The Somerset press. [volume] (Somerset, Ohio) 1873-1977, 1878-03-28
Deaf Smiths Duel.

IAustlu CTexas) Correspondence New York Snh-I
OF ali famous duels perhaps none was
more remarkable than that fought near
this city by Deaf Smith and Colonel
Morton.
About two years after the Texas revo-
luton, difficulty occurred between the
new government and a portion of the
people, which threatened serious conse-
quences. Briefly, the constitution made
Austin the permanent capital, but en-
powered the President to order the tenn
porary removal of the archives in case
of danger from foreign enemy of sud
den insurrection. Thinking that the ex-
ceptional emergency had arrived, as the
Comanches were committing outrages
within sight of the capital, President
Houston, who then resided at Washing
ton, ON the Brazos, dispatched an order
commanding his subordinates to send
the State records to that town.
1t is impossible to describe the excite
ment which the promulgation of this
order raised in Austin. The keepers of
hotels, boarding-houses, groceries, and
faro-banks were aghast. The measure
would be death-blow to their business
A mass meeting was called, and the
farmers of the surrounding country,
who were all more or less interested,
came in. After many fiery speeches it
was unanimously resolved to prevent
the removal of the archives. Four hun
dred armed men volunteered to guard
the State House. The commander of
this force was Colonel Morton, who had
distinguished himself in favor of indie
pendence, and more recently in two
desperate duels, in both of which he had
cut his antagonist nearly to pieces with
the bowie-knife. Indeed, for his vindic-
tiveness as well as courage, it was
thought that President Houston would
renounce his purpose as soon as he
should learn who was the leader of the
opposition. Morton swore that if the
President succeeded in removing the
records, he himself would hunt him
down like wolf. He even wrote the hero
Of San Jacinto to that effect. The lat
ter replied in note of 1aconic brevity.
eff the people of Austin do not send
the archives, | shall certainly come
and take themj and if Colonel Morton
can kill me he is welcome to my ear
cap"
On the reception of this answer the
guard was doubled around the State
House, chosen sentinels were stationed
along the road leading to the capital,
armed men patrolled the streets, and a
select committee went into permanent
session in the City Hall.
One day this committe was surprised
by the sudden appearance of a stranger,
whose mode of entering the room was as
extraordinary as his looks and dress. He
did not knock at the closed door, but,
climbing small, bushy-topped live oak,
which grew beside the wall, he leaped
through a lofty window. He was
clothed in buckskin, carried a long
heavy rifle in his hand, wore at the bot
tom of his left suspender large bowie
knife, and had in his leathern belt a
couple of pistols half the length of his
gun. He wss tall, straight as an arrow,
active as panther in his motions. He
had dark complexion, luxuriant, jetty
hsir, and piercing dark eyes.
Who are you who thus presume to
intrude among gentlemen without invi
tation?' demanded Colonel Morton in
his most ferocious manner.
The stranger returned his stare with
compound interest, and laid his long
bony finger on his lip.
"Who are you? Speak! or I'll cu1
an answer out of your heart" shouted
Morton. The stranger removed hi
finger from his lip, and laid it on th'
| hilt of his monstrous knife.
The fiery Colonel drew his own knife
but was seized and held back. LIE
him alone, Morton, for Codes sake" ex
claimed his friends. Do you not SCI
that he is crazyT'
| At this moment Judge Webb, a mai
of shrewd and courteous manner, stepped
forward and addressed the intrude
conrteons1y:
"My good friend, I presume yol
have made mistake in the house. Thi
is a meeting, where none but member
are admitted"
The stranger did not appear to com
prehend the words, but he did th
courtesy. Walking to a table in th
center Of the hall he seized pen an,
! traced one line, am deaf"
Judge Webb took the paper and wrot
question. "Dear sifi Will you b
SO obliging as to inform us what is you
business with the meetingW
The stranger at once handed him
letter, inscribed, "To the citizens G
Austin" He broke the seal and read
aloud. 1t was from Houston:
FELLew CITIZENS Though in error, an
deceived by the arts Of traitors, will Civ
you three days more to decide whether yo
will surrender the public archives. At th
end of that time you will please letme kno
your decision. SAM HOUSTON.
After the reading the deaf ma
waited few seconds, as if for a repl,
and then turned and was about to lea1
: the hall when Colonel Morton sternl
beckoned him back to the table. tt
stranger obeyed, and Morton wrote
"You were brave enough to insult n
by your threatening looks ten minute
ago: are you brave enough now to gi1
me satisfaction %
The stranger penned his reply:
am at your service"
Morton wrote again: Who wi
be your second p
The stranger replied: 81 am t.
generous to seek advantage, and t.
l brave to fear any on the part of other
t therefore I never need the aid of
second"
Morton wrote: "Name your terms
The stranger wrote, without a m
!. ment's hesitation: Time, sunset II
! ! evening; place, the left bank of t
= Colorado, opposite Austin; weapor
rifles; and distance hundred yards. ]
!, not fail to be in time"
He then walked across the floor, al
|, disappeared through the window
y suddenly as he had entered.
/ Whatp exclaimed Judge Webb"
), it possible you intend to fight that ma
}. Colonel? He is mute, if not mani,
. Such meeting, / fear, will sadly tarni
e 6 your laurels."
u "You are mistaken" said Mortt
= with smile; that mute is hero VIII,
name stands in the records of doz
% battles, and at least half as many bloc
duels. Besides, he is a favorite emisss
and bosom friend of Houston. If
Ie have the good fortune to kill him
lr think it will tempt the President to
.e tract his vow against venturing a
e, more upon the field of honor"
n -