Des Arc citizen., 1859-01-21
sez. From the Spirit of the South.
 JOHN WEST, THE TEXAN BRAVO.


 From the Spirit of the South.
 JOHN WEST, THE TEXAN BRAVO.
 Many years ago there lived near San Anto- no family by the name of Vest Emgra- ting to Texas from North Carolina, just previ- ous to the Revolution, by which Texas had gained her freedom, they had gone through all the trials incident to that stormy period, and were, by accimation, conceded to be the bravest among the brave. Shortly after the conclusion of the war, John West, the young est of three brothers, returned to North Caro- lima, 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 re- alized that ideal of happiness dv cit upon so much, yet so seldom realized in this world. His vine clad cottage, his focks, his humble, but honorable avocation, his sweet wife and infant daughter, were his world, and he sigh ed for no other. There can be no paradse.up- on earth without the slime of the serpent be- ing visible op it's flowers, and this one was nc exception to the common lot.
 The revolution had indeed gained for Texas freedom from Mexican tyranny, but had left her overrun with scoundrels of every dye ,whc revelled in crime of all kinds, unchecked eith- CT by law, or that thing stronger than law public opinion. Strong bands of these HFfel Companions" roaming from place to place levying black mail upon all who were able tc pay it, not unfrequently committing the mos wanton murders. E EF#
 Among the few men, who were opposed tc these lawless proceedings, John West stood conspicuous, denoun cling them openly with out fear of the consequences As must be expected, this manly conduct brought on him the direct threats of vengeance from the vicious formiles around his dwelling. Things could not long remain thus among such men without coming to a crisis, and one cold stormy night band of men knocked at his door requesting admittance. His wife objected to hls opening the door, but the soul of West never knew fear, and without knowing any of the charac- ters of his nocturnal visitors, he admitted them. Some ten or twelve rufians of the most repulsive stamp entered the room, and with loud curses, demanded liquor and food. West, stillnot suspecting any thingiwrong, sat before them what the house afforded, and while turning to go into the other apartment was felled senseless to the ground by a blow from behind, and immediately gagged and bound. The siCkening scenes which followed we shall not attempt to depict. The sun which had risen but morning before, on scene of primeval happiness, now lit up with his first rays, smouIdering ruins, blackened walls, two charred and grimmed skeletons, sad memorials of yesterdays happiness, two flowers breath ed upon by death ere they were faded or soiled 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 stupenduous change. In that time have been enacted some of the most sublime dra- mas of time; the lone star of Texas still shines brightly in the Armament; but omnibus cloud! seem to threaten it's brilliancy. Mexico again asserts her right to that beautiful province wrested from her grasp by the heroes of San Jacinto. The tocsin of war again resound, over the rich prairies; and every where the people are eager to ''whip Mexico" Recruit, ing offices are every where opened; and into one of these let us step for moment, reader and study the rich variety of origin als whicl we shall find there. As we enter fine manly voice is trolling some fine old ballads, com memoratiye of American prowess by sea an( land. Here, setting on the bare door is part, of hunters, looking on at the strange doings- to them-of their more civilized companions Suddenly all are hushed still as death, for the, instinctively know that some deed of bloot and violence is about to be perpetrated. Liar, shouts tall commanding man to covering and frightened man at his feet; ''you are on of the villains who burnt my house, murdere my wife and child, and would have served m the same way, if had not got out of you clutches; you are the last of Fem, but it shal never be said that Jack West eyer took tn life of his bitterest foe without a chanee;you mustang is good one, mount him, and if yo can get away you can have your life, but if catch you, no mercy, for your internal gan showed me and mine none, Go, five minute start, and the Lord have mercy on you if tn mustang fails you.p The speaker turned, an walking up to the light, commenced putin fresh caps on his revolver, and arranging hi
 arms The man to whom he had been sPeal ing arose, and casting look of hatred an fear at West, rushed precipitately from th room. '.What do you sintend to do to hin Colonel2'' asked as pompous, portly individ' al coming up, and laying his hand familiarl
 on the shoulders of West. 1'send him to h-l
 was the instant reply, and tbe laFgs7 md