Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 13.djvu/226

 A Sketch of the Life of General Gorgas. 225

" Resolved, That in view of the continued ill health of General J. Gorgas, which compels a severance of his relations with this Board as President of the University, we desire to place on record some expression of our high appreciation of his character and services of the rare tact and ability which characterized his administration until he was stricken by disease of the great improvement he effected in the order and discipline of the cadets, and particularly of the admirable system and method which he observed in keeping his books and accounts, and of the clearness and correctness of his busi- ness reports to the trustees. He carries with him into retirement our highest esteem and confidence, and our earnest wishes that he may soon be restored to health and that many years of happiness and usefulness may remain to him."

^ The trustees, with great delicacy, made him librarian and Mrs. Gorgas matron, and provided a house for them.

On the 1 5th day of May, 1883, at Tuskaloosa, Alabama, General Gorgas died surrounded by his family and his friends. The follow- ing minute on his death was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, at the annual meeting held in Tuskaloosa, June i8th, 1883:

" Minute of the Death of JOSIAH GORGAS, Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the University of Alabama, at Their Annual Meeting, held in Tus- kaloosa, June 1 8th, 1883.

"A few weeks before the assembling of this Board, a gentleman of distinguished character, of national reputation, of varied attainments, known in military and civil life, and eminent in both, a gentleman, who, when stricken with disease, was officially connected with the University, departed this life, and was borne from these classic shades to the place appointed for all living.

" Suitable honors were paid his mortal remains faculty, students and a large concourse of citizens reverently and affectionately assisted at the last said rites which committed his dust to earth, to be com- mingled with the mother of us all. It is fitting that a minute should be placed upon the records of this Board to indicate in some degree our appreciation of his merits and his valuable services in connection with this institution of learning.

" It is not necessary to epitomize the career of General Josiah