The Patriot & State Gazette
MONTPELIER, JULY 18 1826.
“Hear O Heavens; and give ear O Earth; for the Lord hath spoken!”
We received news of the death of Mr. Adams last week, just in time to give a brief notice of it to our readers. The event having taken place on the 4th day of July, was considered the most remarkable coincidence within our knowledge. It seemed to be a voice from Heaven, giving sanction to our Independence. But since, we have learned that the immortal spirit of the illustrious Thomas Jefferson was also called, on that very day, as we trust, to the realms of bliss, we cannot find language adequate to express our feelings.
It appears, as if the Almighty had, in very deed, intended to make a second REVELATION to man of his approbation of that struggle for freedom, in which these distinguished patriots and statesmen afforded such efficient aid. Both of these great and good men were of the Committee to draft the declaration of Independence. Mr. Jefferson, was chairman of the Committee, and was the author of that important instrument, which immortalized the names of those who signed it, and at the same time gave birth to the nation’s freedom.
They, together with Charles Carroll, were its only surviving signers.
Mr. Adams was in the 91st year of his age, and Mr. Jefferson in his 84th. They had lived to see the fruits of their labors enjoyed by twelve millions of citizens within the jurisdiction of this government, besides what has been realized in foreign countries from the happy influence of their example. They had both enjoyed the highest office in the gift of the people, and Mr. Adams had been gratified with the elevation of his son to the Presidential chair.
The day of Jubilee, the fiftieth anniversary, had arrived—the roar of cannon, and the ringing of bells in every quarter of the Union, had announced the approach of the day, and the people had assembled, in almost every town, city, and village, to manifest their gratitude and their joy, for the blessings of a free government.—The prayer of these two patriarchs, that they “MIGHT BE SPARED TO BREATHE THE AIR OF THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY of that GREAT AND GLORIOUS DAY,” was granted, when, almost simultaneously, their immortal spirits bid farewell to earth: and amidst the unconscious acclamations of millions of voices, and attended by some kind angels, winged their way, as we have reason to believe, to that rest wich remains for the people of God.
Their contemporaneous departure from earth to heaven, and the coincidence of that event with the nation’s birth-day, excites an inexpressible sensation, and fills the mind with solemn awe. It is an event which has no example—and must forever stand without a parallel on the page of history.
The following articles give the particulars of the death of these illustrious personages, so far as they have been received, and of the proceedings in various places relative thereto.
From the National Intelligencer
THOMAS JEFFERSON is no more! His weary sun hath made a golden set, leaving a bright tract of undying fame to mark his path to a glorious immortality.
The illustrious Author of the Declaration of independence breathed his last at Monticello on the fourth of this month, at 10 minutes before one o’clock. On the fiftieth Anniversary of the birth of this Nation, with which event his Name and Fame are forever and indissolubly united; at the moment when all tongues throughout the land were engaged in repeating the language of his greatest work—his soul, satisfied with the retrospection of half a century of past events, winged its flight to the realms of immortality! Singular, but felicitous coincidence!
We shall not cooly undertake to indite the memoirs of such a man. His history may be read in a Nation’s eyes—his eulogy beams on the survace of every thing that is admirable and peculiar in the principles of our Governments.
For a review of his past life this is not the moment. A more suitable occasional shall be chosen, and perhaps a more able pen than ours.
From the Richmond Whig
THOMAS JEFFERSON departed this life, on Tuesday the 4th of July, at 10 minutes before 1 o’clock P.M.
On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, rumors of his illness reached this place. The Charlottesville mail of Monday, brought intelligence which left but small hope of his recovery. There was a general foreboding that his dissolution would occur on the Fourth of July, and a general wish, that if his death was indeed at hand, the felicity of his life might be completed by its termination on that memorable day! Hopes and fears have both been realized. Mr. Jefferson expired on the Fourth of July, the day, and it is believed the very hour, on which fifty years before, the Declaration of Independence appeared to an admiring world! In this most singular coincidence, the finger of Providence is plainly visible! It hallows the Declaration of Independence as the Word of God, and is the bow in the Heavens, that promises its principles shall be eternal, and their dissemination universal over the Earth!
