NOTE TO RESEACHERS: This specialy edited version has been formatted to scoll easily on your screen. There are no page breaks or index marks, so if you can't read the whole story, be sure to remember the chapter you were reading from, so you can come back to it. Enjoy! THE HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, TEXAS By Dr. Levi Henderson Ashcraft (c)1998 William Becton (Jr.) Wortham, His estate and descendants. This document was contributed to "The Genesis of Wortham" CD-ROM Genealogy Project by William Becton (Jr.) Wortham in February of 1998. He is the grandson of Louis J. Wortham, first editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Louis came from several generations of publishers. William Becton (Jr.) Wortham was the descendant of two publishing families; the other being the Ashcraft [sometimes pronounced AshcrOft] family. William's great-great grandfather Levi Henderson Ashcraft - a doctor, was the author of this historic work probably prior to 1850. It was later copied by typewriter into an 88-page document that is reproduced here in chapter form. It is believed that the composition has remained unpublished prior to now, although it was obviously intended for publication when it was penned. There was some editing to the manuscript done in fountain pen ink, possibly as early as the 1920's. It is conceivable that the editing notations may have been done by Louis J. Wortham himself, with an eye to publishing the work of his maternal grandfather. The data conversion was accomplished in February of 1998 and the copyright filed on behalf of and on authority of descendant William Becton (Jr.) Wortham, his estate and heirs. Shelby county, (and most locations) in Texas in the anarchist years of the 1830's was a place that was most horrifying to even a moderately civilized person. To prepare the reader for this intensely vivid experience, here is the preamble from Chapter Five penned by Levi Henderson Ashcraft from his own perspective; "We have been particular in describing the events recorded in the preceding chapters, in order that the reader from these related instances, might be enabled to form a general opinion of the country, its inhabitants, and the peculiar circumstances by which they were surrounded, and out of which Regulating and Moderating were evolved. If it were the intention of the author to moralize upon the facts which he presents, this would perhaps be an appropriate place to indulge in his reflections, but such is not his intention. The facts are simply presented in an unostentatious manner, and he deems them sufficiently suggestive without troubling the reader with a dissertation upon them. If, however, as he believes "the proper study of mankind in man", this book will not be entirely valueless, for it presents for contemplation the human character under new and extraordinary phases." ---------------/------------- Formatting is consistent with documentation and text files throughout "The Genesis of Wortham" and does not follow the pica type written marginal boundary. It should be observed also, that the writing style of the times gave great allowance to the use of commas and run-on sentences. Some of this extreme length may be due in part to that. Some of it on the other hand, may be due to the necessary interpretation of the typist. Paragraphing has been added with bracketed notes, for easier reading. Grammar in the light of history, is far less important than fact. -=Ron Wortham=- "The Genesis of Wortham" CD-ROM Genealogy Project A work-in-progress, publication scheduled before 2000 AD Route 1 Box 1-A Sadler, TX 76264-9701 ronwortham@aol.com http://www.members.aol.com/ronwortham/index.htm CHAPTER ONE In order to rightly appreciate the lawless events attempted to be described in these pages, it must be borne in mind that they had their origin under the peculiar circumstances necessarily attending the settlement of a new country, at the time our history properly commences in 1838, although the Regulators were not organized until sometime afterwards, Texas was almost in a state of anarchy; containing a sparse population, distributed over a vast extent of territory, stretching from the Red River to San Antonio, it was impossible for the government, yet in its infancy, and without adequate resources for its own support, to extend that supervisory care over the inhabitants which it is now happily able to do. Beset as it were on the one hand by the Mexicans, and on the other by the repeated incursions of hordes of wild and merciless savages, who descending from the northern prairies swept the country as with a sesom of destruction, carrying off whatsoever property lucklessly fell in their way, and murdering without remorse or pity man, woman and child, the government found but little time for the regulation of the internal affairs of the country, and was indeed powerless to preserve the ascendancy of law and order. Add to this the fact that Texas then furnished an asylum for all the murderers, thieves, swindlers and reckless desperados in the United States, and the reader will not be surprised that lynch code with all its horrors and severities was adopted, and, when it suited the caprice of the majority, rigidly enforced. The population of the country was a strange medley. There were, it is true, many honest and upright men, but they were forced into the background and compelled for their own security to remain entirely passive and let events take their course. But a large portion of even the better class of citizens were those who had left their native places under the pressure of circumstances, in other words absconding debtors. Take them altogether, they formed such a society as had never before been seen, and it is to be hoped never will be again. The influence of religion was unfelt, and the restraints of civilized society entirely discarded. Even those who had been pious in the old states could not escape the general infection, and many of them soon became as reckless and immoral as those with whom they were compelled to mingle, thus exemplifying the truth of that trite saying, "Man is the creature of circumstances". The ministers of the Gospel themselves who came out as missionaries, did not wholly escape the contamination for some of the proved greater adepts in villainy than those from whom they had learned their original lessons, by running in an incredibly short space of time through the whole catalogue of infamy, and only not, Judas like, betraying their God, Because was not bodily present upon the earth. In the early settlement of Shelby County a band of horse-thieves, counterfeiters and land pirates (the term land pirates is here used to denote dealers in fraudulent land certificates) was organized, or rather they were but a small branch of an immense organization, extending through the whole western and southwestern country. Their affairs were however, mananged with such skill and their schemes carried out with so much prudence, that for a long time their existence was not even suspected. To all appearances they were honest and correct in their dealing, and when endeavoring to make a favorable impression on a "green one", as all newcomers from the states were called, were scrupulously so both in act and declaration. The members of this gang were largely in the ascendancy in Shelby county, and as a consequence controlled the local elections and placed in power such only as were of their number and subservient to their designs. By these means when one of the clan chanced to be detected in the commission of an offense against the laws they were enabled quietly to effect his escape, and thus prevent an investigation calculated to endanger their safety. In the management of these matters they evinced their usual cunning and dexterity. The Sheriff would feign great anxiety for the arrest of the accused summoning a posse (of the clan) to assist him and send them out in every direction except the one in which they knew the culprit to be making his escape. The accused in these instances always had timely notice of the means which would be taken toward his arrest. Sometimes through policy they would make an arrest and place the prisoner under a strong guard, who would be boistrous in their denunciations against all such scoundrels as the one in custody, declaring that all such should either be hung or drummed out of the country, for it was such that had given Texas a bad name abroad. Notwithstanding all this during the night the guard would all manage to fall asleep at the same time, when, all things have been prepared beforehand the prisoner Would make his escape. The next day an ineffectual search would be made and soon the matter be entirely forgotten. In a few instances they would even allow one of their clan to be arraigned before a court of justice and proceed to trial, but in such isolated cases the accused was never in need of witnesses to prove an alibi, or any other fact material to his defense. If some luckless wight green [apparently a euphamism] from the states chanced to be conversant with the facts and offered to sustain the charge by his testimony, his veracity would immediately be impeached by a host of witnesses, who would give him such a pedigree and character, appear conversant with his past life and relate so many instances of his having been suborned to swear falsely, that the poor fellow would be brought to doubt his own identity, and to fancy that he really was a very bad man, The consequence would be a verdict of acquittal. There is an anecdote related of one Jonas Phelps who about this time flourished in Shelbyville, which is worthy to be recorded. Jonas was one of those peculiar characters who are often found hanging of the outskirts of civilization, and who derive mysteriously from unknown sources a precarious livelihood, if indeed that may be termed a livelihood which is nothing more than a mere vegetable continuation of existence, He was a born wag, and it would perhaps not be going to far to say a born knave. But there was a certain drollery in his actions, and a kind of good humored impudence in his manner of swindling you out of occasional trifles, that entirely disarmed all resentment, and forced you to admire as an original, rather than to detest him as a puppy. He we too lazy and indolent to be an active member of the clan, but his principles, or otherwise his entire want of any such useless commodity, pointed him out as a fit instrument to be used by them as occasion should require; and he was therefore elected to the honorable but not very lucrative office of Justice of the peace "in and for Shelby County". Now it so happened one pleasant sunshiny morning in June as Jonas was sitting in front of the Shelby hotel smoking his pipe and by silent meditation preparing himself for the onorous duties of the day, it being the regular term of his court, that a long, lank individual dressed in yellow jeans, and wearing tightly upon his bushy uncombed head a coonskin cap, suddenly stood before him with a basket in his hand containing some half dozen chickens. "Want to buy any fowls?" he inquired, 'What do you ax for 'em?" demanded Jonas. "Only a dollar for the lot" returned the coonskin, "might cheap". "Well take 'em up to my house", said Jonas, "and come back and I'll pay you for 'em, at the same time pointing him to a dilapidated tenement fashioned of hickory poles and oak boards, which stood at some distance in the suburbs of the village. For a few moments after his departure Jonas appeared lost in his thoughts. How was he to pay for the chickens? That was the question. Suddenly, a bright smile illuminated the sinister face; he had conceived a luminous idea; and immediately repairing to his office- - a little dingy ten by twelve room furnished with a greasy oak table, one chair and a plank supported at either end by a billet of wood, which answered in place of a bench for the jurors. Court opened, a few loungers dropped in, and Jonas we soon immersed in the intricasies of important suit in which the plaintiff sought to secure from the defendant the value of a mule, which the said defendant had shot for breaking into his corn field; though the fence was but four rails high. He had not been long engaged however, when the old coonskin made his appearance to demand his pay for his poultry. He entered the room with his cap still sticking fast to his skull, unawed by power, strode up to the table where with his hands deep in the recesses of his breeches pockets, he calmly confronted the man of the law "Squire" he began, "I'll -- " I'll fine you a dollar for contempt of court" said Jonas in a firm voice and with a look of severe but offended dignity. "Me? fine me?" ejaculated the coonskin. 'Yes sir, you" said Jonas adding decisively "you". "I demur" said the coonskin meekly. "We allow no demurrers in this court' returned Jonas". "Then may it please the court I appeal". "Nor any appeals either, again returned Jonas. The unfortunate vendor of poultry stood for a moment the very picture of unalterable disgust and despair; then quietly retreated toward the door, but never for a moment raised his eyes from the face of the imperturbable justice, until he found himself once more in the open air; then bowing very low he ventured to enquire, "Does that make us even, squire?" "It does sir" quickly responded Jonas, Coonskin collected him self for a last effort. "That may be fair, but if them ain't the last chickens you'll get from me, I'Il be damned. "Sheriff", said the court, "arrest that man. But it we too late for a few minutes only the yellow jeans coat tails were seen standing out behind the owner, and then they vanished. But to return. It must not be inferred from what has been said above, that any and all persons could thus violate the Laws with impunity; the clan chose to monopolize the pilfering and swindling business. Their league was offensive and defensive; and they did not choose to admit interlopers, who setting upon their own account interfered with the regular trade. If an independent horse-thief, swindler or counterfeiter attempted to follow his vocation without having been received as a member of the organization, it almost invariably turned out for him an unfortunate speculation. Such cases afforded the clan an excellent opportunity to exhibit their hostility to "rascaldom" in general; and they never failed to mete out to the unfortunate culprit his full quantum of punishment as by the lynch statutes made and provided. It may not be amiss to give an example of their manner of proceeding under such circumstances as above detailed. In the year 1838 a man by the name of Brown came to Shelby County, and settled on a small tract of land a few miles from the county seat. Shortly after his arrival he was suspected of several petty thefts, but nothing definite in the way of evidence could be obtained against him, He did not associate himself with the clan, and in consequence incurred their displeasure. In the month of September of the same year a party of gentlemen from Tennessee came out to look at the country, and if pleased with the intention of purchasing land and emigrating with their families to the Republic. Among them was a Mr. Holder, who on one occasion stopped for the night at a farm house a few miles from the county seat. He was riding a very fine blooded horse, and wishing to see if he were groomed and fed, about nine o'clock at night walked out to the stable, where he soon discovered that his horse was gone, which fact he immediately communicated to the landlord, who exibited but little astonishment, and told him to be under no apprehensions whatever, that in the morning search would be made and his horse forthcoming, The landlord was under the impression that the theft had been committed by one of the clan, of which he was for the time being chief; and he determined that if so the horse should be restored. He was incited to this course for various good reasons; in the first place the horse was of little value compared to the amount out of which he hoped to swindle Holder, who was a man of considerable wealth; and secondly, he being the leader of the clan, it was not polite to permit a petty theft of this kind from under his own roof, as it might lead to unpleasant suspicions. In addition to all this he already suspected that if Holder should lose his horse he might become disgusted and leave the country without making any investments, and thus rob him of a chance to speculate in fancy land certificates, of which he was never without a supply. accordingly at an early hour next morning he, together with Holder, and one or two others repaired to the horselot to search for any traces which might lead to the detection of the offender, the keen eye of the landlord soon discovered that a panel of the fence had been taken down, and the rails, although carefully replaced bore testimony to the fact. This led to the examination of the ground on the other side where was visible the footprints of the horse and two men, the earth being moist from a recent rain. The party pursued the trail for three or four miles which finally brought them to Brown's residence. The landlord was not satisfied that the theft had not been committed by one of his party from the fact that they had no connection with Brown and would not have taken the horse to his house. Brown was seated quietly by the fire when the party entered and informed him of what had occurred, that suspicion of the strongest character rested upon him as the perpetrator of the offense, and arrested him to answer the charge or suffer the inevitable consequences. Here was a splendid opportunity to make capital both with the Tennesseeans and with the citizens of the county; and the wary chief determined to use this to the best advantage. Brown was accordingly conveyed to Shelbyville under a strong guard, his arms and legs closely pinioned together, where he as detained during the day. The night came on damp, cold and dark; the chief had collected a chosen few, and poor Brown was dragged from his place of confinement protesting most solemnly his innocence, and carried to a dreary swamp a short distance south of the town, where he was entirely denuded of his clothes, tied to a tree and whipped till his back wore the appearance of raw beefsteak. He still continued to assert his innocence, but to no purpose, -- - he was undergoing the sentence of a court from whose stern decrees there is no appeal. The green grass under his feet had changed its color to scarlet; the leaves were clotted with his blood; yet the blows ceased not; stripe after stripe fell upon his bare and bleeding back, thick, fast and furious; the lynchers taking the whip by turns as one would become exhausted or revolt at the horrid cruelty of the scene. Brown was a man of iron will and strong nerve, but his resolution finally deserted him; he called for a drink of water, asked that a blanket might be thrown over him, and said he would confess all that he knew of the matter. He was unbound and loosened from the tree, but before water could be procured he had swooned. When he recovered he told them that he was, as he had before stated, innocent of the theft, but that knew the thief; said that he had called at his house the morning after the perpetration of the theft, and had told him that he had made a d-m [damn] big rise, That he had a fine horse tied down in the swamp worth $200.00, and wanted him (Brown) to go and look at it, which request he stated, he had declined, He then was asked why he did not report the facts; he stated that he was a stranger in the country and did not like to interfere in what did not concern him, lest he should involve himself in trouble; he also told them that if they would go to a certain point on the Trinity River they would find the stolen horse. Mr. Holder followed the instructions and recovered his animal. Brown was placed under guard to await the result of Holder's journey in search of his horse; but the clan had made a sufficient display to satisfy all reasonable men that if a thief fell into their hands he would find himself in no very comfortable situation; and feeling also some sort of brotherly affection for one of their stripe they offered him an opportunity which he gladly embraced, to escape. The places that then knew him soon knew him no more. He was never seen there again, On the beech tree to which he was tied some ingenious artisan has carved his effigy. The design represents a gallows, the figure of a man below with a rope around his neck; under the whole is inscribed in rough capitals "A. F. Brown, for horse stealing" , a sort of hieroglyphic clause in the lynch code to warn all similar offenders of the fate which awaited them, CHAPTER TWO In the early part of the summer of 1838 Dr. L.H. [Levi Henderson] Ashcraft emigrated from North Carolina and settled in Shelby County. Wishing to look about somewhat before making a permanent location he enquired for a good house where himself and family could board for a short time and was recommended to that of Captain John English, who at that time was a member of the Texas Congress. English was a plausible fair spoken man with a popular turn, and much native good sense, and Ashcraft was mighty pleased that he, a stranger in the country, had fallen into such good hands; but many months had not elapsed before he had abundant cause to regret it. Ashcraft had a span of fine carriage horses upon which English had set his heart; and he endeavored in every way possible to purchase them with land claims, (most likely of the fancy order) but all to no purpose; Ashcraft didn't intend to purchase land at any price. Living close to Capt. English was a major Thomas Bell, who proposed to Ashcraft to take one of his horses and feed it for its services, and as corn was scarce and very dear at the time he gladly assented to the proposal. He accordingly delivered his horse to Bell and that was the last he ever saw of it; In a short time he was missing, But Ashcraft was not informed of the fact until some three weeks after the occurrence. When he demanded his horse or its value in money Bell very quickly told him that he did not consider himself responsible for the horse at all; that he had gotten out and wandered off of his own accord and that it was not his fault, but that he would have search made for him and he, no doubt, would be found. Some time after this Ashcraft called on him when he became furious with rage, and ordered him to leave the premises instantly, or take the consequences which were not likely to be very pleasant. Ashcraft instituted suit against Bell for the value of the horse, relying up on the testimony of Capt. English in support of his demand, But he was unfortunately doomed to experience a sad disappointment, in a greater form from whence it was little expected; for although English had been present when the conversation occurred between the parties, his memory failed him most signally in the trial of the cause. When interrogated he knit his eyebrows, reflected for a time with most solemn visage, chewed his cud of tobacco with greet voracity, but all to no purpose. The whole transaction, if any such had transpired, had entirely escaped his recollection. He testified that he knew nothing of the arrangement between the parties and that he last saw the horse in Bell's possession. In consequence of this Ashcraft was compeled to suffer a non-suit, and submit to his loss with the best grace possible. Hon. A.W.O. Hicks, now judge of the 5th judicial district Of Texas, was of counsel for the plaintiff, and will doubtless remember the transaction. It is needless to burden the reader by drawing the necessary inferences to these facts. The parties to this ["nefarious" had been typed and scratched through with "infamous" penned in] transaction it will be borne in mind, were a captain and a major and as they will be found to profess a less important rank than that of colonel it may be better at this time to acquaint the reader with the manner in which these manifold titles were acquired. It is an undeniable fact that there are at the present time more men in Texas with the title of colonel than would be sufficient to officer the combined armies of the world; even were all mankind combined into a standing army. At the time of which we are speaking adventurers from all quarters of the world were rushing to Texas where they hoped to gain either glory or gold. Freedom and the rights of men were upon their tongues and the burden of their constant discourse; but in their hearts they sought only their own preferment, and being too indolent to engage in an honest and laudable calling, of a private nature, they almost universally sought employment in the Army of the Republic. Coming too without recommendation they frequently found it expedient to bolster up their pretensions to respectability by assumption of a borrowed title of a military character. It is related that a sagacious Yankee who kept a ferry at the main crossing of the Sabine, having become aware of the prevalent thirst for titles on the part of emigrants, sent to the states and had a large lot of commissions printed and signed with the signatures of the governors of the various states, ranging from the rank of captain up to that of general. These he always kept in readiness and for a consideration would in five minutes manufacture the vilest vagabond into a colonel or a general as suited his fancy, by simply inserting his name in the blank left for that purpose. Indeed so great was the demand for his commissions that before the close of the Revolution he derived from this source alone a handsome competence, which he is yet living to enjoy, On one occasion a party of these newly manufactured officers put up for the night in a village near the line, where was kept an hotel by an eccentric old gentleman, who gloried in the appellation of Uncle Ben. They all registered their names and several dignities in full with the exception of a burly, good-humored, pleasant looking man, who had fallen in with the party after they had crossed the Sabine and who simply placed his name upon the book without any appendage whatever; all of which was duly noted by Uncle Ben. That night the modest gentleman was treated with marked politeness; he had the most comfortable place at the table reserved for him, and his plate was filled with the most choice portions of the venison steak and baked fowl. indeed so constant and particular was the attention shown to him, that he began to feel uncomfortable (as all timid men do under like circumstances). When the party came to settle their fare the next morning, Uncle Ben charged them a dollar and a half each until he reached the last on the list, the good-humored private "What is my bill, sir" inquired the stranger seeing that the host paused, "Not a cent, sir" returned Uncle Ben, "And if you'll stay with me a week it shan't cost you a farthing, sir. You are the first private gentleman it has been my good fortune to meet since I left the states and the pleasure of conversing with you shall be more than a sufficient remuneration, Sir." The mania on this subject seems never to have subsided and indeed it is now believed to be frightfully of the increase. I know a good many pious men who on all occasions are dubbed "Colonel" who to my certain knowledge never so much as killed a snowbird with a gun in their lives, and who have as great horror of powder as Americans have of stewed frogs. And in the name of those who have no military ambition, and no vanity of any kind to appeal to, the author hereof enters his most solemn protest against the continuation of the practice of pressing modest men into the military ranks, at least until the present supply of colonels shall have happily expired. CHAPTER THREE About the time of the occurrence of the events related in the preceding chapter there lived a man near Shelbyville named Beauchamp, who was accused of owning and circulating counterfeit money. Whether he was actually guilty was never positively established but there was a considerable amount of counterfeit coin in circulation at this time, and the fact that some curious instruments, such as were supposed to be used in the manufacture of bogus money, were found near his residence hid away in a hollow tree, was sufficient to warrant a resort to lynch law. He had no connection with the organized band, which of itself was sufficient to bring down on him their heaviest displeasure. They accordingly, after having aroused public indignation to the highest point by artfully concocted circumstance which seemed to leave no doubt of Beauchamps guilt, got up a company of about twenty persons, mostly from the ranks of the speculators, (doubtless some good and honest men were engaged in it) and repaired to his residence armed to the teeth. Fortunately having heard of their intentions he secreted himself in the woods nearby and thereby saved himself a severe castigation. They left peremptory orders with his wife that he should leave the country within twenty-four hours or receive one hundred lashes on his bare back. In a few minutes after they left his wife informed him what had transpired, and he was soon on his way to Arkansas. He left his wife and children behind him but this proved to be no very distressing matter as he found a blushing damsel in Arkansas who consented to he his help mate and solace. He remained away for several years and returned to Shelby, bringing with him new wife; his old one in the meantime had married and removed to the falls of the Brazos. Nursing sickly sentiment was no part of the business of those whose fortunes were cast in the then wild land of Texas, This was not the only instance of a like character which transpired in those days. There was a wonderful facility of adaptation to circumstances exhibited on the part of emigrants to the Lone Star Republic; which enabled them to bear many privations without a murmur. There were many such separations as the above but never a broken heart in any case. In the fall of 1838 a fellow named Gates, one of the clan, managed to steal two fine horses from a widow lady living on the Louisiana side of the Sabine and escaped with them safely into Texas. A young man named Stoker pursued him into Shelby county, where he made known his business to some of the citizens, who proffered him any assistance in their power which he might require. Shortly after Stoker's arrival Gates, who did not dream he was pursued, was leisurely riding along the road company with his wife, when he was met by a gentleman who had been made acquainted with the circumstances and who arrested him and conducted him to a neighboring house where Stoker was for time sojourning. The friends of Gates as soon as they learned of his arrest, and the cause of it flocked in and volunteered their services as guards assuring Stoker also of their willingness to assist in conveying Gates across the line should any opposition to such a course be manifested. He thanked them politely for their kind attentions and friendly assistance little supposing that they were arranging a plan for the escape of their brother in villainy. He found himself surrounded as he thought, by honest men, who, if their declarations were worth anything, would spare neither time or money in ferreting out rascality and bringing the guilty to punishment. They even spoke of lynching Gates as the safest and speediest method to dispose of the matter, alleging as a reason that in the unsettled state of the country he might be rescued before they could convey him across the river, and that there was no requisition for him by any person authorized to make one, and indeed no law to authorize such a proceeding and they might be troubled with criminal prosecution for kidnapping. But to this Stoker objected; all that he desired, he said was to get Gates safely into Louisiana; and that some of those cognizant of the facts should appear at the court as witnesses and he would answer for his being lodged in the state penitentiary for the full term authorized by the statutes. To this they all agreed and assured him that they would certainly be at Natchitoches at the next court; they would ride a thousand miles, they said, to be the means of convicting such a (in their eloquent language) D--d thief as Gates; an example was needed to intimidate others and they would make one of him. When night came on Stoker proposed keeping watch over the prisoner, but those who had detailed themselves guards insisted that he had better go to sleep; that he had to ride a considerable distance the next day; and that Gates would be watched with sleepless caution until daylight. Thus assured he retired to rest and was soon in a profound sleep. About one o'clock the guard raised the alarm, awoke Stoker, fired off several guns --- the prisoner had fled, and the guard all left Stoker ostensibly in pursuit of Gates, but really to seek their several places of abode, Gates had been turned loose in early part of the night before the alarm was given, and was many miles on his road to San Antonio, where he remained until the matter had blown over or been forgotten. Stoker found next morning much to his chagrin, that Gates had stolen his riding horse and he was forced to make his way home on foot with anything but a high opinion of the Texas Character. NOTE TO RESEARCHERS: [There is a colloquialism here that needs to be defined. "Natchitoches" is in Louisiana and is pronounced NA-KA-TISH whereas "Nacogdoches" is in Texas and is pronounced NA-KA-DO-CHEZ.] CHAPTER FOUR In the year 1840 Ira Harris and his son Osmus escaped from the clutches of the law officers of the state of Mississippi with seventeen negroes, the wreck of a large fortune with which, in