The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-07-09
STORY OF A CANNON.

How . Tennesseean Got . Gun to
Fight for Texas Independence.
cannon whose live thunder wrought
battle 70 San Jacinto. and which was kept
! hot throughout the campaigns Of Sam
Houston and his victorious Texans in their
struggle for Independence. was secured for
the services Of the army Of the Republic
Of Texas under quite~interesting circum-
stances.
Formerly. this cannon, mounted on .
gun carriage before the town hall in VII
iage of Southern Tennessee, was employed
on occasions of public celebration to e1-
press and promote general enthusiasm. In
| oidental to its use In this capacity 1t had
been the cause OF sundry disasters. such
as the loss OF arms. eyesight. and other
more or less serious mutilations.
Occupied in manipulating this piece at
the occurrence Of these public demonstra-
lions for many years, was a man whose
name has not been recorded but who 10
related to have been a Titan in stature
and strength. This man subsequently
disturbance which eventually led to the
war for independence with Mexico.
Immediately previous to the commence
ment of hostilities, the Tennesseean
thought of the old cannon in his native
town, which he realized would make an
acceptable ard much-needed addition to
the slender defences of the patriot. To
think was to act. and with such characters,
to resolve Is usually to succeed. He de-
termined to secure the gun and annex 10
to the Texan ordnance. This was a reso-
luton of no mean conception, for the
obstacles were many and serious. 1t meant
journey to Tennessee and return, OF
many hundred miles. over rough and Al
most indistinguishable roads bla1ed
through the woods and with possibility
of final disappointment. 1t was an act co.,
trary to neutrality. and also, by reasons Of
the methods he pursued, e violation Of
property rights.
To accomplish his purpose +. made his
way back to Tennessee. and here hunted
out some old friends. and acquainted them
with his design. All American sympathies
in this iusse were with the Texans, and
several of his fellow townsmen were en-
listed in the rank and file of he republi-
can forces. He had no difficulty in Sc
curing the required assistance. A wagon
with four horses was procured. which
after dark and alone he drove TO the town
hall where the cannon was located. The
weight OF this piece was matter of about
500 pounds. and this he Is related to have
lifted unaided from the gun carriage onto
lis back. carrying 1t by his enormous
strength to the wagon, some little distance
off. The cannon was thrown in and con-
cealed and the Tennesseean mounted the
seat apd drove silently away on his jour-
aey hack to Texas. well provisioned for the
trip. through the care of friends and SYM
pathisers. The disappearance OF the piece
and the empty gun carriage was noted the
following day, but an investigation dis
closed nothing. He was well at his jour-
ney's end before the circumstances OF the
were divulged. The COM
munity then forgot its first resentment in
the prospect afforded by the possible SER
vices the gun might render in the impend-
ing hostilities--
The cannon arrived at its destination in
due season. and was remounted on new
carriage. When ready for action 1t fol-
lowed and was active in compelling the
fortunes Of the war. The Tenresseean d.
rected its work as Of old. but with more
serious intent, and despite the former
fatalities laid to the old guns score. was
employed against the enemy with disas-
trous results 1t figured in every engage
ment with the Mexicans. playing its part
in the final battle. which resulted in in
dependence.
The ultimate disposition of the gun Is
not known. Having served Its serious mis-
sion 1t has disappeared and may now pos
sibly be pursuing It's original peaceful line
of service in celebrating anniversaries Of
the struggle and days of public rejoicing,
l.. aap,. ohsc,rra TaYau fawp