diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/64135-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/64135-0.txt | 18590 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 18590 deletions
diff --git a/old/64135-0.txt b/old/64135-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f9cb0d4..0000000 --- a/old/64135-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,18590 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Vigilante Days and Ways, by Nathaniel Pitt -Langford - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Vigilante Days and Ways - The pioneers of the Rockies the makers and making of Montana and - Idaho - -Author: Nathaniel Pitt Langford - -Release Date: December 26, 2020 [eBook #64135] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images - generously made available by The Internet Archive) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIGILANTE DAYS AND WAYS *** - - - - - VIGILANTE DAYS AND WAYS - - - BY THE SAME AUTHOR - - WITH ILLUSTRATIONS - - - WONDERS OF THE YELLOWSTONE - - in _Scribner’s Magazine_ - - THE ASCENT OF MOUNT HAYDEN - - in _Scribner’s Magazine_ - -[Illustration: _Nathaniel P. Langford._] - - - - - VIGILANTE DAYS AND WAYS - THE PIONEERS OF THE ROCKIES - THE MAKERS AND MAKING OF MONTANA AND IDAHO - - - BY - - NATHANIEL PITT LANGFORD - - WITH PORTRAITS AND ILLUSTRATIONS - -[Illustration] - - CHICAGO - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - 1912 - - - - - COPYRIGHT, 1890. - - BY NATHANIEL PITT LANGFORD. - - - _All Rights Reserved._ - - - COPYRIGHT, - - A. C. McCLURG & CO. - - 1912 - - - W. G. Hull Printing Company - Chicago - - - - -[Illustration: “_Why doesn’t he write?_”] - - THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO - - THE MEMORY OF THOSE - - Unknown Pioneers - - WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN LAYING - - THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE - - Empire - - OF THE - - New Great West. - - - - - “_One of the chief temptations of - the Devil is that he can persuade a - man that he can write a book, by - which he can achieve both wealth and - fame._”—CERVANTES. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TABLE OF CONTENTS - - - CHAPTER PAGE - - INTRODUCTION xi - - I HENRY PLUMMER 19 - - II SOCIETY IN LEWISTON 26 - - III NORTHERN MINES 34 - - IV CHARLEY HARPER 40 - - V CHEROKEE BOB 45 - - VI FLORENCE 53 - - VII FIRST VIGILANCE COMMITTEE 60 - - VIII NEW GOLD DISCOVERIES 64 - - IX DESERTION OF MINING CAMPS 69 - - X BOONE HELM 74 - - XI DEATH OF CHARLEY HARPER 87 - - XII PINKHAM AND PATTERSON 91 - - XIII EARLY DISCOVERIES OF GOLD 111 - - XIV CAPTAIN FISK’S EXPEDITION 122 - - XV BANNACK IN 1862 130 - - XVI MOORE AND REEVES 137 - - XVII CRAWFORD AND PHLEGER 148 - - XVIII BROADWATER’S STRATAGEM 163 - - XIX ORGANIZATION OF THE ROUGHS 171 - - XX A MASONIC FUNERAL 181 - - XXI BATTLE OF BEAR RIVER 195 - - XXII ALDER GULCH 206 - - XXIII VIRGINIA CITY 221 - - XXIV COACH ROBBERIES 232 - - XXV LEROY SOUTHMAYD 244 - - XXVI JOURNEY TO SALT LAKE CITY 255 - - XXVII COL. SANDERS AND GALLAGHER 266 - - XXVIII ROBBERY OF MOODY’S TRAIN 279 - - XXIX GEORGE IVES 285 - - XXX TRIAL OF GEORGE IVES 298 - - XXXI RESULT OF IVES’S EXECUTION 305 - - XXXII LLOYD MAGRUDER 318 - - XXXIII HILL BEACHY 331 - - XXXIV HOWIE AND FETHERSTUN 349 - - XXXV EXECUTION OF PLUMMER 360 - - XXXVI DEATH OF PIZANTHIA 367 - - XXXVII EXECUTION OF DUTCH JOHN 371 - - XXXVIII VIRGINIA CITY EXECUTIONS 374 - - XXXIX PURSUIT OF ROAD AGENTS 389 - - XL EXECUTION OF HUNTER 400 - - XLI THE STRANGER’S STORY 407 - - XLII WHITE AND DORSETT 420 - - XLIII LANGFORD PEEL 429 - - XLIV JOSEPH A. SLADE 441 - - XLV A MODERN HAMAN 463 - - XLVI JAMES DANIELS 473 - - XLVII DAVID OPDYKE 476 - - XLVIII SAN ANDREAS IN 1849 485 - - XLIX AN INTERESTING ADVENTURE 492 - - L THE STAGE COACH 517 - - LI RETROSPECTION 537 - - INDEX 545 - - - - - ILLUSTRATIONS - - - PAGE - - NATHANIEL P. LANGFORD _Frontispiece_ - - A PACK TRAIN: CINCHING 66 - - JAMES STUART, WHO SET THE FIRST SLUICES IN MONTANA 112 - - GRANVILLE STUART, WHO SET THE FIRST SLUICES IN MONTANA 116 - - CAPTAIN JAMES L. FISK, COMMANDER OF NORTHERN OVERLAND - EXPEDITION 124 - - JUDGE J. F. HOYT, MINERS’ JUDGE AT TRIAL OF MOORE AND - REEVES 144 - - JUDGE WALTER B. DANCE, MINERS’ JUDGE AT BANNACK 174 - - GENERAL P. E. CONNOR, COMMANDER AT BATTLE OF BEAR RIVER. 198 - - SAMUEL T. HAUSER, EX-GOVERNOR OF MONTANA 256 - - COLONEL WILBUR F. SANDERS, PRINCIPAL PROSECUTOR OF - GEORGE IVES 300 - - HILL BEACHY, LLOYD MAGRUDER’S AVENGER 332 - - NEIL HOWIE, CAPTOR OF “DUTCH JOHN” 352 - - JOHN FETHERSTUN, OVERLAND EXPRESS MESSENGER 358 - - A VIGILANTE EXECUTION 396 - - JOHN X. BEIDLER, LEADING VIGILANTE AND EXPRESS MESSENGER 464 - - - - - INTRODUCTION - - -It is stated on good authority, that soon after the first appearance of -Schiller’s drama of “The Robbers” a number of young men, charmed with -the character of Charles De Moor, formed a band and went to the forests -of Bohemia to engage in brigand life. I have no fear that such will be -the influence of this volume. It deals in facts. Robber life as -delineated by the vivid fancy of Schiller, and robber life as it existed -in our mining regions, were as widely separated as fiction and truth. No -one can read this record of events, and escape the conviction that an -honest, laborious, and well-meaning life, whether successful or not, is -preferable to all the temporary enjoyments of a life of recklessness and -crime. The truth of the adage that “Crime carries with it its own -punishment” has never received a more powerful vindication than at the -tribunals erected by the people of the northwest mines for their -protection. No sadder commentary could have stained our civilization -than to permit the numerous and bloody crimes committed in the early -history of this portion of our country to go unwhipped of justice. And -the fact that they were promptly and thoroughly dealt with stands among -the earliest and noblest characteristics of a people which derived their -ideas of right and of self-protection from that spirit of the law that -flows spontaneously from our free institutions. The people bore with -crime until punishment became a duty and neglect a crime. Then, at -infinite hazard of failure, they entered upon the work of purgation with -a strong hand—and in the briefest possible time established the -supremacy of law. The robbers and murderers of the mining regions, so -long defiant of the claims of peace and safety, were made to hold the -gibbet in greater terror there than in any other portion of our country. - -Up to this time, fear of punishment had exercised no restraining -influence on the conduct of men who had organized murder and robbery -into a steady pursuit. They hesitated at no atrocity necessary to -accomplish their guilty designs. Murder with them was resorted to as the -most available means of concealing robbery, and the two crimes were -generally coincident. The country, filled with cañons, gulches, and -mountain passes, was especially adapted to their purposes, and the -unpeopled distances between mining camps afforded ample opportunity for -carrying them into execution. Pack trains and companies, stage coaches -and express messengers, were as much exposed as the solitary traveller, -and often selected as objects of attack. Miners, who had spent months of -hard labor in the placers in the accumulation of a few hundreds of -dollars, were never heard of after they left the mines to return to -their distant homes. Men were daily and nightly robbed and murdered in -the camps. There was no limit to this system of organized brigandage. - -When not engaged in robbery, this criminal population followed other -disreputable pursuits. Gambling and licentiousness were the most -conspicuous features of every mining camp, and both were but other -species of robbery. Worthless women taken from the stews of cities plied -their vocation in open day, and their bagnios were the lures where many -men were entrapped for robbery and slaughter. Dance-houses sprung up as -if by enchantment, and every one who sought an evening’s recreation in -them was in some way relieved of the money he took there. Many good men -who dared to give expression to the feelings of horror and disgust which -these exhibitions inspired, were shot down by some member of the gang on -the first opportunity. For a long time these acts were unnoticed, for -the reason that the friends of law and order supposed the power of evil -to be in the ascendant. Encouraged by this impunity the ruffian power -increased in audacity, and gave utterance to threats against all that -portion of the community which did not belong to its organization. An -issue involving the destruction of the good or bad element actually -existed at the time that the people entered upon the work of punishment. - -I offer these remarks, not in vindication of all the acts of the -Vigilantes, but of so many of them as were necessary to establish the -safety and protection of the people. The reader will find among the -later acts of some of the individuals claiming to have exercised the -authority of the Vigilantes, some executions of which he cannot approve. -For these persons I can offer no apology. Many of these were worse men -than those they executed. Some were hasty and inconsiderate, and while -firm in the belief they were doing right, actually committed grievous -offences. Unhappily for the Vigilantes, the acts of these men have been -recalled to justify an opinion abroad, prejudicial to the Vigilante -organization. Nothing could be more unjust. The early Vigilantes were -the best and most intelligent men in the mining regions. They saw and -felt that, in the absence of all law, they must become a “law unto -themselves,” or submit to the bloody code of the banditti by which they -were surrounded, and which were increasing in numbers more rapidly than -themselves. Each man among them realized from the first the great -delicacy and care necessary in the management of a society which assumed -the right to condemn to death a fellow-man, and they now refer to the -history of all those men who suffered death by their decree as affording -ample justification for the severity of their acts. What else could they -do? How else were their own lives and property, and the lives and -property of the great body of peaceable miners in the placers to be -preserved? What other protection was there for a country entirely -destitute of law? - -Let those who would condemn these men try to realize how they would act -under similar circumstances, and they will soon find everything to -approve and nothing to condemn in the transactions of the early -Vigilantes. I have endeavored to narrate nothing but facts, and these -will enable every reader to judge correctly of the merits of each case. - -I would fain believe that this history, bloody as it is, will prove both -interesting and instructive. In all that concerns crime of the blackest -dye on the one hand, and love for law and order on the other, it stands -without a parallel in the annals of any people. Nowhere else, nor at any -former period since men became civilized, have murder and robbery and -social vice presented an organized front, and offered an open contest -for supremacy to a large civilized community. Their works for centuries -have been done by stealth, in darkness, and as far away from society as -possible. I cannot now remember the instance, within the past three -hundred years, when the history of any country records the fact that the -criminal element of an entire community, numbering thousands, was -believed to be greater than the peaceful element. Yet it was so here. -And when the Vigilantes of Montana entered upon their work, they did not -know how soon they might have to encounter a force numerically greater -than their own. - -In my view the moral of this history is a good one. The brave and -faithful conduct of the Vigilantes furnishes an example of American -character, from a point of view entirely new. We know what our -countrymen were capable of doing when exposed to Indian massacre. We -have read history after history recording the sufferings of early -pioneers in the East, South, and West, but what they would do when -surrounded by robbers and assassins, who were in all civil aspects like -themselves, it has remained for the first settlers of the northwestern -mines to tell. And that they did their work well, and showed in every -act a love for law, order, and for the moral and social virtues in which -they had been educated, and a regard for our free institutions, no one -can doubt who rightly appreciates the motives which actuated them. - -A people who had not been reared to respect law and order, and to regard -the privileges which flow from a free government as greater than all -others, in the regulation of society, would have been restrained by fear -from any such united and thorough effort as that which in Montana -actually scourged crime out of existence, and secured to an unorganized -community all the immunities and blessings of good government. The -terror which popular justice inspired in the criminal population has -never been forgotten. To this day crime has been less frequent in -occurrence in Montana than in any other of the new Territories, and no -banded criminals have made that Territory an abiding place. - -Although not the first exhibition of Vigilante justice, the one I here -record was the most thorough and severe, and stands as an example for -all new settlements that in the future may be similarly afflicted, for -it was not until driven to it both by the frequent and unremitting -villainies of the ruffians, and by the necessities of a condition for -which there was no law in existence, that the people resorted to -measures of their own, and made and enforced laws suited to the -exigency. But enough! If the history fails to remove the prejudices of -my readers, nothing I can say will do so. It speaks for itself, and -though there are a few of its later occurrences I would gladly blot, -there is nothing in its early transactions, nothing in the design it -unfolds, nothing in the results which have followed, that on a similar -occasion I would not wish to see reproduced. - - - - - VIGILANTE DAYS AND WAYS - - - - - CHAPTER I - HENRY PLUMMER - - -The Snake River or Lewis fork of the Columbia takes its rise in a small -lake which is separated by the main range of the Rocky Mountains from -the large lakes of the Yellowstone, that being less than twenty miles -distant from it. The Yellowstone, the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin, -forming the head waters of the Missouri, and the Snake, the largest -tributary fork of the Columbia, all rise within or near the limits of -the territory recently dedicated by the Government to the purpose of a -National Park. - -As contrasted with the large rivers of regions other than the one it -traverses, the Snake River would be a very remarkable stream, but there, -where everything in nature is wonderful, it is simply one of the marked -features in its physical geography. From its source to its junction with -the Clarke fork of the Columbia, a distance of nine hundred miles, it -flows through a region which, at some remote period, has been the scene -of greater volcanic action than any other portion of North America. -Unlike other streams, which are formed by rivulets and springs, this -river is scarcely less formidable in its appearance at its commencement -than at its termination. It leaps into rapids from the moment of its -exit, and its waters, blackened by the basaltic bed through which it -flows, roar and fret, and lash the sides of the gloomy cañon which it -enters, presenting a scene of tumult and fury, that extends far beyond -the limits of vision. This initiatory character it maintains, alternated -with occasional reaches of quiet large expansions, and narrow -contractions, fearful and tremendous cataracts, to its debouchure into -the Columbia. Its channel and its course, alike sinuous, have obtained -for it its name. Navigation is impeded by reason of fearful rapids, -every few miles of the first five hundred after leaving the lake. The -shores for most of the distance are barren rock, always precipitous, -often inaccessible from the river, and frequently engorged by lofty -mountains and rocky cañons which shut its inky surface from the light of -day. The scenery, though on the most tremendous scale, is savage, -unattractive, and frightful. Its waters lash the base of the three -Tetons, so celebrated as the great landmarks of this portion of the -continent. As they approach the Columbia they break into frequent -cataracts, the largest of which, the great Shoshone Fall, with a -perpendicular descent of two hundred and fifty feet, presents many -points of singular interest. - -On the river, twelve miles above its mouth, at a point accessible from -the Columbia by small steamboats, stands the little village of Lewiston, -which, at the time of which I write, was the capital of all the vast -Territory that had been just organized under the euphonic name of Idaho. -This Territory then included Montana and Wyoming, which had not been -organized. Lewiston, being the nearest accessible point by water to the -recently discovered gold placers of Elk City, Oro Fino, Florence, and -Warner Creek, grew with the rapidity known only to mining towns into an -emporium. In less than three months from the time the first immigrants -commenced to establish a settlement there, several streets of more than -a mile in length were laid out, thickly covered on either side with -dwellings, stores, hotels, and saloons, chiefly constructed of common -factory cotton. A tenement of this kind could be extemporized in a few -hours. The frame was of light scantling or poles, and the cloth in most -cases fastened to it with tacks. Seen from a distance, the town had the -appearance of being built of white marble, but truly - - “’T is distance lends enchantment to the view,” - -for upon entering it the fragility of the material soon disabused the -vision and the admiration of the beholder. At night, when lights were -burning in these frail tenements, a stranger would think the town -illuminated. The number of drinking and gambling saloons was greatly in -excess of stores and private dwellings, and to nearly all of these was -attached that most important attraction of a mining town, the -hurdy-gurdy. The sound of the violin which struck the ear on entering -the street, was never lost while passing through it, and at many of the -saloons the evidence of the bacchanal orgies which were in progress -inside was often apparent in the eagerness exhibited by the crowd which -surrounded the building without. The voices of auctioneers on the street -corners, the shouts of frequent horsemen as they rode up and down the -streets, the rattle of vehicles arriving and departing for the miners’ -camps, troops of miners, Indians, gamblers, the unmeaning babble of -numerous drunken men, the tawdrily apparelled dancing women of the -hurdy-gurdys, altogether presented a scene of life in an entirely new -aspect to the person who for the first time entered a mining town. It is -a feature of modern civilization which cannot elsewhere be found, search -the whole world over. The thirst for gold is shared by all classes. -Those who are unwilling to labor, in their efforts to obtain it by less -honorable means, flock to the mines to ply their guilty vocations. Hence -there is no vice unrepresented in a mining camp, and no type or shade of -character in civilized society that is not there publicly developed. The -misfortune is, as a general thing, that the worst elements, being most -popular, generally preponderate. - -Our Civil War was raging at the time that Lewiston became a mining -emporium. Sympathizers with each party fled to the mines, to escape the -possible responsibilities they might incur by remaining in the States. -They carried their political views with them, and identified themselves -with those portions of society which reflected their respective -attachments. Loyalty and Secession each flourished by turn, and were the -prolific causes of frequent bloody dissensions. There was no law to -restrain human passion, so that each man was a law unto himself, -according as he was swayed by the evil or good of his own nature. The -temptations to evil, not so numerous, were much more powerful than were -ever before presented to a great majority of the immigrants. Gambling -and drinking were made attractive by the presence of debased women, who -lured to their ruin all who, fortunate in the possession of gold, could -not withstand their varied devices. - -In the Spring of 1861, among the daily arrivals at Lewiston, was a man -of gentlemanly bearing and dignified deportment, accompanied by a woman, -to all appearance his wife. He took quarters at the best hotel in town. -Before the close of the second day after his arrival his character as a -gambler was fully understood, and in less than a fortnight his -abandonment of his female companion betrayed the illicit connection -which had existed between them. Alone, among strangers, destitute, the -poor woman told how she had been beguiled, by the promises of this man, -from home and family, and induced to link herself with his fortunes. A -fond husband and three helpless children mourned her loss by a -visitation worse than death. Lacking moral courage to return to her -heart-broken husband and ask forgiveness, she sought to drown her sorrow -by plunging still deeper into the abyss of shame and ruin. Soon, alas! -she became one of the lowest inmates of a frontier brothel. This latest -crime of Henry Plummer was soon forgotten, or remembered only as one of -many similar events which occur in mining camps. - -He, meanwhile, in the pursuit of his profession as a gambler, formed the -acquaintance of many congenial spirits. From their subsequent operations -it was also apparent that at his instigation an alliance was formed with -them which had for its object the attainment of fortune by the most -desperate means. Every fortunate man in any of the mining camps was -marked as the prey, sooner or later, of this abandoned combination. -Every gambler or rough infesting the camp, either voluntarily or by -threats was induced to unite in the enterprise; and thus originated the -band of desperadoes which, for the succeeding two years, by their -fearful atrocities, spread such terror through the northern mines. -Plummer was their acknowledged leader. - -Professional gamblers everywhere, in a new country, form a community by -themselves. They have few intimates outside of their own number. A sort -of tacit understanding among them links them together by certain implied -rules and regulations, which they readily obey. Of the same nature, we -may suppose, was the bond which united Plummer and his associates in -their infernal designs of plunder and butchery. The honor which thieves -accord each other, the prospect of unlimited reward for their vicious -deeds, and the certainty of condign punishment for any act of treachery, -secured the band and its purposes against any betrayal by its members. - -Nowhere are the conventionalities of social life sooner abandoned than -in a mining camp. To call a man by his proper name there generally -implies that he is either a stranger or one with whom you do not care to -make acquaintance. The gamblers were generally known by diminutive -surnames or appellations significant of their characters. I shall so -designate those of them who were thus known, in this narrative. - -Prominent among the associates of Plummer at Lewiston were Jack -Cleveland, Cherokee Bob, and Bill Bunton. Cleveland was an old -California acquaintance, familiar with Plummer’s early history. He used -this fatal knowledge, as it afterwards proved, in a dictatorial and -offensive manner, often presuming upon it to arrogate a position in the -band which by common consent was assigned to Plummer. - -Cherokee Bob was a native Georgian, and received his name from the fact -that he was a quarter-blood Indian. He was bitter in his hatred of the -loyal cause and all engaged in it. Before he came to Lewiston he had, in -an affray of his own plotting, killed two or three soldiers in the Walla -Walla theatre. He fled to Lewiston to escape the vengeance of their -comrades. - -Bill Bunton was a double-dyed murderer and notorious horse and cattle -thief. He had killed a man at a ball near Walla Walla, was tried for -murder, and acquitted on insufficient evidence. He afterwards killed his -brother-in-law, and in cold blood soon after shot down an Indian, and -escaped the clutches of the law by flight. Possessing himself of a -ranche on Pataha Creek, he lived there with his Indian wife, under the -pretext of farming. It was soon ascertained, however, that his business -was secreting and selling stolen stock. The officers made a dash upon -his ranche, but the bird had again flown. Soon afterward, disguised in -the blanket and paint of an Indian, he entered Lewiston, and lounged -about the streets for several days without exciting suspicion. During -this time he became a member of Plummer’s murderous band. - -There were several others whose names are unknown, that entered into the -combination formed for systematized robbery and murder at this time. -Around this nucleus a large number of desperate men afterwards gathered. -They became so formidable in numbers, and their deeds of blood were so -frequent and daring, that the mining camps were awed by them into tacit -submission, and witnessed without even remonstrance the perpetration of -murders and robberies in their very midst, of the most revolting -character. - - - - - CHAPTER II - SOCIETY IN LEWISTON - - -Towards the close of the Summer of 1862, the band organized by Plummer -having increased in numbers, he selected two points of rendezvous, as -bases for their operations. These were called “shebangs.” They were -enclosed by mountains, whose rugged fastnesses were available for refuge -in case of attack. - -One was located between Alpwai and Pataha creeks, on the road from -Lewiston to Walla Walla, about twenty-five miles from the former, and -the other at the foot of Craig’s Mountain, between Lewiston and Oro -Fino, at a point where the main road was intersected by a trail for pack -animals. The location of the latter was upon ground reserved by treaty -to the Nez Percés Indians, and near a military post established for its -protection. The chief of the tribe complained to the resident agent of -the Indians, of the aggression. He laid the complaint before the -commandant of the post, who treated it with neglect. The robbers -occupied the spot without molestation, and when they abandoned it, it -was of their own accord. - -There were several smaller stations nearer to Walla Walla and Lewiston, -which were occupied only as occasion might require. A close -communication was established between these localities, by which the -operations of each were speedily known to all. Plummer, meantime, while -secretly directing the affairs of the shebangs and issuing orders -continually to the men, contrived to ward off suspicion from himself, -and preserve the appearance of a harmless and inoffensive citizen of -Lewiston. His notoriety as a gambler was shared by so many better men, -and by a great majority of the miners themselves, that it really -protected him in his character as a robber. While, therefore, he was -prying into the financial condition of those with whom his profession -brought him in daily contact in town, he was at the same time informing -his confederates at the shebangs of every departure which boded success -to their enterprise. - -Such of the population as were not, to a greater or less degree, -involved in the gambling operations of the community, although perfectly -cognizant of the designs of the robbers, were too insignificant in -numbers to offer any active opposition. Being without organization, they -hardly knew each other. Such was the state of feeling that, if a gambler -or rough desired to possess any of the articles on sale by merchants or -grocers, he entered a store, selected for himself the best the -assortment afforded, and took it away with a request that it should be -charged, or stated that some day when he was in luck he would pay for -it. Rather than risk an affray, the dealer submitted to the imposition. -Payment was generally made, the gamblers entertaining, among themselves, -a standard of honor in such matters which it was considered disgraceful -to violate. - -The two roads upon which the shebangs were located were the only -thoroughfares in the country, and not a day passed that they were not -traversed by people in going to and returning from the interior mining -camps, and in coming into and departing from the country. The number of -robberies and murders committed by the banditti will never be known. -Mysterious disappearances soon became of almost weekly occurrence. The -danger which every man incurred of being robbed or killed was -demonstrated by numerous escapes made by horsemen who had been assaulted -and fired upon, and escaped by the fleetness of their horses. It was -fully understood that whoever passed over either of these roads would -have to run the gantlet in the neighborhood of the shebangs, and people -generally went prepared. Crime was fearfully on the increase all through -the secluded districts which separated the river from the distant mining -camps. The country itself, about equally made up of mountains, -foothills, cañons, dense pine forests, lava beds, and deep -river-channels, was as favorable for the commission of crime as for the -concealment of its perpetrators. - -The two shebangs swarmed with ruffians. On one occasion a party of half -a dozen, while riding in the vicinity of Craig’s Mountain, were stopped -by a volley from the shebang, which, being harmless, was returned. A -number of well-mounted robbers started in pursuit. The party escaped by -hard spurring, one of the number, to lighten his burden, throwing -several large bags of gold dust into the grass. They were afterwards -recovered. A butcher by the name of Harkness, of Oro Fino, was also -assaulted, and fired upon, who owed his deliverance to the fleetness of -his horse. Owners of pack trains never attempted to pass without force -sufficient to intimidate the robbers. - -The other shebang was used as a receptacle for stolen horses. It was -under the superintendence of a noted horse-thief by the name of Turner, -who had been a partner in the business with Bill Bunton. Any member of -the band, whose claim to recognition was founded upon success in any -thieving or bloody enterprise, could leave his jaded steed here in -exchange for a fresh one. A single incident will illustrate the manner -in which many of the horses were obtained. A gentleman riding a -beautiful young mare, on his way from Oregon to Oro Fino, while she was -drinking from the stream near by, was suddenly confronted by a man, who -claimed her as his property. Several persons were witnesses to the -meeting. Drawing a bill of sale of the mare, from his pocket, which he -had obtained five hundred miles away, he dismounted, and was about to -prove his ownership, when the ruffian jumped into the saddle, and, -seizing the bridle, rode rapidly away. The wayfarer called upon the -by-standers to assist in the recapture of the animal, instead of which -they knocked him down, stripped him of everything in his pockets, and -told him to leave. He entered Lewiston utterly destitute. - -No occupation in the northern mines tested the courage and honesty of -men more severely than that of the Express riders. Their duties, in -riding from camp to camp, frequently for hundreds of miles, where there -was not a dwelling, carrying large amounts of treasure, made them -objects of frequent attack. Tried men were selected for this -business—men as well known for personal bravery as for their adroitness -in the use of weapons in personal encounter. The notoriety of this class -was sufficient as a general thing to protect them from attack, unless it -could be made under every possible advantage. It is a remarkable fact, -and speaks as little in favor of the courage of the desperadoes as in -praise of the daring nobility of these early Express riders, that few of -the latter were interrupted in the discharge of their dangerous duties. -They were ever upon the alert. It was the work of an instant only, when -attacked, for them to draw and discharge their revolvers, with deadly -effect, and follow up the smallest advantage with the no less fatal -bowie-knife. One man has been known in an encounter of this kind to kill -four assailants and escape unharmed. - -Tracy & Co., of Lewiston, had a pony express route from that town to -Salmon River, a distance of seventy-five miles. Their messenger, whom we -only know by the name of Mose, was a man of great intrepidity, and -perfectly familiar with all the risks of his business. In single -encounter he was understood to be more than a match for any man in the -mountains. Some time in the early Fall of 1862 a plan was laid by -Plummer and his associates to capture Mose. The place selected for the -purpose was the trail crossing of White Bird Creek, at a distance of -sixty miles from Lewiston and eighteen from Salmon River. At this point -the creek runs between very abrupt banks densely covered with -cottonwoods, rendering both descent and ascent tedious and difficult. -The robbers, in anticipation of the arrival of Mose, as usual on a keen -lope, after darkness had set in had felled a tree across the trail at a -sufficient height to admit the passage of the horse, and at the same -time strike the rider in the chest, and throw him suddenly from the -saddle. They then intended to kill him and rob his cantinas, which it -was supposed would contain several thousand dollars in gold dust. At -Chapman’s ranche, near the crossing, Mose was told that several -suspicious characters had been prowling in the neighborhood during the -afternoon, and with that keen sense which had been educated to scent -danger from afar, he at once comprehended the whole plot. Carefully -descending the bank, he discovered the snare, and turning to the left -avoided it, hurried through the creek, and ascending the opposite bank -cast a look of derision back upon the foiled highwaymen. This fearless -messenger continued in service long after this event, but his future -trips were made under the escort of well-armed assistants. - -Winters are nowhere more dreary than among the miners. Frost and snow -bring their labors to an end, and for three or four months they either -remain in their camps in a state of listless inactivity, or seek for -occupation and enjoyment in the excesses of the nearest populous -settlement. Hundreds of them actually squander during the season of -winter all that they have obtained by the most severe toil during the -rest of the year. With the terrible example before him, he must be a man -of resolute will who can long refrain from embracing vice in all its -forms. - -Gambling becomes a favorite occupation, and whiskey a common beverage. -The society of abandoned women lures him on, until every moral, social, -and virtuous resolution is broken down, and the experience of a few -months of such a life wholly unfits him for a return to his earlier -pursuits. This is the experience of three-fourths of the young men who -seek for fortune among the gold mines. Most of this class who had been -occupied in placer digging during the summer and fall, at the first -approach of cold forsook their mines, and crowded into Lewiston to spend -the winter, bringing with them the hard earnings of their toil. -Following in their wake came the professional gamblers and sports, and, -mingling with the common mass, were the wretches who had reached the -lowest depths of human depravity. A letter from one of the early -settlers of Lewiston, written at the time, says: “Late in 1862 a large -number congregated here to pass the winter. About seventy-five per cent -of these were cut-throats, robbers, gamblers, and escaped convicts. -Honest men were in a fearful minority, and dared not lisp of the arrest -and punishment of criminals; the villains had their own way in -everything.” - -I record the following as an incident which will better illustrate the -condition of society than anything I can write. A gambler named Kirby -borrowed of another a revolver. Secretly withdrawing the charges from -it, an hour later he returned it, and requested the owner to lend him a -few ounces of gold dust, which request was declined. Knowing that he had -the money, Kirby, enraged at the refusal, put the muzzle of a loaded -revolver to the temple of the other, and blew out his brains. No arrest -was attempted. The cold-blooded, mid-day murderer walked the streets of -the town during the entire winter, mingled in the sports, and escaped -unwhipped of justice. Three years afterward he was arrested in Oregon, -and turned over to the Idaho authorities, upon the requisition of -Governor Lyon, but no witnesses appearing against him he was suffered to -go at large. - -In a state of society where the majority of the people depend upon -vicious pursuits for a livelihood, want and destitution are the natural -elements. Increase of crime in all its forms follows. All through the -Winter of 1861–62, and until returns began to come in from the mines the -following Spring, Lewiston was daily and nightly a theatre where the -entire calendar of crime was exhibited in epitome. Murders were -frequent; robberies and thefts constant; gambling, debauchery, -drunkenness, and all their attendant evils, openly flaunted in the face -of day in defiance of law. Money and food were so scarce that robbery -with the sporting community became an actual necessity. How to protect -themselves against it sorely taxed the wit and tried the courage of the -unfortunate property holders. Canvas walls offered slight resistance to -determined thieves, and life was not protected by them from murderous -bullets. An exemplification is furnished in the following incident: - -A German named Hiltebrant kept a saloon in a large canvas building in -the centre of the town. It was the principal rendezvous for the Germans, -and a popular retail establishment. Hiltebrant was known to possess a -considerable amount of coin and gold dust, which the roughs resolved to -appropriate. The barriers in the way involved only the possible murder -of the owner and two friends who occupied a large bed in the front of -the saloon. Between twelve and one o’clock in one of the coldest nights -of the first week of January, the door was suddenly broken from its -hinges, and a volley of balls fired in the direction of the bed. -Hiltebrant was instantly killed. His two companions, after returning the -fire of the ruffians, seized the treasure and escaped. One of the -villains was wounded in the finger. When the firing ceased, the robbers -coolly entered the