the parlance of the times, they "kum" to Texas. Lynch who was then president of the Brandon bank held a mortgage on the negroes and brought suit to foreclose it; and Harris, although he had reached Texas without molestation, was fearful that he would be followed, and his continual anxiety made him a prey to the most foolish and groundless fears. Taking the line of his disordered imagination filled him with terror; every traveler he chanced to meet upon the toad he conceived to be an emissary of Lynch. His family had been raised in luxury and now they were compelled to sleep upon the ground every night, and otherwise subjected to innumerable hardships; and if he should lose this last remnant of his property he beheld in prospect only a life of poverty and toil in the wilds of Texas. Under these circumstances it was not strange that his intellectual powers were in some degree paralyzed, and even that his reason tottered in her seat. Soon after he crossed the line and entered the lower portion of Shelby county he became acquainted with a man who by the seeing interest he took in Harris entirely won his confidence and when he unsuspectingly told the story of his flight and the causes which led to it, this man gave him a letter of introduction to our old friend, Capt John English, and assured him that English would afford him aid and protection. But it proved to be such protection as the lion afforded the lamb. Upon arriving at the residence of English Harris was welcomed in the most cordial manner, and with promises of friendship and protection to the utmost of his ability. He unbosomed himself to English who soon perceived that he was a man of little education, and also that he was just in that state of mind to become an easy prey to the heartless scheme of robbery which his prolific mind had already devised, and the execution of which he at once set about. He advised Harris to send his negroes to Z.C. Walker's who resided in an unfrequented portion of the neighborhood, while Harris remain with him near the public road, so that in case Lynch should pursue him he could be apprised of the fact in time to notify Walker to secrete the slaves in the swamp. For some days all was quiet, and Harris feeling in some degree safe under the protecting wing of the ex-member of Congress had somewhat recovered his wonted composure of mind. In the meantime, however, English was not idle. He discoursed daily of the value of Texas lands and the certainty of their speedy increase in value, and the immense fortunes that could be realized from and investment of that character. He also made Harris acquainted with the names, history, etc., of the most prominent citizens of the country, men valued for their integrity and patriotism, among whom he mentioned Hon. K.L. Anderson, Vice President of the Republic, Cols. Sublett and Holman, Mr. Cartwright and I.D. Thomas, Esq. He also had his agents, with whom is was in secret conclave every day maturing the scheme which was to place him in possession of every negro the unfortunate victim of his cupidity possessed. About ten days after Harris had become domiciled with English just as the first faint dawn of the morning became visible in the east, a horseman, bare-headed and covered with dust, came down the lane leading to the house under whip and spur at full speed. As he approached the house he reined in his panting steed and inquired if a Mr. Harris were stopping here. "What the hell do you want with Harris?" responded English, who had just turned out of bed. The horseman replied that, being at San Augustine the day previous, he had accidentally learned that there was a man in that neighborhood named Lynch from Mississippi, who was in pursuit of a Mr. Harris, and some negroes he had in possession and learning that Mr. Harris was at Mr. Englishes, and a friend of his, considered it his duty as a neighbor and friend to give him the benefit of the information as speedily as possible. he stated further that he understood they intended to get out a writ of sequestration for the negroes and take them, peaceably if they could do so, but that the negroes they intended to have at all hazards, and Holman, Sublett, Anderson and others of influence and character were warmly enlisted in Lynch's favor. Having relieved himself of this well gotten up story, every word of which had been eagerly listened to by Harris, although he had not shown himself, the weary horseman, who lived a short distance from English and who was one of his tools alighted by invitation for breakfast, during the discussion of which he added many particulars concerning the movements and intentions of Lynch, which seemed to add strength and plausibility to what he had already said, and which fell with crushing strength upon the reviving hopes of Harris. Shortly after breakfast he arose to go, refused any remuneration for his services, but volunteered to aid Harris in defending his property if it should become necessary to do so, telling him that there must be some mistake about the matter, that Holman, Sublett and the other persons named were gentlemen with a high sense of justice, and would not under the circumstances in his opinion, be found willing to assist in wresting from a helpless family their last means of support, but if what he learned should prove to be true, they would never get the negroes. It was in vain, however that the oily tongued speculator plied his arguments. Harris could not be convinced that Lynch was not in pursuit of him, and he watched in breathless anxiety through the day, expecting every time a cloud of dust was blown up by the wind to see Lynch and his followers emerge from beneath it. Night at length came on but it brought no rest for poor Harris; he waited his room in a state of excitement bordering on frenzy. And in this situation about midnight was startled by hearing some one at the gate in a loud voice inquire for Mr. Harris. English responded to the call by the blunt question that he had propounded to the courier the morning previous, to which the man replied that he was just from San Augustine, had seen a man there called Lynch who was in pursuit of Harris and his negroes, that he had engaged a party of men to assist him and that foul play was intended. English thanked him for his kindness and invited him to dismount and spend the night, but he excused himself by saying his family was sick, that he had been to San Augustine for medicine and must hasten home. This was the same individual who had brought the former news. The next morning Harris inquired of English what course he had better pursue, and was advised to remain quiet for the time being, that no immediate danger was to be apprehended, and if an attempt were made to seize the negroes, he had plenty of friends who would defend them to the last extremity. Late in the evening of the same day a man was seen leisurely riding down the road toward Englishes residence. When he arrived opposite the house English hailed him familiarly and inquired where he had been and what was the news, if any, (Very common and therefore not considered impolite questions in Texas or in any new country. Where newspapers are seldom seen travelers should not object to be laid under contribution.) T he individual thus interrogated replied that he had heard nothing of importance except that in San Augustine the day before he saw several men said to be in pursuit of some negroes which had been run from Mississippi. The names of the parties he had not learned, but understood that the negroes were somewhere in Shelby county. He further said that K.L. Anderson told him that he with others were employed to assist in recovering the negroes and that he, Anderson, knew where the negroes were, but that as for himself he disbelieved that portion of the the statement, for he had heard of no negroes having recently been brought into the county. The time now arrived for English to execute his grand Coup de Grace, and accordingly as soon as the man had passed on he advised Harris to sell his negroes. It was eveident, he said, that he would have trouble with and perhaps finally lose them, and it was better to convert them into some other kind of property even if he could not sell them for money. Harris readily acquiesced inn the propriety of the advice, but as he know no one in the country, and dared not offer them for sale publicly, he could devise no means to carry it into execution unless English woud buy them. This was what English had expected and after protesting that he did not want them, was not able to make the purchase etc., he finally agreed as a special favor to take them if Harris would receive as a consideration Texas lands at one dollar per acre, which, he did not fail to impress upon him, would in two years be worth ten dollars. Lynch and his assistants and abettors, he said, were afraid to interfere with him and when he once became the owner of the slaves he would defy then all. It was finally agreed that Harris would receive in exchange sixteen thousand acres of land to be located in the counties of Shelby and Harrison, and a servant was dispatched to Shelbyville for an attorney to draw up the necessary writing; in due time Mr. Hawkins of the oily Gammon stripe was announced and formally introduced to Col. Harris, Esq. late of Mississippi. After the nature of the contract had been explained and English had bad a private interview with Mr. Hawkins that worthy and erudite ornament of his profession set about his task and soon completed it. English had received from various persons land certificates to be located "on the share" and had taken bonds from these persons to transfer one half of the land to to him when the same should be patented. But he had failed to comply with his portion of the agreement and the lands were consequently worthless. After assigning a number of these worthless bonds he gave his note for the residue payable in lands situated in the Republic of Texas, at one dollar per acre. Harris as we have before said had but limited education, and having entire confidence in English and his attorney, gave little heed to the manner in which the writings were drawn, and supposing them to be in accordance with the contract, signed the bill of sale for the negroes and received the note and bonds. After the trade and been ratified by them then the usual appeal to the bottle, and Hawkins were about to depart, English inquired how much he charged for his services. "I suppose you would not consider one hundred dollars an a exhorbitant fee" he replied. Certainly not" said English, "I did not expect we would get off for less than one hundred apiece. Well judge, (for he had a title also) just make a memorandum of my part of the bill. I will make it all right in our settlement". But poor Harris could not "just make a memorandum of my part" he was compelled to pay for being swindled and there was no putting it off, but then they had made him a "colonel" and that was something, although he found the title of but little value after his negroes ware gone, With a light heart and buoyant spirits--- for he thought he had made an excellent trade -- Harris the next morning mounted his horse and rode to Shelbyville to have his papers recorded, but here again he was doomed to experience disappointment, for having occasion to consult an attorney in regard to some point connected with the matter, he was informed that his papers were almost worthless, and that he had been most shamefully swindled, Harris at first thought differently and informed his legal adviser of the circumstances attending the transaction, that Lynch was in pursuit of him, and that English was his friend and an honorable man. When, however, the defects in the papers were explained to him, and the fact that the note did not require English to pay him lands in Shelby and Harrison counties, but anyway in the Republic, and when he was moreover assured that Lynch was not in the country, and that he had been hoaxed he became convinced that he was the victim of a base scheme of villainy. It happened also that the Hon. K.L. Anderson arrived in Shelbyville that day, and upon being interrogated by Harris informed him that Lynch had not been at San Augustine, and that he had never heard of the matter until that time, and that not one of the gentlemen who had been mentioned as Lynch's friends and assistants knew any more than he did. Harris was now advised by his legal counselor to see English and endeavor to prevail upon him to rescind the contract, as an appeal to the judicial tribunals of the county for redress against him would be a mere farce. English still strove to present a fair front, and assured Harris that if he were dissatisfied, in as far as he was concerned he was perfectly willing to annul the contract, but that Z.C. Walker who had married his niece, and James English, his nephew, had become interested and their consent must be obtained. When he called on these parties they also were willing but he was still referred to others who had become interested in the property and after riding over the county for several days he finally gave it up in despair. Soon after these occurrences English became alarmed lest Harris or some of his friends lest Harris or some of his friends seek revenge for his perfidious conduct, and removed to Polk county on the Trinity River. But he was not destined long to enjoy his Illgotten wealth; he became involved in difficulties met with many serious misfortunes, and finally ended his career in drunkenness and poverty, Osmus Harris before mentioned was at that time of this transaction a young man of sprightliness and promise, but of extremely tender sensibilities, and the shock was more than he could withstand. He beheld his father stripped of the last remains of his property and deprived of all means of supporting his helpless dependent family, and brooding in melancholy over the prospective poverty and distress of his mother and sisters, his health and strength gradually gave way and he became subject to epileptic fits, which eventually put a period to his miserable existence. He fell into the river one day on a fishing excursion being suddenly seized with a fit, and was drowned. It is to be hoped that he is now in a land where there are no swindlers and where disease can never enter. Mrs. Harris died soon after from the effect of the losses they had sustained upon a constitution naturally frail. Mr. Harris is yet living in Shelby County and will testify the truth of what is here stated. CHAPTER FIVE We have been particular in describing the events recorded in the preceding chapters, in order that the reader from these related instances, might be enabled to form a general opinion of the country, its inhabitants, and the peculiar circumstances by which they were surrounded, and out of which Regulating and Moderating were evolved. If it were the intention of the author to moralize upon the facts which he presents, this would perhaps be an appropriate place to indulge in his reflections, but such is not his intention. The facts are simply presented in an unostentatious manner, and he deems them sufficiently suggestive without troubling the reader with a dissertation upon them. If, however, as he believes "the proper study of mankind in man", this book will not be entirely valueless, for it presents for contemplation the human character under new and extraordinary phases. There are many men like English in every community, who carry on from day to day a system of insignificant swindling by the same artful duplicity which he exercised, and only requiring to be placed in his situation to develop their villainy on a larger and more extended scale. Unlike him, however, they are not always overtaken by misfortunes and stripped by Providence of their ill-gotten gains. The last time the writer saw this man English he was drunk but appeared to have some secret sorrow on his mind which he seemed desirous of communicating to him, but after several efforts his utterance became checked, his eyes filled with tears, and pressing his hand he muttered, "I am miserable". Conscience was aroused but too late. We now propose to relate the immediate circumstances which led to the organization of the Regulators of Texas, who before they were suppressed by the strong arm of the law, carried death and desolation to many a fireside, and caused the bitter tears of anguish to flow from the eyes of man an orphan and helpless widow. It will be remembered that when Texas threw off the allegiance of Mexico and established an independent government, having no resources or revenue, and no means by which to raise money save her vast public domain, she offered land as an inducement to all who would come and settle within her limits and assist in driving back the oppressors from her borders. All those who were in Texas at the time of the Declaration of Independence were entitled to a certain quantity of land, and a large bonus was offered to all who would come and settle in the country, either alone or with their families. In each county the law provided for the election of a Chief Justice and two associate Justices who constituted the County Court, and were ex-officio a Board of Land Commissioners and authorized to issue certificates to those entitled to receive them, upon proper proof being made etc. as the law required. Parties desiring to obtain certificates under these provisions of the law were required to appear before the Board of Land Commissioners and make oath that they were citizens of the Republic at the date of the Declaration of Independence, and that they did not leave the country during the campaign in the spring of 1836 to avoid participation in the struggle of that memorable year; that they did not aid or assist the enemy, and that they had performed all the duties of good citizens; and the same facts had to be sworn to by two disinterested witnesses. Land certificates of this kind were called "headrights", and by the terms of the Law the claimant was entitled as well before the certificate was issued as afterwards. In case of a transfer of this nature it became necessary that the assignee should make oath that his assignor was entitled to the quantity of land for which he applied under laws then in force, and prove the same facts as above by two witnesses. Under this law regulating transfers numerous frauds were committed. A transfer of the right of some imaginary individual would be forged or manufactured, presented to the Board, the necessary oath be made and witnesses employed for the purpose, produced to make the requisite proof when a certificate would issue in due form. It might reasonably be supposed this method was sufficiently easy and practicable for men entirely unscrupulous to obtain enough land certificates to satisfy their rapacity, but such was not the case. Such a flood of these transfers was presented and proven up that public curiosity became interested to ascertain the whereabouts of the assignors, but most diligent inquiry failed to ascertain that they had ever had either a local habitation or a name. And in-as-much as these, and in fact all other claims to land had to be proven up and issued in open court a shorter and less public method was adopted to obtain the same end. A kind of partnership in villainy was formed between the members of the Board of Commissioners and the county clerk, who was also by virtue of his office clerk of the Board, and the organization of land pirates or speculators, as they termed themselves, by which the county was inundated with fraudulent land claims enough to have absorbed almost half of the public domain. Whenever a lot of certificates was required to fill an order, or cover a favored location, the clerk would issue a sufficient number to supply the demand in the names of fictitious persons and after making a record of them in the minutes of the court, submit them privately to the court for their signatures. all that was required was the transfer. This was easily supplied by writing one out in due form, signing the name of the person mentioned in the certificate from the Chief Justice, who was as before stated President of the Board of Commissioners, that the individual who signed the transfer was known to him, and acknowledged that he had executed the transfer etc., etc. The fraud was then complete and ready for market. Hundreds of these fraudulent certificates were issued by the Shelby Board but they were not the only ones who thus prostituted themselves and the positions they held to the basest [most base] peculation. There were but few counties in the Republic that did not at one time or another engage in the same business. The counties of San Augustine, Jasper, Newton and Sabine were not behind Shelby in this respect. I regret that I have not the means of informing the reader what counties were entirely exempt from this practice for in honor of the men wo in the midst of corruption resisted temptation. I would be pleased to have the power to put their names before the public. These claims were generally sold by the board or their agents and strikers for about half their value or rather the real value of the genuine claims of the same class and description. Finally, however, they became so plenty that they were a drug in the market, and were frequently pawned in grog shops for a dozen drinks. I have seen men who were notoriously worthless and who were never suspected of having a dollar in their lives, with their pockets full of them. This is one important reason why Texas lands were for so long a time contrary to the expectations of all, almost entirely worthless. People were afraid to invest their money in land to which it was more than probable that the pretended owner had no more title than they had. But to the utter discomfiture of the herd of land pirates, the Congress of 1840 passed an act which provided for the appointment of a traveling Board of Land Commissioners, whos duty it was to visit every county in the state and in conjunction with the local board in each, investigate all claims that had been allowed, and to reject all such as they believed to have been fraudulently obtained and to recommend for patent such as they deemed right and just. This board discharged their duty in a commendable manner and all, or nearly all fraudulent certificates were rejected together with a few that were genuine. The statute provided also that the holders of a rejected claim might bring suit for it within a limited time in the District Court, and establish it as genuine by making the same proof as was required before the Board of Commissioners. In this manner most of the valid claims were afterwards established. Very few fraudulent certificates were ever sued upon, and not one so far as we know was established. The times and people had changed. Let the reader not be discouraged. We are hastening on as rapidly as possible. What has already been said, if not very interesting, is necessary to the right appreciation and understanding of that which follows, viz; the history of the War between the Regulators and Moderators which will be commenced in the next chapter. As senator Foote said in his "History of Texas", we approach the confines of the struggle. CHAPTER SIX Trivial causes frequently produce momentous results. The most insignificant circumstances has often involved nations in bloody and protracted war, laid waste vast and fertile countries and in a single day demolished the accumulated Labor of ages. We frequently beheld men rising from the lowest stratum of society, and almost at one bound reaching the highest pinnacle of power, bending the fierce masses to their pleasure, and ruling them as though borne to govern and command. And yet if we trace their career to its origin, we may perchance discover that instead of owing their elevation to innate forces of will or brilliance of intellect, they were but passive instruments in tie hands of Fate, and forced upwards by the presence of circumstances with the origin of which they had no connection and over which they have exercised no control. But to resume. In the year 1839 one Joseph G. Goodbread purchased from a man named George a negro man for whom he stipulated to pay ten headright certificates of league and labor amounting in the aggregate to over forty-six thousand acres. It was understood and agreed between these worthies that they were to be fraudulent certificates. It was the prevailing opinion at that time that these fraudulent certificates were as good as the genuine ones so to speak. Many of the best lawyers were on that opinion, conceiving that as they had been issued by the regularly constituted tribunals of the country the government would be compelled to recognize them, and that in any event it would be impossible to distinguish the good from the bad. Goodbread's connections were such with the Board of Commissioners that he could procure any amount of certificates he required, and George, who was into the whole secret, furnished him with the names of the grantors (fictitious), and the number was issued accordingly. They were then regularly transferred in blank and the acknowledgements of the several imaginary grantors duly taken before the Chief Justice, who was ex-officio notary public. The negro was delivered and for about a year all went well. At the expiration of that time, however, the Congress of the Republic passed the celebrated "Act to detect Fraudulent Certificates etc." and in the month of July 1840 the traveling board provided for in the act commenced an investigation of the records of Shelby County, and among numberless others, rejected all the Certificates George had received for his negro. He now determined to make an effort to rescind the sale upon the ground of fraud but being at the same time apprehensive that Goodbread would run the negro off, or dispose of him in some manner, he induced him to abscend from his master and secrete himself in the woods, where he supplied him with food etc. This exasperated Goodbread exceedingly, and as he had no reputation which he feared to lose, he openly proclaimed the whole transaction in order to defeat the election of George, who was then a candidate for sheriff of the county. George had grievously enjoyed the confidence of the better portion of the citizens , no act of his having hitherto transpired calculated to injure his character. But he felt assured that if this story were generally circulated and believed it would inevitable defeat him and in addition so long as Goodbread lived in the country there was constant danger of his getting possession of the negro. Some remedy had to be devised to get rid of him and in his extremity he bethought him of a notorious desperado living in the neighborhood, named Jackson, with whom Goodbread had recently had a difficulty, and to him he accordingly repaired and obtaining a private interview, after many protestations of friendship and injunctions of secrecy and caution he told Jackson that Goodbread had threatened his (Jackson's) life and swore in his presence that he would shoot him down like a dog the first time he saw him. Jackson was much surprised at that as he had considered the difficulty amicably settled, but in his wrath swore immediate and sanguinary vengeance. George advised him to be careful but promised to lend him any assistance in his power, which would not compromise him in any manner. A short time after this interview Goodbread visited Shelbyville. As soon as George learned that he was in town he dispatched a messenger for Jackson, who instantly obeyed the summons with his rifle on his shoulder duly prepared for the work of death. They met on the street. Jackson presented his gun and very coolly Informed Goodbread that he intended to shoot him. It was now Goodbreads turn to be astonished ---- he had supposed their former difficulty satisfactorily adjusted, and assured Jackson that he cherished no ill will toward him whatever. He was also he said unarmed, and begged if he would not listen to explanations, at least to permit him to arm himself so that he might die as a man and not be shot down like a dog. But Jackson was inexorable --- he raised his rifle, took deliberate aim and fired. For a moment the victim confronted him with a look of mingled hatred and contempt then muttering a horrid malediction upon the murderer fell to the earth and expired. The ball had penetrated in the region of the heart. He left a wife and several children to deplore his loss for with all his faults he was a kind parent and affectionate husband. Upon the consummation of this diabolical tragedy Jackson surrendered himself into the custody of Jonas Phelps Esq. Justice of the Peace etc. who without any examination whatever took his recognizance in the sum of two hundred dollars to appear at the next term of the district court and answer such charges as might then and there be preferred against him. Thou art excused, oh Jonas, on account of thy simplicity for in thy sight no life was precious but thine own. Many better men than thee, and wiser too, have while serving their friends, served the devil most religiously, receiving thereafter in the sequel their reward, which is sorrow and tribulation. Court finally came on and a bill of indictment was duly preferred against Jackson, who became somewhat alarmed at the formidable preparations made to convince him by the prosecuting attorney, applied for a change of venue, and the case was removed to Panola an adjoining county, thinly populated for trial. The presiding judge, Thomas Johnson, refused bail, and ordered him to prison. George, who had been elected sheriff, represented to the court thai the jail was insecure and required some repairs, and therefore summoned a guard for his safe keeping until the jail could be prepared for his reception. But no sooner had the court adjourned and the judge gotten clearly out of sight, than the sheriff turned his charge loose to shift for himself. From what has already been said of Jackson the reader will discover his true character. He was a man of but little education, and that little had not been of the kind to give him very great reverence for virtue or regard for social duty. An inordinate selfishness was his prevailing characteristic and he therefore sought his own ends regardless of the interests or rights of others. Withal he was a coward not from any conscientious repugnance for wrong doing but simply from a desire to shield himself from any unpleasant consequences which might follow in the wake of his misdeeds. Uniting with his other accomplishments a reckless bearing and a certain degree of rough eleoquence or rather volubility he was eminently fitted to become the leader of a lawless mob. Court was not to sit for some two months in Panola and after he was turned loose, well satisfied that no honest jury could acquit him of the murder of Goodbread, he began casting about for some means by which to evade the penalty of the law, or if necessary, to defy it. Chance favored him. About this time a large number of cattle were stolen from various persons in the neighborhood, and fro the ostensible purpose of punishing these marauders Jackson set about the organization of a company of Regulators. He soon had under his command about thirty men mostly reckless and desperate characters, who had nothing to lose but their lives, which were only valuable to themselves. they caught and lynched a man, Humphreys, drove many others out of the country, and incessantly annnoyed all who had been supposed to have been friends of goodbread. William and Bail McFadden and James Strickland (better known in those days as "Tiger Jim") resided in the northern part of Shelby County, and were known to Jackson as desperate men, and warm friends of Goodbread, and as he could never feel himself safe so long as they remained in the country, he determined to get rid of them at all hazards. He accordingly assembled his company, who had been previously prepared for their work by their artful leader, and repaired to the residence of "Tiger Jim". But when they called for him he was not forthcoming. They left a guard around his house to prevent his wife from apprising him what had occurred and proceeded to the McFadden's. they were also absent, their wives and children being at home alone. Disappointed at not finding their prey a council of war was held, which resulted in a determination to burn down their houses, together with all the furniture they contained. Amid the screams and entreaties of the women and children they set about the consummation of their inhuman purpose. The fire was applied and soon the dwellings were wrapped in a mantle of devouring flames The woman made an effort to save their clothing and beds, but were by the order of Capt. Jackson prevented from preserving even a blanket to shelter them from the inclemencies of the season ---- mid winter. In the frenzy of despair one of the women seized her infant and rushed into the flames, determined to perish rather than suffer the consequences to which she must be exposed, but one of the ruffians humanely (?) prevented her from executing her purpose by seizing her by the hair and dragging her beyond reach of the fire. When the flames had performed their work of destruction, the women were left to care for themselves and children as best they could, and the valiant band returned to the residence of Tiger Jim which shared the same fate as the others. The feelings of Strickland and the McFaddens may be better imagined than described, when they returned to their homes and found nothing to mark the places where they stood but a heap of smoldering ruins, their wives and babes forced to beg for shelter, and the last remnant of their hard earnings destroyed. they were bad men, doubtless, but