The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1859-01-06
From the Spirit of the South.
JOHN WEST, THE TEXAN BRAVO


tonic family by the name Of West. EN-
igrating TO Texas from North Carolina lust
previous to the Revolution, by which Tex
rs had gained her freedom, the had
gone through all the trials incident
to that stormy period, and were, by
reclamation, conceded to be the bravest
among the brave. Shortly after the con-
clus'on of the war, John West, the young
est OF three brothers, returned to North
Carolina, taking with him on his return to
Texas one of the most beautiful women of
that State, renowned far and wide for
beauty. For some three years John West
seems to have realized that ideal of harpi
ness dwet upon so much, yet SO seldom
realized i'll this world. His vine clad cot
tage, his f1ocks, his humble, but honorable
avocat'ons, his sweet wife and infant
daughter, were his world, and he sighed for
no other. There car be no pnradise upon
earth without the slime Of the serpent be-
ing visible on its flowers, aud this one was
no exception to the common lot.
The Revolution had indeed gained for
Texas freedom from Mexican tyranny, but
had left the country overrun with scnun-
drels of every dye, who rcveIled in crime of
all kinds, unchecked either by law, or that
thing stronger than law-p"h!c opiu N
Strong bands Of these " Free Companions"
roamed from place to place, Icvy:ng black
mail upon all who were unable to pay it,
not unfreq"ently committing the most
wanton murders.
Among the few men, who were opposed
to these lawlcss proceedings, John West
stood conspicuous, dcnouncing them open
ly without fear Of the consequences. AS
must be expected, this manly conduct
brought on him the direct threats "f Vet,
gcance from the vicious for m.!.> around
his dwelling. Things could no, long T..
main thus among such men wilhnat com
ing to a crisis, and one cold stormy night
band Of men Knocked 1T lis door re-
questing admiltance. Ills wife objected to
his opening the d""r, but the sou! Of West
never knew fear, aud without knowing any
thing Of the character Of his nocturnal
visitors, he admitted them. Some ten or
twelve ruffians Of the most repulsive stamp
entered the room, and with loud curses,
demanded liquor and food West, still not
suspecting anything wrong, sat before
them what the house afforded, and while
turning to 60 into the other apartment WAS
fe'led senseless to the ground by blow
from behind, and Immediately gagged and
bound. The sickeuing scenes Which fol-
lowed we shall not attempt to depict The
sun which had risen but a morning before
on a scene of prmeval happiness, now lit
up with his first rays, mouldcring ruins,
blackencd walls, two cl.arrcL and grinuing
skeletons, sad memorials Of yesterdays
happiness, two flowers breatl,cd upon 10y
death ere they were faded or soilcd by the
simoons of hot and pestilent world.
Ten years have flown by since that night
of horrors. Ten years Of sorrow, pain,
joy; ten years of stupendous change. In
that time have been enacted some of the
most sublime dramas Of Time; the Lone
Star Of Texas still shines brightly in the
armament; bu. ominious clouds seem to
threaten its brilliaucy. Mexico again as
serts her right to that beautiful province
wrested from her grasp by the heroes of
San Jacinto. The locsin of war again re-
sounds over the rich prairics and every
where the people are eager to "whip Mex
ico." Recruiting officers are every where
opened; and into one of these let US step
for a moment, reader, and study the rich
variety Of originals which we shall find
there. AS we erter a fine manly voice is
trolling some fine old ballad, cornncmora.
tive of American prowers 10y sea and land.
Here, sitting on the bare floor is a party Of
hunters, looking on at the strange dongs
Ito them-of their more civilized com.
panions. Suddenly all are husl,ed still as
death, for they instinctively know that
Aome deed Of blood and violence is about
TO be perpetrated. "Liar,' shouts tall
commanding man to a covering and fright.
ened man at his feet; "you are one Of the
Williams who burnt my house, murdered
my wife and child, and would have served
me the same way, if l had not got out of
your cluthes; you are tie last Of 'em, but
it shall never be said that Jack West ever
took the life Of his bitterest foe, without
q chance; your mustang is a good one,
mount him, and if you can get away you
can have your life, bot il catch you, no
mercy, for your internal gang showed inc
and mine none.
$50, five minutes start, and the Lord have
mercy on you if the mustang fails YOU"
The speaker turned. aud walking up 10 the
light. commenced putting fresI, caps on his
.o,oiras ood orrouUinu hio orp,e ill.,