The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-07-05
David Crockett.
BY JAMES PARTON, IN THE n. 2. LEDGER.


Ithappened, one evening, when David was II
years Of age, that an old Dutchman, drover, put
up at bis fathers tavern having with him a drove
OF cattle. To this Dutchmsn John Crockett hired
his son, as drover's boy, with the understanding
mat ne was TO help drive the cattle as far as Rich
mond, and then return. Away ne went, and was
soon in high favor with the Dutchman, from whom
ne learned those Dutch anecdotes and the Dutch
Drogue which he afterwards employed with 80
much elect. he liked his master very well but
after travelling for several weeks with the cattle,
ne became home-sick, ran away. Joined WAGNER
bound for East Tennessee and SO reached home
sgain.
The next winter his father sent him to school
Tor the first time in his life but before he had
Deen at school week he had fight with one of
the scholars, in which he gained the victory and
beat bis antagonist so severely that he dared not
show himself in school again. So he played tru-
ant for several days but discovering that his
father had found him out, he thought il prudent
to beat retreat, and hired himself to another
drover who was going to Virginia. Many were his
adventures. His employer, after ill-treating him
IN various ways, turned him adrift hundreds Of
miles from home with only four dollars. Then he
joined WAGNER once more, and soon found
himself at Baltimore, where, for the first time in
his life, he saw q ship.
As be stood on the dock. gazing at the shin With
open eyes ard mouth, bewildered at the sight,
one Of the sailors accosted him and asked him If be
would not like to 60 to Liverpool. Forgetting his
engagement with the wagner, he joyfully con-
scented, and rushed of to the wagon to get his
clothes, although ten minutes before he did not
know that there was such a thing as a ship in the
world. The wagner positively refused to let
him go. Watching his chance, however. he
bundled up his clothes and started for the wharf;
but it so CHANGED that in turning the corner Of
q crowded street, he came full upon his master,
who collared him and brought him back.
Leaving his wagner soon after, he started,
penniless, TO work his way home. First he worked
while as a laborer, and, with the money thus
earned, he travelled a few miles towards Tonnes
see. When his money was gone, he would stop
and work again for the first farmer who wanted
him. Once he bound himself as az apprentice TO
halter, for four years. and worked for him a
lew months, until the halter failed, and he was
homeless once more. At length, after two years
absence, one winter evening he entered bis faith
ers tavern with his bundle, and asked permission
to sit down and rest, No one knew him. His
father, somewhat infirm old man, was waiting
upon his guests; his mother was cooking supper;
and bis sister was also working about the house.
he remained silent for an hour, when, supper
pelug ready, be was asked TO come 10 the table,
Wnere the light falling upon his face his sister
cognized him. The trusnt had a joyful welcome,
auu ne keptthe family late relating his adventures.
now set TO work in earnest to assist bis old
nor,so,, 20 Whom he had not given much help or
- nIssnerto. By six months hard work he
PAW IN vi MS iathers debts which had caused
VIC w uan nuen anxiety. Then he worked six
monInS moIe 70 cancel q note of thirty dollars
Snlcn ms Istner mad given, and brought il TO his
Iansl as Piese.t- Next he went TO work for
sunuIy otneI non.ls; until he had provided him
sen VIII ssupPIy VI lucent clothes. He was now
nearly twenty years OF age, and being much NOR.