Rust Appointed Armory; Dunn Memorials & Cox Appearance

We learn that Gen. GEORGE RUST, of Loudoun, has been appointed Superintendent of the Armory at Harpers Ferry, to fill the place vacated by the melancholy and lamented death of Col. Thomas B. Dunn.

Gen. Rust is a gentleman of whom fame speaks very favorably, and we have no doubt his appointment will give very general satisfaction.

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It has been suggested to us, that some oppression of approbation of Col. Dunn’s conduct as a public officer, is due to his memory and to the cause of truth and justice. It gives us pleasure to state, upon the authority of gentlemen who have had the best opportunities of forming a correct judgement, that his short career at Harpers Ferry was marked by a spirit of impartiality and a sincere desire to promote the public interest. He was prompt, vigilant, and decided in his [?]; but always preserved an amenity of manner that gave [?]dence of his desire to respect the feelings of others; and we have reason to believe, that party asperity never obtained over his judgement even a temporary influence. In this respect, as well as in all the relations of domestic life, his example is worthy of imitation.

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EBENEZER COX, charged with the murder of Col. DUNN, was brought before the examining Court on Friday last. The court-house was crowded with persons curious to hear the testimony concerning this horrid occurrence. This case was, however, continued until Monday the 15th inst. on the application of the prisoner’s counsel, who alleged the absence of important testimony which the prisoner had not time or opportunity to procure.

An adjourned session of the Superior Court of Law for this county, commenced yesterday, the Hon. RICHARD E. PARKER presiding.

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[Communicated.
TO THE MEMORY OF
COL. THOMAS B. DUNN
Late Superintendent of the U.S. Armory.
Harpers Ferry, Virginia.

The premature and tragical death of this estimable man, (only 31 years of age,) has thrown a deep gloom over every countenance, and awakened sensations of the liveliest regret in every bosom. By this awful visitation, society has been deprived of one of its brightest ornaments, and a deep and dreadful wound has been rudely inflicted on a thousand hearts, As a husband, he was constant and sincere; as a father, kind and tender; as a master, amiable and lenient. There was, it is true, a coldness and reserve in his demeanor, which was at first rather repulsive to those who were desirous of approaching him on terms of intimacy and friendship. Upon more familiar intercourse, however, this retiring manner was laid aside towards those whom he esteemed– and his natural frankness, cordiality, and susceptibility of the tenderest attachments, appeared. One thing might always be calculated upon, that he would never deceive by false appearances: to have his hand, was to possess his heart– and where he could not give the latter, he never presented the former. His generous and noble mind was superior to all dissimulation, and exhibited in bold relief the features of strong and uncompromising integrity. His sedulous devotion to the public good, the readiness and alacrity with which he entered into all plans of usefulness, had given him a high place in the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens, and rendered him a most valuable and efficient officer. He was also a firm and decided friend to the Christian religion; and his habitual attention on public worship, affords a most satisfactory evidence of the high estimation in which he held its valuable institutions. He has gone to give in his dread account. The peace of Heaven be with his spirit! Beloved man! An humble individual, whom thou didst honour with thy friendship, would erect to thee this frail monument, as a memento at once of his gratitude and attachment. Long shall thy memory be cherished by thy country and friends! May thy mantle fall upon thy respected successor! and, taught by thy good example, may he place his chief glory in his fidelity to his God and his country!