Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-01-18
DEATH OF MISS KATE BAYARD.
Deep Gloom Cast Over Washington
Society.
WASHINGTON, Jan. l6, 1886.

WASHINGTON, Jan. l6, 1885.
Miss Kate Bavard died suddenly this after
noon, at her home. She was IS years old.
Miss Bayard had accepted an invitation to
assist Miss Cleveland at her reception this
afternoon. and that lady and her guests, Mrs
Urtrey and Miss Love, vino were also to assist
at the reception, were awaiting Miss Bsysrd's
arrival when they received the news of her
death. II was just about 2.55 o'clock, and
the reception was to begin on the hour. The
Marine band was stationed in the main yesti-
bule, and the leader was conversing with
Col. J. NJ. Wilson with regard TO playing q
tune as signal for the opening of the recep-
ton. Msnv callers had already arrived, and
were waiting for the doors of the blue room
to be thrown open. The President WAS en-
gagged in conversation with a visitor in the
library, and Miss Cleveland and her guest.
were chatting with Col. Lamont in parlor
on the second floor, prior 10 descending TO
the blue room, where the reception was TO
take place. The absence of Miss Baysrd vas
commented on as singular, as she WAS usual
ly very prompt in such matters, and was mo-
mentarily expected TO arrive. While they
were wondering at her delav. messenger
notified Col. Lamont that Mr. Harry BRYAN.
private secretary to Secretary Bayard, was in
his Office and had something important to
communicate to the President. Col. Lamont
excused himself, and went TO see Mr.. Bryan.
That gentleman informed him that Miss
Bayard was dead, and that Secretary Bayard
had instructed him to communicate the fact
to the President. Col. Lamont at once n-
formed the President, who was very much
shocked at the unexpected intelligence, and
the two gentlemen Joined the ladies and an
nounced the sudden death of their friend.
Orders were at once issued to close the house
The band was dismissed, and the people in
waiting notified that the reception had been
postponed. Ushers were stationed at the
main door and vt the carriage entrance, to
inform all callers that the house was closed
for the dav. The news spread quickly
through the city, and universal regret was
expressed at the sad occurrence. The Pres
ident upon receipt of the message from
Secretary Bsyard, announcing the death of
his daughter, recalled invitations to a dinner,
which he had intended to give Monday
evening in honor of Mr.. and Mrs. Erastus
Corning.
The immediate cause of Miss Bavard's
death was disease of the heart. She had been
troubled with weakness of that organ,
and had been treated by the family
physician at intervals for several years
At the reception of her fathers house last
unusually animated, and taxed herself to the
utmost TO entertain the guests. 1t is pre-
sumed that the undue exertion may have pre-
cipitated the fatal attack. The young lady
retired about o'clock last night, expressing
4 wish to be left undlsturbed until noon.
Between l and O'Clock this afternoon a
younger sister endeavored to awaken her,
and, struck by the peculiar expression of her
face, called for assistance. As soon as the
family recoved from the CONSERVATION into
which it had been thrown, physicians were
| summoned and powerful restoratives, includ-
ing electricity, were applied, but in vain.
The physicians expressed the opinion that
Miss Bayard had been dead several. hours
when the attempt was made to awaken her.
The interment will take place, probably. on
Tuesday next at Wilmington, Del, where
Secretary Bayard's parents are entombed.
The news of Miss Bayard's sudden death
caused a profound sensation throughout the
city, and for time, in the absence of any
definite details, 4 number of evil rumors cir
culated. The facts, however, as stated above
are from an unquestionable source.