The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1886-02-11
GEN. HANCOCK.
DEATH OF THE OLD WAR
RIOR ATHEADQUARTERS,
GOVERNORS ISLAND.
PARTICULARS OF HIS LATE ILL
NESS AND THE CAUSES OF
HIS SUDDEN DEMISE.

NEW YORK, February 9.-The following is the
official notice of the death of Gen. Hancock, which
has just been received:
GoNERNoGs ISLAND, February 9,-Major Gen
ersl W. 5, Hancock, U. S. A., died at 2:3O this af
ternoon. (SiCned) w. d. WMIPPLE,
Assistant Adjutant General
Gen. HancccS's death was the result of malig
n2nt carbuncle on the back of his neck, which had
confined him to his bed for several days. No
serious alarm was felt however, until shortly be-
fore he expired, The news caused the profoundest
sorrow 10 commercial and financial circles as well
as among business men generally. When the sad
event was known in the exchanges and at the Gus
tom house, hags we're Immediately ordered at half
mast. IL had not been generally known that Gen.
Hancock vas III, Snd his death was unexpected.
Gen. Hancock was in Washington week ago. and
was obliged to return home without paying his
respects to the president, the carbuncle which
caused his death having made its appearance on
the general neck, at the base of the brain.
The Commercial Advertiser says: Gen. Hancock
had been ailing for some time and had been un-
able actively to attend to his military duties on the
island He suffered from a complication of dis
eases, but still fought against his ailments until
the recent development of carbuncle while he
was IN Washington compelled him to remain in
his house From his attack he did not rally and
his condition has been considered precarious for a
day or two past His only son died last autumn,
and since then ha has not been given strength to
resist disease with that determination he had pre-
viously exhibited. When he expired his wife was
beside him.
Upon the announcement of his death the flag at
headquarters wac displayed at half-mast and tele-
graphic dispatches sent to army stations in the
harbor, the army building at Houston and Green
streets and the navy yard as well as to Washington
and other placee, Gen. Hancocks condition had
been source of much anxiety to the officers and
men of his department since the beginning of the
year.
FURTHER PARTICULARS
NEW YoRX, February 9-ln front of Governors q
Island All orderly this afternoon was pacing to and
fro. 1t was the residence of Major General w. s.
Hancock, who Gied therein at 2:51 o'clock If the
general had lived until theyl4th he would of COM
pleted his 62d year, having been born in Norris
room furnished with soldier-like simplicity, lay
cha remains of tie general who, as the guard re-
marked, led hts roops to more battles than any of
his military contemporaries The death of General
than il was shock to his friends. Twenty days
ago he started on business connected with the de-
p6rment Of the Atlantic to Philadelphia, where he
RENAMED two days then proceeded to Washington
where he had business. In Washington it was
that the carbuncle developed itself on the back of
his neck. He was taken January 3d, and as the
general was much inconyenienced by its presence,
he returned to Sew York several days sooner than
he designed During the first week in February
Il developed iuto malignant carbuncle, which sup
pursted constantly and prevented rest or sleep.
Dr. 9eneway vac called and 1t was not until
marked weakness had resulted from the presence
OF the carbuoce that the surgeon discovered the
general was suffering with diabetis and kidney
trouble. Dr.. Janeway called in consultation Dr.
GUbD6rlAD0t InpllCal director OF JDe department,
aud Or, ID. NJ. Stimson, of New York. The medi
ca nian Concuded that the case was assuming a
Yoi suilous form on Monday at 10 o'clock. Mon
Day nisht, before going away, DR.: Janeway found
lhe patient 10 good spirits and able to assist him
self, and left him apparently improved AT 6:45
this morning Mrs, Hancock dispatched an orderly
for Or Janewsy as the general was sinking rapidly.
The dOctos speedily and foHnd the general in
a clnstose state, with feeble pulse, and as
Byinpt0ns of death were present he sum
noned the two. physicians already named.
liyp0dernic Injections of brandy and ether, and
carbonate Of amonia and brandy were administered.
These, however, only alleviated the suffering of
the soldier who was gradually sinking away, until
death vas reached at 251, as stated in the words of
DTJ anaway, tho general went down to the close of
his life IKE person descending flight of stairs.
When death came, the three physicians and hos
pital steward only were present. Mrs. Hancock |
jYas then In al adjoining room. The general |
leaves his widow and three chlldren-two girls and
one bCy--naned Maria Ada and Gwynne the issue |
Of 5ne generals son Russell, who died December |
rs, 1884, and whose loss the general ever since |
MAJOR General Whipple will assume command |
OF the department, supported by Lieutenant Colo
mel Jackson, until the president shall appoint Gen.
BanCock's successor from Generals Schofeld, |
Terry or Howard.
ORDERS in relation to the funeral ceremonies are
expected IRON Washington tomorrow. Meantime |
The body viii he embalmed by the. officers of the
post IN the general orders tomorrow |
viii he promulgated the announce
ment of General Hancock's death, when |
regulation mourning will be adopted. The gen
eral will probably be inferred at Norristown, Pa
THE NEWS AT WASHINGTON.
WAsHISGroN February "a telegram announc
ing the dangerous illness of Gen. Hancock, was re-
,evea hv tie president about 1 O'Clock oday, and
was read to The cabinet, then in session just af-
.er the cabinet adjourned, second telegram was
received, confirming the intelligence of his death.
rhe flag on the White House was Immediately
placed at halfmast, and the president soon after,
5auel the following executive order;
EXECUTIVE MANSION, | |
WASHINGTON, D. Co. February 8, 1886.
Tdings Of the death of Winfield Scott Hancock,
senior major general of the army of the United
states, mas inst been received. A patriotic and
,aant defender of his country, an able and heroic
soldier, 3 epotless and accomplished gentleman,
md the highest tribute of his fellow countrymen,
,one to hls reward. It is fitting that every
mark Of public respect should be paid to his mem
Try. Therefore II is now ordered by the president
hat the national flags be displayed at thalfmast up
N all buildings of the executive departments of
his city until after his funeral shall have taken
Iiace.
(signed) DANIEL s. LAMONT,
Private secretary"
The president also sent the following telegram
o Mrs Hancock
ExEcuTrE MANSION, WASHINGTON, Feb g.
70 Mira. W. s. Hancock, Governors Island:
"Accept my heartfelt sympathy and coincidence
D your terrible bpreavement. The heroism and
forth of your lato husband have gathered to your
ide in this hour of your aflliction nation of
l0grners.
(Sgned) GROVER CLEVELAND"
Immediately on receipt of the intelligence of
he death of Gen. Hancock the flag on the war de-
artment building was placed at half-mast by order
the secretary of war, and arrangements made :
Dr. the prOm1lgatiOn of general order formally
his death to the army, which will be
lsued tomorrow. The secretary of war also re-
alled invitations he had issued for reception to
DC officers Of the navy, army and marine corps for
Iis evening.
TAKING THE TOWN .