He said that, but for her sake and that of his children, he would choose death rather than life, -- that he was resigned to either event, having long endeavored to keep the idea of his death constantly in view. He enjoined upon his wife a religious education for his children, and begged her to cherish in their hearts the thought of their father. On the following day mental hallucinations, which had been occasionally present in slight degree, became more decided, and he, who had so often combated them in others, now felt their influence. Death was evidently near at hand. Extreme restlessness ensued, with a constant desire to get up, and then immediately to return to bed. Death indeed occurred while making an effort to rise, and, as was said " to return home."

A post-mortem examination revealed the existence of a double pneumonia with pleuritis.

On Tuesday, the 8th of May, the funeral took place. Considering the very unfavorable state of the weather, the attendance was large, both from the city and the neighborhood. The sad interest felt in the event by the inhabitants of Flushing was exhibited by the closing of the stores, and by the sorrow depicted on every countenance. The domestics in Dr. Macdonald's employment piously decked the coffin with flowers, and, with tears, insisted on bearing the body to the grave. Many of our most eminent physicians and most distinguished men surrounded the grave as the last rites of sepulture were performed, and many more were at least present in thought and feeling who could not enjoy the melancholy satisfaction of assisting at the last sad offices of friendship and respect.