Lives of Great Americans. hed, Monthly, A Number Seven. LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF Colonel David Crockett. BEADLE AND ADAMS, 98 WILLIA L Th LA K\ nesyace - A mrvmggi Fee at Pa 3 - 7 ~ te * * THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF EMBRAOING HIS CAREER AS HUNTER, SOLDIER AND CONGRESSMAN; WITH A FULL ACCOUNT OF HIS TEXAN EXPLOITS AND GLO- RIOUS DEATH AT THE ALAMO. BY THE AUTHOR OF “LIFE OF BOONE.” NEW YORK: BEADLE AND ADAMS, PUBLISHERS, 98 WILLIAM STREET, «autered according to Act of Congress, in the year 186, by BEADLE AND COMPANY, da the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for th . Southern District of New York. Ld . INTRODUCTION. Turty years ago, perhaps no name was more celebrated han that of Colonel Davi Crocxerr of Tennessee. Since his death, his fame has subsided almost as rapidly as it arose, and under the belief that the incidents of his extraordinary career will prove new and interesting to many, we venture to offer this volume to the public. In the early history of the man perhaps there is but little of general interest, except his partici- pation in the Creek war; but his action in Congress, his tour through the northern States—which can only be likened to the triumphant march of a conqueror—his great hunting exploits, and his heroic course in Texas, individualize him as a man of nore than ordinary ability, and one whose deeds are well worthy of a remembrance by his countrymen. Colonel Crockett possessed great native force of mind, and always lived up to his maxim, “Be sure you are right, then go ahead.” He was kind-hearted, full of anecdote and humor, with a disposition that would allow him to do no injury to any one; yet he was notoriously reckless of his own life, and fear- less of every authority; adventurous to an extraordinary degree, courting suffering with apparent indifference, and, though loving his family tenderly, yet not hesitating to leave it for a, grave in Texas. Altogether, he was a man whose like the world has never seen, and may never see; and we offer this volume not only as a tribute to his memory, but as affording a mort novel and interesting theme for the pen. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. The Birth of Crockett—Incidents of his Boyhood, - esrei® : CHAPTER II. # Crockett discharges a Couple of Debts for his Father—Falls despe- rately in Love—Disappointment—Becomes enamored again and again disappointed—A Wife secured at last, - - - - 14 CHAPTER III. Crockett emigrates—Enlists in the Creek War—Sent as Scout into the Creek Country—Indians at the Ten Islands—Joined by Gen. Jackson—Black a Town burnt—Great Slaughter of the In- > Ata his, PFO Siow hte Ber bae fe tian ad - - - 18 CHAPTER IV. Brection of Fort Strother—Battle of Fort Talladega—Disaffection of the Volunteers—Returns Home—Croekett. again enlists—Joins Ma- jor Russeil’s Spies—Attacked at Horse-Shoe Bend—Bravery of Gov. arroll, - - - - - - - > - . - - 2 Se. CHAPTER V. Crockett joins Major Russell and. starts for Pensacola—Penetratea the Country with a Number of Spies—Affray with a Couple of Creeks—Failure to Surprise an Encampment—Great Suflerings of the Soldiers—Close of the War—Rejoins his Family, J 2s 2 B9 CHAPTER VI. Death of Crockett’s Wife—His second Marriage—Sets out to exploro the Creek Country—His Sickness—Settles on Shoal Creek in the Chickesaw Country—Elected a Magistrate—Elected Colonel of a Kegiment—Sent to the Legislature—Loses all his Property from a Freshet—Emigrates and commences Life again, a oe CHAPTER VII. Crockott’s Pursuit of Ammunition under Difficulties, - - + 89 CHAPTER VIII. Crockett}onaBearHunt, - - + - -* -* = « @ Yp CHAPTER IX. Crockett nominated as a Candidate for the Legislature—His Method of Electioneering—His Election—Nominated for Congress—Defeated —Home again, and is elected by a great Majority—The Sensation he anid in Washington—The eilindiiie Stories circulated in regard to Col. Crockett, = - RS eg Nag Se cr CHAPTER X. Col. Crockett opposes Jackson’s Indian Bill—The Storm raised against him at HomeThe Intrigue by which his Defeat was accomplished —He runs’ again—The desperate Measures to defeat bim—tLlis Election—Determines to visit the Northern States, - - “3 61 CHAPTER’ Xf." Col. Crockett’s Tour through the Northern States, See eee CHAPTER XII. Crockett’s Defeat—His keen Disappointment—Resolves to go to Texas—His Verses—His Speech at Little Rock—Amusing Adven. ture of a Traveling Preacher—Picks up a Friend on a Steamboat— The Politician’s Affair with a Bee-Hunter,- - - - = 61 CHAPTER XIII. Crockett joined by the Bee-Hunter—Arrival at Nacogdoches—History of the Pown-= he Cane-Brakes of Texas—The Pirate and Indian— Singular Act of the Bee-Hunter—Crockett starts on a Buffalo-Hunt and 16 10M 56P— 5c: lteY antia§ S otastebees die eee 10 CHAPTER XIV. : Crockett’s fearful Battle with a Mexican Cougar, - - - - 74 CHAPTER XV. The Kindness of the Comanches—Thimblerig and the Bee-Hunter— Joined by the Pirate and Indian—Encounter with a Band of Mexi- can Scouts—Arrival at the Fortress of the Alamo, - = - 78 CHAPTER XVI. History of the Town of Bexar—Col. Travis—Col. Bowie of Louisiana —A Specimen of his Skill—Gen. Santa Se of Santa Anna against the Alamo—Hoisting of the Texan Flag—The Pirata volunteers to go to Goliad for Reinforeements—Exploit of Thimble. rig—Col. Bowie’s Illness—Daring Act of the Bee-Hunter—The Can- nonade—Exploit of Crockett—Death of the old Pirate and the Bee-Hunter,- - - - igs se pera Se Se CHAPTER XVII. loge of the Alamo—Deeds of Valor--Death of Col. Crockett, - 93 THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES or COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT CHAPTER T. THE BIRTH OF CROCKETT—INCIDENTS OF HIS BOYHOOD. Davip Crockett first saw the light on the 17th of August, 1786, near the mouth of the Limestone river, in what was then the State of North Carolina, but what is now included in eastern Tennessee. His father, John Crockett, was of Irish descent; his mother was an American. The twain were married. in the State of Pennsylvania. Mr. Crockett took an active part in the Revolutionary War, fighting at King’s Mountain, and in several other important engage- ments. At the close of the war he emigrated to North Carolina, where both grandparents of our subject were mudered by the Creek Indians. Mr. John Crockett had a family of six boys and three girls—David being the fifth, When David was about five years of age, the father removed to Greenville, about ten miles distant, in the same county, where an occurrence took place which naturally enough made a lasting impression upon our young hero’s mind. One day in autumn, his uncle, Joseph Hawkins, was hunting for deer. While thus engaged, he wandered by a thicket wherein a neighbor was picking grapes. The hunter saw nothing but the arm as it was raised to pluck the clusters, and mistook it for the twitching of a deer’s ear. Aiming at where he supposed the body would naturally be, he fired, the bullet passing through the man’s body Crockett declares that he saw his father draw 10 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. his silk handkerchief through the bullet-hole through the body ; and yet, in spite of all this, the man entirely recovered, and lived many years afterward? Crockett regarded it as a case of unusual obstinacy. : Crockett’s father again “emigrated”—this time 1o the mouth of Cove creek, where he and a partner commenced building a mill, When nearly completed, a great freshet swept every thing entirely away. David, who was only seven or eight years old at the time, says all were obliged to leave their houses to escape drowning, and the overflow was a “second epistle of Noah’s fresh.” Having no wish to persevere in the mill business, Mr. Crockett removed to Jefferson county, where he opened a tavern, on the road leading from Abbingdon to Knoxville. Here David remained until he was twelve years of age. His father was quite poor, and often hard pressed to rear hig family. Deeming that his illustrious son was now old enough to “do something for himself,” he hired him out to a Dutch- man, named Tiler, who was removing to Virginia. The distance which he was to travel was four hundred miles. Young Crockett set out with a heavy heart—loth to leave home to “trot after a Dutchman.” When near the Natural Bridge, the “movers” halted at the house of Tiler’s father-in-law. Making the boy a present of money, Tiler endeavored to persuade him to remain with him and not return to his father again. He did not dare to refuse openly, but determined not to remain. One Sunday several wagons passed, and Crockett recognized one of the teamsters as a man who had frequently stopped at his father’s house. He made himself known to the man, and told his story. It was all soon arranged. The teamster would put up at a tavern seven miles further on. David was to try and reach him in the morning, when the friend would carry him safely through to Knoxville. Returning to the Du‘chman’s house, young Crockett found the family absent. He packed his clothes, and went early to bed. But, the picture of home, and a cherished mother, brothers and sisters was constantly before him as he lay tossing through the night in great unrest. Several hours before day he arose, and stealthily made his way out cf the house HS EDUCATION. ii Hmerging into the open air, he found the snow was falling fast, and was already eight inches deep on the ground. Ali was dark and lonely around him; but, nothing daunted, he passed. bravely on. The main road was a half mile distant from the house. He struggled until he reached it, and then struck out for the tavern, seven miles away, The snow con- tinued falling, and was soon to his knees. All signs of the passing of the wagons, of course, had disappeared long since and his own tracks were filled and obliterated almost as soon as made. Reaching the tavern an hour before day, he found the wagoners making ready to resume their jowney. He was furnished with a breakfast, and given a seat in one of the wagons as arranged, and eventually reached home in safety. We quote this incident, to illustrate the determined nature of the boy. Crockett remained at home until the close of the succeed- ing summer, when the father concluded something ought to be done in the way of educating his boy. Accordingly, he was started off to a country schoolmaster, by the name of Kitchen. ‘With this pedagogue he remained four days, giving encouraging signs of ability to master the entire alphabet! But, at the end of this time, an unfortunate “ difference” oceurred between him and a much larger and older