they had committed no offense against those who had thus wantonly outraged them. Their wives and little ones were dear to them; they felt in its full force the injustice with thich they had been treated, and before they left the spot they swore a solemn oath of vengeance against the authors of thier misfortune. The time at length arrived for the sitting of the court in Panola County, and Sheriff George summoned twenty men from th ranks of Capt. Jackson's company to guard the prisoner to the county seat. They all met pursuant to the call armed with double barreled shot guns, knives and pistols, and proceeded to the place of trial. Court was opened at the appointed time, Judge Hansford presiding, and a jury empaneled to try the case between the Republic and Jackson. This consumed the greater part of the first day. After giving them the usual instructions the court adjourned until next morning, and the judge rode out a short distance from town to spend the night He had witnessed various maneuvers upon the part of the guard during the process of empanelling the jury which excited his suspicions that they did not intend to permit the law to be executed in case there was any probability of Jackson's conviction. And in addition to this he was informed during the night that it would not be safe for him to attempt to proceed with the trial. Thoroughly convinced from these representations that the whole thing would end in a farce, he wisely determined to postpone the matter until there was some prospect for enforcing the law, and accordingly sent word to the sheriff of the court, a very worthy man by the way, to adjourn court and place the prisoners in close confinement. Before this order arrived the jury had assembled at the court house, and they now insisted at the suggestion of the prisoner's counsel, that they had been sworn to try the case, and whether the judge came or not they intended to do it. The district attorney who was present, was invited to introduce his testimony but respectfully declined. The counsel for the defense made a speech to the jury, dwelt largely on the law of self defense, and asked for a verdict of acquittal, which was duly rendered. The sheriff found it impossible to obey the order of the judge and Jackson was set at liberty. Jackson now assembled his company and marched into Harrison county and arrested Samuel McHenry, who was then judge of the Probate Court of that county, and carried him into Louisiana, where they delivered him to the civil authorities, and received in exchange to hundred dollars, the amount of a reward that had been offered for his apprehension. McHenry had some time previously stolen some negroes and brought them to the Republic, and for this offense was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for seven years. He served out his time and is now at liberty. We have stated that Jackson's object in organizing his company was to shield himself from the consequences likely to result from the murder of Goodbread, but perhaps there was another reason for it equally urgent. He too was under the ban of the law inn Louisiana, and a reward had been offered for his apprehension and delivery to the proper authorities . he had been at one time captain of a small steamer plying upon the Mississippi and Red rivers, and on one occasion had gotten into a difficulty with one of his passengers oat Alexandria, and shot him. For this offense he was arrested at New Orleans, placed in irons, and put on board a steamer to be conveyed to Alexandria to await trial. During the trip, it is said, he bribed the guard to remove his irons and at all events he removed the in some manner, and jumped overboard carrying them with him. The captain of the boat finding that he had plunged into the river, and not being aware that his manacles had been removed, supposed that he had gone to the bottom, and pursued his course without an effort to save him. Jackson swam ashore and made his way to Texas. The reader will perhaps recollect the unfortunate burning of the steamer Ben Sherrod on the Mississippi, near Memphis, Tennessee, some years since and the fact that while she was on fire the flames ascending in a huge volume towards the sky and revealing amidst the surrounding darkness the struggling of the passengers with the rapid current, that a steamboat bound up the river approached her, but instead of attempting to rescue the unfortunate sufferers, ploughed her way though them as they clung to boards and planks, and sent many to the bottom who might otherwise have escaped. The captain of that steamboat was Charles W. Jackson, chief of the Regulators. Soon after, however, another boat arrived at the scene of the disaster and rendered the unfortunate passengers and crew all the assistance in their power. A man capable of such atrocious inhuman conduct as this is certainly unfit to live. He is a monster undeserving the name of man, and should be hunted from the face of the earth as a common enemy to his race. Yet, strange as it may appear, in his contest with his enemies in Shelby County he had the popular sympathies. Many good men were his friends. this was perhaps the result of the singular state of society we have heretofore attempted to describe, and that his enemies were as bad as he was. CHAPTER SEVEN Soon after the Mock trial of Jackson in Panola county, Strickland and the McFaddens, finding that the laws were powerless to afford them protection, and totally inadequate to the ends of justice, resolved to fall back on their their natural rights and seek satisfaction by their own hands for the burning of their dwellings. They determined that the life of Jackson should atone for the wanton outrage that he had inflicted on them and their families. The friends of Goodbread were consulted, and the result of the matter was that a company was organized and placed under the command of Edward Merchant, consisting of about thirty men. Merchant was a man of undoubted courage and determination of character. Bold but cautious and of insinuating address. He had killed a man in his native state, Alabama, and had fled to Texas rather than hazard a trial. Rumor stated that he was justified, but nothing was ever known in regard to the matter. The company met and drafted a code of laws, or rules and regulations for their government. The distracted state of the country was set out as the cause of their organization and they pledged themselves to sustain the legal tribunals in all efforts to punish the guilty and maintain order and tranquility. Their subsequent acts, as we shall see, but ill comported with these laudable professions, and from their conduct we justly infer that the prime object of their organization was to protect the parties who intended to murder Jackson, they called themselves Moderators. It was not long after the determination was formed to take the life of Jackson until an opportunity offered for its consummation. Having some business in Logansport on the Louisiana side of the Sabine River, Jackson set out for that place accompanied by a simple minded unoffending Dutchman named Lour, who had resided in Shelbyville for some years engaged in retailing family groceries, The majority of those accompanying the moderating party resided in the northern part of the county, near the former residence of Strickland and the McFaddens, and through this neighborhood Jackson was compelled to pass in order to reach his destination. He reached Logansport in safety but on his return he was ambushed by the two McFaddens already named, and a younger brother, a mere boy some fourteen gears of age, Tiger Jim, Henry G. Strickland, Boatright, Bledsoe and Humphreys ---- the latter of whom, the reader will recollect, had previously been lynched by the Jackson company. They had secreted themselves near the road in a dense thicket of undergrowth, and as Jackson and Lour passed they fired upon them simultaneously, literally filling their bodies with buckshot. Jackson fell without a struggle but Lour survived about twenty four hours. The killing of Lour was accidental and the murderers reckless as they were regretted it exceedingly. He was riding by the side of Jackson and directly in range of the guns but the assailants were too intent upon making good use of this opportunity to rid themselves of Jackson to pay much regard to the position of his harmless companion. His death engendered a spirit of indignation in the breasts of many of the best citizens of the county, and induced them to take sides with the Regulators. Jackson had but few friends and they were not such as to be affected by his death. The murderers, after conveying Lour to the nearest house fled to Merchant's company for protection. But it was soon ascertained that the public was so much incensed that it would be extremely hazardous for them to remain in the country and they therefore took their departure, guided beyond the point of danger by the Moderators, a party of whom were detached for that purpose. Merchant's company now disbanded and returned to their homes, satisfied with having avenged the death of Goodbread and the burning of the houses. But they were not destined long to remain quiet. By the death of Jackson the Regulators were left without a commander, and for a short time they ceased to exist as an organization. They soon found however, that they had the popular sympathies, and called a meeting of the friends of the cause, which resulted in a large accession to their numbers, and the election of Charles W. (or as he was familiarly called Watt) Moorman as Colonel or commander in chief of their forces. As Moorman continued in command of the Regulators until they were finally overawed and dispersed by the government, it may be amiss to give some description of him before proceeding further. And it is to be regretted that we are not in possession of more ample materials for this purpose. He was born in the State of Mississippi in the year 1815. His father was a planter in moderate circumstances and occupied a respectable situation in society. Watt received such education as could be acquired in the country school between the ages of seven and fifteen. He already evinced that recklessness of disposition which characterized his future conduct, and was looked upon by the sedate portion of the community with an evil eye. Every piece of mischief perpetrated in the neighborhood was brought home to his door, and charged to his account. As he approached manhood he found the country did not afford him sufficient field for the exercise of his virtues and ripening talents, and procuring a situation as clerk in a small dry-goods establishment in the county town, he bade adieu to the paternal mansion, resolved to battle single handed with the fickle goddess of fortune. For a time he found pleasure in the novelty of the situation but soon became as conspicuous for his live of mischief as he had been at home, and the acknowledged leader of a set of scamps who were the terror of the town. He plunged into almost every variety of dissipation and as he generally had to pay dearly for his fun soon found himself unable to procure money to meet the various demands upon his purse. in this extremity he was beset by temptation and unhappily for himself, his evil genius triumphed over his prudence, and he yielded himself a victim to the delusion which always beclouds the intellect of a man, who for the first time resolves upon the perpetration of a crime, viz; the conviction that he will escape detection. He forged a draft for two hundred and fifty dollars upon which he drew the money. In a few days the fraud was discovered and he was compelled to fly his native state. He bent his steps towards Texas and upon his arrival took up his abode in Shelbyville. His personal appearance was rather prepossessing, and would have been decidedly so had it not been for the lurking devil in his eye and an habitual and malicious contradiction of the eyebrows. Perhaps the most noble feature about his face was his eyes --- black and piercing, they shifted continually from one object to another, indicative of the restless character of tier owner, but when once they became fixed upon a man in anger he must have a stout heart not to quail before their baneful glances. In stature he was about six feet, well proportioned though spare, and of rare muscular power. He usually wore a half military coat and always carried belted his person a brace of pistols and a bowie knife; and when thus equipped appeared to be the leader of any enterprise requiring for its execution desperate valor and invincible determination. In the reorganization of the Regulators, and the election of Mooreman to the chief command, a council was had which resulted in the determination to pursue the murderers of Jackson and Lour. A picked company of ten or twelve men was detached for this service, led by Col. Mooreman in person. At a crossing on the Trinity River they overtook a portion of the refugees, where ensued a most bloody and tragical encounter. The two McFaddens and their brother the youth before spoken of, were captured. Bledsoe refused to surrender and was killed, but not before he had left his mark on more than one of the assailants. The party now returned with their prisoners to Shelbyville, where a mass meeting was called, at which by a majority, they were condemned to death and sentenced to be hung. The two elder McFaddens were hung on the same tree about a mile to the east of the town. The younger one, on account of his tender age, and in consideration of disclosing the names of all engaged in the killing of Jackson and Lour, was pardoned. Just before being executed the two McFaddens stated that they deeply regretted the death of Lour; that he was killed by accident without any malicious intent whatever but that so far as Jackson was concerned they had no excuses to offer. They exulted in having been the means to rid mankind of so inhuman a monster; that he had treated them with the grossest injustice and most diabolical cruelty, that he had burned their houses, despoiled them of what little property they possessed, maltreated their wives, turned them out with their innocent little ones to endure the inclemencies of the season without a shelter or a place to lay their heads. All this he had done and much more and yet the law and its functionaries had been unable to afford them protection or assistance, and they felt themselves justified in the sight of God and all unprejudiced men, in having taken his life as a common enemy of his race. They had been bad men, they said, but were not afraid to die --- they believed that justice would finally prevail, and that the vengeance of God would at last overtake the guilty. After the enactment of the tragedy the Regulators made a long and thorough, but unsuccessful effort to discover and arrest the remainder of the party. the Moderators in the meantime remained quiet. the execution of the McFaddens produced no revulsion of public sentiment in their favor. they were looked upon as bad men, and as being of no great loss to the country or society. A chosen set of the Regulators under Moorman still continued to prowl about the country for the purpose of maintaining order. Ascertaining by some means that Boatright was at work in De Soto parish in Louisiana, on the plantation of a Mr. Ferguson, thither Moorman and some half a dozen of his men repaired. They found him in the field picking cotton to procure him clothing, having lost his shoes and hat in his recent flight. They arrested him and conveyed him to the Texas side of the Sabine river. Here it was determined to shoot him, but as they had not the hardihood to do so in cold blood, without some sort of pretext, they adopted the following; among Moorman's followers was one Charles L. Mann, who had procured by some means or another license to practice law, which in those days was not very difficult matter. The profession perhaps was never disgraced by a more dastardly and worthless member. An opportunity being afforded him to converse with Boatright, he professed to be secretly his friend, and proposed to assist him in effecting his escape. After some little time had elapsed Mann asked permission of the Colonel to speak with the prisoner in private for a few moments, which was granted. He took his gun, and asking Boatright to accompany him, walked off in the direction of the cane brake. Before getting out of range of his companion's guns he told the prisoner to run. But he no sooner started than Mann lodged a load of buck shot in his back, and his example being followed by the rest of the party, the unhappy man fell to the earth a mangled corpse. This murder was committed in Shelby county near Watson's old ferry. After order was restored Col. Moorman was indicted for this offense, but proved it was in panola county the killing had taken place and the indictment having been found in Shelby was consequently quashed and the ends of justice they defeated, as is even now too frequently the case. The fate of Humphreys is uncertain. It was currently reported about that time that the Regulators had caught and hanged him. Some said he had made good his escape, but it is most probable that he met the same end as his companions and friends. CHAPTER EIGHT The reader may inquire if no effort was made upon the part of the civil authorities to regress these repeated acts of lawless violence and to bring the offenders to punishment, We have before explained that they were utterly unable to do so, and an effort to do so at this time would have only served to bring down upon the head of the luckless individual who attempted it, the most bitter persecutions of the regulators. Moorman's company now had largely the ascendancy in the county and owing to this fact controlled public affairs in their own way. There was always a self sufficient number of them on every grand jury empaneled in the county to control its action. Hence no bill could be returned against a Regulator. Matters had come to such a crisis that men were compelled in self defense, to unite with one party or the other, and such as refused to join the Regulators were classed by them as Moderators, upon the principle that "those who are not for us are against us". Many desired to stand aloof from all connection with either and a few persisted in so doing, but they were in constant danger of losing life and property. A large number of worthless scamps, who had nothing to lose, and who were willing to do almost any act of villainy or blood, so they were protected, joined the Regulators as affording them employment and protection. Strange as it may appear, these vampires were sustained by the better portion of the company, so blinded were they by prejudice and passion. No matter with what crime a man was charged if he belonged to the company, he was protected. Moorman kept possession of Shelbyville with a portion of his command, and always under arms. If a Moderator, that is one who did not belong to the Regulators, had business in the county seat, he found it hazardous in the extreme there to attend to it. He was compelled to put up with any indignity or insult which might be offered him however gross or humiliating, or suffer the unpleasant alternative of being caned, shot down in the street or cut to pieces. Numbers of unoffending men were horse whipped or otherwise sorely abused for no other reason than that they had ventured to visit the town without permission. On one occasion Moorman came very near losing his life for an act of this kind. There was a young man in Shelby County, a native of Pennsylvania, teaching a neighborhood school. He had been reared in an orderly, law-abiding and Christian community, and was therefore by education, as well as naturally, opposed to the acts of violence, constantly being perpetrated in the country. He belonged to neither faction, but expressed openly his entire and hearty disapproval of their acts, it appears also that he made remarks directly reflecting upon the character and conduct of the Regulator's chief, which had been communicated to Moorman. From that moment he became a marked man, and the Colonel only waited for an opportunity to obtain satisfaction. Soon after making these remarks, having some business in Shelbyville young Burrows, the teacher, visited the town for the purpose of dispatching it. While there he was met by Moorman, who as usual, was surrounded by a number of his men armed to the teeth. With a cane in one hand and a bowie knife in the other Moorman approached him and inflicted upon his person a most severe chastisement, telling him at the same time that if he resisted his throat would be cut on the spot from ear to ear. Being alone and perceiving no chance of successful resistance, Burrows concluded the best plan was to submit with as good grace as possible. But he was not one of those to forget or forgive an insult of that character. knowing that Moorman would not engage in honorable combat with him, and that in a street fight he would be killed, he determined to obtain satisfaction in another manner, more in keeping with the conduct of his enemy, or as the vulgar phrase goes, fight the devil with fire. Procuring two friends to accompany him all armed, he laid wait on a road he knew the Colonel was compelled to pass alone, having contrary to i;is custom, visited the country without being accompanied by any of his followers. When he ;lad gotten opposite where they were concealed Burrows took deliberate aim and fired. Fortunately for Moorman he was at t2=at time passing behind a large tree, which grew in The middle of the road, and which secured the entire load except one shot which took effect in the fleshy part of his leg inflicting a painful, but not a dangerous wound. he plunged his spurs into his horses side as the report broke on his ear and dashed off at full speed, thereby escaping the shots of the other two guns, both of which were sent whistling after him as he fled. Our hero entered Shelbyville roaring and frothing like a mad bull, cursing all moderators individually and collectively as a set of cowards and scoundrels who were afraid to meet a man in open fight, but who laid in ambush to shoot men in the back. He had perhaps forgotten that he had done the same thing on more than one occasion, This occurrence aroused the indignation of the whole regulating party, which now numbered more than half the citizens of the court, although but about one hundred men were actually enrolled as members of Col. Moorman's company. Out of this number about fifteen or twenty were kept constantly under arms, and these the chief kept as a body guard and for emergencies. Moorman was very popular with the entire party and his word was regarded as law binding upon all. His influence under these circumstances was of course very great so much so that what ever he desired was usually done, however rash or unjust. He was superior to the law and usually managed by one means or another to control the actions of the judicial tribunals of the county. About this time of which we are now writing 1842, it as expected that at the spring term of the district court all those concerned in the hanging of the McFaddens would be presented to the grand jury. for indictment. Moorman and his party wished the court broken up, concluded to frighten the judge, W.B. Ochiltree, off the bench. court had met on Monday, the grand jury had been impaneled and sworn and adjourned until the next morning. On the arrival of the judge he found a small piece of artillery mounted on cart wheels pointed at the court house, and a match lying close by. This had been placed there by order of Moorman to intimidate the judge and cause him to abandon the idea of holding court. But it failed of its desired effect. Ochiltree was not so easily frightened. He was a bold man, and a good judge of human nature, and instead of running off as they had expected, he calmly ascended the bench, laid his pistols before him, and ordered the sheriff to remove that cannon and arrest anyone who should resist authority . This was what they had not anticipated and it took them by surprise. The cannon was removed and the court proceeded. The District Attorney, the Hon. Royal T. Wheeler, now one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Texas, presented the grand jury a list of a dozen or more of those, who had been principal actors in the execution of the McFaddens, but it was soon discovered that a majority of grand jury either had been or pretended to have been participants in the matter and therefore being incompetent to sit, therefore left the jury without a quorum, and no true bills were returned. There is an anecdote related of Judge Ochiltree's first appearance at the bar in Texas, which, as it is eminently illustrative of the times I hope he will pardon me the liberty of publishing. In one of the southern counties of the Republic a fellow was indicted for stealing a pistol, and when the case was called for trial it was ascertained that he had no counsel employed, nor means to pay a fee. Under these circumstances, as is the custom, the court told him he would appoint an attorney to conduct his defense, and asked him if there was any particular member of the bar present he would prefer should be assigned for the purpose. The eyes of the prisoner wandered over the group of lawyers for a moment until they rested upon the benevolent face of Ochiltree. "I would prefer that gentleman", said the prisoner, pointing the court where he sat. "Very well", said the court, "if Mr. Ochiltree has no objections I will appoint him to conduct your defense". After a brief consultation between the prisoner and his counsel, in which he assured the judge of his innocence of the charge, the case proceeded. The prosecution relied entirely upon circumstantial evidence, but the facts were so connected and dovetailed together that when the testimony was completed there was little room to doubt that the prisoner was guilty, The defense offered no testimony. After the prosecuting attorney had concluded his opening speech Judge Ochiltree rose to reply. He proceeded at once to the discussion of the evidence, read and referred to various authorities, showing the uncertainty and unreliability of circumstantial testimony and concluded by informing the jury that the court would charge that if there was a reasonable doubt of the guilt of the accused they were bound to acquit him. When he sat down it was evident that his argument had been productive of the desired results. The jury scarcely listened to the conclusion for the prosecution and almost immediately returned a verdict of not guilty. The prisoner was now discharged but did not leave the court house. It appeared from his his peculiar deportment that he had something on his mind that troubled him, or that he was not quite satisfied with what had been done. Finally walking up to Ochiltree and tapping him on the shoulder, he motioned to him to follow and strode out of the room. He never paused until he reached a dense thicket at the rear of the town where they were completely concealed from observation, when turning suddenly to the judge he observed with evident emotion: - "Lawyer, you are a good man. Now I want to pay you but I have no money. All I have in the world to offer you, is this pistol", at the same time inserting his hand in his boor-leg and drawing forth the identical weapon for stealing which he had been put on trial. It is needless to add that the Judge refused the proffered fee, but the many hearty laughs he has had over the incident have more than compensated him for his labors in behalf of "injured innocence". CHAPTER NINE Moorman had for some time been paying his addresses to a Miss Daggett, the daughter of a respectable farmer in moderate circumstances, who resided in Shelby county. She was a young lady universally esteemed, handsome, sprightly, and of strong but wayward passions. her father sided with the Regulators and she became infected with the general excitement which prevailed throughout the country, and took a deep interest in the tragic and thrilling events then transpiring. Being withall of a romantic disposition, she looked upon Moorman as a brave and chivalrous gentleman. thrown almost daily into his society, and exposed to his artful and insinuating attacks upon her affections, she soon yielded the fortress of her heart at discretion, and became the wife of the Regulator Chief. Her father, as well as many other good men, was blinded by prejudice in-so-much that they did not regard the lawless acts of Moorman in their true light, but looked upon him as a public benefactor whose motives were pure and patriotic, and as one whose services at this important crisis could not be dispensed with. Under these circumstances he did not hesitate give his consent to the celebration of the marriage. For a short time all was well. While the novelty of his new situation had sufficient charm to beguile him, he treated her with kindness. but when he did return it was only to heap upon he the most heartless abuse. She remonstrated with him but in vain. Her entreaties were received with contemptuous sneer, or answered with an insult and abuse. I n her eyes he now stood stripped of the romance, with which in her simplicity and enthusiasm she had once invested him. The moral deformity of his character was now revealed to her, and she could not choose but acknowledge it. Yet with strange and unaccountable pertinacity, she still clung to the shattered and broken remains of the idol she had once worshipped. She had undertaken her life voyage in a frail bark, and it was now a wreck driven to and fro upon the troubled waters of time, but she had rather perish than desert it. Will some one read for us that strange enigma of a woman's heart? Moorman, having realized the impetuosity of her fiery temperament and ungovernable disposition, and forseeing that the present state of affairs might terminate in a crisis he was by no means desirous to bring about. Wisely determined to force and immediate separation. When he communicated to her his intentions she opposed it with tears and entreaties. She was willing to suffer neglect coldness, nay even abuse so that she was near him. But he was inexorable. She returned to her father's where she continued to reside, but as we shall hereafter see she did not overcome her passion for Moorman or cease to take an active interest in the cause of the Regulators, Sometime previous to Moorman's marriage a rather humiliating incident occurred to our old acquaintance, Chas. L. Mann, Esq.. One of the cardinal laws of the Regulators was that the spoils of war, that is, the effects taken from those who might be killed or banished from the country should be divided equally among the captors. It appears that the company had hung some person near Logansport on the Texas side of the river, (perhaps Humpreys was the unfortunate individual) and that the victim, whoever he was, laid on at the time of the execution, a good coat, which Charley managed to get possession of under a promise to pay its value into the treasury. Weeks rolled away, yet Charley failed to redeem his promise. Money was scarce; indeed there was very little in the country. Moreover if there had been the greatest abundance it would not, in all probability have had any beneficial influence upon the dilapidated state of his exchequer. He had no means by which to acquire a single dollar. Now it chanced upon some occasion that Charley and the Colonel met at the residence of a corpulent person not far distant from Shelbyville. Several ladies were present but the colonel was in an exceedingly bad humor, and without regarding their presence or the tender sensibilities of the young gentleman, he abruptly demanded that he should pay the value of the coat forthwith, or divest himself of it on the spot. Charley offered many plausible excuses for having delayed the matter thus long and promised faithfully to pay it in a few days. But the colonel was not satisfied and peremptorily demanded the coat, and Charley as peremptoritly refused to give it up. Moorman was a man who on an occasion like the present never wasted words, but had recourse to more effective arguments. He generally carried a large Bois d'arc walking stick for the benefit of the Moderators, but he now used it so effectively on his young friend that he was soon willing to comply with the demand of his commanding officer. Charley was greatly incensed at the treatment he had received, and lustily swore to be avenged of the indignity. This, however, he took the caution not to do in Moorman's presence. In order to shield himself from the inclemency of the weather he was compelled to borrow a coat from the old parson, who as we have before observed, was one of those fat men who, Fallstaff like, "lard the earth as they walk along". Wrapped in the ample folds of this coat of ancient cut, he took his departure, bidding adieu' to the ladies with a gesture of burlesque dignity. to add to his mortification the company indulged in an irrepressible of merriment at his grotesque and ludicrous appearance. For some time after this occurrence Mann threatened continually to join the Moderators, but to this Moorman gave very little heed, for he knew well that he could not do it. He had received previous to these difficulties a number of claims for collection, which he applied to his own use, and a motion had already been filed against him in the District Court. As long as the existing state of affairs continued, and courts could not be held, he was safe and it was therefore his interest to aid and assist the Regulators. Moorman's greatest ambition seemed centered in a a general desire to render himself conspicuous, and as he had not the manliness