The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-05-30

A Very Young Preachers Experience on the
Mississippi River.
TArl-avSarv Traveller

Mississippi River.
IArkanSaw Travelerl
Nearly every man who travelled on the
Mississippi River in the old days csn relate
sn interesting experience said the Rsv-Mr.
jackson, minister whose reputation IS sn
imprisoned public orator has gone beyond
the boundaries Of Arkansas. "There was
something about Mississi ppi River expert
ence that tended 10 aid IN vivid reproduction.
The grand floating drawing rooms, the wealth
displayed at every turn, and the studied po-
Etenees and conventional ceremony OF
supposed good breeding which you every
where meet, all come up at once IN repor.
trsyal of a character which, thus surrounded,
you have contemplated. But all OF this po-
Likeness and exhibition of good breeding,
must say. was but the white foam on muddy
water. 1t was the courtesy that could grasp
the hand of q new acquaintance or shoot an
old friend"
in the spring of 1850 boarded 8 grand
steamer at New Orleans bound for up the
river. was very young preacher at that
time, and was under orders 70 repair to 3
small community and assist in conducting a
revival. There WAS something of war be-
ing wsged between two churches, and it
stood our church in hand TO concentrate
forces or lose ascendency in the neighbor-
hood. These were the days of political and
religious vigor, and avowed opposition in re-
lgious contests was regarded as being No
more out of place or in III keeping with the
faith than the fierce struggles engaged In by
the Wings and Democrats. l WAS told at
headquarters that another young preacher
would be sent TO assist me, and that If
needed more help to make my demands
known at once. When boarded the boat
looked around for my companion In arms,
whose name l even lad not learned. the
closest search failed TO discover my assistant,
and concluding that ne had either preceded
or would come after me, l dismissed the mat
ter and settled down 80 the quiet enjoyment
of the occasion.
There were quite number Of gamblers
polished gentlemen-on board, and although
L was opposed to gambling, I could not re-
frsiD from looking on and contemplating
with what serenity of countensnce the play
ers alternately parted with thousands of dol
lars.
"'Wont you take hsndP asked one Of
the players one evening, addressing young
pleasant looking gentleman who stood
near.
4 never play he remarked.
"'Wont 90 you any harm.
al know it won't, for l don't intend TO
plsy.'
The gentleman is 8 rare JOKER replied
tall man who handled cards with an esse
and lost with good will that almost chal-
lenged respect.
eyes replied the young gentleman, a
rare joker, because it is rare that ioke'
"'Ah, and q punster,' said the tall man,
relinquishing 81 GOO with smile.
"'It makes little difference to you Whst I
am, came here to quietly look on, not in
tending to engage in the game or the con.
versstion, and, especially, not to be the butt
Of any iok's that might arise from i'll luck
or success at the table. Regardless OF the
| business you follow. 1 hope that you are
| we'll enough acquainted with the manners of
/ gentlemen TO treat an unobtrusive locker on
| with civility, if not with courtesy
! "'You speak well,' exclaimed the tall
man. i hope that 1 am gentleman Of
/ good birth and education, and hope that I
/ have not insulted you. If 1 have, l sincere.
] ly beg your pardon. Grant it willingly,
and all will be well; reluctantly, and, as .
/ gentleman, which you undoubtedly profess
/ TO be, you know your recourse
"'But for your last remark, woul1 have
| heartily forgiven you of any intention TO in
suit me- As il is l do not grant pardon,
realizing that gentleman is not expected
/ 70 have dealings with such man as YOU
and, furthermore, let me say that regard
/ you as cOwardly villain
The tall man sprang to his feet and
drew q bowie knife. The qHiet man did not
/ even look at him
"'Tske that back, or III rub your heart
over your facet
"Every one arose, but no one felt disposed
| to prevent blocdshed.
- 4 said that l regarded you as a cowardly
/ oof nd oil h.
/ While We were engaged in insinuating con-
| versstion l saw you stesl roll Of bills from
that man, pointing to one of the players.
! Until then, and but for the remark you
made, trying to compel cheerful granting
of pardon, was disposed to pay hstles AZ
| tentlon to anything you might sag. Now,
sir, / have made my statement. 1 have been
led into this, and l may regret the conse-
quenees-don't hold him-but l shall make
no CONCESSIONS.
"The tall mans eyes actually glared. i
| have killed five men, and all for less than
this, he exclaimed. Get out Of the way. I'll
| cut him in twoP
acct out of the wsyp said the quiet man,
| 1T would greatly please me if he were to sit
down and conduct himself less dangerously,
but if he Ia determined upon wicked action,
let him be under no restraint
"'You are foolishp exclaimed one Of the
gamblers, turning to the quiet man. you
are not armed, and even if you were Capt.
Aicle would kill you. L SIN the man
from whom you ssy he purloIned the bills.
| L saw the action, but did not dare to inter
pose
so this is Capt. Aicle2 said the
| young gentleman. Il have heard Of him.
| He has very unssvory reputation in
New Orleans. If well constructed re-
porss be true, he is not only thief, but 3
| murderer
"'Ges out of the wsy' howled the Cap.
tain, and, struggling, he threw his compan-
ions aside and sprsng forward. Like sud-
den revolution Of wheel-ike an action
whose quickness can not be contemplated
the young man drew derringer and sent
ball through the Captains brain, killing him
instantly.
+" Gentlemen, said the quiet man, be-