Smyrna times., 1857-10-14
Gener Il Walkers EarIv Life,

came down the Mississippi with gentle
man from Nashville who had been at school
with General Walker and who confirmed in
the strongest manner, the accounts of his re-
serve at school, Indeed he said Walker was
the punlest, quietest milksop of boy he had
ever known; SO much SO, as to be an object OF
derlslon to his school-tellows, who called him
honey" Missy" and other similar and con-
temptuous names. Walker never Joined the
boys In any athletic games; the only thing by
which he distinguished himself was that he al
ways knew his lesson better than any bov in
school; and the moment school was ovet he
ran home TO his mother. In his leisure mo.
ments his taverite pastime was reading the
Bible. Indeed there is little doubt that Walker
possesses one of those strong, peculiarly organ
lzed, imaginative minds, which seize all objects
III strong and original manner, and to which,
at one time or another theology is sure to be a
source Of irresistible attraction. Walker first
OF all studied divinity, and it was probably only
In consequence of the doubts and FerpleXites,
that so often disturbed the studies of our Young
theologlans, that he abandoned that study for
medicine. This, too, tor some reason, he gave
up after time, and took to law, which, as YOU
Know, In this country is often synonymous with
taking to politics. In New Orleans he con-
nected himself with the press; but here. in ad-
dltlon to law and physc. he also had an episode
OF love, which, though not mentioned in the
public accounts of his career, had, believe,
great effect on his fortunes and character, and
the story of which | had from a source in which
can put every confidence. At New Orleans |
he became acquainted with yonng girl very
0eautltu! and intellectual, but deaf and dumb |
walker was at first attracted to this young |
lady by sympathy tor her melancholy privaton;
out tehdefer feelings socn arose, and on her |
part the young lady became passionately at
tackled TO Walker. Indeed, not being aware of
the usual restraints which the conventiopali-
ties OF society impose on females under such
circumstances, she even displayed her affection
IN more open manner than was pleasing to
ler friends. This led to- some restraint, and
misunderstanding, and estrangemeut; and the
poor. beautiful, but speechless girl, thinking
herself deserted, sckened and died. From that
moment Walker was a changed man. He
went 10 Ca-llornla, fought duel, and then
olned band OF desperadoes Thenceforth the
Hckly, studloHs mlIksop, was the stern and dar-
hg adventurer This story sounds romantic
confess; but 1t is the only inteligible clue
nave yet received to the strange revolution
which is admitted to have taken place in this
mans character. 1t must have required some
5reat mental shock TO transform the sicklv
yellow haired laddie" of Nashville, into the
ern Nicaraguan flIibuster Why should it
lot be blasted love, and the vision of his bro
,en-hearted deaf-mue dead for love of him
10 an Imagination such as his must be, vision
Ike this may well become a permanent and
'oweriul reality, casting its dark hue over his
vho.e career and Character One thing IN
Walker do admire, | mean his silence. For
agree with Carlyle, that " silence is great"
n an age of blabberS, it is much to find man
hat can hold his tnngue.-Mirling'S Letters
rom tie Slare States.