The herald., 1893-11-09
GONE TO JOIN HIS COMMANDER
Major Husack Shoots and Kills
Himself.
lie Wanted to Be Buried Like a
Soldier.
Evidently sufrcrinG From Demeutia-He
Il was Formerly ON General sheri-
dams staff During the
civil War.

II am going to join my old comman-
der. Phil Sheridan" were among the
last words of Major William II. Husack,
United States army man.
Major Husack put bullet through
his brain early yesterday morning in
lodging house at 5401a South Spring
street
The major was OF a very eccentric dis
position of late. From letters left. it is
plainly seen that he committed suicide
on account OF financial troubles which
weakened his mind.
About IL O'Clock yesterday the body
wos found lying upon cot in his room.
In his hand he tightly clutched a re-
voiver. No one in the house had heard
the fatal shot.
At tie inquest in the afternoon 1t was
found that he had borrowed the revol-
yer from j. b. Hutchinson, a salesman
for Thomas Day 4 Co., several weeks
ago, on the ground that he might need
il on visit to Pasadena. Hutchinson
said that he had known the major since
February, having lived at the Living
ston hotel. He had hoard Hussck say
that he was 50 years old. His wife left
him last February, going back to Wheel.
ing, w. Va, his former residence.
Mr.. Hutchinson read a letter left him
by the dead man. In which instructions
were left to ship his trunks to !. d.
Dubois, at Wheeling, and saying that he
was fearful that an accident would befall
him.
Col. l.. s. Butler, an old friend of the
<Janaooa1 aa,I that Mo;or Hrcooly x-no
ahead of the commiesary department on
Gen. Phil Sheridan's staff when Little
Phil" marched into the Shenandoah
valley in 1864. He was in the quarter
= masters department of the United
States army when General McCook had
his headquarters in this city, and when
McCook went east Husack was trans
ferred to Denver. 1t is thought he was
discharged from service.
Colonel Butler read letter left him
by Husack in which the deceased stated
that he had Bright's disease, that his
mind was wandering and that he was
going to join his old commander, Phil
Sheridan. He emphasized his order to
wrap his body ih blanket and bury
him as the dead were buried during the
war.
Colonel Butler received this letter at
4 O'Clock and WAS greatly alarmed. He
reported the matter to Chief Glass who
detailed detective to watch Husack.
The officer returned in an hour and
stated that he was OF the opinion that
there was no cause for alarm that HUI
ifack was probably drunk. This did not
, fatiefy Colonel Butler go he and Captain
Roberts OF the police force started out to
hunt the old soldier.
HnoonE hoA laid bto ,,1opo xral1 -
avoid detection, and after several hours'
search the matter was dropped. Col.
Buffers worst fears we're realized when
5 he heard OF the suicide.
Husack borrowed dollar from a
friend early in the evening and went at
Dnce to the lodging house at 5401a
South Spring street and secured room.
He had been wandering around in Gen.
tral park all day where he had written
numerous notes and letters.
Among his last messages was the fol-
lowing:
II have spent the entire day, October
?Sth, in Central park. Ny head is SIM
ply bursting with pain. My throat is go
very core that could not swallow my
tea this morning. l spent the day in
tecret prayer. l feel that my mind is
wandering for do such foolish things,
but thank God l have been entirely
sree from intoxicants-have neither
drank or smoked at all. l suppose l
must abide by the results, be what they
may"
The following note was written last
Tuesday, when he left letter for Col
bnel Butler:
''Caled on Colonel Butler, 149 Broad
way; told him had been wandering
about the country. / meant Central
park. | do not receive moneys due me
rom parties east, nor has the National
Benefit Trust company incorporated, as
promised weeks ago. have run in debt
bn account OF this company and am now
disgusted with life, as the company has
10 far failed to respond to my demands,
and have also failed to receive any
thing on account of my mining stocks in
idaho, 80 | am growing weaker in funds,
health and mind, and, as have not q
friend here could ask to take charge or
in any way relieve me, l conclude at
pigh noon today to take charge of my
'uture, and will visit my old COM
nnander, General Sheridan.
s'This being election day in several
Eastern states, hope and pray the
Republicans may win.
"Too many people on the spot |
: Wdubcu ht IL Il.s bO Will wall tlli D D. m.
In the meantime pray God to take my
tife by sudden death or show me way
but of my troubleo.
Nearer My God to Thee is beauti-
tul hymn, and as have no one to sing
It for me have determined to occupy
the front steps of certain church this
afternoon and under the cross of our
blessed Saviour hope and pray heaven
hay be my future home, although |
ear it will be in climate hotter than
Texas or the beautiful city of Los Ange-
les, Cal.
There is one man in this city I would
ike to see before l cali taps l would
Welcome him with something red hot.
He is about the only man here that
ever offered me an insult. l knew his
slaim as stated was a lie or he would
have gotten at them, as had my gun
n my pocket.
II am sorry to 60 and leave my debts
unpaid, but cannot stand the delays
End disappointments of late.
" farewell to all OF my companions
ind comrades of the war of the rebel
ion, of the United States army and
aavy; also all of my dear friends and
s6latiVog. and NV dear Cbr;ot;on ,y;fa