Death of Willie Lincoln.

The pubic rejoicings at the recent successes of the Union arms will be clouded by the intelligence of the death of the second son of the President, and the country will sympathize with the bereaved parents in such a heavy affliction. Willie Lincoln was a boy of unusual intelligence, and was a favorite with all who visited the White House. Some weeks since he was taken sick with an intermittent fever which soon assumed a typhoid character, and since that time the little sufferer had been gradually sinking. Much of the time his mind has been wandering, and only these parents who have seen a beloved child a prey to fever and delirium can imagine the anguish of the father and mother as they watched the progress of the disease, without the power to alleviate his sufferings. His condition has been very critical for more than a week, and last Monday his condition was considered almost helpless. Since Wednesday he has sunk rapidly, and yesterday it was seen that he was dying. He lingered until 5 o’clock in the afternoon, when he spirit was released.

Drs. Stone and Hall have attended the deceased and his younger brother since their illness. The latter is yet ill, but it is hoped not dangerously so. The President has, with Mrs. Lincoln, watched by the side of suffering children for ten days past, and in all that time has had scarcely and rest, as in the mist of his domestic affliction the cares of State were pressing upon him.

Willie was a fine looking boy, and his intelligence and vivacity made him a favorite with old and young. He was a faithful attendant of Sabbath school at Dr. Gurley’s church, and the last day he was present there told his tutor that when he attained to manhood he wanted to be a school teacher or a preacher of the gospel. His exercises in literary composition were very creditable for a youth of his age, and he seemed to take great pride in them.

SOURCE: “Death of Willie Lincoln,” Evening Star, Washington, D. C., Friday, February 21, 1862, p. 2, col. 1