“Mr. Astor lived to the good old age of four score and four years and eight months.  For some years previous to his death, which happened March 29, 1848, his manly form was bowed down by age, and his bodily strength greatly enfeebled, but his mind retained much of its original Vigor and brightness.  Considering his extraordinary activity until a late period of his life, he submitted to the helplessness of age with uncommon resignation.  When his impaired eye-sight no longer permitted him to read, his principal relief from the wearisomeness of unoccupied time was in the society of his friends and near relatives.  All who knew him well were strongly attached to him, and none but those who were ignorant of his true character believed him unamiable and repulsive.

“His smile was peculiarly benignant and expressive of genuine kindness of heart, and his whole manner cordial and courteous to every one entitled to his respect.  There was something so impressive in his appearance, no one could stand before him without feeling that he was in the presence of a superior intelligence.  His deep, sunken eye, beneath his overarched brow, denoted the prophetic—­it might almost be said the inspired—­mind within.  Although he lived many years beyond the age when the grasshopper is a burden, and was the victim of much suffering, he did not murmur, nor did he become unreasonable and peevish.  He was not wont to talk much on the subject of religion, or freely communicate his views in relation to the life beyond the grave; but it can not be doubted that such tranquility as he exhibited in his near approach to it must have been derived from ’that peace which the world can neither give nor take away,’”

Perhaps a medium between Mr. Parton’s bitterness and Dr. Coggswell’s enthusiasm will be as correct an estimate of his personal character as can be formed.  It is a singular fact that Mr. Astor managed, in spite of the closeness which marked his operations, in spite of the small wages he paid, to inspire his employes with a zeal in his service that made them willing to undertake any thing, to endure any amount of labor, for him.

“He once lost seventy thousand dollars by committing a piece of petty injustice toward his best captain.  This gallant sailor, being notified by an insurance office of the necessity of having a chronometer on board his ship, spoke to Mr. Astor on the subject, who advised the captain to buy one.

“‘But,’ said the captain, ’I have no five hundred dollars to spare for such a purpose; the chronometer should belong to the ship.’

“‘Well,’ said the merchant, ’you need not pay for it now; pay for it at your convenience,’

“The captain still objecting, Astor, after a prolonged higgling, authorized him to buy a chronometer and charge it to the ship’s account, which was done.