University of Virginia Library

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Thinking you would like to hear the particulars of the
last hours of my beloved husband I will try to school myself to
the task and give you such information as you will be thankful to
hear. On last friday week he appeared to be much more unwell than
usual and on Sabbath he was extremely ill being in constant agonizing
pain all day—towards evening he was somewhat relieved but
perfectly prostrated—his sufferings during the last week were
intense but he bore it with great submission and patience. He was
perfectly rational to the last and conversed freely about his prospects
for the future. He enjoyed much of the presence and favour
of his Saviour and his confidence in his goodness seemed to increase
hourly. In the midst of severe pain and anguish of body, he
would break out in rapturous praises and even call upon those around
to join him in praising God for all his mercy towards him.
On Tuesday morning after being raised in the bed to have his pillow
arranged he nearly swooned away from weakness—before he was
entirely relieved he said "Glory and honour be ascribed to him
forever who hath loved us and washed us in his own blood" and
turning to me he said 'cant you say so. Let all the people say so.
Mr. Jarrett coming in at this instant he held his hand out to him
exclaiming Glory to God. O how sweet, to be complete in him who
died for me. This happy state of mind continued to the last. Bish
op Waugh visited him on Thursday. He held an animated conversation
with him on the glories of the better land, and said the doctrines
he had preached to others now fully sustained him, and disclaiming
all merit he said when he came to die he wanted no other plea save
" I the chief of Sinners am but Jesus died for me". At another
time he said ` I can talk of my Saviour now but I shall soon see
him and enjoy him forever'. Again he said `O perfect joy! O glorious
hope!' Expressions similar to these were constantly falling
from his lips. The closing scene was very peaceful, not a muscle
moved and as the last breath passed from his lips a bright smile
flitted over his face giving it a most heavenly expression which
continued to the closing of the coffin. He looked more natural
than he had done for months. He was buried by the side of our beloved
children. 6 of the Ministers were pallbearers, L. F. Morgan,
Geo, Brooke, Sam'l Register, Wm. Harden, John C. Dice and Wm.
Hank. Nearly all the stationed Ministers attended his funeral with
a large number of friends. John Bear officiated assisted by Mr.
N. Wilson. I have thus endeavoured to give you an account of his
last hours. To describe my own feelings I shall not attempt. E. R.
is well and is greatly grieved at the loss of her dear Papa. We
are all as well as could be expected. Although I know that my great
loss is his unspeakable gain, yet I feel momentarily the necessity
to pray for submission to this severe dispensation from my heavenly
Father. I would not murmur, when I remember the severe suffering
which he endured is now over forever, but no tongue can tell
how much I miss him—our every thought was shared by each other. To
whom shall I now go for counsel or advice. Yet I remember there is
one who has promised to be a Father to the fatherless and a husband
to the Widow. To him I look and on him alone I depend. That
his grace which has sustained me thus far may continue to support
and comfort me and mine pray for us. Write soon, in great affliction