and virtue necessary to rise to distinction by legitimate means, he lost no opportunity to gain the reputation of a desperado. In these endeavors he always took the precaution to place himself in the attitude of safety. In addition to bullying harmless and inoffensive men, he was in the habit of playing all sorts of tricks upon the professors of religion, and particularly upon Methodist ministers. Not that he harbored any particular ill will against them, but because they were more numerous than any other denomination, He would put himself to any amount of trouble to meet with one along on the road, and when he happened to do so he would, bowie knife in hand, cause the preacher to cut such antics as would completely shock any man's idea of pulpit dignity. When completely satisfied of the parson's agility he would conclude by informing him that he was in the presence of the celebrated Regulator chief, Watt Moorman. On one occasion meeting with a worthy and pious diving, he engaged him in conversation of the subject of religion; expressed himself deeply concerned as to a future state; and finally proposed that they should retire into the woods a short distance from the road, where without fear of interruption they might engage in prayer. The minister, delighted with the prospect of being the means of converting a wicked man from his sinful ways, and adding a member to his scanty flock gladly assented and they accordingly retired. Kneeling down by the side of a fallen tree the minister offered up a a most devout petition that the Lord would send down his converting power and change and purify the heart of this poor, unfortunate sinner. He then arose, conversed with Moorman a short time sang a solemn and affecting hymn and they again knelt in prayer, at the conclusion of which Moorman declared that he was a changed man, and gave vent to his feelings in tears, and shouts and acclamations of joy. The man of God was completely happy, and as tears of joy and gratitude rolled down his withered and sun browned cheeks, Moorman drawing his knife, suddenly turned upon him and demanded to know what sect he belonged to. The minister assured him that he was a Methodist. "Did you ever hear of the dancing Methodist?" said Moorman. "Never", was the reply. "Well", continued he, "I am one of them, and as you have converted me to your faith, I'll now convert you to mine." Depositing his knife within reach he commenced pattin "juber", in which he was as skilled as a plantation negro, and commanded the preacher to dance. the good man expostulated and entreated but to no purpose. Moorman would not listen to him. He must dance or lose his scalp, not a very pleasant alternative . Believing that he was in the presence of a maniac, and that he was in danger of losing his life if he refused to comply, he set to work in good earnest. The heavy drops of perspiration rolled down the old man's cheeks which but a short time previous had been wet with tears of happiness. His gray hair fluttered in the wind, yet he feared to stop. W hen almost out of breath and ready to faint from exhaustion, Moorman commanded him to cease and inquired if he had ever seen or heard of Watt Moorman. The old man replied that he had heard of him but had never seen him. "Then" said Moorman, "You may congratulate yourself upon having made his acquaintance, and for fear that I may forget you I'll trouble you for a portion of the skirt of your coat for a keepsake". He then told him he was at liberty to depart, of which permission the worthy divine gladly availed himself, happy to escape so easily from the clutches of the celebrated desperado. this exploit Moorman communicated to his friends, and it was by them duly heralded throughout the country as an evidence of the bravery (?) of their chief. CHAPTER TEN After the hanging of the McFaddens and the events arising from that affair had transpired, but little was done for some time by the Regulators. With the exception of caning an occasional Moderator who ventured into the precincts of the company, nothing occurred worthy of record. But it was impossible that in a community made up of such discordant materials quiet and good order could long prevail. Another murder was soon committed, which in its turn led to a series of most lawless and inhuman acts. A difficulty occurred between two Regulators, Henry Runnells and Samuel N. Hall. Runnells accused Hall of stealing his hogs, Which was of course indignantly denied. They armed themselves to the teeth, but being men of prudence, did not seek very earnestly to bring about a meeting. While thus at dagger's points a worthless fellow by the name of Stanfield took his residence with Runnells, and warmly espoused his cause (most likely from motives of interest). On one occasion Stanfield, being in Shelbyville, met with Hall and infuriated by repeated potations accused him of having stolen Runnells' hogs. Hall denied the charge and told him that it was a matter which did not concern him, and that he supposed that Runnells was able to do his own fighting Without further provocation Stanfield drew a pistol and shot him down in his own tracks. He immediately mounted a horse which stood hard by and made his escape. The sheriff procured writ as soon as possible and started in pursuit. This was not Sheriff George, of whom we have previously spoken, but his successor in office, who now resides in Hopkins county Texas. They pursued him as far as the Sabine river, where they learned that he had left his horse on account of the high stage of the water, the bottoms on either side being entirely inundated, and that he had prevailed on a gentleman who had a skiff to set him some distance below the road. Upon finding this gentleman he stated that it was late in the evening when he had undertaken to cross him over, and that after he had passed the main channel of the river he discovered that night would inevitably overtake him before he could make the opposite shore, a distance of more than a mile, and he had therefore proposed to Stanfield to return. To this, however, he objected saying that his business was of a most urgent character, and that he could make his way to the shore by alternate wading and swimming. The The ferryman warned him of the folly and danger of such an undertaking, but finally complied with his request and returned home. The sheriff was well satisfied that Stanfield would be unable to reach the opposite side of the river before morning, if then, and reserving a portion of his men to remain with him he dispatched the remainder with instructions to cross at Logansport some distance below and guard the road where he must necessarily emerge from the swamp. This party reached their point of destination long before daybreak next morning, where they remained nearly the whole day without hearing anything from the object of their pursuit. Late in the evening, however, someone was heard shouting in the swamp, and calling lustily for assistance. [NOTE TO RESEARCHERS: "swamp" was often used to describe the swirling waters of a river in those times - as in "swamp the boat" - as opposed to the description of standing, brackish water more often used in more modern times]. But having no boat they could not reach him and were forced to await the issue in silence. The shouting was also heard by the sheriff and his party, who immediately manned a skiff and pushed out on a voyage of discovery,. After making their way as best they could for about two miles through trees and brush, they found Stanfield ensconsed in the forks of a tree. He had lost his hat and shoes and his clothes were completely drenched with muddy water. His teeth chattered and his whole frame shook as though suffering a severe ague; altogether he presented a most miserable and forlorn appearance. He afterwards declared that the ghost of the man he had murdered had been his constant companion through the whole of that long dark night; that he could see it distinctly amid the gloom flitting about on the surface of the mad waters, and occasionally taking its seat close by him on limb or log. It even went so far once or twice, he said, as to lay its cold, icy hand on his shoulder and commenced chattering at him in a familiar manner. It was said by those that found him that he looked twenty years older than he did the day bfore. There is no torture so agonizing, nothing so withering and blasting in its effects as a guilty concience. The place where he was found was half a mile or more from the island where he had been left by the ferrymam. He had made his way thus far, he stated by wadinng and swimming alternately until so benumbed and exhausted he could proceed no further, and had taken refuge in the fork of a tree and remained there during the night. he was conveyed back to Shelbyville and taken before the examining court and committed to jail to await his trial. Previous to the meeting of the District Court, however, he effected his escape by filing his irons and ingeniously forcing the lock of the door. A few months after his escape, Joseph Hall, a brother of the deceased, learning that Stanfield was in MIssissippi, started in pursuit of him, in company with a young man named Dial. Upon their arrival in that state they learned that he was again on the wing and had been last heard from in Arkansas. Thither accordingly they repaired. When they reached the neighborhood of his temporary domicile, they assumed disguises and watched his movements until they found him alone on the road and a considerable distance from any habitation, when they rushed upon him and secured him. They rode all that night, one of them leading Stanfields' horse, and the other riding in the rear so as to prevent his his escape. they were all well mounted, the prisoner riding a fine gray horse which he had doubtless stolen on his journey, as he had no means to purchase one. By sunrise the next morning they had traveled about fifty miles. They then returned with their prisoner into a dense thicket about a mile from the road, where they spent the day. Dial was dispatched to a house they had passed on the road to procure some provisions; representing himself as an emigrant who had a sick family a few miles ahead, he supplied himself and returned. After partaking of some refreshments Hall called Dial aside and proposed to shoot the prisoner, but to this the latter strongly objected and finally prevailed on Hall to give up any such intentions for a time at least. When night set in the party mounted their horses and again took the line of march. By daylight they had crossed the line dividing the Cherokee nation and the state of Arkansas. A short time before day broke they left the road in one of the long stretches between the indian settlements and wound their way down a deep dark ravine, overhung by huge precipices of rock and dense masses of timber. When they had proceeded about a mile they halted, and assisted Stanfield, who was pinioned, to dismount. He supposed they had sought this gloomy place to pass the day in security, as they had done the day before. But he was soon undecieved and made aware that his earthly existence was about to terminate. Throwing himself on his knees before them with tearful eyes and accents hoarse with despair and anguish, he besought them to spare his life. He was willing return with them, he said, and die by the hand of the law, "but do not take my life and leave me here" he continued, "in this dark and gloomy spot, to become food for wild beasts." Hall replied that he was the avenger of the innocent blood of his brother, that Stanfield had taken his life in cold blood, without any cause or provocation and was condemned in the sight of God and man. That his conduct merited the punishment of death and he must die. Stanfield was now unpinioned, a halter fastened round his neck, and again ordered to mount his horse. A rope was then made fast to the outstretched branch of a tree the horse driven from under him, and in another moment he swung there in the obscurity of that lonely glen, a corpse. And there he continued to hang until his flesh and bones dropped piece by piece to the earth and reunited with the parent element. The executioners remained a sufficient time to ascertain that the life of their victim was extinct, then took Stanfield's saddle and bound it securely to his person and in this situation left him and pursued their journey. This occurrence did not transpire until after the murder of Henry Runnells, who was mentioned in the beginning of the chapter, and of which we shall hereafter give an account. Hall an Dial returned home by way of Fulton and Claksville, bringing with them Stanfield's horse. they denied having seen him, but stated that after the most diligent search they had abandoned the idea of finding him, and given up the pursuit. Stanfield met the just reward of his misdeeds, and although the manner of his death was not sanctioned by human law, poerhaps it was justified by the law of nature which exacts blood for blood. He was a widower and left several children in Shelby county dependant upon the charity of the public. they are pehaps to this day ignorant of his fate. CHAPTER ELEVEN After the escape of Stanfield from jail and previous to his having been pursued and hung as related in the preceding chapter, by Hall and Dial, the brothers of Samuel W. Hall (the individual murdered by Stanfield believing that Henry Runnells was accessory to the murder, or in other words that he had hired the killing done, employed two men, Wickliffe and Jamison, who came from no-one-knew-where, to assassinate him in return. These worthies accordingly repaired to the neighborhood in which Runnells resided, stating as an excuse for loitering about, that they were in search of stolen horses. Neither of them had ever seen their intended victim, and in order to make his acquaintance and be sure of their man they made it convenient to stop at his house on one occasion and spend the night. While there they gave him a description of the horses of which they were in search, and requested him to keep a lookout for them which he promised to do. Not dreaming that they had any evil design upon him, he entered freely into conversation with them, in the course of which he casually mentioned that he would go to Shreveport in a few days with a load of cotton. Possessed of this information which just suited their cowardly and malicious plans they quietly waited until the day on which he was to start. They then Crossed the Sabine and awaited his arrival. From their place of concealment they saw him pass with his wagons, and taking the road they followed him until nightfall. Runnells camped for the night about eight miles from the river near the residence of a Mr. Frank. After feeding his horses he seated himself at the root of a tree while the servant was busy preparing the evening repast. He had not long been thus seated when his two (as he supposed) friends rode up to the camp, and asked for water. After passing the usual compliments he asked them if they had found their horse to which they replied in the negative. Wickliffe then turned to ride off while Jamison raised his double-barreled shot-gun, and it discharged the contents of the two barrels into the breast of Runnells, who expired without a groan or gesture. The murderers immediately fled. There is not perhaps in the annals of crime a more vile and dastardly act recorded than this. The murderers received between them five hundred dollars, and for this vile and contemptible pittance they took the life of a man, against whom they could have had no enmity whatever., and whose hospitality they had enjoyed on the only occasion they had seen him. It is not to be wondered at in those days "Texas" became a by-word and a reproach. A moral pestilence brooded over the land, with which all were more less affected who came within range of its influence. Vice stalked abroad flaunting her robes in the broad light of open day, and instead of attempting to conceal their wickedness, men made boast of their ingenuity, and sought to emulate the basest and most degraded of the species in deeds of atrocious villainy. There was no security for life or property when a man could be hired for a few dollars to commit the most foul and inhuman acts that ever disgraced the catalogue of crime. Happily for the country and the inhabitants a brighter order of things was soon established, and a brighter day dawned upon the unfortunate citizens of the Republic. But it required long years to efface the effects produced by such scenes as we have been endeavoring to describe. The intelligence of the murder of Runnells was soon communicated to the Regulators at Shelbyville by his servant who had recognized the perpetrators of as the men who had spent the night at his master's a short time previous, and thus they were discovered. Moorman and some fifteen others were in pursuit of them. Having learned by some means that they were in the Grande Cane neighborhood in the state of Louisiana, but near the line, they directed their course to this point, and upon their arrival they learned that hey were both stopping a a private residence near by. That night they surrounded the house and succeeded in capturing Jamison. Wickliffe happened to be at the stable, discovered the party and succeeded in making his escape. The Regulators now divided into three parties, one of which conducted Jamison to Shelbyville one started in pursuit of Wickliffe, and the other crossed the Sabine to watch the landing on the other side, and for this purpose proceeded as far down as Hamilton, a small village on the west bank of the river. They arrived at that place early in the morning, and while waiting for breakfast, Wickliffe arrived on the opposite bank of the river where the ferryman resided -- who was entirely ignorant of the occurrences of the past few days. Wickliffe, who shrewdly suspected that the Regulators might be waiting for him at Hamilton, requested to be landed, at a bluff some short distance above the town. As the distance to that point was considerably less the ferryman readily complied with his request, but being endowed with the usual share of curiosity common to his class, enquired why he wished to be landed at the place in preference to the Hamilton landing. "D--n Hamilton", replied Wickliffe, " I never did like that place and don't care to pass through it.". Upon reaching the shore he made his way up the river for some distance, then striking through the woods finally reached the residence of John M. Bradley, one of his friends, where he felt somewhat secure. The party of Regulators were thus foiled by the cunning precaution of Wickliffe, and after a day or two of watching they concluded he would not attempt to cross at that point, and returned to Shelbyville. Bradley, who was or had been an enemy of Runnells, furnished Wickliffe with a horse and assisted him to make his escape to Western Texas. But Jamison was not destined to meet with such good luck. He might as well have attempted to sever bars of steel with a broom straw as to have escaped the lynx-eyed vigilance of the Regulators. As soon as the straggling parties had come in Jamison was put upon trial. He was told that if he would make a full confession of his guilt, and disclose the names of all those accessory to the murder of Runnells, his life would be spared. He was, of course, glad to avail himself of anything that promised to relieve him from his present dangerous situation, and made a full confession as requested, All the brothers of Hall, who had been murdered as before stated, together with Bradley, were implicated by the confession. They had offered Wickliffe and Jamison five hundred dollars to murder Runnells. Several other citizens had also engaged their services for a similar purpose, but they had not had an opportunity to carry the engagements into execution. After the confession Jamison was searched and about twenty five dollars in silver found upon his person. This Moorman divided among the the members of his company as part of the spoils. The vote of the company was then taken as to what disposition should be made of the prisoner, which resulted in a a unanimous decision to hang him, notwithstanding his life had been promised him on condition that he should make a full confession. A gallows was accordingly erected in the public square of Shelbyville not more than fifty feet from the court house, on which the guilty but unfortunate Jamison was hung, in obedience to the decree of the regulating tribunal. While on the scaffold he gave David Winburn, who officiated as hangman, a fine gold ring with the request that it be sent to a young lady in Mississippi, whom he named, but it is doubtful it ever reached her. He also gave Parson B--- his horse with directions to sell it and have him decently buried. But the worthy divine, being a man who had an eye to speculation, hired a negro to dig a shallow grave, for which he gave the boots of the deceased and buried him in a pine box without even removing the clothes in which he was hung, or wrapping him in a shroud. If Parson B--- should ever get to heaven he will doubtless be greatly surprised at the happening of such a singular and unlooked for event. After the hanging of Jamison Moorman called together all his company and it was solemnly resolved that the gallows upon which he had been executed should remain standing until every man implicated in the event had been caught and hung thereon. A party was dispatched to the residence of Joseph Hall with instructions to take him prisoner and bring him to town. They surrounded his home and he gave himself up without resistance. His wife, who suspected that her husband was about to be hung, followed him to town. It was fortunate for him that she did so. When they reached Shelbyville everything was in readiness for his immediate execution, a trial being unnecessary as his death had already been agreed upon as one of those implicated by Jamison. When Hall's wife became aware of their intentions, she pleaded for his life with all the earnestness and power, which a woman under such circumstances knows so well how to use, and which they alone can use effectively. To the honor of the Regulators be it spoken that there were some among them not entirely hardened, and who still remembered the lessons taught them upon their mother's knee in early years. To such the tears and supplications of Mrs. Hall were addressed and not without effect. A man might have entreated them in vain for mercy but they were not prepared to murder a woman's husband while she stood by to intercede for his release. Moorman reluctantly consented to spare the prisoner upon the representation of many of his followers, and Hall was taken before a Justice of the Peace and bound over to appear at the next District Court to answer the charge against him, and set at liberty. Soon after this Hall started in company with Dial, as before stated in pursuit of Stanfield. CHAPTER TWELVE We omitted to mention that in the confession made by Jamison he implicated Dr. Todd by stating that he agreed to give himself and Wickliffe five hundred dollars to murder Col. Myrick. Jamison also stated that they attempted to take Myrick's life, who was then running a steamboat on the Sabine river, by lying in wait of the bank of the river, but that when the boat passed by they did not see him on board. The course recently pursued by the Regulators tended to arouse the indignation of the quiet and order loving portion of the community. The hanging of Jamison on the public square , and in a few feet of the court house, appeared an intentional insult to the laws of the land, which the Regulators had set out to uphold. the patriotism of many, ho had been quiet spectators of the many scenes of lawless violence was now aroused, and although for the time being smothered by the dictates of prudence, was not without a beneficial influence in curbing the ferocity of Moorman and his more reckless associates. Yet to all appearances, nothing daunted by the frown of the better portion of the community, the Regulators still continued to prowl about the country in search of the remainder of those implicated by Jamison. Joseph had escaped punishment through the influence of his wife, and they now determined to glut their vengeance upon the others. The release of one served to increase their desire to secure the rest, as the ferocity of the lion is stimulated by the smell of blood. They determined to capture Amos Hall, Dr. Todd and John M. Bradley, but these parties knowing their intentions, had fortified themselves at Bradley's house. They supplied themselves liberally with guns, ammunition, provisions, etc. so as to be able to stand a siege if necessary. Here they intended to defend themselves to the last extremity, and to die rather than to fall into the hands of their ruffian and bloodthirsty mob. The Regulators knew them to be brave and resolute men and therefore did not dare to attack them in their stronghold, but skulked around the neighborhood in hopes to surprise them at some time when they were not prepared. But in this they were disappointed. They besieged were to wary to be caught in such a a gossamer trap. It will be recollected by the reader that Dr. Todd was not charged with being accessory to the murder of Runnells, but only charged with having offered himself and companion five hundred dollars to kill Col. Myrick. Now this part of Jamison's story was not believed by any save the Regulators, and not by all of them. Todd was known to be brave and to have no enmity toward Myrick. Every one who knew Todd was well satisfied that if he wanted to kill a man, he was daring enough to do it by himself. Even Myrick and his friends place no confidence in the story. But then Todd and Bradley were Moderators, and had enemies on the other side. In addition to this men were so blinded by prejudice and passion as to be utterly incapable of correct reasoning upon any subject. Many of them had been so long engaged in the battle of blood that it had become a pastime in which they took a kind of infernal pleasure such as we might imagine the devil would exhibit over the tortures of some helpless victim of crime and wretchedness. Hall as well as his brothers had all been regulators previous to the murder committed by Stanfield, but they were now forced into the opposite ranks for protection.l This state of things continued for some time, neither Bradley, Hall nor Todd daring to venture from their place of refuge. But finally growing weary of their imprisonment,. they concluded to make an appeal to the laws for their protection. Bradley had often proposed to the Moderators to arm themselves, and decide the unhappy state of affairs by a resort to open hostilities. but this course was opposed by a large number of his friends who urged upon him the argument that it would only serve to render the situation of the country still more deplorable, and perhaps entirely defeat the chance of again restoring the supremacy of the law. He was now, however, convinced that a prosecution before the legal tribunals would be the safer plan to pursue. By so doing he would gain the confidence and good will of those who were tired of, and disgusted with the state of anarchy and confusion which had so long prevailed in the land. And although he had little confidence in effecting any degree of good by such a course, yet he knew that when the lovers of order witnessed for themselves how futile was their dependence, it would pave the way to open and united resistance. If the parties should, as he supposed they would, resist the execution of legal process, he would be in a situation to make an appeal to them to support and assist the constituted authorities in the performance of their duties. Influenced by these considerations, he and his friends concluded to prosecute Moorman and some half a dozen others who had taken part in the hanging of Jamison. Write were upon his application issued by Mr. Lister, justice of the peace, and placed in the hands of the sheriff. Upon being notified by that officer that he was commanded to arrest them, they requested two or three days to consider the matter and consult with their friends. To this the sheriff was compelled to accede, as he well knew that he could not arrest them if they chose to resist his authority. Moorman immediately summoned a number of his company to the number of fifty, informed them of what had been done and commanded them to remain under arms in the town of Shelbyville until further orders. In the meantime the sheriff had not been idle. He had collected a posse of about the same number with the Regulators then under arms, and had stationed his men near the residence of Capt. Todd about two miles from the county seat. These he held in readiness to assist him in arresting the parties, should it become necessary to resort to force in the performance of his duty. The sheriff, Mr. Llewellyn, was a human man, possessed of good sense and sound judgement. He saw the direful consequences that must necessarily result from a hostile conflict between the Regulators and the citizens. The first blow struck, a war of extermination would inevitably ensue. The country was in a state of intense excitement and terror reigned in every household. Wives, mothers and children were seen constantly flying hither and thither, seeking if possible to avert the threatened outbreak or at least prevail upon their relatives to return from a participation in the perilous conflict about to ensue. Under these circumstances he felt the responsibility that rested apon him, not only as an officer but as a man. Instead, therefore, of resorting at once to force he deputed a few men, who occupied a neutral position, to mediate between the paries, and if possible induce Moorman and his associates to submit to arrest and appear before the proper tribunal for the investigation of their offense. This deputation accordinggly waited upon the accused, and were informed by Moorman that if the sheriff and one other man would come to town unarmed, they would quietly submit to his authority. Llewellyn acceded at once to this proposition, and the parties in the midst of their armed companions, suffered themselves arrested. they now demanded a speedy trial, but refused peremptorily to be tried before Lister. One John Ingram, a Regulator, was also a justice of the peace, and before him and none else would they agree to appear. Instead of having the prisoners, if we may call them such in his power, the sheriff was completely in theirs--- a novel occurence surely. They directed him to return the writs before Ingram and he was forced to comply. The lawyers who had been retained by Bradley were not permitted to appear, or in other words they were given to understand that it would be safer not to do so. This hint was sifficient. They knew the parties too well to hazard their lives in a game where the stakes were so small and the odds against them so great. Ingram forthwith proceeded to organize his court. The parties accused declared themselves ready for trial when the astute and learned justice suddenly discovered upon a cursory examination of the writs, that they were defective and had been illegally issued. This was of course, an end of the matter. The parties were set at liberty and retired amid shouts and acclamations to the grocery (or as it was more appropriately by them denominated the "doggery"), where they imbibed a quantity of liquor suitable for the joyful occasion. Llewellyn now returned to the camp near Todd's to rejoin his men who had not as yet been discharged, or made aware of what had transpired. A short time after his arrival a messenger came in from Shelbyville and delivered him writs against John M. Bradley, Amos Hall and Samuel Todd, charging them as accessories in the murder of Runnells. These writs were accompanied by the following choice selection of epistolary correspondence addressed by Moorman to the sheriff. "Shelbyville, Texas" "A. Llewellyn, You have been so d--n energetic in attempting to enforce the laws of the county, I herewith forward you writs against your particular friends, Bradley, Todd and Hall. We will now see if you are as persevering in the discharge of your duty as you have recently been. But we will see that you do your duty. If you do not, by G-d I'll make you. G.W. Moorman" Todd, Bradley and Hall came forward without hesitation and gave themselves into the custody of the sheriff. the writs had been issued by Ingram, but as the other party had set the precedent, Lister was sent for and to him they were returned for trial. The parties accused send for Messrs. Hicks and Ashcroft [NOTE: May be the author ASHCRAFT] attorneys at law, to defend them, Moorman was notified to appear and prosecute but declined and the cause proceeded. The defendants moved to quash the writs because they charged the offense to have been committed in the state of Louisiana, and as the court was of the opinion that its jurisdiction did not extend beyond the limits of the Republic, the motion was sustained and the parties discharged. This was exactly as Moorman had supposed it would be. He did not really desire that the prosecution should be sustained. it was his object to draw them away from bradley's house and arrest them as they should return. but in this he was disappointed. Bradley knew his enemy too well not to use every precaution to ensure safety. Being well acquainted with the country, he abandoned the road and made his way home through the woods. Moorman and a portion of his men pursued Bradley but without success. Having been thwarted in their plans and knowing that to attack Bradley's house would only be to expose themselves to almost certain destruction, the