The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1855-11-01
SKETCH OF The LIFE AND SER.
VICES OF DIR. KANE.


Kane, now that he is before the world in
more conspicuous position than he has ever
occupied before. He was born in PhiladeI-
phia, on the Sd of February, 1922, SO that he
is at present abou, thirty-,hree years old. In
ls43 he graduated, after seven years
course OF studies, at the Pennsylvania Medi-
cal University, and soon after he en-, cred the
United States navy as assistant surgeon
While acting in this capacity he was appoint
ed as physician in the first embassy TO China
from this county His naturally adventurous
disposition led him 10 project visit TO the
interior, but the difficulties were SO numer-
GUS that he could not accomplish bis purpose
as fully as he desired. He, however, sue
ceeded in travelling over large section of
the country, and before his return he visited
the Philippines, Ceylon and other islands in
that region, and even succeeded in penetra-
ting into the interior of India, his travels
though which were full of adventures and
perils; but perils TO man of Doctor Kaue's
temperament appear only TO have the effect
of making them more attractive. While in
India, he descended the crater of the TaeI of
Lerzon, suspended by bamboo rope from
projecting crag which hovered above the
interior scorla and debris, over two hundred
feet. This act of daring nearly cost him his
life, for the natives regarded it as a sacrle-
gious act, which could only be efIaced by
The death OF the suspicious offender Doctor
Kane, however, eluded their pious vengeance,
and afterwards went to the Sandwich Islands
with the celebrated Baron Lee, of Prussia,
where he was attacked by whole tribe of
the savage inhabitants of those Islands,
Against these he successfully defended him
self but the hardships he and his compan-
ion subsequently underwent were more than
the letter could endure, and he sunk under
them. DR.. Kane alone passed over to Egypt,
assembled the Nile as far as the confines OF
Nubia, and remained during whole season
among the ruins of ancient Egypt, 10 anti
quaran research. Leaving Egyp:, he visit.
ed Greece next, which he traversed on foot,
returning 10 the United States in 1s46. When
he arrived his love of adventure would not
allow him 20 remain inactive, and he appl-
ed, almost Immediately after his return, 10
the government for a commission 10 Mexico.
Failing to obtain this, he accepted an ap-
poiulment on board OF United States vessel,
bound TO the African coast. Arriving there,
he could not resist the temptation TO see the
slave mar:s OF Whydah, but was met on his
journey by that terrible enemy of the white
man, the African fever. He was brought
home in a state of extreme i'll health and
emaciation but although almost unable 10
move, lie made his way TO Washington, from
Philadelphia against the earnest entreaties of
his family, presented himself with shaven
head and tottering limbs 10 President Polk,
and demauded what had been before refused
10 him, commission 10 Mexico. The Pres
idenl could not deny his request, and enlrus-
ted him with important dispatches for the
Commahder.in-C Chief, General Scott. He
was given as an escort through Mexico the
notorious company of Colonel Dominguez,
who started with him at Vera Cruz As they
were approaching Nopalues near Puebla,
they were informed by Mexican that a
large body of Mexican soldiers were on their
way TO intercept them, and at that time were
but short distance of. Dominguez refus-
ed 10 proceed airy further, and was about re-
treating, when DR.. Kane commanded him 10
remain with him, threatening the vengeance
OF his government If his company should
leave him. Having succeeded in prevent
ing him from tdrnIng bis back upon the en-
emy, he finally induced him to attack them.
Placing himself al the head of his escort,
Dr.. Kane took advantage OF raising ground
to sweep down upon The Mexcans, who
were then thrown into confusion by the in.
trepidily OF his charge. Ralying, however,
they made stout resistance, and il was not
until after severe sklrmish that they were
defeated, and the principal part of them ia
ken prisoners. These consisted of a number
of distinguished officers 10 the Mexican ar
my, who were on their way to join their
Sothmahocis huobS thCm was acu' AutIc-
jon, who led The cavalry at Buena Vista, and
Major General Antonio Gaopa and his son.
The latter was dangerously wounded by DR..
Kane, who, in personal encounter, ran him
through The body with his sword. When ths
skirmish was over, The Doctor, finding that
bis antagonist was seriously injured had re-
course 10 his surgical skill TO save his life,
and The result proved that ii was of no ordi-
nary character. With no other instrument
than the ben! prong of fork aud piece of
packlhread, he tied up an artery from which
the life Of the young soldier was fast ebbing,
and placed him in condition that he could
be conveyed safslyto Puebla. No sooner,
however, had he concluded this humane act,
than he was informed by young Gaona that
he overheard Dominguez say he would take
The life OF his father, because he bad, at one
time, put him in prison. Or. Kane instantly
interfered, placed himself between his escort
and his prisoners, and threatened TO shoot
the first man who attempted the life of Ma
ior Gaona Dominpuez became iRf1riated,