1867.] OF THE SENATE. 653

of them. In private life, as well as in public, he consulted
only his duty, and always followed where duty lead. He
was conscientious in its performance, and fortified by a moral
firmess, which permitted of no compromise, no suggestions
of expediency could divert him from the coarse which his con-
victions had decided to be the true one. His integrity and
honor were unspotted and pure, and prosperity crowned his
earthly efforts. Though separated from his beloved ones,
and without their tender care and attentions, yet kind
friends were about him, ministered to him, and did all that
friendship could devise to allay pain and smooth his dying
pillow. But he has gone from our midst—his seat is vacant,
and we shall see him no more on earth. May we not hope
that the Angel of Peace hovered over him, touched with her
golden sceptre his wearied eyelids, and closed them to the
light! Among the Islanders of the South Sea, their word
for Hope, is "the swimming thought," indicating that Faith
floats and keeps its head above the water, when the waves
and billows are rolling over. We will cherish this interest-
ing and consoling idea in reference to the object of our re-
marks. It has bnen beautifully said, that the veil which
covers the face of futurity is woven by the hand of Mercy.
But, Mr. President and Senators, shall not these repeated
lessons of man's mortality, have a salutary and efficient in-
fluence upon us ? or shall they pass by and be forgotten as
ordinary occurrences ? It has been said by one of England's
most distinguished Divines, that every man knows that he
must die, and yet the certainty of death produces no effect
on the bulk of mankind; that it is a thing known, but not
considered, and therefore, those who are sure that they are
mortal, live as though they were immortal.

May we prove to be exceptions to this remark, and heed
these lessons of solemn import which a benign Providence
is teaching. Soon, we who have labored, toiled and strug-
gled together, in these walls of legislation, and have con-
tracted mutual friendships, which will endure through life,
will be called to part and bid each other adieu. We shall
not all meet again, on public or private occasions. Let us
part in amity and good feeling, with no unkind reminiscence,
remembering that forgiveness is the odor which flowers yield.

The message was then assented to and sent to the House
of Delegates.

The Senate adjourned until 7 1/2 o'clock, P. M.