Regulators for that time abandoned the idea of capturing them and although chagrined and expasperated, turned their attention to other subjects. To use their own phrase, they intended to wait until Bradley and his friends "got tame". CHAPTER THIRTEEN James Hall, another of the brothers before mentioned as implicated by Jamison in his confession, resided about six miles below Shelbyville, and during the time occupied by the events just narrated, had remained at home upon his farm unmolested, taking no part in the proceedings. He was a poor man and had a wife and several children to support, which required him to labor constantly with his own hands. The Regulators had determined upon taking his life and would have hung him upon the gallows in Shelbyville but that public opinion had become so much aroused against such proceedings, that they deemed it more prudent to accomplish their ends by other means. A party was therefore sent out by Moorman to perform the work of death in a secret manner. They repaired early one morning to Hall's farm having previously learned that he was engaged in plowing a certain field of corn and secreted themselves near the fence in the bushes. Soon after thus ensconcing themselves, Hall and his brother John, a half witted fellow, made their appearance and commenced their daily avocations. He harnessed the horse in a few yards of the spot where they were secreted and drove off, his brother John some distance in advance. But the unfortunate man had plowed his last furrow. He had not traveled far when a volley of buck shot was discharged at him, and he fell between the handles of his plow, mortally wounded. The murderers instantly fled. The horse John was driving took fright and ran off, which prevented him from seeing distinctly who the villains were. He, however, recognized three of them. Mrs. Hall hearing the reports of the guns ran to the spot to find her husband weltering in his blood and suffering the agonies of death. Hall lived but a few hours. After law and order had gained the ascendancy, Stephen S. Runnells, a son of Henry Runnells, was indicted for the murder. The prosecution relied upon the evidence of John Hall, but he became so confused upon examination , that his testimony was not regarded by the jury as sufficiently to warrant a conviction, and the prisoner was discharged. Who can picture the feelings of the kind wife as she leant over her dying husband, and realized that by the hand of the ruthless assassin she had been deprived of her only protection, and left alone with her helpless babes to struggle alone against the demon poverty. The dangers, privations and mishaps experienced by the heroic women, who in those days settle in the wilds of Texas, certainly entitle them to a place in our affections. They deserve our lasting gratitude and esteem, for although their husbands in many cases were desperate and worthless, they stood firm in the principles they had learned in early days, and have evinced their goodness by training up their sons and daughters to be good and useful members of society. It is to the influence of these women that Texas owes her present proud and happy position among the states of the Union. Long may they be held in grateful remembrance. The murder of Hall created a deep sensation in the community. A large portion of the Regulators were themselves shocked and astonished at the audacity of the act. They were the more indignant because it tended to cast odium upon the whole organization, when in fact the murder was not even canvassed, much less agreed upon by the company in their organized capacity. Yet all who were known to be Regulators were held responsible for the deed. They now began to realize the mad and deplorable state into which the country had been plagued by the attempt to divert the course of justice from its legitimate channel. Those who had been first to trouble the waters now stood aghast at the fearful commotion which threatened to deluge the land in a sea of blood. But the tears of the widow and the wailings of the tender infant plead to them in vain. They began to fear that they had nursed an adder in their bosoms, which when fully warm and conscious of its own power would turn upon their own vitals. The Moderators, or in other words all those who were opposed to the lawless acts of Moorman and his followers, now began casting about for some means by which to arrest the evil, and were held in various parts of the country, in which a multitude of plans were discussed. Some of the impetuous and excitable urged an immediate resort to arms, and that every Regulator in the country should be put to death without quarter. But their counsels were rejected as only tending to aggravate instead of overcome the troubles. They had seen enough of mob law, and witnessed enough of its horrors and iniquities and they desired if possible to relieve themselves of its terrors by peaceful means. In addition to this a resort to arms would only have served to license the other party in the commission of still greater outrages. In consequence of these conflicting opinions nothing was definitely agreed upon. Yet their efforts were not relaxed and they only waited for a more favorable opportunity for concerted action. In the meantime the Regulators kept possession of Shelbyville, and displayed still a bold front. The citizens of the town were pretty equally divided by Moorman's company, and kept their opinions to themselves as the more prudent course. Matters progressed in this manner for some time without the occurrence of anything worthy of note. The Regulators, however, at length grew so bold, and treated the Moderators and citizens who visited the town with such gross and causeless injustice and hardship that forbearance ceased to be a virtue. They determined to organize an armed force and risk the consequences of such a proceeding, rather than submit longer to the treatment they constantly received at the hands of the Regulators. Notice was therefore privately given to all who were known to be friends of the cause, and on the appointed day about fifty men, well armed, assembled at Bell's Springs about six miles from Shelbyville. Here a regular organization was effected and Col. Cravens elected to command the company. This was all done so secretly that not a single member of Moorman's company were apprised of the fact. On the next morning Col. Cravens took up his line of march, and about nine o'clock A.M. entered the town, of which he took undisputed possession. Moorman and a majority of his company were absent at the time, little suspecting that there were any bold enough to dispute his sway in the country. A few of his men were in town when Craven's company entered it, but they were not prepared to offer any resistance, and consequently fled at the first approach of danger. Col. Moorman was soon informed that the Moderators were in arms and had taken possession of the county seat. When notified of the fact the gallant chieftain sat for some moments in profound silence He knit his brow and a dark scowl overspread his a features. For a time his feelings of indignation checked his utterance, but he soon recovered himself and gave vent to his wrath in a volley of curses so remarkable for vindictiveness and profanity, that those who heard him never forgot his language. He prided himself upon having invented more new oaths than any other man in the world. I have never heard of anyone so desirous to dispute the plan with him. The company under command of Cravens called themselves Reformers, but were generally know as Moderators. There was, however, a very essential and marked difference between this company, and that gotten up and commanded by Edward Merchant. In the former case the object varied but slightly if at all from those of Moorman and his associates. Each desired revenge and sought it after the same method. Neither was anxious to see the law assert its supremacy. Craven's men on the contrary sought to put an end to violence and bloodshed. Most of them were actuated by sound philanthropic motives. They were nearly all interested in upholding and sustaining the law in its legitimate functions; having families and property to protect, their only hope lay in the establishment and preservation of order. It was not their purpose or desire to resort to hostilities, and even after their organization they still clung to the hope that the Regulators would disband, when they discovered that the citizens were determined not to submit peaceably to their lawless acts. Several members of Craven's company had belonged to the Moderators under Merchant; but many were refused admittance; among the rest John M. Bradley, of whom we have before had occasion to speak. He had removed to San Augustine, and adjoining county, greater safety, and thought this favorable opportunity to return and be avenged upon his enemies; but he was disappointed. The new company did not care to be burdened with his sins, of which he had abundant store, Moorman at once set to work to retrieve the advantages he had lost by carelessness, and inattention to the signs of the times. He had ruled too long to be willing to relinquish his position without a struggle, In the course of a few days he had collected his men at a specified point some miles from Shelbyville; and having put all things in order for a campaign, marched into town; not however, until he had learned that Cravens had evacuated the place and removed into the country to procure supplies of provisions and provender for his men and horses. The Regulators did not remain long in Shelbyville. Selecting a camping place two miles off at what were called Graham's Springs, they retired to that point. Moorman's company now mustered more than one hundred men; a force considerably larger than that of the other party. The two camps were about three miles apart, and preparations were hastily made on either side for offensive or defensive action. It was confidently expected that in a few days at furtherest the two companies would meet and decide the struggle for supremacy by a sanguinary conflict. At this juncture, fortunately for all parties concerned, Col. Ashton, Maj. Edwards, and others of high standing, who were not in any manner identified with either party, offered their services as mediators to negotiate a treaty of amity between the belligerents. This proposition was willingly assented to, and they accordingly waited upon Moorman to receive any proposition he might desire to render, whereupon He drew up the following note, which after being approved by his men was submitted to the mediators. "Camp Graham Springs, July 1845 I, Charles V. Moorman, Colonel commandant of the Shelby Guards, in behalf of said Guards pledge myself, on condition that the men under command of Col, Cravens retire to their homes, lay down their arms as quiet citizens, that no good citizen with- in the bounds of Shelby county shall be molested. (Signed) C.W. Moorman, Col. Commandant S. Guards." This note was laid before Cravens and by him submitted to his company, and after being discussed was agreed to. Strange that sensible men should have been deceived by a paper as transparent as that, Moorman, although not skilled in the conjunction of verbs or the use of Kirkham, was yet shrewd enough to know that he had left himself all the latitude he desired, "No good citizen should be molested", but he was to be the judge as to who were good citizens. Under this assurance the Moderators returned to their homes; and Moorman disbanded his company with the exception of fifteen or twenty, who as we have before stated, he always kept under arms, and near his person, to be prepared for any sudden emergency which might arise. CHAPTER FOURTEEN No sooner had the Moderators laid down their arms than Moorman again commenced his former course of action. He had many personal animosities to satisfy and determined to use the present opportunity to seek vengeance upon those who stood in his way, and endeavored to thwart him in his schemes. Amongst those against whom his rancor was most violent was John Y. Bradley, who was at this time living in the town of San Augustine. He had often sworn to take Bradley's life "on sight", and Bradley had as often reiterated the threat against him. Moorman knew his antagonist to be a man of his word, at least so far as related to matters of this character, and consequently stood in constant dread of the execution of the threat. But he by no means desired to have the pleasure of a private interview with him; for in that event it was more than probable that his days would suddenly be brought to an unpleasant termination. He therefore resolved to accomplish by stealth what he feared to undertake openly, and upon terms of equality. In order to ascertain Bradley's whereabouts Moorman dispatched one John Farrar to San Augustine to obtain the necessary information. Farrar was but slightly acquainted with Bradley; there was therefore but little chance of him being recognized, or of his visit exciting suspicion. Upon his arrival at that place Farrar learned that Bradley was boarding at the house of a Mr. White in the suburbs of the village; and also that on the Sunday following a protracted meeting was to be commenced by the Baptists. With this information he started back to Shelbyville. On the road a few miles from San Augustine he met with Bradley whom he knew by sight. Bradley had seen him before, and was aware that he belonged to Moorman's company, and had taken active part in attempting to arrest him. He therefore presented his gun, commanded him to halt, and inquired if he was not John Farrar, a member of Moorman's company. Farrar perceiving that Moorman was not sure of his identity, and that his only safety lay in deceiving him, replied that his name was Frank, a brother of John, but that he had just arrived in the state, was a citizen of Arkansas, and knew nothing of the difficulty between him (Bradley) and the Regulators. Bradley mistrusted this statement but Farrar protested so strongly his innocence and ignorance that he did not feel willing to take his life. He therefore commanded him to look down the barrel of his gun, at the same time inquiring if he "saw anything in there". Farrar replied that he did not. "Well", said Bradley, "there are twenty five buck-shot down there concealed under a wad; and if I ever discover that you have deceived me I will certainly lodge them all in your carcass." After this interesting ceremony was gone through with Farrar was permitted to resume his journey and Bradley continued his course toward San Augustine. Farrar kept the road but a short distance after they parted, fearing that Bradley would by some means discover the trick that had been played upon him, and follow him, he concluded the safer plan was to take the woods. Being but little acquainted with that portion of the country, and disturbed and frightened almost out of his wits by the continual dread of being pursued, he became so bewildered that he lost his way and lay in the forest all night. The next morning he rode to a farm house and inquired the way to Shelbyville representing himself as in search of stray horses. Late in the evening he reached home, having been nearly two days traveling a distance of about eighteen miles, After putting his commander in possession of the information he had acquired, he related his accidental and unexpected meeting with Bradley, indicating at the same time great fear as to the probable consequences likely to ensue, Moorman enjoyed the joke very much and laughed at Farrar for being a silly coward, Yet he would not have bean compelled to meet Bradley in the same manner for the wealth of Peru. He valued his life too highly to risk it in any such adventures. Upon carefully weighing the information received from Farrar, Moorman concluded to make an attempt to take Bradley's life on the Saturday night following; that being the time fixed for the opening of the protracted meeting alluded to above. He conceived that on that occasion Bradley would be off his guard and perhaps unarmed, Selecting therefore, five of his most desperate and reliable followers, all of whom were armed with double-barreled shot guns, Colts repeaters and bowie knives, at the appointed time repaired to the vicinity of San Augustine, by an unfrequented road. Fastening their horses in a thick wood near the town they waited until night and then proceeded to the church. The congregation had mostly gathered when they arrived and the night being exceedingly dark they were in no danger of discovery. Taking their position in front of the church near the door, they had a full view of those inside, but were completely shielded from observation themselves, The eagle eye of Moorman soon fell on Bradley, who was close to the entrance in a few yards of where he stood. Moorman would have shot him in his seat if he could have done so without wounding others; but bad as he was we must give him credit for not desiring to slay his fellow creatures for not for the mere pleasure of shedding human blood. His faults were those of an ungovernable temper which had not received the proper bent in early life, and such as were consequent upon his after associations, The church has two doors fronting the street, which led with and through a gallery or vestibule, This gallery was supported by large wooden pillar and behind one of these our hero took his station to await Bradley's coming. The gallery was not lighted by a lamp and was only illuminated dimly by the reflection from within. It was also crowded with negroes so that Moorman was sure of escaping observation, In the course of half an hour Bradley came out, and near the door met with Dr. Ford, who asked him to take a stroll. They walked across the street, procured a couple of cigars and returned to the gallery. Bradley leaned against one of the pillars on the outside and within a few feet of his enemy, conversing with Dr. Ford in an undertone. Moorman refrained from firing at him as he passed out, and still so because he was hemmed in by a crowd of negroes, and he feared he would not be able to effect a retreat. In a few moments after Bradley returned the services were concluded, and the congregation came out. At this moment Moorman advanced to the edge of the gallery and Bradley stepped back with His face toward the church so that the light fell upon him. Moorman drew a pistol, took deliberate aim and fired. The aisles of the Church and gallery were crowded with men and women, who were in a moment thrown into the greatest confusion. It was said that some one was shot but for some time it could not be ascertained who was the sufferer. Several of the ladies declared they were wounded and one or two went into hysterics. Mr. Patton, a justice of the peace, who saw the pistol fired. retained sufficient presence of mind to arrest the offender. Bradley started to walk across the street to the place where he had deposited his gun, having no arms about him, but fell before he reached the opposite sidewalk. The ball penetrated his chest in the region of his heart. Patton did not take the precaution to summon a guard, but hurried off with his prisoner toward a place of safety. But he did not proceed far after leaving the crowd, until he found himself surrounded by a number of men who commanded him to halt. Moorman disengaging himself, stepped back, cocked a pistol, then extending his hand bade the worthy justice good night and in company of his friends walked off and was soon lost sight of in the darkness, which had become so intense that you could not distinguish a man at the distance of five paces. Bradley was taken up by friends and conveyed to his boarding house, medical aid called in and everything done that could be suggested to save his life, but to no effect. his wound was mortal, he suffered great distress apparently both of mind and body during the night, but did not seem to dread death, if he had an equal chance, he often remarked, he would have been content to die and satisfied to meet his end. About sunrise next morning he requested to be turned upon his side, remarking at the same time that he had been basely murdered by a scoundrel, but wanted them to tell his family and friends that he had died Like a brave man. These were his last words. A moment after his soul had left its mortal tenement forever. The character of Bradley presented a strange medley of contradictions, As a citizen in his own country he had but seldom offended against the law; he was a kind parent, a good husband and obliging man; but yet he was known to be connected with men banded together to swindle and defraud the public in various ways. He possessed many traits of the noblest nature, but they were so blackened by the reflection of his vice as to be almost entirely obscured. On the return of Moorman and his party from San Augustine, they reported their success which was received by the Regulators, or the greater portion of them, with the liveliest demonstrations of joy. The chief was feasted and flattered on all sides, and extrolled for his noble and disinterested labors for the public good. The Regulators always believed that if Bradley was out of the way the Moderators would cease to contend for the supremacy, He was regarded as the controlling spirit of the organization and hence Moorman's extreme anxiety to relieve himself of so dangerous an enemy. But they were sadly mistaken in their surmises as well as in their calculations The hanging of Jamison, the murder of Hall at his plow, the attempt to hang Todd and Joseph Hall, among their other lawless acts had awakened the people to a sense of their insecurity, and had induced many quiet but resolute citizens to join the standard of the Moderators. A short time after the murder of Bradley, Moorman with a party of thirty men surrounded the house of Capt. Todd about noon arrested him and a young man who was overseeing for him by the name of Holt. Todd was in the house and the young man reclining on a bench in the gallery, having just returned from his labor in the field, when the party rushed in and secured them. A guard of fifteen was detailed and sent off with the prisoners to Brinson's, the place of rendezvous, while Moorman with the remainder of his men proceeded to the residence of an inoffensive old man named Lindsey, whom they arrested, Lindsey was seventy gears of age and quite infirm. He was commanded to get his horse and accompany them, but this he refused to do, telling them they had hung one man and taken his horse, and he supposed Parson B--- wanted a match for him; but they would not get the horse; he could walk. He was walking about without shoes, and refused to put any on. They did not make known to him their designs, but he was fully satisfied that he was about to be dragged to the gallows. This interesting conviction did not tend in the least to mitigate the severity of a temper somewhat soured by old age and afflictions; and he showered upon them a perfect tirade of abuse. "You can't cheat me out of many days, anyhow, you d--n cut-throats," he said, "and I don't intend you shall rob me of anything more than enough to pay for the rope." He was commanded to take the road toward Brinson's which he obeyed, followed by the chivalrous fifteen. The day was warm and the old man's strength soon became nearly exhausted, compelling him to slacken his pace. One of the company named Lagon told him that if he did not travel faster he would cut out his suspenders with a rifle ball. A short time later Lagon had his own suspenders cut with a rifle ball which passed through him, and put an effectual barrier to his amusement in that line forever after. The circumstance was considered at the time somewhat singular and remarkable. When all the party had arrived at Brinson's a committee was appointed to examine the prisoners, separately and apart from each other, in reference to the getting up of the company commanded by Cravens, ---who were the principal agents and advisors in the move , etc. But they elicited but little information, the prisoners protesting that they knew nothing of the prime movers in the matter. They were then released. Todd and Holt returned home, but Lindsey remained until evening in order to avoid the effects he sun. Before he started he saw a couple of young men leave the place under circumstances calculated to arouse suspicion in his mind that his life was in danger. Instead therefore, of taking the direct road leading to his own house, he returned by a circuitous route leading around the farm. When within about half a mile of his house he cautiously approached the road to reconnoiter, and soon after discovered the two young men emerge from an ambush on the opposite side of the path, and make a careful survey to discover if they could distinguish his tracks in the sand. Failing to do this they returned to their hiding places. The old man now stole quietly away and was concealed until next morning. It may be asked, if the Regulators desired to take Lindsey's life, why did they not consummate their purpose while he was in their power? The answer is that they feared to do so. Public executions had brought them into disrepute already, and arrayed against them the spirit of opposition they were now vainly endeavoring to subdue. It may also be thought unaccountable that they should seek the life of a harmless old man like Lindsey. But he was a man of influence, and had used his best endeavors to organize a party to resist Moorman and his band, and had a son who had also taken an active part in the movement under Cravens, The old man had himself marched with the company to Shelbyville when they took possession of the place, but had returned soon after. His family connection was large and they desired to cut off all those likely to create in the minds of the public a disposition to restore the reign of law and order. If he were killed privately the company could deny all knowledge of the event; thus escape, at least partially, the odium that would follow the public murder of a poor helpless old man. CHAPTER FIFTEEN As soon as Todd and Holt had been arrested and the company had left the house as before stated, a daughter of Todd's mounted a horse and rode to a neighboring house, where she related all that had taken place, Her story created the greatest excitement and consternation; a young man was immediately mounted on a fleet horse and dispatched to spread the news among his friends throughout the county. It was supposed by all who were made acquainted with the facts that Todd, Holt and Lindsey would be hung, perhaps before assistance could be procured. They at once perceived that in the treaty they had concluded with Moorman they had been victimized, or in vulgar parlance "sold", It was now evident that he did not intend to be governed by the pledge he had made, according to any other than his own construction of it. And that, taking advantage of their supposed security, he intended to punish, kill or drive out of the county every man who had been unfriendly to him or counseled resistance to his lawless band. The news of the arrest spread with astonishing rapidity, Every spare horse was put into requisition--- before there was scarcely a family in the county who had not received the intelligence. Neighbors gathered themselves together at each others houses for mutual protection and defence. Those who could not get assistance concealed themselves in the woods until the fate of the parties arrested was known. For the time being it was truly a reign of terror. All of those who had ever said anything against Moorman and his friends or any of them expected to be dealt with in a similar manner. And so great was the feeling of insecurity that many of those who had never taken sides at all became alarmed and abandoned their homes to seek security among their friends or in the recesses of the fore. The Regulators only sought but to punish the leaders in the organization under Cravens; this they were satisfied would strike such terror into the remainder as to deter them effectually from attempting a similar enterprise in the future. Moorman's party did not recognize any distinction between the Reformers, as Craven's company designated themselves, and the Moderators (the previous organization), but call all who opposed them, "d--n Moderating rogues". The events we have just detailed transpired in the year of grace 1844. About this time Moorman, together with a few of the leading men among the Regulators, conceived the idea of subverting the government of Texas, and effecting a new organization which would place them at the head of offices, and give them the control of the destinies of the young Republic. The then existing state of affairs seemed to favor the feasibility of such an undertaking. From the county of Shelby, where Regulating had its origin, the contagion had spread far and wide. Companies had been organized in several counties; among the rest in Harrison, Panola, Nacogdoches, Sabine and San Augustine, It may be well to remark in this place that it was our original intention to give a brief history of the regulators and their doings in the several counties above enumerated, But in many cases we have found it impossible to obtain a correct statement of the facts. Many parties engaged in these endeavors to wrest authority from the constituted tribunals of the country were good men at heart, but were misguided and led astray by passion and prejudice; and they and their descendants are still living in the county and discharging all their duties as good citizens we have concluded that it is beet so far as they are concerned, to "let the dead past bury its dead". Moreover if we were to attempt even brief account of the many scenes of bloodshed and violence, of guilty villainy and duplicity enacted during this sanguinary period, it would swell this little volume to a size that would deter anyone from perusing it. We have therefore determined to confine our narrative to what may be considered specially the War between the the Regulators and Moderators, only introducing sketches of men and things as will essentially aid the reader in forming just conclusions as to each. But to resume. We stated in the early part of this book that the government of the country was bankrupt,It had neither soldiers nor munitions of war. Government script was worthless selling frequently for five, six and ten cents on the dollar. Land script could not be disposed of at any price. The soldiers who were discharged received bounty land warrants, which they would sell for a dollar or two in money and a few drinks of whisky. A drink per acre was considered a high price. The West was opposed to the Eastern portion of the state and vice versa. The hostile parties were arrayed against each other and continually engaged in conflict for the control of public affairs. The country was filled with bands of mercenary speculators thieves, counterfeiters and refugees from justice. Patriotism was an obsolete term, or used only to denote a sentiment, the influence of which they had never experienced, or had discarded as of no value in comparison with their own selfish and sordid projects of speculation and aggrandizement, Agriculture was almost entirely abandoned; business was stagnated; confidence ceased to exist. No industrial pursuit yielded an adequate return; anarchy confusion and dismay were every where visible. many who had left their homes where there was peace, security and plenty, had bitter reason to curse the day they set foot on the soil of Texas. The cry of distress was in every mouth, and the people were ready in many instances to ally themselves with any movement that promised change, hoping for the best but confident that their condition could not be rendered more intolerable. But for a few stout hearts the work that had been so nobly and gallantly done would have been thrown away, and the country lost to freedom and to progress. Thanks to an overruling providence she weathered the storm, and reached in safety her moorings in the harbor of Independence. Moorman with a shrewdness, which in a good cause would have done him credit had been a close observer of the course of events, and how fondly imagined that the auspicious moment had arrived, which was to piece him in the proud position them occupied by General Houston. He never for a moment distrusted his capacity to rule the country. Nor did he care by what means he attained the goal of his ambition. In his mind the name of Texas was not associated with the heroic deeds of her sons. The remembrance of the Alamo and of that band of deathless heroes who so nobly perished there, created in his bosom no feelings of honest pride. The recollection of the deeds of prowess wrought upon the plain of San Jacinto awoke in him no emotions of pleasure. From such intense selfishness let all who would be honest pray to be delivered. When the idea had fully taken possession of his mind, and he had duly weighed the probabilities of success, he proceeded cautiously to break the subject to a few of his most trustworthy and confidential followers. He presented to them a gorgeous picture of the new state of things, and persuaded each one that his share of the honors and profits should be as large as he might desire. Many required no persuasion to induce them to second the plan, but when they seemed lukewarm he plied them freely with such specious sophistry as he could command. There were other reasons than those we have enumerated, and very cogent ones too, which induced many to unite heartily with Moorman in his new project. A large portion of the early settlers of Texas had left the states to avoid the payment of heavy debts, and they were in constant dread of being followed and forced to give