e was interested in
a retail store at Bruensburg, a place situated at the mouth of the
Bayou Pierre, immediately on the bank of the Mississippi River.
Mentioning his wish to emigrate to some point or place where he might
expect more speedy success in his profession, Jackson, with his
accustomed ardor and emphasis, advised him to go to one of these new
Territories, and in such colors did he paint their advantages and the
certain and immediate success of any young man of abilities and
industry, that Porter's imagination was fired, and he immediately
determined to go at once to one of these El Dorados--there to fix his
home and commence the strife with fortune, to coax or command her
approving smiles. Returning to Nashville, he communicated his
intentions to his uncle; they met his approval, and in a short time he
was ready to leave in search of a new home.

He was about to leave every friend, to find his home in the midst of
strangers, without even an acquaintance to welcome and encourage him.
But he was young, vigorous, and hopeful; alive, too, to all he had to
encounter, and determined to conquer it. Still, to one of his natural
warmth of feeling, the parting from all he had ever known, and all on
earth he loved, wrung his heart, and he lingered, dreading the parting
that was to come. His kind and devoted uncle, his brothers he loved so
tenderly, his sisters, and the friends he had made, all were to be
left--and perhaps forever. There were then no steamers to navigate the
waters of the West. He might float away, and rapidly, to his new home;
but to return through the wilderness, filled with savages and beset
with dangers, was a long and hazardous journey, and would require, not
only time, but means, neither of which were at his command.

He met General Jackson again. "What!" said he, "Alick, not gone yet?
This won't do. When you determine, act quickly; somebody may get in
before you. And remember, Alick, you are going to a new country--and a
country, too, where men fight. You will find a different people from
those you have grown among, and you must study their natures, and
accommodate yourself to them. If you go to Louisiana, you will find
nearly all the people French; they are high-minded, and fight at the
drop of a hat; and now let me tell you, it is always best to avoid a
fight; but sometimes it can't be done, and then a man must stand up to
it like a man. But let me tell you, Alick, there are not half the men
who