Final answer:
The question about the death of Nace's friend Captain Furness cannot be answered with the materials provided, as none of the references mention a character by that name, although they do describe various causes of death in different scenarios.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question how did Nace's friend Captain Furness die is not explicitly answered in the provided references. Each passage gives us details of loss and death but none refer to a person named Captain Furness.
A close look at the passages shows various causes of death during different time periods, including disease, starvation, accidents, and the hazards of war.
One reference is about a captain who was suffering in despair, implying a failing venture but not necessarily death. Another passage describes the death of Peyton Farquhar, who had a broken neck and was found hanged beneath the Owl Creek bridge, suggesting execution during a time of war.
The passages depict some common themes of hardship and death in various circumstances, such as military conflict, medical emergencies, and hunger and disease among early settlers. Although these passages provide narratives involving death, they do not provide information on Captain Furness or his fate.
To find specifics about Captain Furness, one would likely need additional context or reference materials that are not included in the excerpts provided.