The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1873-10-01

Heath Of John 3, BALDWIN.

Thus has passed away one Of the ableSt
and purcst of the public men Of Virginia.
He was, we suppose, about fifty>fivo years
of age. He was man Of vigorous frame as
well rs vigorous intellect, above the ordl-
nary stature of men, and few months ago
promised years Of valuable service to bis
community and State. A short time since a
sudden and very remarkable attack was the
premonitory sign Of the fatal result we now
record, and which will occasion deep ieel-
ing of regret In the whole State. .....
Colonel BALDWIN was the son OF the iate
Judee BRrscoE G. BALDWIN, Of Staunton,
man alike renowned for his ability, wisdom,
and yirtue. The son Inherited the virtues
of the father, Colonel BALDWIN was a. dis
tinguished graduate of the University OF
Virginia, and WIS elected to the
Legislature while very young-ia 1916, we
believe. He rose RAPIDLY in public respect
as statesman, and still more rapidly as
lawyer. In very few years he advanced to
the front rank at bar distinguished for its
ability. He represented Augusta for several
wears in the Legislature, and was proml-
nent man in the political proceedings Of the
day, although his ambition was more directed
to distinction as lawyer than as politician.
His life was successful and remarkable for
its serenity and freedom from the conflicts
of party politics in their bitter and vehe,
mcnt phases. ,a He indeed took part in the
discussions of the day, but never in man.
ner unbecolning man Of dignity and ability
whose devotion to the State was above all
other considerations. Never man had less
of the demagogue in his nature and disposl'
ton.
When the great national excitement which
ended in the temporary disruption of the
Union came upon us, Colonel BALDWIN used
all his power and influence to prevent seces-
sion. He was devoted Union man, and as
such was elected to the State Convention to
consider the policy of Virginia in
the crisis. In that body he power
fully resisted the dissolution of the Union.
He was one of a committee sent to Wash
ington by the Secession Convention to ascer-
tain the intentions Of Mr.. LINCOLN, who, as
Colonel BALDWIN always commended, trided
with the committeeman, indeed, answered
them by q proclamation calling for $4,000
men to put down the instruction in the
South-a step which Dir. Boris declared to
be most unwise and fatal. Mr.. BALDWIN re-
turned a disappointed and much grieved
man, and voted for the secession Of Virginia.
From that day he was unalterably devoted
to the service of his State with bis " ho lie
heart.
lie was appointed by Governor LErcHER
Inspector-Gencral of the State volunteers
and performed an active part in the organi.
cation of the military force of the State that
was SO soon to 90 into the bloody conflict. he
afterwards entered the field us colonel Of a
regiment, but was soon called to a seat in the
Confederate Congress, to which he was elect
ed by the people Of his district. In that body
he was a conspicuous man--distinguished
for his mental force, his sagaclty, and bis
zeal for the public cause. AS debatcr he
was one of the ablest in the body, which
was noted for its distinguish ed men.
After the war he set about doing his part
in the restoration of peace and order. lie
was speaker Of the first Legislature I'M
der the PE1RPoMr Government-'65-'6--
and Mt that early day began his great
effort to consummate scheme for
the completion Of the grand high.
way through Virginia from the waters of
the Chesapeake to those of the Ohio, now
called the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad. He
gave himself up to this enterprise, until,
chiefly through his labors, the scheme was
consummated, and it was the happiest event
of the evening OF his days that he lived to
see that road finished.
Colonel BALDWIN was president Of the
popular Convention which assembled in this
city 9th May 1868, to organize the Conserva-
tive party, just after the adjournment of the
Underwood Convention that framed the
State Constitution. At this popular as
sembly Of the solid people of Vir-
ginia he was fayorite for the Office of
Governor, but in firm speech be positively
declined the nomination; yet, when the vote
was taken, he received fifty votes to the fifty
two cast for Colonel r. E. WRITER'S.
Colonel BALDWIN was chairman of the Vir-
sinia delegation at the convention held in
New York in 1868 which nominated SEY-
aorR and BLAIR for the Presidency and
Vice-Presidenee of the United States. 1t
was his first appearance in any sense in the
arena of national Federal politics, and it was
the remark on that occasion that 1t was SIN
gular gentleman evidently of 80 much
ability and force of character had never ap-
peared in the national councils. His amol-
ton was not in that line.
1t will be remembered that from the time
Of the May Convention Of 1858 until Vir-
yinia was admitted was period Of the
deepest anxiety and the most critical char
acter. 1t became necessary that the wisest
policy should be pursued, and for this pur-
nose there was combination'of some of the
most patriotic and 'judicious men of Vir-
yinia. Through "a convention of such
men, held in this city, the nominations
for State officers by the, Convention Of
May 1868 were Withdrawn, Colonel
W1THERs displaying magnanimity and
public devotion that will not be forgot
ten by his people. 1t was at that conyen-;
ton that the celebrated "committee of
nine'' was formed. The Hon. A. FL. Fl.
STUART was its chairman, and Colonel BALD