boy. Young Crockett came to the conclusion that the affair must be settled ; and, fearing to make any demonstration near the school-house, hid himself in the ‘bushes along the road, after school was dismissed. There he waited for his opponent, who soon came leisurely along, unconscious of the ambush into which he was walking. Up sprimg young Cr 2kett, and pounced upon him like a tiger, After pummeling him awhile, the big boy cried out for quarter, and Crockett started home, haying finished his education! . The next morning, instead of going to school, .as expected by his father, David went. off in the woods, and remained hid until evening, when he returned with his brothers. A second time—a third—a fourth, Crockett repeated the trick, until the teacher sent a mote to his father inquiring the cause of the boy’s absence. Reading the note, he called to his hopeful son, and demanded the cause of his absence. Th« latter answered that he was afraid to go te - 12 TNE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. school. He was ordered, peremptorily, to start fo1 schooi instantly. Still the boy lingered, until the enraged father caught up a hickory stick and made after him. David, con- cluding it was time to run, immediately flew down the road at the top of his speed, followed by his father and the sounding hickory. The boy had foresight enough to take a direction which led from the school-house, and maintained it for over a mile, when he turned off and hid in the bushes. When his father gave up the hunt he emerged’ from his hid- ing-place, and went to the house of a friend near by. This man was about to start for Virginia with a drove of horses, ete. David resolved to escape, not on one horse, but on many, and soon arranged to become a driver. An elder brother also joined him, and the two followed the drove far into Virginia. He remained in Virginia until the next spring, when he went to Baltimore. Here young Crockett drank his full of the wondrous and marvelous, and ended by making an agree- ment with the captain of a vessel for a voyage to London as man-before-the-mast. Full of glowing expectations, the boy hastened back for his clothes to the wagoner in whose employ he had come to the city. His employer, however, was by no means willing to give up his claim to the boy’s services, and would neither give him his money nor his clothes, and forced him to start on their return journey. But David Crockett concluded not to wagon in that fellow’s trade, and, escaping, at length started for home, concluding that the whipping still standing to his credit would be forgutten in the joy that his return must occasion. His journey, how- ever, was a long one. His money gave out at Montgomery Court House, in Virginia, where he hired himself out for five dollars a month. Remaining but a month, he bound himself to a hatter. Matters moved along smoothly for a year and a half, when his employer broke, and fled the country to escape his creditors. The boy was left without a cent of money, and was obliged again to seek employment to procure the much needed clothes. When he had once more secured a few dollars, his homeward journey was resumed. When he reached home, it was late in the evening. Go- ing to the door, he inquired whether he could remain all x RETURN HOME. 18 night, it being his intention not to make himself known until he had seen whether the family would recognize him. It was answered that he might stay, and he entered the house, acting like a stranger. When supper was announced, he sat down with the others. He had scarcely done so, when his elder sister sprung, threw her arms around his reck, and exclaimed, “ It is my lost brother!” The joy of the family was unbounded at this return of their prodigal son. They had not heard from him for two years, and mourned him as indeed lost. He was now a big boy, fifteen years of age, and rather comely to the eye. Young Crockett felt enraged at himself that he had not. sub- mitted to a hundred whippings rather than grieve the hearts of such parents. But he saw, with unfeigned pleasure. thas nothing was said of the dreaded whipping. THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. OHA DOR eta y @ %CKETT DISCHARGES A COUPLE OF DEBTS FOR HIS FATHER—FALLS DRS- 'ERATELY IN LOVE—DISAPPOINTMENT—BECOMES ENAMORED AGAIN AND BAIN DISAPPOINTED—A WIFE SECURED AT LAST. JROCKETT, though now fifteen years of age, had not mas- ter. d the letters of the alphabet! Little opportunity, indeed, hac. been voucnsafed to obtain a “school education.” But, true education consists in a development of the mental, moral, and physical powers in a rational and equable method, tvhicit is not necessarily confined to the walls of a school- }iouse. Nothing will so effectually bring out the qualities of taanhond, as the hand-to-hand struggle with life’s stern and Uncom) romising facts. Those traits of will, of iron purpose, (truth of sagacity, of sharp observation, that so characterized lvavid Crockett in manhood and after life, were the results of Lis education. His life-motto was: “Be sure you are right, tren go anead.” He learned that to be “poor dut honest” vias far nobler than to be rich and dishonest. His education, t rerefore, 1° “ neglected,” did not fail to render him an honest ” an. A. few days after his arrival home, he learned that his father owed a deb; of thirty-six dollars to a neighbor. The father proposed tat if David would work it out for him, he would resigi, all claims upon him forever. The boy consented at once, ana hired himself out for six months to the creditor. Me remained every day, and “lifted” the note for his father, then sought employment elsewhere. Too restless and manful to remain upon his father’s hands, young Crockett offered himself to an old Quaker for two shillings a day. After working for a while, his employer told hita that he held a note of forty dollars against his father, and proposed to give it to him for six months labor. The boy accepted, and served his six months faithfully—at the end of which time the Quaker handed him the note. The next FALLS DESPERATELY IN LOVE. 1& Sunday evening, mounting his horse, David rode over home, aad gave his father the note. The latter, supposing it had been sent for collection, handed it back, saying, he had not the money and did not know what to do. This was a proud moment. for the boy. He said, triumphantly, that the note belonged to him; that he had worked six months for it and came home to present it to his father, The latter was a rough sort of man, who very rarely gave way to his emotions; put at this unexpected service of his boy, he did not keep back his tears. He thanked David in heartfelt words, and wished to make some return for his generosity, but he was prevented by poverty. The dutiful son needed nothing more than this evidence of joy that he had given his parent, and with a light heart he made his way back again to the honest old Quaker. This incident does the heart of Crockett great credit. When we remember that his father, without the boy’s asking, had voluntarily resigned all claims upon. his service, and expected no such sacrifice from him, that he was compelled to labor for six months with only an. indifferent suit of clothes, and possessed no money at all for a year, it will not be denied that the act was one which few boys of this day would perform. Returning to his employer, he set to work to earn some clothes. He had been thus engaged for two months, when a niece of the Quaker paid him a visit. Young Crockett fell in love with her. Not merely fell, as he said, but, “ sunk over head and ears in the sticking place,” until he felt scarcely aught else save the one great passion. He tried to speak with her, but blushed and stammered, and the words stuck in his throat. Only after the most desperate efforts did he succeed in dectar- ing his love. The maiden listened quictly to the avowal, and then as quietly told him that she was engaged to another. This stunning intelligence, as Crockett. expresses it, “ was worse than war, pestilence or famine.” He was taken com- pletely aback ; but realizing that there was no help for it, he made up his mind to hush his grief like a man. Crockett, as yet, did not know his alphabet, and it occurred to him that most of his misfortunes arose from. this shameful ignorance. Accordingly, through the following winter, he went to schvol four days during each week, and wrought the other two, to pay » 16 THE LIF& OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. for his board and schooling. During this time he learned tc read and write, and cipher somewhat; ‘but, at the end of six months, he concluded he must have a wife, and left school in search of one! According to Crockett’s own account, his learning at this time amounted to a knowledge barely sufficient to enable him to blunder through his primer, write his name, and perform the simplest problems in the first three rules of arithmetic; and this, it may be remembered, is all the school- ing that Colonel David Crockett ever received. : It was not long ere he again was desperately enamored. This time it was a lady who lived near by and whom he had known for a long time. He continued visiting her, becoming more and more infatuated each day, until the all-important . question was asked, and, after a tantalizing degree of coyness, answered in the affirmative. The day was decided upon and the two separated, to paint the future with all the radiant hues of hope, Crockett feeling that when the time arrived he vhould be the happiest mortal in existence, During all this time—indeed, for years previous—our hero was very fond of the rifle, and was already quite an expert in its use. As his Quaker employer was opposed to his attendance upon he shooting-matches of the country, David was obliged to go by stealth. He continued his visits to his betrothed, until a few days before the one appointed for marriage, when he heard a shooting-match was to take place between his house and her father’s. He therefore determined not only to indulge in the sport, but to hit two marks at one shot by visiting his betrothed, also. Giving his employer to understand that he was going on a deer-hunt, (and a dear one it proved to be,) he set out for the appointed place. Cheerfully engaging in the shooting, his skill was so great that he won the entire prize—a beef, which he sold for five dollars. This was on Saturday ; and, as the next Thursday was the appointed wedding-day, Crockett concluded best to say something to the parents, who, as yet, knew nothing of their daughter’s engagement. When within a few miles of the place, he stopped at the house of a relative of his betrothed to rest himself and inquire about the family. Going in, he found her sister present, and, from her manner, saw at once that something was wrong. In a few minutes she burst into tears, and told him that he had been deceived—that HIS MARRIAGE. 