Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1884-01-28

ern Lunatic Asylums, respectively shall be
elected by the Board of Public Works of
Virginia every three years, and all vacancies
that shall occur iD said boards so elected dur
ing any term of Office shall be filled by the
Board of Public Works for the unexpired
term, was ordered to its engrossment
DEATH OF EX-GOVERNOR LETCHER.
As announced in the GAZETTE, cx Gov.
JOHN LETCHER, died at his home, and the
place of his nativity, Lexington, on Satur-
day last in the list year Of his age, having
been born March 29th, 1913 He was cdu
Gated at the Washington College, now
Washington and Lee University, where he
graduated with distinguished honors. He
attained eminence Mt the bar, and was elect
ed to Congress in 1915 to succeed Governor
Mcdowell, and was there known as the
watchdog of the treasury" He was Gov
ernor Of Virginia from 1860 to 1868, embrace
ing that stormy period of the war; and kept
u close watch over the finances, the honor
and best interests of the State. He was
noted for remarkable stability of character
and straightforwardness and always acted
under deep conviction, no one ever ques-
iioning his integrity or honesty. His last
service was rendered in 1876 rs a member
of the General Assembly of Virginia in
which body he displayed that sound states
manship which made him SO famous in his
earlier years. Governor Letcher was married
early in lie to Susan Holt, of Augusta
county, lady of great personal beauty, and
most graceful manners, who, with several
children, survive him. He was 30 mated by
some Of the federal troops during the war
, for the vigorous defence he made of Vir-
. ginia. that General Hunter, in his raid up
the Valley, in 1861, burnt up his residence
and all its contents leaving him il extreme
poverty. For several years be had been an
invalid, having lost both his health and
; eyesight. He died as he had lived, poor
. and honest, leaving a good record behind
him, and the high opinion Of his people.
Upon the receipt of the announcement OF
his death in Richmond, Governor Cameron
at once wrote 10 the Legislature the follow
ing:
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
GOVERNORS OFFICE.
RICHMOND, January 26, 1854.
TO the General assembly:
1t is my melancholy duty to communicate to
your bodies the death Of John Lctcher formerly
, Governor of the Commonwealth, which occurred
: this morning at Lexington The long life So end
| ed was full Of high and honorable service to the
State. All departments of the Government aud
all CLASSES Of our people should unite III mourning
for the loss, aud in reVerent tribute to the mcIl-
Dry OF l wise, honest, and patriotic sou OF Fir-
giuia. WILLIAM E. CAMERON.
Upon the reading Of the message in the
House Of Delegates, Mr. Anderson, of Rock
bridge, after delivering q touching and elo-
quent eulogy, offered the following Joint
. preamble and resolution
The General Assembly have heard with
;; profound regret the intelligence commun-
Gated by the Governor this day that John
Letcher beloved and honored citizen of
the Commonwealth. h:g&tket. ms last this
morning at his home, at Lexington and
it is due to his services to the State and to
his exalted worth, that expression shall be
given to the sorrow which fills the hearts of
: the people of Virginia at the loss of her il
ustrious son. Through lifetime covering
the most eventful period OF the history Of
Virginia, the great powers Of his mind and
the warm affections Of his heart were devot-
ed with constant faithfulness and energy and
S with lofty courage to the service of his State
and country
AS representative of Virginia in the
Congress Of the United States, as her Gov
eruor in the most trying epoch of her histo.
{; ry, he won the admiration and love of her
, people, and place in that history where
his name will live as long as answering
honesty in the administration Of public trust
and great ability, wisdom and patriotism in
: the discharge of official duty shall be hon
ored among men.
3 In token Of respect for his eminent yir-
tles. and in grateful memory Of his patriotic
t services; be it
Resoirei by the General assembly, lst.
That this paper be spread upon the journals
, OF the Senate and House af Delegates as a
l merited tribute to this noble son of Virginia
and that copy be forwarded to the honor
! ed widow and the family of the deceased as
2 an assurance to them of the deep sympathy
, of the General Assembly in their sore atllic.
ton.
} I'd. That committee Of two OH the part
, Of the Senate and three on the part of the
House be appointed to attend the funeral
obseques of tho decease and on behalf of
The Commonwealth to pay the last offices
; of respect to the remains Of the lamened
dead.
, 81. That the Senate and House of Dele
gates do adjourn Immediately upon the adop-
ton of these resolutions.
The House, after listening TO eloquent eu-
logics upon the life and character OF the de-
ceased delivered by Messrs. Barton and
Marshall, unanimously adopted the resolu
tons, and they were sent to the Senate to
be concurred in by that body.
When the resolutions came up in the Sen.
ate Senators Wickham, Koiner and Gas-
gov delivered eulogistic speeches, General
Wickham in the course Of his remarks say
ing that John Letcher was one Of the best,
truest, aud most honest men he ever knew.
The Senate unanimously concnrred in the
resolutions.
NEWS OF THE DAY.
The Egyptian government has borrowed