The daily national Whig. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1847-1849, 1849-06-14
WASHINGTON, ID. G.
THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE IA. ls4s
MAJOR GENERAL GAINES.

IL was ouI iheidhchoiy uuty, lew days
since, TO announce to our readers the death |
of the veteran Major General Gaines, the
Oldest officer in the military service Of the |
United States, and well tried public ser
want The intelligence was received with |
sorrow and regret throughout the country.
The following sketch of his life and career
will be read with interest:-Nep York
Herald
Brevet Major General Edmund P. Gaines |
IS one of the Oldest officers in the American
army, his first commission, as ensign of in
fantry, bearing date January 10th, 1899. |
He IS native OF Virginia, and his father
was an officer in the army Of that State dur
ing the revolutionary war. About the year
1870, he removed to Tennessee, where his
early days were passed amid the hardships
Of a woodlands life, During this time, his
education was superintendent principally by
his mother, who was indelatigable in her at
tenton to this particular He afterward
studied mathematics, and employed his leis-
ure hours in surveying land.
he date Of his entering the army has al
ready been given. During the same year
he was appointed as second lieutenant in the
9th infantry. From this period, until 1906,
he was employed by government in various
duties, both as surveyor and an officer in the
army. In this year, by order Of the Presi-
dent, he arrested the famous Colonel Burr,
whose movements had long countenanced
the opinion that he entertained reasonable
designs against the government
For his fearless prompttude in this affair,
Captain Gaines was appointed United States
marshal, by President Jefferson, and in this
capacity summoned anumber Of officers to
attend the trial of Colonel Burr. The result
Of this momentous trial is well known. Burr
was acquitted Of the charges preferred against
him, and many individuals incurred the ami
mostly Of his friends by the course they had
pursued. Although Captain Games acted
under direct orders from the President, there
is every reason to believe that portion Of
this disapprobation fell upon him
After the war had been declared with
Great Britain, Gaines (now advanced to
colonel) was employed in different expedi-
tons against the north western Indians He
was afterward present at the battle of Chrys-
tiers Fields, November 18th, 1879
where he SO highly distinguished himself as
to be rewarded by the appointment March
9th, 1916 Of brigadier general
But the most brilliant action of General
Gaines was his defence of Fort Erie, against
vastly superior force Of British, under Cen
eral DTummond. The attack commenced
on the night of the 18th Of August, 1914,
by volleys Of shell and shot, followed soon
after by three simultaneous charges with the
bayonet. Although the darkness was in
tense, the General kept his men to duty,
and placing himself among the militia showed
them how to use their fire to the best effect.
Before the wide blasts that burst from the
fort in all directions the British columns re-
coiled. Again and again they were led TO
the attack, and as often repnlsed, with fear
full slaughter, Five hundred and eghty-two
of the enemy were killed, wounded, and ia
ken in this assault; while the garrison lost
but seventeen killed and sixty-seven wound
ed and prisoners
After this defence, the British commenced
bombardment OF the fort, which was con-
tnued until the latter end Of August. They
then invested it with their entire army,
maintaining close siege until the sortie of
General Brown, (September l7th,) by
winch the greater part Of their works was
destroyed.
For this noble defence, General Gaines
was voted gold medal by Congress, and
swords by the legislatures OF several States
No further opportunity Of distinction was af-
forded him during the war.
Durinu tha IKcnlt;., ,,,;tL a. S.....l
and Indians in Florida, General Gaines was
assigned the command in the western por-
ton of that province /; but the nature of his
instructions did not permit him to engage in
active service. He accompanied General
Jackson in his march toward st. Augustine,
and, in obedience to instructions, boInbarded
that place until it surrendered.
In 1921, General Gaines was assigned to
the command of the western military depart
ment; and, in 1882, was concerned in the
Black Hawk war. When the Seminoles
commenced hostllities he was again ordered
to Florida, and though unable to bring the
Indians to decisive engagement, he per-
formed there duties arduous and useful.
When General Taylo was surrounded by
the Mexlcans, at Fort Brown, Gen. Gaines,
Tearing that he might be cut of, with his
little army, called out large force of volun-
teers. For this he was accused of exceed
ing authority, and summoned to WASHING
ton for trial. A court of inquiry met at
Fortress Monroe, July Goth, 1916, and a
thorough investigation took place. The re-
suit was the finding Of no direct authority
for the course pursued by the general. ex-
cept an honest conviction that he was acting
in accordance with the dictates Of duty. Ar
pended to their verdict was the following re-
commendation -
Having now reported their finding and.
opinion, the court recommend to the favor
able consideration Of the President, the good
and patriotic motives, and the public zeal by
which, as the court believe, General Games
was sctuated in all these transactions, and
therefore thew recommend that M further