The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1880-01-26
Factors and Traders Insurance Com

city, retained high POSITIONS OF trust In
several of our banking institutions with
the most unsulhed reputation for sterling
integrity, fidelity and efficiency ever
maintained by bank officer for so long
a period. In 1918 Mr.. Palfrey, then a
youth, held some subordinate position in
the branch of the U. Bank in this city.
At that time all the public moneys and
all disbursements thereof were made
through the United States Bank.
Shortly after the occupation of Pensa-
cola and the expulsion of the Spanish
authorities from Florida by Gen. Jack
son, Mr.. Palfrey was wont to relate that
one day, whilst standing behind the
counter of the National Bank, his atten-
tion was attracted to group of military
who entered the bank and inquired for
the cashier. They were evidently officers
Of high grade, wearing epaulettes and
uniforms well worn and weather. beaten,
but they bore the unmistakable air of
men accustomed to command. The chief
of the party was man gaunt, stern-fea-
tured, spare and wasted Of form, but erect
and firm of carriage.
The cashier having appeared, the chief
tain introduced himself: II am Andrew
Jackson, Major General of the United
States Army, commanding the forces now
occupying Pensacola. My soldiers are
suffering greatly for the want of provis-
ions, clothing and medicines. Immedi:
ate relief is required, and / must have
$4,000 to purchase them supplies. Here
is my draft on the Government; l desire
to have it cashed."
The cashier was appalled, by this de-
mand. There was no authority to honor
this check. 1t would be against the rules
of the bank and of the Treasury Depart
ment. The courteous but firm manner
and the prestige of the chieftain, howev-
er, restrained any such intimation from
the cashier.
Requesting the General and his staff to
be seated, he retired to the rear Office of
the President and communicated the ap-
palling demand of the conqueror of Flor
ida. The President was equally alarmed,
and dispatched messenger to convoke
the Directory. They quickly assembled
and the subject was referred to them.
1t should he borne in mind that at that
time General Jackson was regarded with
great deal of bitterness and distrust bv
a large political party in the country.
He was looked upon as dangerous and
assuring military chieftain who menaced
the integrity and freedom of our civil in
stitutions, and especially of such institu-
tions as the great National Bank.
The directors of the branch bank here
were doubtless somewhat pervaded with
this sentiment. Still the rules of the
bank justified them in declining to ad-
vance the fund required by Gen. jackson,
and the President was instructed to com
municate this conclusion of the board.
He did so with the suavity usual on
such occasions
Then rising from his seat and advanc-
lug to the counter, behind which the po-
lite 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 a sufficient sum to supply the
immediate needs of two thousand patriot
soldiers whom l have left in the swamps
of Florida, exposed to fevers and starva-
tionY
With profound regret, the rules must
be observed. The bank was held to
strict account by the Government. !,
Whereupon, with flashing eye and that
terrible aspect never forgotten by any
one who ever beheld Old Hickory in a
rage, the General, raising high his gaunt-
leted hand, brought it down with great
force upon the counter, exclaiming, "By
the Eternall l will live to serve your
rascally bank as have the Spaniards in
Florida, as equal 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-bo citizens and
merchants of New Orleans, who had
heard Of the order Of the bank and had
fastened to join the General, with offers
to cash his draft and furnish all that he
needed for his army. ..... .t,.,..
These patriotic citizens of New Orleans
were Washington Jackson and Maunsel
White. Honored be their memories.