The new North-west. [volume] (Deer Lodge, Mont.) 1869-1897, 1885-11-27
GEN. ROBERT TONES.
Especial Correspondence.l

Toombs, probably the strongest figure and
the least understood among the leadsrs in
the late rebellion, Is about stepping over
into the great bsyonL Since the death Of
his wife thres years ago he has anxiously
looked forward to the time when he can
again see her She was his companion for
over fifty years, AMI there never lived a
more devoted husband than he. A few
weeks ago he was in Atlanta bidding his
old friends good bye and making prepara-
tions for his death. which he had pre-
monition was fast approaching. Since then
the scenes around his bedside have been
touching. His former slaves and their
descendants have come in from far and
near to bid farewell to their old friend and
master. Between him and them there has
always been a strong affection. Prominent
men, among them many union soldiers,
have come to pay their last respects to
their old adversary One of them sail:
bob Toombs, though a bitter foe, was the
one Imost admired among the Confederates.
At some time or another during the war all
their other leader, seemed to waver so that
we scarcely kne W whether they intended to
return LOYAL or not. But with Bob Toombs
We knew for every moment from 1860 till
to-iay lust how he stood. He held convic-
tions. and dared assert them" Whether
Gen. Toombs ever Dragged that ''he would
vet call the roll Of his slave; under the
shadow Of Bunker HIP is an open question,
but 1t expresses In mild way his hopes in
those days 4 correspondent of The At
lanta Constitution thus sums up his strong
characteristics:
.srhe home life of GA. Toombs stands in
strange contrast with his stormy public
career, in which his inpulsive, deter
mined and unsubmissive disposition
found such ample sway. At home, how
ever, he was always as gentle as q
lamb, kind, sympathetic and indulging.
An even feigned sternness Immediately
melted at wistful glanc., and instead OF
ruling the household he completely sub
iected himself to its members. Thus it was
with those whom he loved. With them his
rebellious spirit and fiery temper was as
mild as a woman's. AMI in his household
reigned the sunshine of devotion, peace and
good will.
How different his public life. Born"
as he himself expressed it in ths last public
speech he ever made, "as good q rebel al
ever came from revolutionary loins," hii
chief characteristic was to break where ht
could not benl. He willingly submitted
himself to no authority. AS school boy
no was a rebel, and as he grew older he
formed earnest convictions by which be
stood, whether or not orthodox. As states
man he was impulsive, fiery and intolerant.
but the acme of his revolutionary disposi-
ton Id ,veloped in his service as q soldier.
He c.u!d not brook superior authority
which became so personal, and to his reali-
zation of this fact is due tho shortness of
his career as solder.
Thus it is that the greatest OF living
Gaorgians is rapidly iourneying to tina;
bourne where rests bis old colleagues and
companions. He Is almost alone. Of those
who ere left. Those whose destinies he
figured so coasp:cuously in shaping look
With anxious eyes to the dying statesman.
Their heartfelt sympathy Is with him, and
even those who disagreed with bin can Luz
admire his manly character, the nobleness
of his patriotism and the loftines, Of his
purposes
His last great encounter Is characterized
bv gentle sui mission. He is quietly pass
ing away, AMI the sturdy support Of his de-
voted townsmen is lut .mhIematio Of the
reverence of the p,oTle Of his STATE; ami
every tear thao falls IRON the eyes of h.
le.oyed grand Taught RS. and wastes itss
On his macd an5 form. carries with il t.e
sorrow and Sympathy Of the entire people