, 1868-12-11
The Texan Rravo.

OF similar character on record, showing iu
stronger and more vivid colors than history
has done or will do, the wild and reckless
and desperate life which was led by the
Texan of twenty-five years ago. It is found
upon facts, and is in every particular strictly
true:
Many years ago says the story, there lived
near San Antonio a family by the name of
West. Emigrating to Texas from North
Carolina just previous to the revolution by
which Texas gained her Independence, they
had gone through all the trials incident to
that stormy period, and were by acclamation
conceded to be the bravest of the brave.
Shortly after the conclusion of the war, John
West, the youngest of the three brothers,
returned to North Carolina, taking with him
on his return to Texas, one of the most beau.
tiful women Of that State. For some three
years he seems to have realized that ideal of
happiness dwelt upon so much, vet so seldom
realized in this world. His vine clad cot
tage, his focks, his humble, honorable, avo-
cation, his sweet young wife and infant
daughter were his world, and be sighed for
no other. There can be no paradise on earth
without the slime of the serpent being visible
on its flowers and this one was no exception
to the common lot. The revolution had in
deed gained Texas freedom from Mexican
tyranny, but it had left her overrun with
scouudrels ard robbers and murderers of
every dye who reveled in crimes of every
kind, unchecked either by law. or that other
thing more potent than law-public opinion
Strong bands Of these free companions"
roamed from place to place, levying black
mail upon all who were able to paw it. not
unfrequentiy committing the most wanton
murders. Among the few men who we're
opposed to these lawless proceedings, John
West stood conspicuous, denounc:ng them in
the most open and public manner As must
have been expected, this manly conduct
brought to him the threats of vengeance
from the vicious for miles around his dwell.
ing. Things could not long remain thus
among such men without coming to crisis,
and one cold, stormy night band of men
knocked at his door requesting admttance.
dis Wlie obJected to his opening the door,
but the soul of John West never knew fear,
and, without knowing anything of the char
acter Of his nocturnal visitors, he admitted
them. Some ten or twele rufians of the
most repulslve stamp entered the room. and
with Loud cries demanded ,liauor aud, faod.
West, still not suspecting ANYTHING wrong.
set before them what the house afforded, and
while turning to go into another apartment,
was felled senselcAs upon the floor by blow
on the back of his head and Immediately
gagged and bound. The sickening scene
which followed we shall not attempt to de>
pict The sun which had arisen but the
morning before on scene of primeva hap.
piness, now shed his heightened rays upon
smonldering ruins, backened walls, and two
charred and grinniOg skeletons, the sad me.
MORALS of yesterdays joy, two flowers breath.
ed upon by death ere they were faded or
soiled by the simoOns of hot and pestilent
world.
Ten years, the story continues, have passed
by since that night Of horrors Ten years of
sorrow, pain and joy; Ten years of stupen-
duous aud all embracing change. In that
time have been enacted some of the most
sublime dramas of Time the lone star of
Texas still shines brightly in the 6rmameut
but oninous clouds seem to threaten its bril-
liancy. Mexico again asserts her right to
that beautiful province which had been
wrested from her by the heroes of San ia
cinto The tocsin of war again resounds over
the rich prairies, and the people everywhere
are aglow with desire to "whip Mexico"
Recruiting offices are every where opened;
and into one of these let US step for a moment
and study the rich variety of originals which
we shall fad As we enter, fine manly
voice is trolling some good old ballad COM
memorative of American prowess by sea and
land Here, sitting on the floor, is party
of hunters looking on the strange proceedings
of their more civilized COMPANIONS Sud-
denly all are hushed as death, for they i'm
stinctiVely know that some deed of blood and
violence is about to be perpetrated. " LIAR"
shouts tall, commanding, fine e-looking man
to a covering aud frightened man at his feet,
you are one of the villains who burnt my
house and murdered my wife, and child, and
would have served me in the same way if |
had not got out of your clutches you are the
last of 'em hut it shall never be said that
Jack West ever took the life of his bitterest
foe without giving him chance; your mus
tang is a good one; mount him, and if you
can get away you may have your life, but if
can catch you, look for no mercy, for your
Internal gang showed me and mine none.
Go, FIVE minutes start and the Lord have
mercy on your guilty soul if your mustang
fails you"
The speaker turned, and walking up to the
light, commenced putting fresh caps on his
revolver, aud arranging his arms. The man
to whom he had been speaking arose, and
casting look of fear and hatred at him,
rushed precipitately from the ROOM
"What do you intend to do with him Colo
mel 2" asked a pOmpous, pOrtly individual,
coming up and laying his hand familiarity on
the shoulder of West
.Send him to h" was, the instant re-
ply, and the large man shrank back into the
crowd, for all knew the character Of West,
and none dared to arouse him. Without
word to any one he left the room, and in
moment the furious beat of his horses hoofs
told that the avenger was on the track Of his
victim.
IT,. ,,,;Io, o,,J r,;las tho Drairiea ekretehad