The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1852-06-30

dark, came in sight of his friends encamp-
ed on the opposite bank of n deep and
half frozen stream. Their fires were al
ready kindled for the night, and their
clothes and baggage spread out to dry
AS they heard the FLASHING Of his horse in
the water, ,tbev sprang to their feet in alarm;
but at sight Of the intrepid young Carroll
man, joyful shout of welcome went up
from the whole camp. The tidings he
brought, however, soon dissipated their
giaJness; and in few minutes the hor.
ses were re-saddled, and the whole party
stralning forward through the wilderness.
They kept on all night without haltinv,
and when daylight appeared, urged their
Jaded beasts to still greater speed. The
day, howevet, was almost as gloomy as
the night; the sky was overcast; not a
breath of air disturbed the lofty tree-tops
under which they passed, aud that omni-
Gus silence which precedes a storm brood.
ed over the solitude. At length the vel.
come sight Of the log cabins of some hun.
ters met their view, and they felt that pro-
lection from the Indians and shelter from
the approaching storm were at last before
them; but to their surprise and grief and
Jackson's Indignation, both wee refused
them, and they were compelled to push on
and bivouac in the forest. Jackson, who
had not slept for two nights, wrapped his
blanket around him, and throwing himself
on the ground was soon fast asleep. Soon
after the snow began to descend, silent
and soft, On the sleepers, and when the
young solicitor opened his eyes in the
morning, he found himself covered six in
ches deep.
The Indians, when they discovered they
had been baffled in their attempt to get
in advance, pressed forward in pursuit till
they arrived at the cabins of the hunters
who had treated Jackson and his party so
churlishly. Being met with tie same in
hospitality, fight ensued, and the hunt
ers were all massacrcd.
In these trips from Nashville to Jones'
borough, Jacksor's courage and presence
OF mind were constantly put to proof and
he went through an excellent training for
his after career in the war with the Creeks.
AT this time he was in the full bloom of
youth. Athletic, fearless, impetuous fill-
ed with chivalric feeling; ever ready to
succour the needy, his reputation spread
fsr and wide among the settlers. II a
band Of needy emigrants from the eastern
slope required assistance on their way, he
was The first TO volunteer to 90 to their
aid; If an expedition was to he fitted our
against tribe Of marauding Indians, he
was first at the rendezvous, and first in the
assault on the hostile towns. The sava-
ges feared him, and gave him the name
of "Sharp Knife" and Pointed Arrow
On one occasion he was accompanying
party Of travellers from Nashville to Lex
ington, among whom was a lady going t.,
join her husband. The intervening coun-
ry was then wilderness, which render
ed it dangerous to travel, except in parties
of some size. The second night after
they started the lady was taken so unwcll
that in the morning she was unable to
proceed. Theparty, however, had no idea
of stopping there till she recovered, and
were preparing depart without her. Jack
son demonstrated with them against the
brutality Of leaving a woman unprotected
in the wilderness. A son who had been
nurtured by such n mother as watched
over his childhood, would never desert a
woman in distress, though a thousand
deaths stared him in the face. To his
amazement his appeals were received with
cool Indifference or silent contempt; and
by their conduct they plainly told him he
had better mind his own business. The
whole nature of Jacks N was aroused his
eye flashed fire, and seizing his rifle, he
levelled il, swearing that he would shoot
dead the first man who dared set foot in
stirrup. Every feature Of his countenance
expressed the determination of his heart,
and his well-known character forbade tri-
fling. They then consented to remain a
day, at the end of which time the lady
was able to proceed.
At this period Of his life, an event oc-
CURED which caused considerable excite
ment at the time, and many years after
was the fruitful source of much slander
and abuse. Mrs. Donelson, with whom
Jackson boarded, had daughter distin-
guished for her beauty Of person, aud en-
gaging manners. She had married Mr,
Robards, whose character proved TO be
worthless and vile. After bearing patient
ly, Tor long time, his violent out burts of
temper, ard made to suffer from his Vi
cious course Of life, she left him and return
ed to her mother. jackson and Judge
Overton occupied cabin by themselves,
but took their meals with the family Of
Mrs. Donelson. IL was, therefore, ma ural
and proper, that jackson, then a young
man, should become charmed with the so
ciety Of Mrs. Robards. A reconciliation
having been effected between her and her
husband, by Judge Oyerton, the latter
came to Nashville, and prepared to settle
down as farmer. His Jealousy, howey-
or was soon aroused at the intimacy that
existed between Jackson and his wife, and
caused much unhappiness in the family
Jackson being informed Of Il, changed his
hoa pdinas Y,laoa hos..ons ~ AT. -. . :.