Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1883-06-30
ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

on the MISSISSIPPI TlHCL III thV oi' "'y "
can relate an inter esting experience, ="
said the Rev. Mr.. Jackson, minister
whose reputation as an impassioncd pub
lie orator has gone beyond the boundaries
of Arkansas. "There was something
about the Mississippi river experience that
tended to aid in vivid reproduction. The
grand floating drawing rooms, the wealth
displayed at every turn and the studied
politencss and conventional ceremony OF
n supposed good breeding which you cv-
erywhere meet all comes up at once IN
reportrayal Of character which, thus sur
rounded, you have contemplated. But all
of this politcness and exhibition of good
breeding, must say, was but the white
form on muddy water. 1t was the cour-
tesy that could grasp the hand OF an ac-
quaintancc or shoot IN old friend.
"In the spring of 1850 boarded a grand
steamer at New Orleans bound for up
river. I was very young preacher at
that time, and was under orders to repair
TO a small community and assist In con-
ucting revival. There was something
of war being waged between two
churches, and it stood our church in hand
to concentrate forces or lose ascendancy
In the neighborhood. These were days of
political and religious vigor and avowed
opposition In religious contest was re-
garded as being 10 more out OF place or
in i'll keeping with the faith than the fierce
struggles engaged in by the Wings and
Democrats. was told at headquarters
that another young preacher would be
sent to assist me, 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
oven had not learned. The closest search
failed to discover my assistant, and con-
cluding that ho had either preceded or
would como after me, dismissed the
matter and settled down TO the quiet en-
joyment Of the occasion.
There were quite number Of gamblers
polished gentlemen-on board, and al
Though I was opposed to gambling, 1
could not refrain from looking on and
contemplating with what serenity OF
countenance the players alternately part
ed with thousands of dollars.
"'Won't you take a hand p asked one
of the players one evening, addressing a
young, pleasant looking gentleman who
stood near.
"T never play he remarked.
"Won't do you any HARM
"I know it won't, for don't intend to
play
"The gentleman is rare joker, replied
q tall man, who handled cards with an
ease and lost with good will that almost
challenged respect.
"'Yes,' replied the young gentleman,
q rare joker, because it is rare that l joke
"'Ah, and punster, said the tall man,
rcllnquisting 81 900 with a smile.
"It makes little difference to you what
am, came here to quietly look on, not
intending to engage in the game or the
conversation, and especially, not to be the
butt of any jokes that might arise from i'll
luck or success 1T the table. Regardless
of the business you follow, hope that you
are we'll enough acquainted with the man
ners of gentlemen to treat an unobtrusive
locker OH with civilty, if not with cour-
tesy.'
"'Yeu speak WE'LL exclaimed the tall
man. Il hope that am gentleman of
good birth and education, and hope that
have not insulted you. If have, | sim
cerely beg your pardon. Grant it will
ingly, and all will be well reluctantly,
and, as gentleman, which you undoubt-
edly profess to be, you know your re-
course
"sBut for your last remark l would
have heartily forgiven you of any inten-
ton to insult me. As it is do not grant
pardon, realizing that gentleman is not
expected to have dealings with such
man as you. And, Furthermore, let me
say that regard you cowardly villain
'The tall man sprang to his feet and
drew bowie knife. The quiet man did
not even look at him.
"'Take that back, or I'll rub your heart
over your face
every one arose, bat 10 one felt dis
posed TO prevent bloedshsd.
"'I said that regarded ysu as cow
srdly villain. kesp cool and I'll tell yeu
why. While we were engaged in insin-
uating conversation l saw you steal a 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, l was dis
pesed to pay little attention to anything
you might say. Now, sir, have made
my statement. i have been led into this,
and l may regret the consequences-don't
hold him-but / shall make no conces-