Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1880-03-26


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 a group
of military officers who entered the
bank and inquired 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: 81 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
| must have $4,000 to purchase them
supplies. Here is my draft on the gov
ernment. desire to have it 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
chieftain, however, restrained any such
| intimatior. from the nashier. 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 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 dis
trust by large political party in the
country. He was looked upon as dan
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-
vaded with this sentiment. Still the
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.
He did so with all the suavity usual
on such occasions.
Then rising from his seat and adyanc
ing to the counter, "ehind which the
polite 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 sum sufficient to supply the
immediate needs of 1000 patriot soldiers
whom ] have left in the swamps ol
Florida exposed to fevers and starva'
tion?" With profound regret the rules
must be observed.
Whereupon, with flashing eye and
that terrible aspect never to be forgot
ten by any one who ever beheld Old
Hickory in rage, the general, rising
high his gauntleted hand, brought il
down with great force upon the counter
exclaiming, "By the Eternal! | 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 and VOW he
strobe with his staff out of the bank
AS he emerged from the bank, the gen
eral encountered two Irish-born citizens
and merchants of New Orleans, who
had heard of the order of the bank, and
had hastened to join the general, with
offers to cash his draft and furnish al
that he needed for his army.-Datls
| fJ0fes