17 ner sister was to be married to another man the next day This news, if possible, was more stunning than his first disap- pointment. He turned homeward, saddened and disheartened, concluding that he was only born for trouble and misery. The next few weeks probably were the most wretched of his iife. While we can sympathize in the disappointment of our hero, we can but regard the occurrence as providential, intended to prevent a stripling of eighteen from plunging unprepared upon the great responsibilities of matrimony. Grief weighed upon his spirit for months. One day, in a disconsolate mood, he took his rifle and plunged into the woods. After hunting a while, he called upon a Dutch widow, who, after condoling with him upon his misfortune, told him that if he would come to a reaping which was tobe held in the neighborhood, she would show him a girl far superior to the coquette in every respect. Crockett consented, although he felt, at the time, that nothing on earth could cure his heartache. He made his appearance at the appointed time and was intro- duced to the lady in question. They were much pleased with each other, and a courtship commenced at once. This was carried on successfully for nearly two months, when, matters approaching a crisis, the wedding-day was named. Upon consulting her parents, Crockett found the father had no objec- tions to the match ; but the mother became furious, and ordered the intended son-in-law to leave the house, telling him he should not have her daughter. With the consent of the daughter, Crockett engaged a justice of the peace to marry them, and went home to wait for the appointed day. Arrangements were made to receive his wife, and, on the auspicious Thursday, Crockett set out to secure her. He took with him several of his brothers and sisters; and, arriving at the house, found that a large company had assem- bled in expectation of the wedding; but the mother was still enraged, and evidently determined to prevent her daughter from “ throwing herself away.” Crockett, fearing the house was too hot for comfort, asked the girl to mount the horse he was leading, and ride to the parson’s. She conscnted with alacrity ; but, just before starting, the mother relented, asked fhe bridegroom’s pardon for what she had said, urged him to ‘vmain, and to celebrate the marriage under her own reof. 13 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAV.\D CROCKETT. This was done, and every thing passed off finely. Still fearfun that his prize might escape him, Crockett proceeded tu his father’s with her, where a large company was in waiting to welcome and congratulate him. The honeymoon, of course, passed pleasantly, and the very young husband felt that he was now a man, fit to engage in the struggles of life. OMAP LER LET; CROCKETT EMIGRATES—ENLISTS IN THE CREEK WAR—SENT AS SCOUT INTO THE CREEK COUNTRY—INDIANS AT THE TEN ISLANDS—JOINED BY GENERAL JACKSON—BLACK WARRIOR TOWN BURNT—GREAT SLAUGHTER OF THE INDIANS. Norurne will take the romance out of a young man so effectually as poverty. A hand-to-hand struggle with earnest, hard, unyielding circumstances soon dissipates all dreams—soon transforms the roseate future into the practical present. So Davy Crockett learned—so many others have realized, as romantic and hopeful as he. Crockett, when the marriage-knot was tied, was excessively poor. His parents-in-law presented him with a couple of cows and calves, and his old Quaker employer presented him with an order upon a store amounting to fifteen dollars. On the strength of this, the young husband furnished his rented cabin and patch of ground, and commenced life. The young couple kept on the even tenor of their way for several years ; it was then a settled matter that Crockett never could make headway on a rented farm. Coming to this con- clusion he was not slow to decide on “ pulling up pegs” and moving to the West. He was now possessed of two sons, a ‘dilapidated old horse, a couple of colts broke to the halter, several other “ critters,” and a large stock of hope. His father concluding to accompany him, on a fine morning in 1809, the united families took up their line of march across the moun- tains. Reaching Lincoln county, they were so pleased with the vountry that they unpacked and “ settled.” Here, it may be said, David Crockett entered upon that ENLISTS IN THE CREEK WAR. " 19 life which was to render him distinguished. The surrounding woods abounded with game with which to supply his good wife’s wants. His consummate skill with the rifle soon ren- dered him “the talk,’ even among old hunters. It may well be supposed that he made formidable inroads upon the population of the woods. - He remained in Lincoln county for two years; and whenthe Creek war broke out was residing near Winchester. This short but sanguinary struggle was commenced by a most inhuman massacre at Fort Mimms. This fort was on the eastern side of Alabama river, about ten miles above its junc- tion with the Tombigbee, and forty miles north-east from Mobile. The influence of the wonderful Tecumseh having extended as far south as Alabama, the Creeks dug up the hatchet, and, late in August, 1813, appeared before Fort Mimms. ‘The men were unsuspicious of any attack, and were compelled to succumb to the overwhelming force. Three hundred men, women and children were mercilessly toma- hawked, and their corpses, piled in heaps or scattered around amid the ruins of the fort, were left as a memento of the feeling which the Creeks entertained for the whites. When the news of the massacre spread along the frontier, there was a universal uprising, and a determination to revenge tt. Among the foremost of volunteers was David Crockett, who, shouldering his rifle, marched to Winchester, where a muster was taking place. His wife earnestly strove to restrain his going. He felt that none but cowards would resist the call, and no entreaties availed to change his determina- tion to “hunt the red brutes into their last hole.” At Winchester he found a large number of people gathered from all parts of the country. A lawyer named Junes was chosen captain. The men enlisted for sixty days. The volunteers were all n:ounted and rendezvoused at Beatty’s Spring, near Huntsville, where they remained for several days, during which their force swelled to thirteen hundred, every one ot whom was truly “a brave.” As for Crockett, he “ felt wolfish all over,” as he expressed it; and it was evident that, with the rightful leaders for such a body, the slaughter of Fort Mimms would soon be avenged. While still at Beatty’s Spring, a Major Gibson visited the 20 THE LIFE OF OOLONEL DAVID CROUKETT, forces, and asked for some volunteers to cross the Tennesscv river, and visit the Creek country for the purpose of ascertain- ing the movements of the Indians. He asked the captain for two of his best woodsmen and riflemen. Crockett was imme- diately pointed out as a man to follow the major. A young man named George Russell was selected by Crockett as his companion, and early the next morning the party, numbering thirteen in all, mounted on horses, crossed the Tennessee yjver. Penetrating seven miles into the country, they en- camped for the first night. Here they were joined by an Indian trader who agreed to act‘as their guide. In the morn- ing, it was deemed best to separate the party, and the major taking seven men, and Crockett four, each section proceeded in a different direction. It. was the purpose of the former to go by the house of a Cherokee Indian named Brown, and the latter to pass by his father’s residence. When Crockett arrived at the house of the latter, he there found a half-blood, who consented to accompany him as guide, deciding, however, not to join him until night. The hunter moved on until night, when he reached the forks in the road where Gibson had promised to rendezvous, but there were no signs of the major or any of his men. Crockett, to avoid surprise or detection, camped off the road, in a hollow. A few hours after night- fall he heard the hoot of an owl at the forks. This was the signal by which the half-breed was to give notice of his presence. Crockett answered, and, soon after, their friend noiselessly entered the camp. They remained in camp until late in the forenoon of the next day, waiting for Major Gibson, but at length were com- pelled to move otf without seeing him. Crockett, determined to gain satisfactory intelligence of his enemies before going back, and, if possible, to have a brush with them, resolved to push on alone, into the Indian territory. One or two of his .men demurred at penetrating any further into the hostile coun- try. He gave them instant permission to return, hint!ng, at the same time, that the welcome from their comrades would be as galling as any they could receive from their foes. This decided the matter, and the entire party moved onward, 1each- ing, in the course of twenty miles a Cherokee town. This they soo left behind. The next halting-place was at the | ACTING AS SCOUT. house of a white farmer whose wife wasa Creek. Here the volunteers were feasted, but Crockett saw that both of his hosts were much frightened at something. The farmer finally told him that it was not yet an hour since ten Creek warriors, painted for the war-path, had left his house, and that as sure as they discovered the presence of the whites, they would massacre them, together with every one of his own family, for affording the soldiers refreshments and rest. Crockett, with the reckless bravery that characterized him to the day of his death, replied that these were the very gentlemen he was seeking, and noth- ing would gratify him more than meeting with them. His men were soon in the saddle, and moved further into the country, until they reached a camp of friendly Creeks shortly after night had set in. On the road, they met two negroes, who had just escaped from the Indians and were hastening to return to their masters. . Crockett, after questioning them, sent one back to the crossing and took the other with him to the camp. The encampment numbered nearly fifty Indians—woman and children. The volunteers made themselves perfectly at home with them, engaging in all their sports with great gusto, thus establishing a good understanding between them and their dusky friends. Some hours later, the negro