Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-03-13

and addressed the intruder in most respectful
manner
envy good friend, presume you have made
mistake in the house. This is private meeting,
where none but members are admitted"
The stranger did not appear 10 comprehend the
words but he could not fail 10 understand the mild
and deprecatory manner. His rigid features relax
ed, and moving 10 table in the centre of the hall,
where there were materials and implements for
writing, he seized pen and traced one line: 81
am dealt" He then held it up before the spec,a-
tors, as sort Of natural apology for his own want
Of polteness.
Judge Webb took the paper, and wrote ques-
ton ''Dear sir, will you be SO obliging as 10 IN
form us what is your business with the present
meeting2"
The other responded by delivering letter in
scraed on the back "To the citizens OF Austin. -
They broke the seal and read it aloud II was from
Houston, and showed the usual terse brevlty Of his
style:
"FELLow CITIzEHs-Though in error, and de-
ceived by the arts Of traitors, will give you Three
more DAYS 10 decide whether you will surrender the
public archives. At the end of that time you will
please let me know your decision.
SAM. HousroN."
Alter the reading. the deaf man waited few Sc
conds, as if for reply, and then turned and was
about 10 leave the hall, when Colonel Morton IN
terposed and sternly beckoned him back TO the Ia
be. The stranger ubeyed and Morton wrote -
"You were brave enough toinsut me by your threat
ening looks ten minutes ago are you brave enough
10 give me satisfaction ?"
The stranger penned his reply: 81 am at your
service !"
Morton wrote again "IVho will be your Sc
cond ?"
The stranger rejoined al am TOO generous to
seek an advantage, and too brave to fear any on The
part Of Others therefore never need the aid of
second"
Morton peuned "Name your terms"
The stranger traced, without moments heslta-
ton: "Tme, sunset this evening; place, the left
bank Of the Colorado, opposite Austin; weapons,
rifles; and distance hundred yards. DO not fail
to be in time J"
He then took three steps across he floor and dis
appeared through the window, as he had entered.
"What!" exclaimed Judge Webb, sis il posi-
Bile, Colonel Morton that you intend to hight that
man? He is mute, if not positive maniac
Such meeting, fear, will sadly taTnish the us-
ire of your laurels."
"You are mistaken" replied Morton, with
smile "that mute is hero, whose fame stands In
tho record of dozen battles, and at least half as
many bloody dues. Besides he is the emissary
and bosom friend of Houston If have the good
fortune to kill him, think it will tempt the Presl-
dent to retract his VOW agansl yeniurlng any more
on the field of honor"
.sYou know the man, then. Who is he? % ask
ed twenty voices together.
"Deaf Smith" answered Morton, coolly.
"Why, no, that canno, be. Deaf Smith was
slain at San Jacinlo," remarked Judge Webb.
"There, again, your honor is mistaken" said
Morton The story of Smiths death was mere
fiction, got up by Houston 10 save the life o. his
favorite from the sworn vengeance OF certain lex
ans, on whose conduct he had acted as SPY.
fathomed the artifce twelve months since"
"lf what you say be true, you are madnan
vourself. ,,exclaimed Webb. .DeafSmth was never
Known TO miss his mark He has often brought
down ravens in their most rapid flight, and killed
Camanches and Mexicans at q distance Of two hun
dred and fifty yards!"
"Say no moie," answered Colonel Morton, in
tones Of deep determination; "the thing is already
settled. have already agreed to meet him.
There can be no disgrace in falling before such
shot, and if ! succeed my triumph will confer The
greatest glory!"
Such was the general habit Of thought and feel
ing prevalent throughout Texas at that period
Towards evening vast crowd assembled al the
place appointed to witness the hostile meeting and
SO great was the popular recklessness as 10 affairs of
the SORT that numerous and considerable sums
were wagered on the result. At length the red
orb of the summer sun touched the curved rim of
the western horizon, covering it all with crimson
and gold, and filling the air with burning glory;
and then the etwo mortal antagonists armed with long,
ponderous rifles, took their stations back to back and
at preconcerted signal-the waving of white
handkerchief walked slowly and steadily off
in opposite directions, counting their steps until each
had measured fifty. They both completed theglv-
en- number about the same instant, and then they
wheeled, each 10 aim and fire when he chose. AS
the distance was great, both paused for some sec
onds-long enough for the 5eholders 10 flash their
eyes from one 10 the other, and mark the striking
contrast belwixt ,hem The face Of Col. Morton
was calm and smiling, but the smile it bore had
most murderous meaning. On The contrary, the
countenance of Deaf Smith was stern and passion
less as ever. A sde-view of his features might
have been mistaken for profile in cast iron. The
one. too was dressed in the richest cloths, the 9th
er in smoke tinted leather. But that made no differ
ence in Texas then for the heirs Of heroic courage
were all considered peers-he class Of interiors EN-
braced none bu! towards.
Presently two rifles exploded with simultaneous
roars. Col. Morton gave prodigious bouLd up
wards, and dropped TO the earth corpse. Deaf
Smith stood erect, and Immediately began to reload
his rife, and then, having finished his brief task he
hastened away 10 the adjacent forest
Three days afterwards Gen. Houston accompani-
ed by Deaf Smith and ten more men, appeared in
Austin and without further opposition removed the
state papers.
The history ofhe hero ofihe foregoing anecdote was
oneofthem emost extraordinary ever known in the west
He made his advent in Texas al an early period,
and continued 10 reside there until his death, which
happened some two years ago ); bul although he had
many warm and personal friends, no one could ever
ascertain either the land of his birth, or single
CLEAN of his previous biography. When he was
questioned on the subject, he laid his finger on his
lip and if pressed more urgently, his brow wrilh-
ed, and his dark eye seemed 10 shoot sparks of liv-
id fire! He could write with astonishing correct
ness and facility, considering his situation; and
although denied the exquisite pleasure and priceless
advantages of the sense Of hearing. nature had CIV
en- him ample compensation by an eye quick for
seeing as an eagles and smell keen and incred
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