the end was at hand, and many were weeping and sobbing. Presently the dying general opened his eyes and said: "My dear children, do not grieve for me; it is true, I am going to leave you. I have suffered much bodily pain, but my sufferings are as nothing compared with that which our blessed Saviour endured upon the cross, that we might all be saved who put our trust in him." Soon after saying this he took leave of the members of his family separately, beginning with Mrs. Jackson, wife of his adopted son. Then turning partly toward the piazza filled with a crowd of black servants, he said: "My dear children and friends and servants, I hope and trust to meet you all in heaven, both white and black," repeating the last words, "both white and black." Thus the day passed, till evening. The slaves had been standing about the house all day, looking through the windows, wringing their hands and weeping. Half an hour before his death he heard the sobbing of these servants, and turning his head slightly, said in a weak, tremulous voice, "What is the matter with my dear children? Have I alarmed you? Oh, do not cry. Be good children, and we will all meet in heaven." These were his last words. He died without a struggle at six o'clock in the evening. His body was laid to rest beside that of his wife in a little garden near the Hermitage. |