approached Crockett and toid him there was great alarm in the camp, as the Indians stood in fear of the return of the hostile Creeks. Crockett replied that he would keep watch through the night, and as soon as an enemy appeared, he would cut off his head, and take it home and make a moccasin of it! The African allowed his orbs to expand to double their usual size at. this awful threat, and then wheeled and communicated it to the red- men, who laughed loudly at it.. This assurance seemed to quiet all fears, and all turned in to sleep. Crockett was in that deli- cious state when the senses are on the point of relapsing into unconsciousness, and the nerves are most delicately sensitive to the slightest disturbance, when he was startled by a savage yell within a few feet of him. The men, sleeping on their arn, Immediately sprung up and stood ready for action. It was soon ascertained that the yell had been given by a runner, as, he entered the encampment, for the purpose of arousing tue sleepers to a sense of impending danger. He stated that the Crecks had * 23 THE LIFE OF COLONHL DAVID CROCKETE. been crossing the Coosa river all day at the Ten Islands, and were gathering in great force to meet General Jackson, then marching against them. The camp was soon entirely deserted, so great was the alarm of the savages of their brethren on the war-path. The intelligence thus gained by Crockett was all-important. We therefore retraced his trail in all haste. By daylight he had traveled thirty miles. About the middle of the forenoon he reached the main camp, and reported to Colonel Coffer, then in command. The colonel, however, seemed disposed to doubt the news, and treated it lightly. This enraged Crockett, who could divine no reason for this distrust of his word. But when Major Gibson returned the next day with still more alarming reports, the colonel’s fears were excited, and he made preparations for battle. An express was dispatched to Fayette- ville to urge General Jackson to hurry forward. Breast-works were thrown up, a quarter of a mile in length. Jackson, by a forced march, reached the camp next day—his men much worn and fatigued by the journey. Eight hundred volunteers, among whom was Crockett, were now sent across the Tennessee river, and through Hunts ville, so as to cross the stream in another place, and thus approach the Indians from the rear and flank. The volun- teers pressed forward to Black Warrior’s town, standing near the present side of Tuscaloosa. To their great disappointment, the Indian town was found entirely deserted. Securing the scanty provisions in the place, the town was burnt to ashes, when the troop moved on to the forks in the road, which had been appointed as a rendezvous by Crockett and Major Gibson in their scouting expedition. The next morning it was found that they were entirely out of meat, and greatly straitened for provisions. Crockett obtained permission to hunt as they marched. He plunged into the forest, and had gone but a short distance when he came upon a freshly killed deer. His Indian owner could have been gone but a few minutes, as the blood was still warm, and the tracks around the carcass were just made. Crockett scorned the practice of one hunter filching from another; but, under the circumstances, he believed he was justifiable in taking this deer into camp, which he did. The meat served for a good supper. LEC GREAT 3LAUGHTER OF THE INDIANS. 28 After this short feast, the men were forced to return to their rations of parched corn. The next night their encampment adjoined a large cane-brake, and Crockett once more started cut in quest of game. He soon discovered a large drove of hogs into which he fired with fatal effect. The others instantly broke in great alarm directly into the camp, where they were soon dispatched by the soldiers. These, together with a stray cow which fell into their hands, afforded great relief, until the next day, when they encountered the main army, and journeyed forward until. they reached the house of the farmer whose wife was a Creek, and who had been visited by Crockett when reconnoitering. This man had an abundance of provisions, but had concealed them. It was discavered, also, that he had practiced deception upon Crockett; for he it was who had sent the Indian runner into the camp of the friendly Creeks with the news that the “ Red Sticks”* were crossing at the Ten Islands—a ruse to frighten Crockett and his com- panions from penetrating any further into the country. In revenge for this, the sold xs compelled his two sons to enlist and fight with them. From this point, the march was continued to the Ten Islands, on the Coosa river, where a fort was established, and spies sent out through the neighboring country. Several days atter- ward, a noted Creek chief, known as “ Bob Catala,” was cap- tured, together with a number of his warriors. News soon came that a number of Indians were collected at a town a few miles distant. The march was instantly ordered for the town, two friendly Creeks acting as guides. Reaching the village, the men divided in such a manner as to completely surround it, when Captain Hammond, with a number of rangers, was sent forward to commence the affray. As soon as the Indians discovered this small band, they set up a yell of exultation, *In 1811, when Tecumseh visited the Seminoles of the South, and suc- ceeded in inducing them to take up arms against the Americans, he gave out tha; on a certain day a British vessel would appear off the coast of Florida, filled with guns and ammunition and supplies for the Indians, That no mistake might occur, he prepared several bundles of sticks, each bundle containing the number of sticks corresponding to the number of days which were to intervene between the day on which they were received, and the one of the general uprising among the different tribes. Tecumseh had these sticks painted red; and upon coming into the country of the Creeks resorted to the same artifice to insure certainty in their movements. From this circumstance, the Seminoles and Croeks were known as “ Red Sticks,” during the late war. 24 TUE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. and dashed after them. The rangers hastily rcireated until under cover of the hollow square which had been formed, “when the soldiers opened a galling fire upon them. The Indians broke in great confusion after returning the fire, and retreated within the town, while the troops commenced clos- ing around them. The Ureeks soon saw that all was lost, and then threw away their arms and cried for quarter. Crockett states that in one instance, he saw seven women have hold of one man, crying formercy. The incident excited his humor, for he shouted that the Scriptures were being fulfilled. But the butchery of three hundred innocent people by those same savages, filled every soldier with a stern determination to revenge the massacre, and no quarter was shown to those who had refused mercy, even to children. Nearly fifty warriors were seen to run into one house, at the door of which a squaw was sitting. The determined creature deliberately strung a bow, and ‘drawing the arrow to the head, sent it through a soldier, when she was immediately pierced by the bullets of a score of muskets. The Indians were now shot down like dogs, and the house containing the warriors was fired. Every one within it (forty-six, as stated by Crockett) were burned to death. The result of this bloody and remorseless battle was the loss in killed and wounded, on the part of the Indians, of one hundred and eighty-eight, while the Americans had but five killed. The battle is as much entitled to the name of a mmas- sacre as the sad affair of Fort Mimms. Infuriated as the whites were, no order could have saved the savages from butchery. > ERECTION OF FORT 8TROTHER CHAPTER IV. @RECTION OF ¥ORT STROTHER—BATTLE OF FORT TALLADEGA—DIS22- PECTION OF THE VOLUNTEERS—RETURN HOME—CROCKETT AGAIN ZNLISTS—JOINS MAJOR RUSSELL’S SPIES—ATTACKED AT HORSE-SHOB BEND—BRAVERY OF GOVERNOR CARROLL. Tue period of which we are now writing, we may remind the reader, is that of our last war with Great Britain. Tecumseh, by means of his wonderful eloquence, had aroused the Indian tribes not only of the North and West, but those ag far south as the Seminoles of Florida, into a general war against the United States. By awakening in their breasts the belief that their united efforts would end in the annihila- tion of the entire white population, and usher in the glorious day when the Indian should roam/undisputed master over the entire continent as his hunting ground, he had infused his own fierce nature into their hearts, and they fought with the most infuriated determination to “hurl them back into the great water whose accursed waves had brought them to their shores.” Prominent among the actors in this war were the Creeks, and these were the antagonists with which Crockett and his companions had to contend. At the conclusion of the battle mentioned in our last chapter, the volunteers returned to their old camping ground, where they erected Fort Strother, Here they remained several days, suffering so keenly the pangs of hunger, that they devoured with avidity the hides of beef in their possession. One day a friendly Creek made his appear- ance and asked for admittance to Jackson. When ushered into the general’s presence, he stated that he was a runner from Fort Talladega, which was invested by over a thousand Creeks, who had threatened the destruction of the friendly Indians unless they should come out and fight on their side. They had asked a delay of three days to consider, and he had made all haste to seek for Jackson’s assistance. 26, THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. An hour later, the volunteers were on their way to the fort The Creeks, detecting their approach by means of their spies, earnestly solicited the friendly Indians to come from the fort, and assist them in annihilating the soldiers. The savages promised to do this when Jackson should come up. Early in the morning, the truops appeared before the fort. Ag before, a hollow square was thrown around it, and Major Russell with his company of rangers commenced the battle. The hostile Creeks had concealed themselves in the shape of a semicircle near the fort, and in such a manner that Major Russell had no suspicion of his danger. The friendly Indians, seeing him coming forward, sprung on the top of the fort, and shouted : “How do you do, brother? How do you do, brother?” Russell acknowledged their salute by a friendly nod of th? head, but, instead of halting, as they meant he should, he kept directly on toward the ambush of the Creeks. The Indians in the fort shouted to him that he was walking into a trap, and by means of signs and gestures, endeavored to apprise him of his peril ; but he failed\to understand them, and marched steadily onward. The friendly Indians saw that all would be lost, and a couple of them sprung-over the fort, and running to him seized his horse by the bridle, and pointed at the ambush, excitedly exclaiming : “Oreck there! Thousands of Creek there!” Major Russell comprehended his danger instantly and halted. At that moment, the Creeks arose, and, pouring in a deadly fire, dashed forward. The rangers threw themselves from their horses and ran into the fort, where they were sheltered by the friendly Indians, while their horses galloped snorting back to the lines, followed by the yelling Creeks. When in point-blank range, the volunteers opened upon them, creating great havoc, and such consternation that the red-skins broke in the greatest disorder and fled to the opposite lines. There they were received in the same manner. This species of warfare was kept up, until over four hundred of the savages were slain, when, goaded to desperation, they broke the line of the drafted militia, and poured out as tumultuously as a flock of frightened sheep. Seventeen of the whites fell, whie the loss of the Creeks, as JACKSON AND THE VOLUNTHERS. 22 just: stated was terrible: This battle was one of the severest castigations the savages received during the entire war. It was one of Jackson’s “most satisfactory engagements ”:—as Crockett ayerred. The weather was now becoming very cold; the sixty days for which most of the men had enlisted had expired ; they therefore petitioned that they might. return home, to provide themselves with better clothes and horses. Jackson, with his characteristic decision, peremptorily forbade a single man to depart; but their sufferings were so great, that a number (including Crockett) made their preparations to go, the general’s orders to the contrary notwithstanding. Jackson, seeing this, called out his regulars and drafted men, and stationed them at a bridge the disaffected would be obliged to cross. There, with loaded cannon, he made ready to hew down. the ranks if they persevered in their determination, The very men, however, who composed this guard, told the others that they also earnestly wished to go home. There was a strong prob- ability that they would do so. They took their stations at the bridge, according to Jackson’s orders, while the rebels prepared to return the compliment if fired upon, and fight their way through, if need be. Arriving at the bridge, the insurrectionists heard the guard cock their guns; they did the same, Without halting a second, or showing the least signs of hesitation. ‘ It was an impressive sight, those two long lines of men, standing with ready guns to receive their own brother and friends, The discharge of a single pistol would have been the signal for one of the most bloody and sickening battles— that of neighbors and men of the same blood mingling in deadly affray. But, as the rebels moved along, thy saw an answering look in the eyes of the guard, and their hearts throbbed with gladness, as minute after minute passed, broken only by their measured tramp, and relieved occasionally by a significant smile from the members of the guard. Finally the bridge was crossed, an’ not a gun had been discharged, nor a single blow struck, even though General Jackson had ordered otherwise! No further attempt was made to stop them. Jackson relieved himself, somewhat, by affirming that they were the * . ‘ 28 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. “q-—st volunteers he had ever seen in his life; that, after volunteering to go out and fight, they would volunteer to go home again in spite of the devil !” The men kept on until they reached their homes, where, as may be supposed, they spent some time in recruiting, after which they returned to Fort Deposit, ready and willing to volunteer again. Here they received a message from Jackson, stating that they must now agree to serve siz months if they entered the service. Thereupon the officers stated to the men that “they might do as they pleased; as for themselves, they were going back home again, to spite old thunder-gust !” Many of the volunteers accompanied them home; but a few, including David Crockett, enlisted in the army. Crockett joined Major Russell’s company of spies or rangers, and at Fort Williams united with General Jackson. At Horse-Shoe Bend, unmistakable signs of Indians were discovered, when the troops encamped for the night. A few hours before day, the men were aroused by the musketry of the guard. Cocking their rifles they lay still, in the hopes that their enemies would come within view of the fires; but the savages were too cunning to leave their cover, and kept up an irregular fire upon the soldiers. The latter returned it, aiming at the spot where they saw the guns flash. This odd warfare was kept up until near daylight, when the Indians withdrew, carrying their dead and wounded with them, and leaving four of the whites dead and a number of others badly wounded. In the morning, Major Russell and his brother were left upon the ground to note the movements of the Indians, while the main body took up the line of march. Moving forward, the troops were obliged to cross a large stream. When about half the men were across, the Indians commenced a galling - fire upon their left wing, and nearly at the same momeuit Major Russell and his brother rode up, closely pursued by a large number of Creeks, who began firing upon the artillery men. ‘To make the matter still worse, two cowardly colonels at this point deserted the men and fled. Every thing seemed to show thut the whites would fall victims to the fury of the savages, when Governor Carroll infused new vigor among the discomfited troops. Althougk they were divided, one half JOINS MAJOR RUSSELL. 29 being upon eitlier side of the creek, and the Indians were all concealed, the Governor charged so gallant*#y upon them that they were scattered, when the jaded soldiers were permitted to cross in safety. This was a most narrow escape for the volunteers, Their safety, under heaven, belonged to brave Carroll; and even as the matter stood, when the Creeks withdrew, either side could have claimed the victory with equal propriety. Crockett states that he was glad enough when the affray was over, as he had come to the conclusion that there was a Creek Indian concealed behind every tree in the woods. CHAP TE RB. V; CROCKETT JOINS MAJOR RUSSELL AND STARTS FOR PENSACOLA — PEN- ETRATES THE COUNTRY WITH A NUMBER OF SPIES—AFFRAY WITH A COUPLE OF CREEKS—FAILURE TO SURPRISE AN ENCAMPMENT—GREAT SUFFERINGS OF THE SOLDIERS—-CLOSE OF THE WAR—REJOINS HIS FAMILY. Snort xy after the affair just recorded, an army was raised for service at Pensacola. Crockett’s restless disposition led him to be among the first volunteers, although his wife entreated him more earnestly than ever to remain at home and permit others to do the fighting. Nothing could prevent our hero, however, from enlisting. He joined his old friend Major Russell as spy, in company with one hundred and thirty others. They crossed the river at Muscle Shoals, pass- ing through the country of the Chickesaw and Choctaw tribes to Fort Stephens, thence to a point near the junction of the Tombigbee and Alabama rivers. Here they found the main army.had left their horses and gone on afoot, there being no opportunity for forage between them and Pensacola, The spies did the same, and, on the second day, overtook the advance, wko welcomed them with the greatest joy. Jackson had already taken the town and fort. There was, therefore, nothing more to be done, and the troops marched back to where their horses had been left. There Major Russell—who ™ 30 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. only. held. the: office of captain of the spies—was. promoted to the command of major im the line. He was a great favorite with Jackson. His abilities and courage were second to those of no man in the army. Major Childs, from Tennessee, was at the head of a battalion, which, united with the one under Russell, made a regiment. numbering over one thousand men, including nearly two hundred Choctaw and Chickesaw Indians This body was ordered by Jackson to leave the main army and march south against the Indians, while the gencral pro- ceeded to New Orleans to take part in the conflict impending there—a conflict which was to spread his fame to. every quarter of the civilized globe. After the departure of the main army, the regiment took up its line of march toward Pensacola, from whieh it pro- ceeded to the Scambia river, where it encamped. The Indians proposed to Russell to cross the river and explore the country on the opposite side. This he considered advisable. Accordingly selected sixteen white men, including Crockett, and a number of the most skillful Indians were chosen to make the attempt. They camped upon the opposite side until morning, and at an early hour were on the move. Proceeding a short distance they came upon a vast area of country overflowed by water—so immense, indeed, that it seemed like an enormous inland sea. Nothing daunted, the men plunged into it. Sometimes wading in water to the knees, and then to the arm-pits—then swimming and strug- gling forward over bogs, and masses of brush for nearly two miles—they finally reached the opposite side. The weather was cold, and they tarried awhile upon the banks to drive the chill from their bodies. When they moved on again, they used more caution, keeping two spies near the river, two in advance, and five on the right. They had gone a half-dozen miles thus, when, all at once, the two spies who were out on the river-side came tearing in, declaring they had discovered a camp of Creeks. Preparations were instantly made for an attack, The Indians went through a peculiar ceremony, after which they put on their war-paint, and asked Russell. to. undergo. the same precess, He consented, and, under their wands, soon showed a face as fierce and horrid 6 the savages mica AFFRAY WITH A COUPIE OF CREEKS. 