It becomes my duty, as your Chief Magistrate, to communicate to you one of the most afflictive dispensations of Divine Providence with which this and has ever been visited—I allude to the ultimely death of our distinguished and patriotic Senator—Hon. —than whom no man was more deservedly popular, or more faithful in the discharge of every public trust confided to his care. In this great calamity, this unexpected and most painful bereavement, the Whig party have lost a faithful friend and able advocate, and the Democratic an honorable opponent—one who stood high in the affections of this people, honored and beloved by all good men. As a feeble testimonial of our high regard, and great respect, for his public services and private virtues, as a statesman and citizen, I would recommend that this council cause Sunday, the 18th inst., to be set apart throughout this as a day of public fasting, humiliation, and prayer. On this occasion we should “mourn with those who mourn, and weep with those who weep.”