The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-01-11
OBITUARY..

Died, at Panama on the Odd ultimo, Lieutenant
Commanding WILLIAM p. MACARTHUR, United
States Navy, Assistant United States Coast Survey
The death of this highly meritorious officer has
cast gloom over wide circle of admiring friends,
and deep distress in the hearts of numerous rela-
tives A wife and five have been stricken
down with grief at this sudden and unexpected
dispensation Of Divine Providence May God, in
His mercy, sustain them in their affliction.
Lieutenant Commanding McART HuR not
ordinary man; he was distinguished in all those
things wherein circumstances at all contributed to
give scope to his talents. He bore arduous part
in all the duties of the naval service distinguished
for his gallantry and energy; and no less SO in the
severe duties to which he more lattery called,
(and engaged at the time of his DEATH in prosecut
ing the survey of the western coast of the United
States His reports, (and those of his officers,)
and the charts of that coast publishing by Pro-
lessor Bache, Superintendent of the Survey, show
how much his zeal and energy had accomplished
in less than one year of active operation, and gave
high promise of the future.
Lieutenant WILLIAM P. Macarthur was born in
Saint Genevicve, Missouri, in 1913, great grand
son of Colonel Linn, distinguished pioneer and
gallant officer in the early Indian wars; he
beloved nephew of the late Dr. Linn of the Senate,
who trained him for the navy, and obtained his
appointment midshipman from General Jack
son, in 1882.
He was likewise nephew of Governor Dodge,
of the Senate, to whom his chvaric spirit greatly
endeared him. Midshipman MACARTHUR zeal
GUS in the performance of every duty, while
quiring his profession actively at sea, and during
the progress Of the war in Florida against the
scmnoles, engaged with the Indians, in Capt.
Powell's fight with body of them, where Mean
THUR was twice severely wounded, but continued
to sustain his men till borne from the field
While suffering from severe wounds, which
threatened to make him cripple for life, he pre-
pared himself for examination for promotion,
and attained to such superiority in his class, that
he graduated the second in class Of fifty
pettors.
His wounds but partially healed, he still sought
active service, and in lS4l promoted to lieu
tenancy, continuing in active service at sea, till
ordered to position the Coast Survey where
his superior talents accurate photographer
were highly appreciated-his work at all times ex
hibitng remarkable degree of exceency, show
ing his close application in all their varied details
As gallant sailor he had no superior. Ardent
in the pursuit of scientific attainments he exhibit
ed great proficiency in all that applicable to
his public duties, while his taste for polite accom-
plishments kept his mind in the steady pursuit of
all that adorns the gentleman and scholar.
His official urbanity warmly attached all who
associated with him, or placed under his COM
mand. His friends were numerous, and deeply
feel his early loss.
His gallantry and scientific labors are before the
country; he loved his duty and steadily per-
formed it.
A meeting Of his brother officers has been held
appropriate resolutions passed, and n monument
will be erected to his memory in the Congressional
burying ground. w. B.