81 It was agreed that the white men should fire upon the camp and then fall back and allow the Indians to rusli for: ward and secure the scalps. They approached so closely that they could hear them beating a species of roo+ upon which they mostly subsisted. Coming still nigher, it was then seen {hat they were upon an island in the river, and consequently safe from any approach. The troops halted to decide what course to pursue. Before any conclusion was reached, guns were fired, followed by a loud whoop. All started on a run in the direction, and soon came up to the two advanced spies. They had just had an affray with a couple of Creeks, who, it seems, were out hunting for horses. Approaching each other, a cluster of thick bushes stood between the parties so that neither discovered the other until they were scarce ten feet distant. It was too late to retreat. The two spies, speaking in the Shawnee tongue, said they were deserters frcm Jackson’s army and were looking for something to eat. The Creeks answered that there was a large encampment several miles up the river where they could get what was wished, or they might accompany them to their own camp on an island in the river up which they were journeying. ‘They conversed a while, kindled a fire and smoked together, then separated. Only one of the Creeks was armed, and he had scarcely turned his back upon the Choctaws when he was shot down. Several guns were snapped at his defenseless companion, who turned and fled. He was soon overtaken, and, like his dead comrade, scalped. The whites were now anxious to get at the encampment upon the island, but had no means at hand with which to cross. Several friendly Creeks, with the spies, agreed either to decoy their brothers ashore, or to secure canoes by which the island could be reached. All except the friendly Creeks concealed themselves. When it was dark they appeared upon the river-bank and hailed those upon the island. The latter answered, and sent a squaw to converse with the strangers, while they kept hid in the thick cane-brake. The decoys asked for a canoe, and the woman replied that the only one she possessed was upon their side, as two of their number who had been sent to huut horses, had not yet returned. The decoys, after a lengthy search, fcund the canoe, and hy meaas 82 18H LIFE OF CULONEL DAVID CKOCKETT. of it succeeded in landing forty of their best warriors upon th. island. But the Creeks were cunning. They had evidently suspected all was not right. When their camp was reached, but one man was found. Even he eluded his pursuers. A dozen children and squaws were captured, but immediately liberated. A union was now effected with the main body, which made move toward Chattahoochee. The men were again suffer- ng severely from the scarcity of food. Crockett states that he tasted bread but twice during nineteen days, and his case was similar to hundreds of others. Learning, shortly after, that it was but a short distance to Holmes’ village, they made all haste thither, hurried on by their gnawing hunger. They traveled all night and reached the place at break of day. A halt was ordered, preparations completed, and a furious charge made, when, to their blank dismay, it was dis- covered they had no enemy to contend against. Their approach had been seen and every Indian had fled. The place was burned to ashes, after a thorough search had failed to reveal a mouthful of provisions. Disheartened and more hungered than ever, the poor soldiers plodded their way back to camp. Here they remained a short time, when the regiment was divided. Major Childs took the back trail with his men, and joined General Jackson at Baton-Rouge, while Major Russell went forward toward Fort Decatur on the Tallapoosa river. The prospect of absolute starvation now stared them in the face, and a number of the Indians were sent forward to pro- cure food, while the wearied soldiers followed in their trail, A number of them hunted the woods, constantly bringing down hawks, squirrels, and every living thing upon which they could draw trigger. Matters got worse and worse, and at length Crockett and a friend took to the woods in desperation, determined to secure something or never return. When nearly ready to give up, they started a flock of wild turkeys and brought down several. At this point the men who had been sent forward for pro- visions returned, and the condition of the camp was greatly improved for a time. But, it was not long before these scanty provisions gave out, and their sufferings were renewed \ete CLOSE OF THE WAR. 88 with greater horrors than before. For a long time they sul sisted upon parched corn only. The horses dropped ana died continually upon the way. At this juncture, General Jackson, upon what is termed the “ Hickory Ground,” made a treaty with the Indians, and the bloody war was brought to a close. The last stand of the Creeks was made at. Talla poosa,* while the battles of Tallushatchee,t Talladega,} Autossee,§ Emucfau,| and many others, had already convinced them that no earthly combination of power could stay the westward march of civilization, or check the decline of the North American Indians. After the greatest suffering, Crockett once more rejoined his family, who were indeed overjoyed at his arrival. -He had been home but a short time, when he received orders to join a company going to the Black Warrior and Cahawba rivers to ascertain whether there were any Indians in that vicinity. Crockett was certain there were none, and felt no disposition - to venture again where there was. neither fighting nor any thing to eat. But there was only one way to avoid it, and that was by hiring a substitute. This he did, and remained at home with his family. It proved as he had predicted~- the soldiers stating upon their return that they had failed ta discover the least sign of Indians. The war was now ended, and Crockett was at liberty to attend to his domestic matters. Glad enough he was that the opportunity was afforded him. His hardships had given him a new zest for the comforts of life. * Tallapoosa was called by the Indians, Tohopeka; and by the whites, Horse-Shoe Bend. It is in the north-eastern corner of what is now knewn as Tallapocsa county, and forty miles south-east of Talladega. + Tal’nshatchee was on the lower side of Tallushatchee creek, almopy apon ‘ne site of the present village of Jacksonville, in Benton county, +t Talladega was a few miles east from Coosa river, in the present county of Talladega, and thirty miles south of the Ten Islands. $ Autossee was upon the south bank of the Tallapoosa, twenty miles above eee with the Coosa, } Emucefau was at the junction of Emucfau creek with the Tallapoosa river, thirty-five miles south-east from Talladega. All of these pisces wero in the Stato of Alabama, j THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CKOCKET®. OFGAP TibaRyia¥ ts >2A4TH OF CROCKETT’S WIFE—HIS SECOND MARRIAGE — 8ETS oUuT TY EXPLORE THE CREEK COUNTRY—HIS SICKNESS—SETTLES ON SHOAL CREEK IN THE CHICKESAW COUNTRY—ELECTED A MAGISTRATE—FLECTED COLONBL OF A REGIMENT—SENT TO THE LEGISLATURE—LOSES ALL HIS PROPERTY FROM A FRESHET—EMIGRATES AND COMMENCES LIFE AGAIN. CRocKETT remained at home for two years, busy in attend- ing to its duties, varying his labors by an occasional hunting expedition in the woods around him. During these two years the severest affliction of his life was laid upon him. His affectionate wife died, leaving him with his two sons and an infant daughter. Crockett was a man who entertained the most unbounded love for his family, and this blow nearly pros- trated him for atime. Through life the dying scene remained indelibly stamped upon his heart, and he never recurred to it except with visible emotion. He induced a married brother to live with him, and his children were kindly provided for antil he married the second time—a step which was neces- sitated by his circumstances. 4 The second Mrs. Crockett was a widow lady with two children, whose husband had been killed during the war. The marriage proved pleasant to both, and, in due time, was blessed by what Crockett himself jocosely termed “a second crop of children.” In the autumn succeeding this union, Crockett, and three neighbors named Frazer, Rich and Robin- son, determined to explore a section of what was then known as the Creek country. They crossed the Tennessee river on their horses and spent the first night with an old acquaint- ance. While here, the man named Frazer was bitten by a venomous snake, and the others were obliged to continue the journey without him. At the close of the second day of their journey, they camped near the spot where Tuscaloosa now stands; and here the horses, probably dissatisfied with their unusval journey, adopted the expedient which their masters —_— HIS SICKNESS. 85 had used when serving as volunteers for General Jackson— they resolved upon unlimited leave of absence. Late in the night, Crockett was awakened by hearing an extraordinary jingling of the bells attached to the horses, Listening a moment, he found the sounds were gradually growing fainter and fainter, and the truth treke upon him—they were going home again ! At the first dawn of day, he set out upon their trail. Mile after mile was passed, wading through marshes, poisonous swamps, tearing through bushes, and toiling over mountains until sunset. He made inquiries at every house he passed and was rewarded by the intelligence that the animals were doing “a right smart chance of traveling,” and if he kept wp the pursuit, he would come up to them in the course of a week or so. Crockett had already gene fifty miles, when he was compelled to give up the chase as hopeless. He remained with an acquaintance over night, and at dazy- break set out to rejoin his companions, He was lamed an} disheartened, and at noon became so sick that he lay down beside the “trace,” or trail, until he could feel better. He had lain here but a short time, when several Indians came along, and, discovering his condition, offered him some melons to eat. The sick man turned his head away in dis. gust, at which they gave him to understand that as soon as he was dead they would bury him. The idea uf dying then and there was too much for Crockett. He staggered to his feet. The Indians kindly helped him along, until a house was reached, where he was put to bed in a high fever. He re- mained here for a time so sick that he was delirious, when two of his acquaintances came along and halted at the house. They told him their destination was the same section of coun- try to which he was going; and Crockett, feeling considerably better and much more hopeful, consented to accompany them, He rode first on one horse and then on the other until he came up with his old friends; but, instead of improving in health, he continued growing worse and worse, until he was not able even to sit up. His comrades carried him to a house, whers he was left, and they continued their journey without him. Crockett’s sickness now took such a