East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1863-07-21
THE LAND PIRATE.
BY cLAUD RosslTEUR


1t was in tho summer of 1914, tha
the events described in this narrative
occurred. / was on my way from Gin
cinDati to New Orleans, in the Cresen,
City-lopg since gone to decay. My
business in tho latter city was to draw
up will, and transact other necessary
business for friend of mine, New
Orleans planter, who, finding himself in
declining health had sent for me, with
the assurance of abundant pecuniary
recompeose for my services.
AT the time the whole country was
ringing with accounts of the bold deeds
and daring outrages of the famous land
pirate, John Murrell, and his gang OF
cut.tbroat vagabonds. Various exag
Grated reports were afioat respecting
his redoubtable band, as also of his
own appearance one account represent
ing him as big hurley fellow, with
fiery red hair and strength enough Ia
hold mad bull by the horns another
n small ei;sht Jut active aud power.
ful man While u mira uiHering rom
the others, ascribed him to the olive
cheek, the raven hair, and the fierce
vindictive temperament of the naughty
Spaniard.
Among the passengers on board the
steamer was one with whom | soon
formed most agreeable acquaintance.
OF fascinating address, Monsieur Bre.
tuel- for so be christened himself-was
as agreeable man as it was ever my
fortune to meet One evening az we
eisurely paced arm in-arm up and down
the promenade deck, inhaling the per.
fume of a couple of choice Havanas, !
mentioned the various reports of Mur.
rels personal appearance, which | had
heard When had finished he threw
away the remnant of his cigar, laughed
pleasantly, aud said:
"All those accounts are exaggerated
or untrue. / once saw Murrel !"
"You!" l exclaimed; show, when,
where?"
"On M plantation, few miles South
of Memphis, though he seldom ventures
so far South, as his head quarters are
said to be in Northern Tennessee
Well, as | was saying, he came to my
plantation, attracted thther by the re.
port of one Of his spies, that l had sew
eral thousand dollars at that time for
which | had no particular use, as the
robber chief informed me in the course
of confidential conversation which
took place at the time, respecting the
quantity of filthy lucre which l was
supposed TO have in my possession. l
will not give detailed account of the
robbery, but will proce ed to describe
Murrell, as he then appeared. He is
tall, well.proportioned and muscular,
with black eyes, brown hair, and dark
complexion, and must be about thirty
FIVE years of age" BY the way an ex.
celent description ofhimselfin all points
except his hair which was black and
curling.
"Why," said l laughing, "You make
up so strong case against Yourself
that | am almost tempted to call an
officer at the next landing, and have you
arrested for robbery, murder and other
crimes and misdemeanors."
"Nonsensel" !" said he. But fancied
he looked startled as he spoke. "Come,'
he added, "let's go into the cabin; the
night air is chilly, and l have a head
ache"
consented to his proposition, and
we accordingly repaired to our state
room; when Bretuel, complaining of in
disposition, soon retired. / immediate
ly followed his example, and was elias
ped in the arms of the drowsy god. IL
my dreams that night (I always dream,
the forms and names of Bretuel aud
Murrell were strangely comrningled
and it was relief to me when l awoke
about midnight, and found myselfin my
berth, with the night lamp burning
dimly ovcr-h head. As ] lay debating
inwardly, whether l should remain
where was or go on deck and enjoy
the beautiful moonlight, a faint groau
smoto my ear, apparently coming from
the berth of my friend, followed by the
exclamation
"Some water, Marston-for heavens
sake some water"
was quick on my feet, and by bis
side with a glass OF water, which he