The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-12-11
From the Southern MOn,hly.


From the Southern Mon,hly.
THE METHODIST PREACHER AND THE
RoBBER.
ny PROF. ALLEN n. SCOTT.
The history Of few countries possesses
more interest than that of the storied West.
Equal in extent to some of the most populous
empires of the Old World, varied in scene
nv. soil, aud climate. no wonder that its
transition from wilderness state, as II was
half century ago, TO its present condition,
as to population, wealth aud refinement,
should be attended with many strange and
startling events.
The narrative which the writer Is about to
give, is no fictitious statement. One Of the
principal actors, who has now gone into that
unexplored world, whence mo traveller re-
turns" from his own lips, related the facts
herein set forth, in my hearing. Though a
mere STRIPPING at the time, the narrative
made such an impression on my mind. that
The lapse Of many sow-rolling years has, by
no means, eifaced it. Thinking that it ma ,
serve TO interest the readers OF the |" South
ern Monthly" have committed i 70 paper.
In 1901 Tennessee was an untrodden
waste. Ii IS true that, prior TO that date, a
few settlements had been made IN PowelFs
Valley, in East Tennessee, and, perhaps,
village had been commenced at the French
Lick. now Nashville, and a very few scat
fering settlements had been started elsewhere
by hardy Adventures. but they were "few
aud far between" The valley Of the Cum
berland. and All that part Of the State known
rs Middle Tennessee, to say nothing OF our
Western District, were the sbOdes Of savag-
Is, and but little known to civilized men.
IN the early part OF that rear two or three
Methodist preachers, Young men from Nir.
ginis, burning with zeal TO bear the tidings
n salvation 10 the new settlers IN tie West,
left their homes and friends, and came 70
Tennessee. Here they parted the wild cane,
and told the Stirring story Of the Cross to the
early pioneers.
Among them was young preacher named
John Cragg. lie was about twenty -four
years Of age, heayy.buiit, athletic and daring.
He seemed 70 be peculiarly htted. in many
respects, for the task lie had undertaken.
Fearless Or man ard beast, content to under
70 hardships, willing 10 lie down upon a
hard bed, in an open cabin. to 81 down 10
scantv fare, 10 swim the unbridged stream,
70 climb mountains, and wander along the
painless woods, il he could bat be the hum
Be instrument in the hands Of Providence,
ii establishing the Redeemer's kingdom 10
these new lands.
Not far from he spot where stands the
beautiful little town Of sparta, Mr.. Cragg
was vending his way along a blind trace,
seeking distant settlement. when suddenly
tall young man sprsng from a cover behind
huge rock, and presenting his rife, demand.
ed his money Mr.. Cragg reintd up his
horse and stood still, regarding the assailant
with ! piercing look, the rife, meanwhile,
being presented al the distance OF only few
feet.
nGiys me your money" demanded the
Young man, Tor Ill blow you through"
"YOung man" said the preacher, what
has brought you 10 thiss You cannot pull
that trigger. You have never robbed any
one. This Is Your 6r.t attempt. When
child. you were taughs better things. Your
mother"
Here the young man instantly lowered the
mBzzle Of his gun, hesitated, threw Il On the
ground, and burst into tears.
at Is nv fret attempt" said he. !" was
indeed taught better things
The preacher dismOunted from bis horse,
and babe the young man III down by him %
Che fragment Of rock. Here, with 10 little
difficulty, he induced the young robber to
give him an outline Of his history. II may
Be comprised IN few words. lie was
YTgiuian, u wealthy. religious, and highly
respectable parents. Two years previously
he had married young lady, whose parents
condition were not below that 81 his own.
For some reason the parents on both sides
opposed the match, and the young people e.
Hoped, caring little whittier they went 30 they
were together. They received nothing from
their parents; 10 fact the latter knew not
whittier they had gone
They bad Setiufed out 70 this Wild coun.
try, and had managed ID live, % 10 his lime,
though with 10 little officially. bon, Ma
recently been sick. They lad no usighbofs,
no friends, none 10 whom 10 On etti hour
they could appeal for aid Reduced 20 the
very point Of starvation, The iemmer had sug
gested that he should make Just ens little
r0bberyi only few dollars would 10, until
he could make other arrangement Fof
three DAYS IL had been watching this trace.
and Mr.. Crsgg was the fret 70 pass.
Closely did The Young preacher observe
every motion. tone II voice. and linrsment
y the fnanlsnanfs y H. ICING Man. llii