The New York herald., 1868-12-24

Louis McI.ane Hamilton,

son OF Mr.. Philip Hamilton grandson OF General
Alexander Hamilton and Of Louis McLane, and late
captain OF cavalry in General Custer's command,
was recently killed in encounter with large con-
centrated Indian force on the washita river. The
brave Major Eniot and nineteen privates were also
among the dead, and number Of officers were dan
gerously wounded. When pure, gallant and youth
full heart ceases to beat and finds q grave while In
mid-career Of important and perilous duty, to neg
lect calling the attention OF thoughtful minds to
marked though passing tribute TO qualities promis-
Ing more than usually distinguished moral and pro-
fessional results would seem unjust to the fallen,
deprive the rising and contemporary genera
tion OF q strong incentive to emulation
and withhold that silent yet not unfet
commendation towards those whose wise and well
directed care have contributed to develop elements
OF character so significant and hopeful. high
order Of morals and conscientious habits, Of fe,
found united with cool daring, courage and profess
sio.al ability have been features In the military and
naval biographies OF all enlightened nations. From
among large number OF names may be recalled the
familiar ones OF the celebrated Colonel Gardiner in
terestingly brought to notice in ''Waverley;" OF
and among ourselves, popularity known and dstin-
guished as 'sSt0newall Jackson" Colonel Gardiner
became Christian soldier by sudden transition
the whole life Of the Rescuer Of British India
seems to have been consistently moral and
ration even from those opposed to his per-
severing and successful efforts to promote
manly recognition of the obligations OF religion as
well among officers as In the ranks. The young and
closely observing subject Of these comments could
but but become strongly and admlrngly impressed, in
emn, practical daily religion OF the indomitably
brave, sagacious and successful Southern leader al
ready mentioned, whose resignation to the VIII OF
Power without whose providence no soul Is called
home, enabled him to look upon his own nearing
ueat, as we are now tempted to regard it, as one OF
benedcent and merciful dispensation. 1t has been
observed by the most prominent writer of the Fede
Tdst "that men OF the ruest lives and loftiest INTEL
lect are OFTEN found on the wrong as well as on the
right side OF questions OF the greatest moment
TO the welfare OF society" and among the
crowd of youthful heroes who fell on either side OF
the late disastrous civil strife, fought with valor,
sincerity OF belief and truth of purpose, and at a
modern times none more pure OF heart and life,
honorable, chvalric and daring In the of
test, warm and true in friendship enthusiastic and
untiring in duty than young Hamilton zone OF whose
great ancestors at the side OF Washington In the field
and at the head Of stormers' carrying redoubt at
Yorktown, aided to win independence for o now
great people) to clear way for whose grand march
OF westward empire, hercely ObStructed by myS-
terousy M doomed aDorginal savages thls descendant
has contributed his young unsued life at the call OF
that country and in the brave and stawart render
ing or soldierly duty.
Major Joel III. Elliott, United States Army.
This gallant officer Of those killed at the recent
battle fought near the Wachita river, between Gen
erai Custer's cavalry and Black Kettles band Of
Cheyenne Indians, was born in the State of Indiana
about the year 1885, Upon the outbreak Of the rebellion
he enlisted as private in one OF the Indiana volun-
teer cavalry regiments. AT Perryvlle, Ky reward
Of gallantry, he received leutenantcy, and subse-
quently rose to captain and major and brevet
colonel. He entered the regular army on March I,
1867 and was commissioned by original appointment
major OF the Seventh United States cavalry. During
the present year. prior to the arrival OF General Gus
ter, he commanded the regiment. When he set out
on the present campaign Major Elliott expressed to
several brother officers his determination to do
something worthy OF the regiment if he got an op-
portunty His life has proved the penalty of so gal
liant a resolution. When last seen he was in the full
tide OF the performance OF deeds Of desperate vaor
That he should have been sacrificed IN the manner
in which he has constitutes one of those uniortu-
nate episodes beyond the control Of ruan Neither
major Elliotts body those OF the men who were
with him have been recovered.