The Daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1845-1850, 1850-07-02
From the Boston Weekly Bee.
STEWART, THE GAMBLER.


Aboutten years since, urgent business called me
to Little Rock, Arkansas. | took passage from Bos-
ton to New Orleans from thence, by steamer to Lit
tie Rock. Having heard much of Southern Lynch
Law and Bowie Knives, kept a sharp look out, to
see all that was to be seen. About the time of nv
arrival, the horde of blaclllegs and backer hearts
were driven from Vicksburg, Miss, by the outraged
citizens of that place; number of these mscreants
were tried by Lynch law, and hanged:
Many ofthese refugees came to Little Rock, much
to the annoyance of all the quiet citizens. Among
these gamblers was one named Stewart, fine look
ing fellow, six feet high, with form as perfect as
Lucifer, and soul as corrupt.
1t soon was whispered that now there would be
bloody fight in Little Rocket seems that some
time previous, at a gaming table, quarrel had oc-
CURED between Stewart and Col. ChiIdress, who was
now practising Law at the place; the quarrel was
hushed at the time by the friends of both but the
old feud still rankled in their hearts. They were
both brave and powerful men, and so well they knew
each others courage and strength, that they were
not over hasty IN coming in conflict. But one dav.
Stewart, to provoke Chdress, called to him across
the street, ENDURING why he always gave him SO
broad BERTH and if he was afraid to walk on the
same side of the street.-The reply from Childress
was pistol shot, which gave Stewart severe wound
IN the thigh. Stewart returned the shot without hit
ting A number of shots were exchanged without
OAAoSt' Siioi0sS, hoW VI udTeS stewart
to meet him like man, with the bowieknife. The
challenge was instantly accepted, and they approach
ed each other at quick pace.
Just at this critical moment, Judge Johnson, Ca
brother of r. NJ Johnson) then more than sixty wears
of age, but active as the mountain cat saw these
desperate men rushing together to cut each others
throats The Judge quIckened his walk to a run,
AMI just as they were closing he passed between them
and with one of his stern looks he pushed them apart
saying
81 will have no fighting here; away with YOU %
They at once parted, and it seemed, brave as they
undoubtedly were, they were glad to have the Judge
come between them, This interference of the Judge
was disappointment to many who wished to see
the fight, hoping Stewart might be killed, and thus
rid them Of one they much feared. But Stewards
time had not come This noted backlog was not
more celebrated for his gaming and fighting, than he
was for his amours with the warm hearted girls of
the South. ' ass
At the mouth of the Arkansas River, resided
beautiful girl by the name of Montgomery. Her
father kept public house, which was much fire.
quented by the sporting gentry.
Miss Montgomery was engaged to a Mr.. M,
then, and now, merchant Of Arkansas He was
much esteemed by all who knew him; and appeared
very happy in anticipating his union with this beau
tiful girl. The wedding day was fixed, and NJ,
went to New Orleans and purchased splendid furni-
turn, who can describe his feelings when he was told
that his almost wife was married to the gambler.
Stewart
1t nearly broke his heart. He gave up all bust
ness, and went to Cuba, where he resided year.
On his return, he recommended business, but ALWAYS
| after he was sad and gloomy man.
Stewart soon after marrying his lovely wife, went
to Texas,where he had broad ieldior gambling and
tightlng-One eyening,a party met at public house,
IN Austin; among them was young Creole French
man, who was noted for his skill at the Drag -
games at the South. Stewart challenged the Creole
to play game of ''Poker." After playing some
time, the Frenchman winning, Stewart charged him
with cheating The lie was returned by the excited
Creole. Instantly Stewards pistol was at his breast
but fortunately it missed fire. The Frenchman with
great presence of mind, overturned the only light in
the room. All was hushed in the darkness; nothing
was heard but one dreadful groan. Lights were soon
brought in, when, horrible to relate, Stewart was
seen with his head bowed on the table, and the
trenchmans long and keen knife in his breast, and
through his heart, with the point prorudng from his
back. Thus closed the career ofSewart, the black
leg. a