The Pickens sentinel. [volume] (Pickens, S.C.) 1871-1903, 1880-09-30
EAoKsoMs VoW.
oEd Hfc6orv ana tho Ba,,k Cashser.

|, Ola Hfcs0fH ana tho Bd1,k CGShSeSs
Shortly after the occupation of Pensa.
cola and the expulsion of the Spanish
authorities from Florida, by Gen. Jack
son, Mr. Edward Palfrey, an old citizen
OF New Orleans, now dead, was wont to
relate that, while standing behind the
counter OF the National Bank, his atten-
tion was attracted to o group of military
officers who entered the bank and in
quired for, the cashier. The chief of the
party was man, gaunt, stern-featured,
spare and wasted of form, but erect and
firm of carriage.
Ihe cashier having appeared, the
chief introduced himself: "I am An
drew Jackson, Major General of the
United States army, commanding the
forces now occupying Pensacola. My
soldiers are suffering greatly for the
want Of provisions, clothing and medi-
clnes. Immediate relief is required, and
1musthave 800, 000to purchase them sup
plies. Here is my draft on the Govern
ment. I 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 chieftan,
however, restrained any such intimation
from the cashier. Requesting the Gen
eral and his staff to be seated, he retired
to the rear Office of the President, and
communicated the appalling demand ef
the conqueror of Florida. The Pr
dent was equally alarmed and disp6
agmessenger to -eonyoke the directory.
They quickly assembled, and The sub
ject was referred tothem.
1t should be borne In mind that at
that time Gen. jackson was regarded
with great deal Of bitterness and dis
trust by n large political party in the
country. He was looked upon as a dan
gerous and assuming military clieftain
who penaeed the inte gritty and freedom
of our civil institutions, and especially
of such institntiona as the great National
Bank. The directofs Of the New Orleans
bank were, doubtless; somewhat pervaded
with this sentiment. Still the rules of
the bankSiNstifed them III declining to
advance ths fS6a required by Gen.
jackson, and ne President was instruct
ed toscommunicate the conclusion of the
boafd. ..s.aa.
as4did SO with all the sauvity usual
on such occasions. Gill;.
Then rising from his seat and advanc-
ing to the Counter, behind which the
polite President stood. the old chief
asked 4
fDo ( understand you, sir, to say
that this bank, having the money of the
United States III it's vaults, declines to
advance sum of money sufficient to
supply the immediate needs OF 1000
patriotic soldiers, whom have left in
the swamps of Florida, exposed to fevers
and starvation2'' &
-"With profound regret, the rules
must be observed" #
Whereupon, with flashing eye and
that terrible aspect never forgotten by
any one who ever beheld Old Hickory
in rage, the General, raising his gaunt-
leted hand, brought it down with great
force upon the counter, exclaiming
"By the - will live to serve
your rascally bank as have the Span
iards in Florida, as equally enemies of
the people and of liberty, ~
With this fearful menace and VOW he
strobe with his staff out of the bank. As
he emerged from the bank, the General
encountered two Irish-born citizens and
merchants of New Orleans, who. had
heard Of the. order of the bank, and had
haatened to join the General, with offers
to cash his draft and furnish all that he
needed for his army.
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