Richland beacon. [volume] (Rayville, La.) 1869-1890, 1880-10-09
JiCKSON"S COU.



Shortly after the occupation Of Pcusa-
cola and the cxpul~iur of the Spanish
Hu.hori.ies from Florida. nv G"n. Jach
son. Mr.. Edward Palfrev. ali cld citizen
al New Orleans. now dead. WIS wont :"
relate that, while Standing behind 'h'
cunntcr Of the National Bank. his a,;ou-
ton wos attracted to group of military
officers who entered the hank and m
qlirrd for the cashier The chiof "t H."
party was "A man. gauut. stcrn-featur"d,
spare and wasted of io!m. but erect and
firm Of carriage.
The cashier having appeared. tho
chief introduced himself 81 am An
drew Jackson, MAJOR General of the
United States army. commanding the
forces now occupying Pensacola. Ny
soldiers are suffering greatly for the
wan. of provisions. clothing and medi-
cincs. Immediate relief is required, and
Imnsi have goo, OO0to purchase them sup
plies. Here is my draft on the Govern
msnt. desire TO lave it cashed."
Tie 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
erai and his staff to be seated, he retired
70 the rear Office Of the President. and
communicated the appalling demand of
the conGreror Of Florida. The Presi-
den, was cuually alarmed and dispatched
Il messenger TO convoke the directory.
They quickly assembled, and the sub
iect was referred to them.
1t should be borne in mind that at
that time Gen 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 a dan
gerous and assuming military chieftain
who mcnaced the eSrity and freedom
of our civil institutions, and especially
of such institutions as the great National
Bank. The directors of the New Orleans
bank were. doubtless, somewhat pervaded
with this sentiment. Still the rules Of
the bank justified them in declining to
advance the fund required by Gen.
Jackson. and the President was instruct
cd 10 communicate the conclusion Cf tho
board.
He id so with all the sauvity usual
J on such occasions.
Then rising from his seat and advanc-
ing to the counter, behind which the
polite President stood, the old chief
! asked;
DO I understand you, sir. to say
that this bank, having the money of the
! United States III its vaults, declines to
advance a sum of money sufficient to
srlpplv the immediate needs Of 1000
patriotic soldiers, whom I have left in
the swamrs of Florida, exposed to feveIs
and Starvation?'
"With profound regret, the rules
must he observed"
Whereupon, with flashing eye and
HAT terrible aspect never forgotten by
any one who ever beheld Old Hickory
in rage. the General. raising his gaunt-
leted hand. hrough. it down with great
force Gpcn the counter. exclaiming
"Rv .i.. -, ! viii live to serve
your rascally bank as have the Span
iarls in Florida. as equally enemies ol
the people and of liberty"
With this fearful menace and VOW HI
.trode with his staff out of the bank. Al
he emerged from the bank. the Genera
encountered two Irish-born citizens ant
merchants Of New Orleans, who hat
heard of the order Of the bank. and hai
hastened to join the General. with offer
IN cash his draft and furnish all that HI
needed for his army.