Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-02-29
has been often enlarged to make room for
the widened recognition of constantly in
creasing good deeds.
THE ORDER OF MELUsINE.


creasing good deeds.
THE ORDER OF MELUsINE.
A few days before Mr. Corcoran's S5th
birthday he received from Paris a most
unexpected recognition of his services to
art and charity in the decoration of the
ancient "Order of Melusine," founded in
1856 by Queen Sybille. wife of King Guy
de Lusignan, King of Jerusalem. 1t is es-
sentially scientific and benevolent order,
and received its name in memory of Melu-
sine, the legendary mother and tutelary
genius of the house of Lusignan.
Mr.. Corcoran, it is said, wrote some years
ago an autobiography, which was printed.
kept from the public, to be distributed
after the affairs Of the estate are settled.
HIS ESTATE.
His wealth is estimated at SIS, 600, 900, of
which large part is in real estate 1t is
estimated that he gave away four million
dollars during his life.
For the following we are indebted to the
Washington correspondent of the New
York Mail and Express =
In view of the great fortune he has left,
the following, drawn up nearly ten years
ago, and addressed to his grandchildren is
of interest:
To My Grandchildren AS private in
dividual, inspired by an appreciation of my
relations to my fellow-man, l have from
early youth to old age endeavored to be just
to all and generous to the deserving Bless
ed by kind Providence with larger posses
sions than commonly fall to the lot of man,
I have regarded them as sacred trust for
| ba hon off Of I'm 1oI trufh nU1 oh rit v
NY reward has been an approving con-
science and the gratifying appreciation of
many good and great men, whose testi-
monies have preserved in this volume for
you. Many of the letters in this collection
afford melancholy evidences of the insta-
bility Of human affairs; and perusal OF
them will suggest to you the propriety OF
endeavoriDg to cultivate spirit prepared
to bear with equanimity the vicissitudes OF
fortune which may await the most pros
porous condition. The most valuable be-
quest can make you is good name, and
I feel assured you will cherish it, for its
price is above rubies. Your affectionate
grandfather.
July 1, 1878. W. W. CoRcoRAN.
The letters to which reference is made
were the bound private letters of Mr.. Cor
coran. There are fourteen volumes, each
of which is nearly the size of dictionary.
These contain letters from Webster, Clay,
Calhoun, Fillmore, Tyler, Buchanan, Amos
Kendall and other noted men, and with
these are bound letters from the most
noted scientists and litterateurs. There
are many private letters from Won Hum
boldt among them. He had been during
two-thirds Of century on the most init
mate terms with presidents, senators,
foreign ministers and others, and there are
few noted men who have come to America
whom he had not known well. Mr.. Corco
ran had known all the Presidents save
Washington. Mr.. Corcoran celebrated his
S9th birthday December 81, 1887. One Of
the pleasant souvenirs of that occasion wal
a gift of roses-one for every year-fron
Mrs. Cleveland. About this time Mr.
Corcoran was Frustrated while taking the
sacrament at church. He rallied, however
and for time seemed &c be in his usua
health.
FUNERAL SERVICES.
The funeral of Mr. Corcoran took place
Monday afternoon at o clock at his late res
idence. Ii accordance with the wish Of
the deceased, the ceremonies were simple
and devoid of all ostentation. Among the
floral tributes was large pillow sent by
Mrs. Cleveland. The services were con6n
ed to the form laid down by the Episcopa
ritual. There was 10 address. Rev. DIR
Leonard, pastor of st. Johns church. con
Quoted the services, with the assistance o
Bishop Paret and Rev. DR.. Stuart. of Chris
church, Georgetown. Mrs. Cleveland wal
present during the services and her carriage
was in the long cortegc which followed thu
rersains to the grave. She was escorted b.
Secretary Endicott, and stood during tht
services in the house very near the head o
the casket. Chief-Justice Waite, Senator
Barbour, Eustis, and many other persons o
note were assembled in the parlors Of tn,
mansion during the service. There was ;
large representation present of various or
CARNATIONS with which the deceased wa
connected and which he bad aided. Upol
the arrival of the funeral cortege at Oak Hill
cemetery the caskes was placed in tn
chapel. Tuesday it was placed in mich
of the vault next to the one containing tn
remains of Mrs. Corcoran. A touching in
cident was the presence at the grave and tn
singing of the children of the City Orphan
Asylum.