The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1850-03-13
The Man Who Couldn't Fight.

line, during its early history, was famous
for the number and ferocity ofits despera-
does, being the principal meridian and TO-
Gus of rendezvous for gamblers, Indian
traders, and all sorts of adventurers who
had found it necessary to change their
domicile from lands governed by the ad-
.tninistrationa Of rigid criminal CODE
The halfbreed .'braves' from the Chero-
lkee Nation, also f1ocked to the same side
to drink, carouse, take q hand at cards,
and exhibit their prowess in sanguinary
'...set tos'' with pistols and long knives
Such a society may be imagined-it
cannot be described Not sun perform
ed its circuit that did not witness some
dreadful single combat, with or without
murderous weapons, while now and then
dozens at a time, and by mutual agree
ment, marched from the rum shops out in
to the public square, and encountered in
mortal strife. rs
At this period Thomas A. Meyers, emf
grated to Arkansas, and opened large
grocery store in Van Buren,, acting him
self as the keeper and retailer. Such an
occupation at that time required man of
the most determined courage, as the store
had alwaysa a back room or shed attached
especially appropriated to gambling both
by day and night, and where the players
were supplied with the choicest OF liquors,
and would be sure to bully the grocer out
of his reasonable charges unless they were
restrained by fear.
For awhile, however, Meyers succeed
ed admirably. The halfbreeds, loaiers,
and "chartered fighters" as they called
themselves. held a caucus, and unani-
mously voted "that the new arrival was
dangerous subject and had better be left
alone.' The verdict was altogether ow.
ing to the strangers personal appearance,
as military as might be we'll conceived
Tall, manly, symmetrical in shape, with
great endowments of both strength and
agility, he would have had few equals in
a fair contest with the arms of naked ma
,ture. But. by the cunning inventions of
art, iron, steel and lead, and the thunder
and lightning Of gunpowder, are made to
fight for4the feeblest bosom;s and thus
dwarfs and giants, provided both are alike
the heirs of true courage, now stand upon
the same dead level 1t was believed also
that Meyers possessed the resolute will to
handle those awful engines of destruction
where life and death hang on the touch of
atrigger. His scountenance betokened the
perfection of bravery. His fine face gen.
orally wore stern expression, and when
that melted to smile, the smile seemed
sterner still. His eyes were exceedingly
black. wild. penetrating, restless, and had
that cold cleaning, metallic look, which
may be regarded as the surest sign ofthor-
ough desperation. Besides he carried an
appalling supply of pistols, and a Bowie
knife fourteen inches in the blade. Hence
every body was respectful and obliging to
the ostensible hero for period Of several
weeks, during which an unusual calm
reigned in the village.
At length terrible affray occurred in
Meyres's grocery. lIalfa dozen fire arms
exploded in quick succession. and the
deafening roar so frightened the keeper
that he fairly took to his heels and fled
from his own establishment. The fact
settled public opinion as to his character.
7ssWhat chicken-hearted coward, to
run from his castle!" exclaimed General
Cole, the Napoleon Of frontier duelists and
gamblers. 'H
9"Why he hasn't the spunk ofa dead pos
4suml'' lisped Bill Green, the dandy loafer,
,combing his perfumed "soap-locks" with
his long rosy nails.
"Let5s drink his liquor and smoke his
cigars, and not pay him for them, because
as how he's coward" said Jack War
hawk, huge half-breed; and having
enunciated this enthymeme of genuine
Cherokee logic, Jack leaped over the
counter and began to fill glasses and hand
out cigars crying-"Toast to- the brave,
nv boys! Well never want while the
world has chickens of the white feather"
The firing in the grocery having ceased
for more than an hour, being replaced by
a din ofthe most boisterous mirth, Meyers
by q great effort, mustered the spirit to re-
turn. He found the customers helping
themselves with a vengeance, and thought
to overawe them by the assumption ofhe-j
roic airs. He snatched his revolver from
his pocket, and pointing it at Warhawk's
breast ordered him to leave his house.
elf that's what you're arter," shouted
Jack unsheathing his Big Bowie, and
apringing back over the counter. "Here's
what will give you q ladle full
y Meyers still kept his revolver presented;
but his hand shook like leafi in the temp
est, but bis very lips grew white with ter
ror and his trembling feet involuntarily re-
treated backwards by short quivering steps