The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-10-25
HDQRs. KONsERyATIvE KAMPAIGS KLUB, !
RICHMOND. VA, October "a. 1877.

hICHNOND, VA, OClOucl lCI }
This Klub has heard with emotions OF
deep sorrow that it has pleased Almighty
God in his al-wise providence to remove
by death from his sphere of usefulness on
earth our beloved friend and brother
James Purcell Cowardn. Thus at one
blow is loving family bereft OF one OF its
greatest treasures, the profession OF jour
nalism loses one OF its brightest ornaments,
the city OF Richmond one OF her truest sons,
and the konscrvatiye kampaign klub q
member whose generous disposition, genial
kindness, knightly bearing, unfalterinS de-
yotion, and untiring energy, endeared him
to us all. His death leaves gap in our ranks
which can never be filled. Among the earliest
members OF this organization, his interest
and pride in it never diminished. lie was
ever foremost in his endeavOrs to advance
its good, and his name is inseparably iden-
titled with its history. The last public lee
ture he delivered was for its benefit. His
last appearance in political contest was at
its mass-meeting; and finally, when, with
wearied footstep and form wasted by sick
ness, he walked these streets for the last
time, that ardor which in death knew no
decrease brought him to this room, which
shall know his presence no more for
ever. We who knew him so we'll knew
him but to love. Day by day we were
drawn still closer to him by his noble
qualities OF head and heart. In all the
long years when he was connected with
this organization he never uttered a harsh
word to brother-member, nor did aught
that could wound the tcnderest spirit. He
had in preCminent degree the power OF
attraction, and his estimable traits had the
effect OF claiming ncw-made friends still
closer to him. His wonderful genius dazzlcd
all by its exceeding lustre. His power OF
depicting scenes from real life made him the
Dickens Of the South; but his heart was 50
large that it could never inspire the repro
duction OF picture that bore the lines Of
pain and suffering. His mission was to
show the sunny side of lfe-not its dark
shadows. Wherever he went he left the
impress OF his bright, kindly face on every
heart. Stricken by sickness, he bore his
suff,erings with Christian fortitude, and
humby bowed before the will OF God. His
splendid mind, always clear, was not clOuded
by the approach of death, and he sank into
q sweet sleep, leaving weeping friends By
his bedside to say with one, himself death
less,
Now CRACKS noble hcart-sood night,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!''
Like brilliant meteor his genius flashed
atllwart our horizon and was called back
to heaven from whence it came. AS long
as the Konseryative Kampaign klub exists,
as long as we fight for the principles for
which he fought, and oppose the measures
that he opposed, will his memory be cher
i,hcd among uS. His virtues, his gentle
ness, his genius, make UP a grand charac-
ter that in the history OF Richmond will go
down on an accumulatinS tide OF glory to
succeeding generations, even to the last re-
corded syllable OF time. On one OF Holly
woods most beautiful hills he sleeps by the
side Of the river which in its onward rush
to the rolling ocean bears his loved name,
and so long as that river runs will
that name be green In our hearts. May
beautiful flowers and immortelles above that
new-made mound bloom, in beauty vieing,
and never waae; may the sweetest song
sters OF the forest pour forth from the
swinging bows OF surrounding oaks theil
most tuneiul melodies over the grave OF
him whose heart was never out OF tune will
the hearts OF suffering or afflicted mankind
Resolved, That in the death OF James
Purcell Cowardln this Klub loses one OF its
most brilliant and valuable members.
ReSolved, That we affectionately sympa
thiZe with and tender to his bereaved family
our sincere condolements upon their ire
Eparable loss.
Resolved, That the name OF james Pur
cell Cowardin will be always identified with
this Klub.
| Resolved, That as mark OF respect tC
his memory this Klub will not fill the Va.
cancy occasioned by his death until three
months shall have elapsed.
Resolved, That the secretary be instruct
ed to transmit copy OF this preamble and
these resolutions to the family OF our loved
brother. and the newspapers in this city be
requested to publish the same.
CHARLES V. MEREDITH,
JOHN G.. MosBY,
WILLIAM w. ARCHER,
COmmittee