The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-01-23
EVERETT AND GRADY.
Striking Similarity Between the
Causes of Their Last Illness.

Especial Correspondence State Chronicle
HENDERSON, N. c., Dec. 81, 1850.
As | have seen no reference in the
papers to the striking similarity be-
tween the causes Of the last sickness
and untimely death of the Hon. Ed
ward Everett, of Massachusetts,, and
of the late lamented Henry w. Grady,
both men SO eminent for oratorical
gifts and requirements, l beg to recall
them as matter of mournful interest,
especially to the South.
When Gen. Sherman captured Sa-
vannah dec. ~, 1864, ) he found that
city in great restitution. 1t bad a
supply of rice but no other provisions.
The deplorable condition of the peo-
pie made such an impression on an
officer in the victorious army that he
applied to Gen. Sherman for permits
sion to visit the Northern cities and
by exchanging the rice the city owned
to obtain the necessasies Of life for its
starving citizens.
This noble undertaking met with a
generous response on the part of the
North. Public meetings were held in
several of the cities-Philadelphia,
New York, Boston and in others
which were largely attended and
prominent, patriotic men made adj
dresses, calling upon the people to
contribute to the necessities of the
people of Savannah.
At the meeting in Boston, Jan. 9,
1865, which was held in Faneuil Hall,
the Hon. Edward Everett was invited
to speak and consented. 1t was very
severe spell of weather; the hall was
not heated land Mr.. Everett was suffer
ing from a cold. His friends warned
him that to attend the meeting in his
condition of health might result very
seriously. He insisted in going, say
ing that he could not refrain from
commencing such worthy object to
his countrymen.
When Mr.. Everett arose to speak he
insisted, against the earnest entreaties
of his friends upon taking off his over
coat. He spoke for over an hour with
great earnestness, and irresistible elo-
quence, and at the close was much
exhausted. Taking his seat he was
seized with chill, and had immedi-
ately to be carried to his home and to
his bed; and in less time than Mr..
Grady lasted after his speech the great
heart of Edward Everett ceased to
beat.
The above condolences are very
striking. Both men were remarkable
for their oratorical powers. They
were indisposed and from the same
cause when called upon to perform
the services asked of them. Their
great talents could not have been en-
gagged in nobler or more Congenial
cause-for the theme of each was
charity, and a plea for a reunited
country. Death could not have come
to either in a sublimer manner, for
they sacrificed their life in the cause
of their country-and as the last words
of each fell upon the ears of his en-
raptured audience, it was as if the words
OF dying men were heard, which en-
force attention like deep harmony.
Let us hope the conscience of both the
North and South will be awakened to
renewed devotion to the public well
fare, when they recall the last public
utterances of these eminent men, and
be consecrated afresh to feelings of
brotherly love and mutual concession.
1t is source of great qualification
to those North CaroliniaHs who know
him, that the Federal officer who SO
nobly interested himself in the people
of Savannah is now a citizen Of our
State. Then, Colonel commanding
regiment from New York city; after
the war he selected this State as his
home, and now, near the city of States
Vile, dispenses the most generous
hospitality and is ever in the front
rank in all patriotic enterprises.
1t is scarcely necessary to mention
the name of Col. Julian Allen. Honor
those to whom honor is due.
VIM. H. S. BURGwyN.
The present Governor of Virginia