The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-10-18

At that the Cherokees laughed and
turned in. A little later on Cherokee
runner arrived with the news that 1000
Creeks were on the warpath, marching to
ambush General Jackson's army at the
crossing of the Coosa Crockett immedi-
ately aroused his band and set out for Jack
sons camp. To his amazement, Jackson's
lieutenant, Colonel Coffee, refused to credit
the story coming from coarse backwoods
private and took no steps to meet the crisis.
II was so mad" wrote Crockett, "that
was burning inside like tar kiln, and I
wonder the smoke had not been pouring
out Of me at all points" Fortunately the
next day the major got iR with his party,
confirming the terrible news. "This," said
Crockett, seemed to pyt our colonel all in
a fidget, and 1t convinced me clearly of one
of the hateful ways of the world. was
not believed because was no of1icer--just
poor soldier But when the same thing
was reported by the major-why, then it
was all true as preaching, and the colonel
believed every word"
Yet. in spite of the chilling rebuffs to his
enthusiasm, Crockett fought through the
campaign daring and magnanimous war
rior. When the starving soldiers were hud-
died In a close column for greater protec-
ton, he penetrated the forest alone in
search of game, which he nobly shared
with those In deepest need. Not infre-
quently the officers who had despised his
judgment fed of his bounty. The war over,
he returned home and soon buried the wife
so romantically won in his youth.
He remarked and again set his face west
ward, bringing up in the wilderness OF
southern Tennessee. There, and In still
newer settlement In western Tennessee, be
won great fame as pioneer hunter and
story teller. He was justice and legsla-
tor by turns before he knew the meaning
of the words Judiciary and government,
acquired property which he lost by food,
and in 1895, at the age OF 40, was elected to
congress as Jacksonian supporter. He
served two terms.
Although maintaining and apparently
glorying in a reputation for buffoonery,
Crockett was man Of sound practical
sense, IL not of moral sentiments. His fav-
orite axiom, "Be sure you're right, then 90
ahead" has guided many soul through
the maelstrom Of doubt. He was all things
on all occasions. When on his way to Wash
ington, rude fellow traveller jostled him
with challenging party yell and ended
by demanding, "Who are you"
His answer was an unprecedented vol
ley OF border slang. II am that same Davy
Crockett" said he. fresh from the back
woods, half horse. half alligator. I can
wade the Mississippi, leap the Ohio, ride
streak OF lightning and slip without
scratch down honey locust. I can whip
my weight In wildcats. and IL any gentle
man pleases for slo bill he may throw In
panther. can hug bear too close for
his comfort aud eat any man opposed b
General Jackson"
In Washington at the sound OF the party
lash he declared, II am at liberty to vote
as my conscience and judgment dictate 10
be right" His independence is said TO have
cost him his seat, but the loss didn't sour
his spirit. He was given nattering rcccp-
tion on journey through the east and
proved that his four years In congress had
expanded his mind and tempered his judg-'
ment In public speech nj Boston he dep
recated the harsh western opinions Of east
ern people and said: II shall never repent
having come here TO get knowledge OF
your ways, which I can carry home with
me. want 10 do away with prejudice and
give the people information"
On his rejection for third term In con.
Rress the irrepressible pioneer again pulled
ap bic cabin stakes 10 seek new Geld for