Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-11-10
THE STATUE OF SEWARD.
To Be Unveiled Near His Old Home
in Auburn. Nov. IS.

AUBuRs, \. Y.-On the 18th inst. tbs
city will dedicate a statue of her illussrious
son with appropriate ceremonies, including
an Grafton by Senator Evarts. After l6l
years delay the approach of this occasion
will everywhere revive the interest of Amer
leans in the career of that statesman who
bore so large a part ia the stormiest and
most critical era Of their politics.
made a visit to the mansion on South
street in this city where ne lived eco far as a
life Of public employment permitted him to
live anyN here DuL IN Albany or Washington,
and where on the 10th Of October, 1872, he
died. The house, much enlarged and in
proved since its construction By Mrs. Sew
ards father in 1916, is surrounded By pleas
ant grounds, and tie paTior windows conf
raand a view of the new statue in the
adjacent park. /; is now occupied BY Gen.
William Seward whose kindness allowed
me 10 become acquainted with the interior
Interesting memorials Of his father are nIui-
,iplied in all parts OF this historic place. His
library, his Office, the curiosities presented
to him in every nation of the Orient during
his tour Of the world, busrs, pictures and
medalions Of Seward executed at all periods
Of his life, a countless collection of pictures
Of every man of prominence IN the world
Iuring our war era, the immense French
made globe, showing the comparative eieva-
tons and depressious of all lands, which
aided the diplomacy OF these years; these
and many other objects connected 10 his life
with the great figure we are contemplating
afforded me an hour of interesting study
under the kindly guidance Of Gen. Seward
His conversation "a it'll the visitor about his
father is as free as it is interesting, aud il is
40 violation of his hospitality to repeat II.
''lie had always looked forward" said
Gen. Seward, ito the time when, released
from the burdens of public duty, he should
return 10 this beloved home and pass the
remnant of his life surrounded by his kind
red. In 1859 his public life was over, and
he came home, but yerything was changed.
His wife and daughter were dead, and but
small part Of the family of his earlier years
was here. II in his situation of affairs
that his mind turned TO the subject of for
eigu travel. He had already visited Alaska,
and re told me Of his intention TO make the
tour of the world. | tried to dssuade him.
earnestly represented to him that he was
too old for such an undertaking. The con-
ditiop in which the murderous attack upon
him in Washington had left him made con-
slant assistance necessary, and it seemed to
me that he never could stand the fatigue of
the journey.
you will die in India" | said to him.
Perhaps So he replied, But since |
must die sometime, what will it matter
whether | die n India or at bome?'"
The incidents connected with his death
were characteristic of this brave and tireless
spirit; the final one was affecting. was
taken into the plain apartment which ne used
office. Large engrayings of Lincoln
and johnson decorate the walls The win
dows look out upon the broad grounds; we
sat by the desk where he composed his great
speeches, where he read and medtated, where
he received and counseied with the polite
ans and statesmen of the past. 1t was to
ME haunted atmosphere. | could have
fancied that 1.-The room was filed with spec
tres
after his return from abroad Gen.
Seward continued, he worked industriously
upon the volume describing his travels, and,
with the aid of an amanuensis, completed it.
Serious attacks, proceeding from the fright
full wounds in his face where the knife had
divided the nerves and muscles, warned us
that the end was not far off but he began
aud made considerable progress with the
memoirs OF his HE. In the midst of tins
occupation the fatal stroke came. lie died
a week after When the doctor had seen
him he took me aside"
II am afraid this will result fatally" he
said. II DOM think he can rally from it -
when the doctor lett | was called to the
bedside"
What did he say was the question asked
me.
." lie said you were very sick.
II was not permitted TO evade him. Did
he say would not recover
Il told him the truth. He received il with
the utmost compOsure.
O. II that is SO, he said, Il have no time to
lose We must go on with the book
"When his last hour came he perfectly
realized it. 4 would rather ole, he said,
'out in the Office. Help me there
I'VE took him up and carried him out
here. ON the lounge there he breathed his
last"