Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1860-11-16
Deat1, OF Capt. Gee. McLane.

Death of Capt. Geo. McLaRe.
The last mail from. the Territory of New
Mexico brings us the melancholy tidings Of
the death Of Capt. Geo McLane, U. S. Ar
my He was killed in an engagement with
the NavaJoe Indians, at what time or place the
telegraphlc dispatch does not state. He was
son of the Hon Louis McLane, once u.
5. Senator from the State Of Maryland, and
brother Of the Hon. r. NJ. McLane, pres
ent Minister to Mexico
We knew Capt McLane we'll Our ac-
qualntance with him was formed under pecu-
lar, as well as dangerous circumstances.
While acting in the capacity of Indian A
gent IN New Mexico, q difficulty sprang up
between this same tribe and the United
States troops. We were ordered to Fo. t
Dehance-the centre Of the range Of these
lndians-and it so happened that we fell in
with the escort Of Capt. McLane, number
ing l0 American soldiers and 80 Mexican
spies and guides. After travelling three or
four days, We came within SO miles Of the
Fort. Capt McLane and ourself, with
soldiers and Is guides, rode of at a rapid
gallop about half mile, to examine mag
nlticent Canyon, at the head of which was a
beautiful, sparkling, gushing stream, called
OJo del Osa, or Bear Spring, which is about
. miles on the western slope Of the great d.
vide between the Atlantic and Pacific Oce-
ans. When about the centre Of the Can
yo's-125 yards on either side, and 800
yards from the head---we were saluted by
the most terrific yell that ever fell upon
''ears polite" that thrilling, ringing chill
ing war whoop, which, trembling quivering
upon the air, penetrates with sharpness
that almost stuns the whole nervous sys-
tem-and up sprang, it seemed to US, a
thousand naked savages, (but in reality not
more than 200, who, yelling and dancing,
and slapping their breasts and sides, invited
us by gesture and menace to a conflict, a.
the same time sending greeting volley Of
arrows that seemed almost to darken the
heavens. The Americans, with the excep-
ton Of ourself, instantly dismounted- 1.-the
Mexicans remaining on horseback. The
fight commenced, and bravely did our gal
liant few let fly with fatal effect the leaden
messengers Of death. The Indians in front
800 yards invited our fires by dancing be-
fore us, thinking they were out Of the range
Of our shots. But in this they were mista-
ken, for the Minnie rife is fatal at one thou
sand yards. While those in front held out
the bait for the ambush, on either side, at
l20 yards distance, were secreted those who
were to close in and do execution. The, to
them, miraculous power Of our guns, and
the precision with which they were used,
saved US from the hand to hand conflict and
drove them to the woods. Capt McLane
had just sent red skin to the great hunt
ing ground, when we espied another on his
left with ride aiming deadly shot at him.
We called his attention, in warning voice,
to the fact, but be, bent on his game in
front, disregarded il. BY this time We had
dismounted, our position on horseback hav-
ing attracted nearer TO our corporal man
than was agreeable several leaden son gstess,
which went whistling BY our ears.
We had scarcely gotten from the saddle
ere we heard she sharp crack ofthe Indians
rifle, saw Capt. McLane clap bis hand to his
side, and reel some fifteen feet, when we
caught him. We asked whether he was
hurt. He responded that he was shot
through the stomach, but thought he conld
ride to the wagon. He was placed upoE
bis horse, and supported BY two faithful
soldiers, was taken to the wagon, heaving
all the way, which We considered fatal in
dication. The rest of us remained in the
rear, Except the Mezicans, who having an
eye to business as well as pleasure, had
dashed off IN every direction to stampede
and bring into camp the horses Of the Indi-
ans, thirty five Of which they secured, } to
JIVttCb tHC 4CtiCdI, WHiCu we ala atll1uSG
yolley of arrows, that fell harmless 20 yards
from us. When arrived at the wagon, as
comfortable pallet as could be made I'M
der the circumstances was arranged, and
the Captain placed upon it. The first thing
he remarked was, "Yost, I have been an
honest and true man. Tell my wife Idied
bravely. ellis wife was then in Baltimore,
the native place Of both } Give her my
watch and these, (taking from his sleeves
and shirt his gold buttons, J and my purse !"
We saw the blood was oozing from his right
side We felt his pulse, and found it strong
and healthy, but little excited, and sus-
peeting that the wound might possibly be
less fatal than we had anticipated, we told
him we would examinei.. On opening his
shirt, we found that the ball had struck him
just as he was turning to get cartridge
from man behind him, and had entered
Immediately below the right nipple, and
ranging around the rib about two and half
inches, came out. His first Sergeant saw
it, and exclaimed, "Oh Captain, it is an
elegant wound" The Captain smiled, and
expressing his qualification at the result of
the examination, proposed that we should
all join him in glass of El Passo wine,
which We did, That night we travelled SO
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