The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1866-07-06
Suicide Of Senator j. H. Lane--- Par
tiCuIarS of the Sad Occurrence.

Suicide Of Senator ]. H. Lane--- Par
tiCularS Of the Sad Occurrence.
Especial Dispatch to the Missouri Dem.l
LEAvENwoRTH, July 2.-General
Lane arrived here from st. Louis at
one o'clock P. M, on Friday last, ac-
companied by DIR. Stockton and Capt.
Williams, of st. Louis, and by Mrs.
Lane and daughter, who met him at
Kansas City, and went to the resi-
dence of his brother-in law, Mr.
Mccall, on the Government farm,
little outside Of the city. He was in
poor health, as he had been for some
time previous; his ailment seeming to
be mental rather than bodily. His
mind was in continual state of ex-
element, threatening him with par
alysis of the brain, or a total derange-
ment of the mental faculties. His
department and manner of conversa-
ton were such as to excite the great
est Apprehension of his friends, and
he himself intimated that he would
never recover. He told Mr.. McCall
on Saturday, that in case of his death
he desired his remains to be trans
mitted to Indiana for interment. He
also seemed to be conscious that he
might be led to attempt his own de-
struction, for he particularly y request
ed that his movements should be
closely watched. na8t
He had also asked the attending
physician on more than one occasion
to inform him of the easiest method
oe
duct and language were so peculiar as
to induce his friends to maintain a
strict surveillance of all his move
ments. He seemed to be in full pos
session of all his physical powers, but
the terrible conflict In his mind fore
boded a fearful disaster.
Last evening, soon after five o clock,
he expressed a desire to ride out.
Mr.. Mccall, and Capt. Adams, a
brother of Brevet Brigadier General
@. w. Adams, who is a son-in-law of
General Lane, at, once prepared con-
veyance and the three started.
During the progress of the ride, and
before the tragic occurrence, General
Lane alighted four times On frivolous
pretexts, and it is now supposed that
it was his intention upon each occa-
sion to shoot himself, but that his rea-
son was yet too firmly enthroned to
permit of the deed being accomplish
ed. Fort Leavenworth is sepa-
rated from the farm house by
one or more large fields, perhaps
mile in breadth, to which large gate
opens. Mr. Mccall alighted for the
purpose of opening the gate, and Gen
eral Lane also alighted and stepped to
the rear of the wagon, ostensibly to
perform very pressing duty. Draw
coat pocket, he exclaimed in loud
voice, Good bye, Mcp' and placing
the muzzle Of the pistol to his mouth
Immediately fred. He sprang up into
the air foot or more, and fell heavily
to the ground. When Gen. Lane
spoke his last words the gentlemen in
attendance screamed and rushed
towards him, but too late to prevent
the catastrophe. They fastened to
the Fort for physician, and return
ing, conveyed him to the house, where
he has since had every attention from
physicians and friends. 1t was thought
this morning that ne could not live
| the day out, but since noon he has re-
vived slightly, and it is now probable
that he may survive for a day or two.
The wound is necessarily mortal. The
ball entered through the roof of the
mouth, penetrated through the tissues
which unite the two divisions of the
brain, and came out almost exactly in
| the center of the crown of the head.
The General evinces slight conscious
ness, but has not spoken, and it is not
likely he ever will. 81 iia
This occurrence has created the
most intense excitement here and
throughout the State, so far as the in
telligence has reached. Universal
sorrow prevails, political animosities
are hushed, and all express a kindly
regard for him who has accomplished
so much for Kansas. This sad event
entirely revolutionizes the politics of
this State. Some of the politicians
are already casting about for success
sor to General Lane, but Gov. Craw-
ford will not be likely to manifest an
| indecent haste .-... ..s
LATER.
LEAyENwOTH, July 2.-Gen. Lane
is still living this evening. The re-
port of his death this morning was in
correct. Physicians have no hopes OF
his recovery, and he has not opened