| From the Wilmington Journal |
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| September 18, 1862 |
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| Died |
| In this town, last evening, from injuries
received from a collision of the train on the Rail Road, Hon. William S.
Ashe, in the 50th year of his age. |
| Perhaps there is no announcement that will
strike our readers with more grief, and our whole State with more
sorrow, for no one was better known and loved. Sprung from an ancestry
distinguished for their patriotism and firmness, Mr. Ashe was blessed
with a strong, active and discriminating mind, which was improved by
education and extensive reading. He studied law, and for a time
practiced, but it was in the political arena his talents were exhibited,
and no one enjoyed a more brilliant and successful career. He was
Senator in the State Legislature from 1846 to 1848, and a member of
Congress from 1849 to 1855. Subsequent to this he served as Senator from
this county, but he declined all political honors to devote himself to
the duties of President of the Wilmington & Weldon Rail Road, which,
after his country and his family, received his earnest attention. |
| In the mighty revolution in which we are
now engaged, his efforts were early, efficiently and patriotically
devoted! He long had seen the storm approaching, and was prepared to
breast its fury. His whole soul was in the cause; and would that his
life could have been spared to see its successful termination. In this
as in all other political movements in our State for the last twenty
years, the mighty magic of his mind was realized. From the purity of his
motives, the patriotism of his course, the acuteness of his intellect,
it may be said with truth that he was the master spirit of Eastern North
Carolina. The State may well mourn when such a man dies. |
| W. |
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