The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-02-02
OBITUARY.
mathew Fontainc Maury

Mathew Fontaine Maury, the well-known hydro
graphic engineer, an American naval Commander
and just lately ofoer in charge Of the Washington
Observatory and Professor Physics in the Virginia
Military Institute died at Lexington, Va, yester-
day. BE expired at the hour Of one O'Clock in the
afternoon. after painful illness, deeply regretted
by many friends. He was sixty-six years Of age on
the 14th Of January. Born ON the 14th OF January,
1907 In Spottsyvania county, Virginia, he was the
descendant OF one Of those old French Huguenot
families who settled In that part OF our country
after being driven from their native land. Young
Maury's prospects in life were not OF an en-.
c0uragtng nature. His parents were poor, and
found 1t no easy task to provide for nine children
that instruction which the native genius OF
Mathew and his brothers seemed to call for. When
fourteen years old the boy accidentally attracted
the notice Of Bishop Otey, who, Immediately dis
corning the talents which he was imbued with
took him under his care and provided for his edu-
cation. Then it was that Maury first could follow
up his pe7achGnt for mathematics, which has since
rendered him famous. Astronomical works be-
came his passion. He studied hard, but In order
he entered the United States navy as q mid
snlpman, and shipped ON board the Brandy
ae nc ana
and soon became lieutenant, In which quality he
went on board the Powhattan. In 1885 he wrote
that the Secretary OF the Navy recommended it to
the naval schools Tor general use. More Of his
vast value to nsvirators In Isaa Mr. Manry e al
with an accident which, while 1t rendered it impOs-
sble for him to resume active duties, enabled him
to devote his whole time to his favOrite studies.
Mr.. Maury was entirely selfeducated man. His
abilities, intense application and perseverance ro-
held by him as Director Of the National dSserva
Celebrated Wind and Current Charts" those ess
successive years, to the nearest and best road Tor
the wave-tossed mariner to steer across
miss 81 is he ss1
to the lamented Herndon who persisted ut
his post on board the ill.iated steamer Central
America While passed midshipman he wrote q
work on navigation which has since been adopted
as textbook in the navy. His physical Geog-
editions here ana in England, and has been trans
lated and published In France, Holland and Russia
His last labor In the cause OF science was plan
the Antarctic Ocean. the results of which he lore
Swallowed as being fraught with much benefit to
was interrupted by the troubled state Of the coun
try previous to the Rebellion. On Saturday. the 10th
mp[ me nus r ion t. AS
shore. On his arrival in Alexandria he succeeded
IN tHs Page from ns
her owners TO send her by night to Aqua Creek.
where she afterwards did rebel service as a gum
smms Sunday morning. BY SUNRISE. he was IN
Richmond. where he was welcomed by Governor
Letcher, and Immediately entered upon the duties
as member OF the Executive Council, to which he
was appointed. Here he was one OF the leading
spirits. When the State passed into the Coincide
racy the duties Of the council were at an end and
which he was persevering. One important but
peculiar feature in the defence OF Richmond was es
sentially his, and his plan iOr covering the rivers
OF the South with feet OF gunbOats met with great
favor IN the Virginia Assembly. About this time
an invitation was rendered him by the Grand
Duke Constantine OF Russia 10 make that country
his home and there follow out his peculiar and
important scientific researches, but he respect
fully declined. similar invitation from the En-
peror Napoleon to make France his home was de.
clined; He travelled abroad. on duty, subse-
nSWEspsTer Of Mexico city said Of
Maury has become citizen Of Mexico. Like
the great Humboldt his fame belongs to the
his acquaintance and have ever shown him that
attention due to distinguished merit. We know
that the good people Of Mexico will welcome him
will contribute much to the Improvement or
practical science in this country. For information
to his friends.and he has many in every portion
OF the civilized gl0be-we are happy TO state that
Senior Maury is In most excellent health, and is
now actively engaged In the duties assigned him
by His Majesty the Emperor MaxImilian.n He SUBJ
sequenty served as Commissioner OF Colonization
under the Mexican government In this capacity
he was authorized to establish agencies to induce
and Baltimore, and also I'm other cities. company.
was also organized In Paris to make up French and
Spanish colonies in Mexico. His life, career and
public services were made at one time, In conse-
quence OF his change Of allegiance the subject OF
much discussion. Unionist wit illustrated the
argument thus:-"Soms years ago / read a dis
cusson between two learned men. One contended
that an alligator was q very useful animal. USE
fmlp exclaimed the other, pray to what purposer
other" Commodore Maury, when In Europe, had
charge OF the fitting out OF the privateers Alabama
Florida, Shenandoah and other vessels
which were armed for the Confederate navy.