Among the Quakers who manifested kindness and sympathy, several belonged to the branch called Orthodox; for a sincere respect and friendship had grown up between him and individuals of that Society, in New-York, after the dust of controversy had subsided.  He was always glad to see them; for his heart warmed toward the plain dress and the plain language.  But I think nothing during his illness gave him more unalloyed satisfaction than a visit from William and Deborah Wharton, Friends from Philadelphia.  He loved this worthy couple for their truly Christian character; and they were, moreover, endeared to him by many tender and pleasant associations.  They stood by him generously during his severe pecuniary struggles; they had been devoted to his beloved Sarah, whose long illness was cheered by their unremitting attentions, and she, for many years, had received from Hannah Fisher, Deborah’s mother, the most uniform kindness.  William’s father, a wealthy merchant, had been to him an early and constant friend; and his uncle, the excellent mayor of Philadelphia, had sustained him by his influence and hearty co-operation, in many a fugitive slave case, that occurred in years long past.  It was, therefore, altogether pleasant to clasp hands with these tried and trusty friends, before life and all its reminiscences faded away.

His physician, Dr. John C. Beales, was very assiduous in his attentions, and his visits were always interesting to the invalid, who generally made them an occasion for pleasant and animated conversation; often leading the doctor off the professional track, by some playful account of his symptoms, however painful they might be.  He had been his medical adviser for many years, and as a mark of respect for his disinterested services to his fellow-men, he uniformly declined to receive any compensation.

Neighbors and acquaintances of recent date, likewise manifested their respect for the invalid by all manner of attentions.  Gentlemen sent choice wines, and ladies offered fruit and flowers.  Market people, who knew him in the way of business, brought delicacies of various kinds for his acceptance.  He was gratified by such tokens of regard, and manifested it in many pleasant little ways.  One of his sons had presented him a silver goblet, with the word “Father” inscribed upon it; and whenever he was about to take nourishment, he would say, “Give it to me in John’s cup.”  When his little grand-daughter brought flowers from the garden, he was careful to have them placed by the bedside, where he could see them continually.  After he was unable to rise to take his meals, he asked to have two cups and plates brought to him, if it were not too much trouble; for he said it would seem pleasant, and like old times, to have Hannah’s company.  So his wife ate with him, as long as he was able to partake of food.  A china bird, which a ransomed slave had given to his daughter, when she was a little girl, was placed on the mantel-piece, because he liked to look at it.  A visitor, to whom he made this remark one day, replied, “It must be very pleasant to you now to remember how many unfortunate beings you have helped.”  He looked up, and answered with frank simplicity, “Yes, it is pleasant.”