Douglas was struck by illness in May 1861 and was confined to his bed.
Though his supporters initially expected a quick recovery, Douglas contracted typhoid fever and suffered from several other afflictions.
He died on June 3, coincidentally on the same day as the Battle of Philippi, the first skirmish of the American Civil War.
On June 4, Secretary of War Simon Cameron issued a circular to Union armies, announcing "the death of a great statesman ... a man who nobly discarded party for his country."
Douglas was struck by illness in May 1861 and was confined to his bed. Though his supporters initially expected a quick recovery, Douglas contracted typhoid fever and suffered from several other afflictions. He died on June 3, coincidentally on the same day as the Battle of Philippi, the first skirmish of the American Civil War. On June 4, Secretary of War Simon Cameron issued a circular to Union armies, announcing "the death of a great statesman ... a man who nobly discarded party for his country."
Stephen A. Douglas