turn that he again be came delirious, and for nearly a week lay perfectly speechless a 36 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. His friends, concluding he was to die at any rate, adminis. tered a whole bottle of very powerful medicine. He was instantly thrown into a profuse sweat, and awoke in the morning with his senses, and commenced mending at once. He hired a man to carry him within twenty miles of his own house, when he felt so well that he accomplished the rest of the distance on foot. During his absence, his former friends having retuned, told his wife her husband was dead, they having been so informed by a man who said he had helped to bury the body. ‘The astonishment and joy of his wife at his unexpected appearance may well be imagined. Crockett, having determined to move to another section, left his family again the next autumn, intending to explore the country purchased from the Chickesaw Indians. Before proceeding a hundred miles, he was once more taken sick at a place called Shoal Creek, remaining there until his re- covery. He was so well pleased with the territory that he vemoved his family thither, settling at. the head. of Shoal ‘Oreek. David Crockett here entered upon the second phase of his ‘amous life. The place, like all new settlements, was made up of every imaginable species of inhabitants—the reckless and unlawful predominating, Self-preservation demanded laws and officers, and where the arm of the State was so feeble, it was necessary for the people to take the duty, in a great measure, upon themselves. A number of magistrates were chosen, of whom Crockett was one, and the necessary quota of constables selected. The magistrates were not con- spicuous for their knowledge of Blackstone and Kent, but all knotty cases were readily decided by what may be termed common sense. When a complaint was made to Crockett, instead of troubling himself to make out a warrant, he simply told his constable to “catch that chap, dead or alive,” and it rarely happened that the culprit escaped. “When confirmed by the Assembly in his appointment, he was informed that his warrants must be issued in writing, and a record kept of each service. This was a difficult matter for Crockett, at first, as he could barely write his own name; but he set himself dili- gently at work and was soon expert in making out warrants and writing up his record book. Crockett. often remarked, in a 18 NOMINATED FOR THE LEGISLATURE. 87 after life, that as long as he held the office of magistrate, not one of his judgments was appealed from. While still a magistrate, a Captain Matthews came. te Crockett and stated that he was candidate for the office of colonel, and wished him to run for major, in the same regi- ment. Crockett at first refused, but, being earnestly urged finally consented. To facilitate matters, and ingratiate himself in the affections of the people, Captain Matthews gave a great corn-husking, to which, of course, every one was invited. Crockett went with his family, and shortly after was called aside by a friend, and told that the son of Matthews was to be his opponent for. the office of major. Crockett at once. went to the captain and asked him whether such was the case. “Jt is true,” he replied, “ but my son hates to run against you worse than death.” “Your son needn’t feel uneasy,” returned Crockett. “TI am not going to run against. him, but against his daddy, for the colonelship.” \ The two returned, when Captain Matthews. stated that Crockett was his opponent, and made an electioneering speech As soon as he had finished, Crockett arose and replied... He stated, as the reason of his running against. Matthews, that he had the whole family as opponents. A candidate was tmpmedi- ately nominated to run against his son, and when the votes came to be counted, it was found that both father and son were defeated, Crockett being elected by an overwhelming majority. Just now, to use Crockett’s words, he began “to take a rise,” and in the month of February, 1821, his. name was hoisted by the counties of Lawrence and Hickman as a can- didate for the Legislature. In the following June, he com- menced electionecring for himself. He first proceeded. to Hickman county to ascertain the wishes of his constituents. He was told tWat the people wished their town moved nearer the center of the county, and he must do his utmost to have it accomplished. He promised, although it was a sore puzzle for him to understand what means would be used to do this. He had not yet learned how a town could be moved, but sup- posed the thing possible, as all the people seemed in earnest about it! 38 THR LIFH OF COLONEL DAVID’ CROCKETT. Shortly after this, there was a great squirrel-hunt,'on Duck river, which, of course, our candidate attended. ‘The hunters separated into two companies, it being agreed that the one returning with the smallest number of squirrels should “ treat” the other to what they could eat and drink. Upon ret arning it was found that Crockett’s party was victorious. All took part in a regular, old-fashioned frolic. As Crockett’s com- péetitor for the Assembly was present, it was arranged that both should make a speech. Crockett made many apologies, and ‘ried to escape, but, finding it was useless, he arose. His opponent was a lawyer, who had made great preparations for a “grand splurge,” and Crockett determined to say something. But, what that something was to be, was a sore puzzle. He had read no public document, and knew little or nothing of those affairs of which a young stump speaker is expected to treat. He stumbled ahead awhile, and then told a story which set all in a roar and established a good acquaintance at once between himself and his auditors. Finding this suc- ceeded so well, he told another and another until he had occu- pied his time; and then remarking that his throat felt husky, he invited all to “ wet their whistles.” It is needless to say this invitation was generally accepted, and when his competitor arose to make a speech, his listeners were very few. Crockett, in referring to his ignorance at this period, states that, one time when in Pulaski, Colonel Polk (afterward President of the United States) remarked to him, in the presence of a large assemblage: “Well, colonel, I suppose we shall have a radical change in the judiciary at the next session of the Legislature.” “Very likely,” replied Crockett, and, fearful of another simi- lar battery, he absconded instantly. But when the Legislature assembled, Crockett was able to define what a radical change is and what the judiciary means, and had collected enough information to carry him safely through any crdivd he would be likely to meet. While in the Legislature, Crockett’s buildings were all car- ried away by a freshet, and upon his return home, he fcund, ag ue rematks, that the deluge had made a “ complete mash” of him. He had been obliged to run much in debt, and everv cent in his possession could not avail to place him on his feet STARTS FOR HIS BROTHER-IN-LAW'S.. 88 again. He paid to the utmost of his ability, when, with his eldest. son for company, he set out for a new section, where to commence life anew. After wading through several miles of overflowed lands, and traveling several days, he reached the Obion river, and, with the help of several friends, erected a acrt of cabin on its banks, His nearest neighbor was half a dozen miles distant; but the solitude of the woods around was far more pleasant than the company of his fellow-men, in the harassed state of his mind. In the woods, with his rifle for companionship, he was sure to be able to provide at least food for his family. CHAPTER VII. CROCKETI’S PURSUIT OF AMMUNITION UNDER DIFFICULTIES. Davip Crockett was now living “in the woods,” sur rounded by bears, deer, Indians, and all the life that goes to make up the inhabitants of the forest. Hunting was a pastime in which he could indulge to his heart’s content, and it is hardly necessary to say that his spoils were abun- dant. Deer, elk, turkeys and partridge loaded his house at each return home, and his family larder was ever richly provided with luxuries which now are rarely attainable by the city epicure. His duty was to hunt the game named —his delight was hunting bears; and in the prosecution of this sport he met with many exciting adventures. In December, 1822, Crockett found his powder had given out. Matters were thus brought to a stand-still until more could be procured. His brother-in-law resided six miles wes of him, on the opposite side of a fork of the Obion. Crockett determined to visit him for an additional supply. A great rise of the rivers had taken place—lands were overflowed— the current of the stream was rapid. Knowing that the attempt would be likely to keep him out for several days, he did up@ small bundle of clothes, a pair of mcccssins, shoes and stockings, a knapsack of meat and bread, and thus pro- vided for “a time,” started. 40 “THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. Several inches of snow were upon the ground, the air was keen and cutting, and when he reached the river it was spread out before him like a sea. The rattling of the icy crust of snow under his feet, and the needles of ice that put out from the shore, would have deterred almost any one from ventur- ing into the chilling water; but Crockett did not hesitate. He waded until the channel was reached, which he crossed upon a fallen tree, and then brought up on the edge of a deep slough where there had formerly been a log upon which to cross, but which was now submerged by the freshet. Here, Crockett felt, was the tug of war. If he could pass the slough, the other side could be easily reached. In the slough was a small island in ordinary times, and a sapling stood beside the log upon which he wished to cross. He first cut a forked sapling, which he managed to lodge against the one on the edge of the island. By means of this he gradually worked his way forward until he reached the tree, when, by feeling around with a pole, he discovered the log three feet beneath the surface of the water. He now went back and got his rifle. Climbing up to the tree, he succeeded in placing his feet. upon the submerged log, and commenced crossing it. This was a difficult and delicate proceeding. The water beneath the log was nearly a dozen feet deep, and above it the swift current reached to his waist. But by great care he succeeded in getting over, when he reached another slough, across which a log was floating. Upon this he mounted and cautiously made his way out, until he reached the middle, when it rolled over as