Mr. Jefferson had been sensible for some days, that his last hour was at hand.  He conversed with his family and friends, with the utmost composure, of his departure, and gave directions concerning his coffin and his funeral.  He was desirous that the latter should take place at Monticello, and that it should be without any display or parade.  On Monday he inquired the day of the month?  Being told it was the 3d of July, he expressed an earnest desire that he might be allowed to behold the light of the next day—­the fiftieth anniversary of American independence.  His prayer was heard and answered.  He beheld the rising of that sun on the morning of the 4th, which was to set on a nation mourning the loss of two of its noblest benefactors, and its brightest ornaments.  He was cheerful to the last.  A day or two previous, being in great pain, he said to his physician—­“Well, doctor, a few hours more, and the struggle will be over.”

On the morning of the last day, as the physician entered his apartment, he said, “You see, doctor, I am here yet.”  On a member of his family expressing an opinion that he was better, he replied, with evident impatience—­“Do not imagine for a moment that I feel the smallest solicitude as to the result.”  Some individual present uttering a hope that he might recover, he asked with a smile—­“Do you think I fear to die?” Thus departed Thomas Jefferson.  His last words were—­“I resign my soul to my God, and my daughter to my country!”

President J. Q. Adams receiving intelligence at Washington of the illness of his father, started immediately for Quincy.  Shortly before arriving at Baltimore, tidings reached him that the patriarch had gone to his rest.  Mr. Adams pursued his journey, but did not arrive at Quincy in season to be present at the funeral.  This took place on the 7th of July.  It was attended by a large body of citizens, assembled from the surrounding region.  The funeral services took place at the Unitarian church in Quincy, on which occasion an impressive discourse was delivered by the Pastor, Rev. Mr. Whitney.  The pall-bearers were Judge Davis, President Kirkland, Gov.  Lincoln, Hon. Mr. Greenleaf, Judge Story, and Lieut.  Gov.  Winthrop.  During the exercises and the moving of the procession, minute guns were fired from Mount Wallaston, and from various eminences in the adjoining towns, and every mark of respect was paid to the remains of one who filled so high a place in the history of his country and the regard of his fellow-citizens.

On the 2d of August, Mr. Webster delivered a eulogy on the death of Adams and Jefferson, before the city authorities of Boston, and a vast body of people, in Faneuil Hall.  President Adams was present.  It was one of Mr. Webster’s most eloquent and successful attempts.  He commenced as follows:—­