Extract of a letter from
Charlottesville, July. 4.
Mr. Jefferson expired to-day, a few minutes before 1 o’clock.
He was sensible to the approach of death. He was evidently gratified at living to see the fourth of July, which it is said he expressed intelligibly, though having lost the power speech. He died without pain, the spark of life seeming rather to go out of itself by lack of fuel, than to be blown out. The declaration of Independence was reading in Charlottesville at the minute of his dissolution, and no doubt at many other places.
University, July 4.
Mr. Jefferson departed this life to-day at 4 o’clock. How singular a coincidence of circumstances! The same day has witnessed the dawn of his glory, and termination of his glorious career. During his illness he constantly expressed a wish to live and see another 4th of July—and though he has been speechless ever since yesterday evening he intimated by signs great satisfaction at being permitted to do so. He was perfectly resigned to the will of providence, and declared that he wished to die in peace with the world.
The Mayor of Richmond called a meeting of the citizens at the capitol, at 5 o’clock this evening, to unite in a general testimonial of respect to the memory of Thomas Jefferson. By order of the Executive Council, the bells were tolled during the whole of yesterday, and minute guns were fired from one hour by sun, to sunset. The Superior Court of Law (Judge Brookenbrough,) adjourned yesterday, on motion of the Attorney General, (Robertson,) who adverted to the national loss sustained in, in feeling terms.
From the Washington Journal, July 8.
As a mark of respect, on the part of Government of the United States for the memory of THOMAS JEFFERSON, we understand that all the Executive Offices, will be clossed this day, and that no public business will be transacted.
Department of War, July 7, 1826.
The President, with deep regret, announced to the Army, that it has pleased the Disposer of all human events, in whose hands are the issues of life, to remove from the scene of earthly existence our illustrious and venerated fellow-citizen, THOMAS JEFFERSON. This dispensation of Divine Providence, afflicting to us, but the consummation of glory to him, occurred on the Fourth of the present month: on the Fiftieth Anniversary of that Independence, the Declaration of which, emanating from his mind, at once proclaimed the birth of a free nation, and offered motives of hope and consolation to the whole family of man. Sharing in the grief which every heart must feel for so heavy and afflicting a public loss, and desirous to express his high sense of the vast debt of gratitude which is due to the virtues, talents, and ever memorable services of the illustrious deceased, the President directs, that Funeral Honors be paid to him in all Military Stations, and that the Officers of the Army wear crape on the left Arm, by way of mourning for six months.
Major General Brown will give the necessary Orders for carrying into effect the foregoing directions.
JAMES BARBOUR.
Resolutions have unanimously passed both Boards of the City Council, directing the Members of the Corporation to wear crape on the left arm, for thirty days, requesting and empowering the Mayor to take such steps as may be proper, to manifest the sorrow of the City for the death, and its respect for the memory, of its earliest friend Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson was born in Abermarle County, Virginia, on the second day of April, 1743; and was, at the time of his death, 83 years 3 months and 2 days old. His family were among the earliest emigrants to Virginia; of which colony his grand father, Thomas Jefferson was a native. His father was named Peter Jefferson, and was known as one of the Commissioners for determining the boundry line between Virginia and North Carolina, in the year 1747; from whom he derived an extensive and valuable estate.
From the Richmond Enquirer.
Executive Department,
*Richmond, Va, 6th, July 1826.
Present the Governor and Members of the Council of State.
Whereas, it is made known to the Executive Department that Thomas Jefferson, the distinguished benefactor of his Country, departed this life on the 4th instant, and this Department being impressed with a deep sense of the great loss which Virginia, the Union and the World at large has sustained in the death of this Philosopher, Statesman, Patriot and Philanthropist; And, whereas a sense of what we owe to the present and all future generations, and not merely a regard to our own feelings, which of themselves would prompt us to the measure, requires at the hands of this Department, a manifestation by all means in its power, of respect for the memory of one whose whole life has been passed in unceasing devotion to the advancement of human happiness, and the establishment of liberty on a sure and lasting foundation.
