Cedar Falls gazette. [volume] (Cedar Falls, Iowa) 1860-1895, 1860-07-27

independence, and had still more recently
displayed desperate bravery in two duels, in
both Of which he had cut his antagonist near
" to pieces with the bowie knife. Indeed
from the notoriety Of his character for revenge
as well as courage, It was thought that Pres
idcnt Houston would rcnounce his purpose
touching the archives; SO soon as he should
learn who was the leader of the opposition. f3
Morton on his part, whose vanity fully
equalled his personal prowess, encouraged
and justified the prevailing opinion by his
boastfIl threats. He swore that if the Pres
ident did succeed in removing the records by
the march Of an overpowering force, he would
then himself hunt him down like wolf and
shoot him with as little ceremony. He even
wrote the hero Of San Jacinto to that effect.
The latter replied in note Of laconic bravery:
If the people Of Austin do not send the
archives Ishall certainly come and take them :;
and If Col. Morton can take me he is welcome
to my ear cap" nEals tsy9d i.tH
On the reception Of this answer, the guard
was doubled around the State House. Cho-
sen sentinels were stationed along the road
leading to the capitol, the military paraded
the streets from morning till night, and Sc
lect caucus held permanent session in the
City Hall. In short everything betokened a
coming tempest. h.F
One day, while matters were in this preca-
rious condition, the caucus at the City Hall
was surprised by the sudden appearance of a
stranger whose mode of entering was cxtraor-
dinary as his looks and dress. He did not
knock at the closed door--he did not seek ad-
mission there at all but climbing, unseen
small bushy topped live oak, which grew be-
side the wall; he leaped without sound or
warning through lofty window. He was
clothed altogether in buckskin, carried long
and very heavy rifle in his hand, wore at the
bottom of his left suspender huge bowie
knife, and had in his leathern belt couple
Of pistols half the length Of his gun. He was
tall, straight as an arrow, active as q panther
in its motions, with dark complexion and
luxuriant jetty hair, with . severe iron like
countenancc, that seemed never to have
known smile, and eyes of vivid black, wild
and rolling, and piercing as the point of
dagger His strange advent inspired . thrill
Of involuntary fear, and many present un-
conciously grasped the handles Of their side
arms. gGrega ,gss.s 5.tss t!s4fssfr.H II Ger
f""Who are you, that thus presumes to in
trude among gentlemen, without invitation ?"
demanded Colonel Morton, essaying to COW
down the stranger with his eye. -aU ,,
The latter retuned his stare with compound
interest and laid his long bony finger on his
lip, as sign, but Of what the spectators
could not imagine.
y" Who are you? :? Speak, or I will cut an
answer out Of your heart r. shouted Morton.
almost distracted with rage by the cool.
sneeriHg gaze Of the other, who now removed
his finger from his lip, and placed his hand
on the hilt Of bis monstrous knife.
The fiery Colonel then drew his dagger
and was in the act of advancing upon the
stranger, when several caught him and held
him back remonstratin&.
Let him alone Morton, for Gods sake
Don't you ,peEceiyc that he is crazy Pr
At this moment Judge Webb, . maj, Of
shrewed intellect and, Courteous manners.
stepped forward and addressed the intruder
in the most respectful manner - IS
Nv good friend. I pfesumc YOU have
made mistake IN the house. This is q t,n
vate Rsstng where ne none a but tine members b
The stranger did not seem to comprehend
the words, but he could not fail to understand
the mild and deprecatory manner. Hisrigid
features relaxed, and moving to a table in the
centre Of the hall, where there were materi-
80 NsA sOARACsAACAtS AOA WIIGIlky uc SCIZeU u
pen and traced one line. " am deaf" He.
then held it up before the spectators as a
sort Of apology for his own want Of polite
ness. lfss''
Judge Webb took the paper, and wrote !
question. Dear sir, win you be 50 obliging
g 70 inform ~ what y your business with
the present meeting"
|, The other replied BY delivering letter in
scribed on the hack: 70 the citizens Of
Austin = They broke the zeal and read Ii
aloud It WAS from Houston and showed
the usual tersc brevity Of his style.
!" Fellow citizens Though In error, and
deceived BY the arts OF traitors, I viii give
you three days more to decide whether YOU
win surrender the public archives. AT the
end of that time please let me know your de-
4. Ysur were m brave enough .a 10 insult lt nc ~
your threatening looks ten minutes ago, are
you brave enough now to give me satisfac-
ton r. f..s 81 s 'ss ~
The stranger penned his reply: a' ~
am Ut your sarviee"
y Morton pensed !" Name. your terms.'''F
Z The stranger traced without . moments
hesitation; Time, sunset this evening
place, the left bank Of the Colorado, opposite
Austin; weapons, rifles, distance, hun
dred yards. Do not f.il to BE in time. = -
f He then took three steps. aczDss the door
and disappeared Is he had entered.