The Van Buren press., 1879-04-05

children caused no particlar remark, Sucf
attachments are common among tht
youth of opposite sexes in the country
and. as usual, terminate abruptly on ar
rival at mature years. Far different, how
ever, was the case with Nixon Curry and
Lucy Gorden. Their passion become sc
evident at fifteen, that all further inter.
course was forbidden by her parents
among the wcalthiest aristooracy of Car
olina. Then followed stolen meetings
by starlight, iirmer VOWS and wilder love
which always increase in proproton to
its crosses. and like the trees of Lebanon,
sends down its deepest roots into the
heart, the more it is shaken by storms.
Finally, at seventeens, then Luey's re-
latives were endeavorilss 10 force her in.
to the arms of another n, fed with the
lover of her childhood. They were pur.
sued. caught, and Nixon Curry shot his
rival and one of the proud Gordons dead
on the spot, and then escaped with his
bride, although hotly chased by more
men, and found an asylum in the Alleg-
hany Mountains Here, under the plea
of necessity, he embraced the profession
of robber, and rendered his name fam
Gus by the number and astonishing bold
ness Of his exploits. We may reeord ii
not as a matter for the sake OF historical
truth--that the youthful bandit was new
er known to perpctrate any deed Of mur-
der for the sake of plunder, through he
did several to avoid arrest. AT length
the rumor of his daring felonies ceased
suddenly, and notwithstanding q reward
of five thousand dollars offered for his
apprehension by he Governor of the
State, he was heard of no more in North
Carolina.
AT the first settlement of the fertile
belt, bordering on the st. Francis, there
came an emigrant who called himself
John Hill, and who soon succeeded in
in acquiring universal popularity. AL
though Of moderate means he was sober
and industrious, generous, and hospita
BILE and such continued to be his char
acter in this new country Of his adoption,
for twelve successive years. During all
that long period he never had serious
difficulty or quarrel with any human be-
ing: and yet everybody was satisfied
that such a peaceful life-singular for
that latitude--was not owing to a want
of courage, or deficiency in power to
preform good service on any sort of bat,
tie field; for all bear hunters that ever
pierced the jungles or cane in the great
swamp or descended by torch light into
the dark caves of the Ozark Mountain,
he was celebrated as the most fearless
oJnntol t,, tnr
ritorial legislature, where he distinguish
ed himself by strong impassioned elo-
guence as a chief = tr in the Demo
already seen, q member of the Conven
ton that formed the State Constitution
and was elected again the ensuing year !;
to represent his county in the Senate Of
Arkansas.
At this period commenced his second
series of mistortunes. Hills nearest
neighbors were the Strongs -four broth
ers of considerable wealth, more ambit-
on, and, if we may borrow the phrase of
the country, "famous fighters
Notwithstanding their character was
so dssmilar from that of the pacific
"bear hunter" il close and cordial intim-
acy grew up between them and Hill. in
an unguarded moment, made the eldest
brother, George a confident as to the se-
crets of his former history. 1t happen
ed that George conceived violent de-
sire for political distinction, requesting
Hill to resign his seat in Senate in his IL
liberal friends favor. Hill refused, and
the Strongs conspired for a terrible re
venge. Writing back to Carolina they
produced o copy of a reward offered for
the arrest of Nixon Curry, the far famed
robber; and then collected party of a
dozen desperate men, they attempted to
capture Hill in his own house. The as
sault of the Strongs proved horrible to
them. Hill killed two of the brothers
and dangerously wounded five of their
friends, escaping himself unhurt, al
though more than twenty rounds of ball
and buckshot we're aimed at his breast.
The excitement resulting from the af-
fair was boundless. A rcquisition came
on from the Executive of Carolina, de.
manding the surrender of Nixon Curry
The Governor of Arkansas published an
additional reward for the arrest Of John
Hill; and thus, betwixt the two fires, the
victims chances seemed utterly hopeless,
Hills conduct in the crisis was prompt
and fearless as ever. Packing up hastily
he set out with his wife and children, in
common moving wagon, for Upper Ar
kasas, where he knew of u band of des'
peradoes that he believed would protect
him. He was overhauled at Conway
Court House by two hundred men in
pursuit, all thoroughly armed, and some
of them renowned s'fghters." Hill saw
their approach on the distant prairie, and
with his dreadful double barrel - that
sure daath-dealer to either man or beast
within range of two hundred yards--n
stanty marched to meet his foes. This
incredible bravery, Joined to the fear be-
fore inspired by his desperation, affected
the advancing troops with such an unac-
countiable panic, the whole two hundred
sought safety in disgraceful rapid fight.
Several other attempts were made to
capture the dangerous outlaw, all alike
ending either ludicrous or bloody fail.
ures. In the meantime Hills character
and conduct underwent complete
change. Forced to be always on the
lookout. and therefore unable to sup
port his family, he rcsorted to the gain,
| inc.table. He learned also to indulge in
the fiery stimulus of ardent drink, and
his disposition necessarily soured by re.