Arkansas intelligencer., 1857-03-20
Death e DR.. Rane.


last earthly abiding place. The life of DR..
Kane is familiar 70 many and bis name is Just
ly regarded the synonym Of true greatness
with all enlightened men. His memory will
be honored aud cherished for many days
hence. In the New York Day Book Of the
2lst ult-, we find the following brief sketch
of his life:
Elisha Kent Kane was born in Philadel-
phia, on the Sd of February, 1922, so tha, he
Is at present little over thirty five years of
age. In lS43 he graduated, after seven
years course OF studies, at the Pennsylvania
Medical University, and soou after be entered
the Y. ). navy as assistant surgeon While
acting in this capacity he was appointed as
physician in the first embassy to China from
this country. His naturally adventurous dis
position led him to project visit to the in
terror, but the difficulties were so numerous
that he could not accomplish his purpose as
fully as he desired. He, however, succeeded
IN travelling over large section of the coun-
try; and before his return he visited the Phi
lppines, Ceylon and other islands in that re-
gion, aud even succeeded in penetrating into
the interior of India, his travels through which
were iuii OF adventures and perils; but perils
to man OF kane's temperament appear only
to have the effect of making them more at
tractive. While in India, he descended the
crater Of the Tael of Lerzon, suspended by
bamboo rope from projecting crag which
lowered above the interior scoria and debris.
over two hundred feet. This act of daring
nearly cost him his life, for the natives re.
,yar IsH n
only be etfaced by the death of the suspicious
offender. Or. Kane, however, eluded their
pious vengeance, and afterwards went to the
Sandwich Islands with the celebrated Baron
Loe, of Prussia, where he was attracted by a
whole tribe of the savage inhabitants of those
islands. Against these he successfully de-
Tended himself; but the hardships he and his
companion subsequently underwent were more
than the latter could endure, and he sunk un-
der them. DR.. Kane alone passed over to
Egypt, assembled the Nile, as far as the con
fines of Nubi, and remained during a whole
season among the ruins Of ancient Egypt. in
antiquarian research. Leaving Egypt, he ,is-
tied Greece next, which he traversed on foot
returning to the United States in 1876
When arrived his love of adventure would
not allow him to remain inactive, and he ap-
piled, almost immedIately y after his return. to
the government, for a commission to Mexico.
Failing to obtain this, be accepted an appoint
ment on BOARD of United States vessel,
bound to the African coast Arriving there.
ne Gould not resist the temptation TO see the
slave marts of Why'd but was met in his
journey by that terrible enemy Of the white
man, the Afr lean fever. He was brought
nome IN state OF extrsme i-heaIth and EN-.
aciation; but although almost unable to move,
he made his way TO Washington, frou, Phil
adeiphia, against the earnest wish of his fami-
~, presented himself with shaven head and
tottenng limbs to President Polk, and de-
manded what had been before refused him. a
commission to Mexico. The President could
not deny his request and entrusted him with
important dispatches for the commander in
chief, General Scott. He was given as an
escort through Mexico the notorious COMPANY
OF Col. Dominique, who started with him from
Vera Cruz. As they were approaching No
poluca, near Puebls, they were informed bv
Mexican that a large body of Mexican sol
diers were on their way to intercept them.
and at that time were but a short distance
of. Domlnguez refused to proceed any fur
thef, and was about retreatiny, when DIR. Kane
commanded him To remain with him, threat
ennS the vengeance OF his government if his
company should leave him. Having succeed
ed 10 preventing him from turning his back
on the enemy he finally induced him to at
tack them. Placing himself at the head of
his escort, DIR. Kane took advantage of ris.
lnS ground to sweep down upon the Mexcan,.
who we're then thrown into confusion bv the
'ntrcpidity of his charge. Rallying, however,
they made stout resistance, and it was not
until after severe skirmish that they were
defeated, and the principal part of them taken
PRISONERS. They consisted Of a number of dis
ungushed officers in the Mexican army, who
were on their way to join their commander.
Among them was General Torrejon, who led
the cavalry at Bunea Vista, and Major Gene
raj Antonio Gaona and his son. The latter
was dangerously wounded by DIR. Kane, who,
IN IA personal encounter, ran him through the
body with his sword. When the skirmisb
was over, the Dr. finding that his Antagonist
was seriously injured, had recourse to his sur
Sieal skill to save his life, and the result prov
ed that 1t was Of no ordinary character
with no other instrument than the bent prong
OF fork and piece of packthread he tied
up an artery from which the life Of the young
soldier was fast ebbing, and placed him in a
condition that he could be conveyed safely to
Puebla. No sooner, however, had he con-
ciuded this humane act, than he was inform
ed by young Gaona that he overheard DO
minguez say he would take the life of his IA
ther' because he had, at one time put him in
prison. DIR. Kane instantly interferred. nlac.
ed himself between his escort and his prison.
ers, and threatened to shoot the first man who
attempted the life of Major Gaona.
" Dominguez became infuriated, ordered his
men to charge; but the first man of the compa-
ny, named Pallaseoz, FELL before the fire of
DR.. Kane, who Piled his revolver with fatal
eject upon allwho came within its reach
" 'th severe lance wound in his thigh, he
managed TO keep them at bay, and saved his
prisoners from their fury until ne arrived in
Puebla, where they were placed under the
charge OF Col. Childs. Dr. Kane, whose
wounds were very seriods, was detained here