From the Richmond Whig, 4/20/1865, p. 5, c. 2

SUDDEN DEATH. – On Monday, the 3d inst., the day of the occupation of the city, Col. R. H. Lorton, Collector of Customs of the Confederate States, fell down in a fit of apoplexy, and died shortly thereafter. Col. Lorton was standing on Main street, between 8 and 9 o’clock, looking at the conflagration, when some one remarked, “Oh! look, here comes the Yankees!” He looked, and, apparently overcome, sank down, striking his temple on the curbstone. He was removed to his home, and died that same day.

It is a somewhat singular circumstance that the grandfather of the deceased was the first Collector of Customs under the Government of the first revolution, and he (Col. Lorton) the first Collector of Customs under the Confederate Government, contemporary with the second revolution.

Col. Lorton was about forty-five years of age, and leaves a family.

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