building, lighted a candle, and proceeded to search -for the money. Finding none they departed, uttering curses upon their -ill-fortune, not, however, until several citizens appeared upon the -scene, and witnessed the enormity of their crime. The murderers passed -fearlessly and unconcernedly through the crowd, no effort being made to -arrest them, lest a rescue might be attempted, which would prove fatal -to all concerned, and possibly result in the burning of the town. The -next day, however, a meeting of the citizens was held, for the avowed -purpose of punishing the murderers, and devising measures to arrest the -further progress of crime. - -This was the first effort at self-protection made by the people. The -moment was a trying one. All knew that the roughs were in the majority, -and no one was bold enough to recommend open resistance to their -encroachments, for fear of consequences. Henry Plummer took an active -part in the proceedings, depicting with fervid eloquence “the horrors of -anarchy” and solemnly warning the people to “take no steps that might -bring disgrace and obloquy upon their rising young city.” Known as a -gambler only, and suspected by few of any darker associations, his -winning manner had the effect to squelch in its inception the initiatory -movement, which at no distant period was to burst forth and whelm him, -with hundreds of his bloody associates, in its avenging vortex. - -The brother of the murdered Hiltebrant was in business at this time at -the Oro Fino mines. Hearing of the murder, he openly avowed the -intention of going immediately to Lewiston to bring the authors to -justice. The banditti sent him a message that he would not live to get -there, which had the effect to daunt him from his purpose, and the -assassins, for the time, escaped punishment. - - - - - CHAPTER III - NORTHERN MINES - - -Prospecting, as it is called, for gold placers and quartz veins has -grown into a profession. No man can engage in it successfully unless he -understands it. There are certain indications in the face of the -country, the character of the rocks, the presentation of the strata, the -form of the gulch, the gravel in streams or on the bars, the cement -formation below it, or the shape of the mountains, which are generally -known only to experienced prospectors, that determine generally the -presence of the precious metals. Guided by these unmistakable signs, the -veteran gold searcher is sustained in his solitary explorations by the -consciousness of possessing knowledge which must sooner or later lead to -success. Impressed with the idea that as many rich gulches and -productive veins have been found, so others remain to be discovered,—and -that as those already developed have made their owners rich, so some -fortunate discovery may do the same for him,—he mounts his pony, and -with pick, shovel, and pan, a magnifying glass, a few pounds of bacon, -flour, and coffee, his trusty rifle and revolver at hand, and his roll -of blankets and not infrequently a quart flask of whiskey, he plunges -into the unexplored recesses of the mountains, and for weeks and months -is lost to all the world of humanity beside himself. Alone, but -encouraged by that hope which outlives every disappointment, he wanders -hundreds of miles into the unvisited wilderness, the hero of countless -adventures and the explorer of the world’s great solitudes. - -Men of this class are numerous in all gold-mining regions. Their very -occupation makes them maniacs. They lose all relish for society, and -think of nothing but the success they are one day to meet with in the -pursuit of gold. Frequent as their discoveries often are, and promising -as many of them proved to be, the one they are in search of lies still -farther onward. Abandoning to those who follow them discoveries which -would assure them all the wealth they need, they lead on and on into the -mountain labyrinth, pioneering the path of empire, to die at last alone, -unfriended, and destitute, beyond its utmost boundaries. It is to such -men that we owe the discovery of all the gold regions which have -contributed to our wealth since the days of Marshall, the discoverer of -gold in California in 1848. - -Gold had been discovered west of the mountains in several portions of -Washington Territory previous to this time. As early as the year 1852, -H. M. Chase found it on a creek which flowed into the Grand Ronde River. -He exhibited it at Portland, and such was the excitement it occasioned -that several parties of discovery were organized, and plunged into the -mountain recesses of that portion of Washington which afterwards became -Idaho. Among others was one Pierce, who became infatuated with the idea -that the river sands of this unexplored region were filled with -diamonds. He searched for them very thoroughly, but the traditions of -the time fail to inform me that he found anything more valuable than -gold. An unimportant camp of the early miners, which received his name, -has served to transmit his memory and mania to the present period. These -early explorations, leading deeper and deeper into the mountain -wilderness, finally resulted in the discovery of the Florence and Oro -Fino mines. - -Thousands of people, lured by their discoveries, had nearly worked out -the placers of Oro Fino during the Summer of 1861. The Pacific world, -alive to the importance of a region which promised such great additions -to its wealth, kept up a stream of emigration to the placers, which -exhausted all the sources of supply more rapidly than they could be -filled. The world was there in miniature. Meantime the indomitable -prospector kept in the van. Crossing the Salmon River range, he soon -unveiled the riches of those placers which afterwards became known as -Florence and Elk City. They were immediately occupied by thousands,—and -other thousands of the far East, thrilled with the story of their -richness, were on their way to the new El Dorado. An hegira similar to -that of 1849 again took place across the plains. Lewiston was no longer -the base of operations. Among the earliest of those to abandon it for a -point more favorable to the prosecution of their enterprise, were the -banditti which had so long held its inhabitants in fear. Supplied with -horses from the shebang on the Walla Walla road, they departed from -Lewiston in small parties, intending to recommence operations at a place -afterwards to be selected, in the mountains of the interior. - -The daring, adventurous, and courageous elements of character are -necessarily developed and brought into frequent action in a mining -country; and whenever these are found in combination with high moral -principle, they are held in continual fear by men of criminal life. One -bold, honest man will demoralize the guilty designs of a host of -rascals. Nothing was so much dreaded by Plummer’s murderous gang as the -possible organization of a Vigilance Committee; and any man who favored -it was marked for early destruction. Such a man was Patrick Ford, the -keeper of a saloon in Lewiston. Ford was an active man in his own -business,—eager in the pursuit of gain, but entirely upright in his -dealings, and the open and avowed enemy of the roughs. He, more than any -other member of the community, had urged the people of Lewiston to unite -for their protection, and hang every suspected individual in the place; -and he taunted them with cowardice when they disbanded without punishing -the known murderers of Hiltebrant. As fearless as he was uncompromising, -he denounced the ruffians in person, and warned them that a time would -come ere long when they would meet their deserts at the hands of an -outraged people. He did not conceal from them his intention of following -in the track of the prosperous miner, lead where it might,—which purpose -they resolved to prevent. His death they regarded as necessary to their -future prosperity. Having ascertained that he intended to leave Lewiston -with a half-dozen dancing girls for the saloon he had established at Oro -Fino, they laid a plan to insult him and involve him in a quarrel on his -arrival at their shebang, and kill him. Ford was admonished of the -design, which he foiled by avoiding the shebang. Being assured of his -safe passage to Oro Fino, the robbers, led by Plummer, Ridgely, and -Reeves, mounted their horses and started for the interior. Of the -particular events of the early part of the trip, further than that it -was marked by the frequent robbery of travellers, I am unable to speak. -When within seven or eight miles of Oro Fino, the robbers observed two -Frenchmen, some distance apart, approaching them on foot. The one in -advance was ordered to stop and throw up his hands, as in that position -he was powerless and could not offer any resistance. After a careful -search of his person they found nothing of value, and bade him move on -as rapidly as possible, telling him that it was “a rough country to be -in without money” and that he “had better get out of it as soon as -possible.” With the other, whom they subjected to a like process, they -were more fortunate, and, despite his solemn denial, found in his pocket -a purse containing a thousand dollars in dust, which they appropriated, -dismissing him with the remark that if he had done the square thing and -not lied they would have given him enough to take him to the -Columbia,—but as it was, he might be thankful to get off with a whole -carcass. Some idea may be formed of the daring and recklessness of this -robbery when it is understood to have occurred at mid-day, near a town -containing a population of several thousands, and on a thoroughfare -thronged with travellers. - -Uttering a shout of exultation, the robbers dashed into the town of Oro -Fino with the impetuosity of a cavalry charge. Reining up in front of -Ford’s saloon, which they entered, they called loudly upon the -bar-keeper for liquor. Ford was absent. When they had drunk, they -commenced demolishing the contents of the saloon. Decanters, tumblers, -chairs, and tables were broken and scattered over the apartment. One of -their number, more fiendish than the others, seized a lap-dog from one -of the females and cut off his tail. At this juncture Ford himself came -upon the scene. Boldly confronting the rioters, pistol in hand, he -ordered them instantly to leave his premises. He charged them with the -robbery of the Frenchmen, and denounced them as thieves, robbers, and -murderers. They saw and feared his determination, and obeyed his -commands with alacrity. He followed them into the street, and threatened -them with punishment if they remained in town. They were about to act -upon this hint, when Ford, fully armed, came to them a second time, and -demanded the cause of their delay. He was answered with a bullet, -inflicting a dangerous wound. The fire was returned, and the fight -became general,—three against one. The robbers were protected by their -horses, while their antagonist was openly exposed to their fire. Ford -emptied the charges from one six-shooter, made five shots with the -other, and was in the act of aiming for the last, when he fell dead, -riddled with the balls of his adversaries. Ridgely was shot through the -leg twice, and Plummer’s horse disabled. - -Such was the melancholy fate of Patrick Ford,—a man long to be -remembered as the friend of law and order,—the first, indeed, in the -northern mines who dared to urge the extermination of the robbers, as -the only remedy for their depredations. He literally sealed his -principles with his life’s blood. - -Ridgely’s wounds disabled him for service. He was taken by his -companions to a ranche near the town, and as well cared for as -circumstances would admit. Leaving him there, the other members of the -band, fearful of the friends of Ford, seldom ventured beyond the limits -of their camp. - - - - - CHAPTER IV - CHARLEY HARPER - - -A new candidate for bloody laurels now appears in the person of Charley -Harper. He arrived in Walla Walla in the Fall of 1861. A young man of -twenty-five, of medium size, of erect carriage, clear, florid -complexion, and profuse auburn hair, he could, but for the leer in his -small inexpressive gray eye, have passed in any society for a gentleman. -His previous life is a sealed book;—but the readiness with which he -engaged in crime showed that he was not without experience. He told his -landlord that he had no money, but that partners were coming who would -relieve his necessities. The second night after his arrival, several -hundred dollars in gold coin was stolen from a lodger who occupied the -room adjoining his. While intoxicated the next day, he exhibited by the -handful eagles which he said were borrowed from an acquaintance. No one -doubted that he had stolen them; but where officers were believed to -wink at crime, prosecution was useless. Charley was not even arrested -upon suspicion. The money he had obtained introduced him to the society -of the roughs, with whom he became so popular that he aspired to be -their leader. This honor was disputed by Ridgely, whom we left wounded -in the last chapter, and by Cherokee Bob, both of whom claimed -precedence from longer residence and greater familiarity with the -opportunities for distinction. - -Circumstances soon occurred which enabled Charley, without disputation, -to assume the role of chief of the Walla Walla desperadoes. Cherokee -Bob, heretofore mentioned as an associate of Plummer at Lewiston, was an -uneducated Southerner. His mother was a half-blood Cherokee,—hence his -name. With a hatred of the North and the Northern soldiery born of -prejudice and ignorance, and a constitutional faith in the superior -prowess of the Southern people, and with mercurial passions inflamed by -the contest that was still raging, this ruffian was nearly a maniac in -his adherence to the cause of Secession. He could talk or think of -little else than the great inferiority of the Northern to the Southern -soldiers, and was continually boasting of his own superior physical -power. He would often taunt the soldiers of the garrison near Walla -Walla. In ingenuity of vaunting expression, he far excelled Captain -Bobadil himself;—but like that hero of dramatic fiction he was destined -to experience a reverse more humiliating, if possible, than that of his -great prototype. With shotgun in hand and revolver in his belt, it was -his frequent boast that he could take a negro along with him, carrying -two baskets loaded with pistols, and put to flight the bravest regiment -of the Federal army. - -No person who has witnessed a theatrical performance in a mining camp -can forget the general din and noise with which the audience fill up the -intervals between the acts. Whistling, singing, hooting, yelling, and a -general shuffling of feet and moving about are so invariable as to form, -in fact, a feature of the performance. So long as they are unaccompanied -by quarrelsome demonstrations, and do not become too boisterous, efforts -are seldom made to suppress them. The boys are permitted to have a good -time in their own way, and the lookers-on, accustomed to the scene, are -often compensated for any annoyance that may be occasioned, by strokes -of border humor more enjoyable than the play itself. - -Cherokee Bob, eager for an opportunity when he could wreak his demoniac -wrath upon some of the Federal soldiers, with the aid and complicity of -Deputy Sheriff Porter, who like himself was a Secessionist, contrived -the following plan as favorable to his purpose; it was agreed between -them, that on a certain evening Bob and his friends should attend the -theatre, fully armed. Porter, under pretext of quelling disturbances -between the acts, should by his insulting language and manner provoke an -affray with the soldiers present, in the progress of which he would -command Bob and those with him to assist, and thus under the seeming -protection of law, save them from the consequences of any acts of -vengeance they desired to commit. On the evening appointed, six or seven -soldiers were seated side by side in the pit, a single one occupying a -seat in the gallery behind them. Porter was near them, and Bob and his -associates in a position convenient to him. When the curtain fell upon -the first act, the usual noises commenced, the soldiers joining in -making them. Porter sprang from his seat, and striding in front of them, -vociferated, - -“Dry up there, you brass-mounted hirelings, or I’ll snatch you -bald-headed.” - -This insulting language produced the desired effect. Smarting under the -implied reproach it conveyed, one of the soldiers sharply inquired, - -“Why do you single us out, when there are others more boisterous?” - -Porter waited for no further provocation, but drawing and cocking his -revolver with one hand, and seizing the soldier nearest to him with the -other, he dragged him ignominiously into the circle where he was -standing, ordering the deputy city marshal and Bob and his friends to -assist in arresting him. The soldiers offered resistance. An immediate -_mêlée_ was the consequence. The women and children in the audience -screamed in affright. The other soldiers present rushed with drawn -pistols to the rescue of their comrade. The one in the gallery sprang -upon one of the officers with the ferocity of a wild beast. Cherokee Bob -with a pistol in one hand and a bowie-knife in the other, his voice -wildly ringing above all other sounds, was in his true element. More -than a dozen pistol shots followed in quick succession. Two of the -soldiers were killed, and others fearfully mangled. Porter and his -deputy assistant were each shot through a leg, the latter crippled for -life. The work of blood was progressing, and but for the interference of -an officer of the garrison, would have ended only with the death of the -assassins. - -The next day the soldiers appealed to their commanding officer for -redress. He ordered those of them engaged in the affray to be placed -under arrest, and dismissed the subject from his thoughts. Indignant at -this unexpected treatment, about fifty of the soldiers armed themselves, -and marched into town, with the determination to capture and hang -Cherokee Bob, whom they knew to be the chief mover of the murderous -assault. Disavowing all riotous intentions they informed the citizens of -their design and commenced a thorough search for the murderer. He, -meanwhile, fearful of their revenge, eluded them by leaving the town -before the dawn of morning on a stolen horse, for Lewiston. - -The year before his appearance in Walla Walla, Ridgely was living in -Sacramento. During his sojourn there he acquired notoriety for his -thievish and villainous propensities. One of the police corps, detecting -him in the commission of a larceny, arrested him. He was convicted, and -sentenced to imprisonment in the county jail. He vowed revenge against -Gilchrist the policeman, but on his release fled to the gold mines. Soon -after his arrival at Walla Walla he fell in with his old enemy, and -secretly renewed the determination to take his life. Calling upon a -friend to accompany him, he boldly entered a saloon where he knew -Gilchrist to be and fired several shots at him. Gilchrist fell at the -first fire. Ridgely, believing he had killed him, left the saloon, -saying as he went, “I have thrown a load off my mind, and now feel -easy.” Gilchrist was badly wounded, but recovered. Ridgely, escaping -arrest on the night of the assault, crossed the river into Oregon the -next day, beyond the jurisdiction of the authorities of Walla Walla, -which was in Washington Territory. Thence he went to Lewiston and joined -Plummer. - -Cherokee Bob and Ridgely being out of the way, Charley Harper, as next -in rank on the scale of villainous preferment, became the Walla Walla -chief. - - - - - CHAPTER V - CHEROKEE BOB - - -Intelligence of the discovery in 1861 of extensive placers on the head -waters of Salmon River, excelling in richness any former locations, had -been circulated through all the border towns during the following -Winter. The excitement consequent thereon was intense. Such was the -impatience of the people to effect an early arrival there that many left -Walla Walla and Lewiston in mid-winter, and on their way thither -perished in the snows which engorged the mountain passes. Others, more -cautious, awaited the coming of warm weather, and made the -journey,—tedious, difficult, and dangerous at best,—with comparative -safety. Among the latter number were Charley Harper and his band of -brigands. Mounted on strong, fleet horses which they had acquired during -the winter, the criminal cavalcade with its chief at the head dashed up -the river valley, insulting, threatening, or robbing every one so -unfortunate as to fall in their way. Of the number prominent in the -riotous column were Peoples, English, Scott, and Brockie—men whose deeds -of villainy have blackened the criminal records of nearly all the larger -cities of the Pacific slope. With none of the magnanimity which -characterized Joaquin Murieta and the earlier brigands of California, -and with all their recklessness of crime and murder, a meaner, baser, -more contemptible band of ruffians perhaps never before disgraced the -annals of the race. No crime was too atrocious for them to commit, no -act of shame or wantonness was uncongenial to their grovelling natures. -They were as totally depraved as a long and unchecked career of every -variety of criminal indulgence could make them. Afraid of nothing but -the law, and not afraid of that in these new and unorganized -communities, they were little else than devils incarnate. Insensible to -all appeals for mercy, and ever acting upon the cautious maxim that -“dead men tell no tales,” the only chance for escape from death for -those whom they assaulted was in their utter inability to do them -injury. Human life regarded as an obstacle to their designs, was of no -more importance than the blowing up of a safe, or any other act which -stood between them and their prey. Of course it was impossible that such -a band of desperadoes should pass over the long and desolate route from -Walla Walla to Florence without adventure. - -On the second or third day after leaving Walla Walla, when nearing -Florence, they met a company consisting of five men and a boy of -sixteen, who were on their way to a neighboring camp. The brigands -surrounded them, and with cocked pistols well aimed, gave the usual -order, “Throw up your hands.” This order being obeyed, two of them -dismounted to search the persons of their victims for treasure, the -others meanwhile covering them with their revolvers. Five purses, -containing amounts varying from fifty to five hundred dollars, were -taken from them. The boy was overlooked, and had seated himself on a -granite bowlder by the roadside. - -Scott, as he tells the story himself, approached him more from curiosity -than expectation, when the following conversation ensued: - -“Come,” said Scott, addressing him, “draw your weasel now.” - -“How do you know I’ve got any, stranger?” queried the youth. - -“No fooling, I say. Hand out your buckskin.” - -“You wouldn’t rob a poor little devil like me, would you?” - -“Don’t keep me waiting longer, or I’ll cut your ears off,”—and Scott -drew his bowie as if to carry the threat into execution. - -“Well, I only get half-wages, you know. Is your heart all gizzard?” - -“Get off from that stone and shell out, or I’ll blow your brains out in -a minute,” said Scott. - -The boy sprung up hurriedly, and with affected reluctance thrust his -hand into his pocket. - -“Well, stra-an-nger,” he inquired with a peculiar drawl and quizzical -expression of the eyes, “what do you take Salmon River dust at, anyhow?” - -With this he drew forth an empty purse, and handing it to Scott, said, - -“If you think I’ve got any more, search me.” - -Pleased with the pluck and humor of the lad, one of the band threw him a -five-dollar piece, and they galloped furiously on towards Florence. - -Thundering into the town, they drew up before the first saloon, fired -their pistols, and urged their horses into the establishment. Without -dismounting they ordered liquor for the crowd. All the by-standers -partook with them. Harper ostentatiously threw one of the purses he had -just seized upon the counter, telling the bar-keeper to weigh out the -amount of the bill, and after a few moments they left the saloon, “to -see,” as one of them expressed himself, “whether the town was big enough -to hold them.” - -This irruption into Florence occurred while that city was comparatively -in embryo. The great floods of immigration from the East and West had -not arrived. Some months must elapse before the expectations of the -robbers could be realized. Meantime they distributed themselves among -the saloons and bagnios, and by means of gambling and frequent -robberies, contrived to hold the community in fear and pick up a -subsistence until the great crowd came. - -Leaving them for a season, we will return to Cherokee Bob, whom we left -in his ignominious flight from Walla Walla to Lewiston, on a stolen -horse. That worthy had established himself in a saloon at Lewiston, and -while there, renewed an acquaintance with an old pal known as Bill -Mayfield. - -Mayfield was a fugitive from justice from Carson City, Nevada, where in -the Winter of 1861–62 he renewed an acquaintance with Henry Plummer, -whom he had known before that time in California. The Governor of -California had issued a requisition for the surrender of Plummer, and a -warrant for his arrest was in the hands of John Blackburn, the sheriff -at Carson City. Though efficient as an officer, Blackburn, while in -liquor, was overbearing and boastful of his prowess. His reputation was -bad among the leading citizens of the town. Foiled in his search for -Plummer, who, he believed, was in the Territory, and knowing of -Mayfield’s intimacy with him, he accused the latter with concealing him. -Mayfield denied the charge, and to avoid a quarrel with Blackburn, who -was intoxicated, immediately left the saloon where the interview -occurred, but as a measure of precaution armed himself with a -bowie-knife. Blackburn, rendered desperate by liquor, soon followed in -pursuit of him, and at a later hour of the same day found him in another -saloon. As he entered the front, Mayfield tried to leave by the rear -door. Failing in this, he drew his knife, and concealed it in his -sleeve. Approaching Mayfield in a bullying manner Blackburn said to him, - -“I will arrest Plummer, and no one can prevent it. I can arrest anybody. -I can arrest you if I wish to.” - -“You can arrest me,” replied Mayfield, “if you have a warrant for my -arrest, but you can’t without.” - -“I tell you,” rejoined Blackburn tauntingly, “that I _can_ arrest you, -or any one else,” and added with an oath, “I will arrest you anyhow,” -accompanying this threat with a grasp for his pistol. Mayfield, with -flash-like quickness, slipped his knife from its place of concealment, -and gave him an anticipatory stab in the breast. Blackburn then tried to -close with him, and being much the stronger man would have killed him -had not Mayfield jumped aside and plied his knife vigorously until -Blackburn fell. He died almost instantly. Mayfield surrendered himself -for trial, was convicted of murder, and sentenced to be hanged. - -While awaiting execution in the penitentiary, two miles distant from -Carson, a plan for undermining the prison was successful, and he -escaped. The friends who effected this were among the best citizens of -Carson. They deemed the sentence unjust, and as soon as he was out of -confinement, mounted him on a good horse, provided him with arms, and -bade him leave the State as rapidly as possible. When his escape was -discovered the next morning the jailer started in pursuit. He struck the -track of the fugitive, and by means of relays, gained rapidly upon him. -Mayfield’s friends meantime were not idle. They managed to be apprised -of his progress, followed close upon his pursuers, and by a short cut at -a favorable point, overtook him, and, doubling back, concealed him at a -ranche in Pea Vine Valley, only forty miles from Carson City. There he -remained six weeks,—many of the leading citizens of Carson meantime -watching for an opportunity to aid his escape from the State. A careless -exposure of his person led to his recognition and the discovery of his -retreat. His friends were the first to learn of it, and before the -officers could arrive at the ranche, Mayfield was on his way to -Huffaker’s ranche on the Truckee River, which was nearer Carson by half -the distance than the ranche he had left. While the officers were -scouring the country in pursuit of him, he remained there until Spring, -sharing a box stall with a favorite race-horse. When Spring was far -enough advanced to afford pasturage and comfortable travel, he was -furnished by his friends with a good “outfit,” and made the journey -unmolested to Lewiston, where he joined his old friends Plummer and -Cherokee Bob. - -Here he trumped up an intimacy with a woman calling herself Cynthia, at -that time stewardess of a hotel in Lewiston, and the fallen wife of a -very worthy man. - -In June, Cherokee Bob, accompanied by Mayfield and Cynthia, left -Lewiston for Florence. Soon after their arrival the jealousy of Mayfield -was aroused by the particular attentions of Bob to his mistress. On his -part Bob made no concealment of his attachment for the woman, and when -charged with harboring an intention of appropriating her affections, -boldly acknowledged the soft impeachment. Cynthia possessed many charms -of person, and considerable intelligence. She had, moreover, an eye to -the main chance, and was ready to bestow her favors where they would -command the most money. Bob was richer than Mayfield, and this fact won -for him many encouraging smiles from the fair object of his pursuit. -Mayfield’s jealousy flamed into anger, and he resolved to bring matters -to a crisis, which should either secure his undisturbed possession of -the woman, or transfer her to the sole care of his rival. He had -confidence enough in Cynthia to believe that when required to choose -between him and Cherokee Bob, her good taste, if nothing else, would -give him the preference. He had not calculated on the strength of her -cupidity. Confronting Bob in her presence, he said, as he laid his hand -on the butt of his revolver, - -“Bob, you know me.” - -“Yes,” replied Bob with a similar gesture, “and Bill, you know me.” - -“Well, now, Bob, the question is whether we shall make fools of -ourselves or not.” - -“Just as you say, Bill. I’m al’ys ready for anything that turns up.” - -“Bob, if that woman loves you more than me,” said Mayfield, “take her. I -don’t want her. But if she thinks the most of me, no person ought to -come between us. I call that on the square.” - -“Well, I do think considerable of Cynthia, and you are not married to -her, you know,” replied Bob. - -“That makes no difference. If she loves me, and wishes to live with me, -no one shall interfere to prevent it.” - -“Well, what do you propose to do about it?” asked Bob, after a brief -pause. - -“Let the woman decide for herself,” replied Mayfield. “What say you, -Cynthia? Is it Bob or me?” - -Thus appealed to, greatly to the surprise of Mayfield, Cynthia replied, - -“Well, William, Robert is settled in business now, and don’t you think -he is better able to take care of me than you are?” - -This reply convinced Mayfield that his influence over the woman was -lost. The quarrel terminated in a graceful surrender to Bob of all his -claim upon her. - -“You fall heir,” said he to his successor, “to all the traps and things -there are around here.” - -Cherokee Bob insisted upon paying for them; and Cynthia, true to the -course of life she was pursuing, tried to soften the pangs of separation -from her old lover by reiterating the question if he did not “think it -the best thing that could be done under the circumstances.” - -Cherokee Bob forced a generous purse upon Mayfield, who left him with -the parting injunction to take good care of the girl. - -The woman shed some tears and, as we shall see at a later stage of this -history, showed by her return to Mayfield that she entertained a real -affection; and when, a year later, she heard of his violent death, was -heard to say that she would kill his murderer whenever opportunity -afforded. - -An explanation of the circumstances under which Bob became “settled in -business” is not the least interesting part of this narrative. The -senior proprietor of the leading saloon in Oro Fino died a few days -before Bob’s arrival. He was indebted to Bob for borrowed money, calling -upon the surviving partner soon after his arrival, Bob informed him of -the indebtedness, and declared his intention of appropriating the saloon -and its contents in payment. - -“How much,” inquired the man, “did you lend my partner? I’ll settle with -you, and pay liberal interest.” - -“That’s not the idee,” rejoined Bob. “Do you think me fool enough to -lend a fellow five hundred dollars, and then after it increases to five -thousand, square the account with a return of what I lent and a little -more? That’s not my way of doing biz. How much stock have you got here -on hand?” - -Bob carefully committed to writing the invoice verbally furnished. - -“Now,” said he, putting the memorandum in his pocket, “I’ll hold you -responsible for all these traps—the whole outfit. You’ve got to close up -and get out of this without any delay. I’ll give you twenty-four hours -to do it in. You must then deliver everything safe into my hands.” - -The unfortunate saloon-keeper knew that the law as administered in that -mountain town would afford him no redress. He also knew that to refuse -compliance with the demand of Cherokee Bob, however unjust, would -precipitate a quarrel which would probably cost him his life. So when -Bob, accompanied by two or three confederates, came the next morning to -the saloon to take possession, he was prepared to submit to the -imposition without resistance. Walking within the bar, Cherokee Bob -emptied the money drawer and gave the contents to his victim. He then -invited his friends to drink to the success of the new “outfit,” and -finding himself in undisturbed occupancy, increased the amount of his -gift to the man he had expelled to several hundred dollars. This was the -manner in which he became, as Cynthia said, “settled in business.” - - - - - CHAPTER VI - FLORENCE - - -Florence was now the established headquarters of the robbers. Its -isolated location, its distance from the seat of government, its -mountain surroundings, and, more than all, its utter destitution of -power to enforce law and order, gave it peculiar fitness as a base for -the criminal and bloody operations of the desperate gang which infested -it. At all hours of the day and night some of them were to be seen at -the two saloons kept by Cherokee Bob and Cyrus Skinner. When one company -disappeared another took its place, and at no time were there less than -twenty or thirty of these desperadoes at one or both of their haunts, -plotting and contriving deeds of plunder and robbery which involved the -hard earnings, possibly the lives, of many of the fortunate miners of -the vicinity. The crowd from both East and West had arrived. The town -was full of gold hunters. Expectation lighted up the countenance of -every newcomer. Few had yet realized the utter despair of failure in a -mining camp. In the presence of vice in all its forms, men who were -staid and exemplary at home laid aside their morality like a useless -garment and yielded to the seductive influences spread for their ruin. -The gambling shops and hurdy-gurdy saloons—beheld for the first time by -many of these fortune-seekers—lured them on step by step, until many of -them abandoned all thought of the object they had in pursuit, for lives -of shameful and criminal indulgence. - -The condition of society thus produced was fatal to all attempts at -organization, either for protection or good order. Wholly unrestrained -by fear or conscience, the robbers carried on their operations in the -full blaze of mid-day. Affrays were of daily occurrence, and robberies -took place in the public streets. Charley Harper, the acknowledged -chief, stained with the darkest crimes, walked the streets with the -boldness and confidence of one who glories in his iniquity. Peaceable, -honest, well-meaning citizens, completely overawed, were fortunate to -escape insult or abuse, as they passed to and fro in pursuit of their -occupations. Woe to the unfortunate miner who entered the town if it -were known or believed that there was any treasure on his person! If not -robbed on the spot, or lured into a hurdy-gurdy saloon, or cheated at a -gambling table, he was waylaid by disguised ruffians on his return to -his camp, and by threats and violence, or when these failed, by death -itself, relieved of his hard-bought earnings. For one of these sufferers -to recognize and expose any of his assailants was simply to insure death -at his hands the first convenient opportunity. - -One of these side exploits was marked by features of peculiar atrocity. -An aged, eccentric German miner, who lived alone in a little cabin three -miles from town, was supposed to have a considerable amount of gold dust -concealed in his dwelling. One morning, early in August, a neighbor -discovered that the house had been violently entered. The door was -broken and scattered in pieces. Entering, he beheld the mangled corpse -of the old man lying amid a general wreck of bedding, boxes, and trunks. -The remains of a recent fire in a corner bore evidence of the failure of -the design of the robbers to conceal their crime by a general -conflagration. The miners were exasperated at an act of such wanton and -unprovoked barbarity. A coroner’s jury was summoned and such an inquest -held as men in fear of their lives dared to venture. The verdict, as -might have been anticipated, was “murdered by some person or persons -unknown.” Here the affair has rested ever since. - -Acts of violence and bloodshed were not infrequent among the robbers -themselves. Soon after the murder of the German, a company of them, who -had been gambling all night at one of the saloons, broke up in a quarrel -at sunrise. Before they reached the street, a revolver in the hands of -Brockie was discharged, killing instantly one of the departing brawlers. -The murderer surrendered himself to a justice of the peace, and escaped -upon the singular plea that the shot was accidental and did not hit the -person he intended to kill. One of the jury, in a letter to a friend -wrote: “The verdict gave universal satisfaction, the feeling over the -homicide among good citizens being that Brockie had done a good thing. -If he had killed two of the ruffians instead of one, and then hung -himself, good men would have been better pleased.” - -Hickey, the intended victim, was one of the worst men in the