The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1872-10-26
DEAF SMITH, THE SPY.

| Despite the cloud that hangs over the
closing days of Sam Houston's life, | have
always entertained a strong admiration fol
the hero of San Jacinto. | am fully cou.
scious of his weaknesses; some of which
are quite glaring, but he had certain
pluck, Jacks0nian stubborness, which
commanded even the respect of his enc
mics.
There is an incident of Sam Houston S
career that is not generally known, but
which brings out as prominently as any
act of his life, that sterling courage to
which refer, and at the same time brings
into notice one of the most extraordinary
men of whom l ever heard-who is the
person known as Deaf Smith, the Texas
Spy, and intimate friend of Sam Houston.
At the time Texas succeeded i'll establish
ing her independence, the constitution pro-
vided that Austin should be the permanent
capital, where the public archives were to
be kept; but the provision was inserted
giving the President discretionary power
to remove it temporarily, to some safe
point in case of danger from the inroad OF
foreign enemy, or the power of a sudden
Instruction.
About two years after the Texas revolu-
ton, the war-like Comanches became so
daring as to commit several outrages in
the sight of the Capital ITSELF whereupon
Houston considered the condition of mat
tiers warranted his avaling himself of the
provisions already mentioned.
He resided at that time at Washington,
on the Brazos, from which he dispatched
a messenger, with an order commanding
his subordinate functionaries to send the
records to that place, and which he
announced to be the seat of government
pro tempore.
This produced the most intense excite
ment in Austin. The hotel keepers, gro
GERS, boarding houses and gambling saloons
foresaw irretrievable ruin. They gather
ed together and denounced the proposed
outrages.'' Gradually the muttering
took shape, until, despite the constitution
al warranty for the step, it was resolved
that the thing should not be done.
A mass meeting of the citizens and farm
ers of the neighborhood was called and the
most fiery and incendiary speeches were
made. When the feelings Of all were worked
up to the proper pitch, it was unanimously
resolved to prevent the execution OF the
mandate by armed resistance.
A company of armed men was organized
on the spot. At their head was placed one
of the most noted duelists in the country.
He had achieved quite fame during the
war lust closed, and was unquestionably
brave man, and as unprincipled as he was
desperate. He was man of no little I'M
portance, and it was with no little pride
that he took charge of the men, who unan-
imously called upon him to be their leader.
So noted was Colonel Morton that
great many were convinced that when Gen.
Houston learned that he had headed this
determined band he would hasten to re-
trace his ground and recall the offending
command But they mistook the mettle
of the old hero.
Colonel Morton, puffed up with his
"brief authority" declared that if the
President did succeed in removing the rec
ords by power of overwhelming numbers,
he would hunt him down like wolf, and
slay him wherever he found him, whether
on the streets or in his bed. He went so
far as to send him lette rto this, effect and
here is the identical answer he received:
eff the people of Austin do not send the
archives. | shall instantly come and take
them. and if Colonel Morton can kill me
he is welcome to my ear caps.
Sam Houston"
On the reception of this answer the ex-
citement became greater than ever. The
guard was doubled around the State House,
and picked sentinels were stationed along
the road to the capital, the military parad-
cd from morning till night, and caucus
of the ringleaders was held in the City
Hall. Everything threatened a coming
storm.
when the caucas at the City Hall was
startled by the sudden arrival of a stranger
among them.
He did not knock at the door nor at
tempt to ask admission there, but climbed,
unnoticed with the celebrity of a monkey,
a small oak which stood beside the wall,
and without word Of warning sprang
through a lofty window, and landed i'll the
very room where the caucas was assembled.
The stranger was clad in buckskin, car
ried long and heavy rifle in his hand, and
wore at the bottom of his suspenders an
immense bowie knife, and held in his leath-
or belt couple of enormous pistols. He
was very tall, thin, and straight as an
arrow, and as 1.-THE and supple as panth-
en- with a swarthy complexion, long jet
black hair, rigid, iron-like countenance,
eyes of glittering blackness, and as pierre
ing as the point of of 4 stiletto.
His sudden appearance among them was
so startling that they instinct lively srasped
their arms.
Who are you that comes among gen.
tlcmen uninvited >" Numbered Colonel
Morton, starting at him ferociously.
The stranger turned his black eyes upon
him, and stared at him, but the only
answer he made was by placing his fingers
upon his lips.
Who are you? Speak, or I'll run you
through ?" shouted Morton, driven to fury
by the cool, contemptuous gaze of the oth-
er, who now took his finger from his lips
and placed it upon his knife.
The exasperated Colonel drew back his
dagger, and was advancing upon the
stranger, when several interposed and held