Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-10-26
The Late Col. Mason.

The announcement of the death, in this city,
of James L. Mason, captain of engineers and
brevet lieutenant colonel in the army, is one
which viii carry regret not only to all those who
have been his companions in arms, but to every
citizen Of the country who appreciates the use
full man, the brilliant talent and the daring gal
lantry which characterized distinguished and
chivalrous soldier. Colonel Mason began his
military life in 1882, at the early age Of four.
teen, as cadet Of the academy. The conf
dence of his friends in his boyish ability and
promise was very great, and he well supported
it! He at once took the head of his class, and
was graduated in 1886 with distinguished
honots, an officer of the corps of engineers
Many years afterward, other boys used to talk
Of Mason's brilliant career in his Glasses. He
served with credit on several important works.
passing through the grades of second and first
lieutenant, and attaining that of captain of en-
gineers about the time that the Mexican war
opened larger field for his abilities. Joining
the army under command of General Scott, he
was distinguished in common with his comrades
at the siege Of Vera Cruz, and afterwards, at
tached to Worth's division, he took an active
and prominent part in that eventfM campaign,
contributing to its successful issue no less by
his professional skill than his daring gallantry.
Before Molino del Rey he executed one Of the
most brilliant and dashing reconnoisances of
the war, and was detailed to lead the storming
party of that terrible day.
Few events of the military history of the
country are more striking than the attack of the
forlorn hope at Moline. The fate of the brave
column, literally swept away by an overwhelm-
ing fire Of the enemy, is well known, and Capt.
Mason was among the severely wounded. At
the close of the war be received the grades of
brevet major and brevet ieutenant-colonel,
and ut once took charge Of several important
works. AT the last session Of Congress, large
sum was appropriated for the defence of San
Francisco and Colonel Mason was selected as
member Of the Pacific Board Of Engineers.
Upon the appointment Of Colonel Mansfield to
the Office Of Inspector General, he was placed
in charge of the important work to be erected
on Fort Point, and became the presiding officer
of the board. During his passage out in July,
he contracted .ac p..aama .aver, anu alter
lingering illness fnearly two months, he died on
Monday, the 9Th inst Colonel Mason was in
his 35th year at the time OF his death. He has
gone from amongst us in the strength OF his
manhood, and at Q time when he was just en-
tering upon large field Of usefulness That
his friends loved him, is the least to be told
but whether they loved him most or admired
him most, is hard to say. 10 his extraordinary
genius and requirements he united a kindly
and winning manner, and while the people may
well regret in him faithful and jealous ser.
want, the army, and especially his corps will
long remember his name with mourntul pride,
as that of gallant soldier, and heightened
and accomplished gentleman.--San francisco
Herald, Sept 16.