The state herald., 1893-04-07
THE TEXAS SCOUT.

The history of deaf Smith" is one
Of the most extraordinary In all the
annals Of the frontier. The memory
Of that remarkable man is revered
equally with that Of any Of the prom
inent actors OF the war for indepen-
dence Of the"Lone Star state, lone of
whose counties is named for him.
He made his appearance In Texas
suddenly. at a, very carly period in
the bloody history of its struggle
with Mexico, where he continued to
reside until his death, which oc-
CURED about 1913. He had host of
friends, and was the particular favor
lite of General Houston, yet mono OF
these were ever able to learn tho
place of his birth or gather single
fact in relation to his life previous to
his advent among them. II ques-
toned upon tho subject, he invari-
ably placed his index finger upon his
lips, and II pressed further, his
brows gathered in big burrows, while
his intensely dark eyes seemed to
shoot forth sparks OF living fire.
deaf Smith" could write with us.
lonishing facility and correctness.
Denied completely the sense OF hear.
ing, nature had amply compensated
him with tho keenest vision and u
power OF smell almost incredible.
1t was these powerful attributes
which fitted him SO admirably for the
perilous occupation of scout, in
which capacity he rendered invalua-
bic service to General Houston's army
during the war for the independence
OF Texas. He always went wherever
he was sent, no matter how dangerous
the duty. alone. almost invariably
succeeding in obtaining the informa-
ton required.
His private life was AS eccentric as
that Of his official. He never could
be persuaded to sleep undor the roof
of n house or even to accept the
friendly shelter of tent. no matter
what the condition OF the weather
might be. Wrapped in u single
blanket. on the coolest nights, he
preferred to lie out in the open air,
count the stars, or gaze for hours at
the moon. when ut its full. When
not in the employ OF the Texas army.
he hunted constantly. frequently alb
senting himself for weeks or even
months, on solitary expeditions into
the vast wilderness OF the great
Southwest.
About two years after the end OF
the Texas revolution difficulty oc-
Cured between the new government
and a portion Of the citizens. The con-
| stitution had fixed the city OF Austin
rs the permanent capital, whore the
archives of the public were to be kept.
with reservation, however. of u
power vested in the president to
order their temporary removal in
ease of danger from the inroals of u
foreign enemy. or the force OF n sud-
den insurrcciion
The Comanches. the most impudcnt
and powerful tribe OF Indians In the
Southwest began TO commit their
characteristic atrocities within the
very sight Of the young capital
Upon this demonstration OF what
might become serious hos,ilities,
General Houston. the president. who
resided in the town Of Washington
ON the Brazos. dispatched an order
commanding those under him at
Austin TO send the state records to
Washington.
A mass meeting Of the citizens and
farmers Of tho adjacent country was
called, After many fiery speeches II
was unanimously decided 10 prevent
the removal OF the archives. by open
and armed force. II necessary. To
that end company OF 400 men was
organized, one moiety OF which, re.
licving the other ut regular intervals.
should keep constant guard around
tho siatchouse until the peril passed
by. The commander OF this force In
rebellion against tho authorities was
Colonel Morton who had achieved
considerable rcnown In the war for
independence. and still more recently
had displayed desperate bravery In
two terrible ducls. IN both OF which
he had literally cut his antagonist. TO
pieces with his formidable bowie.
knife. The colonel sworc by the
honor Of Texan that n General
Houston removed the records of ,h.
state from Austin he would himself
hunt him down like wolf and shoot
him With as little ceremony. lie had
tho impudcnco to write 10 tho hero
Of san Jacinto To that effect, Tho
general. whom nothing could in,lm.
lda;c. replied In the following note
OF characteristic broyityi
III the people Of Austin do not
send the archives | shall certainly
come and TAX. them; and II Colonel
Morton eau kill me he l. welcome 10
ms ear-cnp."
On the reception Of the PRESIDENT
note the ''eommittoo Of safety held n
continuous session In tho city hall.
nnd everything bctokonei the burst.
Inn Of II severe political storm.
One day. while matters we're In
tails boiling condition. the committee
IN the city hall was surprised by tho
sudden appearance Of stranger.
whose mode OF entrance was NJ extra
ordinary ns HIS looks aud dress Climb.
ing. unseen. small. bushy-,oppcd
llyc.oak which grow beside the wall
Of the building. he lcapcd without, the
slightest warning, through high
window and was Immediately In tho
presence Of the seorc, guardians of
the rity's welfare. llo was drcss-d
throughout In buckskln. tho seams Of
his trousers and coat heavily fringod
| mud tho frunt al thu intt,r h,al,,d
and porcupinod after the fashion Of mn
Indian chiefs costly Carmen, Of state
lie carried n long. worry heavy ride
IN his right hand, wore nt n button On
his con, mn immense bowie knife. aud
ia his belt brace Of iin'.lock pistols
half as long ~ his gun.
who are you that dafea 10 in,rudo