National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1876-02-16
The Lsts John Carroll Brent.

On the morning of the 9th instant, John Car
roll Brent died at his late residence in this city,
after an illness Of several weeks, the progress OF
which was watched with deep sOlicitude, and with
alternate hope and fear, not only by those who
were bound to him by the ties OF blood, but by
wide circle of attached and sympathiztng friends,
whom he had won by the purity and nobleness of
his character, the refinement OF his manners, and
the charms Of a generous and genial nature.
Mr.. Brent was a gentleman of education, cul.
ture and accomplishments; Of solid learning and
extensive and varied Information and acquire
ments. He had sedulously awaited himself of
rare opportunities for selfimproyement and
travel and long residence in Europe.
In former years he devoted q portion of his
tions of vigorous and graceful pen, whose object
and effect were always to improve, instruct and
to elevate. were welcomed to such periodicals
the Southern Literary Messenger and the New
GorR Knickcrbocker. then in their palmy days,
and to the NctfonGl IntelligeRcer when the COL
umns Of that journal were still under the jealous
PTimGiuT was itself a distinction.
Lauerly, however the time formerly set apart
largely dedicated to deeds and to works OF bsnev-
olence and philanthropy in various modes of un-
selfish usefulness, but especially to whatever was
calculated to promote the welfare of his Church
which he loved with flial pietY, while he SO wore
the broad mantle of his Christian charity as that
its purity should contract no stain OF bigotry
from sectarian sentiment. The feeling Of rev.
erence for and attachment to the past was also
an element in his character, and while he lived
and acted theoretically and in full sympathy
with the progressive present, he was still a
leudGtor teaporiS Gctf, and as such greatly de-
lighted in the conclaves of the "Oldest lnhabit-
ants" all of whom, We are sure, will faithfully
and fondly cherish his memory. Somewhat, too,
of the patient and loving spirit of Old Mortality
for rescuing the names and memories Of the past
from dumb" forgertulness was his, and what
the chisel was TO that pious enthusiast his pen
waste Mr.. Brent in his frequent patriotic appeals
and efforts in his noble cause, and in his cheerful
performance of the duties which were devOlved
upon Elm by his Office of secretary of the Ma
uonal Washington Monument Association.
Mr. Brent was a Washingtonian by birth, and
thoroughly such in all his sympathies and feel
ings. He felt a strong and natural interest in
whatever related to the present and future pros-
perity Of the city, and he was, during his whole
life cherished and esteemed by those among its
citizens whose friendship was most to be valued;
who recognized in him those high traits of char
acter which at the same time command respect
and conciliate affection. To all such the death
of Mr.. Brent will cause sincere regret, mingled
with the feeling that this community has thereby
lost most honorable useful and exemplary citi-
zen, the legal profession q member who always
exemplifed its honor and discharged its duties
and responsibilities with ability and scrupulous
integrity, and that society has been bereft of an
ornament who uniformly illustrated the best at
tributes of the true gentleman.