Inspired by these sentiments, and impressed with the regret which the occasion is so well calculated to produce, we, the Governor and Council of the State of Virginia, do resolve as follows:—
1st. That the Hall of the House of Delegates, the Senate Chamber and the Executive Chamber, be hung in mourning, together with the main entrances into the Capitol.
2d. That the Bell in the Guard House be tolled throughout the day.
3d. That minute guns be fired from one hour of the sun this day, until the going down of the same.
4th. That we will wear badges of mourning for one month—and that we recommend the same to all officers of the Government.
5th. That we will cheerfully unite with our fellow-citizens in very other measures manifesting respect and veneration for the memory of the deceased.
A Copy Teste.
WM. II. RICHARDSON, Clk. Council of State
From the Boston Courier.
Death of Mr. Adams.—Among the incidents which will forever render the fiftieth anniversary of the fourth of July, 1776, memorable, is the decease of JOHN ADAMS, who died at his seat in Quincy, on that day, at about 6 o’clock in the afternoon, in the ninety-second year of his age. It was known in the city, during the day, that his physical faculties were failing, and that his life could hardly be protracted to any considerable length of time.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
In Council, July 5, 1826.—His Excelency the Governor having announced to the Council that he had this morning received the melancholly intelligence of the decease of the venerable JOHN ADAMS, former President of the United States, and one of the three last surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, who departed this life yesterday afternoon, at his residence in Quincy.
Resolved, That the Supreme Executive of the Commonwealth, in testimony of the deep sense entertained by them of the eminent public usefulness and private worth of the deceased, one of the most distinguished patriots of the Revolution, and Founders of American Liberty, will in their official capacity, attend the funeral obsequies of the late Mr. John Adams, on Friday next, at 3 o’clock, P.M.
A true copy of record. Attest,
EDWARD D. BANGS, Secretary.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Head Quarters, Boston, July 55, 1826.
His Excellency the Commander in Chief, having been informed that John Adams, one of the signers of the declaration of American Independence, and a former President of the United States, departed this life yesterday afternoon, while his fellow citizens were commemorating the Jubilee of that glorious event; deeply impressed with the obligation which the long and distinguished services of the deceased have imposed on all posterity to honor his memory, emulate his patriotism, imitate his virtues; Orders, that Minute Guns be fired in front of the State House in Boston, from twelve to one o’clock, this day; and, at Quincy, on Friday afternoon, during the performance of the funeral obsequies.
Major General Crane is charged with the execution of this order.
By his Excellency’s Command.
City of Boston.
At a meeting of the Board of Aldermen, on Wednesday July 5th, 1826, at six o’clock, A.M.
This Board having received notice of the afflicting dispensation of Divine Providence, in the death of the Hon. JOHN ADAMS—thereupon
Resolved, That Alderman Bellows, Marshall, Walsh, Oliver and Loring, with such as the Common Council may join, be a committee to consider and adopt such measures as they may deem expedient to express the sense of the eminent worth and public services of the deceased entertained by the citizens of Boston, in common with their fellow citizens of the United States; and also their sorrow at this bereavement, which has deprived this state of one of its most honoured and cherished sons, and the American nation of a most ancient patriot and distinguished statesman.
Resolved; That the Mayor be requested to call a meeting of the Common Council, for a concurrence in the above vote, as soon after the communication with the family of the deceased as may be deemed expedient.
Resolved, That on account of this melancholy event the bells of the city be forthwith tolled one hour. A true copy from Record.
Attest, S.F. McCLEARY, City Clerk.
From the Boston Centinel.
Interment of Mr. Adams. Agreeably to arrangements made, the remains of the Hon. JOHN ADAMS, were entombed yesterday afternoon, at Quincy, with every token of veneration, respect and affection.
An immense body of citizens assembled from various parts of the State. Several carriages were from Salem and more remote towns.
A corps of artillery, stationed on Mount Wallaston, fired minute guns, during the whole time of the funeral service, and several similar tokens of respect were heard in the adjoining towns; the bells of which were tolled and the flags on various gun-houses, &c. were hoisted half-staff.
The relatives of the deceased, the Societies and others, assembled at the late President’s mansion.
