The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1885-03-31
Last Words of the Presidents.
"Oarp," in Cleveland Leader.

In a late letter told you something
of the last day of the Presidents, but
omitted to say much as to their des'hs
We have preserved the last words Of
some Of them. John Adams and Thom-
as Jefferson both died on the same day,
and that July 4. 1895 Tney we're friends
during their latter years, and Adams's
last words were "Thomas Jefferson still
lives" but history shows that be was
mistaken. Jefferson died an hour be.
fore, exclaiming. ord, now let,est thou
thy servant depart IN peace" and II re-
sign my soul to God and my daughter
TO my country"
John Q iincy Adams gave his last
breath in the Capitol at Washington,
saying, This is the end of ear'h, am
content," and General Harrison, who
died in the White-house, said, "Sir, ]
wish you to understand the principles OF
government. wish them carried out.
| ask nothing more"
Gsr6eld's last reported wori', as be
Law rscked by his terrible wound, we're,
"Oh, ttat pain!' But Lincoln became
unconscious when he was shot, and re-
NAMED so till be died. George Wash
ineton was sane during his last hours,
and he spent them ia calmly arranging
his affairs. He told his vile TO bring
two Wills which he had made, and to
burn one of them. He then grasped bis
pulse with one hand and counted the
beats until be dropped back dead
Washington died OF COLI. Polk OF the
cholera, Andrew johnson OF paralysis
and General Harrison OF cold. pleurisy
and cholera morbus
President Jackson was for thirtv-one
years diseased man, and the latter part
of his life was spent in almost coptinu.
ous pain. Even on his death bed be
was tortured by office seekers. 81 am
diving" said he, "as fast as can, and
they all know 1t; but they keep swarm.
ing about me 10 crowds, seeking for o.
ice-intriguing for office" His death
bed scene was a most affecting one A
half an hour before his death his chill.
dren and friends we're standing around
his bedside, and bis adopted son Andre v
had taken bis hand and whispered 10 his
ear:
Father, how do you feelr Do you
know me p
"Know you? YES, ! should know
you all II could see. Bring me my
spec,acles.'
These we're brought and put on him,
and he said, "Where Is my daughter Ma.
rianf God will take care OF you for
me. an my Gods, I belong to Him
I 90 but short time before you. ard !
want 10 meet you all, white and black,
in heaven"
At this all burst into tears, aud the
general said, What is the matter with
you, nv dear children7 Have I alarm
ed you? Oh. don't cry. Bs good chill
dren, and we will all meet in heaven ?"
These were Jackson's last words. A
short time after this he passed peacefully
away. He died a Christian and Pres
byterian
L OCuCIoOu 40 AOtC vi y NCiFt
Than ANYTHING else, and when he died be
said he wonld be glad 10 see preacher
who called las a good neighbcr," there.
by iHtimsting that he did not care to see
him professionally. There was nc
preacher present at Washineton's death.
he'd and there is doub! as 10 his belief,
The two Adamses believed in Unitarian
doctrines, and it is said that John Quincy
Adams, during his last years, never ~en'
to sleep without repeating that little
child's prayer:
"Now Llsy me down to sleer,
pray the Lord my soul to keep;
If should die before wake.
Ipray the Lord my soul to take"
There is considerable doubt as 10 Lin.
coins Christianity, but his best friends
believe him to have been believer. H,
was certainly great Bible reader, anG
understood /. thoroughly. Frank Pierce
was an Episcopslisn and church mem.
Der, Generals Grant and Hayes attended
the Methodist church wilhelm the White
house, and Garfield spent his SUNDAYS
at the Chapel OF the Disciples Johr
Tyler vas. / think. q Presbyterian
though his second wife vas a Catholic
Dolly Madison was an Episcopalisn
whatever her husband may have been
aud the old church which she attended
years ago still stands. and in it Pres,
dent Arthur worships to-day.