Death of Benjamin Stoddert of Bladensburgh, Maryland, reported in New York Evening Post, Dec. 27, 1813

From our correspondent,

Washington, Dec 22.

               You will perceive on reading the Message of the President recommending an Embargo, that embraces other subjects to which he calls the attention of Congress. These will in their season be for the deliberation of the National Legislature, and will very probably become features in the restrictive system which is to hang over this country like a deadly incubus. An important era in the history of the Senate is about to be developed, and let me inform you, it is here understood that Executive measures must prevail. Hence an Embargo with rigid provision has been enlisted, not in pursuance with the judgment of the Senate, but according to Executive requisition.

               The only circumstance that has happened in the neighbourhood [sic], worthy of remark, is the death of Mister Stoddert, the first secretary of the Navy. He was universally known in this country, and is universally esteemed a great and good man. He died at Bladensburgh [sic] on last Saturday morning. On the evening before he retired to rest in his usual health - at 12 o'clock he was seized with what is usually termed a cholic in the stomach, and died about 1 o'clock in the morning.[1]

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[1] The Evening Post.; Date: 12-27-1813; Page: [2]; Location: New York, New York

Transcribed by John Peter Thompson December 29, 2013.