggled for breath,
and fresh pillows were brought to raise
him. "TMt will do, y he whispered,
"a at Last he was placed in almost up
right position. Then. glancing around
upon the weeping company. 4 smile Of
satisfaction stole over llis face a. he /
recognized one and another whose
presence was a pleasure to linn. Ills
head then fell back upon the pillow for
4 moment, and he seemed meditating
between his long and lahorel respir;l-
tion. Finally, at five minutes before /
three, be again signiiled Il desire to be
raised d little higher. which being
done, he smiled his satisfaction, at the !
same time saying, This Is fiper.'
evidently meaning that the position |
him to breathe easier.
Then he motiOned one after another |
Of the bystanders to approach, aud
embraced each Of them IL turn and
gave them an affeCtionate kiss Of fare /
we'll. Even Harriet BogaFt was not |
forgotten or overlooked In this part
ing. For each he had d single kindly I
word Of devastating. personal aud ap-
propriate TO tile individual. but too
sacred in It's nature for tlle pnblic ear.
When he had finished this painful
task. and while the room was filled
with the heartbrOken sObs of those
who were witnessing the departure Of
a dear and valued friend. his head sank
back upon his pillow, his eyes closed.
he drew few more long and heavy
breaths tllat seemed like sIgha, aud
then, without . struggle ora moan,
hfs life went out.
---.-. y u.---.--------.-----
RnssNn efya ,.ogcsnae II. ~, ....44.