260 LEWIS A. MCARTHUR
Mariposa, which killed some 30 persons. He had now been away from home for two years, and the departure of Bartlett, together with the knowledge that he would be away from his family for another year at least doubtless prayed on his mind, but on November 21 he received welcome news from Professor Bache to the effect that a contract was being signed for a 225-ton steamer 11 for the Pacific Coast work. McArthur was directed to return to Washington at once to examine the vessel and prepare plans for the season of 1851. Under these flat- tering circumstances and overjoyed at the prospect of so soon seeing the family he had for so long been separated from, he set sail from San Francisco for Panama on the Oregon, on December 1. Alas, he was never to reach his home. When but shortly out of San Francisco an acute attack of dysentery prostrated him completely, and despite medical assistance he died on December 23, 1850, just as the Oregon was entering Panama harbor. He was buried on the Island of Taboga. In 1867 his remains were moved to the Mare Island Navy Yard by Lieut. Commander McDougall.
On February 8, 1851, the members of the Coast Survey met in Washington to pay tribute to the memory of William Pope McArthur. Professor Bache and Brevet Major Isaac I. Stevens, U. S. Engineers, who was at that time attached to the Coast Survey, addressed the meeting and appropriate resolu- tions were passed. Professor Bache's words perhaps best summed up the work of Lieutenant Commanding McArthur, and showed the feelings of the Survey toward the deceased officer. Professor Bache said :
We are met here, as you all know, to pay a melancholy tribute of friendship and respect to one who was dear to us all dear as a brother to many of us. Instead of greeting his arrival among us as we had fondly hoped, in health, in the full flush of success, we meet to mourn together over his loss from our band. The work which he has accomplished will live forever. Surrounded by circumstances
ii The Corwin. Before the vessel was completed it was decided thit time could be saved by sending the steamer Jefferson to the Pacific Coast. The Jefferson was dismantled in a gale off Patagonia, and had to be abandoned. It, therefore, became necessary to send the Corwin after all.
