The Shasta courier., 1868-05-02

| Perhaps the state of public feeling can
be shown by the two following extracts
from the Little Rock Gazette The first
appeared when Hill became SO popular
during the days of the Convention:
Among the truest friends of.the peo-
pie, of all in the present Convention, may
be named John Hill, of St. Francis His
energy, eloquence and courage fully enti-
tie him to the proud place he holds, and,
as we trust, will long retain-that of lead
er of the Arkansas Democracy"
The second extract is taken from the
same paper for May, 1S40:
| "BLooDY AFFRAY.-A desperate rem
confer occurred last week in st. Francis.
Two distinguished citizen were killed, and
three others dangerously wounded. The
difficulty resulted from an attempt to arrest
John Hill, a member of the last Legislature
and formerly Of the State Convention, who
as it is alleged, is the notorious robber,
Nixon Curry, who committed such atroci-
ties fifteen years ago in the mountains Of
Carolina"
A requisition was sent BY the Execu-
tive Of Carolina, demanding the surrender
of Nixon Curry. The Governor of Arkan-
sas published an additional reward for the
arrest of John Hill and thus between
the two it seemed about over with the
victim.
Hill packed up hastily, and set out with
his wife and children for Upper Arkansas,
where he knew of the existence Of band
of desperadoes that he had reason to be-
lleve would protect him. He was pursued
by over hundred of the citizens, many
of them unarmed, and attending only for
the purpose of witnessing the sport and
securing part of the munificent reward
that was offered for the mans apprehen.
sion. Hill was overtaken at Conway
Courthouse by these men, and halting his
wagon, and admonishing his wife and
children to keep their places, he marched
boldly forth with his terrible death-dealing
gun to meet them.
This incredible bravery, joined, doubt
less, to the stories exaggerated Infinitely
regarding his prowesss and cruelty, and
to his well known desperation, threw the
entire party into panic. Before Hill
had come within range, they all turned
and sought personal safety in most dis
graceful flight.
Subsequent and repeated attempts were
made to arrest Hill, but all resulted tragi-
cally or ludicrously to those attempting it..
1t was known that the fellow never could
be taken alive, and many began to believe
that he could not when dead also.
This constant pursuit and hunting of
him finally changed his nature. He be-
came morose and sour, and unable to fol-
low any regular business, he resorted to the
gaming table for the support of his family.
He became drinker, too, and was speed
lily transformed into most bitter and
quarrelsome opponent.
If Hill had been famous among the noun
tains of Carolina, he now became doubly so.
Excepting. perhaps, that prince Of duelist,
James Bowie, the inventor of that dreadful
knife that bears his name, and who perished
at Alamo. there never was man who in
spired more terror than did he.
Men who had acquired a wide reputation
for their deeds of daring turned pale wher
they encountered John Hill. Bullies who
sought quarrels on the slightest pretex
accepted all manner of insults from hiu
without word of remonstrance.
One day in September, 1913. Hill, Will,
seated at the breakfast table, burst int
tears.
What is the matter, dear ?" inquired hi
wife
Il have had dreadful dream it is
warning. | know that | shall die befor,
sunset"
g Then do not go to Court to-day" saic
his wife.
(The Circuit Court of Pope county, ir
which Hill resided. it should be remarked
was then in session.
8 Yes, | must" he replied; "when
mans time has come, ne is fool if he trie
To hide from death" Then turning to hi
son. bright boy of thirteen years Bill
you see my gun there ?" pointing to hi
great double barrel that hung on two buck
horns over the door; practice with that ever,
day, and when you get to be sixteen, pu
both loads into the man that will this da'
kill your father"
Yonder comes Nose Howard. He viii
protect you, pa" remarked Mary the eldes
daughter as she deserted an acquaintanc
approaching
The youth who was a fine. powerful look
ing fellow, chatted few minutes with tn
{ family, and then went out III company witt
Hill.
As soon as the two reached the village Hill
began drinking deeply. and showed NOR
quarrelsome disposition than ever. He insul
ted every ybody that crossed his path, and a..
the young mans entreaties failed to pacif,
him.
Finally the desperate declared that b.
would clear the Court house, and instantly
dashed into the Court room with a furou
countenance. Judge, lawyers. jury, sresta
tnrs, Ill made rush for the door. One ole
drunken man tagging behind, Hill sprang
upon him and began beating him unmerci
fully.
Young Howard caught hold of the infuri
ated man and attempted to restrain him
when, glaring like tiger, he turned upoT
the youth and struck him to the EARTH
Before he could rise. Hill sprang upon hin
and commenced pounding rribty.
:. For God's sake. stop. Hill Don't yor
know me. your friend, Nose Howard 7''
Hill seemed to grow more furious eacf
moment, and finally cutched pistol, deter
mined to take his friends life. Howard
seeing the crisis had come, seized the hug,
bowie knife of Hills that protruded from hi,
vest and buried it in his bosom.
The dream is fulfilled |" exclaimed
Hill, with smile of singular sweetness thai
fingered on his face when corpse. HI
then sank down and died without a groan.