Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-04-22
Andrew Jackson's Vow.

Shortly after the occupation of Pensa-
cola and the expulsion of the Spanish
authorities from Florida by General
Jackson, Mr.. Edward Palfrey, an old
citizen of New Orleans, now dead, was
wont to relate that while standing be-
hind the counter of the National bank,
his attention was attracted to n grS6p
of military officers who entered the
bank and inquired for the cashier. The
chief of the party was n man gaunt,
stern-featured, spare and wasted of
form, hut erect and firm of carriage.
The cashier having appeared, the
chief introduced himself: 81 am An
drew Jackson, major-general OF the
United States army, commanding the
forces now occupying Pensacola. My
soldiers arc suffering greatly for the
want of provisions, clothing and medi-
cines. Immediate relief is required, and
l must have $40, 600 to purchase them
supplies. Here is my draft on the gov
ernment. desire to have it cashed.
The cashier was appalled, by this de-
mand. There was no authority to
honor this check. The courteous but
firm manner and the prestige Of the
chieftain, however, restrained any such
intimation from the cashier. Request
ing the general and his staff to be seated,
lie retired to the rear Office of the presi'
dent, and communicated the appalling
demand of the conqueror of Florida.
The president was equally alarmed,
and dispatched a messenger to convoke
the directory. They quickly assembled,
and the subject was referred to them.
1t should be borne in mind that at
that time General jackson was regarded
with a great deal of bitterness and dis
trust by a large political party in the
country. He was looked upon as n dan
gerous and assuring military chieftsin
who menaced the integrity and freedom
of our civil institutions, and especially
of such institutions rs the great national
bank. The directors of the branch bank
here were doubtless somewhat per-
vaded with this sentiment. Still the
rules of the bank justified them in de-
clining to advance the fund required by
General Jackson, and the prcsiden
was instructed TO communicate this
conclusion of the board.
He did so with all the suavity usual
on such occasions.
Then rising from his seat and advanc
ing to the counter, tehind which the
polite president stood, the old chief
asked:
"Do | understand you, sir, to say
that this bank. having the money of the
United States in its vaults, declines to
advance n sum sufficient to supply the
immediate needs of 1000 patriot soldiers
whom l have left in the swamps OF
Florida exposed to fevers and starva
tiohp" With profound regret the rules
must be observed.
Whereupon, with flashing eye and
that terrible aspect never TO be forgot.
ten by any one who ever beheld Old
Hickory in rage, the general, rising
high his gauntleted hand, brought II
down with great force upon the counter,
exclaiming, by the Eternali | will
live to serve your rascally bank rs
have the Spaniards in Florida, as equally
enemies of the people and of liberty
With this fearful menace and vow ht
strobe with his staff out of the bank
As he emerged from the bank. the gen
eral encountered two Irish-born citizeni
and merchants of New Orleans, wEc
had heard of the order of the bank, and
had hastened to join the general, with
offers to cash his draft and furnish al
that he needed for his army. .-DdiIi
lSdtes.