Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-03-06
THE CAUSE OF HIS DEATH.

THE CAUSE OF HIS DEATH.
At about II O'Clock DIR. Miller came out
| OF Mr.. Stephens's room, and in response TO
an inquiry from the reporter of the atlanta
Constitution, said:
"You have read the story Of the wonder
full one-horse shay. With all respect l say
that Mr.. Stephens's death is 2 reproduction
OF that story. 1t is a simple wearing out.
He has undertaken more work than he was
able TO stand at his time OF life and in his
physical condition. The result ia nervous
exhaustion that has ended in DEATH"
ado you think his death was hastened by
his trip to Savanush?"
81 think not. He WAS very careful OF him
self on that trip, and while he may have
taken cold he commenced TO decline before
he went to Savannah. He had called nv
attention TO his increasing indIsposition
several days before We started to Savannah.
and had myself noticed it. Shortly after
his return from Savannah and his illness had
increased, 1 became satisfied that his condi-
tion was entirely different from what it had
been in his former fits of prostration. For
instance, when he was attacked before mis-
sickness was always accompanied with ex-
quisite suffering. 1t was neuralgia OF the
bowels, or bronchitis or rheumatism, or some
such ailment that brought with it constant and
racking pain. His present illness has been
entirely painless and without any special
feature except an inability 10 sssiuiiIate the
nsurishment he took. 1 was very glad that
DR.. Steiner, who had been his physician for
years and was thoroughly acquainted with
his system, was summoned to mis- side. DR..
Steiner stated that the attack was different
from any he has ever had before aud he
shared my views in regard to the causes and
probable results"
"Hov long has Mr.. Stephens been uncon-
rciou.p
"That is hard to say. His mind has been
gradually failing, but he maintained a per-
sistent struggle for consciousness up 10
Wednesday night. By the way, you were
mistaken in saying that his last official act
was signing Gov. Colquitt's commission. 1t
was something more characteristic than a
mere clerical performance. On "wednesday
afternoon petition fer pardon came up for
his action. He had examined it before, As
he was about to sign it, Mr.. SeideIl said.
Governor, perhaps we had better delay this
matter for a few days. Mr.. Stephens i'm
medistely replied. i know very well what
am doing and signed the pardon. think
that the lsat definite Consciousness was the
recognition Of DR.. Steiner. He did not know
hst DIR. Steiner had been sent for, and when
he appeared at his bedside and spoke to him
there was a clear and instant recognition.
He talked with him a moment and asked
him TO accept the hospitalities of the man
sion while he was in the CITY,"
3His illness has been painless, you say?D
Entirely 30. He is gradually declining |
now, aud the end will be painless-much as |
a tired man falling asleep"
1t 10 uncertain yet what were the last |
words uttered By the great statesman before |
ais death. 1t seems to be agreed that his
last clearly conscious conversation was with I
DR.. Steiner, which we have quoted above.
Mr.. seidell says that yesterday afternoon lie
recognized Mr.. John Stephens, his nephew,
Mr.. Stephens ssked the governor if ne knew