On the evening of October 23 it became apparent that he was sinking, but his one wish seemed to be that he might be conscious when he was actually dying.

After midnight he roused from an uneasy sleep, struggled for consciousness, and ejaculated, "I still live." These were his last words.

Shortly after three o'clock the labored breathing ceased, and all was over.
A hush fell upon the country as the news of his death sped over the land.

A great gap seemed to have been made in the existence of every one.

Men remembered the grandeur of his form and the splendor of his intellect, and felt as if one of the pillars of the state had fallen.