The next entry is under the head of "Posthumous Memoir." After describing his recent sickness, he continues:--"From that hour I date my decease, and consider myself, for every useful purpose, to myself and fellow-creatures, dead; and hence I call this, and what I may hereafter write, a posthumous memoir." Although he was after this, regular in his attendance at the House of Representatives, yet he did not mingle as freely in debate as formerly.

He passed the following summer, as usual, at his seat in Quincy.

In November, he left his native town for Washington, to return no more in life! On Sunday, the 20th of February, 1848, he appeared in unusual health.

In the forenoon he attended public worship at the capitol, and in the afternoon at St.John's church.

At nine o'clock in the evening he retired with his wife to his library, where she read to him a sermon of Bishop Wilberforce, on Time--"hovering, as he was, on the verge of eternity!" This was the last night he passed beneath his own roof.
Monday, the 21st, he rose at his usual very early hour, and engaged in his accustomed occupations with his pen.