band. The -year following this occurrence, in a fit of anger induced by -intoxication, at a store in Placerville, he made a desperate assault -upon a peaceable, inoffensive individual who was known by the name of -“Snapping Andy.” Hurriedly snatching a pickhandle from a barrel, Andy, -by two or three well-directed blows, brought his career of crime and -infamy to a bloody close. - -For some reason, probably to place him beyond the reach of the friends -of the murdered robber, Brockie was assigned to a new position. -Ostensibly to establish a ferry at the mouth of White Bird Creek, a few -miles from town, but really for the purpose of furnishing a convenient -rendezvous for his companions, he took up his abode there. It was on the -line of travel between Florence and a gold discovery reputed to have -been made on a tributary of the Boise River. - -About the middle of September, Arthur Chapman, son of the -surveyor-general of Oregon, while waiting for ferriage, was brutally -assaulted by Brockie, who rushed towards him with pistol and knife, -swearing that he would “shoot him as full of holes as a sieve, and then -cut him into sausage meat.” With an axe which he seized upon the -instant, Chapman clove his skull to the chin. Brockie fell dead in his -tracks, another witness to the fulfilment of that terrible denunciation, -“Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” Chapman -was acquitted. - -It will not be deemed out of place to record here the desperate fortune -of one Matt Bledsoe, who became notorious as an independent freebooter, -and killed several persons in the valley of the Upper Sacramento and -Upper Willamette. His bloody character preceded his arrival at Florence -in the Fall of 1861. He acknowledged no allegiance to any band, and -avowed as a ruling principle that he would “as soon kill a man as eat -his breakfast.” While engaged in a game of cards with a miner at a -ranche on White Bird Creek in October, 1861, he provoked an altercation, -but the miner being armed, he did not, as was usual with him, follow it -up by an attack. The next morning, while the miner was going to the -creek, Bledsoe shot and killed him. Mounting his horse he rode rapidly -to Walla Walla, surrendered to the authorities, asked for a trial, and -on his own statement that he “had killed a man in self-defence,” was -acquitted. - -A leap forward in his history to twelve o’clock of a cold winter night -of 1865 finds this same villain in company with another, each with a -courtesan beside him, seated at a table in an oyster saloon in Portland. -Some angry words between the women soon involved the men in a quarrel, -which Bledsoe brought to a speedy termination by a fatal blow upon the -head of his antagonist. He was immediately arrested, tried, convicted of -manslaughter, and sentenced to the penitentiary for a long term of -years. During the following Fall he escaped, was rearrested, and after -trial, returned to prison to serve out a prolonged sentence. - -Perhaps in the early history of no part of our country were greater -difficulties overcome in moving from one place to another than in the -mining districts of Oregon and Idaho. Essentially a mountain region, and -in all portions of it away from the narrow valleys formed by the streams -filled with the remains of extensive volcanic action, its surface, -besides being broken into deep cañons, lofty ridges, inaccessible -precipices, impassable streams, and impenetrable lava beds, was also -covered everywhere with the sharp points and fissured hummocks which -were cast out during a long and active period of primeval eruption. -There were no natural roads in any direction. The trail of the Indian -was full of obstacles, often indirect and generally impracticable. To -travel with vehicles of any sort was absolutely impossible. The -pack-animal was the only available resource for transportation. The -miner would bind all his earthly gear on the back of a mule or a burro -and grapple with obstructions as they appeared, cutting his way through -forests almost interminable, and exposing himself to dangers as trying -to his fortitude as to his ingenuity. The merchant who wished to -transport goods, the saloon-keeper who had liquors and billiard tables, -the hotel-keeper whose furniture was necessary, all had to employ -pack-animals as the only means of transportation from the towns on the -Columbia to the mining camps of the interior. The owner of a train of -pack-animals was always certain of profitable employment. His life was -precarious, his subsistence poor, his responsibilities enormous. He -threaded the most dangerous passes, and incurred the most fearful -risks,—for all of which he received adequate compensation. - -The pack train was always a lively feature in the gigantic mountain -scenery of Oregon and Idaho. A train of fifty or one hundred animals, -composed about equally of mules and burros, each heavily laden, the -experienced animal in the lead picking the way for those in the rear -amid the rocks, escarpments, and precipices of a lofty mountain side, -was a spectacle of thrilling interest. At times, the least mis-step -would have precipitated some unfortunate animal hundreds of feet down -the steep declivity, dashing him to pieces on the rocks below. -Fortunately the cautious and sure tread of these faithful creatures -rendered such an accident of very rare occurrence, though to the person -who for the first time beheld them in motion the feeling was ever -present that they could not escape it. The arrival of one of these large -trains in a mining camp produced greater excitement among the -inhabitants than any other event, and the calculations upon their -departure from the Columbia River and their appearance in the interior -towns were made and anticipated with nearly as much certainty as if they -were governed by a published time-table. - -The confidence of the owner of a train of pack-animals in their sagacity -and sure-footedness relieved him of all fear of accident by travel, but -he could never feel as well assured against the attacks of robbers. All -the men in charge of a train were well armed and in momentary -expectation of a surprise. Frequently on the return trips they were -entrusted by merchants with large amounts of gold dust. Opportunities of -this character seldom escaped the vigilance of the robbers,—and any -defect in the police of the departing train insured an attack upon it in -some of the difficult passes on its route to the river. - -The packer of a train belonging to Neil McClinchey, a well-known -mercantile operator of the Upper Columbia, in October, 1862, when four -days out from Florence, on his return to Walla Walla, was stopped by a -masked party of which Harper was supposed to be the leader, and for want -of sufficient force robbed of fourteen pounds of gold. As he gave the -treasure into the hands of the assailants, the villain who took it said -in a consoling tone, “That’s sensible. If every man was as reasonable as -you things would go along smoother.” - -Shortly after this robbery, Joseph and John Berry were returning to the -river with their train. They had gone but forty miles from Florence, -when they were confronted by three men in masks, who, with levelled -pistols, commanded them to throw up their hands. Seeing that resistance -was useless they obeyed, and were relieved of eleven hundred dollars. -The packers recognized the voices of David English and William -Peoples,—and the third one was afterwards ascertained to be Nelson -Scott. The victims returned with all possible expedition to Lewiston, -where the report of their loss excited the most intense indignation. - - - - - CHAPTER VII - FIRST VIGILANCE COMMITTEE - - -As soon as the Berrys were assured of the identity of the villains who -had robbed them they appealed to the people to assist in their capture. -The robbers had stripped them of all their hard earnings, and they had -the sympathy of every honest man in the community. Nothing more was -needed to kindle into a flame of popular excitement the long-pent-up -fires of smothered indignation. Public sentiment was clamorous for the -capture and punishment of the robbers. It gathered strength day by day, -until it became the all-absorbing topic everywhere. Men assembled on the -street corners, in the stores, in the saloons, and at the outside mining -camps to compare views and consult upon measures of relief. Meantime, -several parties whose faith in immediate action was stronger than in -consultation, set out in pursuit of the robbers. - -From the fact that they had passed south of Lewiston it was believed -they had gone down the Columbia. Distributing themselves along the -different roads and trails in that direction, the pursuers made diligent -search for them in every nook and corner which could afford them a -hiding-place. Their diligence was successful. The robbers had separated, -but were arrested in detail,—Peoples at Walla Walla, Scott on Dry Creek, -near there, and English at Wallula, forty miles distant on the Columbia. - -The only surprise they manifested upon being arrested was at the -temerity of their captors. In a community which had so long held them in -fear, any legal interference with their business was deemed by them an -outrage. They did not pause to inquire whether their reign was near its -termination, nor think that perhaps the people had decided as between -longer submission to their villainies and condign punishment for their -actual crimes. If they had, their efforts to escape would have been -immediate. As it was, they rested easy, and reflected savagely upon the -revenge in store for their captors after their friends had effected -their rescue. - -They were taken in irons to Walla Walla. Judge Smith ordered their -removal to Florence for trial. Such was the indignation of the citizens -of Lewiston that on their arrival there it was determined they should be -tried by the people. All confidence in the law and the courts was lost. -Accordingly a committee was appointed to investigate the circumstances -of the robbery and declare the punishment. The prisoners were taken in -charge by the committee, and confined in an unfinished building on the -bank of the Clearwater, which was strongly guarded. To make their work -thorough and terrify others of the band who were known to be prowling -about the saloons of Lewiston, a number of persons were appointed, with -instructions to effect their immediate arrest. In anticipation of this -course all suspected persons except one escaped by flight. This one, -known by the name of “Happy Harry,” was a simple fellow, who denied all -association with the band, confessed to a few petty offences, and was -discharged on condition that he would instantly leave and never return -to the country. He has never been heard of since. - -One of the shrewdest of the gang, George Lane, who from a personal -deformity was called “Club Foot George,” well known as a robber and -horse-thief, escaped arrest by surrendering himself to the commandant of -Fort Lapwai (a United States post twelve miles distant), who confined -him in the guard-house. - -The final disposition of the three villains in custody was delayed until -the next day. A strong guard of well-armed men surrounded their prison. -Just after midnight the sleeping inhabitants of the town were roused by -several shots fired in the direction of the place of confinement. In a -few minutes the streets were filled with citizens. A former friend of -Peoples, one Marshall, who kept a hotel in town, had, in attempting his -rescue, fired upon the guard. In return he received a shot in his arm, -and was prostrated by a blow from a clubbed musket. The cause of the -_mêlée_ being explained, the people withdrew, leaving the sentinels at -their posts. - -The next morning at an early hour the people gathered around the prison. -The guards were gone and the door ajar. Unable to restrain their -curiosity, and fearful that the robbers had been rescued, they pushed -the door wide open. There, hanging by the neck, stark and cold, they -beheld the bodies of the three desperadoes. Justice had been -anticipated, and the first Vigilance Committee of the northern mines had -commenced its work. No one knew or cared who had done it, but all felt -that it was right, and the community breathed freer than at any former -period of its history. - -Intelligence of the execution, with the usual exaggeration, spread far -and wide through the mining camps. It was received with approval by the -sober citizens, but filled the robber horde with consternation. Charley -Harper, while on his way from Florence to Lewiston to gather full -particulars, met a mountaineer. - -“Stranger,” he inquired, “what’s the news?” - -“I s’pose you’ve heard about the hanging of them fellers?” - -“Heard something. What’s the particulars?” - -“Well, Bill Peoples, Dave English, and Nels Scott have gone in. They -strung ’em up like dried salmon. Happy Harry got out of the way in time; -but if they get Club Foot George, his life won’t be worth a cent. -They’re after a lot more of ’em up in Florence.” - -“Do you know who all they’re after?” asked Harper. - -“Yes. Charley Harper’s the big chief they’re achin’ for the most, but -the story now is that he’s already hanged. A feller went into town day -before yesterday, and said he saw him strung up out here on Camas -Prairie. Did you hear anything of it back on the road?” - -Harper needed no further information. He felt that the country was too -hot to hold him, and that the bloodhounds were on his track. As soon as -the miner was out of sight, he turned to the right, crossed the -Clearwater some miles above Lewiston, and pursued a trail to Colville on -the Upper Columbia, where we will take leave of him for the present. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII - NEW GOLD DISCOVERIES - - -When the rumored discovery in the Summer of 1861 of extensive gold -placers on Salmon River was confirmed, the intelligence spread through -the Territories and Mississippi States like wildfire. Thousands of young -men, thrown out of employment by the war, and other thousands who -dreaded the evils which that great conflict would bring upon the nation, -and still others actuated by a thirst for gain, utilized their available -resources in providing means for an immediate migration to the land of -promise. Before midsummer they had started on the long and perilous -journey. How little did they know of its exposures! The deserts, -destitute of water and grass, the alkaline plains where food and drink -were alike affected by the poisonous dust, the roving bands of hostile -Indians, the treacherous quicksands of river fords, the danger and -difficulty of the mountain passes, the death of their companions, their -cattle, and their horses, breakage of their vehicles, angry and often -violent personal altercations,—all these fled in the light of the summer -sun, the vernal beauty of the plains, the delightfully pure atmosphere -which wooed them day by day farther away from the abode of civilization -and the protection of law. The most fortunate of this army of -adventurers suffered from some of these fruitful causes of disaster. So -certain were they in some form to occur, that a successful completion of -the journey was simply an escape from death. The story of the Indian -murders and cruelties alone, which befell hundreds of these hapless -emigrants, would fill volumes. Every mile of the several routes across -the continent was marked by the decaying carcasses of oxen and horses, -which had perished during the period of this hegira to the gold mines. -Three months with mules and four with oxen were necessary to make the -journey,—a journey now completed in five days from ocean to ocean by the -railroad. - -Some of the earliest of these expeditions, after entering the unexplored -region which afterwards became Idaho and Montana, were arrested by -information that it would be impossible to cross, with teams, the -several mountain ranges between them and the mines. This discouragement -was followed up by intelligence that the placers were overrun by a crowd -of gold hunters from California and Oregon, and that large bands of -prospectors were spreading over the adjacent territory. Swift on the -heels of this came the rumor that new placers had been found at Deer -Lodge, on the east side of the mountains. - -The idea was readily adopted that the country was filled with gold -placers,—that it was not necessary to pursue the track of actual -discovery, but that each man could discover his own mine. Thus -believing, the stream of emigration diverged,—some crossing the range to -Fort Lemhi on the Lower Salmon, and others pursuing a more southerly -course, with the hope of striking an old trail leading from Salt Lake to -Bitter Root and Deer Lodge valleys. Some of this latter party remained -on Grasshopper Creek near the large cañon, where they made promising -discoveries. The others went on to Deer Lodge, but being disappointed in -the placers there, rejoined their companions and gave to their placer -the name of Beaver Head Diggings,—that being the name given by Lewis and -Clark to the river into which the creek empties. - -While these discoveries were in progress on the east side of the -mountains, a prospecting party which had been organized at Florence -under the leadership of a Californian by the name of Grimes, discovered -the mines on the Boise River. They were one hundred and fifty miles -south of Florence. Grimes and his party sunk their first shaft fifteen -miles northwest of the site of Idaho City. While preparing to extend -their explorations, they unfortunately fell into an Indian ambuscade and -their leader was slain. - -Intelligence of the Beaver Head and Boise discoveries unsettled all -local projects for building up the towns of Florence, Elk City, and Oro -Fino. They were immediately deserted by all who could leave without -sacrifice. West Bannack, at Boise, and East Bannack, at Beaver Head, -sprung into existence as if by enchantment. - -Ridgely had now so far recovered from his wound as to be able to travel. -Accompanied by him and Charley Reeves, Henry Plummer left the vicinity -of Florence and went to Elk City. There he met with several of his old -California acquaintances who were familiar with his early history. -Fearful of remaining lest they should deliver him up to the authorities -and cause him to be returned to California, or that a Vigilance -Committee would visit him with heavier punishment, he suddenly departed, -and ten days later made his appearance at Deer Lodge. He found the camp -full of needy adventurers, the mines unpromising, and the chances few -for replenishing his fortune by either gambling or robbery. After -spending a few days of constantly increasing discouragement he started -in company with Jack Cleveland for Fort Benton, intending to go down the -Missouri by the first boat. Fortunate would it have been had he carried -this design into execution. If it would not have saved him from a -felon’s death, it would have preserved the lives of those who afterwards -became his victims. - -[Illustration: - - A PACK TRAIN: CINCHING -] - -Sixty miles from Benton, their horses jaded with travel, the two men -stopped at the Government farm on Sun River for a few days’ rest. In -this secluded valley they were out of the way of pursuers. Carpeted with -bunch grass, it afforded grazing for their half-starved horses, and in -Mr. Vail, the man in charge of the farm, they found a very hospitable -host. Divided centrally by the large and peaceful river, the valley -stretched away on either side to numberless plateaus, remarkable for the -uniform height and tabular recession with which they rose to the summits -of the lofty foothills, which in their turn swelled gradually into a -circumference of heaven-kissing mountains. Nothing but a few forests -were wanting to make the scene one of unparalleled grandeur. These were -measurably supplied by the parks of cottonwood which stretched along -either bank of the river, affording shelter for the herds of elk, -antelope, and deer that roamed unharmed over the boundless solitude. - -Here, sheltered by the arms of kind relatives, Henry Plummer first saw -the only being which inspired his bosom with virtuous love. A young, -innocent, and beautiful girl, artless and loving as a child, won by his -attention and gentlemanly deportment, and the tale, seductive as that -poured by the serpent into the ear of Eve, which he told of his love, -against the advice of her sister and friends, crowned his happiness with -her heart and hand. No stories of his past career, no terrible picture -of the future, no tears and petitions, could stay the sacrifice. She -felt the sentiment so beautifully expressed by Moore, - - “I know not, I ask not, if guilt’s in that heart, - I but know that I love thee, whatever thou art,”— - -and under its influence she linked her fortunes with those of the -robber, murderer, and outlaw, in the holiest of human ties. - -A quarrel, of which this young lady was the innocent cause, took place -between Plummer and Cleveland before the marriage of the former. Their -old friendship was never reëstablished. Often during their residence at -Sun River an exchange of bitter epithets only relieved their pent-up -wrath. Afraid of each other, neither would leave the farm alone. -Accordingly they went to Bannack in company, early in the Winter of -1862–63. There we will leave them while we return to Florence to inquire -after the fortunes of Cherokee Bob, whom we left a few chapters ago -“settled in business.” - - - - - CHAPTER IX - DESERTION OF MINING CAMPS - - -The decay of a mining town is as sudden and rapid as its growth, and the -causes which occasion it as problematical. Few, comparatively, of the -great number of placer camps in the Rocky Mountains, once peopled with -thousands, survive beyond the third year of their existence. As soon as -the placers fail to remunerate the miners, they are abandoned. The crowd -departs, and if any remain, it is that sober, substantial class which is -satisfied with small gain as the reward of unceasing toil. Intelligence -of new discoveries brought to a failing placer will cause the immediate -departure of great numbers engaged in working it. These stampedes are -among the most notable features of mountain life. Sometimes when the -discovery of a new placer is announced, the entire population of a -mining town is on the alert, each man striving with the next to be the -first to reach it. Horses are saddled, mules packed, sluices abandoned, -and the long and unmarked route is filled with gold hunters. Away they -go, over mountains, across streams, through cañons and pine forests, -with the single object of making the first selection of a claim in the -new location. Not infrequently it is the case that a single company is -the first to learn of the discovery of a new rich placer. If the claim -it has worked is abandoned the succeeding morning, it is received by the -camp as incontestable evidence that a mine of superior richness has been -found,—and hundreds start in pursuit of the missing company. Rumor is a -fruitful cause of stampedes. Disappointments are more frequently the -consequences than rewards. Instances are common where whole camps have -been deserted to follow up a rumor, been disappointed, and glad to -return at last. There is nothing permanent in the life of a gold -miner,—and beyond the moment, nothing strong or abiding in his -associations. - - “Whither he goes or how he fares, - Nobody knows and nobody cares.” - -Florence had suffered from these causes. The roving portion of the -population had gone, some to Boise, some to Bannack, and some to Deer -Lodge. Cherokee Bob and Cynthia still remained, but Harper had fled, and -Peoples, English, and Scott slept the “sleep that knows no waking.” Bill -Willoughby, a suspected member of Harper’s gang, was Bob’s only -companion. - -The New Year was approaching. The good wives and daughters, in -accordance with usual custom, proposed that it should be celebrated by a -ball,—a proposition to which the other sex joyfully acceded. Extensive -preparations were made for the supper, and the ball-room was -attractively decorated. Cynthia made known to Bob her desire to go. He -said in reply, “You shall go, and be respected as a decent woman ought -to be.” So he asked Willoughby to “take his woman to the ball, and,” -said he, “if things don’t go right, just report to me.” Cynthia assented -to the arrangement, and Willoughby promised compliance. The guests had -arrived when Cynthia, hanging on the arm of Willoughby, made her -appearance. Scowls and sneers met them on every hand. A general -commotion took place among the ladies. In little groups of five or six, -scattered throughout the room, they whispered to each other their -determination to leave if Cynthia were permitted to remain. The managers -held a consultation, and Willoughby was told that he must take Cynthia -home. No alternative presenting, he obeyed. - -The gentlemen present were prepared to meet any further disturbance, but -none occurred, and the ball passed off pleasantly. The next day Cherokee -Bob marshalled his forces to avenge the insult, but was restrained by -the evident preparation with which the citizens anticipated his design. -He and his companions swaggered around town flourishing their pistols -and bowie-knives, boasting of their prowess, but careful of giving -personal offence. It would have been well for them had their resentment -cooled here, but Bob’s malice was not to be satisfied so easily. Two -days had passed, and Cynthia’s humiliation was unavenged. Before the -close of another it must be propitiated with blood. Accordingly, the -next morning it was agreed between Bob and Willoughby that they would -precipitate the battle. - -The most efficient leader of the citizens was a saloon-keeper by the -name of Williams, familiarly called “Jakey.” He was an athletic man, and -a determined enemy of the robbers, by whom he was held in great fear. He -had been the hero of more than one desperate affray, and was regarded by -Bob and Willoughby as the only obstacle in the way of their bloody -project to kill the managers of the ball. The first act, therefore, in -their contemplated tragedy was to dispose of him. Jakey at first sought -to avoid them. They pursued him from house to house, till, tired of -fleeing, he finally declared he would go no farther. Returning by a -circuitous path, he was overtaken and fired upon by his pursuers while -entering his saloon. He fired in return, and springing back, seized a -loaded shotgun, and rushed into the street. Meantime, several citizens -joined in the fight, which soon became general. The ruffians found -themselves contending against fearful odds. Willoughby was slowly -retreating with his face to his assailants, and firing as rapidly as -possible. Cherokee Bob was pursuing the same strategy in an opposite -direction. The twelfth fire exhausted Willoughby’s pistols. He turned to -run, with Jakey in full pursuit. Exhausted from loss of blood, which was -pouring from sixteen wounds, he soon fell, and, throwing up his hands, -exclaimed to one of his pursuers who was in the act of firing, - -“For God’s sake, don’t shoot any more. I’m dying now,” and surrendered -himself to death. - -Bob beat a retreat at the first fire. Dodging behind a corner, where his -head only was exposed, he fired upon his pursuers until his pistols were -nearly empty. While aiming for another shot, a ball fired from an -opposite window brought him to the earth, mortally wounded. He was taken -to his saloon, and died the third day after the affray, in the full, and -to him, consolatory belief that he had killed Jakey Williams at the -first fire of his revolver. He had a brother living at Lewiston. His -last words were, “Tell my brother I have killed my man and gone on a -long hunt.” His real name was Henry Talbert. - -Cynthia was now without a protector. At Bob’s request she soon joined -her old lover, Bill Mayfield, at Boise. This reunion was destined to be -of short duration. The following Spring Mayfield went to Placerville, -Idaho, for a brief sojourn. A quarrel over a game of cards sprung up -between him and one Evans. Mayfield drew his revolver, intending to -settle it by a fatal shot, but Evans interposed, - -“I’m not heeled”—the mountain phrase for “I am not armed.” - -“Then go and heel yourself,” said Mayfield, sheathing his revolver, “and -look out the next time you meet me, for I’m bound to kill you at sight. -One of us must die.” - -The next day, while Mayfield and two friends were walking in the -suburbs, they came upon a muddy spot, across which a narrow plank had -been laid. This necessitated crossing it in single file. Mayfield was in -the centre. Evans was in a cabin beside the crossing, but a few feet -distant. Seizing a double-barrelled shotgun, he fired upon Mayfield from -his place of concealment, through an open window. Mayfield grasped for -his revolver, but fell without power to draw it, exclaiming “I’m shot.” -He died in two hours, illustrating in his demise the Scriptural axiom, -“With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Evans -was immediately arrested, but escaped from jail that night, and being -furnished with a horse by a friend, fled the country, and was never -apprehended. - -After Mayfield’s death Cynthia entered upon that career of promiscuous -infamy which is the certain destiny of all women of her class. It is -written of her that “she has been the cause of more personal collisions -and estrangements than any other woman in the Rocky Mountains.” - - - - - CHAPTER X - BOONE HELM - - -Some men are villains by nature, others become so by circumstances. -Hogarth’s series of pictures representing in contrast the career of two -apprentices illustrates this truth better than words. Both commenced -life under the same influences. The predominance of good and evil is -exhibited by the natural tendency of one to overcome all unfavorable -circumstances by close application to business and by virtuous -associations, and of the other to idleness, vicious indulgences, and -corrupt companionship. The one becomes Lord Mayor of London, and in the -discharge of official duty passes sentence of death upon the other. - -The wretch I am now about to introduce to the reader was one of those -hideous monsters of depravity whom neither precept nor example could -have saved from a life of crime. Boone Helm was a native of Kentucky. -His parents emigrated to one of the newest settlements in Missouri while -he was a boy. The rough pursuits of border-life were congenial to his -tastes. He excelled in feats of physical strength, and delighted in -nothing more than a quarrel which brought his prowess into full display. -He was an inordinate drinker, and when excited by liquor gave way to all -the evil passions of his nature. One of the exploits recorded of him was -that of hurling his bowie-knife into the ground and regaining it with -his horse at full speed. On one occasion, while the circuit court was in -session, the sheriff attempted to arrest him. Helm resisted the officer, -but urging his horse up the stairs into the court-room, astonished the -judge by demanding with profane emphasis what he wanted of him. - -In the year 1848 he married a respectable girl, but neither her -affection nor the infant daughter born to him a year later could prevail -with him to abandon his vicious and profligate habits. His wife sought -security from his ill-treatment in divorce, which was readily granted. -This freed him from family responsibilities, and he at once determined -to emigrate either to Texas or California. Littlebury Shoot, a neighbor, -while Helm was intoxicated, had, for pacific purposes, promised to -accompany him,—intending when he was sober to avoid the fulfilment of -the promise by explanation. Helm was told of his intention. He called -upon Shoot, who had retired, and meeting him at the door of his house, -with his left hand on his shoulder, in a friendly tone thus addressed -him: - -“So, Littlebury, you’ve backed down on the Texas question, have you?” - -Shoot attempted an explanation, but was stopped by the peremptory -demand: - -“Well, are you going or not? Say yes or no.” - -“No!” - -At the utterance of this reply, Helm buried his bowie-knife in the -breast of the unfortunate man, who, without a struggle, fell dead at his -feet. Mounting his horse immediately, Helm rode away. The brother of the -victim and a few resolute friends followed in pursuit. They tracked him -through several neighborhoods and captured him by surprise at an Indian -reservation, and returned him to Monroe County for trial. He was -convicted of murder; but his conduct was such while in confinement as to -raise serious doubts of his sanity. After his conviction, under the -advice of physicians he was consigned to the lunatic asylum, his conduct -meantime being that of a quiet, inoffensive lunatic. His keeper, finding -him harmless, indulged him so far as to accompany him on daily walks -into the country surrounding the institution. On one occasion, on some -urgent pretence, Helm asked permission to enter a willow copse, which -was readily granted. Afterwards the desire to enter this copse whenever -he approached it seemed to take the form of mania. Suspecting no -ulterior design, his keeper indulged him. One day, meeting a friend near -the spot, the keeper, during Helm’s absence, engaged in conversation. -Time passed unnoticed at first, but as the stay of Helm was prolonged, -the keeper, fearing some accident had befallen him, made a rapid search -through the thicket. But the bird had flown. His stratagem was -successful. He was never afterward seen in Missouri, but upon his escape -he fled immediately to California. Several persons were killed by him -while there, in personal _rencontre_. At length he committed actual -premeditated murder, but escaped arrest by flight. In the Spring of 1858 -he arrived at Dalles, Oregon. Fearful of a requisition for his return to -California, Helm, in company with Dr. Wm. H. Groves, Elijah Burton, Wm. -Fletcher, John Martin, —— Field, and —— McGranigan, attempted a journey -on horseback to Camp Floyd, Utah, sixty miles southwest of Salt Lake -City, by way of Fort Hall. A ride of several days brought them to the -Grand Ronde River. During that time they had become sufficiently -acquainted with each other to banish all those feelings of distrust -natural among strangers in a new country. Helm, who to his criminal -qualities added the usual concomitant of being a loud-mouthed braggart, -while narrating his exploits said in a boastful tone to McGranigan: - -“Many’s the poor devil I’ve killed, at one time or another,—and the time -has been that I’ve been obliged to feed on some of ’em.” - -“Yes,” replied McGranigan, casting a sinister glance at Groves, “and -we’ll have more of that feasting yet.” - -The cold sincerity with which these words were uttered struck a chill to -the heart of Groves, which experienced no relief when a few moments -afterwards Helm proposed a plan for organizing a band of Snake Indians, -and returning with them on a predatory excursion against the Walla -Wallas. - -“The Walla Wallas,” said he, “own about four thousand horses. With such -a band of Snakes as we can easily organize for the enterprise, we can -run off two thousand of the best of those animals, and after dividing -with the Indians, take ours to Salt Lake and dispose of them to -advantage.” - -Groves, who had heard enough to satisfy him that a longer stay with this -company would be accompanied by risks for which he had neither -inclination nor fitness, mounted his horse at a late hour that night, -and spurred back to the Dalles as rapidly as possible. On his arrival he -sent intelligence to the chief of the Walla Wallas of Helm’s -contemplated foray, warning them to keep a careful watch upon their -horses. His plans being frustrated, Helm remained in the vicinity till -Autumn, when, in company with his five companions, he continued his -journey to Camp Floyd. Five hundred miles of this route lay through a -wilderness of mountains, unmarked by a trail and filled with hostile -Indians. It was late in October when the party left Grand Ronde River. -The mountains were covered with snow. Cold weather had set in for a -season whose only changes for the next six months would be a steady -increase of severities. The thermometer, seldom above, often marked a -temperature thirty or forty degrees below zero in the mountains. The -passes were snowed up to the depths of twenty and thirty feet. Wild -game, however abundant in Summer, had retreated to the forests and -fastnesses for food and shelter. Snow-storms and sharp winds were -blinding and incessant. Deep ravines, lofty mountains, beetling crags, -and dismal cañons, alternated with impenetrable pine forests, -inaccessible lava beds, and impassable torrents, encumbered every inch -of the way. Death on the scaffold or escape through this terrible -labyrinth gave the alternative small advantage of the penalty. Small as -it was, Helm and his companions took the risk and plunged into the -mountain wilderness. He alone escaped. - -In the absence of other narratives of this remarkable adventure, I -record his own, as detailed to John W. Powell in April of the following -year. Mr. Powell says: - - “N. P. LANGFORD, - - “DEAR SIR: On the tenth of April, 1859, I was on my way from Fort - Owen, Bitter Root Valley, to Salt Lake City. My party consisted of - one American named James Misinger, a Frenchman called ‘Grand - Maison,’ a French half-breed named Antoine, and three Indians. - - “I had crossed the Snake River just above Fort Hall, pitched my - lodge, and was entering to indulge in a brief sleep, when I heard - some one outside ask in a loud tone of voice, ‘Who owns this - shebang?’ Stepping to the door and looking out, I saw a tall, - cadaverous, sunken-eyed man standing over me, dressed in a dirty, - dilapidated coat and shirt and drawers, and moccasins so worn that - they could scarcely be tied to his feet. Having invited him in and - inquired his business, he told me substantially the following: - - “His name was Boone Helm. In company with five others he had left - Dalles City, Oregon, in October, 1858, intending to go to Camp - Floyd, Utah Territory. Having reached the Raft River, they were - attacked by a party of Digger Indians, with whom they maintained a - running fight for several miles, but none of the party was killed or - severely wounded. Late in the evening they reached the Bannack - River, where they camped, picketed their horses near by, and - stationed two sentinels. During the night one of the sentinels was - killed, the savage who committed the deed escaping on a horse - belonging to the party. - - “Upon consultation, it was decided that they had better leave that - place as soon as possible. The sky at the time was overcast with - storm-clouds, and soon after they got into their saddles the weather - culminated in a snowstorm, which increased in violence until it - became terrific. Finally, being unable to see anything but sheets of - snow, they became bewildered, and knew not in what direction they - were proceeding. Morning brought no relief. In the midst of an ocean - of snow, they were as oblivious of locality in daylight as if total - darkness had encompassed them. They knew they were somewhere between - Ross’s Fork and the Bear River, and this was their most definite - knowledge. - - “At last they reached Soda Springs on Bear River, where familiar - landmarks came in view. They then travelled up that river until they - reached Thomas’s Fork, where they were forced to stop, from the lean - and exhausted condition of their horses and the depth of the snow. - Here they found a very comfortable cabin, and perforce went into - winter quarters. - - “Their provisions soon being all gone they commenced subsisting on - their horses, killing one after another, until they had eaten them - all but a celebrated race-horse which had been valued on the Upper - Columbia at over a thousand dollars. Seeing now that they must all - perish unless they soon reached a point where supplies could be - obtained, the race-horse had to share the fate of the others. His - meat was ‘jerked’ or hastily dried, that they might the more - conveniently carry it on their backs. They then made snowshoes of - the hides of the horses, and started back towards, and aimed to - reach, Fort Hall, where they supposed they would meet with human - beings of some kind, white men, half-breeds, or Indians. - - “The party kept together until they had got beyond Soda Springs, - where some had become so exhausted they could scarcely travel,—and - their meat getting frightfully small in amount, Helm and a man named - Burton concluded not to endanger their own lives by waiting for the - wearied ones, so they left them behind. - - “The two finally reached the Snake River, and moved down it in - search of Fort Hall, having nothing to eat but the prickly-pear - plant. When they had reached the site of Cantonment Loring, Burton, - starving, weary, and snow-blind, was unable to proceed; and a good - vacant house being there, Helm left him, and continued on for Fort - Hall. - - “Reaching the fort, he found it without an occupant. He then - returned and reached Burton about dark. When out in the willows hard - by, procuring firewood, he heard the report of a pistol. Running - back into the house, he found Burton had committed suicide by - shooting himself. He then concluded to try and find his way into - Salt Lake Valley. Cutting off, well up in the thigh, Burton’s - remaining leg (he had eaten the other), he rolled the limb up in an - old red flannel shirt, tied it across his shoulder, and started. - - “About eight miles out he met an Indian going in his lodge. He - entreated the savage to take him along; but the Indian said he had - nothing himself to eat, and that his family were starving. Helm - exhibited handfuls of gold coin, when the Indian consented to his - accompanying him. - - “He remained at this lodge about two weeks, paying the Indian ten - dollars a meal. His food consisted of ants and an unpalatable herb, - called in the mountains the ‘tobacco plant.’ - - “The above facts Helm gave me with tears in his eyes, and said, ‘I - will give you all I have in the world,—which is only nine - dollars,—to take me to the settlements.’ I told him I did not desire - money for helping a man in his condition. - - “That same evening the Indian with whom Helm had been stopping, - visited me. His name was Mo-quip. I had known him for several years. - He fully corroborated Helm’s story, in regard to the carrying and - eating the body of his companion. ‘When I first tasted of the - flesh,’ said Mo-quip in his own tongue, ‘I knew not what it was, but - told the stranger it was _bueno_[1] game,—better than I had myself. - The stranger then took hold of one of the corners of a red shirt - that was around his pack, and jerked it up, when a white man’s leg, - the lower end ragged from gnawing, rolled out on the ground.’ - Altogether Helm had paid Mo-quip two hundred and eighty dollars. - -Footnote 1: - - Good. - - “Having given him a new suit of buckskin, and furnished him with a - horse, he set out with my party for Salt Lake City. Just after - pitching my lodge the first evening after starting with him, ‘Grand - Maison,’ very much frightened, came to me with a sack of gold coin - which he said Helm had asked him to conceal until they reached Salt - Lake City. I took the money and counted it—it amounted to fourteen - hundred dollars. - - “Though satisfied there was something wrong, I said nothing, and - took Helm on to the settlements. Having ascertained in the meantime - that he was the worst kind of a desperado, I called him to me as - soon as we had reached the end of the journey, and handed him his - money, saying, ‘You can now take care of yourself.’ He coolly put - the coin in his pocket, without expressing a syllable of - thankfulness for the assistance I had rendered him. - - “It was not long until he had squandered all he had in gambling and - drinking, and was finally expelled from Salt Lake Valley for his - atrocities. - - “Hoping these facts may be of service to you, allow me to subscribe - myself, - - Your obt. servant, - “JOHN W. POWELL.” - -We have good reason for believing that before Helm fled from Salt Lake -City he murdered, in cold blood, two citizens, at the instigation of -some of the leading Mormons, who, after the deed was done, concealed -him, and finally aided in his escape from arrest. Certain it is that -after leaving there he travelled through southern Utah, and by a long -circuit reached San Francisco, whence he returned by water to the Dalles -in Oregon. - -Here he engaged in fresh villainies. Several murders which were -committed along the route leading from the Columbia River to the gold -mines were laid to his charge. At one time, in Washington Territory, he -stole a herd of horses which he sold at Vancouver’s Island. In this -course of varied and hardened crime he passed his time till the Spring -of 1862,—with his usual good fortune escaping detection or arrest. In -June of that year he made his appearance in Florence, where he soon -found, among the roughs, congenial associates. - -A man of that mixed character which united the qualities of a gambler, a -skilful pugilist, and an honest, straightforward miner in his single -person, known only as “Dutch Fred,” at this time enjoyed a local -notoriety in Florence which had won for him among his comrades the -appellation of “Chief.” He was neither a rowdy nor desperado, and in -ordinary deal, honest and generous; but he gambled, drank, and when -roused, was a perfect Hercules in a fight. Helm, having been plied with -liquor, at the request of an enemy of Fred’s sought him out for the -purpose of provoking a fight. Entering the saloon where Fred was seated -at a faro table, Helm, with many oaths and epithets and flourishes of -his revolver, challenged Fred to an immediate deadly combat. Fred sprung -up, drew his knife, and was advancing to close with the drunken -braggart, when the by-standers interfered, and deprived both of their -weapons, which they entrusted to the keeping of the saloon-keeper, and -Fred returned quietly to his game. - -Helm apologized, and expressed regret for his conduct, and left the -saloon. A few hours afterwards he returned. Fred was still there. -Stepping up to the saloon-keeper, Helm asked for his revolver, promising -that he would immediately depart and make no disturbance. No sooner was -it returned to him than he turned towards Fred, and uttering a -diabolical oath, fired at him while seated at the table. The ball -missed, and before the second fire, Fred, unarmed, with his arms folded -across his breast, stood before his antagonist, who, with deadlier aim, -pierced his heart. He fell dead upon the spot. Helm cocked his pistol, -and looking towards the stupefied crowd, exclaimed, - -“Maybe some more of you want some of this!” - -As no one deigned a reply, he walked coolly away. - -If Helm was arrested for this murder, he escaped; for the next we hear -of him, he was captured on Frazer River in the Fall of 1862, as will -appear from the following extract from a British Columbia paper: - - “The man, Boone Helm, to whom we referred some weeks since, has at - last been taken. He was brought into this city last night strongly - ironed. The first clue of the detectives was the report that two men - had been seen trudging up the Frazer River on foot, with their - blankets and a scanty supply of provisions on their backs. The - description of one corresponded with the description given by the - American officers of Boone Helm. Helm’s conduct on the road is - conclusive evidence that he was aware he was being pursued. He - passed around the more populous settlements, or through them in the - night time. When overtaken, he was so exhausted by fatigue and - hunger that it would have been impossible for him to continue many - hours longer. He made no resistance to the arrest,—in fact, he was - too weak to do so,—and acknowledged without equivocation or attempt - at evasion that he was Boone Helm. Upon being asked what had become - of his companion, he replied with the utmost _sang froid_: - - “‘Why, do you suppose that I’m a —— fool enough to starve to death - when I can help it? I ate him up, of course.’ - - “The man who accompanied him has not been seen or heard of since, - and from what we have been told of this case-hardened villain’s - antecedents, we are inclined to believe he told the truth. It is - said this is not the first time he has been guilty of cannibalism.” - -While on his return for trial in the Spring of 1863, leave was obtained -from the proper authorities at Portland, Oregon, to confine him in the -penitentiary there until provision could be made to secure him safely at -Florence. There I will leave him for the present, as, after accompanying -me thus far through the horrible narrative of his adventures, my readers -doubtless, now that he is fairly within the sharp fangs of the law, hope -soon to learn that justice has finally overtaken him, and that the world -is freed from his further depredations. - -Three brothers of Boone Helm came to the Pacific coast between 1848 and -1850. They all died violent deaths. At the time of the return of Boone -Helm to Florence for trial for the murder of Dutch Fred, one of these -brothers, familiarly called “Old Tex,” was engaged in mining in the -Boise diggings, two hundred miles south of Florence. He had a good -reputation for honesty, liberality, and courage. He was, moreover, a man -of eccentric character. It is told of him that in one of the mining -towns he threatened to shoot on sight a person with whom he had a -personal difficulty. His enemy hearing of this, swore to reciprocate the -intention upon the first opportunity. A chance soon after offering to -carry his threat into execution, he said to Old Tex, as he presented his -pistol to fire, - -“Tex, I heard that you said that you’d shoot me on sight.” - -Looking around, Tex replied, “Well, didn’t you say you would shoot me, -too?” - -“Yes, I did.” - -“Well, why don’t you do it then? All you’ve got to do is to pull that -trigger, and that’s the last of Old Tex.” - -This stoical bravery won the admiration of the man and defeated his -bloody purpose. - -“Tex,” said he, “I don’t want to kill you.” - -“Do you mean that?” asked Tex. - -“I do.” - -“That suits me,” replied Tex, “let’s go and take a drink.” And thus -their enmity ended in making them fast friends. Tex was killed by being -thrown from a wild horse, in Walla Walla, in the year 1865. - -It was to this brother that Boone Helm, when he found all hope of escape -at an end, applied for assistance. True to the fraternal instinct, Tex -promptly responded, and soon made his appearance in Florence, with a -heavy purse. He soon satisfied himself that unless the testimony could -be suppressed, the trial must result in conviction; and to this object -he immediately addressed himself. Some of the witnesses had left the -country. Tex succeeded in buying up all that remained, except one. He -wanted an extravagant sum. Tex finally agreed to pay it, if he would at -once leave the country and never return. The extortionist accepted the -conditions. Fixing his cold, gray eye on him, Tex, as he handed him the -money, said: “Now, remember, if you do not fulfil the last condition of -the bargain, you will have me to meet.” - -Shylock knew the character of the man too well to trifle with him. - -The day of trial came, no witnesses appeared, the case was dismissed, -and the red-handed murderer and cannibal was again at liberty to prowl -for fresh victims. The truehearted brother who had purchased his life, -as soon as he was free, took him kindly by the hand, and in a voice -choked with emotion, said to him, - -“Now, Boone, if you want to work and make an honest living, go down to -Boise with me. I have plenty of mining ground, and you can do well for -yourself:—but if you must fight, and nothing else will do you, I will -give you an outfit to go to Texas, where you can join the Confederate -armies, and do something for your country.” - -Boone accompanied his brother to Boise, and for a while engaged in -mining, but it was not a congenial occupation. He soon signified his -desire to go to Texas, and Old Tex, true to his promise, furnished him -clothing, a horse, and a well-filled purse. He set out in quest of new -adventures, but, as we shall see hereafter, did not go to Texas. - - - - - CHAPTER XI - DEATH OF CHARLEY HARPER - - -We return now to Charley Harper, whom we left at Colville on the Upper -Columbia, a fugitive from the Vigilantes of Florence. Fear had exercised -a healthful restraint upon his conduct, and during the brief period that -had elapsed since his flight, though by no means a model citizen, he had -been guilty of no offences of an aggravated character. He was, however, -known to be a favorite with the roughs, a gambler, a drunkard, and a man -of desperate resources. Good men shunned and watched him. Had there been -a Vigilante organization in existence then, he would have received its -closest observation. But in a condition of society where all classes -intermingled, he contrived to slip along without molestation. - -New Year’s Day brought with it the customary ball, to which all were -invited. The preparations were on a scale commensurate with the wishes -and means of the miners, who generally, upon such occasions, spare no -expense while their money holds out. Everybody in the town was in -attendance, Charley Harper among the number. Attracted at an early hour -of the evening by the sparkling eyes and voluptuous person of a -half-breed woman, he devoted to her his entire attention, dancing with -her often, and bestowing upon her many unmistakable civilities. As the -evening wore on, Charley became boisterous, swaggering, and noisy. His -inamorata declined his further attentions, and refused his hand for a -dance. Incensed to madness by this act, crazy with liquor, he knocked -her down, and beat and kicked her in a most inhuman manner after she had -been prostrated. This roused the indignation of the by-standers, and -Charley, seeing vengeance in their demonstrations, fled in terror before -them. They pursued him through the streets, he retreating and firing -upon them until he had emptied his revolver. The pursuit ended in his -capture, a rope was procured, and a few moments afterwards the lifeless -form of the wretched desperado was swinging in the cold night wind from -a limb of the tree nearest the place of his arrest. Thus ended the life -of one who, among his own associates, bore the name of being the meanest -scoundrel of their gang. - -After the affray which terminated in the death of Cherokee Bob and -Willoughby, the Vigilantes of Florence met, passed congratulatory -resolutions, and renewed their measures for the effective suppression of -crime in their midst. Their Executive Committee was instructed to warn -all suspicious characters to leave the place immediately,—and they -determined to visit with condign punishment those who disobeyed. The -leading men among the offenders had fled in anticipation of some public -demonstration, so that those who remained were few and powerless. Among -these was a tall, lean, cadaverous individual, derisively called “Fat -Jack,” who, like Happy Harry, belonged to that class of negative -scoundrels, whose love for crime is confined by fear to petty thefts. -Fat Jack obeyed the order to leave, and went to Walla Walla. Brooding -over his expulsion with increasing indignation, and encouraged in the -belief that he could return without molestation, after a short period he -went back to Florence, muttering by the way violent threats against -those who had banished him. Two months had elapsed since his hegira. It -was late in the afternoon of a cold, stormy, March day when he entered -the town. At his first appearance he was promptly waited upon by the -members of the Executive Committee, who ordered him to retrace his steps -at once, or he would be hanged. Hard as this order may seem to the -casual reader, to have neglected it would have endangered the efficiency -of the committee and opened a way for a return of the roughs to their -old haunts. - -The poor wretch turned his face to the storm, and wandered through the -darkness, sleet, and wind, despairingly, from cabin to cabin, in search -of food and lodging. Every door was closed against him, and he was -rudely and unpityingly told to “Be gone,” by all from whom he sought -relief. At a distance of four miles from Florence he stopped at a late -hour of the night at the door of a worthy man by the name of Neselrode. -Jack answered frankly the old man’s questions. Neselrode admitted him, -gave him supper, and a bed by his cabin fireside. A hired man was the -only other occupant of the house. - -At a later hour of the night, two men roused Mr. Neselrode, and demanded -the person of Fat Jack. Neselrode, on being told that they had no -authority, refused to surrender him to an irresponsible party, as to do -so would be on his part a violation of the laws of hospitality. His -refusal was followed by the instant discharge of two double-barrelled -shotguns which riddled the door with buckshot, and stretched in -death-throes both the kind-hearted host and his criminal guest. The one -surviving man threw open the door, and bade the dastardly ruffians to -enter, telling them the murderous effects of their shots. They availed -themselves of the darkness to flee without recognition. None of the -citizens of Florence were more indignant when told of this cruel -assassination than the Vigilantes themselves. A meeting was held -denouncing the perpetrators, and pledging the citizens to the adoption -of every possible means for their early detection and punishment. Alas! -the criminals remain to this day undiscovered. They belonged, doubtless, -to that class of officious individuals, of whom there are many in the -mining camps, who in point of moral character and actual integrity are -but a single remove from the criminals themselves,—men who live a -cheating, gambling, dissipated life, and seek a cover for their own -iniquities by the energy and vindictiveness with which they pursue -others accused of actual guilt. If the various protective societies -which at one time and another have sprung up in the mining regions to -preserve peace and good order are liable to any charge of wrong, it was -their neglect to punish those men who used the organization to promote -their own selfish purposes, and in the name of Vigilante justice -committed crimes which on any principle of ethics were wholly -indefensible. The fact that in some instances wrongs of this kind have -occurred, only adds to the proof, that in all forms of society, whether -governed by permanent or temporary laws, there are always a few who are -adroit and cunning enough to escape merited punishment. - - - - - CHAPTER XII - PINKHAM AND PATTERSON - - -No two men filled a broader space in the early history of the Florence -mines than Pinkham and Patterson. Their personal characteristics gave -them a widespread notoriety, and a sort of local popularity, which each -enjoyed in his separate sphere. They were both leaders, after their own -fashion, in the heterogeneous society in which they moved, and he was -deemed a bold man who would gainsay their opinions, or resist their -enterprises. - -They were both gamblers, and lived the free and easy life of that -pursuit; a pursuit which, in a new mining camp, next to that of absolute -ruffianism, enabled its votaries to exercise a power as unlimited as it -is generally lawless and insurrectionary. Indeed, there it is the master -vice, which gives life and support to all the other vices, and that -surrounds and hedges them in. - -The order of influences which govern and direct the social element of a -mining camp in its infancy is exactly the reverse of those which govern -and direct the social element of an Eastern village. The clergyman, the -church, and the various little associations growing out of it, which -make the society of our New England villages so delightful, and, at the -same time, so disciplinary and instructive, are superseded in a new -mining community by the gambling saloon, cheap whiskey, frail women, and -all the evils necessarily flowing from such polluted combinations. In -the one case, religion and morality stand in the foreground, protected -by the spirit of wise and inflexible laws; in the other, the rifle, the -pistol, and the bowie-knife are flourished by reckless men, whose -noblest inspirations are excited by liquor and debauchery. While all -that is good and true and pure in society is brought into unceasing -action in the one case, all that is vile and false and polluted reigns -supreme in the other. We look to the one condition of society for all -great and good examples of humanity, and to the other for such as are of -an opposite character. - -If we are to credit the early history of New England, Miles Standish was -a central character of Puritanic chivalry and fidelity. The people had -faith in his Christian character, and entire confidence in his strong -arm and fertility of expedients in the hour of danger. Some such -sentiment, qualified by the wide difference in the moral character of -the two men, attached the mining community of Florence to Pinkham. He -was a bold, outspoken, truthful, self-reliant man, without a particle of -braggadocio or bluster, careful always to say what he meant, and to do -what he said. Fear was a stranger to him, and desperate chances never -found him without desperate means. - -Pinkham was a native of Maine, and physically a fine type of the -stalwart New Englander. In stature he was more than six feet, and in -weight upwards of two hundred pounds. To the agility of a mountain cat -he added the quick, sharp eye of an Indian and the strength of a giant. -Trained by years of frontier exposure, he was skilled in the ready use -of all defensive weapons. When aroused, the habitual frown upon his brow -gathered into a fierce scowl, and the steely gray eyes fairly blazed in -their sockets. At such times he was dangerous, because it was his custom -to settle all disputes with a word and a blow, and the blow always came -first. The intensity of his nature could not brook altercation. - -Pinkham had been an adventurer ever since the discovery of gold in -California. He was among the first of that great army of fortune-seekers -which braved the perils of an overland trip to that distant El Dorado in -1849. If, before he left his New England home, no blight had fallen upon -his moral nature, it is certain that soon after his arrival in the land -of gold his character took the form which it ever afterwards wore, of a -gambler and desperado. In this there was nothing strange, as he was but -one victim in a catastrophe that wrecked the characters of thousands. -The estimate is small, which places at one-half the number of the early -Pacific gold-seekers, those who fell victims to the moral ruin of life -in the mining camp. It was the fruitful nursery of all those desperate -men, who, after years of bloody experience, expiated their crimes upon -the impromptu scaffolds of the Vigilantes, or in some of the violent -brawls which their own recklessness had excited. Pinkham’s pursuits in -California were those of the professional gambler. At one time he kept a -common dance-house in Marysville. It is fair, in the absence of facts, -to presume that his life in the Golden State was a preparatory -foreground for the one which followed in the mountains of Washington -Territory. He was among the first, in 1862, who were lured to that -Territory by the reports of extensive gold discoveries. Among the -desperate, reckless, and motley crowd that assembled at Florence -immediately after the discovery of the mines, was Pinkham, with his faro -boards and monte cards, “giving the boys a chance for a tussle with the -tiger and the leopard.” It was not long until he became a central figure -in the camp. The wild, undisciplined, pleasure-seeking population, -attracted by the outspoken boldness and self-assertion of the man, -quietly submitted to the influence which such characteristics always -command. And no man better understood his power over his followers, or -exercised it more warily, than Pinkham. The reputation which he enjoyed, -of being a bold, chivalric, fearless man, ready for any emergency, -however desperate, gained for him the favor of every reckless adventurer -who shared in his general views of the race. - -Unlike most of the gamblers and roughs, who for the most part -sympathized with the Confederates, Pinkham was an intense Union man. He -never lost an opportunity to proclaim his attachment for the Union -cause, and denounced as traitors all who opposed it. No fear of personal -injury restrained him in the utterance of his patriotic sentiments, and -as he always avowed a readiness to fight for them, his opponents were -careful to afford him no opportunity. At every election in Idaho City -after the organization of the Territory, he was found at the polls -surrounded by a set of plucky fellows armed to the teeth, ready at his -command for any violent collisions with secessionists that the occasion -might arouse. His tall form, rendered more conspicuous by the loud and -inspiring voice with which, to the cries of “negro worshippers,” -“abolitionists,” and “Lincoln hirelings,” he shouted back -“secessionists,” “copperheads,” “rebels,” and “traitors,” was always the -centre of a circle of men who would oppose force to force and return -shot for shot. - -On his return to Idaho City from a business visit to the States, a few -days before the anniversary of our national independence of the year in -which he was killed, he was so indignant that no preparations had been -made for a celebration, that when the day arrived he procured a National -flag, hired a drummer and fifer, and followed them, waving the banner, -through the streets of the town, greatly to the disgust of the -secessionists. The South had just been conquered, and the demonstration -wore the appearance of exultation, but no one aggrieved by it had the -hardihood to interrupt its progress. “Old Pink,” as he was familiarly -called, was much too dangerous a character to meddle with. - -With all his rough and desperate characteristics, Pinkham had no -sympathy for the robbers and murderers and thieves that swarmed around -him; and when Idaho was organized the governor of the Territory -appointed him sheriff of Boise County. Soon afterwards he received the -appointment of United States marshal, an office which made him and his -friends in some measure the representatives of law and order. By -promptly discharging the duties of these offices, he was held in great -fear by the criminal population of the Territory, and won the respect of -the best citizens for his efficiency and fidelity. - -Patterson was a native of Tennessee, whence, in boyhood, he had gone -with his parents to Texas and grown to manhood among the desperate and -bloody men of that border State. His character, tastes, and pursuits -were formed by early association with them. He was a gambler by -profession, but of a nature too impulsive to depend upon it as a means -of livelihood. When he came to California, he turned his attention to -mining, alternating that pursuit with gambling, as the inclination -seized him. Like Pinkham, he was a man of striking presence,—in stature -six feet, and of weight to correspond, with a fair complexion, light -hair streaked with gray, sandy whiskers, and, when unaffected by liquor -or passion, a sad, reflective countenance lit up by calm but expressive -blue eyes. His habitual manner was that of quiet, gentlemanly -repose;—and to one unacquainted with his characteristics, he would never -have been suspected of a fondness for any kind of excitement. In -conversation he was uniformly affable when sober, and bore the -reputation of being a very genial and mirth-loving companion when -engaged with others in any exploring or dangerous enterprise. He was -brave to a fault, and perfectly familiar with all the exposures and -extremes of border life,—as ready to repair the lock of a gun or pistol -as to use those weapons in attack or defence. His kindness and -thoughtfulness for the comfort of any of his party in the event of -sickness, and the resources with which he overcame obstacles in the -numerous expeditions of one kind and another in which he participated, -made him a great favorite with all who knew him, and gave him a -commanding power over the society in which he moved. He was naturally a -leader of those with whom he associated. Had these been his only -characteristics, Patterson would have been one of the most useful men in -the mining regions,—but whiskey always transformed him into a demon. -Patterson was not a steady drinker, but gave himself up to occasional -seasons of indulgence. He was one of that large class of drinkers who -cannot indulge their appetites at all without going through all the -stages of excitement, to complete exhaustion. From the moment he entered -upon one of these excesses to its close, he was dangerous. The whole man -was changed. His calm, blue eye looked like a heated furnace and was -suggestive of a thirst for blood. His quiet and gentlemanly manner -disappeared. His breath was labored, and his nostrils dilated like those -of an enraged buffalo. He remembered, on these occasions, every person -who had ever offended him, and sought the one nearest to him to engage -him in quarrel. His whole bearing was aggressive and belligerent, and -his best friends always avoided him until he became sober. - -His unfortunate propensity for liquor had involved him in several -serious affrays before he came to the Idaho mines. On one occasion, in -Southern Oregon, a man who had suffered injury at his hands, while on a -drunken spree shot him in the side by stealth. Patterson with the -quickness of lightning drew his revolver, and fired upon and wounded his -assailant. Both fell, and Patterson, believing the wound he had received -would prove fatal, fired all the remaining charges in his pistol at his -antagonist, and then called for his friends to take off his boots. - -The original expression, “he will die with his boots on some day,” -uttered many years ago as the prediction of some comical miner that a -murderer would be hanged or come to his death by violence, has grown -into a fantastic belief among the reckless and bloodthirsty ruffians of -the Pacific coast. Patterson, who shared in this faith, intended, by -having his boots taken off, to signify to those around him that he had -never been guilty of murder. When we consider that of the great number -of those who in the early history of the mining regions were guilty of -murder, nineteen at least of every twenty have expiated their crimes -upon the scaffold or in bloody affrays, the faith in this frontier axiom -seems not to be greatly misplaced: but why it should be any more potent -as a human prediction than as the stern edict of the Almighty denounced -against the murderer four thousand years ago, I leave for the solution -of those modern thinkers who build their belief outside the lids of the -Bible. - -Another bloody _rencontre_ in which Patterson was engaged was with one -Captain Staples in Portland, Oregon. Staples, an ardent Unionist, -boisterously patriotic from liquor, insisted that all around him should -join in a toast to Lincoln and the Union arms. Patterson refused, and an -unpleasant altercation followed, but the parties separated without -collision. Later in the evening they met, and the difficulty was -renewed, and in the fight Staples was killed. Patterson was tried and -acquitted; and became, in consequence of the quarrel and trial, a great -favorite and champion among the secessionists of Portland. - -Some time after this, in a drunken frenzy he scalped a disreputable -female acquaintance. His own version of this affair was as follows: “I -was trying,” said he, “to cut off a lock of her hair with my -bowie-knife, but she wouldn’t keep her head still, and I made a mistake, -and got part of her scalp with the hair.” For this act he was arrested -and recognized to await the action of the grand jury; but before the -term of court he left the State, and his bondsmen were compelled to pay -the forfeiture. - -Patterson came to Idaho with the first discovery of gold in that -section. His fellow-gamblers, who never failed, with one hand, to take -advantage of his unskilful playing, were always ready to contribute to -his necessities with the other. If he wanted money to stock a faro bank -they furnished it. If a saloon-keeper needed a man who united popularity -and strength to arrest the encroachments of the roughs, he was ever -ready to share a liberal portion of his profits with Patterson for such -services. The difference between Pinkham and Patterson was that, while -the friends of the former looked to him for aid in their embarrassments, -those of the latter afforded him the means of existence. - -About a year before the occurrence of the bloody affray between these -men, Patterson and some of his friends, during a period of drunken -excitement, took unlawful possession of a brewery in Idaho City, and -engaged in the manufacture of beer. Pinkham was the only person in the -city brave enough to undertake their arrest. When he entered the -building for the purpose, he informed Patterson of his object and was -met with violent resistance. In the struggle Pinkham was successful, and -Patterson was arrested and taken away. The citizens, knowing the -character of Patterson, and expecting nothing less than a shooting -affray as the consequence of the arrest, were surprised at his -submission. It was soon understood, however, that the bad blood provoked -by the incident had severed all friendly relations between the -champions, and that Patterson would avail himself of the first -opportunity to avenge himself. Months passed away without any collision. -The subject, if not forgotten, was lost sight of as other occurrences -more or less exciting transpired. - -On the day he was killed, Pinkham, with an acquaintance, rode out to the -Warm Springs, a favorite bathing resort two miles distant from Idaho -City. Meeting there with several friends, he drank more freely than -usual and became quite hilarious. - -Patterson returned early the same day from Rocky Bar, fifty miles -distant. Half-crazed from the effects of protracted indulgence in -drinking and a severe personal encounter, his friends, to aid his return -to sobriety, took him to the springs for a bath. Among others who -accompanied him was one Terry, a vicious, unprincipled fellow, who, in a -conflict with Patterson a year before, had begged abjectly for his life -when he found himself slightly wounded, and ever after, spaniel-like, -had licked the hand that smote him. When they arrived, Pinkham and his -friends were singing the popular refrain of “John Brown,” and had just -completed the line— - - “We’ll hang Jeff Davis on a sour apple tree,” - -as Patterson and his party stepped upon the porch. Jefferson Davis was -at that time in custody. With the curiosity which exercised the -Unionists, a singer said, - -“Pink, do you think they will hang Jeff Davis?” - -“Yes,” replied Pinkham, “in less than six weeks.” - -Hearing a step on the threshold, he turned, and his gaze met the heated -eyes of Patterson. Neither spoke, nor, except by vengeful looks, gave -any token of recognition. Patterson advanced to the bar. Terry crowded -behind him, and slipped a derringer into his pocket. With an oath and -opprobrious epithet, Patterson said, - -“Don’t mind him. He is not worth the notice of a gentleman.” - -Pinkham, looking steadily at Patterson, with his habitual frown -deepened, passed out upon the porch. Patterson went through the opposite -door to the swimming pond, followed by Terry. After they were out, he -handed the derringer back to Terry, and proceeded with his bath. Terry -returned to the bar, and going around to the desk, while unobserved by -Turner, the landlord, thrust a revolver under his coat, and went back to -Patterson. Doubtless he told Patterson that Pinkham and his friends -intended to attack him, for Patterson was observed on the moment to be -greatly excited. Pinkham’s friend, who knew both Patterson and Terry, -told Pinkham that mischief was brewing, and suggested their immediate -return to town. - -“No,” replied Pinkham, “when he insulted me in the bar-room I was -unarmed, but now I am ready for him.” - -“But it is better,” suggested his friend, “to avoid a collision. No one -doubts your courage.” - -“I will not be run off by the rebel hound,” said Pinkham. “If I were to -leave it would be reported that I had ‘weakened’ and fled from -Patterson;—and you know that I would prefer death in its worst form to -that.” - -Patterson hurried out of the bath, dressed himself as quickly as -possible, and with the revolver strapped to his side, came into the -bar-room. Calling for a drink, in a loud tone and with much expletive -and appellative emphasis, his blood-drinking eyes glaring in all -directions, he demanded to know where Pinkham had gone. Turner, thinking -to pacify him, replied in a mild tone, - -“Away, I believe.” - -Pinkham at this moment was standing by a banister on the porch, engaged -in conversation with a friend by the name of Dunn. He was unapprised of -Patterson’s return to the saloon, and, from the tenor of his -conversation, believed he would be warned of his approach. For the -impression that each entertained of the other’s intention to fire upon -him, and that both were awaiting the opportunity to do so, these men -were indebted to the mischievous interference of those friends whose -wishes were parent to the thought. - -“I will not be run