preme Court, a station which he accepted with reluctance, and from which he withdrew at an early day. His first court was held at Jonesborough, where an incident occurred, illustrative alike of the rudeness of the times and the firmness of the new judge:

"He

A man named Russell Bean was indicted for cutting off the ears of his infant child in a drunken frolic. He was in the courtyard; but such was his strength and ferocity, that the sheriff, not daring to approach him, made a return to the court that "Russell Bean will not be taken." Judge Jackson, with his peculiar emphasis, said that such a return was an absurdity, and could not be received. must be taken," said the judge, "and, if necessary, you must summon the posse comitatus." The mortified sheriff retired, and waiting until the court adjourned for dinner, summoned the judges themselves, as part of the posse. Conceiving that the object of the sheriff was to avoid a dangerous service, under cover of the judges' refusal to obey the summons, Judge Jackson instantly replied, "Yes, sir, I will attend you, and see that you do your duty." Learning that Bean was armed, he requested a loaded pistol, which was put into his hand. He then said to the sheriff: "Advance and arrest him; I will proyou from harm." Bean, armed with a dirk and brace of pistols, assumed an attitude of defiance and desperation. But when the judge drew near, he began to retreat. Stop and submit to the law," cried the judge. The culprit stopped, threw down his pistols, and replied, "I will surrender to you, sir, but to no one else." This exemplary firmness and decision of Judge Jackson, in maintaining the supremacy of the law, produced a happy change in the conduct of the turbulent spirits of the vicinity.

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General Jackson was distinguished throughout his whol life for a remarkable fidelity to his friends. This trait in his character was strikingly exhibited in the progress of a serious difficulty between Governor Sevier and himself, which took place in 1803. A misunderstanding arose between Jackson and his former friend, Judge McNairy, growing out of the agency of the latter in the removal of

General Robertson, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the state, from the office of agent for the Chickasaw Indians. One of the consequences of that removal was, that a Mr. Searcy, who had emigrated to the country with them, and continued their steadfast friend, lost his office as clerk to the agency, on which he depended for support. Not perceiving any public reasons requiring this removal, Jackson remonstrated with McNairy on the course he had pursued. An altercation ensued, which produced an alienation never entirely obliterated. This incident added the weight of a respectable and powerful family to the hostile interests already arrayed against him.

Among others who became inimical towards him on this account, was John Sevier, governor of the state. Sevier was very popular, and being a candidate for reelection, in 1803, his exasperation against General Jackson was imbibed, in the course of the canvass, by the powerful party which supported him. In East Tennessee it had arisen to a high pitch; and while on his way to Jonesborough to hold his court, in the fall of 1803, he was informed that a combination had been organized to mob him on his arrival. It had no effect but to increase his anxiety to reach his destination. Having been sick on the road, he pushed forward while scarcely able to sit on his horse, and on his arrival at Jonesborough could not dismount without assistance. Having a high fever upon him, he retired immediately to his room, and lay down upon the bed. In a short time a friend called, and informed him that a regiment of men, headed by Colonel Harrison, had assembled to tar and feather him, and begged him to lock his door. He immediately rose, threw the door wide open, and said to his friend, "Give my compliments to Colonel Harrison, and tell him my door is open to receive him and his regiment whenever they choose to wait upon me; and I hope the colonel's chivalry will induce him to lead his men, and not follow them." Upon the delivery of his message, the mob dispersed; and having apologized for the inconsiderate violence of his conduct, Harrison remained ever after on good terms with General Jackson.