up the property they had succeeded in bringing with them. Numbers of others had committed crimes punishable by the law with and they were anxious to effect a change of government that would release them from fear of prosecution. Moorman and many of his friends were in this category, and although they had for a long time prevented the administration of justice, yet they foresaw that a time would ultimately come, when their efforts to avoid accountability would be utterly unavailing. Moorman's plan gained adherents more rapidly than he had anticipated, and of a character of class or individuals upon whose co-operation he had not calculated. Quite a respectable number of the best and most esteemed portion of the community secretly enrolled themselves as members of the Revolutionary Junta. That "truth is stranger than fiction" none will deny. It has been so often asserted and so repeatedly demonstrated that it has grown into a trite commonplace. We need therefore no excuse for the conduct of well meaning men, who became associated with Moorman in his treasonable designs against the government of his country, They did not look forward to the ultimate consequences of their rash undertaking. Conscious of their own good intentions, they never for a moment reflected that they were aiding an unscrupulous man to deluge the country in blood for no other purpose than to raise himself to a position he was wholly unqualified to fill. They saw that people were distressed, and, deceived by the cunning sophistry of Moorman, looked upon him as their chosen deliverer. True, this affords no justification, for they were willing to be led astray in defiance of their own experience. The measures of Moorman were adopted and carried out so cautiously that none but the initiated ever heard a whisper of their purposes, or dreamed that a revolution was in progress. When his plans were somewhat matured, and he had become satisfied that in the event of discovery he could at once call to his aid as large a force as the government could concentrate for perhaps months; he called together the principal men, who appointed or selected twelve of their associates to act as a provisional committee. This committee was to have a president and secretary, and were empowered with full and ample authority to govern the country, enact laws punish offenses, and perform all the functions of a legitimate legislative body, until such time as a new constitution should be ordained and established. A solemn oath was given by every member of the confederation to abide by the decision and decrees of the committee, and yield implicit obedience to all requirements made by the same or under sanction ii its authority. The committee was composed of the best material the organization afforded. Moorman was not a member of it. He reserved himself for the post of commander in chief of the forces. A majority of the committee were men of property and character, respected and esteemed by the more considerate of both parties. The most of them are yet living in Texas, and enjoy the confidence of the public; one particularly has since held high and responsible office and has recently figured pretty largely in moonshine speculation. On the other hand some of them had been engaged in the burning of the house of Strickland and the McFaddens under Jackson; had acted with Moorman in all his enterprises or at least given them countenance, and were regarded as of very pliant morals. Col. Leionard S... was elected president. He was a native of Virginia, intelligent, popular and possessed of considerable wealth. After the difficulties ended he continued to reside in Shelby county until 1851, when he committed suicide by drinking laudanam*. As he left no memorandum of the cause that led him to the commission of this rash act, it was supposed by many that he drank an overdose by mistake. The secretary of this memorable body was a good scribe but a great rascal, and now lives in one of the northern counties of Texas, where he has succeeded in amassing a respectable property through chicanery and deception. It is presumed by those who know him that he is never troubled by the recollections of his manifold acts of meanness, conscience (if he has any) is composed of very elastic substance. *[NOTE TO RESEARCHERS] Laudanam was a common medicne of the times which had an opiate base and copper as a liver tonic. It was very addictive and in many cases, the copper element became toxic in the body. CHAPTER SIXTEEN The first meeting of the Provisional committee was held at the residence of Matthew Brinson on the 28th day of July, A.D. 1844. Their session was in all respects a secret one, not a single individual except The members being admitted. Moorman and the whole of his command, numbering at the time about one hundred men, were present, to receive and to do the bidding of the committee whatever it might be. The news of this extraordinary meeting was soon made known in the most remote portions of the county, and created great uneasiness and alarm. As is generally the case under such circumstances, they put the worst construction on the matter, and were frightened because they were unable to ascertain what was being done. As soon as the committed was duly organized the fact was made known to Moorman, who handed in a list of persons in the county, obnoxious to him and the cause. These he said, it was imperatively necessary to get rid of in the outset, and he therefore requested that they might be proscribed by the committee before proceeding to any other business. This proceeding had been talked of previously and had received the sanction of several of the members. When the names were presented therefore, a decree was almost immediately adopted proscribing twenty five citizen of Shelby County. T he purport of the decree was that they were disturbers of the public peace, and guilty of opposing the execution of the law by force (!) and otherwise fomenters of disturbances and difficulties in the community, and that in consideration of these facts it became necessary that they should leave the country within fifteen days from this date. In default of compliance with this reasonable request they were to be punished with death. The following is a list of the names of those proscribed: A. Llewelyn (Sheriff), Jas. F. Cravens, E. Ritter, Moses F. Wooten, Thomas Haley, Jon. Anderson, Mark Haley, John Haley, M.H. Moseley, Laurel Lang, Richard Haley, Allen Haley, David Strickland, Chas. Lindsey, J.C. Rains, James West, Issac Hall, Isaac Strickland, W.J. Thomas, William Todd, Joshua English, James Thorne, Samuel Todd, John Choat, Harris Davis Llewelyn (Sheriff), whose name heads that list, was at that time sheriff of the county, and had been obnoxious to Moorman by his endeavors to do his duty as an officer. He was subsequently elected assessor and collector of taxes for Shelby County, which office he held until he left there in 1852. His character was irreproachable, and he is now a citizen of Hopkins county, where he is highly esteemed. James B. Cravens bore a good character, and was at the time deputy sheriff, Charles Lindsay, the old man of whom we have before spoken, was guilty of no offense except drunkenness , Ha never harmed anyone but himself. William Todd was a quiet, peaceable and industrious citizen. His brother, Samuel Todd, had formerly when quite a young man been clerk of the county court. While occupying that position he had been induced by G.V. Lush, chief justice of the county, to engage in the fraudulent issuing of spurious land certificates. He was a man of considerable talent, afterwards studied medicine and removed to Arkansas where he died. Jonathan Anderson was a man of sterling worth and had a large circle of friends by whom he was greatly esteemed, Of the remainder it is impossible, consistently with truth to speak with commendation, Some of them belonged to that class of individuals, who grope their way through life in a kind of negative state, doing neither harm nor good, while some were thoroughly dishonest and corrupt. Against a portion of them no charge had ever been preferred, but a considerable number of the list had been accused of almost every crime known to the laws. We do not propose to give the character of each, but a brief sketch of one of them may not be found entirely devoid of interest. Laurel Lang bore the character of a desperado and was reported to have killed several men previous to this time. He was never seen without a gun; lived more then half his time in the woods; and from his uncouth dress long hair and whiskers, presented rather the appearance of a wild beast than of a human being. He lived near the Sabine river, owned a large quantity of hogs, which frequented the river bottoms; and was accused and suspected by many of marking more than really belonged to him. A year or more after this time he had a difficulty with his father-in-law, B.H. Bowden, whom he threatened to kill, and came very near carrying his threat into execution with a large knife, which he drew across his throat in fearful proximity to his juglar vein. He was indicted for assault to kill, but made his escape into Louisiana, and took up his residence on the east bank of the Sabine opposite his former place of abode. He now sent word to Bowden that if he ever found bin in the river bottom he would kill him. Bowden also had a large stock of hogs running in the bottom, but being a timid man he feared to go in search of them and finally gave one half of them for the delivery of the other. Lang had succeeded so well in this case that he concluded to try the experiment on Chandler Johnson, who also had hogs in the bottom, and with whom he was at deadly enmity. Johnson was not so easily deterred. In the winter of 1851 he went into the bottom in company with M.H. Moseley and William Grant. While in search of the hogs they encountered Lang. Johnson did not wait to parley, but immediately fired on Lang and shot him dead in his tracks. There was a man in company who conveyed him to his residence. Johnson, Moseley and Grant were indicted for the murder, Grant made his escape; Moseley and Johnson were arrested and lodged in jail. Johnson broke jail and fled to parts unknown. Moseley who was sick and unable to escape with his fellow prisoner, was afterwards carried to Nacogdoches for safe keeping, where at last accounts he was still awaiting his trial. The committee after passing the decree resolved that each of the parties proscribed should have personal notice served on him, to the effect that if he did not comply with its provisions, he would be considered as an outlaw and hung without judge or jury. It had become the custom in consideration of the conduct of Parson B--- to waive the benefit of clergy. No charges save those of a general nature given above had been preferred against the individuals who had fallen under the ban of the Regulators, and they were not to be informed of the reason in consideration of which they were summarily dealt with. Moorman believed that if those parties left the country without resistance, which he expected they would do, it would be an easy matter to send others adrift after the same method, He intended to follow up the system, if it worked well, until not a single Moderator was left within the confines of the Republic. If on the contrary they should attempt to resist his authority, he was satisfied that he could bring to his assistance in a very short time a force sufficiently large to crush the germ of opposition before it could have time to assume anything like a formidable character. He had already taken the precaution to form an alliance offensive and defensive with a company of Regulators which had been organized in Harrison county. This company numbered about one hundred men, to be held in readiness to march to Moorman's assistance, at a moments warning should he require. On the next day after the sitting of the committee Moorman detailed fifteen men, and entrusted them with the duty of serving the notices before mentioned. They accordingly set out at once to perform this unpleasant, and as it was regarded, somewhat perilous undertaking. The first point to which they directed their course was the residence of Thomas Haley, who had procured several of his neighbors to assist him in gathering his crop of fodder, as it was not deemed safe for one man to be found alone. The company considered that it was prudent to proceed cautiously, therefore left the road before they reached the house, rode around through the woods to reconnoiter, and finally came to stand under a thick clump of bushes, in the rear of the dwelling at a distance of about one hundred and fifty yards, Here while they were discussing the most safe place to carry out their instructions, Hayley's wife discovered them and immediately communicated the intelligence to her husband. Haley, who was ignorant of their intentions, took his rifle charged with two balls, and repaired to the stable unobserved in order to protect himself in case of attack. His friends stationed themselves close by. Believing that their intentions were hostile, he concluded that his better plan was to commence the battle himself. The brush was so thick that it was impossible to see them distinctly.He, however, discovered what he supposed to be a man, leveled his rifle, took deliberate aim, fired. Fortunately for them it proved to be a horse belonging to John Runnells. The ball, or rather one of them, entered the animal's head, killing him almost instantly; the other ball with the gun was charged, passed over the horse and fractured the arm of a member of the company who was leaning on the neck of his steed. This was a warmer reception than they had bargained for, and took them so completely by surprise that they became frightened and made a precipitate retreat. Upon reaching Brinson,s the headquarters of the committee, they reported to the commander that they had failed in their undertaking, and that this method of serving notices was one of the pleasure of which they would prefer to be relieved. They further reported that they had been repulsed by at least twenty men who were strongly fortified in Haley's stable, and that they had barely escaped being slain or taken prisoners. The committee were much alarmed at this information. They had not calculated that resistance would be made to the execution of the decree in that very outset. Another meeting was held in which it was resolved to dispense with personal notices, ordering instead that a handbill should be posted on the court house door of the county, warning the parties proscribed of what had been done and commanding them to leave within days under the prescribed penalty. This was accordingly done and the committee adjourned without appointing a day of future meeting. They never assembled again. The Regulators nov began to fear for the first time that serious opposition was to be apprehended. Their exertions were redoubled and preparations made on a larger scale for active operations. A portion of Moorman's company was sent off west of Shelbyville to select a equitable place to erect a fortification, while the Colonel in person went on a tour among his friends in the upper part of the county, to induce them to join his standard, or hold themselves in readiness for active service at any moment when they might be required, The occurrence at Haley's took place on the 29th day of July, and as soon as information could be communicated to Col. Cravens, which was done on the same evening he summoned his company to a rendezvous at a designated place on the ensuing day. In obedience to this call about 50 had assembled before noon the next morning. After deliberating for some time on the state of affairs, they resolved that the only alternative was to fight. They mutually pledged themselves to kill every member of the committee should opportunity offer, and to stand by each other until the last Regulator was driven out of the county, or some guarantee given that their rights and privileges as citizens of a free country should be respected and held inviolate save by due course of law. The Regulating committee had pursued a mistaken and very short sighted policy in proscribing such men as Llewellyn, Cravens, Anderson, Todd and Lindsey. Had they left these out they might perhaps have succeeded in forcing the remainder to abandon the country, as their united influence was not half as great as that of any one of the others. But this wholesale proscription of men of character and respectability aroused a feeling of indignation not easily subdued and caused many to take sides against the Regulators, who had heretofore not been identified in any manner with any faction. For they reasoned: if we permit these men to be driven from the country our own time may come next; and if we permit such proceedings to pass unnoticed and unrebuked, we are in danger at any moment of being forced to abandon our homes, sacrifice our property and fly from the wrath of an infuriated mob. These reflections suggested themselves to the minds of all with greater or less force, and thus many who deprecated the unhappy condition of affairs, were nevertheless induced to enroll themselves as members of Col. Cravens company. As Moorman became aware of the organization, or rather the assembling of the company, he dispatched a courier to Harrison county to solicit the company there to come to his immediate assistance. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN The detachment which had been sent out by Moorman to select a suitable place to erect a fortification, had chosen a point on the Buena Vista road three miles west of Shelbyville on the premises of Mr. Beauchamp, Enclosed by a crooked fence was about half an acre of land on which stood a log house. This was some distance from the residence of the proprietor, but he had drawn a large lot of lumber from the mills to this place for the purpose of erecting some new buildings. This lumber the Regulators placed upright against the fence all around the enclosure, so as to form a fort perfectly impervious to small shot. As soon as this was completed the whole of the Regulator forces were ordered to rendezvous at that point without delay. they mustered about eighty men rank and file. The Moderators in the meantime, had received some accessions to their original force and now numbered about sixty five men all told. Cravens had received information of the proceedings of the enemy, but in order to ascertain their exact position he sent out a spy company fifteen men (by the way Fifteen is considered an unlikely number in the southwest), with instructions to reconnoiter and discover if possible, the safest and most advantageous way of assailing the position of the Regulators. The little company was further ordered if they fell in with any member of the proscribing committee to shoot them without warning, They accordingly set out on their mission, and as the residence of Lewis Watkins lay in their course they concluded to give him a passing call. Ha was a member of the provisional committee, and had been very active in the late proceedings, It may therefore be well imagined that he was proportionally odious to the Moderators, When they reached his house, much to their disappointment they found that he was not at home. Supposing that he was at the Regulating Camp they pursued their way, They had not, however, proceeded more than half a mile when they met him on the road returning from Shelbyville. He was permitted to pass without molestation, but in a few moments after he had done so, Ritter, one of the spy company, fired at him with his rifle and Watkins fell from his horse apparently lifeless. Upon examination it was discovered that the ball had entered the back part of his neck, and as he lay on his face without any sign of consciousness they supposed he was dead and left him in that situation. After they had gone, Watkins recovered himself sufficiently to reach home. He was wounded dangerously but not mortally. The ball had entered his neck on the left side of the vertebral column, and passed out near the jugular vein. The fall from the horse had broken his right arm and otherwise seriously bruised him. Medical assistance was procured and after a long time he recovered, but his neck was stiff ever afterwards. The murderous attempt upon the life of Watkins will justly rank among the most infamous acts of violence recorded in these pages. True Ritter was one of those whom Watkins had assisted to proscribe. But this affords no justification for the manner in which he sought revenge. If men quarrel and fight and one is slain, the law regards the offense as greatly palliated, and in many cases public opinion, which when undivided is in this country the law, wholly excuses the act and sets the offender at liberty. But the world is never to pardon an act of base and cowardly malignity. When the spy company reached the vicinity of the Regulating camp they concealed themselves in a ravine thickly skirted with timber, and sent three of the party to ascertain the situation and condition of the enemy. One of the individuals cautiously ascended a hill on the north of the enemy's camp, when sheltering himself among the branches of a tall tree, he obtained a full view of the interior of the fortification. The scouts then returned to the ravine where they had left their friends, and the whole company mounting their horses rode out through an open space not over two hundred yards from the Regulators camp. After exchanging a few shots without effect the Moderators retreated. In a short time they reached headquarters and reported to Cravens the result of the days operations. A consultation was now held which resulted in a determination to attack the enemy's position with as little delay as possible. Several days, however, were necessarily consumed in procuring supplies of provisions,so that they did not reach the camp of the Regulators until early on Monday morning, the 4th of August. The sentinels upon their approach discharged their pieces and retreated. Cravens divided his command into two parties, one of which he sent round to attack the rear of the fortification, at which place it was most assailable; the other he led in person. Simultaneously with the attack in the rear he commenced a brisk fire in front which was warmly returned by the Regulators. Cravens soon discovered that it was impossible to procure a single piece of artillery. He was now sustaining a very unequal conflict, being himself entirely exposed to the enemy's fire, while they were completely protected in their fortified position, The Moderators were therefore ordered to fall back and take position in the timber a short distance from the enclosure but so far as to be almost beyond the range of an ordinary rifle. The firing from either side was continued for several hours, but owing to the distance and the fact that the combatants were well protected, very little execution was done. The propriety of a general charge was discussed several times during the day, but it was regarded by the more experienced as an act of consummate folly. It will do to charge a band of savages or a company of half starved Mexicans, but it has always been found extremely hazardous to make the experiment upon Americans or Texans. The weather was very warm and both parties suffered most severely for want of water. There was a spring on the premises outside of the fortification but within gun-shot range of it. Craven's men were therefore afraid to venture to it for a supply of water, and the other party were in the same predicament. Towards evening the thirst of the men became so urgent that Cravens was compelled to draw off from the attack to a creek about two miles distant, where he camped for the night. The loss of the Moderators was one killed and two wounded. The Regulators had several wounded more or less severely, but none killed. After night the Regulators abandoned their fort, leaving their wounded at Beauchamp's and marched to Hilliard's spring, a distance of fifteen miles from their old position. They had several reasons for adopting this course. Moorman was not with them, having left the day previous to the attack to gather reinforcements. When Cravens drew off his men in the evening they became apprehensive that he was about to play some ruse by which to gain the advantage, perhaps to receive additional forces and attack them during the night. Under these circumstances they deemed it prudent to desert their present position, so as to avert, if possible, anything like a decisive battle until their forces were concentrated and sufficiently numerous to crush the Moderators at a blow. On their route they met Moorman with thirty new recruits, and upon their arrival at Hilliard's springs they found an additional reinforcement of one hundred men from Harrison and Panola counties. These were the same for whom Col, Moorman had previously dispatched a messenger,and their opportune arrival swelled the forces under his command to two hundred and five men. Early in the morning they set about the erection of a fortification by felling trees and building a pen around the spring. This they strengthened by split logs set up on end, and leaned against the enclosure in the same manner that they had used the lumber on a previous occasion. CHAPTER EIGHTEEN Col. Cravens, upon ascertaining that the enemy had deserted their position, increased his spy company to twenty five men and sent them out to obtain information of their movements and designs. He also sent off several of his men to procure reinforcements and a fresh supply of ammunition. Within a day or two he received a considerable of recruits, principally from his own county and a few from San Augustine, and a small number from the state of Louisiana. When all his reinforcements had arrived his command mustered one hundred and sixty five men, armed with such weapons as they happened to possess or were fortunate enough to procure, Perhaps there never was a more uncouth looking army than this. Most of the men wore broad brimmed wool hats, and jeans coats but cut in every conceivable style as suited the fancy of the wearer. To one who did not know them they would have appeared as harmless as that gallant band which follows the immortal General Bombastes. The sequel will show that they possessed both courage and determination and that they were not wanting in the species of discipline necessary to success in the anomalous warfare they were then engaged in. Sooner after the return of the spy company sent out by Cravens, and the receipt of their report, the Moderators took up a line of march i the direction of Moorman's camp. About ten o'clock on the morning of the ninth of August they reached an old log meeting house some two miles from Hilliard's spring, when they halted to await some supplies which were to have been sent them at this place. Here it was the intention of Cravens to remain until the next morning, make the necessary preparations and prepare the attack. Sentinels were posted and the men directed to feed their horses and prepare dinner for themselves. They had stacked their arms and were busy with these preparations when a woman was discovered riding into camp. This at first attracted but little attention for women were permitted to pass to and fro over the country without hindrance or molestation. She had consequently passed the sentinels without question. Inquiring for Col. Cravens his quarters were pointed out to her and she rode to where he stood. This woman was no other than Helen Moorman of whom we have previously spoken. Although Moorman had deserted her and treated her with marked cruelty and injustice, her attachment for him was in no degree abated. When matters appeared to be approaching a crisis she sought an interview with her husband and assisted him materially by her counsel and family influence. No sooner was she recognized that the news was rapidly communicated throughout the camp, and created no little surprise among the men. While she was holding a private interview with he commander there were surmises of the cause and object over her visit. She told Cravens that she had come to lay before him a complaint against some of his men; that as she was passing the road a short distance from his camp she had been fired upon by a small party of men under his command, and narrowly escaped with her life. She believed him she said, to be an honorable and chivalrous gentleman, one who would not permit an unoffending and helpless woman to be put in peril because she had been so unfortunate as once to have been the wife of Col. Moorman, and connected by ties of consanguinity vi th some of those against whom Col. Cravens was now arrayed in hostility. She did not know the man who fired at her but left him to discover, and hoped for the honor of Texas that they might receive such punishment as would prevent the perpetration of a like offense in the future. Col. Cravens assured her that he was deeply mortified to learn that any one under his command had so far forgotten themselves as to be guilty of the crime of which they were charged; that he would use every endeavor to ferret out the matter, and would assuredly see that the offenders received such punishment as the atrocity of the act demanded, should he succeed in discovering who they were. Now this story was without foundation from beginning to end. She had devised this plan to divert the attention of Cravens and his men, while Moorman's men were to take advantage of the auspicious moment to charge the camp of the Moderators. After detaining Cravens as long as she thought prudent she made a polite adieu and rode off in the same direction she had come. The men collected together in little groups to hear what he had said, and were eagerly discussing the probability of the truth of her story, when they were suddenly startled by the report of a rifle. She had scarcely passed the post of last sentinel when a grueling and well directed fire was opened upon them around the whole circuit of the camp. The truth at once flashed upon them--- they had bean hoaxed. The cry was at once "To arms" and in a few moments every man had seized his gun, and in less time than re can describe the movement, had formed a hollow square and were returning with promptness and decision the enemy's fire. Cravens position was in what is usually open woods, on a small imminence hill, at the base of which was a little brook. On the side of the brook nearest the Moderators' camp was a bluff or a abrupt bank, under which burst forth a spring of cold pure water; while on the other side was a beautiful plain covered with timber, and which gradually ascended as you receded from the stream. This bluff was not over seventy five yards from the rear line of the Moderators' camp, yet strange as it may appear, the Regulators had neglected to take possession of this favorable position. Cravens at a glance discovered the error they had commited and sent a small detachment of his men to occupy the place, and prevent the enemy from getting possession of it before they discovered their mistake, as he felt sure they soon would. Scarcely had their detachment reached the designated point when they discover a portion of the Harrison county company, under the command of Col. Davidson, coming down the slope before spoken of with the purpose of taking position under the bluff. Cravens' men secreted themselves by lying down in the bed of the brook until Davidson's company approached within thirty or forty yards of them, then suddenly rising to their feet each man discharged his piece as the sequel proved with considerable precision. Col. Davidson and two of his men, Cain and Hudson, fell mortally wounded, Several others received wounds. The Regulators were completely taken by surprise, and seeing their captain and two of their comrades fall, they retreated precipitately and took shelter in the woods, from which position they could not be again induced to emerge. But this did not end the battle. The Regulators had, as before stated, surrounded Cravens' camp, at so great a distance, however, as to do scarcely any serious damage. The combatants on either side concealed themselves behind trees, and it was but seldom that anyone ventured to show himself in an open space. If any one did so he was sure to be fired upon in which event his chances of escaping unhurt were extremely uncertain, Moorman, it is said, acted with becoming prudence. He was the commander in chief and his life was too valuable to be wantonly exposed. Besides he was well known to all the Moderators, and if he were to show himself would at once become the target for the exercise of sharp shooting. He always carried about his neck a hunter's horn which served him in place of a trumpet, By blowing short blasts on this horn in rapid succession he commanded his men to advance. Three long distinct blasts was a signal of retreat, The battle continued in all about two hours. Moorman after learning the repulse Davidson's division had sustained, and that they could not be induced to renew the assault, ordered a retreat by the usual signal, and the whole force retired in considerable disorder to Hilliard's spring. Cravens would not permit his man to pursuade them. He wished to avoid if possible the slaughter that must inevitably follow such a course. Most of them, he said, were citizens of his own county and he yet hoped the matters might be reconciled, and the further affusion of blood prevented. The Regulators sustained a loss in killed and wounded of fifteen, while the Moderators had none killed and but six wounded, all of whom recovered. This was denominated by the Regulators as the Church Hill Battle, by the Moderators as Helen's Defeat. It