The Magnolia gazette. [volume] (Magnolia, Miss.) 1872-current, 1880-10-01
JACKSONS row.
Ola Hiolorv and the BANK Cashier


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 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.
The cashier having appeared, the
chief introduced himself; II 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-
cines. Immediate relief is required, and
musthave $40, ,000to purchase them sup
plies. Here is my draft on the Govern
ment. desire to lave il 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 OF
the conqueror Of Florida. The Presi-
dent was equally alarmed and dispatched
messenger to convoke the directory.
They quickly assembled, and the sub
iect was referred to them.
It should be borne in mind that at
that time Gen. jackson was regarded
with great deal of bitterness and dis
trust by large political party in the
country. He was looked upon as dan
gerous and assuming 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 New Orleans
bank were, doubtless, somewhat pervaded
with this sentiment. Still the rules Of
the bank justified them in declining tc
advance the fund required by Gen.
jackson, and the President was instruct
ed to communicate the conclusion Of the
board.
He did SO with oil the sauvity usua
on such occasions.
Then rising from his seat and advanc
ing to the counter, behind which thu
polite President stood, the old chic
: asked
"Do understand you, sir, to sa.
that this bank, having the money of th'
, United States III its vaults, declines +
advance sum of money sufficient t'
supply the immediate needs Of 200
patriotic soldiers, whom I have left il
: the swamps Of Florida, exposed to fever
s and starvation?"
| "With profound regret, the rule
0 must be observed"
9 Whereupon, with flashing eye an
$ that terrible aspect never forgotten b
8 any one who ever beheld Old Hickor
n in rage, the General, raising his gaun
c leted hand, brought it down with grei
e force upon the counter, exclaiming
{ "By the -l will live to serN
/ your rascally bank as / have the Spal
7 iards in Florida, as equally enemies
the people and Of liberty"
With this fearful menace and vow
d strobe with his staff out of the bank. 1
rs he emerged from the bank, the Gener
rs encountered two Irish-born citizens al
Is merchants Of New Orleans, who hi
Is heard Of the order of the bank, and hi
90 hastened to join the General, with ofe
lg to cash his draft and furnish all that
Id needed for his army.