A Narrative of the Life of David Crockett, of the State of Tennessee

Be always sure you're right—then go ahead!In 1834—two years before legendary David (“Davy”) Crockett sacrificed his life for the cause of Texas liberty—the future hero of the Alamo chronicled his life to that point in his own words. Barely schooled, he had become a legend as a marksman, a hunter, and a soldier in his native Tennessee before going on to serve in the U.S. Congress. As this narrative reveals, Crockett was plainspoken and proud of his background. Ridiculed by his critics for his poor grammar and backwoods manners, he proved his mettle by standing on his principals. He broke with Andrew Jackson, his former general in the Creek Wars, over the question of Indian Removal. For that, he lost his seat in Congress but battled back and regained it. In a close race after the events of his autobiography, he lost his bid for reelection and bade his famous farewell to Tennessee:"I told the people of my district that I would serve them as faithfully as I had done; but if not, they might go to hell, and I would go to Texas."