no young man who conducted himself more honourably, or who deserves the confidence of the public more than Mr. Stewart.

"Given under my hand and seal, this 10th day of Oc tober, 1835. [Sealed.]

"JOHN HENNING."

On the morning of January 26th, 1834, Mr. S. was at Denmark, according to appointment; but young Henning failed to make his appearance. He remained several hours awaiting the young man's arrival, till at length, becoming impatient, he concluded to prosecute his journey alone, supposing that his intended companion had been taken ill, as he had left him somewhat indisposed when they parted on the preceding evening.

He accordingly left Denmark about ten o'clock, A. M., and proceeded on his way to the turnpike at Estanaula, over the Hatchee river, about seven miles distant (this being the only crossing-place in the winter season), where he expected to obtain intelligence of Murrell.

The weather was unusually cold, and the hard-frozen road, much cut up by recent travelling and covered with sleet, considerably retarded his progress. When he reached the toll-house at Estanaula, he inquired of the keeper if Murrell had gone by, and whether his gates might be passed during the night without his knowledge? While he was yet conversing with him, the keeper turned himself about, and observed, "Yonder comes Murrell, now!" Upon looking in the direction indicated, Mr. Stewart saw him; but he was too near to admit of farther conversation

with the keeper. Murrell rode quickly up, paid his toll, and proceeded on his way; when Stewart renewed his conversation with the keeper, and asked if he was satisfied that the individual who had passed was Murrell. The keeper assured him that he was, and added that he knew him well. Upon this Mr. Stewart paid his toll and proceeded after him. He followed close upon him for a short time, with a view to learn, if possible, to what place he was travelling, without giving Murrell any occasion to suspect his intentions. At length it occurred to him, that, by falling into his company, he might obtain a better idea of his plans and business. He accordingly rode up, and accosted him very respectfully, which was returned with equal civility and address, but with a look of inquiry and scrutiny that savoured somewhat of embarrassment.

The following dialogue ensued :—

Stewart. "We have disagreeable travelling, sir." Murrell. "Extremely so, sir."

S. "The travelling and my business correspond very well."

M."

Pray, sir, what can be your business that you should compare it to travelling on such a road as this ?"

S. "Horse-hunting, sir."

M. "Yes, yes, disagreeable indeed: your comparison is not a bad one.

from ?"

Where did your horse stray

S. "From Yallabusha river, in the Choctaw Purchase."

M. "Where is he aiming for?"

S. "I do not know; I am told that he was owned by

a man in this country somewhere; but it is an uncertain business—a cross-and-pile chance."

(Mr. S. had been requested by a friend in the Purchase, when he was leaving that country for Tennessee, to inquire for a horse that had strayed, and made the description then given him serve his present purpose.)

M. "How far down will you go?".

S. "I do not know. The roads are so very bad, and the weather so extremely cold, I am becoming very tired of so uncertain a business; and I am quite lonesome travelling by myself. How far down will you go on this road?"

M. "About eighteen miles, to the house of a friend. I am anxious to get there to-night, but it will be very late travelling in such cold weather. Perhaps your horse is stolen."

S. "No, I guess not; though I had much rather some clever fellow had stolen him than that he should be straying." (Mr. Stewart here observed a very perceptible change in the countenance of his companion, which showed him evidently pleased with the last remark.)

M. "Are you acquainted in this part of the country?"

S. "I am a stranger, sir."

M. "Where are you from?"

S. "I was born in the State of Georgia, and brought up there, but have moved to the Choctaw Purchase, and have been there about nine or ten months."

M. "How do you like that country?"

S. "Very well indeed, sir."

M. "Is there much stealing going on in that country?"

S. "No, not much, considering we are pretty much savages and forerunners. You know how all new countries are generally first settled."

M. "Certainly; I am well acquainted with these things."

Murrell's conversation and manner now became gradually more free and open, and he appeared to scrutinize less closely the countenance and demeanour of his companion. He had feared that he was in company with one who knew his character, which occasioned the cautious reserve that appears in the preceding dialogue. But, upon learning that Mr. S. was from Georgia, and had resided in the Choctaw nation but nine or ten months, he felt assured that he could know but little, if any thing, respecting his past doings. Hence the change in his manner. Nothing was now wanting with Mr. Stewart to ensure his success but the art of dissembling well-to demean himself so as to elude suspicion; in this (as will afterward appear) he succeeded, even beyond his own expectations. Remembering that Murrell had expressed an intention of visiting a friend, he at once determined to accompany him, though at the expense of travelling late at night, and in very cold weather: for, on many accounts, he was inclined to suspect that Mr. Henning's negroes were there awaiting the arrival of Murrell.

They continued their journey, indulging an almost unreserved interchange of sentiment and opinion on various subjects-Mr. Stewart all the while engaged in

studying the disposition and character of his companion. The conversation once more turned on the subject of stealing, which appeared to be Murrell's favourite theme, on which he dwelt with peculiar interest and satisfaction, as will be seen in the following dialogue :—

Murrell. "This country is about to be completely overrun by a company of rogues; they are so strong that nothing can be done with them. They steal from whom they please; and, if the person they take from accuses them, they jump on more of his property; and it is found that the best plan is to be friendly with them. There are two young men who moved down from middle Tennessee to Madison county, keen, shrewd fellows. The eldest brother is one of the best judges of law in the United States. He directs the operations of the banditti; and he so paves the way to all his offences that the law cannot reach him."

Stewart. "Well, sir, if they have sense enough to evade the laws of their country, which are made by the wisest men of the nation, let them do it. It is just as honourable for them to gain property by their superior powers, as it is for a long-faced hypocrite to take the advantage of the necessities of his fellow-beings. We are placed here, and we must act for ourselves, or we feel the chilling blast of charity's cold region. What is it that constitutes character, popularity, and power, in the United States? Sir, it is property; strip a man of his property in this country, and he is a ruined man indeed-you see his friends forsake him; and he may have been raised in the highest circles of society, yet