The Nevada journal., 1855-06-01
Hoy. VIM. Z. Duyal

The, late William P. Duval, whose
death took place at Washington on the
10Th ultimo, was type of the genuine
American character-apt, self-relying, and
fertile in natural resources. He was
born in Virginia Of one of its oldest fami-
lies Some carly pranks Of whimsical
but innocent kind gained him the charac-
ter of an ''unlucky boy" prone to all
kinds Of mischief. The harsh treatment
he experienced lii consequence stung him
to the heart He considered himself mis-
understood and undervalued 'FIn go
from home," said he, "and shift for my
self y There was at that time IN Vir-
GINA rage for emigration to Kentucky.
lie had heard wonders of that country,
and of the glorious, independent life of
the hunters who ranged its forest and
lived by the rife. He determined to 90
there and adopt that mode of life His
father considered it only the passing ca
price Of a boy, being little aware Of his
wonderful spirit and of the dogged resolu-
ton of his character. Finding, however,
that he was not to be moved either by
pursuasion or remonstrance; lie gave
away to his humor, trusting that little
rough experience would soon bring him
home again. He even gave him we'll
filed purse to assist him on his wayfarine
The hunter in embryo asked for a horse
and servant.
- horse why you could not 60 a
mile without racing him and breaking J your
neck, and as to a servant, you cannot take
care Of yourself, much less Of him"
How am I to travel there :"
FWhy, [ suppose you are man enough
70 travel on foot"
He spoke jestingly, little thinking the
lad would take him at his word but the
latter was thoroughly quiped in respect to
the enterprise, so he poclzeted the purse
made up his pack, and girdcd up his loins
for the journey.
''Whcn viii you come back - asked
his sister, as she hung around his neck
weeping. "Never by heavens till I
come back a member Of Congress from
Kentucky [ am determined to show that
I am not the tail-cnd Of the family"
Such was tbc launch fourth in life Of
youth but little way in his teens His
pedestrian journey had lis hardships he
was at one time in danger Of being stop
ped as q runaway apprentice after which
he avoided houses as much as possible,
lighting fire at night in some wood or
ravino, and sleeping before it in hunters
style.
At length he arrived at Brownsville,
Pa, lcg-Weary, Way-worn, and in shabby
plight, having "camped out" for several
nights. The landlord Of the inn was IN
willing to receive q vagrant boy beneath
his roof he was about to turn him of,
when his wife interfered.
Where can you be going, my lad :"
said She
"To Kentucky"
"What are you going there Gor -
"To hunt"
She locked at him earnestly for mo-
ment OF two. "Hare you mother liv-
ing :" said she at length
"Eo madam; she has been dead for
some time'
"I thought So" said she, warmly II
knew if you had a mother living you
would not be here" From that moment
the good woman treated him during his
soiourn with woman's kindness
Embarking at Wheeling on fat-bot-
toned boat, called "Broad Horn,' he
aoated down the Ohio, past Cincinnati,
then mere group of leg cabins, and the
site of Louisville where then stood soli-
tary house, until after a voyage Of several
days, he landed near the mouth Of Green
River, and struck for the interior of Ken
lucky. He had relations in Lexington
and other settled places, but resolved to
keep clear of them all, being resolptely
bent on making his own way in the world,
without any assistance OF control SO he
made for the widest part of the country,
camping out at night, and supping on
Wild turkey which he had shot. Ia tie
midst Of the wilderness he was accosted
by Q man In a hunting dress
Where are you Fl iom ~ said the latter
'From Richmond :"
"What in old Virginny :" .a#
''The same"
GLOW On earth did you get here -
II landed at Green river from the
Broad Horn.'' y
"And where are your companions ~
II have none.n
"Nhere are you going"
ANY where''
What have you come here for"
"To hunt"
"Wen," cried the other laughing, 'you
will make real hunter, there's no mistake
IN that. But come go home with me; my
name is Bill Smithers; I live not far off;
stay with me little while and I will teach
you how to hunt.'
This was his first introduction into hunt
ing life. He soon became expert in
wood craft and was a great iavorite
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