off by Patterson,” said Pinkham, “nor do I wish that -through any undue advantage he should assassinate me. All I ask is fair -play. My pistol has only five loads in it.” - -“Stand your ground, Pink,” replied Dunn. “I have a loaded five-shooter, -and will stand by you while there is a button on my coat.” - -These words were scarcely uttered, when Patterson stepped from the -saloon upon the porch. Turning to the right, he stood face to face with -Pinkham. The fearful glare of his bloody eyes was met by the deepening -scowl of his antagonist. Hurling at Pinkham a degrading epithet, he -exclaimed, - -“Draw, will you?” - -“Yes,” replied Pinkham with an oath, “I will,” and drawing his revolver, -poised it in his left hand to facilitate the speed of cocking it. - -Patterson, with the rapidity of lightning, drew his, cocking it in the -act, and firing as he raised it. The bullet lodged under Pinkham’s -shoulder blade. Pinkham received a severe nervous shock from the wound, -and delivered his shot too soon, the bullet passing over the head of -Patterson, into the roof. At Patterson’s second fire the cap failed to -explode, but before Pinkham, who was disabled by his wound, could cock -his pistol for another shot, Patterson fired a third time, striking -Pinkham near the heart. He reeled down the steps of the porch, and fell -forward upon his face, trying with his expiring strength to cock his -revolver. At the first fire of Patterson, Dunn forgot his promise to -stand by Pinkham. Jumping over the banister, he sought refuge beneath -the porch. Stealing thence when the firing ceased, he ran across the -street, where, protected by the ample trunk of a large pine, he took -furtive observation of the catastrophe. Pinkham’s other friend came from -the rear of the house in time to assist Turner in removing his body. - -Patterson’s friends, some seven or eight in number, well pleased with -the result, but fearing for his personal safety, mounted him on a good -horse, armed him with revolvers, and started him for a hurried ride to -Boise City. Half an hour served to carry intelligence of the encounter -to Idaho City. The excitement was intense. Pinkham’s friends were -clamorous for the arrest and speedy execution of Patterson; those of the -latter avoided a collision by keeping their own counsel, and expressing -no public opinion in justification of the conduct of their champion. -Terry and James, the instigators of the contest, secreted themselves, -and left town by stealth at the first opportunity. Indeed, many of -Patterson’s friends believed that Terry intended that the affray should -terminate differently. The pistol which he furnished Patterson had been -lost, and buried in the snow the entire winter before the encounter, and -it was supposed by the owner, who was afraid to fire it lest it should -explode, that the loads were rusted. Terry knew of this. He stood in -personal fear of Patterson, and bore an old grudge against him. Here was -his opportunity. At the second attempt of Patterson to fire, the pistol -failed, and the wonder is that it went off at all. - -In less than an hour after the tragedy, Robbins, an old friend and -former deputy of Pinkham, armed with a double-barrelled shotgun and -revolvers, mounted his horse, and left town alone, in swift pursuit of -Patterson. He was noted for bravery, and had been the hero of several -bloody encounters. At a little wayside inn, seventeen miles from the -city, he overtook the fugitive, who had stopped for supper. Patterson -came to the door as he rode up. - -“I have come to arrest you, Ferd,” said he, at the same time raising his -gun so that it covered Patterson. - -“All right, Robbins, if that’s your object,” replied Patterson, as he -handed Robbins his revolver. In a few moments they started on their -return. Before they arrived at town, several of the sheriff’s deputies -met them, and claimed the custody of Patterson. Robbins surrendered him, -and he was taken to the county jail. - -After Patterson’s account of the fight had been circulated, the -community became divided in sentiment, the Democrats generally espousing -the cause of the prisoner, the Republicans declaring him to be a -murderer. There were some exceptions. Judge R——, a life-long Democrat, -and a Tennesseean by birth, was very severe in his denunciation of -Patterson. He distinguished him as the most marked example of total -depravity he had ever known, and related the following incident in -confirmation of this opinion: - -Several years before this time, Patterson joined in an expedition in -Northern California, to pursue a band of Indians who had been stealing -horses and committing other depredations upon the property of the -settlers. The pursuers captured a bright Indian lad of sixteen. After -tying him to a tree, they consulted as to what disposition should be -made of him. They were unanimous in the opinion that he should not be -freed, but were concerned to know how to take care of him. Some time -having elapsed without arriving at any conclusion, Patterson suddenly -sprung to his feet, and seizing his rifle, said with an oath that he -would take care of him, and shot the poor boy through the heart. “That -incident,” said the judge, “determined for me the brutal character of -the wretch. His whole life since has been of a piece with it. For years -he has been a ‘bummer’ among men of his class. He has lived off his -friends. He has had no higher aims than those of an abandoned, dissolute -gambler. Pinkham, though a gambler, had other and better tendencies. His -schemes for the future looked to an abandonment of his past career, and -he was in no sense a ‘bummer.’” - -The justice of this criticism was unappreciated by Patterson’s friends. -He was provided with comfortable quarters in the jailer’s room, and -accorded the freedom of the prison yard. His friends supplied him with -whiskey and visited him daily to aid in drinking it. No prisoner of -state could have been treated with greater consideration. The gamblers -and soiled doves gave him constant assurance of sympathy. Even the poor -wretch he had scalped at Portland wrote to ascertain if she could do -anything for “poor Ferd.” - -Pinkham’s friends, enraged at the course pursued by the officers of -justice, began to talk of taking Patterson’s case into their own hands. -The example of the Montana Vigilantes excited their emulation. When they -finally effected an organization, several of Patterson’s friends gained -admission to it by professing friendship for its object. They imparted -its designs and progress to others. Patterson was informed of every -movement, and counselled his adherents what measures to oppose to the -conspiracy against his life. Meantime the Vigilantes appointed a meeting -for the purpose of maturing their plans, to be held at a late hour of -the evening, in a ravine across Moore’s Creek, a short distance from the -city. Patterson having been apprised of it, was anxious to obtain -personal knowledge of its designs. So when the hour arrived, -representing in his own person one of the deputy sheriffs with the -consent of the sheriff, he placed himself at the head of an armed band -of six men as desperate as himself, and stole unperceived from the -jail-yard to a point within three hundred yards of the rendezvous. Here -they separated. Each with a cocked revolver approached at different -points, as near the assemblage as safety would permit. Three hundred or -more were already on the ground, and others constantly arriving. It was -a large gathering for the occasion,—and the occasion was not one to -inspire with pleasurable emotions the mind or heart of the wretch who -was risking his life to gratify his curiosity. Nevertheless, he crept -forward till within seventy yards of the chairman’s stand. - -The place of meeting was partially obscured by several clumps of -mountain pines, which grew along the sides of the ravine, and enclosed -it in their sombre shade. It was bright starlight. When the gathering -was complete and had settled into that grim composure which seemed to -await an opportunity for a hundred voices to be raised, the chairman -called upon a Methodist clergyman present to open their proceedings with -prayer. This request, at such a time, must appear strange to the minds -of many of my readers. And yet, why should it? It bore testimony to some -sincerity and some solemnity in the hearts of the people, even though -they had assembled for an unlawful, perhaps some of them for a -revengeful, purpose. They felt, doubtless, that the law did not and -would not protect them, and if they had known that the person whose doom -they were there to decide, at that very moment stood near, armed, a -secret observer of their proceedings, with friends within the call of -his voice to aid him or obey his orders, they might very properly have -concluded that the law exposed them to outrage and murder. Prayer had no -mockery in it in such an exigency. Patterson afterwards jocosely -remarked that it was the first prayer he had listened to for twenty -years. Its various petitions, certainly, could not have fallen -pleasantly upon his ears. - -Patterson returned unobserved to the jail at a late hour, fully -possessed of the designs of the committee. A system of espial was kept -up by his friends, by means of which the sheriff and his deputies were -enabled to devise a successful counter-plot. At eleven o’clock in the -morning of a bright Sabbath, a few men were seen congregating upon the -eastern side of Moore’s Creek, below the town, for the supposed purpose -of carrying out the decision of the previous evening, which was the -execution of Patterson. Patterson and thirty of his friends, armed to -the teeth, were in the jail-yard looking through loopholes and -knot-holes, anxiously watching them. - -When their numbers had reached a hundred, a signal was given to the -sheriff. He quickly summoned a _posse_ of one hundred and fifty men, who -had received intimation that their services would be needed. Fully -armed, they marched slowly to a point on the west side of Moore’s Creek, -where they confronted the Vigilantes. Nothing daunted at this unexpected -demonstration, the latter quietly awaited the arrival of several hundred -more, who had promised to join them. Hours passed, but they came not. -Not another man was bold enough to join them. Robbins, who, after much -persuasion, had consented to act as their leader, was greatly disgusted, -and for three hours declined all propositions to disband. Every hill and -housetop was crowded with spectators, citizens of Idaho and Buena Vista -Bar, anticipating a collision. The newly elected delegate to Congress -was on the ground, making eager exertions to precipitate a contest. - -“Why don’t you fire upon them?” said he, with a vulgar oath to the -sheriff. “You have ordered them to disperse, and still permit them to -defy you.” - -The sheriff, though a determined, was a kind-hearted man, and wished to -avoid bloodshed. He knew if his men fired, the fire would be returned, -and a bloody battle would follow. He was also aware that seven hundred -or more had enrolled their names in the ranks of the Vigilantes, -courageous men and good citizens, who would probably rally to the -assistance of their comrades in case of an attack. The day wore on with -nothing more serious to interrupt its harmony than the noisy exchange of -profane epithets and vulgar threats between the two bands, until it was -finally agreed that persons should be selected from both factions to -work up the terms of a peace. The result was that the Vigilantes -disbanded, upon the sheriff’s pledge that none of them should be -arrested, and Patterson was conveyed to prison to await the decision of -a trial at law. After an unsuccessful effort of his attorney to have him -admitted to bail, the sheriff remanded him to custody. - -The counsel on both sides prepared for trial with considerable energy. -The evidence was all reduced to writing. The character of each juryman, -the place of his nativity, and his political predilections were -ascertained and reported to the defendant’s counsel. The judge and -sheriff were required, by the Idaho law, to prepare the list of talesmen -when the regular panel of jurors was exhausted. In the performance of -this duty in Patterson’s case, the judge selected Republicans, and the -sheriff Democrats. When the list was completed, and the venire issued, a -copy of it was furnished to Patterson’s friends, who caused to be -summoned as talesmen such persons named in it as were suspected of -enmity to the accused, in order that they might be rejected as jurors. -The preliminary challenges allowed by law to the defendant were double -those allowed to the prosecution. With all these advantages, the -defendant’s counsel could hardly fail in selecting a jury favorable to -their client; and after the jury was sworn, such was its general -composition, that both the friends and enemies of the prisoner predicted -an acquittal. Nor were they disappointed. When his freedom was announced -from the bench, his friends flocked around him to tender their -congratulations. But Patterson was not deceived. He felt that he was -surrounded by enemies. Sullen eyes were fixed upon him as he walked the -streets. Little gatherings of the friends of Pinkham stood on every -corner in anxious consultation. He very soon concluded that his only -safety was in departure. At first he thought of returning to Texas, but -the allurements around him were too strong: besides, he owed -considerable sums of money to the friends who had aided him in making -his defence. He had, moreover, many attached friends, who, by promises -of assistance, sought to dissuade him from leaving the country. Finally, -two weeks after his trial, he left Idaho City for Walla Walla. - -One day the following Spring, Patterson entered a barber’s shop for the -purpose of getting shaved. Removing his coat, he seated himself in the -barber’s chair. A man by the name of Donahue arose from a chair -opposite, and, advancing towards him, said: - -“Ferd, you and I can’t both live in this community. You have threatened -me.” As Patterson sprung to his feet, Donahue shot him. Staggering to -the street, he started towards the saloon where he had left his pistol, -and was followed by Donahue, who continued to fire at him, and he fell -dead across the threshold of the saloon, thus verifying in his own case -the fatalistic belief of his class, “He died with his boots on.” - -The only incident of Patterson’s trial worthy of note was the following: -One of the attorneys who had been employed for a purpose disconnected -with the management of the trial, insisted upon making an argument to -the jury. This annoyed his colleagues, and disgusted Patterson’s -friends, but professional etiquette upon the part of the lawyers, and a -certain indefinable delicacy from which even the worst of men are not -wholly estranged, prevented all interference, and the advocate launched -out into a speech of great length, filled with indiscreet assertions, -slipshod arguments, and ridiculous appeals, at each of which, as they -came up, one of the shrewder counsel for the defendant, seated beside -his client, filled almost to bursting with indignation, would whisper in -his ear the ominous words, - -“There goes another nail into your coffin, Ferd.” - -Wincing under these repeated admonitions, Patterson’s eyes assumed their -blood-drinking expression, and at last the mental strain becoming too -great for longer composure, he exclaimed with a profane curse, - -“I wish it had been he, in the place of Old Pinkham.” - -Upon the trial of Donahue the jury failed to agree. He was remanded to -prison, from which he afterwards escaped, fled to California, where he -was rearrested, and released upon a writ of habeas corpus, by the -strange decision that the provision of the Constitution of the United -States requiring one State to deliver up a fugitive from justice to -another claiming him, did not apply to Territories. - -To certain of my readers, some explanation for detailing at such length -the life of a ruffian and murderer may be necessary. Not so, however, to -those familiar with mountain history. They will understand that both -Patterson and Pinkham were noted and important members of frontier -society, representative men, so to speak, of the classes to which they -belonged. Their followers regarded them with a hero-worship which -magnified their faults into virtues, and their acts into deeds of more -than chivalric daring. Their pursuits, low, criminal, and degrading as -they are esteemed in old settled communities, were among the leading -occupations of life among the miners. Said one who had been for many -years a resident of the Pacific slope, after spending a few weeks in the -Atlantic States: “I can’t stand this society. It is too strict. I must -return to the land where every gambler is called a gentleman, and where -every woman, no matter what her character, is called a lady.” - - - - - CHAPTER XIII - EARLY DISCOVERIES OF GOLD - - -Gold was first discovered in what is now known as Montana by Francois -Findlay, better known as Be-net-see, a French half-breed, in 1852. He -had been one of the early miners in California, having gone there from -his home in the Red River country soon after Marshall’s discovery. At -this time, however, he was engaged in trapping for furs and trading with -the Indians. While travelling along the border of Gold Creek he was -induced by certain indications to search for gold, which he found in the -gravelly bed of the stream. - -Intelligence of this discovery was given to a party of miners who were -on their return from California to the States in 1857, and they -immediately resolved to visit the creek and spend a winter there in -prospecting. James and Granville Stuart and Resin Anderson, since known -as prominent citizens of Montana, were of this party, and I insert here -as an interesting bit of early history the narrative which Granville -Stuart has since furnished of the discovery then made by them: - - “We accordingly wintered on the Big Hole River just above what is - known as the Backbone, in company with Robert Dempsey, Jake Meeks, - Robert Hereford, Thomas Adams, John W. Powell, John M. Jacobs, and a - few others. In the Spring of 1858 we went over into the Hell Gate - valley, and prospected a little on Benetsee’s or Gold Creek. We got - gold everywhere, in some instances as high as ten cents to the pan, - but, having nothing to eat save what our rifles furnished us, and no - tools to work with (Salt Lake City, nearly six hundred miles - distant, being the nearest point at which they could be obtained), - and as the accursed Blackfeet Indians were continually stealing our - horses, we soon quit prospecting in disgust without having found - anything very rich, or done anything to enable us to form a reliable - estimate of the richness of the mines. - - “We then went out on the road near Fort Bridger, Utah Territory, - where we remained until the Fall of 1860. In the Summer of that year - a solitary individual named Henry Thomas, better known to the - pioneers of Montana, however, as ‘Gold Tom’ or ‘Tom Gold Digger,’ - who had been sluicing on the Pend d’Oreille River, came up to Gold - Creek and commenced prospecting. He finally hewed out two or three - small sluice boxes and commenced work on the creek up near the - mountains. He made from one to two dollars a day in rather rough, - coarse gold, some of the pieces weighing as high as two dollars. - - “After spending a few weeks there, he concluded that he could find - better diggings, and about the time that we returned to Deer Lodge - (in 1860), he quit sluicing and went to prospecting all over the - country. His favorite camping ground was about the Hot Springs, near - where Helena now stands. He always maintained that that was a good - mining region, saying that he had got better prospects there than on - Gold Creek. He told me after ‘Last Chance,’ ‘Grizzly,’ ‘Oro Fino,’ - and the other rich gulches of that vicinity had been struck, that he - had prospected all about there, but it was not his luck to strike - any of those big things. - - “About the twenty-ninth of April, 1862, P. W. McAdow, who, in - company with A. S. Blake and Dr. Atkinson (both citizens of - Montana), had been prospecting with but limited success in a small - ravine which empties into Pioneer Creek, moved up to Gold Creek and - commenced prospecting about there. About the tenth of May they found - diggings in what we afterwards called Pioneer Creek. They got as - high as twenty cents to the pan, and immediately began to prepare - for extensive operations. At this time ‘Tom Gold Digger’ was - prospecting on Cottonwood Creek, a short distance above where the - flourishing burgh of Deer Lodge City now stands, but finding nothing - satisfactory, he soon moved down and opened a claim above those of - McAdow & Co. In the meantime we had set twelve joints of 12 × 14 - sluices, this being the first string of regular sluices ever set in - the Rocky Mountains north of Colorado. - -[Illustration: - - JAMES STUART - - _Who set the first sluices in Montana_ -] - - “On the twenty-fifth of June, 1862, news reached us that four - steamboats had arrived at Fort Benton loaded with emigrants, - provisions, and mining tools, and on the twenty-ninth Samuel T. - Hauser, Frank Louthen, Jake Monthe, and a man named Ault, who were - the advance guard of the pilgrims to report upon the country from - personal observation, came into our camp. After prospecting on Gold - Creek for a few days, Hauser, Louthen, and Ault started for the - Salmon River mines by way of the Bitter Root Valley. Jake Monthe, - that harum-scarum Dutchman who wore the hat that General Lyon had on - when he was killed in the battle of Wilson’s Creek, continued - prospecting along Gold Creek. - - “Walter B. Dance and Colonel Hunkins arrived on the tenth of July, - and on the fourteenth we had the first election ever held in the - country. It was marked by great excitement, but nobody was - hurt—except by whiskey. - - “On the fifteenth, Jack Mendenhall, with several companions, arrived - at Gold Creek from Salt Lake City. They set out for the Salmon River - mines, but having reached Lemhi, the site of a Mormon fort and the - most northern settlement of the ‘Saints,’ they could proceed no - farther in the direction of Florence owing to the impassable - condition of the roads, so they cached their wagons, packed their - goods on the best conditioned of their oxen, and turned off for Gold - Creek. They lost their way and wandered about until nearly starved, - when they fortunately found an Indian guide, who piloted them - through to the diggings. On the twenty-fifth Hauser and his party, - having failed to reach Florence, also returned nearly starved to - death.” - -The leading men among this little band of pioneers were admirably -qualified to grapple with the varied difficulties and dangers incident -to their exposed situation. The brothers Stuart, Samuel T. Hauser, and -Walter B. Dance were among the most enterprising and intelligent -citizens of Montana, and to the direction which they, by their prudence -and counsel, gave to public sentiment, when with twenty or thirty -others, they organized the first mining camp in what is now Montana, was -the Territory afterwards indebted for the predominance of those -principles which saved the people from the bloody rule of assassins, -robbers, and wholesale murderers. They were men bred in the hard school -of labor. They brought their business habits and maxims with them, and -put them rigidly into practice. Having heard of the lawlessness which -characterized the Salmon River camps, and of the expulsions which had -taken place there, they were on the alert for every suspicious arrival -from that direction. - -On the twenty-fifth of August, William Arnett, C. W. Spillman, and B. F. -Jernigan arrived at Gold Creek from Elk City. They opened the first -gambling establishment in Montana and satisfied the good people of Gold -Creek before the close of their first day’s residence that they were the -advance guard of the outcasts of Salmon River. Victims flocked around -them in encouraging numbers. The highway of villainy seemed to stretch -out before them with flattering promise. Four days had elapsed since -their arrival. The little society was fearfully demoralized, and whiskey -and dice ruled the hour, when the Nemesis appeared. Two men, Fox and -Bull, came in pursuit of the gamblers for horse-stealing. Creeping upon -them while busy at play, the first notice the poor wretches had of their -approach was to find themselves covered with double-barrelled guns which -were instantly discharged. Arnett fell, riddled with bullets. Fox’s gun -missed fire. Jernigan threw up his hands, and he and Spillman were -arrested without resistance. Arnett died with a death clutch of his -cards in one hand and revolver in the other, and was so buried. - -The next day Jernigan and Spillman were fairly tried by a jury of -twenty-four miners. The former was acquitted, the latter sentenced to be -hung, which sentence was executed in the afternoon of the following day. -This was the first expression of Vigilante justice in that portion of -the Northwest which afterwards became Montana. Mr. Stuart says, -“Spillman was either a man of a lion heart or a hardened villain, for he -died absolutely fearless. After receiving his sentence, he wrote a -letter to his father with a firm, bold hand that never trembled, and -walked to his death as unto a bridal.” - -The news of the discovery of the Oro Fino and Florence mines was -received at Denver in the Winter of 1861–62, and caused a perfect fever -of excitement. Colonel McLean, Washington Stapleton, Dr. Glick, Dr. -Leavitt, Major Brookie, H. P. A. Smith, Judge Clancy, Edward Bissell, -Columbus Post, Mark Post, and others, all left early in the Spring, -taking the route by the overland road, from which they intended to -diverge into the northern wilderness at some point near Fort Bridger. -Another party under the leadership of Captain Jack Russell left soon -after, going by the way of the Sweetwater trail, South Pass, and the -Bridger cut-off. - -My readers who have never seen the plains, rivers, cañons, rocks, and -mountains of the portion of our country travelled by these companies, -can form but a faint idea from any description given by them of the -innumerable and formidable difficulties with which every mile of this -weary march was encumbered. History has assigned a foremost place among -its glorified deeds to the passage of the Alps by Napoleon, and to the -long and discouraging march of the French army under the same great -conqueror to Russia. If it be not invidious to compare small things with -great, we may assuredly claim for these early pioneers greater conquests -over nature on their journey through the northwestern wilderness than -were made by either of the great military expeditions of Napoleon. In -addition to natural obstacles equally formidable and of continual -occurrence for more than a thousand miles, their route lay through an -unexplored region, beset by hostile Indians, bristling with mountain -peaks, pierced with large streams, and unmarked with a single line of -civilization. Their cattle and horses were obliged to subsist upon the -scanty herbage which put forth in early spring. Swollen by the melting -snows of the mountains, the streams, fordable in midsummer, could now be -crossed only by boats, and frequently the passage of a single creek -consumed a week of time. Seeking for passes around and through the -ranges, ascending them when no such conveniences could be found, passing -through cañons, and clambering rocks, filled the path of empire through -western America with discouragement and disaster. - -[Illustration: - - GRANVILLE STUART - - _Who set the first sluices in Montana_ -] - -Several of these companies were obliged to wait the subsidence of the -waters at the crossing of Smith’s fork of Bear River. While thus -delayed, more than a hundred teams, comprising three or four trains, all -bound for the new gold regions, arrived. Some of the companies were -composed entirely of “pilgrims,” a designation given by mountain people -to newcomers from the States. Michaud Le Clair, a French fur-trader and -mountaineer of forty years’ experience, had, in company with two others, -built a toll bridge across the fork in anticipation of a large spring -emigration; but a party arriving in advance of this present crowd, -exasperated at the depth of the mud at the end of the bridge, burned it. -Russell proposed to build another, but the pilgrims, having no faith in -his skill, refused to assist. Russell completed the job on his own -account, and charged the pilgrims one dollar each for crossing, and then -offered to release his interest in the bridge for twenty-five dollars. -Le Clair, thinking that Russell would go on with his company, refused -the offer. Russell, Brown, and Warner sent their train ahead, remaining -at the bridge to receive tolls. Several trains passed during the two -succeeding days, greatly to the annoyance of Le Clair and his comrades. -They attempted to retaliate by cutting the lariats of the horses while -tethered for the night; and when they found that the animals did not -stray far from camp, they sent the savages down to frighten Russell and -his men. But they were old mountaineers, and felt no alarm. On the third -day a much larger number of wagons crossed than on both the preceding -days. The Frenchman, tired of expedients and satisfied that money could -be made by paying Russell the price he demanded for the bridge, sent for -him, and, after considerable negotiation, gave him the twenty-five -dollars and a silver watch. The bridge temporarily erected by Russell -was used as a toll bridge the following year, but it required very -careful usage to prevent it from falling to pieces. The proprietors, -fearful of accident, finally posted up the following placard, as a -warning to travellers that heavily laden wagons would not be permitted -to meet upon the bridge: - - NOTIS - - No Vehacle draWn by moaR than one - anamile is alloud to croS this BRidg - in oPposit direxions at the sam Time - -Le Clair also advised Russell against a prosecution of his journey to -the Salmon River region, assuring him that from long familiarity with -the country, he knew he could not complete it in safety. The season was -too far advanced and the streams were higher than usual. He then told -him as a secret that there was gold at Deer Lodge and on the Beaverhead. -The Indians had often found it there, and if gold was his object, he -could find no better country than either of these localities for -prospecting. - -“I have been,” said he, “boy and man, forty years in this region, and -there is no part of it that I have not often visited. You will find my -advice correct.” - -Russell placed great confidence in what Le Clair said. Hastening on, he -overtook his companions, and they proceeded to Snake River near Fort -Hall, an old post of the Northwestern Fur Company. Here they fell in -with McLean’s train, which, as we have seen, left Denver a few days -before they did, and travelled by another route. One of this latter -company, Columbus Post, was drowned while attempting to cross the river -in a poorly constructed boat, made out of a wagon-box. Russell found an -old ferry-boat near the fort, which the men repaired to answer the -purpose of crossing their trains, and they proceeded on through the -dreary desert of mountains and rock in the direction of the Salmon -River. Superadded to the difficulties of travelling over a rough -volcanic region, they were now, for successive days, until they left the -valley of the Snake, attacked by the Bannack Indians, and their horses -were nightly exposed to capture by them. After many days of adventurous -travel, the whole party, with a great number of pilgrims, arrived in -safety at Fort Lemhi. Here they found themselves hemmed in by the Salmon -River range, a lofty escarpment of ridges and rocks presenting an -insurmountable barrier to further progress with wagons. They had yet to -go several hundred miles before reaching the gold regions. A large -number, more than a thousand in all, were now congregated in this -desolate basin. They at once set to work to manufacture pack-saddles and -other gear necessary to the completion of their journey. As time wore -on, the prospect of being able to do so before cold weather set in -became daily more discouraging. At length a meeting was called to -consider the situation of affairs, and if possible, to devise and adopt -measures of relief. - -Russell repeated to the assemblage the information he had received from -Le Clair, expressing his belief that it was true, and recommended as a -choice of evils that they should turn aside, and go to Deer Lodge and -Beaverhead, rather than attempt a journey down the Salmon to the -Florence mines, through a country of which their best information was -disheartening in the extreme. Several members of the Colorado companies -spoke of having seen letters from James and Granville Stuart in which -the discovery of promising gold placers in Deer Lodge was mentioned; but -the pilgrims thought the information too indefinite, and concluded to -risk the journey down the river. The Colorado men, most of whom were -experienced miners, determined at once to retrace their way to Deer -Lodge and Beaverhead, and risk the chance of making new discoveries, if -the information given by the Stuarts and Le Clair should not prove true. -At the crossing of the Beaverhead, Russell found five cents in gold to -the pan, and picked up pieces of quartz containing free gold. - -In the meantime, John White and a small party of prospectors had -discovered the gold placer in the cañon of Grasshopper Creek which -afterwards became Bannack. When the companies of McLean and Russell -arrived there, their stock of provisions was nearly exhausted. They went -to Deer Lodge, hoping to find a more promising field, and some of them -visited the placers on Gold Creek, Pioneer, and at Pike’s Peak Gulch, -none of which were equal in richness and extent to the one they had left -behind them. They returned to Grasshopper. No provisions having arrived -in the country, most of them decided to attempt a return to Salt Lake -City. The chance of making a journey of four hundred miles to the -nearest Mormon settlements was preferable to starvation in this desolate -region. They could but die in the effort, and might succeed. After they -had started on this Utopian journey, Russell mounted his horse, followed -them, and persuaded them to return. They then set to work in good -earnest and found gold in abundance; but, with the fortune of Midas, as -their scanty supply of food lessened daily, they feared soon to share -his fate also, and have nothing but gold to eat. Just at this crisis, -however, their Pactolus appeared in the shape of a large train of -provisions belonging to Mr. Woodmansee, and all fear of starvation -vanished. The step between the extremes of misery and happiness was, in -this case, very short. The camp was hilarious with joy and mirth. - -Upon the opening of Spring, Russell left Grasshopper on his return to -Colorado, where he arrived in safety after encountering dangers enough -to fill a moderate volume. For two days, while passing through Marsh -Valley, he was pursued by Indians, barely escaping being shot and -scalped. His courage was often put to the strongest tests. At Wood -River, twenty miles from Fort Lemhi, the Bannack Indians offered him -money in large amounts for fire-arms and ammunition. They stole a pistol -from him. Accompanied by one Gibson, he went to their camp and recovered -it. Some of them were dressed in the apparel of women whom they had -murdered, and whose bodies they had concealed in the fissures of the -lava beds on Snake River. More than two hundred emigrants had been -killed by these wretches the preceding Summer. - -Russell exhibited specimens of the gold taken from the “Grasshopper -diggings,” to his friends in Colorado. The excitement it occasioned was -intense, and when the Spring of 1863 opened, large numbers left for the -new and promising El Dorado. - -In the Fall of 1862 there stood, on the bank at the confluence of -Rattlesnake Creek and the Beaverhead River, a sign-post with a -rough-hewn board nailed across the top, with the following intelligence -daubed with wagon-tar thereon: - - Tu grass Hop Per digins - 30 myle - ☞ kepe the Trale nex the bluffe - -On the other side of the board was the following: - - Tu jonni grants - one Hunred & twenti myle - -The “grass Hop Per digins” are at the town of Bannack; and the city of -Deer Lodge is built on “jonni grants” ranche. