Virginia gazette. [volume] (Williamsburg, Va.) 1893-192?, 1903-08-01

THE JACEs0SIAN rEMrEn.
The plantation TO which Mrs. Yer
non and Pauline were sent lay near
the Mississippi River. few miles be
low New Orleans IL was a lonely
place. and the house, a very plain and
simple structure, stood close 90 the
edge Of dreary swamp. Hard 10y
ran narrow ditch or canal. which
was now bankful Of muddly-looking
water.
Na1ewoiselle lie Sczannes. ct the
urgent request Of the Nernons, ac-
companicd them, although her Own
parents decided 10 remain ia the city.
One who is in the least familiar
with the topography Of the region
round about Now Orleans and with
the plan of attack determined upon
by the British general will suspect
that the refugees, IN going 20 the
plantation. were running almost di-
rectly toward the enemy instead of
fleeing from bin. This was SO IN
fact, although Mr.. Vernon did not for
moment suppose that the 6nal al
vance could be from any other direc-
N
lies north OF New Orleans.
Lieutenant Ballancbe has not vel
returned from his reconnaissance Of
Tue Bayou Bienvenu region, nor had
there come any definite report OF the
enemy's movements on Burgne or up
the Rigoiets when Mr.. Vernon took
his long rifle and reported 20 General
Jackson. desiring 20 fight as an indie
pendent private.
IL is always SO in the case of an i'm
pending advance of an army upon a.
city wholly unprepared for defense.
The want of a sufficient force 90 keep
all the avenues of approach well under
observation results. generally speak
ing, in "a total ignorance of Just what
is most needful 20 know. Doubtless
General Jackson was in possession OF
more facts regarding the whereabouts
and purposes OF the English than the
circumstances seem TO indicate; still
the lack of troops aud munitions and
the confusing number and intricacy
OF the waterways and the landways
by which it was quite possible for
his foes 20 reach him made everything
F ike regular military preparation and
action on his part we'll nigh impossi-
Bile. His memory was good, aud
when Mr. Vernon presented himself
and asked to be assigned at once To
duty, he recOllected everything in
connection with their past interviews.
Secretly he was glad 20 make amends
for the brusquenoss OF those occa-
sions. aud he was quick TO under
F stand that here was chance for him
90 secure, perhaps, the adhesion of "A
class of indictments who he under
stood would accept Mr.. Vernon as
their leader. He grasped the burly
old mans hand with diplomatic
warmth for Jackson. despite his Will
fitness, was born politician and
pressed 1t.
II am glad you have come, Mr..
Vernon" he said, with straight,
strong gaze OF confidence and pleas
ure, '.lor Ineed you. You can serve
me and the country to great advan-
tage Just now, sir-tO great advan-
tage. indeed. / want a company oil
volunteers armed with rifles. or, for
that matter, with guns of whatever
kind can DO had You are Just the
man 20 raise and lead such com
pany.
7 The general was a magnetic man
and he knew how 10 direct his grea
t personal power; but IN an instant "a,
! felt the eounter-thrust of an invGlner
able individuality. Mr.. Nernon's i'm
= nense physical pr0poi .ions scenes
, Just then to fling out spiritual an'
q moral spell which, II It did not en-
: iaugle Jackson's agile mind, wrOugh
= a singular effect upon his imagination
r. The two men stood facing eGc
n other in silence for moment.
4 ''Sit down, sir. said Jackson
IA presently, pushing a chair toward hi
T. visitor.
4 The room was large. plain one
!, and simply furnished in the main
l. The gaunt frame OF the general. q
% roughly elaG as II he had lust arrive
u from ths farm, bnstled with angles