The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-17
Obituary..
DEATH OF GEN. WILLIAM GIBBS NJ NIELL.

DEATH OF GEN. WILLIAM GIBBS N NELL.
We we're panied yesterday to learn the death Of Gen.
William Gibbs Mcneil. We had the honor Of his per
sonal acquaintance. He native Of North Carroll
ma and graduate Of the West Point Military Academy
He soon after leaving the institution. devoted himself
mainly to the pursuits OF civil engineering in which he
soon distinguished himself. He ultimately became one
Of the most distinguished engineers the United States
produced His reputation led to responsible and
profitable engagements works Of internal improvement
in New England and the railroads built in that section
of the Union were planned and executed under his drec
tom and considering that the whole business was then
new in the United States they were among the very best
constructed and to this day their locations levels and
substantial structures bear evidence Of his genius and
solid requirements.
He was applied TO by the Emperor Of Russia to enter
the service of that country in the construction of rail
road from st. Petersburg to Moscow. lie declined to &C
ccp, but recommended distinguished engineer who had
been pupil Of his, the late and much lamented Maj
Whistler who repaired TO Russia and died there Other
civil engineers of high rank in the United States also
commenced their professional life under Gen. McNiel
His official opinion and estimates always carried great
weight and his advice often solicited as consulting
engineer, through his whole life. Our limits are too
brief present to go into details regarding the interest
ing facts Of his distinguished career which must be
reserved for more general biographical notice Under
the influence of aterng offers he was induced TO leave
New England and enter the service OF Virginia whose
works internal improvement were not so extensive and
tied Gen. McNielrs engagements and he returned to
New England about tho time Of the Dorr revolution in
Rhode Island. The law and order party, they called
themselves cast about for a military leader
They selected General NcNeilla eninently quail
fed 10 execute their orders lie conducted his military
movements that occasion with great caution and pru
dence and terminated the whole matter without blood
shed. He stated 10 that his main object was 70
bring the difficulties TO close without the efusion Of
blood.
After the restoration Of peace in Rhode Island he
appointed by Mr. Tyler Engineer OF the Navy Yard Book
..t.lf via Tho a that
PLACE which commenced by him, and had made con-
siderable progress, when he was removed by Mr. Polk.
Gen. Mcneil stanch Democrat and had cleo
toneercd for Mr. Polk, both being natives OF the same
State) but, account Of his commission in the Dorr
war The democrats of the Dorr school clamorous
for his removal aud Mr. Polk complied with their wishes
after the breaking out OF the Mexican war, Gen.
cNel repaired to Washington, and sought the appoint
Inent OF Brgadier General, for which no man IN the
Union better qualified II 10 believed that his appca-
cation wal backed by General Scott and other officers OF
high rank but il ras all to purpose; the Dorr
was again fatally urged against bis appointment and
think in this case. Mr. Poll very unjusty overlooked his
claims
General McNiel paid visit TO England in the spring
Of 1852 which il Is believed led to professional
engagements He web received in London and was
made member OF the Institute Of Civil Engineers. he
returned to The United States early last autumn. lie
after ailed again for England and only returned
the other day, in the steamship Atlantic
He had kind liberal, and noble heart and was al
ways ready 10 advise assist friend. and aid the
in all the relations OF ifc he man. Young eng
neers always found in him the kindest of friends. per
peyed in their work, tliwarted by difficult problems
lie aTays stood ready ogivc them aid and 10 instruct
them b. his benevolent advice. Such man, stricken
Gown 81 the prime Of life Is great loss, moi alone to his
amatle family bat 10 science and to the public at large