Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1858-10-21

was next, as We have already seen, mem
ber of the Convention that formed the State
Constitution and was elected again the en-
suing year to represent his county in the
Senate of Arkansas.
At this period commenced bis second Sc.
lies of misfortunes. Hills nearest neigh
bors we're the Strongs,-four brothers of
considerable wealth, more ambition, and if
we may borrow the phrase Of the country,
"fanous fighters"
Notwithstanding their character was so
dissimiIar from that of the pacific "bear-
huuter," close and cordial intimacy grew
up between them; and Hill, in an unguar-
ded moment, made the eldest brother George,
a cop6dant as to the secrets of his previous
history. 1t happened that this same George
conceived a violent desire for political dis.
tinction, and requested Hill to resign his
seat in the Senate in the illiberal friends
favor. Hill refused, and the Strongs con-
spired for terrible revenge. Writing back
to Carolina, they procured copy of the re-
ward offered for the arrest Of Nixon Curry,
the farfamed robber; and then collecting q
party of dozen desperate men, they at
tempted to capture Hill in his own house.
The latter had always gone armed, with his
enormous double-barrelled shot-got, two long
rife. pistols, and knife so heavy that few
other hands besides his own could WELD it
The assault of the Strongs proved horrible
to themselves. Hill killed two of the broth
ers, and dangerously wounded five of their
friends, escaping himself unhurt, although
more than twenty rounds of ball and buck
shot were aimed at his breast.
The excitement resulting from the affair
was boundless. A requisition came on from
the Executive of Carolina, demanding the
surrender of Nixon Curry. The Governor
of Arkansas published an additional reward
for the arrest of John Hill; and thus, be-
twixt the two fires, the victims chance seem.
ed perfectly hopeless.
Hills conduct in the crisis was prompt
and fearless as ever. Packing up hastily he
set out with his wife and children. in COM
mon moving wagon, for Upper Arkansas,
where. he knew of band Of desparadoes
that he believed would protect him. He
was overhauled at Conway Court House by
two hundred men in pursuit, all thoroughly
armed, and some of them renowned eight
ers." Hill saw their approach on the dis
tant prairie, and with this dreadful double
barrel-that sure deatb.dealer to either man
or beast within the range of two hundred
yards-iustantly marched to meet his foes.
This incredible bravery, i"ined to the fear
before inspired by his desperation, affected
the advancing troops with such an unaccount.
able panic, that the whole two hundred
sought safety in disgracefully rapid flight
Several other attempts were made to cap
ture the dangerous outlaw, all alike ending
either in ludicrous or bloody failures. In
the meantime, Hills character and conduct
underwent complete change. Forced to
be always on the lookout, and therefore,
unable to follow any steady business in OF
der to support his family, he rescrted to the
gaming.table He learned also to indulge
in the fiery stimulus Of ardent d'ink, and
his disposition necessarily sourd by recent
events, became quarrelsome in the extreme,
Perhaps there never was man, excepting
only that Napolean OF due:lists, james Bowie,
who was so heartily dreaded. I have myself
seen persons ofund 'ubted courage turn pale
merely at the appearance of Hills gigantic
form, broadly belted, and bristling with Pis-
tolls. He was way-laid and shot at num-
Der of times, yet still escaped without scar
But this could be no wonder; for even brave
mems hand shook when they saw him, and
shaking hands generally make very poor
shots.
During the September term, 1858, of the
Circuit Court for Pope County, in which
Hill resided, he got out Of bed one morning
uncommeuly gloomy, aud, whieat the break
fast table, suddenly burst into tears.
What is the matter, my dearW asked
Lucy-that beautiful Lucy, who had former
ly left her wealthy home in Carolina for the
robber and robbers cave.
81 have had dreadful dream" answered
the husband, shuddering at the recollection
II saw George Strong in my sleep, and he
kissed me with his pale lips, that burned
like fire, and smelled of sulphur. | am sure
I shall die before sunset"
"Then do not 20 to court, to-day" said
the wife, in accents of earnest entreaty.
"But I WILL" replied the husband firmly.
"When a mans time is come, he cannot
hide from death besides, it will be the act
of coward to do so, if one possesses the
power" Then addressing his son, fine
intelligent boy of thirteen, he continued,
"Bill, you see my gun !"-pointing his fin
ger as be spoke to the great double-barrel
hanging on buck.horns over the door 'sprac-
tice with it every morning, and the day you
are sixteen, shoot the loads of both barrels
into the man who will this day kill your
father"
mYonder comes Nose Howard; he will
protect you, Pa" remarked Mary, Hills
eldest daughter, a lovely girl of fifteen, who
was to be married the next day to the youth
then approaching.
Hill and Howard departed; Lucy with
tears, aud Mary blushine, both calling out
as they left the yate. sTake good care of him,