The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1880-02-04
the latee Ne. Edward Palfrey .Lthe fasler d


that gallant and highly-esteemed gentleman.
the president of the Factors and Traders
Insurance Company.
Mr.. Palfrev. ST., will be remembered by
our older citizens rs bank official who
during his long residence in this city,
retained high positions of trust ia
several of our banking insti-
buttons with the most unsulied repu-
tstion for sterling integrity, fidelity and
efficiency ever maintained BY bank officer
for so long period. In 1915 Mr. Palfrey
then youth, held some subordinate position
in the branch of the United States 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 Pensacola
and the expulsion of the Spanish authorities
from Florida by General jackson, Mr. Pal
frey was wont to relate that one day, whilst
standing behind the. counter of the National
bank, his attention was attracted 10 a group
of military who entered the bank and in
quired for the cashier. They were evidently
officers of high grade wearing epauettes
and uniforms we'll worn and xeather-b beaten.
put they bore the unmistakable air of men
accustomed to command. The chief Of the
party was man gaunt, stern featured, spare
and wasted of form, but erect and firm of
carriage.
The cashier having appeared, tine chieftain
introduced HIMSELF Il ann Andrew Jackson
major general of the United States army,
commanding the forces now occupying PEN
sacola. Ny soldiers are suffering greatly for
the want of provisions, clothing and medi-
cines. Immediate relief is required. and |
must have 10000 to purchase them supplies
Here Is my draft on the Government; de-
sire to have it cashed."
The cashier was appalled, by this demand
There was no authority To honor this check
Ii would be against the rules of the bank and
of the treasury department The courteous
but firm mannerand the prestige of the chief
tain, however, restrained any such intiIna-
ton from the cashier.
Requesting the general and his staff to be
seated. he retired TO the rear office of the
president and communicated the appalling
demand of the conqueror of Florida. The
president was equally alarmed, and dispatch
I'd 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 distrust bv a
large political party in the country. He was
looked upon as & dangerous and assuring
military chieftain who menaced the integ-
rity and freedom of our civil institutions
ard especially such Institutions q, the great
National bank
The directors of the branch bank here were
doubtless somewhat pervaded with this sen
timent Still the rules Of the bank justified
them in declining to advance the fund re-
quired by General Jackson, and the president
was instructed to communicate this cOnclu-
sion of the board.
lie did so with the sauvity usual on such
occasions
Then rising from his seat and advancing
to the counter behind which the polite pres-
dent stood, the old chief asked:
do understand you, sir, to say that thi,
bank. having the money of the United States
in its vaults, declines to advance sufficien,
sum to supply the immediate needs of 1000
patriot soldiers whom | have left in the
swamps Of Florida, exposed to fevers and
starvationF
With profound regret, the rule, must be
observed. The bank was held 10 ~ strict ac-
count by the Government.
Whereupon, with flashing eye and that ter
rible aspect never forgotten by any one who
ever beheld Old Hickory in Il rage, tine gen
eral, raising high his gauntleted hand,
brought " down Win great force upon the
counter, eXclaiming, by the eternall | will
live to serve your rascally bank as | have
the Spaniards in Florida, as equally enemies
of the people and of liberty"
With this fearful menace aud vow he
strobe with his staff out of the bank. As lac
emerged from the bank, the general en-
cOuntered two Iri,h-born citizens and mcr-
chants 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.
These patriotic citizens of New Orleans
We're Washington Jackson and MaunSel
White. Honored be their memories.