New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-26
COL. T. P. OCHILTREE DEAD.
THE NOTED TEXAN EXPIRES II HOT
SPRINGS. "a

Hor Springs. Va. Nov 25.-ColoueI Thomas
2. och!ltree died here to-day from heart dis
ease, lie had been sinking since yesterday
morning and it was surprise 20 his physician,
Or. f. W Chaplin that he lived until to-day,
He was conscious this morning, but soon grew
worse ana lost consciousness again de died
without pain. Arrangements for his funeral viii
be made ny friends IN New-Yorh.
Colonel Thomas p. Och.tree always called him
self a Texan. but he born in Alabama sixty
three years ago, when his mother on visit
TO relatives in that State from her home, in Naeos-
doches, Tex. His father Thomas T. Ochiitree, was
treasurer Of the Republic of Texas, and after an
neXat.on was Suprs me Judge Of the State OF
Texas. Colonel Ochiitree admitted 10 the prac-
tice OF law in 1860.
He had been a Lieutenant in the Texas Rangers.
and had seen much service IN Kidding Texas of
the lawess marauders that overran the State in
1886 and 1851 When the War OF the Rebellion
broke out Lieutenant OchiItree cast his lot with
the Confederacy. and was assigned 10 duty ON the
staff of General Sbley. 1t the battle Of Val Verde
he was assigned 10 lead a desperate charge, that
resulted in victory for the COnfederates For gal
liant action in the field he received majors com
mission and was appointed as q confidential mes
sengeT to Richmond and later was appointed an
aid to General Longstreet who assigned him to
General John 5. Hoods Texas brigade
So well did he acquit himself that he gained
colonel's brevet. and made the confidential
messenger OF jefferson Davis to the Confederate
commanders west of the Mississippi. Colonel Ochi!-
tree was made prisoner at the battle of Five
Forks He sent Johnson's Island. on Lake
Erie, where he kept confined long after the
surrender Of General Lee, at AppomattoX. Colonel
Ochiree's letter to President Johnson caused him
70 become widely known. He wrote:
Mr.. President Johnson: When you get ready 10
let me leave your island, please let me know. ana
1 will accept the same terms General Lee.
The letter secured his immediate release. ana the
colonel FASTENED TO Washington, where his genial
ways caused him to make many friends. Among
them were Generals Grant and Sheridan In the
autumn Of 1855 ne returned to Texas and engaged
in newspaper work. President Grant appointed
Colonel Ochiitree United States marshal OF Texas
and he acquitted himself so creditably that ne
made friends all the State.
Colonel OchIltree visited Europe and attracted
the attention of capitalists to the advantages OF
Texas. with good results He ran for congress on
the Republican ticket in the Galveston District, a
Democratic stronghold, but his popularity was so
great that he was elected. For a time he enjoyed
the distinction of being the only Republican con
gresham from Texas.
In recent years Colonel Ochiltree had lived in
this city times and had travelled in Europe. His
wit and his fund OF stories made him popular, and
ne knew many titled people in Europe and many
prominent Americans. He was partlcuIarly Wen
known 70 turfmen and was keen follower OF the
races. He spent money lavishly with his friends
and was fond Of good living. He left no family.