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV - CAPTAIN FISK’S EXPEDITION - - -While the little community at Bannack were snugly housed for the winter, -anxiously awaiting the return of warm weather to favor a resumption of -labor in the gulch, numerous companies were in progress of organization -in the States, intending to avail themselves of the same seasonable -change to start upon the long and adventurous journey to Salmon River. -The fame of Bannack and Deer Lodge had not yet reached them. In the -Summer of 1862 an expedition under the direction of the Government was -planned in Minnesota for the ostensible purpose of opening a wagon road -between St. Paul and Fort Benton, to connect at the latter point with -the military road opened a few years before by Captain John Mullen from -Fort Benton to Walla Walla. This route of nearly two thousand miles lay -for most of the distance through a partially explored region, filled -with numerous bands of the hostile Sioux and Blackfeet. The Government -had grudgingly appropriated the meagre sum of five thousand dollars in -aid of the enterprise, which was not sufficient to pay a competent guard -for the protection of the company. The quasi-governmental character of -the expedition, however, with the inducement superadded that it would -visit the Salmon River mines, soon caused a large number of emigrants to -join it. - -The Northern Overland Expedition, as it was called, left St. Paul on the -sixteenth of June, 1862. It was confided to the leadership of Captain -James L. Fisk, whose previous frontier experience and unquestioned -personal courage admirably fitted him for the command of an expedition -which owed so much of its final success, as well as its safety during a -hazardous journey through a region occupied by hostile Indians, to the -vigilance and discipline of its commanding officer. His first assistant -was E. H. Burritt, and second assistant, N. P. Langford (the writer); -Samuel R. Bond, secretary, David Charlton, engineer, Dr. W. D. Dibb, -surgeon, and Robert C. Knox, wagon master. About forty men were selected -from the company, who agreed, for their subsistence, to serve as guards -during the journey. One hundred and twenty-five emigrants accompanied -the expedition to Prickly Pear Valley. This company was thoroughly -organized, and ready at all times for instant service while passing -through Indian country. Fort Abercrombie, Devil’s Lake, Fort Union, Fort -Benton,[2] and Milk River were designated points of the route, and it -was generally understood that the company should pursue as nearly as -possible the trail of the exploring expedition under command of Governor -Isaac I. Stevens in 1853. - -Footnote 2: - - Fort Union and Fort Benton were not United States military forts, but - were the old trading posts of the American Fur Company. - -All the streams not fordable on the entire route were bridged by the -company and many formidable obstacles removed. The company arrived -without accident, after a tedious but not uninteresting trip, in Prickly -Pear Valley on the twenty-first day of September. It was the largest -single party that went to the northern mines in 1862. About one-half of -the number remained in the Prickly Pear Valley, locating upon the creek -where Montana City now stands. The remainder accompanied Captain Fisk to -Walla Walla. All who were officially connected with the expedition, -except Mr. Knox and the writer, returned by way of the Pacific Ocean and -the Isthmus to Washington. - -Gold had been found on Prickly Pear Creek a short time before the -arrival of our company. “Tom Gold Digger,” or “Gold Tom,” had pitched -his lodge at the mouth of the cañon above our location and was “panning -out” small quantities of gold. The placer was very difficult of -development and the yield small. Winter was near at hand. Many of the -party who had left home for Salmon River, where they had been assured -profitable employment could be readily obtained, now found themselves -five hundred miles from their destination with cattle too much exhausted -to attempt the journey, in the midst of a wilderness, nearly destitute -of provisions, and with no chance of obtaining any nearer than Salt Lake -City, four hundred miles away, from which they were separated by a -region of mountainous country, rendered impassable by deep snows and -beset for the entire distance by hostile Indians. Starvation seemingly -stared them in the face. Disheartening as the prospect was, all felt -that it would not do to give way to discouragement. A few traders had -followed the tide of emigration from Colorado with a limited supply of -the bare necessaries of life, risking the dangers of Indian attack by -the way, to obtain large profits and prompt pay as a rightful reward for -their temerity. Regarding their little stock as their only resource, the -company set to work at once, each man for himself, to obtain means to -buy with. Prices were enormous. The placer was still unpromising. Frost -and snow had actually come. With a small pack supplied from the remains -of their almost exhausted larders, the men started out, some on foot, -and some bestride their worn-out animals, into the bleak mountain -wilderness in pursuit of gold. With the certainty of death in its most -horrid form if they fell into the clutches of a band of prowling -Blackfeet, and the thought uppermost in their minds that they could -scarcely escape freezing, surely the hope which sustained this little -band of wanderers lacked none of those grand elements which sustained -the early settlers of our country in their days of disaster and -suffering. Men who cavil with Providence, and attribute the escape of a -company of half-starved, destitute men from massacre, starvation, and -freezing, under circumstances like these, to luck or chance or accident, -are either destitute of gratitude or have never been overtaken by -calamity. Yet these men all survived to tell the tale of their bitter -experience. - -[Illustration: - - CAPTAIN JAMES L. FISK - - _Commander of Northern Overland Expedition_ -] - -My recollection of those gloomy days, all the more vivid, perhaps, -because I was among the indigent ones, was emphasized by a little -incident I can never recall without a devout feeling of thankfulness. -Intelligence was brought us that a company of miners was working the -bottom of a creek in Pike’s Peak Gulch, a distance of sixty miles from -the Prickly Pear camp over the Rocky Mountain range. Cornelius Bray, -Patrick Dougherty, and I started immediately on a horseback trip to the -new camp in search of employment for the winter. One pack-horse served -to transport our blankets and provisions. Our intention was to cross the -main range on the first day and camp at the head of Summit Creek, where -there was good grass and water. In following the Mullen road through the -cañon, when about two miles from the ridge, Bray’s horse gave out and -resisted all our efforts to urge him farther. There was no alternative -but to camp. The spot was unpromising enough. There was no feed for our -horses, and our camp by the roadside could not escape the notice of any -band of Indians that might chance to be crossing the range. It was the -custom in this Indian country for packers and others to seek some -secluded spot half a mile or more from the trail for camping purposes; -but here we were cooped up in a cañon not ten rods wide, and the only -practicable pass over the range running directly through it. Of course -we all mentally hoped that no Indians would appear. - -I had, while at Fort Benton, held frequent conversations with Mr. -Dawson, the factor at that post, who had spent many years in the -country, and was perfectly familiar with the manners and tactics of the -Indians. He had warned me against just such an exposure as that to which -we were now liable, and when night came, knowing that the country was -full of roving bands of Bloods and Piegans, I felt no little solicitude -for a happy issue out of danger. Evening was just setting in, when snow -began to fall in damp, heavy flakes, giving promise of a most -uncomfortable night. Our only shelter was a clump of bushes on the -summit of a knoll, where we spread our blankets, first carefully -picketing the four horses with long lariats to a single pin, so that in -case of difficulty they could all be controlled by one person. Dougherty -proposed to stand guard until midnight, when I was to relieve him and -remain until we resumed our trip at early dawn. Bray and I crept into -our blankets, they and the bushes being our only protection against a -very heavy mountain snowstorm. Strange as it may seem to those -unfamiliar with border life, we soon fell asleep and slept soundly until -I was aroused by Dougherty to take my turn at the watch. I crawled from -under the blankets, which were covered to the depth of five inches with -“the beautiful snow,” and Dougherty fairly burrowed into the warm place -I had left. - -About three o’clock in the morning the horses became uneasy for want of -food. Preparatory to an early departure I gathered in a large heap a -number of small, fallen pines and soon had an immense fire. It lighted -up the cañon with a lurid gloom and mantled the snow-covered trees with -a ghastly radiance. The black smoke of the burning pitch rolled in -clouds through the atmosphere, which seemed to be choked with the myriad -snowflakes. So dense was the storm I could scarcely discern the horses, -which stood but a few rods distant. Wading through the snow to the spot -where my companions slept, I roused them from their slumbers. I could -liken them to nothing but spectres as they burst through their snowy -covering and stood half-revealed in the bushes by the light of the -blazing pines. It was a scene for an artist. Despite the gloomy -forebodings which had filled my mind, at this scene I burst into a fit -of loud and irrepressible laughter. - -It was but for a moment, for, as if in answer to it, the counterfeited -neigh of a horse a few rods below and of another just above me, warned -me that the danger I had feared was already upon us. It was the signal -and reply of the Indians. Bray and Dougherty grasped their guns, while I -rushed to the picket pin, and, seizing the four lariats, pulled in the -horses. A moment afterwards, and from behind a thicket of willows just -above our camp, there dashed down the cañon in full gallop forty or more -of the dreaded Blackfeet. In the light of that dismal fire their -appearance was horribly picturesque. Their faces hideous with war paint, -their long ebon hair floating to the wind, their heads adorned with -bald-eagle feathers, and their knees and elbows daintily tricked out -with strips of antelope skin and white feathery skunks’ tails, they -seemed like a troop of demons which had just sprung out of the earth, -rather than beings of flesh and blood. Each man held a gun in his right -hand, guiding his horse with the left. Well-filled quivers and bows were -fastened to their shoulders, and close behind the main troop, driven by -five or six outriders, followed a herd of fifty or more horses they had -just stolen from a company of miners on their way to the Bannack mines, -who had encamped for the night at Deer Lodge. These animals were driven -hurriedly by our camp, down the cañon, the main troop, meantime, forming -into line on the other side of them so as to present an unbroken front -of horsemen after they had passed, drawn up for attack. This critical -moment we improved by rapidly looping the lariats into the mouths of our -horses and bringing our guns to an aim from behind them over their -fore-shoulders. As we stood thus, not twenty yards asunder, confronting -each other, the chief, evidently surprised that the onslaught lingered, -rode hurriedly along the front of his men and with violent -gesticulations and much vehement jargon urged them to an instant -assault. They strongly expostulated, and by numerous antics and -utterances, which I afterwards ascertained meant that their guns were -wet and their caps useless, finally persuaded him to resort to the bows -and arrows. The chief was very angry, and from the violence of his -gestures and threatening manner I expected to see several of the Indians -knocked off their horses. When the Indians, in obedience to his command, -hung their guns on the pommels of their saddles, and drew their bows, -the attack seemed inevitable. Our guns were dry, and we knew that they -were good for twenty-four shots and the revolvers in our belts for as -many more. - -Satisfied that an open attack would eventuate in death to some of their -number, nearly one-half of the Indians left the ranks and passed from -our sight down the cañon, but soon reappeared, emerging from the thicket -on the opposite side of our camp. We wheeled our four horses into a -hollow square, and, standing in the centre, presented our guns at each -assaulting party. As our horses were the booty they most wished to -obtain, they were now restrained lest they should kill them instead of -us. A few moments of painful suspense—moments into which days of anxiety -were crowded—supervened. A brief consultation followed, and the chief -gave orders for them to withdraw. They all wheeled into rapid line, and -with the military precision of a troop of cavalry dashed down the cañon -and we saw them no more. - -Thankful for an escape attributable to the snow which had unfitted their -guns for use, and to the successful raid they had made upon our -neighbors, we saddled our horses and hurried over the mountain range -with all possible speed. While crossing, we found two horses which, -jaded with travel, had been abandoned by the Indians. We took them with -us, and on our arrival at Grasshopper some days after, restored one to -Dr. Glick, its rightful owner. - -“I have had seven horses stolen from me by these prowlers,” said he, -“but this is the first one that was ever returned.” - -The little gulch at Pike’s Peak was fully occupied when we arrived, and -after remaining a few days, we mounted our horses and made a tedious but -unadventurous journey to Bannack, then, and for nearly a year -afterwards, the most important gold placer east of the Rocky Mountains. - -The fame of this locality had reached Salmon River late in the Fall of -1862, and many of the people left the Florence mines for the east side. -Among them came the first irruption of robbers, gamblers, and -horse-thieves, and the settlement was filled with gambling houses and -saloons, where bad men and worse women held constant vigil, and -initiated that reign of infamy which nothing but the strong hand could -extirpate. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - BANNACK IN 1862 - - -It is charitable to believe that Henry Plummer came to Bannack intending -to reform, and live an honest and useful life. His deportment justified -that opinion. His criminal career was known only to two or three persons -as criminal as himself. If he could have been relieved of the fear of -exposure and of the necessity of associating with his old comrades in -crime, it is not improbable that his better nature would have triumphed. -He possessed great executive ability, a power over men that was -remarkable, a fine person, polished address, and prescient knowledge of -his fellows—all of which were mellowed by the advantages of a good early -education. With all the concerns of a mining camp experience had made -him familiar, and for some weeks after his arrival in Bannack he was -oftener applied to for counsel and advice than any other resident. Cool -and dispassionate, he evinced on these occasions a power of analysis -that seldom failed of conviction. He speedily became a general favorite. -We can better imagine than describe the mixed nature of those feelings, -which, fired with ambitious designs and virtuous purposes, beheld the -way to their fulfilment darkened by a retrospect of unparalleled -atrocity. So true it is that the worst men are the last to admit to -themselves the magnitude of their offences, that even Plummer, stained -with the guilt of repeated murders and seductions, a very monster of -iniquity, believed that his restoration to the pursuits and honors of -virtuous association could be established but for a possible exposure by -some of his guilty partners. He knew their watchful eyes were upon him; -that they were ready to follow him as leader or crush him as a traitor. - -Of no one was he in greater dread than his sworn enemy, Cleveland. This -man, who made no secret of his own guilty purposes, had frequently -uttered threats against the life of Plummer, and never lost an -opportunity publicly to denounce him. Their feud was irreconcilable. -Cleveland had incurred suspicion as the murderer of a young man by the -name of George Evans, and was regarded generally as a desperado of the -vilest character. It was no credit to Plummer that he came in his -company to Bannack. But their previous criminal connection was as yet -unrevealed. - -A few days after the disappearance of Evans, a number of citizens were -seated in general conversation around the fire in a saloon kept by Mr. -Goodrich. Among the number were Plummer, Jeff Perkins, and Augustus -Moore. Suddenly the door was violently opened and Cleveland entered. -With an air of assumed authority he proclaimed himself “chief,” adding -with an oath that he knew all the scoundrels from the “other side” and -intended to get even with some of them. The covert threat which these -words revealed did not escape the notice of Plummer, but Cleveland upon -the instant charged Perkins with having violated a promise to pay some -money which the latter owed him in the lower country. Perkins assured -him it had been paid. “If it has,” said Cleveland, “it is all right,” -but as if to signify his distrust of Perkins’s statement, he commenced -handling his pistol and reiterating the charges. To prevent Cleveland -from carrying into execution his apparent design of shooting Perkins, -Plummer fixed his eyes sternly upon him and in a calm tone told him to -behave himself, that Perkins had paid the debt and he ought to be -satisfied. - -Quiet was restored for the moment and Perkins slipped off, intending to -return with his pistols and shoot Cleveland on sight. Here the -difficulty would have ended had not Cleveland, in an evil moment, in a -defiant and threatening manner, with mingled profanity and epithet, -declared that he did not fear any of them. Filled with rage, Plummer -sprang to his feet, drew his pistol, and exclaiming, “I am tired of -this,” followed up the expression with a couple of rapid shots, the last -of which struck Cleveland below the belt. He fell on his knees. Grasping -wildly for his pistol, he appealed to Plummer not to shoot him while he -was down. “No,” said Plummer, whose blood was now up; “get up.” -Cleveland staggered to his feet, only to receive two more shots, the -second of which entered below the eye. He fell to the floor, and -Plummer, sheathing his pistol, turned to leave the saloon. At the door -he was met by George Ives and Charley Reeves, each of whom, pistol in -hand, was coming to take part in the affray. Each seizing an arm, they -escorted Plummer down the street, meanwhile suggesting with great -expletive emphasis a variety of surmises as to the possible effect of -the quarrel upon the public. - -Hank Crawford and Harry Phleger, two respectable citizens, hastened to -the aid of the dying desperado, whom they conveyed to Crawford’s -lodgings. His bed being poorly furnished Cleveland sent him to Plummer’s -cabin to get a pair of blankets belonging to him. The interview, between -Crawford and Plummer on this occasion showed that the mind of the latter -was ill at ease. Like Macbeth’s dread of Banquo, so he felt that, while -Cleveland lived,— - - “There is none but he - Whose being I do fear; and under him - My genius is rebuk’d.” - -In the brief colloquy which took place between them, Plummer asked -Crawford no less than three times what Jack had said about him. His past -career of crime was all before him. Crawford as often replied, -“Nothing.” - -“’Tis well he did not,” at length responded Plummer, “for if he had I -would kill him in his bed.” - -Crawford then told him that, in reply to several questions asked him, -Cleveland had said, - -“Poor Jack has got no friends. He has got it [meaning his death-wound] -and I guess he can stand it.” - -Crawford left with the impression that Plummer still thought Cleveland -had exposed him, and was careful afterwards to go armed, as he felt that -his own life was in danger. Cleveland lingered in great agony for three -hours, and was decently buried by Crawford. Soon after he had been -removed to Crawford’s cabin, Plummer sent a man known as “Dock,” a cook, -into the cabin as a spy, where he remained until Cleveland died. He said -that the only reply Phleger received to repeated questions concerning -the difficulty between him and Plummer was, “It makes no difference to -you.” The secret, if secret there was, died with him. - -No immediate investigation was made of the circumstances of this affray. -It was thought by many that Plummer merely anticipated Cleveland’s -intention by firing first. Shooting of pistols and duelling were so -common as of themselves to excite no attention. Many bloody encounters -took place of which no record has been preserved, and which at the time -were regarded as very proper settlements of difficulties between the -parties. - -A few incidents as illustrative of the customs of a mining camp will not -be out of place in this immediate connection. On one occasion during the -winter a quarrel sprung up between George Ives and George Carrhart in -the main street. After a long wordy war interlarded with much profanity -and various opprobrious epithets, Ives ran into a near saloon for his -pistol, exclaiming, “I will shoot you.” Carrhart followed him and both -reappeared at the door of the saloon a moment thereafter, each armed -with a revolver. Facing each other upon the instant, both parties raised -their pistols and fired without effect. After a second fire with no -better effect, both parties walked rapidly backwards till they were -widely separated, at the same time firing upon each other. Ives having -emptied his revolver, stood perfectly still while Carrhart took -deliberate aim and shot him in the groin, the ball passing through his -body, inflicting a severe wound. Soon afterwards they reconciled their -difficulties, and Ives lived with Carrhart on his ranche the remainder -of the winter. - -Many of the early emigrants arrived at Bannack so late in the fall that -they could provide themselves with no better shelter from the weather -during the winter than was afforded by their wagons. Of this number were -Dr. Biddle and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Short, and their hired man from -Minnesota. While seated around their camp-fire one dismal afternoon, -engaged in conversation with Mr. J. M. Castner, a bullet whizzed so near -the ear of Castner that he felt its sting for several days. Castner -ascertained that it was fired by one Cy. Skinner, a rough, who excused -himself with the plea that he thought they were Indians, and by way of -amends invited Dr. Biddle and Castner to drink with him. Castner had the -good taste to decline. - -The very composition of the society of Bannack at the time was such as -to excite suspicion in all minds. Outside of their immediate -acquaintances, men knew not whom to trust. They were in the midst of a -people which had come from all parts of this country and from many of -the nations of the Old World. Laws which could not be executed were no -better than none. A people, however disposed to the preservation of -order and punishment of crimes, was powerless for either so long as -every man distrusted his neighbor. The robbers, united by a bond of -sympathetic atrocity, assumed the right to control the affairs of the -camp by the bloody code. No one was safe. The miner fortunate enough to -accumulate a few thousands, the merchant whose business gave evidence of -success, the saloon-keeper whose patronage was supposed to be -productive, were all marked as victims by these lawless adventurers. If -one of them needed clothing, ammunition, or food, he obtained it on a -credit which no one dared refuse, and settled it by threatening to shoot -the person bold enough to ask for payment. Such a condition of society, -as all foresaw, must sooner or later terminate in disaster to the lovers -of law and order or to the villains who depredated upon them. Which were -the stronger? The roughs knew their power, but their antagonists, -separately hedged about by suspicion as indiscriminate as it was -inflexible, knew not how to establish confidence in each other upon -which to base an effective opposition. Meantime the carnival of crime -was progressing. Scarcely a day passed unsignalled by outrage or murder. -The numerous tenants of the little graveyard had all died by violence. -People walked the streets in fear. - -This suspense was at last broken by a murder of unprovoked, heartless -atrocity, which the people felt it would be more criminal in them to -overlook than it was in the perpetrators to commit. In January, 1863, -that notorious scoundrel, Charley Reeves, bought a squaw from the Sheep -Eater tribe of Bannack. She soon fled from him to her friends to escape -his abuse. The tepee was located on an elevation south of that portion -of the town known as “Yankee Flat,” a few rods in rear of the street. -Reeves went after her. Finding her deaf to persuasion, he employed -violence to force her return to his camp. An old chief interfered and -thrust Reeves unceremoniously from the tepee. Burning with resentment, -Reeves and Moore fired into the tepee the next evening, wounding one of -the Indians. They then returned to town, where they were joined by -William Mitchell, with whom they counter-marched, each firing into the -tepee, and this time killing the old chief, a lame Indian, a papoose, -and a Frenchman by the name of Cazette, who had come to the tepee to -learn the cause of the first shot. Two other persons who had been -influenced by similar curiosity were badly wounded. When the murderers -were afterwards told that they had killed white men, Moore with a -profusion of profane appellations said “they had no business there.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVI - MOORE AND REEVES - - -Alarmed at the indignation which this brutal deed had enkindled in the -community, Moore and Reeves, at a late hour the same night, fled on foot -in the direction of Rattlesnake. They were preceded by Plummer, who it -was supposed had gone to provide means for their protection. He, -however, afterwards asserted that he left through fear that in the -momentary excitement the people would hang him for shooting Cleveland. - -A mass meeting of the citizens was held the next morning, and a cordon -of guards appointed to prevent the escape of the ruffians. When it was -discovered that they had gone, on a call for volunteers to pursue them, -Messrs. Lear, Higgins, Rockwell, and Davenport immediately followed on -their track. The weather was intensely cold. The route of the pursuers -lay over a lofty mountain range covered with snow to a great depth. -After riding as rapidly as possible, they came up with the fugitives at -a distance of twelve miles from town. They had taken refuge in a dense -thicket of willows on the bank of the Rattlesnake. Being challenged to -surrender, they peremptorily refused. Pointing their pistols with -well-directed aim at the approaching party, and interlarding their -discourse with a flood of oaths, they ordered them to advance no farther -on peril of their lives. The advantage was on the side of the robbers, -and they could easily have shot down every one of their pursuers. A -parley ensued. The position of both parties was fully discussed. The -conviction that it was equally impossible for the pursuers to effect a -capture, and for the ruffians to escape such a pursuit as would be made -if they did not return, induced the latter to agree to a surrender, upon -the express condition that they should be tried by a jury. The pursuing -party gave a ready assent to this arrangement, and the fugitives -returned in their custody to town. - -Plummer was put upon his trial immediately. While that was progressing a -messenger was sent to Godfrey’s Cañon, ten miles distant, to summon Mr. -Godfrey and the writer, who, with others, were erecting a saw-mill -there. Before our arrival at midnight, Plummer was acquitted, no doubt -being entertained, on presentation of the evidence, that he had killed -Cleveland in self-defence. Several witnesses testified that they had on -various occasions heard Cleveland threaten to shoot Plummer on sight. - -At a late hour the people separated with the purpose of assembling for -the trial of Moore, Reeves, and Mitchell early the next morning. Day -broke clear and cold. All work was suspended in the gulch, stores and -hotels were abandoned, and the entire population, numbering at least -four hundred persons, assembled in and about the large log building -which had been designated as the place of trial. Every man was armed, -some with rifles and shotguns, others with pistols and knives. The -friends of the prisoners gave free utterance to threats, which they -accompanied with much profane assumption of superior power and many -defiant demonstrations. Pistols were flourished and discharged, oaths -and epithets freely bestowed upon the citizens, and whatever vehemence -of gesture and expression could do to intimidate the people, was -adopted. Amid all this bluster it was apparent from the first that the -current of popular opinion set strongly against the prisoners. There was -an air of quiet determination manifested in every movement preparatory -for the trial. The citizens were ready for an outbreak, and the least -indication in that direction would have been the signal for a bloody and -decisive battle. It is not improbable that an attempt at rescue was -prevented by the presence of the overpowering force of armed and -indignant citizens. - -The efforts of the roughs to suppress the trial only increased the -indignation of the people, and after electing a temporary chairman, a -motion was made that the accused be tried by a miners’ court. This form -of tribunal grew out of the necessities of mining life in the mountains. -It originated in the early days of California, when the country was -destitute of courts and law, and still exists in inchoate mining -communities as a witness to the fairness and honesty of American -character. It is now the general custom among the property holders of a -mining camp, as the first step towards organization, to elect a -president or judge, who is to act as the judicial officer of the -district. He has both civil and criminal jurisdiction. All questions -affecting the rights of property, and all infractions of the peace, are -tried before him. When complaint is made to him, it is his duty to -appoint the time and place of trial in written notices which contain a -brief statement of the matter in controversy, and are posted in -conspicuous places throughout the camp. The miners assemble in force to -attend the trial. The witnesses are examined, either by attorneys or by -the parties interested, and when the evidence is closed the judge states -the question at issue, desiring all in favor of the plaintiff to -separate from the crowd in attendance until they can be counted, or to -signify by a vote of “aye” their approval of his claim. The same forms -are observed in the decision of a criminal case. The decision is -announced by the judge and entered upon his record. Where the punishment -is death, the criminal is generally allowed one hour to arrange his -business and prepare for death; when it is banishment, a few hours are -given him to leave the camp. If he neglects to comply with the sentence -he is in danger of being summarily executed. Where the rights of parties -are settled by the court, and the defeated party shows any resistance to -the decision, it is the duty of the court, if necessary, with the strong -hand to enforce it. The court is composed of the entire population. To -guard against mistakes, the party in defeat, in all cases, has the right -to demand a second vote. - -The progress of a trial in one of these courts is entirely practical. -Often the miners announce at the commencement that the court must close -at a certain hour. Cross-examinations are generally prohibited, and if -lawyers are employed, it is with the understanding that they shall make -no long arguments. Each party and their respective witnesses give their -evidence in a plain, straightforward manner, and if any of the listeners -desire information on a given point in the testimony they request the -person acting as attorney to ask such questions as are necessary to -obtain it. The decisions of these tribunals are seldom wrong, and are -always enforced in good faith. They have many advantages in mining -regions over courts at law. None of the tedious incidents of pleading, -adjournment, amendment, demurrer, etc., which at law so often consume -the time of litigants and put them to unnecessary expense, belong to a -miners’ court. - -The miners themselves have little time to spare, and hence these courts -are held on Sunday in all cases where the exigency is not immediate. -They are held in the open air. Whenever, from any seemingly unnecessary -cause, their investigations are prolonged, as by argumentative display, -there are always those present who, by the command “Dry up,” “No -spread-eagle talk,” force them to a close. - -On one occasion at Blackfoot, in Montana, a rough was on trial for -crimes which endangered his life. A motion had been made by his counsel -that his life be spared on condition that he would leave the gulch in -fifteen minutes,—which motion was carried by a small majority. In -anticipation of this favorable result his friends had provided a mule to -expedite his departure. The presiding miners’ judge announced to him the -condition of his freedom from death. Fearful that a reconsideration -might be demanded, the moment he was released he vaulted into the -saddle, and looking around upon the crowd exclaimed, “Fifteen minutes! -Gentlemen, if this mule doesn’t buck, five will do!” and lashing the -sides of the animal he disappeared at double-quick amid the shouts and -laughter of the crowd. - -It was a trial by this court that the murderers dreaded, and to escape -which they made a trial by jury the condition of their surrender. When -the motion was made to substitute the miners’ court it fell into their -midst like a thunderbolt. They regarded a trial by the mass as certain -of conviction as a trial by jury would be of acquittal, not because the -latter would be any less likely than the former to perceive their guilt, -but because fear of personal consequences would prevent them from -declaring it. Men whose identity was lost in a crowd would do that -which, if they were known, would mark them as victims for future -assassination. The friends of the prisoners showed the estimation in -which they regarded this consideration when they openly threatened with -death every individual who participated in the trial. They anticipated -that, as none would dare in defiance of this threat to act upon a jury, -all proceedings would be suppressed, thus renewing the license for their -continued depredations. - -The statement of the motion by the chairman was the signal for a violent -commotion among the roughs. One long howl of profanity, mingled with the -most diabolical threats and repeated discharge of pistols, filled the -room. Many shots were turned from their deadly aim by timely hands and -discharged into the ceiling. Knives were drawn and flourished in the -faces of prominent citizens, accompanied with threats of death in case -the motion prevailed. The scene was fearful in the extreme. The miners -in different parts of the crowd could be seen getting their guns and -pistols ready for the collision which at one stage of the tumult it -seemed impossible to avoid. At length the repeated cries of the chairman -for order, and the earnest voices of several persons who were desirous -of discussing the proposition, allayed the noise and confusion, so that -they could be heard. The guilt of the prisoners was so palpable that the -people deemed any sort of a trial which would not speedily terminate in -their condemnation a farce. A very large majority were in favor of a -miners’ court, because they foresaw that any other form of trial -afforded opportunity for escape. Three hours were spent in determining -the question. Many short, emphatic arguments were made. In the meantime -the disturbance made by the roughs waxed and waned to suit the different -stages of the discussion. Shots at one moment and shouts at another -betrayed their approval or disapproval of the sentiments of the speaker. -I had from the first made myself offensive to my own immediate friends -and intimates by pertinaciously claiming for the prisoners a trial by -jury, and mounting a bench I embraced an early opportunity to give, in a -few pointed words addressed to the assembled miners, my views. I -reminded them of the constitutional provision which secured to every one -accused of crime a trial by jury. It was a law of the land, as -applicable on this as on any other occasion. The men were probably -guilty; if so, the fact should be proved; if not, they had the right by -law, on proving it, to an acquittal. Moreover, they had surrendered at a -time when they could not have been captured, upon the express condition -that they should be tried by jury. I asked, “Shall we ignore the -agreement made with them by our officers?” I concluded by offering a -motion that they be tried by a jury. It was negatived by three to one. -Immediately a cry rose in the crowd, “Hang them at once”; this was -followed by other cries of “String ’em up,” “To the scaffold with ’em.” -Pistols were drawn and flourished more freely than before, and many -personal collisions, resulting in bloody noses, black eyes, and raw -heads, took place in all parts of the room. Another hour was spent in -discussion, and finally by a bare majority it was agreed to give the -prisoners the benefit of a trial by jury. - -It is impossible to portray with accuracy of detail the fearful effects -of passion which were exhibited by the assembly while this question was -being determined. On a limited scale it could not have been unlike some -of the riotous gatherings in Paris in the days of the first revolution. -It wanted numbers, it wanted the magnificent surroundings of those -scenes, but as an exhibition of the passions of depraved men, when -inflamed with anger, drink, and vengeance, it could not have been -greatly surpassed by them. - -Order at length being restored, a portion of the room was enclosed with -scantling, for the accommodation of the Court and jury. J. F. Hoyt was -elected Judge, Hank Crawford, sheriff, and George Copley, prosecutor. -The jury was next chosen by a vote of the people. My own appointment on -the jury was urged by the roughs, as a compliment for my efforts to -obtain for them a jury trial. I was regarded by them as a friend, and -they hoped confidently for acquittal through my influence. - -At first it was determined that the examination of the witnesses for -both prosecution and defence should be conducted by George Copley, the -prosecutor, but upon an appeal for justice in behalf of the prisoners it -was at length decided by a small majority that the accused should be -allowed the assistance of counsel, with the understanding that all the -questions of their counsel were first to be submitted to the prosecutor. -Hon. Wm. C. Rheem was chosen to defend the prisoners, and there were -many threats of violence toward him for consenting to conduct the -defence. It was agreed that the arguments to be made on either side -should be brief, and that the trials should be urged to their conclusion -with all possible expedition. Mr. Rheem’s ability as a lawyer was -unquestioned,—which fact furnished to those who objected to a jury trial -their principal reason for opposing his employment as counsel for the -prisoners. As the extent of Mitchell’s criminality was uncertain, he was -allowed a separate trial. His case was first brought under examination. -It appeared in evidence that he had accompanied Moore and Reeves on -their second murderous visit to the tepee, but he was able to show that -he had not once fired his gun, and consequently could not be guilty of -murder. His trial was soon terminated. The jury recommended that he -should be immediately banished from the gulch. - -The guilt of Moore and Reeves was fully established. This result was -foreseen by their friends; and while the trial was in progress they -sought by threats and ferocious gesticulations to intimidate the jury. -Gathering around the side of the enclosure occupied by the jury, they -kept up a continued conversation, the purport of which was that no -member of that court or jury would live a month if they dared to find -the prisoners guilty. Occasionally, their anger