Death of the State Armorer.
--The
Dispatch received on Sunday an intimation of the death of
A. M. Ball,
Esq., the former Superintendent of the
Armory at
Harper's Ferry.
It was, however, on a subject which did not admit of a wrong announcement, and being withal couched in very ambiguous terms, it was deemed better not to give currency to it. It appears, however, that
Mr. Ball is dead.
He reached
Harper's Ferry, from this city, last Thursday evening, and shortly after retired, to all appearances, in his usual health; but on going to his room the next morning he was found dead on his couch.
His death is ascribed to apoplexy.
The loss of such a man at the present juncture is to be regretted on many accounts.
While the
Harper's Ferry Armory was owned by the late
United States, and
Mr. Ball was Superintendent thereof, he acquired a high reputation for mechanical skill.
He made many valuable improvements in machinery for the manufacture of fire-arms.
Mr. B. was also distinguished for gentlemanly bearing, and was much esteemed by a large circle of friends.
We call attention to the following paper which was left at this office, as we have intimated, on Sunday.
There is a great reason why its recommendations should be attended to:
‘
"A subscription has been opened at the
Exchange Hotel for the relief of the widow and four children of our lamented friend, Master Armorer at
Harper's Ferry,
A. M. Ball, of
Virginia, who has left his wife and four children, all of
Virginia, in this city penniless to mourn his loss.
This untimely death will be greatly lamented by all who know him, particularly this Southern Confederacy, who required his eminent aid and skill of his profession.
Come one, come all, to their relief."
’
Papers favorable to the widow and orphans will please copy.
