The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-03-25
Andrew Iackson,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 group
of military officers who entered the
bank and inquired for the cashier. The
chief of the party was a man gaunt,
tern-featured, spare and wasted of
form, but erect and firm of carriage.
The cashier having. appeared, the
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-
cines. Immediate relief is required, and
I must have $4,000 to purchase them
supplies. Here is my draft on the gov
ernment. desire to have It cashed. 81,
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,
he 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 great deal of bitterness and dis
trust by large political party in the
country. He was looked upon as a dam
gerous and assuring military chieftain
who menaced the integrity and freedom
of our civil institutions, and especially
of such institutions as the great national
bank. The directors of the branch bank
here were doubtless somewhat per-
vadef with this sentiment, Still tho
rules of the bank justified them in de-
clining to advance the fund required by
General Jackson, and the president
was instructed to communicate this
conclusion of the board. '.t......
He did so with all the suavity usual
on such occasions. .i't-. e
Then rising from his seat and advanc
ing to the counter, rehind which the
polite president stood, the old chiel
asked
"Do understand you, sir, to. say
that this bank, having the money of the
United States in its vaults, declines to
advance sum sufficient to supply tht
immediate needs of 1000 patriot soldier:
whom l have left in the swamps o
Florida exposed to fevers and starva
tionp" With profound regret the rule
must be observed.
Whereupon, with flashing eye ant
that terrible aspect never to be forgot
ten by any one who ever beheld Olt
Hickory in rage, the general, rising
high his gauntleted hand, brought i
down with great force upon the counter
exclaiming, "By the Eternal! | will
live to serve your rascally bank rs
have the Spaniards in Florida, as equal,
{. enemies of the people and of liberty.
With this fearful menace and vow h
strobe with his staff out of the bank
AS he emerged from the bank, the gen
eral encountered two Irish-born citizen
J. and merchants of New Orleans, VIII
! had heard of the order of the bank, an,
had hastened to join the general, wit
: offers to cash his draft and furnish a.
; that he needed for his army.-DaH
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