waxing hot, they would -draw their pistols and knives, and brandishing them in the faces of the -jurymen, utter filthy epithets, and bid them beware of their verdict. -Crawford was the object of their especial hate. Their abusive assaults -upon him and threats were so frequent and violent that at one time he -tendered his resignation and refused to serve, but upon the promise of -his friends to stand by and protect him he retained his position. The -case was given to the jury at about seven o’clock in the evening. A -friend of the prisoners in the court-room nominated me as foreman, but -upon my refusal to serve under that nomination I afterwards received the -appointment by a vote of my fellow-jurymen. - -[Illustration: - - JUDGE J. F. HOYT - - _Miners’ Judge at trial of Moore and Reeves_ -] - -The jury were occupied in their deliberations until after midnight. No -doubt was entertained, from the first, of the guilt of the prisoners, -but the exciting question was whether they could afford to declare it. -They all felt that to do so would be to announce their own death -sentence. They knew that the friends of the prisoners fully intended to -have life for life. They had sworn it. One of the jurymen said that the -prisoners ought never to have been tried by a jury, but in a miners’ -court, that he should not be governed in his decision by the merits of -the case, but that, as he had a family in the States to whom his -obligations were greater than to that community, he should have to vote -for acquittal. After much conversation of this sort, which only served -to intensify the fears of the jurymen, a vote was taken which resulted -as follows: not guilty, 11; guilty, 1; myself, the supposed friend of -the roughs, being the only one in favor of the death penalty. It was -apparent that further deliberation would not change this decision, and -the jury compromised by agreeing to a sentence of banishment, and a -confiscation of the property of the prisoners for the benefit of those -they had wounded. - -The court met the ensuing morning, when the verdict, under seal, was -handed to the judge. He opened and returned it to the foreman, with a -request that he read it aloud. An expression of blank astonishment sat -upon the face of every person in the room, which was followed by open -demonstrations of general dissatisfaction, by all but the roughs, who, -accustomed to outrages and long immunity, hailed it as a fresh -concession to their bloody and lawless authority. - -Mitchell returned to Bannack after a few days’ absence, which was -seemingly regarded as a full expiation of his sentence. A miners’ court -met soon after his return, and in view of the fact that his sentence was -not enforced, revoked the sentence of Moore and Reeves, who again -rejoined their fellow-miscreants. Thus the first scene in the drama, -which had been ushered in by such a bloody prologue, terminated in the -broadest farce. - -The trial of Moore and Reeves was one of the earliest instances in the -Territory where the lovers of law and order on one side, and the -criminal element on the other, were brought into open, public -antagonism. No one knew at that time which of the two was the stronger. -The roughs had full confidence in their power to run the affairs of the -Territory in their own way, and while the trial was progressing sought, -by brandishing their revolvers in the court-room, by much loud-mouthed -profanity, and by frequent interruptions and threats of vengeance -directed against the judge and jury, to intimidate and terrify all who -were concerned in conducting the proceedings, and arrest them in their -purpose. The life of Judge Hoyt, the acting magistrate of the occasion, -was often threatened; but he not only manifested no fear, but was all -the more active and efficient in the discharge of the duties of his -difficult position. Being the central figure in the court, his calmness -and firmness inspired all the other persons engaged in the prosecution -with courage equal to the occasion, while it daunted the roughs and -probably prevented bloodshed. - -Professor Thomas J. Dimsdale, in his account of this trial, says: “To -the delivery of this unfortunate verdict may be attributed the -ascendency of the roughs. They thought the people were afraid of them. -The pretext of the prisoners that the Indians had killed some whites, -friends of theirs, in 1849, while going to California, was accepted by -the majority of the jurors as some sort of justification:—but the truth -is, they were afraid of their lives, and, it must be confessed, not -without apparent reason.” - -Mr. Rheem, who defended the prisoners, says: “My conscience has more -than once pricked me for interposing between the rogues and the halter, -but I never believed till the last hour of their trial that they would -escape hanging.” - - - - - CHAPTER XVII - CRAWFORD AND PHLEGER - - -The banishment of Moore and Reeves was regarded by the roughs as an -encroachment upon the system they had adopted for the government of the -country. Long impunity had fostered in them the belief that the citizens -would not dare to question their power to do as they pleased. They held -a meeting, and it was quietly agreed among them that every active -participant in the late trial should be slain. The victims were -selected, the work deliberately planned, and each man allotted his part -in its performance. This wholesale scheme of vengeance was to be -effected secretly, or by provoking those at whom it was aimed into -sudden quarrel, and shooting them in assumed self-defence. Any course -more culpable would afford the assassin small chance of escaping the -vengeance of the law-abiding citizens. - -Plummer was the recognized chief of the murderous band. To him was -assigned the task of killing Crawford, who, as sheriff, had acted a -prominent part in the trial of the exiles. This task was rendered doubly -acceptable to Plummer, because he believed it would silence the tongue -of the only man in the country who had any knowledge of his guilty -career in California. One such person, in Cleveland, had already been -slain; but Plummer suspected that on his deathbed, Cleveland had told -Crawford everything. Crawford knew intuitively of Plummer’s suspicions, -and felt that his life was in danger. He was careful never to be -unarmed. His business, as the proprietor of a meat market, was one of -constant exposure. It rendered occasional journeys to Deer Lodge, where -he purchased cattle, necessary, and his trips to his ranche, several -miles from town, were also frequent. Outwardly, Plummer was friendly. -One of Crawford’s friends, Harry Phleger, confirmed his worst -suspicions, by telling him that he had seen Plummer near the market one -night, apparently on the watch for him. He had also noticed some -suspicious movements of Plummer and a rough, familiarly called “Old -Tex,”[3] which seemed to be directed against Crawford. - -Footnote 3: - - The “Old Tex” mentioned in this part of the history must not be - confounded with Boone Helm’s brother, who is mentioned under the same - cognomen in its earlier pages. “Old Tex” was a common _sobriquet_ in - the mountains for noted men who had spent a portion of their lives in - Texas. Almost every Territory has its respective “Buffalo Bill,” - “Whiskey Bill,” “Bed Rock Joe,” “Sour Dough Tom,” and “Old Tex.” - -Plummer soon saw that Crawford understood him, and that the only safe -method of executing his design was to provoke him into a quarrel. -Plummer was reputed to excel any man in the mountains in the use of a -pistol,—an accomplishment in which Crawford had no skill. Several little -incidents growing out of Crawford’s efforts to reimburse himself for the -expenses he had incurred in the care and burial of Cleveland, and in the -trial of Moore and Reeves, in which Plummer voluntarily intermingled, -discovered the deadly purpose of the latter. On one of these occasions, -believing that a quarrel could not be avoided, he was unexpectedly -confronted by five or six of Crawford’s friends with their hands on -their revolvers. His temper and courage cooled at once, and he sent -Crawford an apology, desiring to meet him as a friend. They shook hands -a few days after, and parted, seemingly on the best of terms. - -Anxious as Crawford was to be at peace, he was not deceived by this -offer of friendship. It was but a new move in the deadly game which -Plummer was playing for his life, and he knew it. A few days afterwards, -while conversing in a saloon, a rough-looking individual asked him, in -an impudent manner, what he was talking about. - -“None of your business,” replied Crawford. - -“I dare you,” replied the man, with an insulting epithet, “to fight me -with pistols.” - -Looking around, Crawford discovered Plummer among the listeners standing -near, and comprehended the situation in an instant. - -“You have the odds of me with a pistol,” said he. “Why should I fight -you?” - -“Well, then,” said the man, in a furious passion, “try it with your -fists. That will tell which is the best man.” - -Discovering that the man had no belt, Crawford unbuckled his own, and -laid his pistol on the bar. Following his challenger into a dark corner -of the room, he slapped him in the face. The man instantly drew from his -coat a revolver, but before he could aim it, Crawford seized him by the -throat and disarmed him. At this moment, Plummer joined the man in the -attack on Crawford, and the two wrested the pistol from him, and, but -for the timely interference of Harry Phleger, who came to Crawford’s -assistance and recovered possession of the pistol, Crawford would -probably have been shot. Crawford and Phleger then left the saloon. It -did not surprise Crawford, when told afterwards by the saloon-keeper, -that the design was to entrap him into an outdoor fight with pistols, -when Plummer was ready, with his friends, to shoot him as soon as the -battle commenced. - -This assault did not disturb Plummer’s affected friendship for Crawford. -Learning a few days afterwards that the latter was going to Deer Lodge -for cattle, Plummer on the first opportunity told him that he should -start for Fort Benton the next morning. Crawford knew that this was -offered as an explanation in advance for his absence, and to throw him -off his guard in the trip he contemplated making after cattle. He -replied at once, - -“Wait a day or two and I’ll accompany you part way.” - -“No,” said Plummer, “my business is urgent.” Plummer left the next -morning, accompanied by George Carrhart. Crawford found it convenient to -be detained by private business, and sent his butcher in his stead, who -met Plummer at the crossing of Big Hole River, and that worthy, upon -being informed that Crawford was not going to Deer Lodge, returned to -Bannack. Crawford was afterwards told that Plummer had made three -efforts at different times to waylay and murder him on the road to Deer -Lodge. - -Among other devices employed, Plummer sought through his associates to -accomplish the death of Crawford. He sent a notorious rough known as -Bill Hunter, to engage him in a quarrel and shoot him. Hunter, meeting -Crawford, told him he had something against him. - -“If you want anything of me,” said Crawford, with the emphasis of his -hand upon his pistol, “you can get it right straight along.” - -Seeing that he would probably be killed before he could draw his pistol, -or, in the sententious phrase of the country, that he could not “get the -drop on him,” Hunter left, discomfited by Crawford’s bravery. - -The next Sunday while Crawford and George Perkins were in conversation, -in one of the saloons, Plummer came in, seemingly in great anger. - -“George,” said he, addressing Perkins, “there’s a little matter between -you and Crawford in which I am concerned, that’s got to be settled.” - -“Well, I can’t imagine what it can be,” Crawford laughingly replied. -“I’m not aware of having said or done anything concerning you, that -should excite your anger or call for a settlement.” - -“Oh, you needn’t laugh,” responded Plummer with an oath. “It’s got to be -settled.” Turning to Perkins he continued, “You and Crawford have been -telling around through the camp, that I was trying to court the squaw -Catherine.” Then applying to Perkins a disgraceful epithet, he said, -“You are a coward. I can whip you and Hank Crawford both, and if you are -anything of a man, you will just step out of doors and fight me.” - -“I am, as you say,” said Perkins, “a coward, and no fighting man when -I’ve got nothing to fight for. I would not go out of doors to fight with -anybody.” - -“Crawford won’t admit that,” said Plummer, “and if you refuse the -challenge, I ask the same satisfaction of him. Let him go out with me if -he dares.” - -“Plummer,” replied Crawford, “I neither know what cause there is for -fighting you, nor why I should fear to go out of doors on your -challenge. I do not believe that one man was made to scare another.” - -“Come on, then,” said Plummer, passing into the street, closely followed -by Crawford. When they had walked a few steps, - -“Now pull your pistol,” said Plummer. - -Crawford was standing close beside Plummer. - -“I’ll pull no pistol,” he replied. “I never pulled a pistol on a man -yet, and you’ll not be the first.” - -“Pull your pistol,” persisted Plummer. “You may draw it and cock it, and -I’ll not go for mine until you have done so, and uttered the word to -fire.” - -“I’m no pistol shot,” said Crawford, “and you know it,—and you wouldn’t -make me a proposition of this kind if you hadn’t the advantage.” - -“Pull your pistol,” retorted Plummer, with an oath, “and fight me like a -man, or I’ll give you but two hours to live, and then I’ll shoot you -down like a dog.” - -“If that’s your game, Plummer,” said Crawford laying his hand on his -shoulder, and looking him steadily in the eye, “the quicker you do it, -the worse for you. I’ll present you a fair target.” - -Turning upon his heel Crawford walked deliberately away, well knowing -that fear of consequences would prevent Plummer from firing at him, -without some plausible excuse. This conversation occurred at a late hour -in the afternoon. Harry Phleger came into town early in the evening. -Crawford sent a message to him, requesting him to come at once to -Peabody’s saloon. As he entered, Crawford told him that Plummer had -given him two hours to live, and the time had nearly expired. - -“I expect,” said Crawford, “he will keep his word.” - -“If he attempts it,” replied Phleger, “we will try and give him as good -as he sends. It’s clever at any rate to inform one of his intentions. He -will expect you to be prepared.” - -In a few minutes five or six men, armed with revolvers, entered the -saloon, followed by Plummer. He had remained long enough outside to -deposit a double-barrelled gun over the door. “Deaf Dick,” who -accompanied the crowd, was unarmed. - -“Come on, boys,” said Phleger, “let’s take a drink.” - -All stepped back in refusal of the invitation. - -“Well, Dick,” said Crawford, addressing him in a key that he could hear, -“you’ll drink anyhow.” - -“Not I,” said Dick with an oath. “I drink with no coward such as you -have proved yourself to be by refusing to fight Plummer.” - -“You’re the wrong man to brand me as a coward, at any rate,” said -Crawford, advancing toward him as if with the intention of striking. - -Plummer at once stepped up and handed Dick his revolver, and the crowd -gathered around him and Crawford. Phleger drew his pistol, and Crawford -said to him, - -“Harry, I suppose these men have come to kill me. You are my only -friend, and I’ll make you a present of my six-shooter. I suppose I’ve -got to die.” - -“Who will kill you?” asked Phleger. - -“Plummer, I suppose. He threatened it,” was the reply. - -“Not a man here dare shoot you,” said Phleger, at the same time looking -around upon the crowd, and characterizing it by a degrading epithet. - -Plummer at this jumped forward, and seizing Phleger’s revolver, tried to -wrest it from him. In the grapple Plummer was thrown, when Phleger -drawing another pistol from his belt, presented both ready cocked to the -crowd, which was now pressing threateningly towards him, and calling to -Crawford, said, - -“Come on, Hank, let’s get out of this,” and both backed out into the -street facing their assailants, who did not follow them. - -Phleger and Crawford started for the lodgings of the latter, passing on -the way the meat market, where they were joined by Johnny Shepard and -another man, who, taking all the arms they could find, went with them. -As soon as they arrived at the room, Crawford, completely unnerved, lay -down and cried himself to sleep. Phleger was made of sterner stuff, and -watched all night. Some one rapped at the door at midnight, but was told -by Phleger that if he attempted to enter, he would shoot him “on sight.” - -On the morning of the second day after this occurrence, Plummer came up -the street, gun in hand, peeping by the way into the saloons and market -for Crawford. Not finding him, he assumed a watchful attitude, and stood -leaning on his gun, twenty steps distant from the door of the market. -Crawford not appearing, after half an hour he walked on with “Deaf Dick” -to Phleger’s room. Phleger met him at the door, and invited him in. - -“No,” said Plummer, “you’ve set yourself up for a game-cock, and to let -you know that I hold you in no fear, I’ve come up to give you a chance -to display your skill. Get your gun and we’ll try an exchange of shots -at ten paces.” This invitation was interlarded with the usual complement -of oaths and epithets. Harry felt the abuse of Plummer keenly, but knew -too well his skill with fire-arms to consent to the murderous -proposition. - -“No, thank you, Plummer,” he replied, laughing, “I’m not looking around -for any one to shoot this morning, and have no special regard for any -one who is. If you are, and you really want to shoot, you’d better turn -loose.” - -It so happened that at the time of this conversation, Crawford, armed -for the purpose, was searching for Plummer, with the intention of -shooting him. As is usual on all such occasions, friends interfered to -prevent a collision, but Crawford, believing that either he or Plummer -must die on their next meeting, gave no heed to their advice. When this -was understood by Plummer’s friends, they resorted to various devices to -throw Crawford off his guard. At one time they told him that Plummer was -about to leave town. This only made him the more watchful. Plummer, -meantime, was careful to have one or more friends constantly in his -company, so that Crawford could not fire at him without endangering the -lives of others. This situation of affairs between the two men continued -for several days. The entire community was prepared to hear of the death -of one or both at any moment, and each was now encouraged in his purpose -by his friends. Plummer was frequently seen near the butcher shop, but -never alone. He finally disappeared, and sent a friend to Crawford with -the proposition that they should drop all hostile intentions and meet as -strangers. - -“Tell Plummer,” said Crawford, “that the trick is too shallow. I know -him. His word of honor, so repeatedly broken, I regard no more than the -wind. He or I must die or leave the camp.” - -Soon after this, one of Crawford’s friends discovered that Plummer and -his friends had laid a plan to shoot him in his own doorway, under cover -of a house directly opposite, and told Crawford of it. While Crawford -was on the lookout, a woman living in a cabin in the rear of the Bannack -Restaurant called to him to come and get a cup of coffee. While he was -drinking it, Frank Ray approached him, and telling him that Plummer was -searching for him, placed in his hands Buz Cavan’s double-barrelled -rifle. At this moment, Plummer, armed with a similar weapon, came up on -the opposite side of the street, and stopping in front of the door, with -one foot elevated and resting upon a spoke of a wagon-wheel, placed his -rifle across his knee, his right fore-arm lying horizontally along the -stock, which he grasped as if prepared to fire at a moment’s notice. -Crawford’s friends urged him to improve that opportunity to shoot him. -He went out quickly, and resting the rifle across a log projecting from -the corner of the cabin, shot Plummer in the right arm, the ball -entering at the elbow, and lodging in the wrist. - -“Fire away, you cowardly ruffian,” shouted Plummer, straightening -himself and facing Crawford. - -Crawford fired a second time, but the ball missed; and Plummer walked -down to his cabin, carrying his gun, and followed by several of his -friends. - -Crawford knew that Plummer’s friends would kill him, unless he outwitted -them on his escape from the country. He left for Fort Benton -immediately, travelling the entire distance of two hundred and eighty -miles by a trail that only those who had passed over it could trace. He -was followed by three roughs, but arrived at the Fort in advance of -them, where he was protected by Mr. Dawson, the factor at the post. He -remained there until spring, and then took passage on a Mackinaw boat to -the States. - -Crawford’s friends, and the miners generally, who had regarded this -quarrel as a personal difficulty between him and Plummer, rejoiced at -his escape. It had terminated injuriously, as they felt, to the party -who was most in fault, and they were glad the result was no worse. Few -knew or ever suspected that it had any deeper origin than the frequent -collisions incident to Crawford’s attendance upon Cleveland, after he -was shot, and his action as sheriff at the trial of Moore and Reeves. -Had it been understood at this time that the roughs had not only decreed -the death of Crawford, but of every other man who participated in that -trial, the people would have placed themselves on a war footing, and -organized themselves to resist the encroachments of the ruffians, which -finally left them no other alternative. So fully did they carry out -their avowed purposes, that, within five months after the trial, not -more than seven of the twenty-seven men who participated in it as judge, -prosecutor, sheriff, witnesses, and jurors, were left alive in the -Territory. Eight or nine are known to have been killed by some of the -band, and others fled to avoid a like fate. - -Plummer’s wound was very severe. The ball entered at the elbow. Passing -down the arm, it broke each bone in two places. Dr. Glick, the surgeon -in attendance upon him, after a careful examination of the wound, was of -the opinion that amputation of the member alone could save his life. The -ball could not be found, and the arm swelled to thrice its natural size, -and the passage made by the ball was filled for its entire length with -bony spiculæ. - -Plummer had in a previous affray lost the ready use of his other hand, -and knowing that the loss of this arm would necessarily deprive him of -his position of chief among the roughs, and that his life depended upon -his skill in drawing his revolver,—as he had numerous enemies, who would -endeavor to kill him but for the advantage which this skill gave -him,—declared that he might as well die as lose his arm. He peremptorily -refused to consent to the operation, but insisted that the ball must be -found and removed. - -Dr. Glick, who was highly accomplished in surgery, explained to him the -danger of such an operation, but Plummer said he would rather die in the -effort to cure the arm than live without it. With great reluctance, and -little faith in his ability to save the arm, the doctor undertook the -thankless task, and made preparations to operate accordingly. When the -arm was bared, and the doctor was about to commence, Old Tex and Bill -Hunter entered the room, the latter armed with a double-barrelled -shotgun. - -“I just thought,” said he to the doctor, “that I’d tell you that if you -cut an artery, or Plummer dies from the operation you are going to -perform, I’m going to shoot the top of your head off.” - -The operation was successfully performed, and a large amount of spiculæ -and disorganized tissue removed,—but the bullet could not be found. For -several days the result was uncertain. Dr. Glick gave to the wound, -which was terribly inflamed, his unremitting attention. He had incurred -the hatred of Plummer’s friends because of his active support of law and -order. They pretended to believe that he did not wish for Plummer’s -recovery, and told him that they would hold him responsible with his -life, for the safety of his patient. What was to be done? Escape from -the country in the midst of an inclement season seemed impossible. In -order to effect it, he must follow Crawford over an unknown trail to -Fort Benton or go to Bitter Root Valley, or run the gantlet of the -hostile Indians at Bear River over a route of four hundred miles to Salt -Lake. Plummer’s wound was daily getting worse. The doctor, well knowing -that the ruffians would put their threat into execution, prepared for -his escape. Suspecting his intention, the friends of Plummer kept a -close watch upon him. Despite their vigilance, however, a trusty friend -secured his horse, saddled and bridled, in the bushes behind his cabin -on the night that the crisis in the inflammation arrived. The doctor -instructed Plummer’s attendants to awaken him, in order that he might -make his escape, if the swelling did not begin to abate by midnight, and -lay down, booted and spurred, to get a little rest. But the favorable -change which took place, while it saved to Montana one of her best -citizens in Dr. Glick, lengthened out for a darker fate than that which -had threatened it, the guilty life of Henry Plummer. - -Dr. Glick came to Bannack with a party of emigrants, of which he was -captain, in 1862. The company were bound for Salmon River, but were -arrested in their progress by the reputed richness of the Grasshopper -mines. Glick had lost a handsome property in the early part of the war, -and came to the gold mines to replenish his broken fortunes. He was -accomplished in his profession, especially in surgery, and was the only -physician in practice who had the confidence of the people,—Dr. Leavitt, -also an able practitioner, being, at the time, engaged in mining. - -His services were in almost daily demand by the road agents, to dress -wounds received in broils among themselves, or while engaged in the -commission of robbery. It was impossible, from his frequent contact with -them, and the circumstances with which ofttimes he found them -surrounded, for him to avoid a knowledge of their guilty enterprises. -But he neither dared to decline to serve them, nor to divulge their -villainy, well knowing that in either case, he would fall a victim to -that summary vengeance, so promptly and fearlessly exercised in the case -of Dillingham. He foresaw also, that a time must come when all the -guilty misdeeds which he had been obliged to conceal, would be revealed, -and that then the lovers of law and order would suspect the integrity of -his motives, and possibly class him among the men of whom he justly -stood so much in fear. But there was no remedy. He knew that his actions -were narrowly watched, and that a word or glance indicating his -suspicions would cost him his life. It was a happy day for him when, by -the death of Plummer, his lips were unsealed. - -The robbers, in other instances than the one recorded of his attendance -upon Plummer, were in the habit of using threats to control the doctor’s -conduct. On one occasion in July, 1863, Plummer invited him to accompany -him on a horseback excursion to his ranche on the Rattlesnake. Finding -no one at the cabin on their arrival, Plummer asked the doctor to go -with him down the creek and pick some berries. They soon came upon a -large clump of birch bushes. Pulling them aside, Plummer disclosed an -open space cut within the clump, in which were seated several men, -seeing whom Glick drew back, but was told by Plummer to come in. He -entered, and found himself amid five or six men with masked or blackened -faces, of whom he recognized Moore and Billy Terwiliger. The latter was -lying on a blanket, wounded in the leg by a bullet received in some -affray. - -After dressing the wound, the doctor started with Plummer on the return -to Bannack. While crossing the plateau between Rattlesnake and Bannack, -Plummer suddenly wheeled in front of the doctor, and, cocking his -pistol, thrust it into his face, saying, - -“Now you know all. These are my men. I’m their chief. If you ever -breathe a word of what you’ve seen, I’ll murder you.” - -Under this kind of surveillance, the doctor lived until the robber band -was destroyed. His discretion, only equalled by his kindness of heart, -saved both his life from destruction by the robbers, and his good name -from the public odium of the people. Montana has had no worthier or more -useful citizen. - -Henry Plummer was a man of wonderful executive ability. He was well -educated. In stature he was about five feet ten inches, and in weight, -one hundred and sixty pounds. His forehead was partially concealed by -the rim of the hat which he rarely removed from his head, and his eyes -were mild and expressive. In demeanor he was quiet and modest, free from -swagger and bluster, dignified and graceful. He was intelligent and -brilliant in conversation, a good judge of men, and his manners were -those of a polished gentleman. To his enemies his magnanimity was more -seeming than real. He always proffered them the advantage in drawing the -pistol, but he knew that the instance would be very rare, where, even -thus favored, his antagonist could anticipate him in its deadly use. - -Hon. Wm. C. Rheem, in a letter to the Helena (Montana) _Herald_, writes -of Henry Plummer as follows: - - “I remember Plummer very well. He was frequently in my cabin, and I - often came in contact with him while he was exercising the office of - sheriff. His form and face were familiar to the first settlers in - Bannack. He was about five feet eleven inches in height, and weighed - a hundred and fifty pounds. He was straight, slender, spare, agile, - and what Western men call withy. He was a quiet man and talked but - little; when he did speak, it was always in a low tone and with a - good choice of language. He never grew boisterous, even in his cups, - and no impulse of anger or surprise ever raised his voice above that - of wary monotone. His countenance was in perfect keeping with his - utterance. Both were under the same vigilant command. If one was - like the low, continuous purr of the crouching tiger, the muscles of - the other were as rigid as those of the beast before he springs. - Affection, fear, hate, grief, remorse, or any passion or emotion, - found no expression in his immovable face. No color ever flushed his - cheeks. With mobile and expressive features, he would have been - handsome—all except the forehead; this, with the conformation of the - skull, betrayed the murderer, and Plummer knew it. The observer - beheld a well-cut mouth, indicating decision, firmness, and - intelligence; but not a line expressive of sensuality; a straight - nose and well-shaped chin, and cheeks rather narrow and fleshless, - still, in their outlines, not unhandsome. But one might as well have - looked into the eyes of the dead for some token of a human soul as - to have sought it in the light gray orbs of Plummer. Their cold, - glassy stare defied inquisition. They seemed to be gazing through - you at some object beyond, as though you were transparent. While - other men laughed or pitied or threatened with their eyes, his had - the same half-vacant stare, no matter how moving the story or tragic - the spectacle. - - “I have said that Plummer knew he had a bad front: he therefore kept - it jealously covered with the turn-down rim of his slouch hat. When - not in the mood or act of slaughter or rapine, his politeness was - notable and well timed in demonstration. He understood the formulas - of courtesy, but the one of uncovering his head he failed to - observe.” - -An examination of Plummer’s arm after his death, disclosed the fact that -the lower fracture of the radius never united, but formed a false joint. -The bullet passed into the marrow of the lower end of the bone, and was -stopped in its progress by the bones of the hand. From subsequent use of -the hand, while Plummer was sheriff, the bullet became worn as smooth as -polished silver. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII - BROADWATER’S STRATAGEM - - -After sentence of banishment was pronounced upon them, Moore and Reeves -went to the mining camp in Deer Lodge Valley, located near the present -site of Deer Lodge City. Messrs. Broadwater and Pemberton, two young men -who had come into the Territory a few weeks before, had selected this -spot as an eligible location for a town, and were engaged in laying it -out at the time the guilty exiles arrived. They had already erected two -cabins, one of which they occupied, the other being vacant. It was the -middle of February, and the weather was intensely cold. Moore and Reeves -made their camp in a clump of willows upon the bank of the Deer Lodge -River. With no better protection than their blankets against the wintry -blasts which swept down the valley and the frequent storms that gathered -in the lofty ranges overhanging it, and with no food except beef and -coffee, these men suffered severely. Moore soon fell sick of mountain -fever, and would probably have died had not Broadwater caused his -removal to the vacant cabin, and supplied him with food and medicines -necessary to his recovery. Soon after he had sufficiently recovered to -leave his bed, a messenger from Bannack brought the intelligence that -the miners, at a recent meeting, had revoked the sentence of banishment -against him and Reeves, and that they were at liberty to return. During -his illness the Indians had stolen Moore’s horse. Broadwater placed one -at his disposal and Moore rejoined his comrades at Bannack. - -In the following spring, Broadwater engaged in the cattle -business,—buying in Deer Lodge and selling his herds at Bannack. The -proceeds of these sales often amounted to thousands of dollars in gold -dust. On one of these occasions he was preparing to return to Deer Lodge -with six thousand dollars in gold. Moore called upon him, with a request -for a few moments’ confidential conversation. - -“Make a free breast of anything you have to communicate,” said -Broadwater. “I will listen and be silent.” - -“It’s for your own safety, Broad,” replied Moore, “and there is not -another man in the country for whom I’d take the risk; but you were my -friend when I needed friendship: you saved my life, gave me food and -shelter and care; and I can never forget to be grateful—but you must -pledge your honor not to betray me.” - -“Freely, freely, Moore; I would lose my life first.” - -“Then,” said Moore, “I give you friendly warning that there is a band of -road agents here, that know of your having received a large quantity of -gold dust during the past three days. They are informed of the time of -your intended departure for Deer Lodge, and intend to waylay and murder -you on the way, and corral your gold. You are ‘spotted’ for slaughter. -My advice to you is to leave town secretly, and to be constantly on your -guard, and under no circumstances let _any_ one, not even your most -intimate friend, know when you will leave.” - -“I intended going to-morrow morning,” replied Broadwater, “but if -matters are as you tell me, I think I’ll start to-night.” - -At this Moore exclaimed, “Why, you fool! there you go, shooting off your -mouth to me the first thing. Didn’t I caution you not to tell _any one_? -And in less than a minute you tell me just what you’re going to do.” - -It would be curious to know by what system of ethics Moore was governed -in this strange admonition; whether it was to impress upon Broadwater -the necessity of a caution which should withhold confidence even from -the person who warned him of a danger, or whether there was a conflict -between gratitude to Broadwater and fidelity to his confederates. It is -not improbable that he was bound by strong obligations to communicate to -his associates the very information which Broadwater had given him. - -Satisfied that Moore belonged to the gang, yet confiding in the -truthfulness of his disclosure, Broadwater mounted his horse early in -the evening, and at two o’clock the next morning was at the crossing of -the Big Hole River. There he intended to rest, but fearful that his -horse might be stolen by some Pend d’Oreille Indians camped near, he -rode on, six miles, to Willow Creek. Fastening the lariat firmly to his -wrist, and relying upon the sagacity of his horse to warn him of the -approach of any of his red neighbors, he lay down upon the grass, and -fell asleep. An hour before daylight he was aroused by a sudden plunge -and snort of his horse, which, with braced feet, was gazing intently at -a patch of wild rye growing near. He retained his prostrate position, -and, with his eyes riveted in the same direction, and his faithful -revolver grasped ready for use, quietly awaited further developments. At -length a slowly creeping object became dimly visible in the morning -twilight. He delayed no longer, but taking deliberate aim, fired. -Instantly an Indian rose above the rye stalks, and with a fearful yell, -sped away into darkness. More frightened than the redskin, whom he -afterwards learned he had severely wounded, he mounted his horse with -the least possible delay, and hurried away from the dangerous -neighborhood. - -His route now lay directly over the main range of the Rocky Mountains, -by a pass whose ascent and descent are so imperceptible, that persons -unacquainted with its peculiarities can never determine where the one -ends, or the other begins. It is covered with bunch-grass for its entire -distance, and its very summit is crowned with one of the finest cattle -ranges in the mountains. The waters of the creek, flowing naturally -along its summit down its eastern slope to the Big Hole River, are -carried by ditches and races over its western slope, for mining -purposes, into the beautiful valley of the Deer Lodge, thus contributing -to swell on the one side the volume of the Missouri, and on the other, -that of the Columbia. The broad savannas which spread away on either -side of this remarkable passage lend enchantment to a shifting and -ever-varying scene of mountain beauties not excelled upon the continent. - -Just before daylight, Broadwater began to descend the declivity at whose -foot flowed one of the forming streams of the Deer Lodge River. Glimpses -of the valley could be obtained at every bend in the tortuous road. Day -was just breaking, and the perpetual snow on the distant peak of Mount -Powell shone dimly through the haze. He was congratulating himself that -the dangers of his trip were over, and he could complete it by a -leisurely ride through one of the most