National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-09-18
CAPTAIN JAMES BURNS.

DEATH OF AN EFFICIENT CAVALRY
OFFICER.
Captain James Burns, 9Th United Ststes cav
airy, died at Carrie creek, Arizona Territory on
the 18th instant, after long illness. The de-
ceased was commissioned in August, 1855, second
lieutenant in the regiment to which he belonged,
in recognition Of the severe service seen BY him
during the late war.
He was promoted TO q captaincy soon after ar
irving In Arizona, and from the first inception Of
hostilities against the Apaehss until March Of
this year was almest constantly in the field. He
was present with Major Browns command IN the
attack upon the caves in The canon Of Salt river,
December, 1sI2 where he was particularly dis
tinguished for his gallRntry and GOODNESS. In
this action the Tontos were attacked in their
chosen stronghold, which was taken with q loss
70 them Of over sixty killed and thirty captured.
Great quantities Of Indian plumber, stolen ami
malls &c, fell into the hands OF our soldiers the
general result Of this engagement being panic
among that branch Of the Apache nation who
commenced to sue for peace In great numbers,
about two hundred following the Command back
70 camp Grant rant where tssy sq1Irsndered:
where be detected and frustrated an outbreak
contemplated By Esquinasquisn tBig Mouthl and
his adherents, thoroughly armed and equipped
with the latest model OF needle Guns and metaliio
ammunition. Esquinasquisn was killed and his
warriors lover 100 picked men) disarmeds
Captain Burns was next detailed 70 proceed
against large body Of Apache Aohaves lurking
in the canons Of the Santa Maria; with his usual
energy and gallantrY he performed this task,
kkllling great number and taking prisoners two
OhImahuevs Sal, thelsader Of the party Of
Date Greek indiana, who, in lsTl, had sneaked
enburg stage coach, killing young Loring aud
four others, was by this time the only savage In
Northern AriEonA ron whose hostility anything
was 70 be feared. As might be expected from his
past record, Capt. Burns vas the ofhcer selected
% bring him y terms. Pursuing this renegade
ior months, he nnally effected his capture below
Fort Yuma In Daeonnhnr lnrt uaff
q few days at Fort Wbipple 70 recuperate his
animals, another scout was made BY this indefati-
cisco mountain. where raueheria Of hostile In
dams was believed to be situated. Il was during
the rigorous weather 70 which himself tand com
mand were exposed while On thi8 last arduous ex-
petition that the germs were oontraoted Of nc
disease Just terminating his career. NotWith-
standing the care and aseention Of which he was
now began 70 give way, and e was no longer 10
Be concealed bis days were numbered.
As last resort bis physicians advised an over
land journey to the States; at first, It seemed Is
il great improvement in his condition was being
ooeasioned, but his death occurred on the i5th
inst. IS already stated, the cause being hem
fort Wtngate, and there Inferred with due milf
: On April Z. $50 he was married TO Miss Annie
Morgan, daughter Of Mr.. Morgan, the efacIont
tax clerk OF the city, ct the Hetropolitan NJ z
church, BY Rev. p. Newman, The following
and generous husband 70 Fort Russell, wyoming
Territory, whore she remained some time, but
having longing 70 see her parents, she made q
brief visit 70 this city. reolning her husband IN
Nay, ISL, at Sidney, Nebraska, where he was In
command Of the fort. A second visit was made
here, and when she again started 70 meet her hus-
band August, 1s75, he was in command Of Fort
Nbipple, Arizona Territory, 70 which place she
louIneyed, and from that time remained with her
husband, until recently, when his improved con-
diti0n encourag her 70 make third visit to- her
home, which sne did, arriving here yesterday. In
the meantime his disease took sudden turn and
death ensued ere word could reach the wife and
allow her time TO gain his death bedside.
The loss oecasioned BY the death OF this en-
eient and noNle ofieeT viii not easily be made
good in his iment and will long be felt by our
people. Captain Burns services were alluded to
N most complimentary and grateful terms By
General Crook IN various orders promulgated
during and amer the conclusion Of the Apache
campaign, and were sincerely appreciated By the
long-suhering people Of Arizona.