New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1875-11-25
The Last Hours OF the Vice President.


The following particulars of the last few
hours of the busy life of Henry Wilson are
contained in a special dispatch from Wash
ington to the Cincinnati Times of Monday:
The city was startled, early this morning,
by report that Vice President Wilson was
dead. The intelligence was so sudden and
shocking that many persons would not
credit the sad news. 1t proved true, and
in a short time there were thousands of
mournful hearts at the Senate Chamber
where the dead statesman lay. All was
quiet and unlike the daily scenes Friends
came i'll quietly and heard from the lips OF
those who waited upon the Vice President
the particulars of his last moments, and
how he passed away'without near friend
by his bedside, or without any warning.
The last hours of the Vice President are
thus told by those who have been constant
in their attentions during his illness: Yes
terday, Mr.. Wilson was not 30 we'll as pre-
viOusly, but his condition was not such as
to give any uneasiness to himself or his
physician.
He retired early, last night, and at mid
night arose and took few steps about the
room. He then read few verses from q
little hymn book, which has been his con-
slant companion during his illness, and
which contained photographs of his wife
and son. After this he dropped asleep.
He awoke again about three o'clock, COM
planned of PAIN in the stoma h. and was
rubbed by one of the watchmen. MIR.
Wilson thanked the man for his attention,
and spoke gratefully of the kindness he
he had experienced from everybody about
him. Soon afterward he went asleep once
more, ana rested quietly until seven o'clock.
Then he a woke about two hours earliei than
usual, and said he felt better than at any
other time since his attack.
He had been promised a ride on the first
fair day, and seeing that the morning was
clear, he declared that he could now have
that drive. Having been washed as he sat
up in bed, he asked for his customary glass
of bitter water and drank it Immediately.
Afterward he lay back on the pillow,
breathed heavily for minute or two, and
then, at half-past eeven, without a percep-
tible movement expired, with no one with
him but the watchnan who had remained
during the night, and he did not realize that
the patients condition'ha had changed until he
had ceased to breathe.
Help was Immediately summoned, but
the spirit had fled. The distinguished son
OF Massachusetts was beyond all earthly
assistance.
The Western Associated Press furnishes
the following touching incident:
The Vice President seemed, on Saturday,
to be great deal better than at any time
during his late sickness, but yesterday he
was not quite SO we'll. Postmaster Burt, of
Boston, called in the morning, and had a
pleasant conversation with him. Mr.. Cross
man. of New York, literary friend, wis.,
tied the Vice President on business con-
cerning the unfinished volume on the sub
ject OF slavery. The Vice President being
IN q condition requiring rest Mr.. Crossman
retired. The Vice President then slept from
one till three O'Clock. when he arose. Mr..
CrOssman returned in the afternoon at the
Vice President's request, and remained till
evening.
The Vice President went to bed at an
early hour, and slept tolerably we'll during
the night In his waking intervals he
asked TOR water. About midnight he got
up and walked around the room, then going
to his table, took up a little book of poems
entitled THE Changed Cross" with the
motto: mot as will, but as Thou wilt"
and read three verses from it, one of which
is as follows:
"Hep US, oh Lord, with patient love to
bear each others faults, to suffer with true
meekness. Help us each others Joys and
griefs to share, but let rs turn to Thee alone
in weakness"
This volume belonged to his wife, and
contained photograph of Ter and their
son, both deceased. He treasured it be-
yond value. and always made it his cem-
psnion. He seemed to derive much com
tort after reading the verses. He spoke
with gratitude Of the kindness of his
friends during his sickness, and of the
widespread eymPathy in his behalf He
then retired IN happy mood and slept.