Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-09-14
rHR LATE CHARLTON DUPONT.
A Tribute to the Life and Worth OF q
Notable Young Man.

On Saturday afternoon last, Sept. g., died
at his mothers home, in DUPONT, Ga, Charl-
ton DUPONT, Esq, OF this city, one of the most
noteworthy OF the young generation of men
in this State. In his brief career ne has ex-
hibited an instance Of powerful and evenly
balanced intellect, with greatness of heart,
nrmness OF purpose, energy of action, moral
loftiness, splendid endurance under terrible
suffering and heroic death, as magnificent as
it is unusual. He had not completed his Goth
year.
Mr.. DUPONT was born In Southern Georgia
in October, 1858. He came from an nlustFi-
GUS ancestry, being direct lineal descendant
OF at least two men whose Yalor and achieve
ments have made their names inseparable
from the history of modern Europe-Gen.
Count DuPout and Marshal Lefebvre, Duke
of Dantzic. CharIton's father, whose inherit
cd military genius carried hum early
into the war, fell honorably in battle and
sleeps in Confederate grave. From his
mother, however, who, stricken with this new
great sorrow. survives him, Charlton inherit
ed much of that superb vitality which made
MN the marvel OF men in his last soTr0wful
illness, and much, too, of his strength and
force OF mind. Deprived by the cruel circum
stance OF war Of the comforts with which
happier fortune had surrounded his birth, he
grew up sturdy, brave, generous lad, noted
Tor ms brightness perseverance and great
personal beauty.
In the year 1877 Mr.. Dupont was graduated
from Bradwell Institute, Georgia, receiving
the highest hOnors. He entered Immediately
the law department of the University of
Georgia, and in two years completed his
course, graduating at the head of his class
and bearing or the gold medal awarded for
supremacy In oratory. He was prominent in
his college literary society, and was twice
chosen orator thereof, an unusual prefer
ment.
Mr.. DUPONT went to Savannah and began
the practice OF the law, but il the winter of
lSSO-Sl he removed to Jacksonville, where his
talents gave HIM almost instant success. at
that time he was, beyond doubt, the hand
soonest young man in this city; of splendid
physique, with head of great beauty, dark
eyes, Of full habit, rich. confident voice, and
a musical laugh that made him altogether an
attractive man. In his profession he was pre-
emlnenIly an advocate; he knew by instinct
the secrets of human character, the weak
nesses and prejudices of men; his language
was simplicity itself; his manner wholly UNI
studied and unaffected, but his magnetism
was powerful and perYasiye, and his words
flowed forth from his lips melodious torrent,
sparkling with sunshine, freighted with argu-
ment and subtlest persuasion. He was born
orator, a master Of the minds of men.
For Jacksonville he conceived the strongest
affection; he did not wish to be removed from
here In his last Illness and he requested that
near this city his body might be buried-a
wish that may ultimately be realized.
OF his long and heroic Illness it is difficult to
speak without bitterness; without rebellion
at the decree that should have wrecked so
noble life. He fell victim to scarlet fever
which was followed by dropsy. Agonies such
as he for months endured cannot be written.
Throughout his awful illness, whenever by
the favor Of God his reason was permitted TO
come to him, he talked always as bravely,
lightly and hopefully as if his sufferings were
the slight indisposition of day. He never
whined; but brave and strong OF heart as he
was weak Of body he lent cheer to those about
him.
He recovered in a measure and came back
to his Office. Robbed OF his old time beauty,
weak and suffering, yet in voice and manner,
in the spirit that shone through them, ne was
still every inch king. He did not scorn SYM
pathy: he received iT royalty; to him the bet
ter future was always just at hand, and the
uncomfortable present did not count for very
much. He died as he had lived, one of Gods
knightliest noblemen.
On Sunday last, in the tender care of his
eldest brother, he was borne to Savannah,
and now sleeps BESIDE his father in Laurel
Grove Cemetery. May he rest in peace. He
has joined
1.-THE choir invisible
OF those immortal dead who live again
In lives made better by their presence. So
To live is Heaven"