the means used, and said, "I will
now try to go to sleep." In a few moments, Mrs. Appleton was alarmed
by hearing him breathe once or twice much more loudly than usual. She
ran to his bedside, and his favorite female attendant was immediately
summoned. He was still lying in the same attitude of repose. The sleep
that had fallen upon him so gently was the sleep of death!

This event at once called forth a universal and spontaneous expression
of regard for the deceased from the community in which he had so long
lived. It was unrestrained by any differences of political opinion or
of religious sentiment. Thus, in the "Boston Post," the organ of the
Democratic party of Boston, there appeared the following
communication:--

"SAMUEL APPLETON is dead! Never has there been summoned from
among us a purer man or a more public-spirited citizen.
Possessing strong natural sense and the most plain and
unaffected manners, he was truly simple-hearted and
noble-minded. There was nothing about him of ostentation or
pretence. All his _acts_, during a long life, praise him.
Beginning with humble prospects, by industry and intelligence
he became one of our wealthiest merchants. As a country
schoolmaster, during the winter months, he was once, when a
young man, '_put up at auction_, to be boarded out in the
family that would consent to take him at the lowest rate.'[1]
Latterly, for many years, probably not a day has passed without
the performance of some deed of kindness great or small,--some
act of public or private munificence; and each evening saw him
sink to rest, happy in the consciousness that he had made
others happy. In a notice of him, as a benefactor of one of our
chief charitable institutions, published not long since, it is
said: 'In advanced age, and unable to walk from his house, he
continues in the highest and best sense to enjoy life. He has,
indeed, no children; but a numerous band of nephews and nieces
look up to him with truly filial regard. Indeed, the community
itself ventures to apply to him _their_ familiar and
affectionate appellation of "Uncle Sam." This name, in the
abstract so dear to every patriot, could not be more worthily
bestowed.'[2] That life, so honorable and so useful, rendered
sweet by the daily blessings of those whose necessities or
sufferings have been relieved by his bounty, has been fitly