The National tribune., 1897-03-11
GEN. A. j. SMITH.

| The Later Years of His Life at ST. Louis
Held i'm the Highest Esteem by Everyone.
EDITOR NATIONAL TRIBUNE: A distin
guished character has recently passed from
our midst In the person of Gen. A. J. Smith
For several years he had been out of bust
ness, but was almost daily seen upon ou
streets. He mostly walked from his HON,
down town, erect, active, and noticing every
thing about him. He was very polite, max
Ing his graceful bow to young or Old, civilian
or old comrade, rs the case might be. liz
always carried small, timber cane, which
he kept whirling in his hand, rather than
leaning upon it for sapport. He was always
ready to stop and talk with friend in the
most courteous and nffahle manner, and an.
peared to grow the 4mose courteous as age
came on. He was always delighted TO hea,
from old friends and connrades-in-ar arms, and
would often give very1ampsing "reminiscences
of his association w3hi them in the past.
whether privates or Rfcgrs.
He very seldom went into public assem-
blies-first, from his retiring disposition :
and, secondly, from his liability TO sit in q
crowded house. He was missed from our
streets but little when the unweIcome news
came that the old heroe was stricken with
PN~A"' o'o' LIZ hoN SdtSL Lbs evening dinner.
and sat for few moments in conversation,
when he arose to close 4 window blind, and
was stricken down, Friends came to his
assistance, and Col. Churchill, an old army
friend, was sent for at once who was soon by
his side administering to his wants as far as
possible. Medical aid was summoned. and
all was done that was in the power of skill
and friendship to accomplish Such. how
the IF ,o ofr Al.
advanced age Of the sufferer, that but little
hope could be INDUCED. He rallied some at
times and conversed with friends and was
hopeful of being able to be out again. At
times he was delirious, and thought he was
on the battlefield. Once he CAV, command
to his Orderly: $50 quick and tell COL.
of the - regiment, to take 40 men and eo
over the hill and find out the location of the
enemy"
At times he was so strong that he would
raise two n,en, who were by his side caring for
his wants. He fingered thus for n few days,
and then passed quietly away in the midst
of his family and loved ones to the land
where disease and wars never come
The hero was highly respected in the city
which was shown by the suspension of BUSH
n sss and the lowering of the flag ON all pub
lie buildings He was given military
funeral, the Regulars from the barracks, I'M
der the command of their General, being the
escort. The Grand Army Posts of
the city all turned out to do honor to the
memory of the man and hero who had fear
iessly led many of them into many fierce
battle of the rebellion.
How few of the old commanders are left
They, as well as the men of the line, are fast
falling out and lining up in the far-away
fields, where swords and bayonets are not
used. AS these are thus fast going it is our
duty to close up the thinning ranks and
keep our faces TO the front in lines of truth,
Justice, and correct living; for we. too will
soon be called TO pass away as others have
ione.-T. H. HAGERTY, Past Chaplain-in-
Chief, st. Louis, Mo.