The true Democrat., 1857-03-10
Death of Dr. Kane.

to Philad elphia there to be deposited in their last cart y abiding place. The life of Dr. Kane Is familiar to many and his name is just ly regarded the synonym of true greatness with all enlightened men. His memory will be honored and cherished for many days hence. In the New York Day Book of the Fist ult., we find the following brief sketch of his life:
 Elisha Kent Kane was born in Philadelphia, on the Sd of February, 1922, so that he is at present little over thirty-fve years of age.- In 1843 he graduated, after seven years course of studies, at the Pennsylvania Medical University, and soon after he entered the U. s. navy as assistant surgeon. While acting in this capacity he was appointed as physician in the first embassy to China from this country. dis naturally adventurous disposition led him to project visit to the interior, but the diffi- cultes were so numerous that he could not &C., complish his purpose as fully as he desred.-- He, however, succeeded i'll travelling over large section of the country; and before his re- turn he had visited the Philippines, Ceylon and other Islands in that region, and even succeeded Tn penetrating into the interior of India, his travels through which were full of adventures and perlls; but perls to man of Kanes tenn perament appear orly to have the effect of mak- lnS hem more attractive. While in India, he descended the crater of the Tael of Lerzon. s,ls- pended 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 regarded 1t as sacrilegious act, which could only be effaced by the death of the suspicious offender. Dr. Kane, however eluded their pious vengeance, and afterwards wsnt to the = and xvlph Islands vpith fha cala abrat tod Loe, of Prussia, where he was attacked by a whole tribe of the savage inhabitants of those islands. Against these hesuccessfully defend ed himself; but tue hardships he and his con- panlon subsequently, underwent were more than the latter could endure, and he sunk under them. Dr. Kane alone passed over to Egypt, ascended the Nile as far as the confines of Nubi, and remained during whole season among the ruins of ancient Egypt, in antiquarian research. Leaving Egypt, he visited Greece next, which he traversed on foot, returning to the United States in 1846. When he arrived his love of adventure would not allow him to remain inac- tive, and he applied, almost immediately after his return, to the government, for commission to Mexico Failing to obtain this, he accepted an appointment Cn board of United States vessel, bound to the African coast Arriving there, he could not resist the temptation to see the slave marts of Whydah, but was met in his journey by that terrible enemy of the white man, the African fever. He was brought home in state of extreme ill l-health and cancellation: but although almost unable to move, he made his way to Washington, from Philadelphia, against the earnest wish of his family, present. ed himself with shaven head and totteriug limbs to President Polk, and demanded what had before been refused him, a commission to Mexico. The President could not deny his request, and entrusted him with important de- spatches for the Commandments Chief, General Scott lie was given as an escort through Nexlco the notorious company of Colonel Do- mlnguez, who started with him from Vera Cruz. As they were approaching Nopauca, near Pue- bla, they were informed by Mexican that large body of Mexican soldiers were on their way to intercept them, and at that time were put snort distance of. Dominguez refused to proceed any further, and was about retreating, when Dr. Kane commanded him to remain with him, threatening the vengeance of his goyern- ment if his company should leave him. Hav- ing succeeded in preventing him from turning hs back on the enemy he finally induced him to attack them. Placing himself at the head of his escort, Dr. Kane took advantane of a rising ground to sweep down upon the Mexi-
 
 the intrepidity of his charge Rallyng how ever, they made.a 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 number of dis tlnSuished officers in the Mexican army who were on their way to join their commander- Among them was General Torreion, who led the cavalry at Buena Vista, and Major Gene rai Antonio GaOna and his son. The latter was dangerously wounded by Doctor Kane, who, m personal encounter, ran him through the body with his sword. When the skirmsh was over, the Doctor, finding that his antagonist was seriously injured had recourse to his surgi- cal skill to save his life and the result proved that It was of no ordinary character. With no other instrument than the bent prong of fork and piece of packthread, he tied up an artery rom which the life of the young soldier was last ebblng, and placed him in a condition that he could be conveyed safely to PuebaE 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 had, at one time, put him in prison. Dr. Kane instant y interfered, placed himself between his es rort and his prisoners, and threatened to shoot the hrst man who attempted the life of Major Gaona.
 Domlnguez became infuriated, ordered his men to charge; but the first man of the con- pany, named Pallaseoz, fell before the fire of Dr. hane, who piled his revolver with fatal enec, upon all who came within its reach "lth severe lance wound in his thigh, he managed to Keep them at bay, and saved his prisoners from their fury until he arrived in Puebla, where they were placed under the charUe of t,pl Chil1s h. E,,o were very serious, was detained here for many days, during which he was attended and nurs- ed with the most tender care by the family of Major Gaona
 On the return of peace he was assigned to the Coast Survey, under Professor Bache. and was at work in the Gulf of Mexico when the llberal'ty of Mir. Grinnell stimulated the gov- ernment of the United States to the first Amer ican expedition in search of Sir J ohn Franklin Dr. Kane immediately volunteered his services, and was accepted as the Senior Surgeon of the | Squadron. His "Personal Narrative" of this cruise was published in 1852.
 Scarcely had Dr. Kane completed for the press the results of his first adventures in the Arctic regions, before he planned another expe- dltlon. He gave several lectures in this and other cites upon the observations he had made durng hls hrst voyage, and the theory he had formed of the existence of an Open Polar Sea beyond the barriers of glaciers and icebergs which seemed to bid defiance to the power of man to penetrate. The interest stimulated in the subject attracted public attention, and by the assistance of Henry Grinnel, Esq, new expedition was set on foot. It departed from New York, on the 3Lst day of May, 1853, and more than two years elapsed before the party returned home. The result of it is now before the public. The remarkable discoveries it re. cords has not only placed the name of Dr. Kane hrst among Arctic explorers, but it has contribu. .eu to the honor and fame of our country. Ii tpe intrepid commander, who conducted the heroic adventures safely through their almos, fatal encounters with Arctic dangers. shall fall victim to his dauntless devotion to scientific investigation, his memory will certainly ever De cherished in greateful remembrance by his admirng countrymen.