Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1862-03-22
Death of General Lander.

The telegraph brings the melancholy intel,
ligeDce, this morning, that Brigsder Geperal
w Lander, the fearless soldier, the btavest
Of the brave, died yesterday in camp OF iau
Pan, Western VirgiDis, from the effect of his
wound received in the affair at Edwards
Ferry. There is no officer 10 the army whose
loss could cause a more profound and universal
sorrow than that Of General Lander. He
was Beloved and trusted in the highest
degree by bis own command +; while bis
character and career, as well as his actions
since the war began, led the whole country TO
look upon him as the very beau ideal Of an
American soldier and as mao from whom
great and heroic things were to be expected
as the war progressed.
Gen. Lander was q native of Salem, Mase.,
and belonged to family eminent for genius
| and enterprise. lie was not graduate OF
any military academy, but was engaged 10
civil life up to the time of the breaking out Of
the present war 10 1859 and 1860 he was
the Superintendent OF the Overland Wagon
Road 10 California, and carried on bis opera.
tons on the great plains with extraordinary
energy aud skill. In this work be was greatly
molested by the Indians and he got up an
expedition against the savages, which resulted
10 their complete paci6catioD, and 10 which
be himself displayed the highest qualities OF
coolness aud courage. What our infantry,
with their discipline and steel could not
accomplish, Lander schieved-tbe entire
subjugaiion of the Indians Of that section,
and their obedience TO the Government.
Two years ago, he was brought prominently
before the public, as the second OF Potter, Of
| Wisconsin, in the celebrated bowie knife
challenge to Pryor. of Virginia. Immediately
after that affair, be went to California but
| l. -, taI.o j.,
the civil conflict just opening. He was
assigned to position under Gen. Mcclellan,
in Western Virginia, aud in the valious
J 0ashing engagements there he was personally
daring TO degree that could not be surpassed.
At the battle o: Rich Mountain, be rode
! fifteen feet ahead OF bis men and though, us
soon as the enemy discovered him, a shower
OF bullets we're poured at him, it made no
impress on whatever on the GOODNESS Of the
dorlDB soldier. Al the gallant affair last
! FALL OF Edwards Ferry, at which be was
commander, he was wounded by u bullet in the
leg, and the wound was Of so severe o psture,
that it laid him up for some time, and finally
has brought him to the grave.
For his skill and gallautry in the various
actions he was created Brigadier General {;
and when the health of General Kelly, who
commanded at Ronney 10 Western Virginia,
! failed, he was assigned to that important
commend. The rebels under Jackson we're
within bis jurisdiction, aud be ut once com
menced operations with the view OF drving
them out. From various causes he was
somewhat hindered in carrying ont bis pro.
grumme, and when the rebels advanced on
RomDey month ago, be was compelled
temporarily to retire. These things together
with bis falling health, induced him to tender
bis resignation to the President, but it was
not accepted lie then began work in earnest,
drove the rebels from Romney and other
positions, and on the l4tb ult., announced in
his official report that all the rebels bad been
driven out of his department. The gallant
and memorable Gght at Bloomery Gap occur
red on that day and on this dash General
Lander acted with his usual daring. On the
failure of an officer promptly TO obey, be
himself galloped forward, sword iu hand, and
led the half dozen men 10 the officers charge,
on company Of the enemy, and routed it.
! living flushed his work iD his Department
be again claimed a release from the President,
but did not get it until finally released from
all work Sy death.
General Lauder's widow was formerly and
honorGbly known 10 dramatic circles as Miss
! Davenport and the celebrated sculptor,
Miss Louisa Lander, is his sister. lie was
about 40 years of oge at the time of his
decease and up TO the time of his wound. oil
his physical, as well as mental faculties, were
10 the highest condition. In person be was
tall, stalwart, graceful aud proud, and, mount
ed on his chs.ger and in his tue military
costume, be looked like knight of the olden
times. 10 his loss, the country loses one ol
its best men aud soldiers. and the tears oi
his command aud the nation, follow him TO
the grave,