quick as lightning, precipitating Crockett into the chilling water to his chin. He went down with a gasping “ugh!” but maintained his foothold and his rifle. After a time he reached the land, where he changed his clothes, and made a desperate attempt to get up a trot to restore circulation. He reached his destination in the even- ing, to the amazement of his friends, who little expected the love of hunting would lead him to such hazards. He secured the powder, intending to return the next morn- ing; but the weather became so intensely cold that he was persuaded to defer the trial until the succeeding day. The weather continued growing more and more severe, and the second day was found to be colder than the former. The 1S ae ree ao a w RETURNS HOME, 4) third day found the temperature below zero. But Crockett, fearful that his family were suffering, determined to delay his return no longer. When he reached the water, he found it frozen oyer. It bore him until he had gone several yards, when he broke through. He experimented awhile to see whether the ice would bear his extended form, and, finding it would not, commenced cutting his way before him with his tomahawk. Reaching a place where the ice appeared thicker, he clambered upon its surface and skurried ahead a few yards, when he went through again. Again he broke the ice before him, until he reached the log which had served him so treach- erously in crossing, Over this he now passed safely, as it was frozen in the ice. Over the submerged log he also made his way as before, the current running so swiftly as to prevent the water from there freezing. From this point he noticed that the ice was open, as though some animal had_ preceded him, and he followed in “ the wake.” The shore was at length safely reached, but Crockett had nearly perished with cold. His garments froze to his body, and he made his way forward with the greatest difficulty. His limbs were so benumbed that he could barely stand when he reached his door. Here his alarmed wife met him, and under her affectionate care he soon “ thawed out.” The track which he had noticed broken in the stream, had been made by the young man in his employ, when searching for him. His prolonged absence had satisfied his wife that he must have surely drowned, and his reappearance was like the dead returning to life, CHAP THR? V-Ert: CROCKETT ON A BEAR HUNT, Tat night, after the thaw, Crockett had a wonderfu. dream about a big negro, This, the hunter maintained, wag an unfailing sign that he was to have a battle with a bear. Through ‘his eventful life he neyer knew the omen to fail; and, having thus been warned, he determined to make every preparation for performing his part satisfactorily. PN ——————— 42 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. A heavy fall of rain during the night had turned to sleet toward morning, and the shrubbery and bushes were bent and interlocked with ice, so that it was evident the sport would be attended with some personal discomfort ; but a genuine hunter is never frightened by such trifles. Accompanied by a couple of companions, Crockett set out. The former deciding to hunt for turkeys alone, our hero left them, and, calling off his - three dogs, took a different direction. He went a half-dozen miles up the river, then struck across the main-land to the Obion, several miles distant. Reaching this, he went down stream, the sleet stinging his face like the fall of shot, and his progress becoming more and more difficult as he pressed further into the wood. Shortly after, his dogs started a flock of turkeys. Crockett shot a couple of the finest and slung them over his shoulders. He kept on down the river, until, feeling tired, he sat down upon a fallen tree for rest. He sat thus but a few minutes, when his attention was arrested by the singular action of one of his dogs, who ran to a log, and, after smelling around it for a few moments, pointed his nose to the sky, then gave vent to a long, peculiar whine, and darted away, followed by the other dogs. Crockett knew what these actions meant, and started after them. In a few moments he heard them barking clamorously, and, coming up, found they were barking up the wrong tree, as no game was visible. In a moment, they dashed off, and were heard barking in another place, but Crockett found they had committed the same blunder over. This they repeated again and again, until the hunter became so enraged at their conduct that he determined to shoot the leading dog, at least. With his mind fully made up to this, he hurried forward until he reached the edge of a small prairie, when his eyes were greeted by the sight of a most enormous black bear. The dogs had repeated their provoking stratagems in order that the hunter might keep up with them, as their instinct taught them better than to attack the formidable animal alone. — Crockett’s eye sparkled as he caught sight of the brute. Dropping his turkeys, he started on a run, the dogs cantering and barking beside him. These manifestations alarmed the bear, w'4 started off on a lumbering trot and plung-d into a ae] A HUNT, “ FOR SPORT.’ 43 thicket before Crockett could reach him. When the beast again. came to view, Crockett saw him climbing a large tree. Reaching a limb, he coolly seated himself with his breast toward the hunter. The latter stole along until within seventy or eighty yards, when he raised his rifle and fired. The brute gave a start and snort of alarm, but maintained his position. Crockett immediately loaded and fired again, when the bear came tumbling to the ground, catching one of the dogs in one of his death-hugs. Crockett dropped his rifle, and, armed with his knife and tomahawk, rushed forward, intending to end the battle at once. As soon as the wounded animal caught sight of his enemy, he let go the dog and made for the man. Crockett, fully aware of the hugging propensities of bruin, made a rapid retreat to his gun, which he loaded and fired into the bear the third time. This finished, the game immediately, and the hunter started home for means to trans- port the carcass thither. Four horses were necessary for the service, and Crockett states that, in all his hunts, he came across but one bear that exceeded this in size. He weighed fully six hundred pounds. _ Shortly after this, Crockett entered the political arena, and became a more important actor than ever; but, before enter- ing upon his adventures in this character, we will give a further account of his career as a hunter. In the autumn of 1825, he commenced business on a lake, some twenty miles from his home. A number of hands were employed in building tw» boats and getting out staves for the market. To provide meat for his family, during his absence, he killed a number of bears and salted them down, which afforded a plentiful supply to the family chest. Then he took his dogs, and, with a friend, started ona hunt “ for sport.” They were gone twd weeks, during which they killed fifteen bears. Upon his return, he engaged himself for a time with his men in getting out staves, until he “‘couldn’t stand 16 any longer;” when, in company with one of his boys, he departed on another hunt, near a small lake. The first evening he shot three of the monsters, and, in: the morning, erected a scaffold upon which the meat was placed so.as to be beyond the reach of wolves. While here, Crockett states that he tas visited by a company of huntei’, with fourteen dogs, all of 44 THE LIFE OF COLONEL DAVID CROCKETT. which were so lean that when one barked he was compelled to lean against a tree to summon the necessary strength ! While hunting, they came upon a poor fellow, employed in draining the ground, and the very picture of misory and poverty he was. He told Crockett that he was toiling there to earn food for his family. The generous hunter offered to furnish him with all the bear meat he could need, if he would end his helping hand. In the course of the day four large bears were brought down, all of which were presented to the poor man, and, by the time a week was ended, they had slain seventeen. Crockett met the same man a year after, and was told by him that he still had a large quantity of the bear meat on hand! He received a “lift” from our gallant hunter which he never forgot. Crockett reached home about Christmas, when one of his neighbors, who was out of meat, asked the hunter to join him in another hunt. David had tasted enough of “ the sport” to satisfy him for awhile, but, to oblige the man, he consented to another “tramp,” though warning his friend that it was so late in the season the bears had, in all probability, gone into winter-quarters.* Toward the close of the day, Crockett’s dogs came upon bruin in a thick cane-brake, where he had housed himself for the winter. Being thus unceremoniously disturbed, the bear aroused himself to come out. The two hunters came up. Crockett stepped aside for his friend to shoot, as he had expressed a great desire to do. The latter stepped bravely forward, and, steadying his nerves, fired, killing the bear on the spot. The next morning, they continued the hunt between the Obion and Redfoot lakes. They had gone but a few miles, when Crockett’s keen’ eye detected a hole in a large black oak, which wore a suspicious look. Approaching closer, he saw that a bear had ascended the tree, but had not come down. This was told by examining the marks/of his claws, In going up his nails never slip or scratch; but in coming down they tear the bark and disfigure it greatly. *Our readers are probably aware that the bear, like many other ani- mals, hibernates during the winter. This fact was always a great ory to Col. Crockett. How the animal could lie torpid for months, without a particle of n»urisbment, except such as he gained by sucking the bottom of his paw, was more than the great hunter and member of Congress could understand. 4 4 BEAR-HUNTING IN WINTER. 45 Crockett and his friend commenced cutting a smaller tree to fall against the oak go that they might reach the bear, when the dogs, by loud and clamorous barking, announced that they had treed another of the brutes. Leaving the one in the oak for the moment, the two hunters made their way to the dogs, where, as expected, they found one of “the imps” up a tree, Crockett’s friend again asked permission to shoot. The old hunter gave consent with reluctance, as he was a most uncom- mon brute in size. The man’s aim, hz wever, was fatal, and the great fellow came tumbling ‘headlong to the earth. Crockett now noticed that one of his best dogs was absent ; j so, leaving his companion to butcher the bear, he ascended a