Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-24
MEXICAN WAR HERO
CHRISTOPHER JARRETT PASSES
AWAY AT AGE OF rs.
Distinguished for Bravery in Numer-
Gus Engagements-Uni Soldier
In the Civil War.

Christopher Jarrett, well known through
out the District, and with reputation for
deeds Of valor during the Mexican war,
died at his home on the Hardwood road
Sunday evening, as result Of an attack
of heart failure, superinduced by severe
injuries received by Mr.. Jarrett at the navy
yard seven weeks ago. Funeral services
will be held at the late residence Of the
deceased tomorrow morning at IL o'clock,
and the remains will be removed to Balti-
more for burial. Mr.. Jarrett leaves wild
ow, one son and two daughters.
Mr.. Jarrett was born i'll Baltimore sew
enty-five years ago, and while young man
enlisted In the navy. serving during the
years from 1916 to 1S49 through the war
with Mexico. During the war he was in a
Edward F. Beale, who was then a lieu
tenant in the navy. Mr.. Jarrett gained his
greatest fame during the fight between the
Mexican troops, under Gen. Andres Pico,
and the Americans, under Gen. Stephen w.
Kearney. General Kearney was endeavor-
ing to reach San Diego. Cal, and found his
progress barred at San Pasquale, Lower
California, by the Mexican troops. He sent
to the United States frigate Congress, COM
manded by Commodore Stockton, for aid.
Commodore Stockton sent Lieutenant Beale
with a detachment Of soldiers and sailors
among whom was Jarrett. After several at
| TO redCn his ODJ6CllVe point OeutTdl
Kearney endeavored to surprise the Mexi-
cans, but they had been made acquainted
with his approach, and when his advance
guard, consisting Of few men under Lieu
tenant Beale made their way about three
hundred yards ahead of the main body,
they were set upon by much larger force
and the deta chment was cut to pieces jar
rett behaved with great gallantry during
this engagement He was hemmed in on all
sides by Mexicans, but managed to cut his
way through, killing four Of his adversaries
In getting away.
The American troops were forced to take
refuge in sugar mill in the vicinity, where
they were for four days besieged Commo-
dore Stockton heard of their plight through
a courier sent out by General Kearney, and
came to their aid, driving away the Mex
leans without fight.
Became a Filibuster.
After the Mexican war jarrett distin-
guished himself as a member Of the band
Of fllibusters under William Walker. He
was the confidential adviser Of Walker dur
ing the campaigns in Nicaragua, but did
not share the fate of his chief, who was ex-
ecuted by the Nicaraguan government in
1850. Jarrett's most widely known exploit
while Central American revolut1onist was
his duel with one Of the members Of Wal
ker's command, Peter Vedder, who was
known as an all-around bad man. The duel
was fought with rifles and Jarrett killed
his man at the first fire.
The civil war brought Jarrett back to this
country. He served with District regi-
ment Of volunteers throughout the war, and
at it's close returned to this city and took
up the work of his trade as bricklayer.
About ten years ago Mr.. Jarrett was Sc
verely injured by the collapse Of scaffold
at st. Paul's Church, and at that time it
was supposed he would die Mr.. Jarrett re-
covered however, and was at work again
in a short time. Seven weeks ago he was
again caught by broken ScaffOld and his
He was recovering from these injuries, but
his heart became affected and on Sunday
he died.