Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1860-11-29
THE DEATH OF CAPT. McLANE OF THE ARMY

THE DEATH OF CAPT. McIANE OF THE ARMY
AFFECTING INCIDENTS.
Capt George MeLane Of the U. 5. Army, whose death
at the hands OF the hostile Navsjo Indians n New Mexi
co we announced few days ago was Baltimorean,and
brother of the Hon RO. NJ hrLane U. 5. Minister TO
Mexico. S N. Yos ESQ, editor Of the Staun;ou (va)
VIdicatOr who was ludian Agent in New Mexico a Few
years ago relates the circumstances under which he oTm
ed the acquaintance Of Capt McLane in that far distant
territory, As follows:
We we're ordered to Fort d fance the centre Of the
range Of these Indians aud il happened that We fell
in with the OF Capt AcIAne numbering 10 Anne
rcan soldiers and 30 Mexican spies and guides, After
travelling three four days came vi hn 80 miles OF
the fort. Capt McLane aad ourse with soldiers and
6 guides rode of at rapid galloPSbOut bali mile TO
examine magnificent Canyon, at the head OF which
was beautiful sparkling, gushing stream called Oo del
Osa or Bear Spring. which IS about miles on the west
ern slope OF the great divide between the Atlantic and
Pacific oceans When about the centre of the Canyon
l25 Yards on C side and $40 yards from the head
we we're sauted by the terrific yell that ever fell
upon ears polile'-tha thrilling ringing, chilling war
whoop which, trembling, qriyerirg upon the air, pene'
traes with sharpness that almost stuns the whole ner-
system-Snd up sprang it seemed to u.s. thousand
naked sAvages (but in reality no. more than two hun
dred) who, yelling aud dancing, aud shpplug their
breasts and sides Invited by gesture and menace to
conflict at the time sending greeting volley Of
arrows that seemed almost to dsken the heavens The
Americans with the exception Of Ourse instantly dis
mounted--the Aezicans remaining on hOrs, back.
The fight commenced, aud brayely did our gallant few
let y with fatal effect the lcaden messengers Of DEATH
The Indians in 'front.' three hundred yards, iiyedjur
fire by dancing before US thinking they out of the
range of our shots But in this they mistaken for
the Minnie rifle is fatal at one thousand yards. While
those in front held the bait for the ambush either
side at one hundred aud twenty-five yards distance,
we're ecreted those who to close in and do
ton The ito hem) miraculous power OF our guns, and
the precision with which they used saved US from
the hand to hand couctand drove them into the woods
Cap. McLAne had Just sent red skin 10 the great hun
ting ground when esped another on his leil With
ride aiming a deadly shot at him. We called his atten
ton in warning voice. 10 the fact but he, bent on his
game in 'front.' disregarded it. By this tine had dis
mounted our position on horseback having attracted
nearer 70 corporal man than agreeable seye
raj eaden sOngsters which went Whstng by our ears.
We had scarcely gotten from the saddle ere We heard
the sharp crack Of the Indilns rifle Capt. McLane
clap his hand his side and reel fifteen feet when
we caught him. We asked whether he was hurt BE
responded that he shot through the stomach, but
thought that he could ride TO the wagon He placed
upon his horse and supported by two faithful soldiers
was taken the wagon heaying all the way, which We
considered fatal indication. The rest Of remained
in the rear Except the Aexcans who having an eye TO
business well pleasure had dashed ci in every di
reeon TO stampede and bring into camp the horses OF
the Indians thrtyfve of which they securely to pro-
ect the retreat which did amidst voly Of arrows
which fell harmless twenty yards from us.
When arrived at the wagon, comfortable pallet as
could be made under the circumstance arranged,
and the captain placed upon it, The first thing be re-
marked was IOst have been an honest and true man.
Tell my wife died bravely ills wife then in Bal
timore the native place OF both) Give her my watch
aud these taking from his sleeves and shirt bis gold
buttops) and my purse We the blood was oozing
from bis right side We felt his pulse, and found it
strong and healthy but little excited and suspecting
that the wound might possibly be less fatal than
ticipated We told him would examine it. On open
ing his shirt found that the ball had struck him Just
as he was turning to get cartridge from behind
him. and entered Immediately below the right nipple, and
ranging around the lib about two and a half inches
| came out.
His FIRST sergeant it, and exclaimed "0h Captain
il is an elegant wound" The captain smiled, and
pressing his qualification at the result of the examna
iiou proposed that should all join him in glass o
II PasO WDe which we did. That night travelled 90
miles to the fort where the news had gone before by
frightened soldier, that the captain dead. We mel
bis company about mile from the fort, coming 10 bring