Account of Samuel Walker's Death as Reported in "The New York Daily Tribune"

Samuel H. Walker
New York, NY, November 12, 1847

Account of Samuel Walker's Death as Reported in "The New York Daily Tribune"
Newspaper

Mexican War: Death of Samuel H. Walker as reported in "The New York Daily Tribune." 4pp, 17.5" x 22.625"; New York; Evening Edition, November 12, 1847. News of the Mexican War fills the third column of the front page, and "Captain Walker Killed" is a sub-headline. The announcement appears early in the column, reporting: "The brave G. [sic] H. Walker of Texas was killed in a recent action with the Mexicans at Huanuatla [sic]." A longer account "from four French gentlemen" is given further down. A 2017 auction description listing a November 13, 1847 issue of "The New York Herald" stated that it was the first published news of Walker's death. Although this report is published a day earlier, we cannot confirm that it is indeed the first publication, as Walker was killed in action at the Battle of Huamantla on October 9, 1847 more than a month earlier. Offsetting along top, and a few spots of foxing. Paper remains supple and intact.

There are conflicting accounts of Samuel H. Walker's death, and the generally accepted account is that he was killed while leading a cavalry charge at Huamantla. The account published here differs greatly. Per the Frenchmen's reporting, "a sanguinary engagement took place in the streets, between the force of Capt. Walker, consisting of 250 men, that of the Mexicans numbering 1600. / The result of the contest was the total expulsion of the enemy from the town…the gallant Walker, after performing prodigies of valor and feats of the most daring character, fell in single combat, pierced by the spear of an enraged father who was goaded to actual frenzy by the death of his son, whose fall beneath the arm of Captain Walker he had just witnessed. The father…plunged his spear into his body and slew him almost instantly."

Walker was months shy of 30 years old at the time of his death, but already he had achieved great fame as a Texas Ranger. He is credited as the co-inventor of the Walker Colt revolver.

Other stories of interest include a report from the "Vicksburg Sentinel" on Jeff Davis' recovery, additional news on recruitment and troop movements, and an advertisement for a commercial agency at Galveston, Texas listing references in New York.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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