The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1857-12-22

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tie field; for of all the bear huntors that
pierced the jungles of cans in 'the great
swamp or descended by torch-light into
the dark caves of the Ozark Mountains, he
was celebrated as the most fearless.
He was repeatedly elected to the Terri
tolial Legislature, where he distinguished
himself by strong, impassioned eloquence,
as chief leader in the Democratic ranks.
He was next, as we have already seen, a
member of the convention that formed
the State constitution, and was elected a
gain the ensuing year, to represent. his
county in the Senate Of Arkansas.
At this period commenced his second
series of misfortuncs. Hills nearest neigh
bors were the Strongs-four brothers of
considerable wealth, more ambition, and,
if we may borrow the phrase of the coun-
try, famous fighters
Notwithstanding their character was SO
dissimilar to that of the pacific bear hun
ter close and cordial intimacy grew up
between them; and Hill, in an unguarded
moment, made the eldest brother, George,
confident as to the secrets of his previous
history. This same George conceived a
violent desire for political distinction, and
requested Hill to resign his seat in the
Senate in the liberal friends favor. Hill
refused, and the Strongs conspired for
terrible revenge. Writing back to Carroll
ma, they procured copy of the reward Of
fered for the arrest of Nixon Curry, the
far famed robber; then collecting party
of dozen desperate men, they attempted
to capture Hill in his own house. The lat
ter had always gone armed with his enor-
nous double-barrelled shot gun; two long
rifle pistols, and knife SO heavy that few
other hands besides his own could WELD it.
The assault of the Strongs proved horrible
to themselves. He killed two of the
brothers, and dangerously wounded five of
their friends, escaping himself unhurt, al
though moro than twenty rounds Of ball
and buckshot were aimed at his breast
The excitement resulting from the affair
was boundless. A requisition came on
from the executive of Carolina, demand
ing the surrender of Nixon Curry. The
Governor Of Arkansas published an addi-
tional reward for the arrest of John Hill
and thus, bctwixt tho two fires, tho vic
TINS chance seemed perfectly hopeless and
desperate.
Hills conduct in this crisis was prompt
and fearless as ever. Packing up hastily
he set out with a comon moving wagon
for upper Arkansas, where he knew Of
band Of desperadoes that would protect
him. He was ovcfhauled at Conway
court house by two hundred men in pur.
suit, all thoroughly armed ard somc of
them renown fighters. Hill saw their ap-
proach on the distant prarie, and with his
dreadful double -barrel-that sure death
dealer to either man or beast--instantly
marched to meet his foes. This incredible
bravery, joined by the fears before inspired
by his desperations, affected the advancing
troops with such an unaccountablc panic
that the whole two hundred sought safety
in disgraceful and rapid fight.
Several attempts were made to capture
the dangerous outlaw, all alike ending eth
or in ludicrous or bloody failures. In the
meantime Hills character and conduct
underwent a complete change. Forced to
be always on the lookout, and, therefore.
unable to follow any steady business in or
der to support his family, he resorted TO
the gaming table. He learned also to in
dulge in the frcry stimulus of ardent drinks,
and his disposition, necessarily soured by
recent events, became quarrelsome in tho
extreme.
Perhaps there never was man, except
ing only that Napoleon of duelists James
Bowie, who was So terribly dreaded.
have myself seen persons Of undoubted
courage turn pale at the appearance of
Hills gigantic form,. broadly belted and
bristling with pistols. He was waylaid
and shot at number Of times yet still
escaped without scar. But this could be
no wonder, for even bravo mems hands
shook when they saw him, and shaking
hands generally make poor shots.
During the September term, 1S43, of
the Circuit Court of Pope county, in which
Hill resided, he got out Of bed one morn
ing uncommonly gloomy, and while at the
breakfast table, suddenly burst into tears.
what is the matter, my dear? asked |
Lucy-that beautiful Lucy who had form
erly left her wealthy home in Carolina for
a robbcr and robbers cave.
Il have had dreadful Dream answered
Tho husband, shuddering at tho recollect-
on. Il saw George Strong in my sleep,
and he kissed me with his pale lips that
burned like fire, and smclleG like sulphur.
am sure shall die before sunset
'Then DO not go to court to-day said
he wife in earnest entrcaty.
But L will,' replied tho husband, firm
y.-'When mans time has come, he
,annot hide from death; besides, il wouli
20 the act Of a coward to do so, if one pos
esscs the power Then addressing his
on, fine, intelligent boy of thirteen, he
ontinued-'Bill, you see my gun, pointing
lis finger as he spoke, to the great double
,arrel hanging on buck horns over tho
loor, practice with that every morning,
nd the day you are sixteen, shoot the
Dads Of both barrels into the man who
will this day kill your father
'Yonder comes Nose Howard; he will
'rotect you, pa remarked Mary Hills
ldcst daughter, lovely girl Of fifteen,
'ho was to be married tho next day, TO
he youth theh approaching.
Hill and Howard departed; Lucy with
ears, and Mary blushing, both calling out
s they left the gate, Take good care of
i'm, Nose, and be sure and bring him
ack TO us to-nipbt,'