Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-04-25
Mistellaneons &eadina,
DEAF SMITHS DUEL.
The Way Sam. Houston's Scout Dropped Col.
Morton.

The Way Sam. Houston's Scout Dropped Col.
About two years after the Texas revolution,
a difficulty occurred between the new govern
ment and portion of the people, which threat
ened serious consequences. Briefly, the con.
stitution made Austin the permanent capital,
but empowered the President to order the
temporary removal of the archives in case of
danger from foreign enemy or sudden insur-
rection. Thinking that the exceptional emer-
gency had arrived, as the Comanches were
committing ravages within sight of the capi.
tai, President Houston, who then resided at
Washington, on the Brazos, dispatched an or.
der commanding his subordinates to send the
State records to that town.
1t is impossible to describe the excitement
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 in the question,
came in. After many fiery speeches, it was
unanimously resolved to prevent the removal
of the archives Four hundred armed men
volunteered to guard the State House. The
commander of this force was Colonel Morton,
who had distinguished himself in the war for
independence, and more recently in two des
perate duels, in both of which he had cut his
antagonists nearly to pieces with the bowie
knife. Indeed, from his reputation for vim
dictiveness, as we'll as courage, it was thought
that President Houston would renounce his
| ho oh 1oor uhD
the leader of the opposition. Morton swore
that if the President succeeded in removing
the records, he would himself hunt him down
like wolf He even wrote the hero of San
Jacinto to that effect. The latter replied in a
note of laconc brevity:
eff the people of Austin do not send the ar
chives. I shall certainly come and take them i;
and if Colonel Morton can kill me, he is vel
come 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 lead
ing to the capital, armed men patrolled the
streets, and select committee went into per-
manent session in the city hail.
One day this committee were surprised by
the sudden appearance Of a stranger, whose
|
nary 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 lofty window. He
was clothed in buck.skin, carried long and
heavy rifle in his hand, wore at the bottom of
his left suspender large bowie.knife, and had
in his leathern belt couple of pistols half
the length of his gun. He was tall, straight
as an arrow, active as a panther in. his mo-
tions. He had dark complexion, luxuriant
jetty hair, and piercing black eyes.
"Who are you, who thus presume to intrude
among gentlemen without invitation ?" Gle.
manded Colonel Morton, in his most ferocious
manner.
The stranger returned his stare with COM
pound interest, and laid his long, bony finger
on his lip.
"Who are your Speak or I'll cut an
answer out of your heart p shouted Morton.
The stranger removed his finger from his lip
and laid it on the hilt of bis monstrous knife.
The fiery Colonel drew his own knife, but
was seized and held back. "Let him alone
Morton, for Gods sake!' exclaimed his
friends. "Do you not see that he is crazy?"
At this moment Judge Webb, a man Of
shrewd and courteous manners, stepped for
ward and addressed the intruder courteously /:
"My good friend, presume you have made
a mistake in the house. This is private
meeting where none but members are admit.
ted."
The stranger did not appear to comprehend
the words, but he did the courtesy. Waiting
to table in the centre of the hall, be seized
pen and traced one line, II am deaf"
Judge Webb took the paper and wrote
question:: Will you be so obligng as to in
form US what is your. business with this meet
ing2" .. ~.. q, -.
The stranger at once handed him letter,
inscribed ITO the Citizens of Austin" He
broke the seal and read it aloud. 1t was from
Houston
yellow ClTIzens :-Though in error, and de-
ceved by the arts of traitors, will give you three
days more to decide whether you will surrender
the public archives. At the end of that time you
will please let me kn0" your 5sAs aesiS9o ao1spos,"
After the reading tho deaf man waited for
a few seconds, as if for reply, and then turn
ed and was about to leave the hall when Col.
Morton sterny beckoned him back to the ia
ble The stranger obeyed, and Morton wrote:
"You were brave enough to insult me by
your threatening looks ten minutes ago; are
you brave enough now to give me satisfac-
tion ?"
The stranger penned his reply: 81 am at
your service !"
Morton wrote again: "Who will be your
second ?"
The stranger rejoined: ~ am too gener-
Gus to seek an advantage, and too brave to
fear any on the part of others; therefore l
never need the aid of second"
Morton wrote: "Name your terms"
The stranger wrote without a moments
hesitation: "Time, sunset this evening /;
place, the left bank of the Colorado, opposite
Austin weapons, rifles, and distance 100
yards Do not fail to be in time."
He then walked across the floor and dis.
appeared through the window as suddenly as
he had entered.
"What," exclaimed Judge Webb, "is it
possible you intend to fight that man, Col
onel ?" He is mute, if not maniac. Such
meeting, I fear, will sadly tarnish your lau-
rels."
"You are mistaken" said Morton, with
smile "that mute is hero who stands in the
records of dozen battles, and at least half
as many bloody duels. Besides, he is ia.
vorite emissary and bosom friend of Houston.
If I have the good fortune to kill him, |
think it will tempt the President to retract
his VOW against venturing any more upon the
field of honor"
"You know the man, then ?" Who is he?"
asked twenty voices together.
deaf Smith,"
"No, that cannot be. Deaf Smith was kill
ed at San ,Jacipto." said Judge Webb.