The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-24

Passing Away OF One or the Editors OF the
State.

Colonel Albert Pitt Bennett, one OF the
principal editorial writers on the State
newspaper since its establishment In this
city eight years since, breathed his last at
twenty-five minutes after 1 O'Clock this
morning, ut his apartments in the Ameri-
can Hotel, after brief illness OF ten days.
culinlnatlng IN pneumonia. His many
friends IN Virginia, Louisiana, and Penn
sylyania will read with unfeigned regret
the sad announcement OF the swapping OF
the life span OF this singularly gifted Jour
nalist at the comparatively early age Of
| fifty-four years.
| He was native OF Venango county, Penn
sylyania, where his mother and other rela-
| tives still reside. He was inlluentialy con-
nected, but like many another American
| youth, he early struck out for himself and
bad partially learned the trade OF printer
when the tocsin OF war sounded in 1916 for
the Mexico conflict. He left his ma.
tive village in the seventeenth year
Of his age, full OF enthusiasm for
the scene OF strife. He served
with credit to himself in numerous battles
in Mexico. and made the acquaintance and
gained the friendship OF many surviving
historic comrades. He never thereafter per-
manently resided in his old Pennsylvania
home, but settled in New Orleans, where
he was at various times connected with the
| Delta and other noted papers Of the Gre
scent city. During his long connection
with the New Orleans press his services
were always in demand. His versatility
and general ability was something unex-
ampled in the history OF journalism there
or anywhere else.
In the war between the States Colonel
| Bennett from the first warmly espoused
the cause OF his adopted State of Louisiana,
and went forth rs an officer of a New Or
leans company to do battle for the Confed-
eracy on the first sign Of war, participating
in many bloody battle during its contin-
ance. including those OF Corinth. Belmont,
and others.
The conclusion OF the war found de-
ceased in Norfolk, Va, where he was en-
ployed III the editorial conduct of the Nor
folk journal and Norfolk Vrginian, lead
ing papers there. Some time in 1866 he
was induced to remove to Richmond.
where he for time acted as corre-
spondent OF the New York Times and
other leading papers North, and did
editorial work on the Richmond ETdmi-
ner. Afterwards, besides contributing to
various northern publications, he was
principal editor Of the Evening State Jour
nal. Leaving that, he found more congo
nial employment in editorial work respect
lively on the Richmond Wig and Rich
mOnd Enquirer both OF which for some
time received their impetus and derived
their standing from his able pen.
His connection with the State, founded
by John Hampden Chamberlayne, had eX-
isted nearly during the entire life of that
journal, continuing. as it did, after the
death OF the lamented Chamberlayne with
Richard +. Beirne, Esq, lts present owner
and editor, till its sad termination this
morning by death. Deceased leaves a
widow whose loving care OF him ever
marked her aS one OF the best OF women,
and whose anguish at her untoward and
sad bereavement may be imagined but not
described.
Deceased, though genial and companion
able TO rare degree, was not wanting in
dignity or seli-assertion. He had many
friends and no enemies. His newspaper
accomplishments, gained mostly by obser-
yatiOn and reading, a mind OF naturally
superior ardor, and Il rare memory. made
hun one OF the most ready and versatile of
writers.
The tim OF the funeral will be an
nOmced in this evenings State. Deceased
had constantly since his Illness received
the fraterna care OF his Masonic brethren
OF Temple Lodge. No. 9. by whom his re-
mains will be taken in charge. and under
whose supervision they will be inferred
either in this city or in his native county
in Pennsylvania.
lie was member OF the Commercial
Club OF this city, and chairman of the
Board OF Governors thereof. and his sur
viying comrades there will unite in doing
honor to his remains.