youthful town, so named in honor of the governor of Kentucky.[62]
General Jackson, (says my intelligent fellow traveller) although thought to be irritable and quarrelsome, is one of the warmest of friends and {199} neighbours, and to visitors most frank, generous, and hospitable. During his late eastern visits, his conduct to all persons and parties was kind and conciliating, insomuch that those who once thought they hated the warrior despot, were compelled to love the man. If private humble citizens invited the General to dinner, he invariably went there in preference to a public dinner. He is of unalterable determination, but very slow, thoughtful, and cautious in coming to it. His manners are mild, simple, and plain. He lives in an old log-house, which, though another and better house is building, he determines on never quitting but for the grave.[63] "I cannot," (says the hero of the wilderness) "I cannot desert an old friend."
During the last conversation, I passed in the forest the lone grave of an unfortunate stranger and traveller. A ridge of logs or trees was laid over it to mark the spot where he died and was buried. He was found dead with a gold watch in his pocket, and his horse grazing at a short distance from him; both horse and rider were of elegant appearance. He had been robbed of 3,000 dollars, and from some unknown hand had received a rifle ball, which entered the back of his head and came through and out between his eyes; he evidently never saw the hand which
