The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1853-10-23
From The Providence Post, oet. 70.
The Late Col. Mason.

The Late Col Mason.
The death of It. Col. James l.. Mason who deceased
at San francisco the fifth day OF September has car.
rlcd deep affection TO the hearts OF his relatives and
many friends and is calamity the public service and
to his country. Men of the capacity, cultivation, spirit
and efficiency Of this lamented officer are not easily
placed in the army and his departure the more to be
amened as he had not only attained high point OF use.
alnets bst held out the greatest promise of increasing
eminence and fame r.& g8
Mr.. Mason was the Oldest son of the late Major Milo
Mason, OF the army and born Providence in 1917
On his mothers side he was OF French descent; her
father having been an emigrant from France. AT an
early age Mr. Mason entered a cadet at West
Point Academy and graduated with the highest honors
He was accordingly assigned TO the highest branch Of
the vice. the corps OF engineers and entered upon his
duties with the energy, ador, and industry by which he
was characterized. He was placed on duty at Fori
Adams, Newport, and at various other places, in the
work of foryng the board; and his talents and
dusry, and their result such as 10 elicit the COM
mendaon OF his superior officers. and the marked appro-
baton of the Department Of War;
At the breaking out Of the with Mexico he a
captain OF engineers, and at its close for metorous
vices beld the rank of lieutenant colonel by brevet The
greater honors of the war; OF course fell 10 the share OF
older officers; but Col Mason distinguished himself by
his skill and his in daring in such
manner to command the hearty applause of his So
perior officers. especially Of his immediate com
mander. the gallant Gen. Worth. AT the murderous
and alas the Unnecessary conflict before the walls OF
Molino del Rsy, in which Coils Martin, Scott Mcintosh,
and many other brave officers and were killed.
Col. Mason was severely wounded by musket ball
Returning with honorable distinction and with high
rank for young the conclusion of the war; he
resumed the duties OF his corps and after having been
employed with others in devsnE the best plan of carry
ing out the system of national Notifications and after
peIinendng the erection of works in Georgia, he
appointed by the present Secretary of War the respon
sbe and honorable post OF orfyng the harbo Of San
Francisco and other important points on the Pacific coast
He proceeded with aacry ON bis mission, by way
OF Panama. where he contracted the seeds OF death in
that pestilentia climate which has proved fatal
many passengers The fever of the climate developed
itself on the passage from Panama San Francisco, and
after lingering several weeks be died. at the early age of
SO years.
Col Mason was of the number who compose the flow
and hope OF army-one OF those who were looked
upon the OF the eminent marked out
by talents and character lead it He had
the qualities, the marks and bearing of the true soldier
He was the master of his profession in principles and de-
tails familiar with its history and with the lives of It's
grea, captains. and jealous for it's honor and just est
nation by the people OF free country, where the mill
ary are not the agents OF the government, but the de-
tenders OF the peoples rights. COL Mason not only
well versed in military affairs. but in The history and op
eraons OF political government He was at home in all
the questions that have arisen under the national and
State governments and had clear and statesmanlike
vie of the development and progress OF our American
OF the elements OF its prosperity and its dan
gers and OF the duties OF the true citizen and patriot
All those who had the pleasure Of his acquaintance
struck with the extent and value OF his nfomaon and
with his decisive ability and promptness. To the
age oil soldier he added the courtesy OF accom-
plished gentleman and the attractive qualities of
es, friend. In his political relations be warm
hearted democrat and took strong interest in the Rhode
Island cause OF ls42 reprobatiAg the dishonorabe
intended for the army by the administration of that day.
in converting into police force 10 aid in coercing the
people OF a sovereign State, and in depriving them OF
their inheritance OF equal rights under constitution OF
their own choice.
Such is brief deneation OF the life and character
of an excellent soldier and citizen, whose death is
mourned and whose professional and personal qualities
will long be cherished in the hearts of many friends. OF
wha. he was they painfully reminded by his loss OF
what he nigh, have been they assured by the ,es
mony of his life. With his military genius, scientific
kno wledge promp, efficiency. quick eye Tor combination
and effect pened experience. and general fitness for
soldiers duties. it is exaSgeration TO say that time
and opportunity only were wanted to open the way fo
him. to emnence in the front line OF American COM
manders When Mr. Pitt, passing by the older officers
of the army. who had acquired age without s maur.
ty conferred on the youthful ardent and enterprisng
Wolfe The command of the forces which conquered Que
bee and completed the conquest OF Canada be exercised
a discriminating judgment which the event completely
justified Men like Wolfe adorn the service OF
army, and prompted by estimating person
al regard in saying that Mason was one OF them.
Net long before his death, in the spirit OF military
brother hood and without reference to hlmself be pub
Iished in the Democratic Review able and interesting
memoir of the gallant and lamcnted COL James Duncan
OF the artillery, who also distinguished himself in the
Mexican war; and died after its conclusion while occs
pying the Office OF Inspector general Of the army In re-
calling 10 mind that work Of friendship is confidently
that some competent to the task at an ear
Iy day. will perform the act OF justice TO the sub
jeci of this article
Col Mason has left an only child, son, bearing the
name Of Duncan May he live TO do honor to his father
and his fathers friend
CATTLE SHOW or THE AMERICAN IEsTrTUTE,-The
annual exhibition OF cattle and farming stock COM
menced on Wednesday in Hamilton sqaae. which, when
all the have been completed. will doubtless
be decided Improvement the last annual display.
Some exhibitors have sent many sixty bead OF cat