Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-10-20
BRAVE CAPTAIN LAWTON.
The Capturer of Geronimo and a
Soldier OF Thirty-Four Battles.


From the REL PdSo tTeU.l Tribune.
BENSON, ARI., Sept. 30.-A small group
of gentlemen were sitting in front of the
Virginia Hotel this afternoon in anima-
ted conversation, when paralytic victim
with great difficulty came struggling
along on his crutches. The central ngure
of the group noticed him, sprang to his as
sistance and seated him in his own chair
with all the tenderness and sympathy of
a woman. This was Captain Lawton, che
brave soldier, the skilltul captain. the
Nemesis OF Geronimo, who followed that
willy chief to the jumping of place, and
brought peace and security to the South
west. THIS was accomplished after a
pursuit attended with difficulties, dan
gers ana hardships without parallel in
the history of our country. The writer
had never met him before, but he was i'm
pressed with the nobleness of the man be-
fore he knew who it was. The feeling
was intensified when Informed OF his ideG-
titY. The indomitable energy and perse-
verdnce with which he followed and cap
tured that devil has enshrlned him in the
hearts OF the people OF these two terrific
ries. Gen. Miles merits the everlasting
gratitude of cur people for causing the re-
moval OF the bad Apaches beyond the lin
its of the territories to a country where
they can do no harm; but to Lawton and
his soldiers alone belongs the credit of
running down and capturing that incar-
nate fend, Geronimo, and his gang.
From the physical appearance, action
and character of Captain Lawton, the
first thought Is, here is an exact counter
part of the famous Colonel Burnaby of the
English army, whose exploits on every
field OF England's vast domain were the
wonder Of tour continents.
Captain LaWton is over six feet tall,
strong, active and as brave as Hector,
with handsome presence and gallant
bearing, lie is the very embodiment of a
son Of Mars. He is the kind of man that
men love, as well as women. Nav he
live long IN the land, and may our country
breed more OF his kind. The writer can
fully appreciate his services, because he
has been over large part of the country
where that long chase was made. Be-
sides, he has done some Indian cam
paignlng himself IN modest way, having
served under the noted Texas ranger,
sold Rip'Ford," away back in the 'tifties
and IL is lnconceiVable how such a band
OF indiana could have been run to cover
and captured in such wild rugged coun-
try as that portion of the Sierra
Madre. Capt Lawlon's campaign
has saved hundreds of precious
lives, and is worth untold wealth
to the territories of New Mexico
and Arizona. Now, then, will not the
citizens of these territories, who have
reaped the benefit OF bis bravery, skill and
labor, show their gratitude and apprecia-
ton in a substantial manner? Or will the
people, like republics, still remain un-
grateful?
Capt, Lawton, am told, is a poor man.
He has family. He entered the Union
"A "A
participated In thirty-four battles in his
efforts TO whip the Coniederates: but |, as
a Confederate, feel that l can SPEAK for
my comrades Of the lost cause, when |
say that We Will subscribe to fund for
the benefit OF Captain Lawton as liDer-
ally, according TO our means, as our
brothers on the other side,
Next to the railroad companies, the
stockmen and minors are the main bene-
iiciaries OF Capt. LawtoD's work, and
both Of these classes are proverbially big
hearted and liberal when their emotions
are Appealed to. l believe, when this
matter IL brought to their notice, they
will shell out their ducats and siugs,
their bulls and heiiers, in "A manner to
delight the hearts Of all who love patriot
ism and heroic deeds.
The Southern Pacific Railroad COMPANY
will not help. ruey are phenomenallv
SOulless, even for railroad corporation.
| They refused 10 give Capt. Lawt0n "A pass
for mis- wife. so that she could accompany
him u Florida when he went In charye OF
the A paches, and now, in company with
DR.. Wood aud MIR. MOntalva-the only
two men OF his command who were CON
stantly with him, from the beginning 10
the end OF bis race after Geroni mO-hc is
on his way 10 Albuquerque, 10 attend The
banquet given "a honor OF Gen Miles and
himself, and cannot take his wife along D.
! ENJOY The festivities with him, because be-
cannot get pass Tor her, aud has not the