Last Words

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“Thomas Jefferson--still survives...”

- John Adams, US President, 1835-1826

(Actually, Jefferson had died earlier that same day.)

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“This is the last of earth! I am content.”

- John Quincy Adams, US President, 1767-1848

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"See in what peace a Christian can die."

- Joseph Addison, writer, 1762 - 1719

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'Is it not meningitis?'

- Louisa M. Alcott, writer, 1832-1888

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"Waiting are they? Waiting are they? Well--let 'em wait."

In response to an attending doctor who attempted to comfort him by saying, "General, I fear the angels are waiting for you."

- Ethan Allen, American Revolutionary general, 17381789

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"Am I dying or is this my birthday?"

When she woke briefly during her last illness and found all her family around her bedside. 

- Lady Nancy Astor, 1879-1964 

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"Nothing, but death."

When asked by her sister, Cassandra, if there was anything she wanted. 

- Jane Austen, writer, 1775-1817 

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"Codeine . . . bourbon." 

- Tallulah Bankhead, actress, 1902-1968 

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"How were the receipts today at Madison Square Garden?"

- P. T. Barnum, entrepreneur, 1810-1891 

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'I can't sleep.'

- James M. Barrie, author, 1860-1937 

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"Is everybody happy? I want everybody to be happy. I know I'm happy."

- Ethel Barrymore, actress, 1879-1959 

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"Die? I should say not, dear fellow. No Barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him."

- John Barrymore, actor, 1882-1942 

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"I am ready to die for my Lord, that in my blood the Church may obtain liberty and peace." 

- Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1118-170