The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1884-08-29
A TEXAN IncEDEsr.
low Gen. Sam Houston 1smovsA q
xecorhg OF the Stats,

wv 0o0. Sam HOUSTON 8en0V1 the
1ecorhg OF the state.
About two years after the Texan revo-
luton General Houston had his first
difficulty with the people. Under the
constitution the capital had been fixed
at Austin, but power was given to the
president to order the temporary re-
moyal of the archives in case Of danger.
The Comanches wero committing raw
ages within sight Of Austin, and Gen.,
eral Houston ordered the state records
to be forwarded to him at Washington
(Texas). This caused much excitement
IN Austin, and four hundred men placed
themselves about the State house to
prevent the removal. Colonel Morton,
a leading spirit of the revolution. was
ct their head, and wrote to General
Houston, who well knew his character
IS a fighting man, that. if the archives
were removed, he (Morton) would hunt
him down like a wolf. General Hous-
ton replied in q note of characteristic
brevity: 'If the people of Austin do
not send them, / shall come and
get them; and if Colonel Morton can
kill me, he is welcome to my ear-cap."
The guard was at once doubled, patrol
men were placed on the roads, and a
select committee went into permanent
session in the city hall. During a sit
ting OF that body one who was unan-
nounced suddenly stood in their midst,
having gained entrance by means of q
tall live oak which grew against the
window; his garb and arms were those
OF q hunter, and, being spoken to by
Colonel Morton, he placed his fingers
on his lips and remained silent. Col
onel Morton few into a rage and seized
h1m, when the stranger drew his bowie
knife at the same instant that Morton's
friend held him back. Another mem
Der of the body spoke to the stranger,
saying the meeting was a private one,
and That he presumed the gentleman
had mistaken the house. At this he
walked to the table and wrote one line,
II am deaf" Judge Webb then wrote,
TEL us your business" when a
letter was handed him, addressed
to the citizens of Austin, which
the judge read aloud, as
follows: Fellow citizens: Though
IN error, and deceived by the arts Of
traitors, I will give you three days more
to decide whether or not you will for
ward to me the archieves. At the end
of that time you will please let me
know your decision. Sam Houston"
The deaf man waited a few moments
for a reply, and was about to leave,
when Col. Morton handed him q note
saying: "You were brave enough to in
suit me; are you brave enough to give
me satisfaction" The mute wrote,
l am a tyour service" and, after fixing
terms, he left by the window. Morton
was told he would be killed, as he was
to fight Deaf Smith, who never missed
his man; but he could not he shaken in
his resolve. The weapons used were
rifles. the distance was ahundred PAGES,
and the time sunset. A vast crowd saw
the duel. Both men fired at the same
instant; Morton sprang into the air
and fell dead, a ball in his heart. Deaf
Smith quietly reloaded his rifle and
walked into the forest. Three days
afterward lie came. with General Hous-
ton and ten others to Austin, and the
archives were removed without further
opposition.