Eastern times. [volume] (Bath, Me.) 1846-1857, 1856-01-31

dcated his natural drift chemistry and sur
gerry /; natural science in its most intimate con
verse with substance, and the remedial art in its
most heroic function. He went out from his
Alma Mater good classical scholar, good
chemist, mineralogist, astronomer, and sur
eeon. Bot he lacked, or thought he lacked,
robustness of frame and soundness Of health
He solicited an appointment in the havy, and
upon his admission, demanded active service
He was appointed upon the diplomatic staff as
surgeon to the first American Embassy to Chi
ma. This position gave him opportunity to ex-
plore the Philippine Islands, which he effec-
ted mainly on foot. He was the first man who
descended into the crater Of Tael lowered
more than hundred feet by bamboo rope
from the overhanging cliff, and clambering
down some seven hundred more through The
score, he made topog graphical sketch of the
interior of this great volcano. collected bottle
of sulphurous acid from Tie very mouth of The
crater and, although he was drawn up almost
senseless, he brought with him his portrait of
this hdeous cavern, and the specimens which
il afforded.
Before he returned from this trip, he had as
cended the Himalayas, and ,riang uated Greece,
on foot he had visited Ceylon, the Upper
Nile, and all the mytho!ogic region Of Egypt I;
traversing the route, and making the acquaint-
ance of his learned Lepsus, who was then
prosecuting his archaeological researches.
At home again, when the Mexican war
broke ogt, he asked to be removed from the
Philadelphia Navy Yard to the field of more
congenial service but the government sent
him 10 the Coast of Africa Here he visited
the slave factories, from Cape Mount 10 the
river Bonny, and through the infamous Da
SonZa, got access 10 The baracoons of Daho-
honey, and contracted, besides, the Coast Fe-
YER, from the effects of which he has never en-
tirely recovered.
From Africa he returned before the close of
the Mexican war, and believing that his con-
stltuton was broken, and his health rapidly 60
ing, he called upon President Polk, and de-
manded an opportunity of service that might
crowd the little remnant Of his life with achieve
ments in keeping with his ambition the Pres
ident, just then embarrassed by temporary
non-intercourse with General Scott, charged
the Doctor with dispatches TO the General, OF
great moment and urgency, which must be car
ried through region occupied by the enemy.
This embassy was marked by an adventure SO
romantic, and SO Illustrative of the character OF
the man, that we are tempted TO deirl it,
On his way to the Gulf he secured horse in
Kentucky, such as knight errant would have
chosen for the companion and sharer of his ad
ventures. Landed at Vera Cruz, he asked for
an escort to convey him to the capital, but the
officer in command had no troopers to spare
he must wait, or he must accept, instead a
band of ruffian Mexicans, called the Spy Com.
pany, who had taken to the business of treason
and trickery for a livelihood. He accepted
them, and went forward. Near Puebla bis
troop encountered a body of Mexicans escor,ine
number oe distinguished officers 10 Orizaba
among whom were Major General Gaona
Gavernor of Puebla his son, Maximilian, and
General Torejnn, who commanded the brilian
charge Of horse at Buena Vista. The sur
prise was mutual, but the Spy Company hae
the advantage ofthe ground. AT the frsts in
stant of the discovery, and before the rascal:
fully comprehended their involvement, the Doc.
tor shouted in Spanish. Bravo the capita
adventure, Colonel, form your line for the
charge And down they went upon the en-.
emy Kane and his gallant Kentucky charger
ahead. Understanding the principle that sends
ta!luw-candle through plank, and that the
momentum Of buHy is its weight multiplied
| by its velocity, he dashed through The opposing
force, and turning to engage after breaking
their line, he found himself fairly surrounded
and two of the enemy giving him their specia
attention. One of these was disposed of in ar
instant by rearing his horse, who, with blow
of his fore foot, fioored his man and wheeling
suddenly, the Doctor gave the other a SWORD
wound, which opened the external lilac artery
and put him hofs de combat. This subject o
the Doctors military surgery was The young
Maximilian. The brief melee terminated with
cry from the Mexicans, I'VE. surrender >
Two of the officers made dash for an escape
tbs. Doctor pursued them. but soon gave up the
chase. When he returned, he found his ruff
ans preparing TO massacre the prisoners. As
he gallopped past the young officer whom he
had wounded, he heard him cry. 'Senor, save
my father A group Of the guerrilla guards
were dashing upon the Mexicans, huddled to-
| gether, with their lances in rest. He threw
himself before them-one of them transfxed
his horse, another gave him severe wound in
the groin. He killed the frst-lieutenant,
wounded the second lieutenant, and blew a
part of the colonel's beard off with the last
charge of his six-sEooter then graphing with
him, and using his fists, he brought the party
to terms. The lives Of the prisoners were
saved, and the Doctor received their swords
As soon as General Gaona could reach his son,
who lay at little distance from the scene Of
the last struggle. the Doctor found him sitting
by him, receiving his last adens. Shifting the
soldier and resuming the surgeon, he secured the