PAPERS OF MIRABEAU BuoNAPARTE LAMAR 73 e:x:igencies.-Instead of this, however, we behold him defaulted of every thing, without the hope of redress. His goods, notes and-ac- counts, had all been converted. into cash; and that cash, either squandered or secreted. The General recovered nothing. The disappointment was a serious one, as it occasioned some delay in sending to his compatriots in arms the succor and assistance which they were expecting and so much needed ; Like the rest of his re- verses however, it only increased his zeal and added fresh vigor to exertion.- General Long did not escape the usual concomitants of ruined fortune-the insolence of inferiors-the neglect of equals-and the persecution of the envious and malignant. Having sfttled his affairs in the best way he could he vrns. about to depart from Natchitoches when he was suddenly besieged by a clamerons creditor attended by the Sheriff, demanding payment for some advances which had been made to the late expedition. The Sheriff was ordered to arr'est him; but Long placing himself in an attitude of defiance, refused to be taken. He was induced to do this, from the fact, that the object of these proceedings was not so much the collection of the debt, as to mortify and embarrass our hero. His indignant spirit was aroused by the insult; and addressing himself to the parties he told them that he fully comprehended the motives of their conduct, and as they were: actuated alone by personal malevolence and hos- tility, he was determined to deal with them accordingly and would stand in defense of his honor at all hazzara. His firmness was well understood; and after a little consultation between the creditor and officer, the arrest was abandoned, and the parties separated with- out further difficulty. It was far from the wish of General Long to avoid the payment of any just demands against him; and when it was known that there was no farther obstacle to his departure he mani- fested his readiness to settle the debt which had been made a dastardly pretfxt for an insult which it would not have been prudent to offer upon individual responsibility.-The amount was inconsiderable, and promptly paid. It was paid, however, by the surrender of his horse, bridle and saddle. The General was now on foot; and swinging his saddle-bags on his arm, was a second time about to depart; when he was again interrupted, not, however, in this instance by any merci- less exactor; but by a high-minded and generous friend, . who wit- nessing the foregoing transactions, had stopped him for the purpose of supplying him with another horse. In a few moments a beautiful animal, handsomely caparisoned was brought forth, and ,~endered to the General. '' This charger' '-said the noble donor-' 1s ~y con- tribution to· the cause of freedom ; I wish you to accept him, and ride him in the field of battle for my sake.'' '' I cannot accept him'' -replied the proud and scrupulous General, becaues I do not know that I shall ever be able to pay for him."-" He is my army substitute" -retorted the other-'' and since I cannot go into servise myself, I am resolved that he shall accompany you as my representative.'' ''Then'' -sa,id the General-'' here is a watch which I purchased in more prosperous days for my wife-take it in pled_ge'--and if I never pay , you for the horse, it is yours; she to whom it properly belongs w111
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