The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-09-08
A Martyr to Science.
HIS WONDERFUL LIFE AND TRAGIC DEATH.

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From Boston letter we have the following
interesting story of the life and death of
remarkable young man
! wonder. did you ever hear of Robert Keuni-
cott! some one told me the brief story of his
life, the other day, and it is well worth repeating
though can give you but the merest skeleton of
atketch. he was a son of the well known editor
OF the Prslrie Farmer. and resident of Chicago.
In MS boyhood be manifested engrossing love
OF natural history, gave his whole mind to its
study, and very powerful and brilliant mind it
was. | am not well posted in the dates of this
SUBJECT but think he had passed but little
beyond his majority, say In 1860 OF 1861 when he
set forth on an exploring expedition through the
wiids OF the Northampton country. He assembled
The Missouri river to its source, Travelled alone
through regions where white foot had scarcely
II ever trodden, thoroughly explored the Russian
and British possessions in the North west and car
rled on campaign of investigation against
beasts, birds, reptiles and insects He visited
oltks, Then Russian post. and remained there for
short time. He ;nnocnlated the Russian officers
there stationed, many of whom we're men of high
culture, with his passion for natural history and
taught them to pursue the studies in which alone
ne found happiness. His experiences almost
rival th0se OF Munchausen in dangers aud difisul.
Ties. No peril daunted him; no obstacle dis
cOuIaged him.
Once, far in the wilderness, he found himself
destitute CT the pins with which bugs aud SIGH"
set out and made journey of five hundred miles
through the snowy sotudes Of Stka TO repleuish
MS stock During one Of his visits to this place. |
think IN 1863 he heard of the war of the rebellion
Instantly be started overland for the East. made
bis way TO the army in Virginia, associated him
self with the Sanitary Commission, and lsbored |
faithfully ID the cause Of humanity till Lees sur
render: without q moments delay, after that /
event, he turned his steps again to the Northwest
and buried himself in the wilderness A little /
more than a year ago some travellers in that bleak
region came upon the figure of a man sitting, com.
pass IN hand, before map of the scene of his re.
cent explorations, which he had drawn with a
SUCK upon the snow. dead. IL was young Kenoi-
colt, who had died as he had lived Alone His
short life was not without fruits, however He
mad established an intimate connection with the
omcers of the Smithsonian Institute who were |
nlled with wondering admiration of his energy and
love Of science. His contributions to the cabinet
OF that Institution we're Of incaicuable value and
bis good deeds live after him in the acts of Others
whom be taught to love science. Not long ago
before the Alaska purchase, however-Prof.
Bard, OF the Smithsonian. received a string of
birds from Russian officer stationed at Sitka-a
gentleman whom KenDicott had inspired with his
own zeal In the study of natural hstory-which
The professor affirmed no European museum could
duplicate. Prot Baird has been solicited TO write
a biography of Kennicott, and a review of his
travels in Alaska but he declines the task, plead.
ng want Of time, and suggests that Dr. Simpson.
d chicago, should undertake the work.