Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/364

328 THE GRANITE MONTHLY. business, until Sunday, August 2. On that day he received several visitors at the hotel where he lodged, and exhibited in his conversation the same elasticity and intellectual vigor for which he was always remarkable. In the afternoon, after writing several letters, he laid down for the purpose of obtaining a little rest. After sleeping a short time he awoke, and, endeavoring to move his limbs, remarked to his wife that for the first time in his life he found that his muscles refused to obey his will. It was evident that he had been stricken with paralysis. For a short time he retained his consciousness and was able to articulate. Physicians were summoned and every thing which human ingenuity could suggest was done for his relief. But, alas, all was unavailing. In a few hours he became unconscious, alike of his own dangerous condition and the anxiety and deep sorrow of his wife and other sympathizing friends who gathered about his bedside. He continued in this situation until Monday afternoon, August 3, when he expired.

Many of the prominent citizens of Flint extended their warmest sympathies to his afflicted wife, and did their utmost to mitigate her woe in that trying hour when she was suddenly deprived of her beloved companion. His remains were tenderly cared for, and prepared to be sent for interment in the soil of his native state. The coffin, containing his lifeless form, arrived at Manchester, August 7, and was received at the station by a deputation of Amoskeag Veterans.

On Saturday, August 8, his funeral took place. The Veterans, in command of Captain William B. Patten, marched to the railroad station, and, after receiving the remains, a line was formed and marched through some of the principal streets to the residence of Captain Charles Shedd. At this place Mrs. Potter and other relatives joined the procession, which then proceeded to the Unitarian church on Merrimack street. Rev. Joseph F. Lovering, of Concord, the Chaplain of the Veterans, conducted the services, and made a very appropriate and impressive address. After the services at the church the procession was reformed and marched to the solemn music of the Manchester Cornet Band to the Valley Cemetery. The burial service was read by the Chaplain, after which all that was mortal of the beloved and honored commander of the Veterans was committed to the grave.

At the time of his death the intellectual powers of Colonel Potter were in their fullest strength and activity, and he gave promise that he might continue his usefulness for many years longer. The news of his death created a feeling of great sadness among all classes who knew him.

Colonel Potter was a man of noble personal appearance. He was about six feet and four inches in height, and weighed, when in good health, about two hundred and eighty pounds. He was well proportioned, stood erect, and his walk was firm and dignified. When marching in command of the Amoskeag Veterans, clothed in the old Revolutionary uniform, he was the theme of universal admiration among the observers. He had dark eyes, regular features, and a full, well-toned voice. His head was large, and, in phrenological language, was well balanced. His perceptive organs were very large, showing that he was a close and critical observer, and that his memory of facts in detail was remarkably strong.

One of the most prominent traits of his character was his very warm social nature. Nothing delighted him more than the society of intelligent and worthy men and women, and his feelings toward his friends and those of a congenial spirit were sincere, deep, and fraternal.

He was a man "of infinite jest, of most excellent humor," and had a vast fund of ancedotes ever on hand. His powers of mimicry and imitation were so great that he could easily assume