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

ino Noioheii ieariui Oi the Indians, requeS-
ted jackson to pilot him through the will.
derness. AS the latter was almost con.
stantly called upon to perform this ser
wee for other travellers and emigrants, he
did not see why he should refuse in this
case, and he therefore accompanied them.
This was unwise, and strengthened the
suspicious that had already been whisper
ed about There is no doubt that he felt
the attraction Of a young and fascinating
woman, and it is very probable she pre-
ferred the high.minded, chivalric jackson,
to her own vicious, cruel, and heartless
husband. She ought to have done so at
all events, but there was never the shadow
of proof of criminality, and it would not
have been safe for any one to have said so
openly, within hundred miles of where
Jackson lived.
Robards being confirmed in his suspi-
clons, by this departure of his wife under
the protection of Jackson, applied to the
Legislature of Virginia for a divorce-at
least such was the report-and Jackson,
on his return to Nashville, was told that
the appeal was granted. Resolved at once
to vindicate the character of an injured la
dy, from the aspersion this divorce cast
upon 1t, and at the same time to show the
high estimation in which he beheld her
prompted, no doubt, too, by his feelings,
ne Immediately returned to Natchez, and
offered himself to her. At first she refu-
sed him, but afterwards, overcome by his
importantly and ardour, she relented, and
they were married in the fall. To some
the marriage was damning proof of guilt,
while others saw in it the evidence of an
attachment which had never been sulied
by any outward improper act. 1t was one
OF those unfortunate occurrences which
would be misconstrued, whatever the ter
mination might be.
But there was another feature in this
affair which chagrined Jackson much
On his return with the bride to Nashville
he discovered that the act which had pass
ed the Virginia Legislature, was simply
one granting permission to bring a suit
for divorce in Kentucky, and not a bill of
divorce. He had married the wife of an
other man, to whom she was still bound
by her marital VOWS. Luckily for him.
however, the suit which had been brought
in Kentucky just then terminated in favor
of Robards, and the divorced wife was free.
Jackson Immediately took out license,
and was married over again.
Thus ended an affair which has since
been so much distorted. The meek and
gentle nature of his wife was Just adapted
to his impetuous, stormy and yet, frank
and generous spirit, and they lived long
and happily together.
Notwithstanding the scandal and ex-
element which this affair had created,
Jackson continued to increase in populari-
~ and influence. Tennessee had been
set otf into territory, of which he was ap-
pointed attorney-general. In l786, when
it was erected into state, he was elected
a member Of the convention to frame n
constitution. The next year he was cho-
sen representative to Congress, and the
year after, senator ol the United States.
He to,'k his seat in November, but the
following April, asked leave of absence
and returned home. Soon after he sent
in his resignation to the Legislature, which
Immediately appointed him Supreme
Judge Of the State, an appointment which
he had not solicited, and which he accent
ed with great reluctance. He distrusted
his own abilities for such station, being
then but thirty-one years of age. But,
however much he might be wanting in
experience he possessed some qualities cx-
actly adapted to the rude and lawless in
habitants Of the frontiers. One thing was
certain, that law in his h ,nds would n It
be mere bit Of parchment, nor its deci-
sions allowed to be disregarded. This was
OF vital importance in a new country,
where threats and violence often turned
aside the course Of justice, and weakened
respect for the mandates Of law.
His first court was held in Jonesborough
where his executiveness was strixingly de-
velOped. Among other cases to be tried,
was that Of a ruffianly fellow, named Rus
sell Bean, who, in drunken fit, had cut
off the ears Of his infant child. He was
a powerful, ferocious villain, and disdain-
ing to flee, proudly paraded the court
yard, daring the sheriff to sieze him. The
latter, fearing to approach him, reported
in Court that Russell Bean would not
be taken" Judge jackson, with an en-
phasis now seldom used in court, rebuked
the sheriff, and peremptorily ordered the
arrest to be made, and If necessary to
" summon the posse eo.,,i.atus.''
Soon after, the Court adjourned for din
ner; and, in the mean time, the sheriff
summoned his "posse oomitatus," and
among them the judges themselves. The
sheriff, doubtless, thought that they would
refuse to obey the summons, and he
would thus avoid the danger Of attempt
ing to arrest this armed and desperate
man. He, however, very much miscalcu-
lated as toone Of the judges; for Jack
son, when the sheriff had finished reading
his sommons, coolly replied, "yery well,
SIR, | will attend you, and see that yoa do
your duty" ....... -....,....'..,....
Taking up loaded pistol. he walked
IL