The citizens of Quincy met in the town-hall, organized, and moved in a body to the vicinity of the mansion-house, where, about 4 o’clock, the Funeral Procession was formed, under the direction of several Marshals, composed of Gentlemen from Quincy.
The process was of great length. When the front arrived at the meeting-house, the citizens of Quincy opened ranks while the corpse, the relatives and others, entered the church, the pulpit and galleries of which were dressed in mourning. The House was thronged.
The services commenced and closed with anthems. The Rev. Mr. Whitney, Pastor of the society, addressed the throne of grace in prayer, and delivered an impressive Sermon, in which he gave a summary of the eminent services, distinguished talents, amiable life, and Christian virtues of his venerated parishioner.
The body was then borne to the burial ground and deposited in the family tomb.
At a meeting of the citizens of Montpelier Village, at Union Hotel, July 13, 1826. Dr. Edward Lamb was called to the chair.
Resolved, that the citizens of this vicinity will suitably notice the remarkable event of Divine Providence in the death of those illustrious Patriots, JOHN ADAMS, and THOMAS JEFFERSON, late Presidents of the United States, who died on the 4th of July instant, while their fellow citizens were celebrating the fiftieth Anniversary of our country’s Independence.
Resolved, that Joseph Howes, James Spaulding, Timothy Merrill, Sylvanus Baldwin, Edward Lamb, William Upham and Chester Wright, be a Committee to take such measures and make such arrangements as they shall deem proper and suitable for the occasion.
In pursuance of the foregoing resolutions the Committee give notice, that they have made the following arrangements:—
1st. They have appointed the Rev. Mr. Wright, to deliver an address upon the occasion, at the meeting-house, on Tuesday the 25th of July inst. at one o’clock P.M.—
2d. Timothy Hubbard is appointed Marshall, and John Spaulding and R. R. Keith Assistant Marshall.
3d. The Committee request the choir of Singers to attend at the meeting house, prepared with suitable music for the occasion.
4th. They recommend to their fellow citizens of the Village to abstain from business during the solemnities of the day.
5th. The citizens of this Town and its vicinity, are requested to meet at the State House, precisely at 12 o’clock on said day, to form a procession under the direction of the Marshals.
6th. Bells to be tolled from 12 to one o’clock on said day.
7th. Masonic and other Societies are invited to attend.
JOSEPH HOWES,
For the Committee.
MASONIC NOTICE
THE members of the Aurora Lodge are requested to meet at Mason’s Hall in Montpelier on Tuesday the 25th inst. at 11 o’clock A. M. for the purpose of uniting with their fellow citizens in expressions of respect for the memories of the venerable and illustrious John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, who were summoned before the Grand Master of the Universe on the great Jubilee of our National Independence.
The brethren of other lodges are respectfully solicited to unite with this, in the solemnities of the occasion.
By order of the W. Master.
JOHN GOLDSBARY, Secretary.
Montpelier, 17th July, 1826.
ATTENTION!!
THE Washington Artillery, are hereby ordered to meet at the State House Common, on Tuesday the 25th inst. precisely at 12 o’clock in uniform & equiped for the purpose of aiding in the foregoing Services of the day. At the request of the committee of arrangements.
JOHN WOOD, Captain
We understand the 50th anniversary of our National Independence, was celebrated at Stowe, in this County, by the young ladies of that town, in a very becoming and social manner. At about three o’clock P. M. they met at Col. Raymond’s Hall, formed a procession and proceeded to a tea table under a bowry in an adjacent field, which had been employ furnished by their liberality with provisions in delicate style of which they partook with festive joy. After tea, procession was again formed, and they proceeded to the meeting house, where an appropriate address was delivered, by Mr. R. A. Watkins, and the meeting was closed with prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Rockwell, of Morristown.
Celebrations of this kind, we are of opinion, are not so generally practiced, nor so much encouraged as they should be. They are calculated to inspire the female part of the community with a good degree of national pride, and cherish in their minds, that ardent love of liberty, which will induce them, as they shall become heads of families, to teach their offspring the blessings of a free government. And, as all mankind receive their earliest impressions from maternal lips, too much pains can not be taken to promote in their minds the habitual indulgence of patriotic principles.