72
TEXAS STATE LIBRARY
out due cons.ideration of the expenditures which it would involve; and their subsequent negligence in furnishing the promised assist- ance and support, will find ample apology in the universal em- barrasments and general bankruptcy which followed almost imme- diately after the commencement the enterprise.-It is evident, how- ever, that the non-redemption of their pledges was the cause of our hero's failure. Had General Long been sustained according to the original design of the parties concerned, his command would have been kept together; and the defeat of the enemy would have been the natural consequence. Nothing dispiritd by his recent disasters, our hero was still re- solved to prosecute his purpose. We have seen him hurrying after his defeat to Bolivar Point; and s.ailing thence to New-Orleans. He remained in this city a few days only for the purpose of consulting bis friends with regard to his future plans and operations; and pro- <:eeding then up the Mississippi & the Red river, he joined his family .at Alexandria. Circumstances, however, did not permit his long abidance with them. The disordered condition of his affairs at Natchitoches required his immediate presence in that town; a-nd thither he went without delay. "\Ve have previously stated that General Long had established in Nafobitoches a branch of his mercantile business, and that he had left it to the superintendence & management of a man named :McDaniel. The object of his present visit, was to have a settlement with that agent, and to avail himself of the proceeds of his goods. McDaniel, however, was not pre- pared for a settlement; and was greatly alarmed at the tidings of the General's approach. Having swindled his employer out of the goods entrusted to his care, and dreading the consequences of his conduct, he dete,rmined to extricate himself from impending diffi- culties by assassinating the man he had robbed. He accordingly way-laid the Genl. in the environs of the town; but was too much agitated to accomplish his purpose.-He fired from his ambush; but missed his aim. The ball passed through the lapells of the General's coat, without producing other mischief. The culprit was immediate- ly seized by the General, disarmed, and made to run before his horse to the city. This was the only" punishment inflicted on the guilty delinquent. Having failed in his attempt upon the life of -his em- ployer, he ·was fain to suplicate for his own. l\1cDonald sought forgiveness; and he found it in the generous temper of one who lofty nature was above revenge. He was shortly to have been married. to a lady of beauty and fortune; but his character being ruined by these transactions, he left the place and nothing further is known con- cerning him.- The merchandise and other effects placed in the hands of this un- faithful agent comprised the scanty remains of a fortune which ha<l been more than midling. They were the last resources of General Long; an<1 he was relying upon them as the only immediate means -of relieving the suffering soldiers at Bolivar Point. He was aware that his affairs hnd suffered during his absence• but after all due ·allowance for ordinary neglect and mismanageme~t, he still expecteJ to realize from tl1is source, a sum, at least sufficient for his present
Powered by FlippingBook