Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1872-10-31
SELECTED STORY.
DEAF SMITH, THE SPY.

Despite the cloud thst hangs over the
clos ing days CT Sam Houstoh's life, |
have always entertained strong admira-
ton for the hero of San Jacinto. l am
fully conscious of his weakness, some of
which were quite glsripg. but he had a
certain pluck Jacksonisn stubborness,
Which commanded the respect of even
lis enemies.
There is an incident of Sam Houston's
career which is not generally known, but
which brings out as prominently as any
act of bis the sterling courage to which L
refer, and at the same time brings into
notice one of the most extraordinary men
of whom I have ever heard that is IKE
individual known as Deaf Smith, the
Texan Spy, an intimate friend of Sam
Houston. --~'-=-.-- --s-
At Che time Texas succeeded in estah-
fishing her independence, the constitution
provided that the city of Austin should
be the permanent capital. where the pub
lie archives were to be kept; but the pro.
yiso was inserted giving the President
power to remove them temporarily to
some safe point in case of danger from
the inroads of a foreign enemy, or the
power of a sudden Instruction.
About tSo years after the Texan revo-
luton, the warlike ComaDches became so
daring as to commit several outragees in
SIGHT Of the capitol itself, whereupon
Houston considered this condition of mat
tiers warranted his availing himself of the
provisions Of the constitution already
| mentioned.
He resided at the time at Washington,
on the Brazos, from whence he dis patch
ed messenger with an order command
ing his subordinate functionaries to send
the state records to that place and which
be announced to be the seat of govern
ment. pro tenepore.
This produced the most intense excite
mept in Austin. The keepers of hotels,
groceries, boarding houses and gambling
saloons foresaw irretrievable ruin. They
gathered together aud denounced the pro-
Tosed outrage" Gradually the mutter
ings took shape. until, despite the consti-
tutional warranty for the step. it was re-
solved that the thing should ro' . done.
A mass meeting was called of the cit
zens and farmers of the neighborhood.
and the most fiery and incendiary speech
es we're 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 re
sistanee.
A company of armed men were organ
lied on the spot At their head was
placed Col. Morton, one the most noted
duelists in the Republic. He had achiev-
ed quite fame during the war just
closed and was, unquestIonaby, brave
man, and was as unprincipled as he was
desperate. He was fellow of little i'm
portance, and it was with no little pride
that he took charge of the men, who
unanimously called upon him to be their
leader.
So noted, indeed, was Col. Morton,
that great many were convinced that
when Gen. Houston learned that he head
ed this determined band he would hasten
to retrace his ground and recall the Of
Tending command. But they mistook
the mettle of the old hero.
Col Morton, pulled up with bis 'briei
authority" declared Mat if the President
did succeed in removing the records by
power of overwhelming numbers. he would
hunt him down like wolf and slay him
whenever ke saw ir, whether
on the street or in bed. He went SO far
even as to send him letter to this effect,
and here is the Identical answer he re-
ceivod:
If the people Of Austin DO not send the
archives, | shall instantly come and take
them, and if Colonel Morton can kill me,
be is welcome to my earcap
SAM HoUsToN.
| On the reception of this answer the
excitement became greater than ever.
The guard was doubled around the State
House and picked sen'inels were station
ed along the road leading tohet capita the
military paraded on the street from morn
ing until light. and caucus Of the ring
leaders was held in the city hall Every
.thirg threatened coming storm.
J Thus matters stood for several days,