New-York tribune., 1879-05-05
SECRETiRY ST4YT0N7S DEATH.
LETTER FROM HIS PASTOR WHO WAS WITH HIM
WHEN He DIED.

A LETTER FROM HIS PASTOR, WHO WAS WITH HIM
WHEN HE DIED.
To the Editor Of the Tribune.
SIR: The editorial in tO-day's TRIBUNE, in which
reference is made to the shocking calumny once
circulated ard lately reproduced with regard 90
Mr.. Stant0n's death, suggests to me duty which
has been perhaps too long deferred. Ny attention
has been called within few days TO q communica-
tion in The Philadelphia Press from Surgeon General
Barnes, which should of itself be sufficient to set
this matter at rest. But as the name and fame of
Secretary Stanton belong to his country, which
should always be jealous Of the honor of her de-
voted and faithful sons, / cannot divest myself Of
the feeling that such testimony It is in my power
to offer is due to the memory of one whose wonder
ful physical constitution, strained beyond enduT-
ance by the anxiety and labors incident 10 his office
during the war, was freely sacrfced-as the writer
is fully persuaded-On the altar Of duty and pa
triotism.
The letter Of General Barnes is entirely satisfac-
tory and conclusive as to the matter Of fact viz the
natural causes which produced death. There is an
other pont-the virus of the charge-t0 which can,
perhaps. with equal OF even greater point, add my
testimony 1t has been distinctly ntimated that,
remOrse for an alleged crime committed. VIZ, con-
sent to the death Of Mrs Surratt led Mr.. stanton to
take his Own life General Barnes in his letter eff
fectually disproyes the charge of suicide and here
1 could confirm his statement, were it necessary to
do So having been present in the room and
engaged in my spiritual duties by his bedside for
three hours where saw him draw his last breath.
On this point there can be no further question, if
there was ever any question in reality. Let me add
some words, however, Of which the significance
reaches back Of the simple fact itself.
As his spiritual adviser my relations with the
late Secretary were as intimate could desire.
and enable me TO speak with confidence Of his con-
scentious convictions. Mr. Stanton, although a
man of inAexible purpose, and perhaps rough at
times in pushing aside those whose selfish errands
occupied his time and inJerfered with his duties,
was really possessed of a very tender and even al
fectionate disposition. While this is absolutely true
Of him must add that he had no regrets for any
seventies or sternness that may have marked bis
official career. To him the rebellion was to the very
last a crime. "A great crime, almost the crime OF
crimes. This conviction dld not appear 10 grow out
Of personal OF even partisan feeling but rather out
Of intense love II country ana admraIlOn oIlls GOV-
erumeut and Constitution. l am fully persuaded
that 10 the very last Mr.. Stanton maintained these
convictions; and that so far from ever regretung
hls agency in supprcssiDg revolt aud dealing ont
justice to those engaged IN tuTtAerlng IT, MS Only
doubt was as 70 the right and prudence OF what
might nave seemed 20 him, at times, too great eX-
erclse of lenIency. But. as have observed, these
convictions We're - her Iu0iclal III MS case tLtu
partisan or personal. They were not dictated by
angry OF bitter feelings but were rather the out
come of his moral constitution. They were, IN fact,
an clearly the result Of balanced and serious Iudg
ment on his part, that can hardly imagine anyone
OF nv acauain ance in the present. or the past, to
whom such an evil story As the one referred 70 cOuld
with less pausblity apply than 70 Dir. stanton
LET me add 10 what has been already said, that
I'm the asr months Of his life land 10 these only
can testifvl Mr.. Stant0n's thoughts We're very
seriously turned TO religion He had been baptized
bv hIs old friend Or. Sparrow. OF the Episcopal
Seminary at Alexandria, a few months before l
became rector OF the Church of the Epiphany IN
Washington and | was expecting INN 20 receive
confirmation al the next visitation OF the BlsnOp.
IN is NOT the nature of men with the cast OF mind
of Mr. Stanton 70 speak with unnecessary freedom
on tie subject Of experiences which seem TO thein
prculiarlv sacred, and in some sOro lByioaDle Dut
his feelings on religious subjects were pTOIOuIu ana
strong and mis- communications serious ana SUM
cieut have never entertained u0mehIary
dsubt that SIR. Stanton died ii Christians death
and having seen blm frequently anu conYeiSed
with him freely during the last SIX months OF hls
life and been present at hls death. nave thought
IT nv duty 70 send you this communication;
L. 4. STARKEY, Rector or ~ fauIs CIuICH'
Paterson, " d.. May 3, 1879.