The interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1872-1881, 1875-12-03
Death Of v1ce-iressaens Wilson.

lie had rested well nearly all night, ex-
cept a short time about three a. M, and, on
awakening at seven o'clock, remarked that
he felt unusually well. At twenty minutes
past seven he said he would get up and take
some breakfas lie was about to do so, aud
had just taken his customary draught Of
bitter water, prescribed by his physicians,
when he suddenly lay down, seeming to be
exhausted. He breatheS heavily few min
utes, and expired without a struggle.
The scene in the death chamber was very
pathetic. The body lay upon a plain oak
bedstead, which was placed Immediately
under the Rembrandt portrait of Washing
ton, which had the inscription "Pater
patria." The room bore witness to the long
Illness which had preceded the DEATH and TO
the confusion which followed il. The body
laid upon the back, and scarcely presented
as rigid outlines as are usual in death. The
face, propped up preparatory to the post
mortem aud the embalment, was remarka-
bly, beautiful In its repose. There was not a
trace OF pain about it there was none of
the usual darkness. The face looked as
gentle, strong, pure, and noble as in the
bappiest moment Of life. There was no
signs Of woman's hands or woman's atten-
ton, save one-an elderly lady, from New
England, pressed her way through
the throng of Senators and Senate at
tendants 10 the bedside, where she earessed
the cold features with passionate affection,
and bathed the placid cheeks With her tears.
The writing-table gave evidence To the
restless activity which friends and physi-
clans could not restrain, and which no
doubt fastened his decline. There were
the Washington papers, several South
ern papers, some OF which contained pleas
ant notices Of Mr.. Wilson, aud letter paper
and postal cards which had been in use only
the evening before. The pen seemed to have
only just dropped from the busy hand. Ii
was the medical opinion that the body could
be preserved until the meeting of Congress.
The remains are in very different state
than that in which Mr.. Summers were when
embalmed. A post norton held in the
afternoon has completely drained the
body of blood, so that the embalm-
ing will be more certain 10 take ef.
feet DR.. Baxter is surprised that death did
not take place at the time OF the attack
few days previous. The arteries at the base
OF the brain were not In condition 10 re-
sist the slightest pressure. II is now certain
that the weakness between the shoulders
alone prevented fatal termination of that
attack that weakness furnished center OF
concentration which then saved the brain.
The embalmed remains of Mr.. Wilson
were laid in state in the Vice-President's
room, ON a catafalque, which occupies the
place where his writing table stood at
which he did all his work. The body, attired
in u dress snit Of black broadcloth, faced a
Rembrandt Peales portrait of Washington,
and beside IL we're placed n wreath Of tea
roses, japonicas, Gala lilies, white pinks,
and heliOtropes from the wife of the Presi.
dent, and across Of white flowers from Gen.
Babcoek. The room was guarded by de-
tail OF Capitol Police, among them a eolored
man who also stood by the bier OF Senator
Sumner.
Thefollowing order, announcing the death
of Nice-President Wilson, was issued by the
President:
Exkcvrvk MANSION,
WAsnlsoros, ID. G., Nov. p, 1878.
Il L. with profound sorrow that the President has
70 announee " the sople Of the United states the
death ID Nioe-iresident Henry Wilson who died In
the capitol u the nation this morning The eminent
station Of the decsass his high character his long
eArcer In the service Of the STATE and Of the Union
his devotion 10 the VI reelOm and the ability
which he brought To The discharge Of every duty,
stand conspicuous, and indelibly Impressed Ia
the hearts and aheetions Of the American people
In testimony u respect Tor this distinguished cl-
ken and faithful public servant the various depart
ments Of the Government will lie closed on the day
u the funeral, and the Executive Mansion and al |
the Executive departments IA Washington will he |
draped with badges u mourning Tor thirty days
The Secretaries 0f War and Of the Navy v IN issue
an order that appropriate military and naval honors
be rendered 10 the memory 0i one whose virtues and
services will long be borne In recollection by CRATE
ful nation.
signed,l U. S. GsAsr
HAAIIroS fIsn, secretary Of state
In compliance with the order Of the Pres.
ident directing that appropriate military
and naval hOnOTs be rendered 10 the mem.
Dry Of Nice.President Wilson, the following
order was issued by the Secretary Of War.
On the day succeeding the receipt Of this
order at each military post, troops viii be