278 HISTORY OF Steele had fallen bravely at his post of duty : he suffered the most excruciating pains, and it seemed evident to all that he could at farthest survive but a few hours. A messenger was dispatched in all haste to carry the painful intelligence to his family and friends, and his wife arrived barely in time to witness the untimely death of her husband, which took place about 8 o'clock in the evening. His remains were taken to Delhi, where the coroner's inquest was held. The funeral ceremonies were performed on the tenth. It was attended by a large concourse of citizens — about two thousand, who had assembled from all parts of the county, and who manifested the deepest feeling at his untimely death. A monument has since been erected in commemoration of his memory by the citizens of this county, in acknowledgment of his worth as a citizen and his integrity as a public officer. A correspondent of the Albany Evening Journal writes as follows : — "Delhi, Sunday Evening, August 10, 1845. ^^Dear Sir, — I arrived at this village last evening, and found a deep gloom hanging over it. This day the remains of Deputy Sheriff Steele, were committed to the grave. The funeral services were performed by the Presbyterian, and Epis- copal clergymen of this place, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Adams, of the Episcopal Church, at Unadilla. There was a very large concourse of people, so much so that the largest church would not begin .to hold them. The clergymen addressed the multitude from a piazza. The clergyman of this village impressed on the minds of his hearers eternal vigilance, until the murderers are brought to punishment, and the majesty of the law sustained. The citizens' of the village held a meeting last evening, and organized a patrol to guard the village and public build- ings. Many persons did not close their eyes for fear of incen-
