St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1861-12-19

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Major Wright, The Scout
How He was taken by theSeoesh.
Another gentleman who has obtained
considerable prominence as q scout and
soldier, is Maj. Clark Wright, who COM
mands Z squadron ef the same character
a. himself: Major Wright moved from
Ohio to Polk county, Missouri, in 1858,
and buying large amount Of prairie COM
meaced the business ofstock raising. He
was just before married g = women Of
more thao ordinary intelligence and deter
uiaation, who proved herself cmincntly
fitted for the duties which their new life
i1eesed upon them. He prospcred great
", and in short time had erected a fue
house, furnished in the best style possible
had two young children, an amiable wife,
q good hotae, and was adding rapidly to
au originally large fortune.
Last winter, when the roar Of secession
came up from South Carolina, he had 1t
in common with others Of his neighbors,
but while avowing himself in fave cf sus-
tanning the Union, he determined to at
tend strictly to his own business. He had
no hesitation in expressing his sentiments
of loyalty to the government, but he did
it quietly, aud with view not to give Of:
fence. Soon after, at Baptist meeting
near his residence, a few Of the brethren,
after refreshing their spiritual appetites
with the crumbs Of the sanctuary. took
bis case into consideration, and unanimous
ly determined thar he should be made to
leave the country, appointing committee
of three to inform him Of their decision.
One of the party, although an ardent Sc
cessionist, happened to be personal friend
of Wright, and fastening away, Informed
him of the meeting. and that the commit
tee would wait o., him the next day, Mon
day. Wright thanked his kink friend and
then, like dutiful husband, laid the case
before his wife, and asked her advice
She poudered a few moments, and then
asked him if he had done anything to war
rant such proceeding. Nothing. "Then
let US fight p was the reply, aud to fight
was the conclusion. Wright was plenti-
fully supplied with revolvers; he took two,
and his wife another, loaded them careful
ly, and waited further developments.
Monday afternoon three men rode up
and inquired for Mr.. Wright. lie walk
I'D out, with the butt Of revolver stick
ing wardily from his coat pocket, and in
quHir1ed their wishes. f'1he revolver. seemed
to upset their ideas. They answered moth.
ing in particular, and proceeded to co1i.
verse upon everythi'ng in general, but new
er alluded to their 2ear,rand: Finally after
half hour had passed, and the men still
talked on without coming to the mission,
Wright grew impatient; and asked if. they
had any special business; if not, he had a
pressing engagement, and would like TO be
excused. Well; they had a. little bust
ness, said one, with considerable hesita-
ton, as he glanced at the revolver butt.
"Stop," says Wright, "before you tell
it, wish to say a word. I know your
business, and l just promised nv wife, on
my honor as man, that I would blow
h-ll out of the man who told me Of it;
and by the eternal God, I'll do it :! Now
tell me your errana?" and as he concluded
he pulled out his revolver, and cooked it.
The fellow glanced a moment at'the dead
ly looking pistol. and took in the stalwart
form of Wright, who was glaring at him
with murder in his eye, and concluded to
postpone the announcetnent. The three
rode away, and reported the reception to
their principals. X. -
p The next Sunday, after another refresh
ing season. the brethren again met and
took action upon the contumaey of Mr.
Wright. The Captain of a company Of Sc
cessionists was present, and after due de-
liberation. it was:determined that upon the
next Thursday he should take his COM
mand, proceed to Wnght,s, and summarily
eject him from the sacred soil Of Missouri.
Nright's friend was again present, and he
was again present, aud he soon commune
Gated the state ofafairs to Mr.. w., with
= suggestion that it would save trouble
and bloodseed if he got away before the
day appointed.2'S* E '' "vt@ !rH,i ! 1r ri;
81 Whghs lived in . portion 'ef the coun-
try remote from the church and the: resi-
deqce Of those who were endeavoring to
drive him out, and he determined, if pos-
sible, to prepare surprise for the worthy
Captain and his gallant forces. To this
end he bought barrel Of whiskcy, anoth-
er Of crackers, a few checses, and some 9TH
er provisions, and then mounting black