Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1852-06-09
THE BULLET AND THE OLIVE BRANCH

Not many years since the State of Arkansas
had very bad name, occasioned by the frequent
use of the bowie knife and the bhllet-an a.
musement many of the citizens naturally indul-
ged in by being always armed and ready" to
draw" on the slightest pretence. The custom
of wearing deadly weapons in that State, is now
generally acknowledgements Arkansas
bears as good name rs any of her western and
southern sisters-indeed a rather better one
than State that lies northeast Of her, (not ad-
joining) where, of late, the recreation of shoot
ing and cutting people has become quite fash
ionable. The people of Arkansas were not so
wicked in heart, after all, as many supposed as
the following incident, which we know to be
true, will illustrate. The habit Of pulling trig-
gers at people was frequently unattended by
malice or revenge-frendship or respect follow
ing in quick succession upon anger or imaglna-
ry provocaton:
A gentleman about fifteen years ago, of this
city, was travelling on horseback through that
portion of the State which lies between Wash
ington and the Southern line, towards " the Red
River country" He was riding northwardly,
and about noon, after travelling for several hours
through the monotonous cane-brakers, came
suddenly into an" opening" of few acres. The
ing fatigued, had temporarily assumed, for a
change, the girl fashion way, of sitting on his
horse. Just as he came out of the thick cane
rushed out from the cabin, which was about
eighty yards from the path or road and came up
on him so suddenly that his horse SHE'D, and be-
ing so carelessly seated in his saddle, the rider
was very near being dismounted. He quickly
no1 l. a,,ll
ing pistol, fired at the dog, but missed his
mark; then turning his eyes towards the cabin,
he saw man reach up and take down from over
the door rifle, which he deliberately raised
as it were-to shoot him. 1t was just coming
to level, and the man was about to draw Il
bead on the stranger, when he called out loudly
" in mercy not to shoot" The man in the door
slowly dropped the muzzle of his rifle, and the
two gazed at each other for moment in silence,
the one trembling with fear and the other hesi-
tating to fire. The traveller dared not put spurs
to his horse, lest the hunters bullet might over
take and dismount him, so turning the animals
head towards the house, he rode slowly till he
came within easy speaking distance, when, with
out alludng to anything that had happened he
inquired, in pleasant way, if he could get n
glass of milk-that he was quite thirsty.
"Yes sir" replied the Arkansas man, walking
rifle in hand-towards the traveller; "come
in; light off and come in; | always have some
thing to eat and drink for man and beast"
The host fastened the horse to n sapling, and
the two entered the house together. In a few
minutes they were engaged in a conversation
that was interesting and instructive to either par
ty, onaffairs of their respective States-Arkan-
sas and Ohio. The stranger had delayed so long
resting during the heat of the day, that on the
urgent invitation Of his host he concluded to re-
main till next morning. Not one word was
said about the incident that was the cause of his
visit, until the stranger had shaken the hand of
his host in parting, when the former said, Z" My
friend, you drew your rifle on me yesterday, now
wish to know if you really intended to shoot
me!"
81 most assuredly did, sir. After you called
to me not to shoot, | saw by his leaps that
Bounce was not hit; this was all that saved you.
Had you killed that dog you would have follow
ed him, but it is better as it is for have found
you first rate fellow, and whenever you come
to Arkansas, always recolect that you will have
a hearty welcome here"
Thus was rash, quick anger suddenly changed
to mellow courtesy Instead of parting from
his host with a leaden bullet through his head
the guest bore away an olive branch in his hand
Gin. Com.
CREDiT.-Is your credit good! Keep it so.
n