The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1879-04-20
Ex-GOVERNoB DIX DYING.
Uneonscious and Fast sinking ne Midnisht-
His Remark able Fortitude.

Ex-Gov. John A. Dix is dying at his winter
home. In West Twenty first street At IL o'clock
last night he was unconscious. and DIR. Metcaf.
his physician. said that his death was imml-
nent. Gen. Dix has been Ill for several months
with an aggravated form OF disease which
has been very painful He bore up
under II with heroic fortltude. however.
and he often declared that he would conquer 1t.
He persisted In attending to his duties as ves-
tryman OF Trinity Church and to his private
affairs but for the last flve weeks he has been
much confined to the house. Attimes he would
be violently ILL., and then he would recover SUM-
ciently to be able to 90 out on fine days.
A week ago yesterday he met with an acci-
dent that has made his closing hours addition
ally painful. He had been out the day prevl-
Gus. and In the morning he awoke with exhil-
nrated spirits He was so elated at his conva-
loscence that he attempted to jump out OF bed
briskly. when. by strange accident, he sud
denly twisted his collar bone and broke II. He
had no fall whatever. but the fracture occurred
merely from his spasmodio movement. Drs.
Metcalf and Polk were sent for. and the bone was
set In paster Although II can hardly be said
that this FASTENED his death. II greatly depress-
cd his spirits. Yet at times he would revive.
and only few days ago. while talking with Mr..
John J. Cisco. his banker. who has been his
friend for forty years. he spoke iooularly OF 60
ing down to- his country seat at westhampton.
shooting.
Until yesterday his mind was clear. and he
directed his business affairs with his customary
exactness and composure. Although feeble and
falling last recurring ald for almost every
Investment Of some trust funds committed
to his care. On -, Friday, he, dictated
TO his daughter. Mrs. Charles +. Blake. a mes
sage to another daughter Mrs. Walsh, who is
living In Japan with her husband who is a
merchant lie sent most afrectonate words to
sign checks and drafts up to within q few days.
although the erer:ion gave him great pain.
His last words relative to political affairs were
in deprecaton Of the agitation in Congress to
revive the dead issues OF the war, and he spoke
ieelingly OF the bad effect upon the country that
create. He often wished that the old Issues
could be buried. and that the Union could DO
cratic notions of free trade. hard money. and
On Friday he sent for Bishop Potter. and had
q long and earnest talk with him MS one OF his
dearest friends. He also sent for DR., Swope OF
Trinity, Chapel and bade him an afrectionete
called. and he talked. fondly with his wife.
With his ct; son; Dr. Morgan ply. rector OF
TRR,y aRny ShSdrcn any Eh his p6ysinns 6GSgshieF N7
OF his relatives have been frequently at his bed
side. and DR.. Morgan Dix has been with him
during the last three nights. As the end drew
near. Gen. Dix was gradually losing conscious
ness. He was very nervous at times but he
bravely bore his pain Then he would become
incoherent. and relapse into unconsciousness.
His last coherent words wer0 spoken to
his relatives, and were. believe in God and
have entire faith in Christ my Redoemer" His
message to his daughter was imbued with reli-
gous thought. and his talk with Bishop Potter
DR.. Swope. and his son. Dr. Morgan Dix was
equally marked by Christian confidence and
hope.
When no took cold about four weeks ago and
his disense became very painful, Drs. Van Bu-
rem and Reese were called in 10 aid Drs. Metcali
and Polk: but all agreed that he had not long TO
live. and in this view Gen. Dix himself con-
Cured with calm resignation.
Gen. Dix has six grandchildren four the
children Of Mrs. G.. +. Blake. and two the chill
dren OF Mrs. Walsh. His son. John Dix. who
was his Secretary OF Legation and his private
secretary In Albany. died about two years ago.
dition were received during yesterday from all
parts OF the country.