Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-01-06

IHE DEATH OF NOBLE YOUNG OFFICER.
Sometime ago the telegraph gave meagre
account of the death of Lieut.. Thomas S,
Wallace, Third United States infantry. The
announcement was barren of all details, mere
~ stating he had been frozen to death while
out on scout. For sometime doubts we're
entertained of the correctness of the report,
but search after the unfortunate officer
fully confirmed his death. Yesterday a
GLOBE man learned from Lieut.. Doan, of the
Second cavalry, some few particulars of the
officer, as we'll as the manner of his death.
Lieut.. Wallace was stationed at Fort Mis-
soula, Montana. About the 10th ult. he, ac-
companied by small detachment of soldiers,
went out on hunt, combining the pleasure
OF the chase with the thorough scout over
the country. The days passed along, and
some uneasiness prevailed at the post over
Lieut.. Wallace's protracted absence-much
longer than reckoned when he left. This
uneasiness was augmented by the fact that
the weather became suddenly intensely cold.
About the 22d ult a straggler or two from
his command got into the post in half
frozen and starved condition. Preparations
to go out to his relief had already been com
menced and were now urged forward. The
direction Of the party was given by the
stragglers, and the hopeless mission of res
cuing them was undertaken. Lieut.. Wal
lace was found, but dead; frozen to death.
The indications were that he had attempted
to cross Hell-Gate river, the ice had given
away, and he and his horse had been
plunged into the icy water. By some means
he had been enabled to escape the peril of
drowning. His trail, foot-tracks, were taken
up at the bank of the river and followed for
distance of eight miles. He was
found alone on the prairie, frozen to
death. His whole party had
deserted, his horse was likely drowned as no
trace of him could be found. Alone in the
monotonous wilderness of far extending
plain, the gallant officer struggled along
against death. Hopeless and beyond all hui
man reach, drenched to the skin by his i'm
marsion in the water, benumbed, he laid
down to his lonely death. His body was
found encrusted with ice, and fortunately no
prowling wolf had marred or mutilated the
remains.
Lieut.. Thomas Salter Wallace was young
man about 80 years of age. He belonged to
an army family, being the son of Lieut..
Colonel George w. Wallace, late of the
Twelfth United States infantry. He has
brother in the Sixth United States cavalry.
Deceased entered the service dur
ing the late war, when
youth, and after the war secured
an appointment in the Third Infantry. He
served calamity in several Indian wars in
Kansas and the Indian Territory. Since
his transfer to this department., he had added
new laurels to those already worn. He it
was, who so recently as last spring captured
White Bird and his band of Nez
Perces, while attempting to return
to Idaho from Sitting Bulls
camp over the line. Lieut. Wallace, with a
small force, attacked and captured the band.
He received public, official and deserved
recognition for his service. He was accord
ed first place in the affection and esteem
of the hardy frontiersmen. They appre-
clated him because he was tireless worker,
a genial companion and gallant soldier.
His comrades in arms entertained
an affection and high esteem for him.
Young handsome of presence, genial and
cordial in his nature, thorough soldier, his
numerous successes brought unalloyed pleas
ure to his friends, and his death is deeply
deplored.
YELLOWSTONE PARK.
The coterie of army officers at the Metro
politan was increased yesterday by the arri-
val Of Capt. Warren G.. Beach, Fort Totten.
Lieut.. J. Warden Pope, Fort Keogh, is also
in the city, on special duty at department.
headquarters.
In giving this summary of military news,
it would be amiss not to especially mention
Lieut.. G.. @. Doan, Second United States
cavalry. He has been stationed on the from
tier for years, and unlike the majority of
army officers, has found study in the will
derness, of the wilderness. His report on
the survey of the Yellowstone park is one of
the most comprehensive, exhaustive and
graphic descriptions of that wonder land
ever published. 1t was given to the public
in 1871, and was widely copied in all the
leading papers. It first directed attention
to this region, and led many to familiarize
themselves with the grandeur, beauty and
wealth of their own country.