The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1874-05-22
Cremation in 1792-A South Carolina
Example.

Example.
In citing examples of cremation IN
modern times, one OF the most hote-
worthy has been overlooked. 1t is I'M
portant not only from the high charact-
er of the person, but from reasons which
bear directly upon the subject, as dis
cussed bv the World. 1t is that OF
Henry Iaurens, which took place on
his plantation. December II, 1892. The
connection of Henry Laurens SO promi-
nently and creditably with ourearly ma
tionai life renders the carryingout OF
his last wish more interesting. A citi-
zen of Charleston, he became most
successful merchant, amassing large
fortune. during business career IN
which he was distinguished for his ac-
curacy. integrity, and the punctuality
with which he met all business engage
ments.
Having gone to Europe for the edu-
cation of his son, he was one of the
thirty-nine who petitioned Parliament
against the Boston port bill. Having
done all in his power to prevent war,
against all persuasion to remain III En-
gland, he came home and identified
himself with the revolutionary struggle.
He succeeded John Hancock as Presi-
dent of Congress, an Office he resigned
the second term, when he was made
Minister to Holland. On his way to
his mission the vessel was captured by
the British, and he was carried to the
Tower on the suspicion of treason.
Here he was placed in close contine-
ment, guarded by two wardens, who
never left him out of sight. With no
pen to write with, no one TO speak To,
he remained fourteen months, suffering
from insufficient food, not being per-
mitted to use his own money for that
purpose, broken down in health, and
suffering acutely from govt. His suf-
ferings became known Burke was in
terested in him various schemes were
proposed for his release.
One of these was to be through the
concessions of his son John, then III
Paris as representative of Congress, but
Laurens replied, "He loves me dearly,
and would lay down his life to save
mine, but | am sure he would not sacri-
fee his honor to save mine; and l APP
plaud him." When finally he was re-
leased he was appointed one of the min
listers OF Congress for negotiating peace.
He met Jay, Franklin and Adams at
Paris, where the preliminaries of the
treaty were signed. On returning to
America he was received as a national
benefactor, but he declined all public
offices, and devoted himself to agricult-
IRE and the mending of his broken
fortunes. He died December 8, 1892.
The following clause in his will relates
to the disposition of his body:
SO ! solemnly enjoin 1t on my son, as
an indispensable duty, that as soon as
he conveniently can, aftermy decease, to
cause my body to be wrapped in twelve
yards of tow-cloth and burned until it
be entirely consumed, and then collect
ing my bones, deposit them wherever he
may think proper"
His biographer, Ramsay, who was his
son-in-law, relates this much, and adds
that it was done as desired, and makes
no mention of the cause of the request
or the details of the burning. So un-
usual proceeding doubtless must have
created considerable interest, and the
New York Journal and Patriotic Regis
ter, Saturday, January 26, 1893, on file
at the Historical Society Library, con-
tains this allusion
The following extract of aletter, dated
Charleston, S. c., December "a, is
copied from the Norwich Weekly Reg
lister of January IA:
"a few days since departed this life
Henry Laurens, Esq, about seventy
years of age, and his body was burnt
the Thursday after his decease. This
was done by his son at the request OF
his father, who made this reverse in his
will, that unless his son complied with
this he would be cut short in any of his
estate, which was worth 100000 ster-
ling. The ashes remaining from the
body were taken up and put into sill
yer urn for that purpose. The reason
that Mr.. Laurens gave for this singular
desire was that his body was too good to
be eaten by worms.
4 foot-note, however, in Chadwick S
"Report on Intramural Interment,
states that Henry Laurens, having an
infant son die of smallpox, when the
body was laid out caused the window to
be opened to admit a fresh current of
air. The air blowing over the body
restored the child to life. and in this
manner it barely escaped being buried
alive. So horror-stricken was Mr.. Lau-
rens at this event that he left orders in
his will for his body to be burned, and
the inheritance of his estate by his son
was made conditional on his carrying
out the request. 1t is impossible to
find the details Of the burning so fan,
but gentleman remembers to have read
them years ago imam English book. The
funeral pile was erected on beautiful
spot on his plantation. The body,
wrapped as desired in the will, was
borne on the shoulders of four favorite
slaves, and laid upon the pyre, when
incense and perfumes were thrown upon
it. After the funeral services were held
beside it, the flames were kindled and
when the pile was burned, the ashes
were collected and placed in silver
vase.-Ne1O York World.
CorrNrrv Clarly in q r11ro1 town bo1