is mortifying to reflect that this disgraceful feud with all its attendant consequences occurred in the most populous portion of a free and enlightened country. The ulcers which it left in the body of the community in which it transpired, have not even yet been healed nor entirely eradicated. CHAPTER NINETEEN During the battle just described a rather singular and somewhat amusing incident occurred, which placed one of the Regulators in an unpleasant and awkward situation. The little church had once boasted a chimney, but it had some time before fallen nearly level with the ground. In the midst of the fight a man was seen climbing over the pile of brick and rubbish left by the fall of the chimney, who made his way through the aperture into the church, Upon entering he found a man lying on the floor, severely wounded and pleading for water. The new-comer deposited his rifle against the wall, and procuring a tin cup started for the spring, which as previously stated, was in possession of the Moderators. While there he was asked how the boys were getting along on the hill. "Very well", he replied, "Except for one man in the church who is pretty badly wounded". After filling his cup he returned to the house, where he found several other persons, members of Cravens' company. He supplied the wounded man with water, and taking up his gun turned to the others and made some remarks relative to the fight which excited the suspicion of Col. James Truitt (since a member of the state Senate and a worthy man); which induced him to believe the stranger one of Moorman's spies. He therefore requested to know to what company he belonged. To Col. Boulmards company from Harrison County", was the reply. Then I command you to lay down your arms and yield yourself a prisoner," said Truitt. The truth now flashed upon him and he perceived that he was in the power of the Moderators. He, however, quietly laid down his arm and requested that they would not take his life. Truitt assured him that if he behaved properly and made no attempt to escape, he need be under no apprehensions whatever. This man's name was Dodd, a citizen of Harrison county. Upon being further interrogated he said that at the commencement of the attack the orders were to get possession of the church if possible; but that he had become entangled in some brush and lost sight of his command; upon emerging from the brush he could not see anyone, and supposing they had gained possession of the house he pushed on and entered it as above described. He was detained as a prisoner until the cessation of hostilities when he was set at liberty. The Regulators retired to their encampment or fort at Hilliards' springs on the evening of the ninth, the day of the battle, and after burying their dead and sending the wounded to places where they could receive the necessary attention, dispersed with the understanding that they were to assemble at a given time at the Methodist camp ground three miles south of Shelbyville. On the next morning after the fight Col. Cravens sent out his spies to reconnoiter and discover if possible the position and intentions of the enemy, They found the fort deserted and were unable to obtain any trace of their whereabouts, These facts were duly reported and the prevailing opinion seemed to be that they had gone to Harrison County bat they were soon undeceived. Cravens now took up the line of march towards Shelbyville. Before reaching that place he was met by two ladies favorable to the cause, who informed him that the Regulators were assembled at the point above designated. They chose that spot in order to obtain supplies of all kinds. With more ease than they had been enabled to do previously, for although they had but few friends in the neighborhood, those they did have were men of wealth and abundantly able to furnish them with everything they might require. On learning these facts Cravens encamped near Shelbyville for a short time in order to replenish his own stock of provisions, and ammunition before renewing hostilities. While here several of his men returned to their homes, having become tired of so unprofitable a business, and satisfied to let the affairs of the country settle themselves as time or chance should determine. During this time the Regulators were busied in erecting fortifications and preparing to maintain a siege should it become necessary. On the morning of the 13th a detachment of six men, Samuel Lindsey, Mark Haley, James King and three others, who had been sent out of Cravens were returning to camp when they were fired upon by a party of Moorman's men who were concealed near the road within a few hundred yards of Shelbyville. The sun was just gilding the tops of the trees with its faint beams, and the party was riding leisurely along little dreaming of danger, when they were made the recipients of a volley of buckshot. They were not more than twenty yards from Moorman's men when they were fired upon, yet strange to say they all escaped except Mark Haley, who was shot through the thigh. The others had their hats and clothing perforated in many places, but putting spurs to their horses made good their retreat without further damage, Haley's horse was also wounded by the same ball that had entered his rider and fell to the ground. Haley fled to the woods and after some time, faint from loss of blood, succeeded in reaching the Moderators' camp. The five horsemen left the road within a short distance of where they had been fired upon, and took a direct line to the camp about a mile distant. But they had not proceeded more than half a mile when much to their astonishment they were again saluted with a discharge of firearms. This second attack proceeded from another detachment of Moorman's command. It is a little remarkable that they again escaped unhurt, and in a few moments reached camp where the firing was distinctly heard. Moorman was with the party who had first made the attack and upon his return to his own place of encampment declared that he and the men with him had succeeded in killing four of the Moderators, and that they had walked over their dead bodies. He exhibited Haley's hat to bear him out in this statement, which was made to inspire his men, who had become somewhat gloomy on account of their late reverses and ill success, It was soon ascertained that this story was wholly untrue as the reader is already aware, and instead of answering the end for which it was designed, it rather operated to increase the discontent and dissatisfaction already existing. Many of the men threatened to desert the ranks and return home. They had been promised liberal wages but as yet had received nothing but rough fare and the prospect for improvement in any respect appeared to be rapidly diminishing. One of them, a man of some influence observed while conversing on the occurrence just related, that if fifteen men in ambush could not bring even one man to the ground out of a party of six with every advantage the cause may be inhumanly bad. There certainly was truth in this. The struggle had originated from bad motives, and although there were now well meaning men adherents to the respective parties, it did not tend in any degree to lessen the criminality of the proceedings. About this time, perhaps the same day, a small detachment was sent by Moorman to the residence of John Choat with instructions to murder Whetstone and Castleberry who had bean wounded in the battle a few days before and left there until they should recover. Castleberry, one of the wounded men was a brother of Stephen and Aron T. Castleberry, who were Regulators and had been members of the provisional committee. Perhaps there is in the whole history of this disgraceful feud no more striking commentary upon its evil and pernicious tendencies, than the fact that it arrayed against each other in bitter and relentless hostility, brothers, relatives and friends bound together by long years of social intercourse and acts of reciprocal kindness. Here a portion of the company to which Castleberry's brother belonged was sent to murder him in cold blood, while was yet an invalid suffering from the effects of previous wounds. If they were aware of Moorman's intentions and permitted them to be carried out without at least an effort to prevent the diabolical catastrophe, they deserve the indignant frowns of all good men, and will in the end most surely meet the just reward of such grossly inhuman and unmerciful conduct. Fortunately for the wounded men, the approach of the Regulators brought to their knowledge before they reached the house. Castleberry, who had partly recovered his strength, fled through the orchard in the rear of the house, and notwithstanding several shots ware fired at him, succeeded in reaching the contiguous forest, where he concealed himself until they gave up the pursuit. Whetstone, who was unable to travel was concealed under the kitchen floor by the woman of the house. He was sought for in every direction and in every place but the right one. Thus did ready ingenuity of woman save him from the clutches of his foes. Some time after this, however, he was killed in the town of Marshall in Harrison county. The failure to consummate this villainous scheme cast a still more somber feeling of discontent over Moorman's command. Many now openly threatened that unless some decisive blow was shortly struck, they would quit the cause and return to their homes. Moorman was continually in dread of such a catastrophe, and maintained as vigorous a system of military discipline as the circumstances of his peculiar situation would allow or prudence justify. Franklin L. Farrs, a young man of good character, who had reached the country about the time of the commencement of hostilities, and who finding his family and relatives engaged in the affair, had joined Moorman's company, about this time requested permission to visit his brother John, who had been wounded in the first battle. Moorman peremptorily refused to permit him to leave the camp, alleging as a reason that a decisive battle was daily expected, and every man must be at his post prepared to perform his duty, Farrar became greatly exasperated, and after letting fly at his superior officer a volley of oaths which we do not care to repeat, left the camp with his rifle on his shoulder. Moorman threatened to have him arrested, but the spirit of dissatisfaction was becoming so strong that he did not desire to call his precarious authority into exercise oftener than absolutely necessary. When Cravens had furnished his command with all necessary supplies he again took up his line of march in the direction of the Regulator camp. His men were in high spirits and greatly elated by their recent success, Some of them actually believed that they could not be slain by a Regulator, and asserted that they were specially protected by Providence. Although this was but an idle whim it yet had a happy effect upon all who were inclined to superstition. They went into battle with the belief strongly impressed upon their minds, and hence were as little fearful of death as the barbarous hosts of Mahomet, who regarded death as but the door of a paradise of eternal bliss --- a land of beauty and unusual delight. The Moderators left the high road soon after quitting camp for fear of ambush, and made their way with considerable difficulty through the woods to dry creek when they encamped. The bed of this stream was very deep, the banks being from eight to ten feet high. It was a strong natural fortification, such as the Indians universally selected if within reach of one, when preparing to resist an attack. In such a position a hundred men could easily withstand the onslaught of five hundred. The creek was extremely crooked, and skirted on either side by tall forest trees, not so thick, however, as to obstruct the view, or prevent troops from moving to and fro with ease. A mile and a half from the Regulators, Cravens sent out his company of spies to ascertain what was doing among the enemy. Moorman was already aware that he had to change his position, but still as ignorant of his new locality. No sooner had he learned, however, that twenty five of Cravens men had been sent out to reconnoiter, than he determined to seek him out and bring on a battle during their absence. He accordingly set out in the supposed direction of the Moderating camp with his whole force, confident of an easy victory. In consequence of his superior number. While on his route he met an old man named Bowles, a friend of the Moderators, who had been to mill. Moorman caused him to be arrested with a view of compelling him to point out Cravens' camp. He, Bowles, was a droll odd kind of a genius, and withall terribly profane. He told Moorman that he was glad to have an opportunity of doing him a service, that if he attacked the Moderators he would more than likely to have the pleasure of supping that night with his (Moorman's) particular friend and patron, the D--l, "Show me where the camp is," said Moorman half jocularly and half seriously. And perhaps I'll send some of your friends on that pleasant mission in my place. "Well", returned Bowles, "just go down that creek there a few hundred yards and you will have the opportunity of making the experiment. "How many men has Cravens in camp now?" inquired Moorman. "About one hundred and the rest are out on scout", was the reply."If you deceive me", said the Colonel, "I'll hang you to the first limb I come to after I make the discovery, you old rogue". "If you hang all the rogues in your camp first you'll have no ropes to spare", rejoined Bowles with an oath. They now pursued their course until within a few hundred yards of the spot where the Moderators were concealed, All was still as the slumbers of innocence; not a sign of life was visible. The wind swept through the branches of the tall pines overhead with a dismal melancholy sound as through it wailed the coming conflict. Here the order was given to halt and a consultation was held between Col, Boulward commander of the forces from Harrison county, and the Regulator chief as to which should bring on the engagement. The latter insisted that Boulward should take the lead, alleging as a reason that he was too well known to venture within gun shot of the enemy. Boulward, however, objected to this; He had commenced the engagement at Church Hill and his division had suffered severely in consequence, Besides it was more properly Moorman's duty, for Boulward was but an auxiliary, and had no personal interest in the matter. He did not decline from fear because he had already shown his bravery, and was known to be as courageous as anyone had need to be. They were at this time on a hill directly in front of where Cravens was concealed, and the Moderators, though unseen themselves, could perceive all the movements, and were waiting with their rifles ready in breathless anxiety to "welcome them to bloody graves". While this altercation was going on between the commanders, old Bowles stepped up to them and expressed his regret that they could not agree, but said he, "I will suggest a plan that will probably remove that difficulty. Just march down this bill in the direction of the creek about two hundred yards further, and I'll be d----d if the engagement don't bring itself on." This ill timed pleasantry threw Moorman into a perfect fury of rage, and ha threatened to take dire and immediate vengeance on the old man if he persisted in his impertinence. The dispute between the leaders finally waxed warm, and Boulward threatened to return home with his entire company and leave Moorman to take care of himself as best he could, They however eventually concluded to return to their fortification and there await the attack from Cravens. CHAPTER TWENTY On the evening of the same day on which the occurrence just related transpired, Cravens, spy company came in and reported that about twenty of the leading men in the Regulating camp, including the principle officers had breakfasted that morning at a farm house some half mile from their quarters.This information was obtained from a reliable source, and indeed from more sources then one, for they had friends in the camp of the Regulators who kept them in possession of everything of interest that was going on when it was found possible to do so. Cravens readily supposed that if they had taken breakfast there one morning they would do so again the next, and he therefore determined to avail himself of the favorable opportunity to attack them when they were off their guard. It was his intention during the night to march to the vicinity of Moorman's camp and there conceal his men until he saw the officers leave to get their breakfast then surround the fortification, cut off all communication between the officers and men, by which means he hoped to force a surrender, or at least to compel them in the end to come to some terms that would restore the country to a state of peace and tranquility. But fortunately for all parties concerned and for the welfare of the whole country, President Houston, who was at that time on a visit to San Augustine, adjoining Shelby county heard of the unfortunate state of affairs, --- that the people were under arms and a daily prospect of most disastrous consequences---- and with commendable promptness issued the following proclamation: Executive Department, San Augustine, August 14, 1844. It having been represented to me that there exists in the county of Shelby a state of anarchy and misrule -- that parties are arrayed against each other in hostile attitude contrary to law and order: Now therefore be it known that I, Sam Houston, President of the Republic of Texas, to the end that hostilities may cease and good order prevail, command all citizens engaged therein to lay down their arms and retire to their respective homes, Given under my hand and seal the day and year above written. Sam Houston." This little document was printed and couriers dispatched with copies to be given to the commanders, and distributed generally through the disaffected section. The president at the same time called out six hundred militia from the counties of San Augustine Sabine, Nacogdoches, and Rusk. The command of this force was given to Col Travis G, Broocks of San Augustine. An order was also issued to Alexander Horton, Marshall of the Republic, to arrest ten of the leading men of each party and bring them before the President forthwith. Houston's proclamation was delivered to Cravens on the evening of the day last spoken of, and he at once abandoned the idea of making the attack next morning as he had contemplated. He determined to await the arrival of the militia ordered out by the president, hoping that good order and quiet might yet be restored without the shedding of more blood. In truth all parties were glad of the turn events had taken. They had become embroiled in a petty civil war the unhappy and ruinous consequences of which they had not foreseen. They now clearly perceived that nothing could be accomplished by either party, that could be of any lasting benefit or advantage to the country, or to themselves. They had nothing to gain by continuance of the struggle, and many of them had much to lose. The intervention of the president now offered them an honorable opportunity to retire from the conflict, and there were but few of them that regretted it. The succeeding evening after the delivery of the proclamation the San Augustine militia arrived and pitched their tents within a short distance of Cravens' camp. Here they remained during the night. The next morning Col. Broocks demanded a surrender in the name and by the authority of the President of the Republic. Cravens immediately ordered his men to lay down their arms and submit themselves to the order. The men cheerfully obeyed the command, and the Marshall produced his writ and proceeded to arrest ten of the leading men: to-wit, Col. Cravens, Llewllyn, Dial, Hayley and others. These were sent under guard to Shelbyville. The remainder of the company were then marched to a suitable place, where they could obtain supplies, water, etc., and instructed to remain there until further orders from the proper authorities. Col. Broocks then marched his command toward the camp of the Regulators, having learned that ha was approaching they abandoned their fortifications, and dispersed in various directions. Col. Boulward and his company returned to Harrison county. About thirty men remained with Moorman and with these he marched to Hilliard's spring, his old position, to await further developments as to the intentions of Co.. Broocks, and the disposition to be made of the leaders in case they should all be arrested. On their arrival at Moorman's camp the troops of course found it deserted. Here they were joined by the militia from Rusk, Nacogdoches and Sabine, making the whole number under Broocks command six hundred. In a short time after the Marshall, with Cravens and the rest of his prisoners arrived in Shelbyville nine of the principle Regulators made their appearance and surrendered themselves prisoners. Among the rest were Matthew Brinson, M.T. Johnson, Daggett and Turner. The whole of the prisoners were now sent to San Augustine under guard in obedience to Gen. Houston's orders. Broocks learning these facts, as well as the movements of Moorman, determined to follow him to his retreat and arrest him at all hazards. On his march toward Hilliard's springs he caused every family known to be friendly to the Regulators to be placed under guard in order to prevent them from carrying or sending the news to Moorman of the advance of the troops. By this salutary precaution he was enabled to reach the neighborhood of the fortifications while Moorman and his friends supposed him to be still in camp to the south of Shelbyville. When within about a mile of the spring the advance guard, six men of Broocks division, fell in with Moorman and arrested him. Moorman's quarters were on the north side of a large Bayou known as Flat Fork. On the south side of the Bayou at a distance of a mile was a liquor shop, at which a portion of the Regulators were at this time regaling themselves, and driving away their cares and sorrows by large and frequent draughts of rectified whiskey, or as it was usually called, "bust-head" a very appropriate and significant name. Our hero had drunk pretty freely the night previous, and on the day in question was suffering somewhat from the effects of his debauch; and being withall in a rather gloomy frame of mind, he concluded to ride over to the shop and join companions, leaving a small guard to watch the camp. While passing through a little prairie that skirted the Bayou, he perceived six men approaching him from the direction of Shelbyville, but supposing them to be a portion of his own men he gave no heed to their movements. His road at this point diverged from the main one, and the six men now changed their course across the prairie so as to intercept him; still he rode on without raising his head. In a few moments they were within ten paces of him when the marshal, one of the party, bade him halt. " By what authority do you dare molest me? Stand back at your peril" exclaimed Moorman, reining up his horse and presenting his gun. "You will soon learn by what authority we act, if you don't lower your gun", said a voice behind him, and turning he beheld Judge Anderson in a few feet of him ready to fire at the slightest warning. "Hand over your gun to Col. Horton, said Anderson, "or I'll blow your brains out in the twinkling of an eye." Moorman did as he commanded, but apparently with great reluctance. "Now your pistols", continued Anderson. "I have none," was the reply. "That story won,t do; hand them over instantly or take the consequences." Moorman drew them out and presented them to Horton. He was then requested to give up his bowie knife and again insisted that he had none, but the proximity of Anderson's double barreled shot gun and the determination he saw manifested to use it finally prevailed, and he drew that forth also. "You will now consider that you are a prisoner by order of the government, and will act accordingly," said Horton, "The first effort you make to escape will be the signal at which you will receive the contents of our guns." Moorman now requested permission to blow his horn--- he wished to warn his command of danger ---but the request was refused, and he was politely informed that he had in all probability blown his last blast. They now heard the tramp of horses' feet, and turning in the direction of the springs they saw approaching them fifteen or twenty of Moorman's men. Every man took his position in an instant and they presented a bold and formidable front, determined to defend themselves and retain their prisoner to the last extremity. As soon as the advancing party discovered them to be enemies, and that their leader was a prisoner, they turned their course and fled in the direction they had come. The advance guard was on foot and had no means of pursuing them even had they desired to do so, which they did not. They had secured the chief and he was the last one for whom they had a writ. They now started back with their prisoner and soon met Col. Broocks command. The order of march was reversed and the regiment, after marching nearly all night, reached a farm where they encamped. A guard of thirty men was detailed to watch the prisoner until morning. Be was taken into a corn field where the guard formed a hollow square and placed him within it. He was provided with blankets but he did not feel disposed to pay his devotions to the god of slumber. He passed the night walking to and fro in the space alloted him, occasionally muttering a suppressed curse, and as may be supposed, with anything but agreeable thoughts. The guards were under strict orders not to converse with him upon any subject and especially to answer no questions which he might propound. He was therefore completely ignorant as to his fate, and his mind naturally- called up the most gloomy anticipations. He knew that he had been a bad man: that he was now in the hands of the law which he had spurned and defied; he knew too that the fame of his misdeeds had filled the country, that he was regarded as a desperado and an outlaw, and that he could expect but little clemency to be shown him by a people whom he had embroiled in a civil conflict, and whose rights he had wantonly and flagrantly violated. It must not be supposed that contrition for his past conduct had any influence in disturbing his feelings. He felt no remorse whatever, but would have recommenced the same course again on the morrow had the opportunity presented itself. It was alone the fear of punishment that disturbed his mind, and drove sleep from his heavy eyelids. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE At an early hour next morning Col. Broocks again put his troops in motion and proceeded to Shelbyville. He left thirty men in this place in command of Captain Mabbett to restrain any fresh outbreak that might occur. That night he camped a short distance south of the town and the next morning discharged all his forces except the San Augustine company. With these he pursued his course to that place and reported the result of his operations to Gen. Houston, and that the prisoners whom he had ordered him to arrest were nor awaiting his pleasure. Col. Broocks was now discharged, the twenty prisoners brought before the President, who ordered them to be held to bail in heavy sums, with which they all complied. The moment Moorman was discharged he was arrested by the sheriff for the murder of John M. Bradley, an account of which we have previously given. He was taken before a justice of the peace and after examination committed to await his trial. Heavy irons were put upon his hands and feet and ha was confined in the dungeon of the county jail. He now considered his condition deplorable indeed; all his usual gaiety and buoyancy of spirits forsook him, But yesterday he was in command of the United Regulating Forces of Harrison, Panola and Shelby counties; looked forward to the day, not far distant he imagined, when he would be the leader of a revolution that would subvert the government, and place him in the highest seat of power--- his word was law, and he had but to say "Let this thing be done" and his wish was carried into execution by his blind and ignorant followers. Now he was fallen so low that there was none, no, not one, so poor as to do him reverence. His followers were disheartened and dispersed, They could do nothing for him even had they been so disposed. Troops were stationed in Shelbyville with orders to suppress the first outbreak and lend any assistance that might be required by the civil authorities to enforce the law. The District Court was coming on there soon, and protected by the troops, the grand jury would do their duty, and he expected that he and his friends would be indicted for their numerous acts of lawless violence. All these considerations weighed heavily upon as the leaden hours rolled slowly away. If he could just be set at liberty ha had sufficient confidence in his own resources to believe that he could devise some plan to elude the rigorous penalties of the law. But the question was how he was to get out of his dungeon. He was so heavily ironed and vigilantly watched that he could not hope to do anything to affect his escape. He knew that his friends were powerless to assist him, and had doubted if they would take the trouble to do it even if they had the opportunity. In this extremity he determined as a last resource to send for a lawyer, and try the virtue of the glorious writ of habeas corpus. The writ was granted and upon the hearing by the judge he was admitted to bail in a very large sum--- so large that it was supposed by everyone that he could not possibly give it. But strange as it may appear, there were men of wealth who became his sureties. They regarded him in some degree at least as an honorable man--- that is they thought he would have gratitude enough for the service thus rendered, to induce him to stand his trial, and thus release them from responsibility on his account. They were moreover or rather had been enemies of Bradley, and did not consider that Moorman had done wrong to take his life. The result proved that they judged correctly in one respect at least, for Moorman subsequently stood his trial for the murder of Bradley, and was acquitted on the ground that Bradley had previously threatened his life. Such a defense would not avail a man in Texas now, but in those days the law was more liberally expounded, and juries had more sympathy for their fellow men, knowing that they often erred themselves, and might possible soon have need of the same clemency they were bestowing. Moorman returned to Shelbyville as soon as he was bailed, but a change had taken place even greater than he had supposed, and one that he had but little expected to experience. Instead of being courted and flattered and feared by every one, he discovered that his name had lost its potent and magical influence. The men of responsibility who had been unavoidably drawn into the struggle and compelled to follow his Lead, now met him with cold formality and plainly indicated their desire to cut his acquaintance. Even his boon companions, those who had clung to him through the thickest of the conflict, been his firm friends in the darkest hours of his infamous career, even they appeared disposed to shun him. Those who once feared to visit Shelbyville without his permission now passed him in the street without notice . Watt Moorman had ceased to be a terror to anyone. He found himself without means of support, and as a resource he took himself to the business of gambling as a profession. By this means he managed to obtain a precarious subsistance. Shortly after his return to Shelby the regular term of the District Court for that county came on. It must be borne in mind that there had been murders committed by both Regulators and Moderators and there were many of each who would have preferred that a court should not be held. It was generally thought that the meeting of the court would cause another outbreak. Hon. Wm. B. Ochiltree, it will be recollected, had attempted to hold a court there previously, and he had been foiled by the members of the grand jury. It was now to be decided whether the law was to rule in the future, and as a consequence much anxiety was felt throughout the county on the subject. The court was attended by almost every man in the county, those who had no special business went to see how matters were conducted, and to see their old friends. Captain Mabbet's company was kept in constant readiness to suppress any riot or disturbance. Every thing went smoothly until Tuesday evening, the second day of the term. Major Truitt had just mounted his horse to leave town, and stopped for a moment in front of a drinking house to call some friend whom he wished to accompany him when he was attacked by a man named Chas. A. Luton. They had been at outs, as the saying was, for some time, something connected with the late disturbances. A crowd was collected around the door of the grocery and when Truitt first discovered Luton he was making his way toward him through the crowd with a double barreled gun which he held presented in the act of firing. Truitt had but time to throw himself from his horse when Luton discharged his piece, the balls or shot passing over his head without effect. Before Luton could prepare to discharge the other barrel of his gun, his adversary had drawn a pistol, passed under the horses neck and stood so close to him that he could not use his gun. Finding his weapon would not avail in this close contest, he attempted to retreat, but just as he was in the act of turning round he received the contents of Truitt's pistol in his right shoulder, the ball fracturing it severely and lodging in the region of the spine. In a few minutes after the first fire the militia was promptly on the spot and surrounded the entire crowd. Truitt immediately gave himself into the custody of the sheriff, and the wounded man was conveyed to a convenient place where his Wounds could be dressed. The injury proved not to be mortal and after a long time he recovered. Truitt was subsequently tried and acquitted. Luton was held to bail but forfeited his bond by leaving the country for parts unknown. The alacrity of Capt. Mabbetts company on this occasion inspired both confidence and terror --- confidence among those who wished for peace and good order and terror in the ranks of the disorganized and opposers of the law. The court was conducted to a close without further disturbance. Toward the latter part of the term a plan was devised by some of the most popular and influential men in the neighboring counties to bring about if possible a better state of feeling among the citizens, and if possible to prevail on them to forget the past, and drop all animosities engendered in the late unhappy dissentions. A committee was accordingly formed to draw a series of resolutions to be submitted to the parties en masse. The committee consisted of the Hon. W.B. Ochiltree, then Judge of the District Court, and Amos Clark Esq. of Nacogdoches, B.G. Burks and W.H. Landrum Esq. of Sabine county, Hon. Isaac Van Zant of Harrison and Hon. D.S. Kaufman late a member of the United States Congress from the Eastern District of Texas. These parties were in no manner indentified with the Regulators or Moderators, and it was thought, that any plan suggested by them would be likely to meet with favor from all concerned. The result of their deliberations was the following document which was drawn up by the Hon. D.S. Kaufman, and signed by the four persons whose names appear below. "We the undersigned citizens of the Republic of Texas, in view of the disastrous consequences, anarchy and misrule attendant upon the late attempts in the county of Shelby and elsewhere, to turn the law from its legitimate channels, and to the end that law and order may prevail, peace and quiet be restored, do hereby solemnly pledge ourselves to assist the civil authorities in carrying out, maintaining and enforcing the law of the county, and in that end: 1st. Be it resolved that we do hereby forever discard the odious designation of Regulators and Moderators, and will henceforth be hailed and recognized by no other name than that of Texans. 