The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1841-06-30
1Flon the NeD OrleanG Pieayune.
PRAIRIE SKETCHES.

Col. James Bowie.-We are in posses.
sion of little anecdote highly character,
istic Of those remarkable men, Col. James
Bowie and his brother Rein, which has
never, we believe, yet appeared among
the various printed relations of their bat
Ties, dangers, bravery, &c. that have met
the public eye. The incident we are about
TO relate occurring among the wild prarie
regions of Texas. we shall here introduce
it among the prairie sketches we have al.
ready made.
Col. Bowie was undoubtedly man Of
vigorous intellect, as we'll as Of firm and
flintlike nerve. His character is one of
bold and captivating individuality. and
would form magnificent study for some
native novelist. We say "some," mean.
ing only a few, and we will mention
Simms as one; there are also "some" that
we hope will never mar so excellent
subject. From the wild forest life to
which his bold and daring nature led him.
and the deeds and scenes in which he con.
stantly appeared as The master.spirit, an
untractable and coarse disposition is apt
to be imputed to him, yet directly the op.
posite Of This was one Of Col. Bowie's
most Distinguishing traits Of character
His manners in social intercourse were
bland and gentle, so much so as to heigh-
ten materially the interest Of his charac-
ter. He spoke with slow and impressive
intonation nicely ar-tic.u.la, ting e-pe.ry
syllable he uttered, and with strict though
easy politeness observing every form of
delicacy and good-breeding. In society
he was stared at as lion; but acquain-
tance attached gentler interest towards
him, and it was curious, as well as plea
SAINT, TO find how the lord Of the forest
had known the embrace Of the lamb
The following anecdote relates immeji-
ately TO Rein, but, being here given as
told by the Colonel himself, it will be
found to convey very vivid and just idea
of both mems characters.
In one of the Texian wilds brave lit
tie band. of which the Colonel and Rein
were, as usual, the leading men, fell into
an engagement with vastly superior
number of mounted Camanches. Upon
detecting his red enemies, Colonel Bowie
so maneuvering his men as completely to
conceal his inferiority of force, and Sc.
curing a position for defence, he very
cooley awaited themoment for action. A
favorable chance soon occurred, and few
American rifles began to blaze away upon
the savages in such a manner as to con.
vince them that the party told about dou.
bic its actual number. Still the Camanches
were appearing in all directions, flying
aboutin great force, and The condition Of
the little American party became extreme
ly criticali for, once knowing the posses.
sion Of advantage, these Indians are suffi-
ciently warlike and daring to be of very
respectable consideration as enemies,
even to Americans; though, until they
obtain this confidence they will seldom
venture upon much hazard. Now, every
moment seemed to convey information to
the Camanches of the miserable weakness
of Bowie's party, and the Colonel dis
posed his men with the coolest caution,
in expectation of an overwhelming as.
sault.
In such ticklish emergencies it is custo.
mary for hunter to pat his good rife af-
fectionately, and say, "l'm sure of al
least one man before fal!' but it seems
Rein Bowie had made up his mind for
two. kezin possessed the best rifle of the
camp-a weapon which was considered by
connoisseurs perfect prince ofirons' and
with which its owner was as sure Of his
mark as lifting food to his mouth. A,
this position Of the opponents the Colonel
observed his brother reclining behind
log, with his favorite rifle at rest across it,
his eye to the sight, the hair s,rigger
sprung, and his finger in place for sending
out the we'll directed leaden messenger.
Looking in the direction ofRezin's aim
the Colonel saw two mounted Camanches
(important chiefs, as appeared by the glea.
ming of their ornaments in the sun) dash
ing about, farther then nearer apart. and
seeming to be pair of the most daring
warriors, endeavoring to learn the true
condition Of the American party. They
were beyond the reach of any ordinary ri.
fle, where they took care to keep, but the
Colonel knew that Rezin's beautiful weap.
on was equal to the distance, and wonder.
ed why he delayed firing.
Brother Rezin," said the Colonel, inl
the smooth and deliberate manner which