The Arkansaw traveler., 1885-03-07
For THE ARKAissAw TRAVELLER.
 ANECDOTES OF SAM HOUSTON.
BY AN OLD TIMER.

BY AN OLD TIMER.
 There are many amusing and interest ing little incidents in the private life of General Sam Housses, which are :cc good to be lost. He was brave, gener- ous, noble, the personi6cation of natur- ally great man, without guile, stead fas. friend, true as steel, and an undis- guised enemy. He was, indeed, one of the great men of the times in which he lived.
 Away back in the early thirties, Gen. eral Houston left Tennessee and came to Arkansaw, for reasons which those who knew of his private affairs understood
 At that day Arkansaw was wild coun- try, sparsely settled by adventurers from neighboring states, many of whom were reckless, desperate characters. All gam bled, and none thought their toilet com plese unless their pistols and bowie knives were belted aroupd d them. Strange as it may seem, it was rare thing in those days to hear of a murder or rob bery, from the fact, presume, that ell men were so well prepared to resist an attack. To offer an insult then was at the risk of life.
 At that day there were many wild tribes of Indians on the western border strong outposts were necessary to guard against these rowing bands. Fort Gibson was then the strongest military post in the great southwest, having many regi- ments of infantry and cavalry, and several companies of artillery. Braver, nobler or more intelligent band of officers were never quartefed at military post. The wives of the officers were of the most re- fined society At their former homes, as all old timers will remember.
 General Houston made his way to Fort Gibson, having clothed himself in the full gafb of an Indian brave with buck skin hunting shirt, leggins, moccasins, red plaid head shawl, and of course the indispensable rife, bowie, pistol toma- hawk and pipe. He was large man of very commanding physique, and made splendid looking Indian warrior.
 General John Nicks, of the United States army, was stationed at Fort Gib- son, and knowing the high standing of General Houston, requested Mrs. Nicks to invite the officers and their wives to dine with their distinguished guest. Game Of all kinds, from the buffalo to the "quail and 'possum," and choice fish and wild fowl were to be had in endless variety and abundance; a more sumptuous and elegant repast was never prepared in the then great southwest having a plentiful supply of wines to add to the conviviality of the guests. After fsasting to ss:ie:y on substantials, these were removed and dessert brought on. Mrs. Nicks was proverbial in the army for making splen- did bread pudding, and bread padding (as you may know) is proverbial for re- taining its intense heat. General Houston said he always did dearly love this kind of padding, and took large spoonful into. his mouth which he instantly spit out. He at once noticed the surprise of the company, especially the ladies, and never off his guard dryly remarked that many d-n fool would have swallowed that" and feeling himself somewhat chagrined, remarked to Mrs. N.: "Madame, l hope that you and your guests will par don my apparent want of etiquette, but really my stomach has always been % good . friend, that could not think of in6icsing upon it such torture ss would have resulted from my swallowing that delicious, but very hot rnorsel-it would have been burning shame, madame" 1" thus throwing all present into an invoi untary outburst of laughter.
 Mrs. Nicks not having heard of the sad particulars of the generals separation fom his vifs, replied, Oh, assure you, general, 10 apology is necessary, and l promise you your good wife shall never heax of this little breach of etiquette, as ycz sssn Gsposed to regard It.
 A the mention of his wife, he leaned Aislhsad upon hs hands, and tears rolled down his manly cheeks the reason for vhirA none could comprehend The eukses< hr~>vsv ~ax imned;1felv dzoppsd, and never again referred to in IT peesence.
 TAe ladieS retired from the table, the 9sseraI quickly recovered from his sad-