2nd. Resolved, that we will forget and forgive and will frown upon and discountenance any and every attempt to revive the unfortunate divisions which have so long distracted our country; that we will give the hand of fellowship to every worthy citizen, no matter under which party banner he may have rallied. 3rd. Resolved, that a voice has come to us from our firesides, from our wives and little ones, that its pleading for peace shall not pass unheeded, and we do therefore pledge our sacred honor to the strict observance and faithful performance of the foregoing resolutions. James Truitt John Dial M.T. Johnson John B. McNairy. These ware leading and influential men, citizens of Shelby county, and had taken an active part in some of the late proceedings. The paper was therefore submitted to them to be signed before it was submitted to the public. Truitt and Dial were members elect to the Texas Congress, and were known as Moderators. Johnson and McNairy were Regulators and had been opposing candidates for Congress. They had thus become to some extent the leaders of their respective parties, and exercised, perhaps, more influence than any other four men in the county. After they had signed the paper it was copied and circulated through the county and received the signatures of a large portion of the citizens. Many signed it who had taken no part in the difficulties, but they had felt the consequences as severely as those who had been the most active participants, and they were glad to have the opportunity to lend their influence in the furtherance of any plan having for its object the restoration of order and harmony in the community. There was no further disturbance during court and it so concluded quietly. The law was administered and the hope of continual peace inspired men with new confidence. But the feeling of animosity was not yet quelled. The militia still remained on duty by order of the President to awe the stubborn and passionate into obedience. A few days after court a difficulty occurred between Harris and Duncan, the former a Regulator and the latter a Moderator. Duncan was a rude, impetuous, overbearing man and forced the difficulty on Harris, who being quite a young man and of an amiable disposition, wished to avoid it. He mounted his horse to leave town when Duncan approached him with a stick and dragged him off his horse. Harris a drew a pistol and attempted to shoot, but his pistol missed fire. He now drew another and pursued Duncan, who was now retreating, fired and killed him. Harris immediately fled, was pursued by Capt. Mabbett's company, bute eluded them and secreted himself in the neighborhood of his father's residence until he could consult an attorney, when he care in and gave himself up to the Sheriff. He was subsequently tried for the offense and was acquitted, The militia remained in Shelbyville until late in December, when as everything appeared quiet with no sign of an outbreak, they were discharged. But they had bean gone only a short time when a revival of the old feuds were plainly visible. Parties who visited Shelbyville still carried their guns. At a session of the county court soon after the troops had left a dispute arose in the court room between a Regulator and a Moderator. Something was said about gunpowder, and in an instant the whole assembly to the number of about twenty on either side sprang to their guns. The court immediately ordered the sheriff to arrest the parties, which he promptly did, by summoning a posse to assist him. Similar occurrences continued for more than a year afterwards, and did not entirely cease until 1846, on the commencement of hostilities with Mexico. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO When the tocsin of war first sounded the alarm upon our south-western frontier, and the precarious situation of the little army under Gen. Taylor became known, there was scarcely a Texan able to bear arms who was not willing and eager to rush into the conflict. The call that was made for volunteers was nobly responded to. Two companies were organized in Shelby county; one under the command of Capt. Johnson, a Regular, as will be remembered; the other under the command of Capt. Truitt, a Moderator. The old attachment for party was still so strong that scarcely a Moderator belonged to Johnson's company nor a Regulator to Truitt's. The two officers were now on terms of intimacy, which served to prevent any unpleasant or offensive acts from transpiring between the companies. Moorman made application to Johnson to be enrolled under his command but was refused. He was not only obnoxious to many of Truitt's men, but also to many of his old comrades and companions in arms, and was told by Johnson that his presence would serve to keep alive the spirit of unkindness which it was his wish to see cultivated between the two companies. He then applied to Truitt but with no better success. This to a man of sensibility would have been mortifying indeed, but Moorman did not seem to regard it as a reproach. When the troops left for the seat of war he accompanied them as far as San Antonio, Here he stopped and remained the greater part of the time until the conclusion of peace. He frequented the Mexican fandangoes every night, and derived a support from such unsophisticated young men as occasionally fell into his hands. At the close of the war he returned to Shelby county. The two companies from Shelby county pursued their course to Point Isabel, and joined the regiment under the command of Col, George T. Wood, were in the battle of the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of September at Monterey and behaved gallantly, fighting side by side, shoulder to shoulder, in behalf of their country's rights. At the expiration of the term of service they were honorably discharged, and returned home together as warm friends as though they had never borne the appelation of Regulator and Moderator. The sharing together of common danger and peril, or even of misfortune, will knit men more indissolubly in a single day, than years of ordinary intercourse. Their sentiments had been elevated by becoming the defenders of their country, and in the hour of battle when the leaden messengers of death were in their midst, they had all with one consent buried in forgetfulness their mutual animosities. On the return of the volunteers the citizens of the county welcomed them with many congratulations, and gave a public dinner to which every person in the county was invited. J. Pinckney Henderson, then Governor of the State, Col. George T. Wood, and other distinguished persons were present and made speeches appropriate to the occasion. The utmost good feeling prevailed and the festivities of the day were concluded by a ball which was attended by young and old. Those who for years had been at enmity met in the same cotillions, and resolving to be friends, exchanged salutations as though nothing had occurred to arrest the current good feeling. With this public reunion passed away all traces of Regulating and Moderating in the county of Shelby which had for so long a time suffered under their corroding influence. The better portion of the community had witnessed a sufficiency of horrid and revolting scenes of cruelty, injustice, violence and bloodshed to fully open their eyes to the disastrous consequences which always follow in the train of such disturbances as those into which they had been beguiled. They wisely determined in the future to stand by the laws of the country under all circumstances, as the course most likely to ensure tranquility and the faithful administration of justice, On the other hand there was a number of worthless hangers on, reckless desperados, men that had respect neither unto the laws of God nor man, who had during the difficulties extort from their more fortunate coadjutators. It was these men who had committed most of the lawless acts during the troubles, Those who had anything to lose were not so ready to render themselves amenable to the law, even though they professed to despise it, and had virtually trampled it under their feet.Their hangers on were always ready if a house were to be burned, a man whipped or hung, to perform the act for a consideration. They were to be sure no more guilty than their abbettors who sanctioned and approved their proceedings, but they now found that they would be called to account for their crimes, and wisely abandoned forever the country which their presence disgraced. Moorman remained friendless and homeless; wandered about the country like an evil spirit, finding no resting place. He had laid aside his haughty bearing and assumed instead a gloomy, sullen, bull dog air of insolent defiance. He frequently disappeared for weeks together, and then suddenly returned without anyone knowing whither he went or whence he came. On one occasion, collecting a half dozen followers he went to the Trinity River for the purpose of kidnapping some slaves and conveying them into Louisiana, for which service he had been offered a large reward. They succeeded in getting them into possession and had started with them on their return, but they were pursued, the slaves retaken and carried back. The pursuit of Moorman was not, however, abandoned; they followed him to Panola county, but he succeeded in fooling them. He secreted himself where he knew it would be impossible for them to find him, and procured some of his friends to circulate the report that he had been killed. This they did with a minuteness of detail as to time, place and circumstances that carried with it such an air of truth as to induce the general credence, The pursuers consequently returned home with the conviction that the knife had cheated the gallows. In a few days afterwards Moorman appeared at his usual haunts, and made himself merry with his few remaining associates over the success of the ruse. But his days on earth were numbered and rapidly drawing to a close. To this, however, we will devote the next chapter. CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE There lived at this time near Watson's old Ferry on the east bank of the Sabine, a Mrs. Wiseman, a woman of bad character whom with Moorman was on terms of criminal intimacy. When he was without money and desired to conceal himself from observation, he would repair to her house and remain until ready for another foray. As is frequently the case with such women, she indignantly denied the charges which were frequently circulated concerning her amours, and sought to retain a respectable position in the community in which she lived. But she was avoided by all virtuous women who were aware of her true character. On one occasion she received a severe rebuke from the wife of Doctor Burns, a respectable physician, who still lived in Logansport Louisiana. Being of a fiery, implacable disposition she determined to avenge the indignity, let it cost what it might. With this object in view she appeared before the grand jury impaneled in Shelby county at the fall term of the District court, 1849 and preferred a charge of rape against Dr. Burns. A true bill was returned against him and he was soon informed by his friends of the fact. He lived as we have stated in Louisiana, but immediately and without hesitation came forward, gave himself up to the sheriff and demanded a trial. She charged the offense to have been committed on a certain night in the month of April preceding the court. The trial came up and Burns produced a letter which she had written him in June threatening to destroy his reputation though she should forfeit her own, and even her life in the attempt. She said nothing about a violation of her person, but gave as a reason for what she intended to do that Mrs. Burns had treated her with disrespect, and refused to recognize her as a lady. In addition to this letter Dr. Burns proved by Col. Truitt --and one or two other gentlemen of unquestioned veracity, that he had slept in his house on the night in question, and that he had not left home after dark. This was of course sufficient to acquit him and he was accordingly discharged. Mrs. Wiseman heard the verdict of the jury with chagrin and rage, and determined to seek vengeance in a more summary manner. This trial had developed facts that put the finishing touch to her reputation. Those who had merely doubted were now convinced that all they had heard concerning her was true. She took a horrid oath, such as has but seldom passed the lips of woman, that she would never rest until he was slain. Procuring a brace of pistols she set diligently about educating herself in the art of sharp shooting. After practicing a month or two she showed considerable proficiency, having been arduously instructed by Moorman, who was her confidant as well as her lover. One evening about two months after the trial Mrs. Wiseman and her paramour were standing on the wharf at Logansport awaiting the ferry boat from the opposite shore to convey them across. In a few minutes they saw a lady and gentleman enter it whom they soon recognized as Dr. Burns and his wife. The boat had scarcely touched the wharf when Mrs. Wiseman stepped into it and approached within a few feet of Dr. Burns, drew a pistol and attempted to fire. Burns had a shotgun in his hand but did not fancy killing a woman although in self defense. He therefore raised it and struck her a blow on the side of the face that laid her full length in the bottom of the boat. Mrs. Burns took her husband's arm and they proceeded home. Moorman, who had been an idle spectator of this scene, we heard to say as they walked up the street, that nothing saved Burns' life but his wife being with him, She now concluded that a personal encounter with Burns was rather hazardous method of obtaining satisfaction. A few days after this, happening to be on the Texas side of the river, she learned that a Mrs. Parker, who lived a few miles from the ferry, expected in a few days to be confined in childbed, and that she had caused Dr. Burns to be notified that his services would be required. She immediately determined to turn this information to account of her infamous design against the life a of a man towards whom she had no just cause of complaint. She operated on Moorman until he consented to second her plans, and add yet another to the list of crimes that blackened his name. The next morning Moorman accompanied by a son of Mrs. Wiseman, about seventeen years of age, had repaired to suitable place on the road leading from the ferry to Parkers residence, when the two constructed an ambuscade to conceal themselves from the view of anyone who might pass the road. The young man was then dispatched to the river where he aroused the ferryman who lived on the opposite bank, and requested him to send word to Dr. Burns that Mrs. Parker was sick and required his immediate attention. He then returned to the ambuscade where he had left Moorman, and they anxiously awaited the coming of their victim. In a short time Dr. Burns made his appearance, riding leisurely along, little dreaming that he was nearing at every step the lurking place of an assassin, But fortune favored him. He was riding a spirited horse, and when just opposite the ambush spurred him suddenly, and clearing it at a bound, sprung forward at at more than half speed. As the horse leaped Moorman fired. The ball from his rifle shivered his (Burn's) walking stick, causing one of the splinters to lacerate his hand, but doing no other damage. Burns reined up his steed as soon as possible and thrust his hand into his bosom for a pistol. Unfortunately in the hurry of starting he had forgotten them and was forced to proceed to Parker's. Upon his arrival there the good lady was not sick and had not sent for him. The truth now flashed upon him. He had been deceived and attempted to be murdered. On his way home he examined the ambush, and satisfied by the tracks and other evidences that Moorman had been one of the parties. Several similar attempts were made to entrap him, but after this he always went well armed and was constantly upon his guard; so much so indeed that Moorman was forced to abandon this mode of warfare. He now concluded to seek him openly, but not to fight unless he could secure an advantage which would insure success. He arranged among a few of his friends that he was to encounter Burns at some convenient time in Logansport while they were present, commence a quarrel with him, and if he seemed disposed to fight they were to interfere before any damage could be done. The day was set on which this plan was to be put in execution. Unfortunately for Moorman he had so much of the braggadocio spirit about him that he could not forbear boasting of the contemplated murder. He stated in the presence of some of Burns' friends on the day previous to the me set apart, that he was going to Logansport the next morning, and that Burns could then be brought to account for striking a woman--- that before the sun went down either himself or Burns would be a corpse. The prophecy was literally fulfilled. Burns was duly notified of Moorman's threats and of his intended plan of operations. He expressed deep regret that circumstances would compel him to notice such a man as Moorman; that he had heretofore avoided a difficulty with him, but that if one must come, perhaps the sooner the better. He appeared calm and cool, made no threats, nor even informed his nearest friends of what had transpired. The morrow came, bright and beauteous as a young bride at the altar. It was one of those mornings often experienced in the South when a peculiar dreamlike stillness prevades the earth, as though "all save the spirit of man is divine". Alas, that passion should at such a time disturb the quiet harmony of nature by unnatural deeds of violence and blood. Burns had determined upon the course he should pursue and was sitting at his window watching the opposite shore. About nine o'clock he saw Moorman and two others make their appearance all armed with guns. Burns discovered by aid of his spy glass that Moorman was almost literally loaded down with pistols. So he thought: You are coming to carry your purpose into execution. He arose, walked into the next room and took up his double barreled shot gun which he had previously loaded. As he passed out of the house Mrs. Burns asked him where he was going. "To shoot a duck" was the mild but laconic response, and he passed on. She had never been deceived by her husband and did not now doubt what he said. Pet there Bad a look of stern determination on his countenance that she thought protended something more momentous than duck hunting, She did not know that Moorman was in town nor indeed that he had threatened her husband's life, yet she had a presentiment that trouble was at hand. Once or twice she thought to follow him or send some one to see what he was doing, but overcoming what she considered a womanly weakness, busied herself about her household duties until she was suddenly startled by the report of a gun, and in quick succession another. Burns quitting the house had walked down the town to the principle street, which ran directly to the landing. When he reached the corner shore he was concealed from observation, he waited until the party had time to disembark. He then turned and walked briskly toward the river. Moorman and his companion were approaching him so that in a few moments they were within thirty paces of each other. At this moment, Burns by a rapid movement brought his gun to his shoulder and fired. The first report had scarcely died away when he discharged the contents of the second barrel. But it was useless; the first had done its mission. He was falling and the shot passed harmlessly by. Moorman fell to the earth where for a few moments he lay apparently lifeless. Suddenly with a convulsive moment he sprang to his feet, seized one of his pistols, brandished it aloft, staggered forward a few steps, and then uttering a curse against Burns that almost congealed the blood of those who heard it, fell on his face a corpse. Watt Moorman the Regulator Chief was no more. Here we might point a moral, but the reader has doubtless anticipated us in this respect and relieved us of the duty. Moorman was not an ordinary man. Destitute of education; without money; and withall a refugee from justice; he came to Texas a seeker of adventures, possessed of nothing save a pleasing address and a prepossessing exterior, he became in a short time the leader of a set of reckless, but brave and daring men. Not content with this he insinuated himself into the confidence of many worthy men whom he led to the very brink of ruin ---- induced them to commit moral if not legal treason against the country of their adoption, and aspired by their countenance and aid to subvert the government, and place himself in the highest position of honor under the new organization. Perhaps the most remarkable trait of his character was the remarkable skill or adroitness with which he moulded those infinitely superior to him in every sense of the word to his own whims and caprices. He was undoubtedly possessed of great natural tact and had he, even with his limited education, chosen the path of virtue and rectitude instead of infamy and crime, he would in those primitive days have left behind him the traces of noble deeds. But in early youth he had drunk deeply of the poison chalice of iniquity, and through life he sought to attain his ends by means of cunning, duplicity and falsehood. After pursuing a brief career stained with almost every crime in the black catalogue of guilt, he died by violence in the very prime of youth and manhood while yet his hand was set to a deed of blood. Verily, the wicked shall not live out half their days. So odious had be become that it was with the utmost difficulty persons could be induced to assist in the last sad offices the living may administer to the dead. When the grave closed over his mortal remains no honest tear of virtuous sympathy was shed to consecrate the spot as hallowed ground. No hand was there to strew the tomb with flowers. No mourner o'er his humble grave. But now that he was gone men breathed more freely and laughed more gaily as they reflected that the peaceful current of society should no more be troubled or disturbed by the presence of the pestilence breathing monster. Dr. Burns gave himself up to the authorities at Mansfield, Louisiana, was tried and honorably acquitted. He is still living at or near his former residence, and will attest the truth of the fact here set forth. CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR Having given a faithful history of the Regulators and Moderators, together with such incidents as are worthy of insertion, it behooves us to bring our labors to a close, lest "we should not be heard for much speaking." We have endeavored to deal candidly with the facts laid before us, and if we have erred or unintentionally done injustice to any party or individual we crave their forgiveness. The main facts related in these pages we know to be correct, and if the reader should be disposed to doubt their authenticity, we respectfully refer to the following gentlemen in corroboration of what we have said: Gen. J. Pinckney Henderson, late governor of Texas, Judge A.W.O. Hicks of Shelbyville, and W.B. Ochiltree of Nacogdoches. The effects of these feuds upon the prosperity of Shelby county was most disastrous. Although possessed of many advantages, rich lands good timber, pure water and proximity to navigation, it has rather retrograded than improved. While her sister counties have increased in population and wealth she has stood melancholy example of the evil effects of the resort to lynch law. Before the restoration of order many families who did not desire to jeapordize their lives and fortunes removed to other and more quiet localities, and indeed that (great?) number left the county. The price of lands decreased, farms with good substantial improvements were abandoned, or disposed of at nominal prices, and were suffered to grow up with weeds and briars and the houses to rot down. The town of Shelbyville, once a flourishing little inland village became almost deserted. The traveler as he passed through its streets needed not to be told that some unusual cause had operated to bring about the change every where so plainly visible. The people in every part of the United States had heard of the lawless and sanguinary scenes enacted there, and when they emigrated to the country avoided the county as they would have done a city infested with plague. The county is now inhabited by as worthy men as any in the state and all is peace and quiet, but it will be many years yet before it will reach that point of prosperity which it would long since have attained but for those unhappy and disastrous occurrences. It may well be questioned if mob law can be justified under any circumstances. Cases certainly arise in new countries when if the community were not to take administration of the law into their own hands offenders of the vilest grade would go unwhipped of justice. Yet it would doubtless in the end be better that a few, however so guilty, should escape, than that spirit of disturbance should be fomented to engender in its turn the very evils it was designed to eradicate. Better to suffer temporary grievance than to call into existence a power which may set both the principles of justice and the laws of the land at defiance. But our object has been to relate the facts, not to wander into the field of ethical speculation, and having performed our labors to the best of our ability, we leave the reader to deduce his own conclusions from the premises given. The first settlers of Texas were exposed to a fiery ordeal. It was truly a time which tried men's souls, and with all their faults they command the reverence and esteem of all lovers of their race. The annals of history present no similar example of heroic endurance and self sacrificing patriotism. In the language of one of Texas, gifted sons; "Thermopylae had its messenger of defeat; the Alamo had none. They had to contend against a nation numbering eight millions of inhabitants, while Texas could boast of only a few thousand. The few troops that were sent into the field were miserably equipped. At the same time they knew that they were to receive the most meager compensation for their services. Government currency was worth a few cents on the dollar, while land script was a complete drug in the market. Repeatedly were armies raised in Mexico and sent to bring the rebels to subjection; hordes of hostile Indians were constantly descending in swarms to plunder the unprotected frontier, yet the ranger never faltered. In every conflict his courage was equal to the emergency that called it to exercise. Many of those brave and noble hearted men are nov living in the enjoyment of the rich harvest for which they toiled and suffered. They have seen the country of their adoption increase in population and wealth until she has assumed a commanding position among the states of the Union. There is perhaps no country on the globe possessed of more natural advantages than Texas, nor filling up more rapidly with a moral, intelligent, industrious and enterprising population. The soil produces abundantly almost every thing required to supply the numerous wants of civilized men. Among her varied products the most important are sugar, cotton, corn, rye, wheat, and oats, while fruits of every kind and quality exist in almost endless profusion, and her broad prairies furnish never failing pastures for herds of wild and domestic animals. Ample provision has been wisely made for the early establishment of schools that shall be acceptable to all, and colleges and churches are springing up as if by magic, Where late the red man roamed in undisturbed security the spirit of enterprise is fully awake and with her present bountiful resources railroads will soon traverse the state in every direction, and extending far beyond her limits open to us the commerce of the world. A bright future lies before the Lone Star State, and as a Texan, proud of our country, we may be permitted to wish her "God Speed". THE END ANALYSIS/NOTE TO RESEARCHERS/COMMENTARY: The manuscript from which this History of Shelby County was copied was quietly in the possession of William Becton (Jr.) Wortham for many years. In two of several telephone conversations on the subject, he alluded to the ownership of the original version penned in long hand by Dr. Levi Henderson Ashcraft, as being in the hands of one of the Ashcraft descendants. This is important in the respect that it may have some clues to the semantics of the type written version. I have to assume that the typed version was commissioned, since there were at least two different typewriters used and one had a change of ribbons at one point in the eighty-eight pages that contained this work. It was obvious to me, noting the corrections and hesitations made in the typing, that some of the very classic uses of language and colloquialisms of the times, caused the typists to stop and analyze from time to time, as it has myself. However, I come armed with a computer, a word processor, spell-checker and scanner. In most instances where the use of words in the old-fashioned vernacular were questioned by the word processor, I preserved the original use as much as possible. Genuinely classic editorial marks on the page as would be used by a newspaper editor causes me to believe that they were made by someone who was quite skilled as an editor. I have to guess that the editorial notes were probably made by Louis J. Wortham, the first editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, with an eye to publication. For whatever reason that the book did not make it into publication before this time, it is an extraordinary work. Dr. Ashcraft's (Sometimes pronounced Ashcroft) medical terminology in describing the various wounds in detail, causes one to deduce that he was personally involved in their treatment and close enough to the events described, as to know them intimately. The publishing families of the Worthams must have held this manuscript many times, waiting for the right time to publish it. While the story seems to draw to a close at about 1844 with just a synopsis of the few succeeding years, it fills in a rather foggy gap of history between the Alamo and that point a few years before the unrest that precipitated the Civil War. It is an honor to include this work along with the five-volume "A History of Texas" - by Louis J. Wortham in this; "The Genesis of Wortham" CD-ROM Genealogy Project. It is hoped that both of these works will finally get the attention that they have deserved for so many, many years. --------------------------//////////--------------------------- Ron Wortham RonWortham@aol.com "The Genesis of Wortham" CD-ROM Genealogy Project Route 1, Box 1-A Sadler, TX 76264-9701 (903) 564-5401 Before 9PM CST please. -=The Genesis of Wortham Website=- http://members.aol.com/ronwortham/index.htm