His next court was at Knoxville, where the legislature was then in session. They had entered into an investigation of certain land frauds which Jackson had done much to defeat, and there was some evidence tending to implicate the governor, who consequently became still more highly exasperated, and determined to revenge himself. As Judge Jackson left the court-house on the first day of his court, he found a crowd in front, in the midst of which stood Governor Sevier, with his sword in his hand, ha ranguing them in a loud voice. As Jackson advanced, the governor turned upon him; and an altercation ensued, in which insults were given and retorted. Being repeatedly defied by the governor to meet him in single combat, the general sent him a challenge, which was accepted. But in consequence. of difficulties on the part of the challenged party, as to the time and place of meeting, the general published him in the usual form. It was then understood, without any formal arrangement, that they would meet at a place called Southwest Point, within the Indian boundary. Thither the general repaired with a single friend. Having waited a couple of days, without seeing or hearing of the governor, he resolved to return to Knoxville, and bring the quarrel to a close. He had not proceeded a mile, however, when he saw the governor approaching, escorted by about twenty men. He had already prepared another note to the governor, setting forth his manifold grievances, and halting in the road, he sent his friend forward to deliver it. The governor refused to receive it. Out of patience with what he conceived to be an aggravation of former indignities, the general resolved to end the matter er on the spot. He was armed with a brace of pistols at his saddle-bow, and a cane; the governor with a brace of pistols and a sword. Advancing slowly until within one hundred yards of the governor, he levelled his cane as ancient knights did their spears, put spurs to his horse, and charged upon his antagonist. Astounded at this bold and unexpected movement, the governor's friends had not presence of mind enough to interpose; and the governor himself, dismounting to avoid the shock, trod on the scabbard of his sword,

and was rendered incapable of resistance. A rally of his attendants prevented any very serious mischief. In the governor's party were gentlemen who were as much the friends of General Jackson as of himself; and through their intercession, all further hostile intentions were abandoned, and the parties rode on some miles together.

On the admission of Tennessee into the union, it comprised one military division. The death of Major-general Conway, which occurred about this time, created a vacancy in the office, which was filled by the election of Jackson. This was the only public station he filled for a number of years, as, in 1804, he sent in his resignation of the judgeship to the legislature, which was accepted in July, about six years after his original appointment. He always distrusted his own abilities as a judge, and was quite willing that others should discharge its intricate and responsible duties. Unambitious of obtaining those distinctions and honors, which young men are usually proud to possess, and finding too that his circumstances and condition in life were not such as to permit his time and attention to be devoted to public matters, he determined to yield them into other hands, and to devote himself to agricultural pursuits. He accordingly settled himself on an excellent farm, ten miles from Nashville, on the Cumberland river, where for several years he enjoyed all the comforts of domestic and social intercourse. Abstracted from the busy scenes of public life, pleased with retirement, surrounded by friends whom he loved, and who entertained for him the highest veneration and respect, and blessed with an amiable and affectionate wife, nothing seemed wanting to the completion of that happiness which he so anxiously desired while in office.

CHAPTER III.

1804. Fondness of General Jackson for horses-Duel with Dickinson -Forms a mercantile partnership-Pecuniary difficulties Adventure with the Choctaw agent-Affray with Colonel Benton-Their subsequent friendship for each other-Hostilities with Great Britain -Declaration of war in 1812-Jackson raises a volunteer forceTheir services accepted by government-Ordered to embark for Natchez-Arrival of the troops, and order to lisband them-His disobedience of orders-Attempt of General W lkinson to prevent the return of the volunteers-Object of the orer Jackson's decision exhibited-Shares the privations of the s ters on their homeward march-Return, and disbandment of his e. 1813.

GENERAL JACKSON had a strong passion r fine horses, and it became a principal branch of his far ng business, to raise them from the best blooded stock ported from Virginia and North Carolina. The enthusiasm of his character displayed itself in his attachment to favorite animals he had raised, and perhaps no man in the western country was equally successful in that branch of agricultural pursuits. More for the purpose of exhibiting his stock and recommending it to purchasers, than to indulge in the practices common at such places, he brought out his favorite horses upon the race-courses of the day, and, though not a sportsman, in the technical sense of the term, he lost and won in many a well-contested field. An occasion of this sort, however, led to one of the most unfortunate incidents of his life.

He owned a favorite horse, named Truxton, which was challenged to run against a horse owned by a Mr. Erwin and his son-in-law, Charles Dickinson. The stakes were to be two thousand dollars on a side, in cash notes, with a forfeiture of eight hundred dollars. The bet was accepted, and a list of notes made out; but when the time for running arrived, Erwin and Dickinson chose to pay the