delightful valleys in the world. -These thoughts received a sudden check when, turning an abrupt angle in -the road, he saw, seated by a camp-fire, the very persons, as he then -felt, against whom Moore had warned. One of them, George Ives, was -regarded as the most daring ruffian in the mountains; the other, Johnny -Cooper, was known to be one of his chosen associates. They manifested -great surprise at his approach. The quick eye of Broadwater took in all -the advantages of the situation. He saw their horses feeding upon the -foothills, two or three miles away, and knew if he had been expected so -soon, they would have been saddled and ready for pursuit. They hailed -him as he passed, urged him to wait until they could get their horses, -and they would accompany him, telling him that as the road agents were -abroad, it would be safer for him to do so. He replied that he was in a -hurry, and as his horse was jaded with travel, they would soon overtake -him,—and rode slowly on. To allay suspicion, he alighted from his horse -and led him slowly up a steep hill, looking back when under way to the -top, and calling to them, - -“Get up your horses: you can overtake me over the hill.” - -The horse, which was greatly fatigued, was favored by this device. -Broadwater felt all the peril of his situation, and knew that nothing -but coolness and decision could save him. He was twenty miles from the -second crossing of the Deer Lodge, where a Frenchman by the name of -David Contway was living with his Indian wife, preparing to take up a -ranche. This was the nearest place of safety. Casting another glance at -the freebooters, he saw, as he passed over the summit of the hill, that -they were making active preparations to pursue him. There was no time to -be lost. It was to be a race for life, and his chances for escape -depended upon the advantage he could win during the brief period his -pursuers would require in getting ready to start. As soon as he was lost -to their sight he remounted his horse, and, spurring him to his utmost -speed, descended into the broad open valley. His course now lay over a -level plain denuded of trees, and rank with prairie vegetation. Every -movement he made within any attainable distance, he knew would be seen -by the men who were on his track. The clumps of willow which defined the -course of the river were too small to afford even temporary shelter. His -horse, liable at any moment to give out, obeyed the urgency of the -occasion, under whip and spur, with great reluctance. But his rider kept -him up to his speed, more than once inclined to diverge from the trail -toward the pine forest, which covered the foothills, four or five miles -distant, on either side of the valley, and seek a covert there. When -half the distance had been travelled, he looked back, and amid a cloud -of dust, less than three miles away, he saw the robbers in pursuit, -seemingly gaining rapidly upon him. His poor, panting steed, whose sides -were bleeding from the frequent lacerations of the spur, seemed on the -point of exhaustion, and the thirty pounds of gold dust strapped to his -person bore with terrible weight upon him. But there was no time to -calculate any other chance for escape, than that of reaching the goal. -On and on he spurred the jaded animal, often casting furtive glances -back at the approaching death, and expecting at every turn in the trail -to feel the fatal bullet. At length the little lodge of Contway peered -above the willows. The horse renewed his vigor at the sight. The -hurrying tramp of the pursuers was heard in the rear. A last and -desperate effort was made to urge the horse to greater speed, and he -dashed up to the door, falling, on his arrival, with complete -exhaustion. He was ruined,—but he had saved the life of his master. Ives -and Cooper, less than fifty rods behind, reined their horses to a walk, -and rode slowly up, while Broadwater was removing the saddle from his -broken-down animal. Their horses were foaming with perspiration. - -“Well, you beat us on the ride,” said Ives, addressing Broadwater. - -“Yes,” replied Broadwater, “you must have had trouble in catching your -horses. I travelled slowly at first, but as you didn’t come up, and I -was anxious to get through, I afterwards hurried.” - -The coolness of this colloquy betrayed to neither party what was passing -in the mind of the other. - -The horses were all turned out upon the adjacent hills, and the three -men shared alike the hospitality of Contway. But the race was only half -finished. Twenty miles of distance intervened between Contway’s and Deer -Lodge, and how to pass over it, and escape with life, was the momentous -question for Broadwater to solve. As a measurement of wit between -himself and the ruffians, it involved consequences too important for any -pride in the strife. It was simply a matter of life or death with him, -with the added certainty that the smallest mistake in his calculations -would end in the latter. He knew that in Contway’s herd was one of the -fleetest horses in the Territory. Unobserved by his pursuers, he -contrived to inform Contway of his situation, and found him ready to -assist in his escape by all means in his power. - -“Go and saddle Charley,” said Broadwater, “and bring him up, on the -pretence that you are going after your cows. Do it immediately; and -after he is hitched, I will ask you, in the presence of these men, for -permission to ride him to Deer Lodge. With your assent, reluctantly -given, I will mount and ride away, while their horses are grazing on the -foothills.” - -“Zat is all ver’ goot,” replied Contway. “By Gar, you have got him fixed -all right”—and away he went, returning in a quarter of an hour, mounted -on a horse of great strength and beauty. Hitching him in front of his -lodge, he made the remark that his cows had been missing for a day or -two, and he must go in pursuit of them. - -“Ho! Contway,” said Broadwater, “that is the very horse I want to -complete my trip. My own is broken down, and I will leave him in your -care, and return this one to you by the first opportunity.” - -“By Gar, I don’t know,” replied Contway: “zat horse is great favorite. I -would not have him hurt for anything.” - -“But I’ll pay you well,” said Broadwater. “I’m in a great hurry to get -home. Let me take him,—that’s a good fellow. If I hurt him, I’ll pay you -your own price.” - -“You say zat here, before zese men. Zey will remember, and on zose -conditions you may take ze horse.” - -It was but the work of a moment for Broadwater to change saddles and -mount. - -“Hold on, Broad,” said Ives. “This is no way to leave a fellow. Wait -till we get up our horses, and we’ll all ride on together. It’ll be more -sociable.” - -“Should be glad to do so, George, but it is of the utmost importance -that I reach Deer Lodge as soon as possible. I cannot wait; but if you -will get up your horses, and ride fast enough, you’ll overtake me.” - -So saying, Broadwater put spurs to his horse, and rode the twenty miles -at a double-quick pace, arriving at Deer Lodge a little after two -o’clock, completing the entire trip of one hundred and seven miles from -Bannack to Deer Lodge, including stoppages, in eighteen hours. Ives and -Cooper, finding themselves outwitted, followed leisurely, arriving early -in the evening. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX - ORGANIZATION OF THE ROUGHS - - -While recovering from his wound, Plummer, by constant practice, had -acquired an expertness in the use of the pistol with his left hand, -nearly equal to that of which Crawford’s shot had deprived him. Crawford -being out of his way, he was not satisfied that the quarrel which had -terminated so injuriously to him should be propitiated without redress. -He accordingly selected Phleger for a victim. With every outward -demonstration of friendship, he would, whenever they met, press him to -drink, or to an interchange of such other civilities as would bring them -together, and afford opportunity or pretence for sudden quarrel. Phleger -never accepted any of these invitations, without his hand upon his -pistol. Plummer, often, when in company with Phleger, would make an -ostentatious display of his regard for him. “Once,” said he, “Harry, I -would have killed you; but I could not now, when I think matters all -over, find it in my nature to injure any true man, who would stand by -another as you did by Crawford.” Phleger could not be flattered by these -honeyed words, even into momentary forgetfulness of the diabolical -motives which prompted them. He maintained a quiet but unmistakable -attitude of defence. He was freighting at this time, and had several -teamsters in his employ. - -“If,” said he to them, “Plummer or any of his associates come for me, -and I make the first shot and you fail to make the second, I’ll shoot -you. Just remember that.” - -On one occasion, Plummer, as if for an excuse to draw his pistol, -commenced talking of its merits to Phleger, who also drew his upon the -instant. In the course of the conversation, Plummer, while illustrating -some quality of the weapon, pointed it directly at Phleger; but when he -saw the muzzle of Phleger’s at the same moment directed at his heart, he -took the hint, sheathed his pistol, and departed. Phleger was not -afterwards troubled with his attentions. - -A miner by the name of Ellis, who had given important testimony against -Moore and Reeves, by whom he was wounded in the _mêlée_ which resulted -in the death of Cazette, was next singled out for slaughter. He owned a -mining claim in the gulch, which he was working with the hope of -speedily acquiring means to take him from the country. Cyrus Skinner, a -noted ruffian, assaulted him while on his way to the claim, and beat him -unmercifully. He left him with the assurance that if he ever saw him in -the town he would kill him. Through fear that he or some of his -associates would execute this threat, he used to steal out of his cabin -and go to his work by an old game trail over the spur of the mountain, -to escape observation. But his steps were dogged. He could not move in -any direction without a rough upon his track, watching for an -opportunity to shoot him. His life was rendered miserable by the -conviction that he was liable at any moment to secret assassination. -Resolved to escape if possible, he left for Fort Benton. The roughs soon -discovered his absence, and sent three or four of their number in -pursuit of him. He foiled them by turning from the main trail into an -unexplored region. After several days he reached the Missouri River -below Benton, where he constructed a wigwam in which he dwelt, -subsisting upon roots, berries, and the remnants of his provisions, -until the Mackinaw boats descended the river from Fort Benton in the -spring. Hailing one of them he was taken on board, and returned in -safety to the States. - -The writer of this history was early marked for summary retaliation. I -had disappointed the expectations of the roughs at the trial of Moore -and Reeves, by voting for the death penalty, after having supported -their demand for a jury. They made no secret of their threats against my -life, and that of my friend, Judge Walter B. Dance. We never went to our -claims without a loaded gun and a revolver. Dance, being a man of great -physical strength, and courage to match, was not one to be easily -frightened. In personal contest he would have proved more than a match -for the strongest of his enemies. On one occasion, when Judge Dance and -I were quietly walking down the street, we saw Plummer approaching. -Dance drew a small bowie-knife, and picking up a stick, commenced -whittling. Plummer came up, and casting a suspicious glance at the -knife, asked, - -“Judge, why do you always begin to whittle when you meet me?” - -The answer, accompanied by a look of blended sternness and indignation, -came promptly, - -“Because, sir, I never intend that you shall get the advantage of me. -You know my opinion of you and your friends. I will not be shot down -like a dog by any of you, if I can help it.” - -The roughs held Dance in great fear. To those qualities I have -mentioned, he added remarkable force of character. He was bold and -fearless in his expression of opinion, and they well understood that no -man in the settlement could wield a stronger influence over the minds of -the community, in support of law and order, and the prompt punishment of -crime. - -Moore and Reeves had now returned. The storm of indignation, which had -driven them out, was succeeded by a calm of sluggish incertitude. The -prominent actors in that event, abandoned by those upon whose support -they had depended, were obliged to protect themselves as best they could -against the persecutions and bloody designs of their vindictive enemies. -No true spirit of reform had yet animated the people. When appealed to -for combination and resistance to the fearful power now growing into an -absolute and bloody dictatorship, they based their refusal upon selfish -and personal considerations. They could not act without endangering -their lives. They intended to leave the country as soon as their claims -were worked out. They would be driven from their claims, and robbed of -all they had taken from them, if they engaged in any active opposition -to the roughs; whereas, if they remained passive, and attended to their -own business, there was a chance for them to take their money back to -their families. It was impossible to assemble a meeting for the purpose -of considering and discussing, with safety, the condition and exposure -of the people. - -Meantime the roughs were thoroughly organized, and were carrying out -their plans for wholesale plunder in every direction. Every day added to -the number and magnitude of their depredations. The Walla Walla express -had been robbed, as it afterwards appeared, by Plummer’s direction. An -attempt to rob the store of Higgins and Worden at Missoula would have -succeeded, had not the merchants been apprised of it, in time to conceal -their gold. - -A man by the name of Davenport, who, it was known to the roughs, had a -little money in Bannack, left with his wife, intending to go to Benton, -and thence by steamboat to the States. They stopped to lunch at the -springs between Bannack and Rattlesnake. A man whose face was concealed, -came from behind a pile of rocks standing near, drew a revolver, and -presenting it, demanded their money. - -[Illustration: - - JUDGE WALTER B. DANCE - - _Miners’ Judge at Bannack_ -] - -Mrs. Davenport asked, - -“Who are you?” - -He replied, “The Robber of the Glen.” - -“Oh!” she said inquiringly, “are you Johnny Glenn?” - -“No,” he answered, “I’m the Robber of the Glen, and want your money.” - -Mrs. Davenport surrendered the three purses containing the money, -together with her gold watch, remarking as she did so, that two of the -purses and the watch belonged to her. With much gallantry of manner the -robber restored them to her immediately, retaining only the single purse -belonging to her husband. The plundered couple then proceeded to Benton, -and Mrs. Davenport secured an early passage to the States. They never -knew who the robber was. - -While confined with his wound, Plummer repeatedly asked permission of -Doctor Glick to take a ride on horseback. The necessity for quiet while -the wound was healing obliged the doctor invariably to refuse him. One -morning he called as usual to see how the cure was progressing, and -Plummer was not at home. The doctor supposed he had gone out into the -town, and at a later hour called, and, on examination of the wound, was -satisfied that he had been taking violent exercise. On questioning him, -Plummer, who knew that the doctor dared not betray him, told him of the -robbery of Davenport, which he had that day committed. - -The robbers next broke into and rifled a bakery belonging to one Le -Grau, a Frenchman, who lived on a back street in Bannack. Preparations -were made for burning the house, but the design was not carried out. - -While atrocities like these were daily increasing, a reign of terror -more fearful in character and results pervaded the settlement. Every -man’s life was endangered by the free and reckless use of fire-arms. The -crack of pistols and guns, which weapons were always the first resort of -the roughs in settling disputes, was heard at all hours of the day and -night, in the saloon and restaurant. - -Frequent and bloody affrays among themselves, often terminated in the -death of one or both of the parties engaged, and sometimes of one or -more of those who happened to be within range of the reckless firing -while the quarrel was in progress. It was dangerous to pass along the -streets, where stray bullets were not an exception, more dangerous still -to attempt to allay a broil among desperadoes, who settled all -difficulties with bowie-knives and revolvers. - -On one of the days of this dismal period, two young men, named Banfield -and Sapp, the first a gambler, the latter a miner, engaged in a game of -poker in Cyrus Skinner’s saloon. During the game, Sapp saw Banfield -abstract a card from the deck, by the aid of which he was enabled to -declare a “flush” hand. He charged him with the theft. Jumping to his -feet, Banfield drew his revolver, which he levelled at the head of his -antagonist, who was unarmed. Jack Russell, who was watching the game, -now interfered, and quiet being restored, the men resumed play. In a few -moments Sapp again charged Banfield with cheating. Banfield fired at him -without effect. Sapp being unarmed, Dr. Bissell thrust a revolver into -his hand, and the two men at once engaged in a pistol fight, dodging -around the posts which supported the roof, and firing at random until -their revolvers were emptied. They then clinched, and Russell tried to -separate them. Moore and Reeves were in one of the bunks fastened to the -wall of the saloon, asleep. Roused by the firing both got up, and Moore, -pistol in hand, at once joined in the fight. Placing the muzzle of his -revolver in Russell’s ear, he pulled the trigger, and the cap failing to -explode, he pulled a second time, with a like result. So rapid had been -the movements of Moore, that it was not until after the second failure -that Russell could turn his face toward him and exclaim, - -“What do you mean?” - -Moore, who had not recognized him until that moment dropped his arm, -replying, - -“Oh, is that you, Jack?” - -Russell said in explanation, - -“These are friends of mine, and I want them to stop quarrelling.” - -Moore now assisted Russell, and they succeeded in a few minutes in -separating the combatants. - -“Let’s all take a drink,” said Moore, “and be friends.” - -To this Sapp and Banfield, as neither had injured the other, assented. -As they stood with their glasses raised, Moore heard a groan, and going -towards the table, saw Buz Cavan’s dog just expiring. - -“Boys,” said he, turning towards the two reconciled men who were waiting -for him to rejoin them at the bar, “you’ve killed a dog.” - -Banfield called immediately for more drinks, when another groan was -heard. On going to the bunk from whence it came, they found George -Carrhart writhing in extreme agony. Dr. Bissell lifted him from the bunk -to the table, and after a brief examination of his body and pulse, made -the announcement, - -“He is dying.” - -Moore who stood by, on hearing this, called to Reeves and Forbes who -were standing in another part of the room, - -“Boys, they have shot Carrhart,” and with an emphatic stroke of his fist -upon the counter, he added with an oath, “Let’s kill ’em,” -simultaneously raising his pistol and firing at both Sapp and Banfield. -Russell at the same moment seized his arm, with a view to prevent his -shooting, and in the struggle misdirected his aim. Meanwhile, Reeves -fired at Banfield, who dodged under a table and crept out of the back -door with a shot in his knee. Sapp, wounded in the little finger, also -retreated under the fire of the road agents,—a friend, Goliah Reilly, -rushing to his assistance, who also, upon turning to escape, received a -bullet in his heel. - -George Carrhart was a fine-looking, intelligent, gentlemanly man. He had -been a member of the legislature of one of the Western States. Whiskey -transformed him into a rowdy, made the company of ruffians congenial, -and led him on to his unfortunate fate. - -Dick Sapp was a brave, generous young man, very popular with the people. -The next morning, accompanied by several Colorado friends, he returned -to Skinner’s saloon. Skinner, who had seconded without participating in -the attempt of Moore and Reeves to kill him the evening before, when he -saw him enter, was alarmed for his own safety, and sought to propitiate -him by inviting him and his friends to drink with him. - -“No,” said Sapp, “I want none of your whiskey. Last night I came here -unarmed to indulge in a little game of poker, and you all tried to kill -me. Now I’m here to fight you all, singly, and I’ve brought some -friends, to see that I have fair play.” - -Moore and Skinner apologized, and begged him to overlook it; but Sapp -refused to accept their apologies, and left. Afterwards some friends of -Moore and Skinner, at their request, went to Sapp, and with no little -difficulty effected a reconciliation. - -Poor Banfield entrusted the care of his wound to an unskilful physician, -and died soon after, for the want of proper treatment. - -Early in the Spring of 1863, Winnemuck, a warrior chief of the Bannacks, -and his band of braves, camped in the sage brush above the town. One of -the citizens of Bannack made known the fact that he had been informed by -a white lad, whom he had met at the time of his escape from these -Indians several years before, that they had slain his parents, and -captured two sisters and himself. The elder of the sisters died of harsh -treatment. A white girl who had been seen in Winnemuck’s band, was -supposed to be the other. A few citizens met at my cabin to devise means -for her ransom, as any attempt at forcible rescue would provoke the -Indians to violence. Skinner called the roughs together at his saloon. -They decided that the circumstances were sufficiently aggravating to -justify the slaughter of the band, and made preparations for that -object. Meantime a half-breed apprised Winnemuck of his danger. Nowise -alarmed, the old chief ranged his three hundred warriors along the -valley, where they could command the approach of an enemy, however -formidable. So confident was he of victory in the threatened encounter, -that he promised to follow it up by a general massacre of every white -person in the gulch. Fortunately at this time, whiskey came to the -rescue. The leaders got drunk, the allied citizens were disgusted, and a -murderous enterprise that would probably have cost many lives was -abandoned. In pursuance of the arrangements first made at the meeting in -my cabin, Mr. Carroll, for a very small consideration, effected the -ransom of the little girl, and took her to his cabin. - -The inadequacy of the price roused in all a suspicion that the Indians -intended to recapture the child. Carroll was enjoined to secrete her -against such a possibility. The Indians loitered around his cabin, and -finally made an attempt to carry her off. An alarm was given, the -citizens and roughs rallied, the Indians released the child, and ran to -escape the attack of the citizens. In the _mêlée_, Hayes Lyons, one of -the roughs, fired at and wounded an Indian who was on the retreat, and -who at the time was shouting “good Indian,” to intimate his friendly -disposition. “Old Snag,” a Bannack chief, who had come with his band -into town a few days before, and who when the alarm was given was in -Carroll’s cabin, now came out, and was talking with his daughter, when -Buck Stinson, another of the ruffian gang, without the least intimation -of his design, walked close beside him, and shot him in the side and -head. The old man, who had always been friendly to the people, fell dead -in his tracks; and Skinner, with savage brutality, came up and scalped -him. - - - - - CHAPTER XX - A MASONIC FUNERAL - - -Had it been possible at any time during the period I have passed under -review, for the peaceable citizens of Bannack to return to their old -homes in safety, such was the terror that environed them, I doubt not -that nearly all would joyfully have gone. The opportunity for speedy -accumulation of fortune from a prolific gold placer, offered small -compensation for the daily risk of life in obtaining it, and the -possibility of ultimate destruction to the entire settlement. The people -were spellbound, and knew not what to do. They assented almost passively -to the belief that the ruffian population, when disposed, was strong -enough to crush them; and when a murder was committed, or a robbery -made, expressed no stronger feeling than that of thankfulness for their -own escape. - -While public sentiment was gradually settling down into a state of -helpless submission to the ruffian element, William H. Bell, a respected -citizen, died of mountain fever. This was the first natural death that -had occurred in the settlement. After his illness had assumed a -dangerous form, he made known to myself and others that he was a Mason, -and expressed a desire to be buried with Masonic ceremonies. At first we -deemed it impossible, but after his death, concluded to comply with his -request, if a sufficient number of Masons could be assembled to conduct -the exercises. A request for all the Masons in the gulch to meet on -Yankee Flat at the cabin of Brother C. J. Miller, on the evening of the -day of Mr. Bell’s death, greatly to our surprise, was so numerously -responded to that we found it necessary to adjourn to more commodious -quarters. It was past midnight before the forms of recognition were -fully administered, and preparations completed for the funeral. So -delighted were all to meet so many of the order, that before we -separated it was virtually understood that early application should be -made for authority to open a lodge. In the meantime, we agreed to hold -frequent meetings. - -The funeral ceremonies, the next day, were conducted by myself. The -strange peculiarities of the occasion added a mournful interest to the -impressive truths of the ritual. A large congregation had assembled. -Near by, and surrounding the grave, stood the little band of brethren, -linked by an indissoluble bond to him for whom they were now performing -the last sad office. With clasped hands and uncovered heads they -reverently listened to the solemn language which in that far-off land -committed one of their number to his mother earth; while farther away, -and encircling them, stood a curious multitude, whose eager gaze -betrayed that they there for the first time beheld a Masonic burial -ceremony. Among this latter number might be seen many whose daily lives -were filled with deeds of violence and crime,—who mayhap at the moment -might be meditating murder and robbery,—who, for the first time in many -years, were listening to language which recalled the innocence of -boyhood, the early teachings of parents, and hopefully pointed the way -to an eternity of unmixed enjoyment. How strange it seemed to see this -large assemblage, all armed with revolvers and bowie-knives, standing -silently, respectfully, around the grave of a stranger, their very -features,—distorted by the lines which their hardened lives had -planted,—now saddened by a momentary fleeting thought of the grave and -immortality. - -Nor was this all. They learned from what they saw that here was an -association, bound together by bonds of brotherly love, that would stand -by and protect all its members in the hour of danger. They saw the -scroll deposited which signified so plainly that death alone could break -a link in the mystic chain which bound them together. They saw each -brother drop the evergreen as a symbol of the surrender of him they -mourned to the eternal care of a higher power. And while the brethren, -as they regarded each other in the light of their strong obligations, -felt that in themselves there was a power equal to the necessities of -their exposed condition, we may reasonably suppose that the ruffians who -had marked them for ultimate destruction felt that a new and formidable -adversary had thrown itself across their bloody pathway. - -The ceremonies were conducted to a peaceful conclusion, and the assembly -quietly dispersed. But from this time onward, the Masons met often for -counsel. Among them there was no lack of confidence, and very soon they -began to consider measures necessary for their protection. These -meetings were carefully watched by the roughs, but they were quietly -told that the Masons met to prepare for organizing a lodge. This threw -them off their guard, and they continued in their lawless course. - -As a part of the burial service, I read the first ten verses of the -thirty-seventh chapter of the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, in these -words: - - “1. The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the - Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley which - was full of bones. - - “2. And caused me to pass by them round about; and, behold, there - were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. - - “3. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I - answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. - - “4. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto - them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. - - “5. Thus said the Lord God unto these bones: Behold, I will cause - breath to enter into you, and ye shall live. - - “6. And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon - you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall - live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. - - “7. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there - was a noise, and, behold a shaking, and the bones came together, - bone to his bone. - - “8. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, - and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. - - “9. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of - man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord God: Come from the - four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may - live. - - “10. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into - them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceeding great - army.” - -Who can fittingly describe that solemn scene, wherein was the beginning -of the redemption of Montana from ruffian rule? In a vast sense the -death of Brother Bell was a vicarious sacrifice. A new power arose in -that beleaguered land from that very hour, to which all honest men -instinctively turned for inspiration and for strength. Verily, the -vision of the Prophet Ezekiel of old, became that day a new prophecy in -a new land; for from the dark cañons of those mountains, where the dry -bones of scores of murdered victims were lying, and symbolically from -the new-made grave of our Brother Bell, there arose, “and stood up upon -their feet, an exceeding great army,” the avengers of outraged justice, -even the Vigilantes of Montana. - -After the Masonic fraternity at Bannack had decided to organize a -regular lodge, and a dispensation for that purpose had been applied for, -Plummer expressed publicly a strong desire to become a Mason. Such were -his persuasive powers that he succeeded in convincing some members of -the order that, in all his affrays, he had been actuated solely by the -principle of self-defence, and that there was nothing inherently -criminal in his nature. There were not wanting several good men among -our brotherhood, who would have recommended him for initiation. - -It is a remarkable fact that the roughs were restrained by their fear of -the Masonic fraternity, from attacking its individual members. Of the -one hundred and two persons murdered by Henry Plummer’s gang, not one -was known to be a Mason. - -It is worthy of comment that every Mason in these trying hours adhered -steadfastly to his principles. Neither poverty, persuasion, temptation, -nor opportunity had the effect to shake a single faith founded on -Masonic principle: and it is the crowning glory of our order that not -one of all that band of desperadoes who expiated a life of crime upon -the scaffold, had ever crossed the threshold of a lodge-room. The -irregularities of their lives, their love of crime, and their -recklessness of law, originated in the evil associations and corrupt -influences of a society over which neither Masonry nor religion has ever -exercised the least control. The retribution which finally overtook them -had its origin in principles traceable to that stalwart morality which -is ever the offspring of Masonic and religious institutions. All true -men then lived upon the square, and in a condition of mutual dependence. - -Many persons who had been cooped up in Bannack, with nothing to do -during the winter, sallied forth in quest of new discoveries as soon as -the snow disappeared, in the Spring of 1863. A number of new gulches -were found, and the population of Bannack thinned out considerably under -the inducements they offered for the improvement of fortunes. All these -newly discovered placers were, however, known by the general name of -East Bannack, the prefix being used to distinguish the locality from -West Bannack, a mining camp in that portion of Idaho lying west of the -main range of the Rocky Mountains. As rapidly as any of these new camps -were settled, the miners adopted laws for their government, and elected -judges to enforce them. No sheriff had, however, been elected to fill -the place of Crawford. The miners held a meeting at which they concluded -to elect one sheriff who should reside at Bannack, and appoint his -deputies for the new locations. A day for the election was accordingly -designated. - -Plummer busied himself among the miners to obtain the nomination, and as -an evidence not less of the unsteady purpose of this population than of -the personal magnetism of this remarkable man, he succeeded. Men, who a -few weeks before were clamorous for his execution as a murderer, -deceived by the plausibility of his professions, and the smoothness of -his eloquence, were now equally urgent for his election to the most -important office in the settlement. Such of the number as were unwilling -to support him, nominated a good man by the name of Jefferson Durley, -but the majority for Plummer decided the election largely in his favor. -A marked change immediately took place in his conduct. Soon after he was -married to Miss Eliza Bryan, the young lady with whom, as I have related -in a former chapter, he contracted an engagement while spending the -winter with her brother-in-law, Mr. Vail, at the government farm on Sun -River. Whether he honestly intended to reform at this time, or “assumed -the thing he was not” for the better concealment of his criminal -designs, can never be certainly known. There was much apparent sincerity -in his conduct and professions. He forsook the saloons, and was seldom -seen in the society of his old associates. His duties were promptly -attended to. On one occasion in a conversation with me, of his own -seeking, he spoke regretfully of his early life. - -“I confess,” said he, “that the bad associations which I formed in -California and Nevada have adhered to me ever since. I was forced in -sheer self-defence, on different occasions, to kill five men there—and -of course was undeservedly denounced as a desperado and murderer. This -is not true,—and now that I am married and have something to live for, -and hold an official position, I will show you that I can be a good man -among good men. There is a new life before me, and I want you to believe -that I am not unfitted to fill it with credit to myself, and benefit to -the community.” - -As he stood thus, in a beseeching voice pleading for some abatement of -the harsh judgment which he knew his conduct merited, it was not without -an effort that I mentally denied to him that confidence so truly -characterized by Pitt in his memorable reply to Walpole, as “a plant of -slow growth.” Very soon after, the justice of this opinion was confirmed -by an undercurrent of circumstances, which plainly showed that he was -either drifting back into the whirlpool of crime, or had assumed the -guise of virtue that he might better serve the devil. His face, usually -clear and white, betrayed in its weather-beaten appearance, that several -times when there was no occasion for it, he had been exposed to the -inclemencies of a fearful night storm. Where had he been? What was the -character of that business which could woo him from his home, to face -the angry elements, and require his return and appearance on the street -by daylight? At one time, having occasion to go to the ranche where my -horse was kept, I saw there a very superior saddle horse. Having never -seen it before, on inquiry, I was informed that it belonged to Plummer, -who often visited the ranche to exercise it; but never rode it into -town, or used it for any long journey. It was represented to possess -greater qualities of speed and endurance than any horse in the country. -Why was he keeping this horse, unused, and away from the public view, if -not for the purpose of escaping from the country in case of failure in -his criminal enterprise? Many other circumstances, equally demonstrative -as to the designs which Plummer was secretly carrying on, satisfied me -that I had not misjudged his true character. - -Life in Bannack at this time was perfect isolation from the rest of the -world. Napoleon was not more of an exile on St. Helena than the newly -arrived immigrant from the States, in this recess of rocks and -mountains. All the stirring battles of the season of 1862,—Antietam, -Fredericksburg, and Second Bull Run,—all the exciting debates of -Congress, and the more exciting combats at sea, first became known to us -on the arrival of the first newspapers and letters, in the Spring of -1863. Old newspapers went the rounds of the camps until they literally -dropped to pieces. Pamphlets, cheap publications, and yellow-covered -literature, which had found their way by chance into the camp, were in -constant and unceasing demand. Bibles, of which there were a few copies, -were read by men who probably never read them before, to while away the -tedium of the dreary days of winter. Of other books there were none -then, nor for a year or more afterwards. Euchre, old sledge, poker, and -cribbage were resorted to until they became stale, flat, and disgusting. -When, afterwards, the first small library was brought into the -Territory, the owner was at once overwhelmed with borrowers, who, after -reading, loaned his books without leave, until the loss or destruction -of many of them drove him to the adoption of means for the preservation -of the remainder. He placarded over his library, where all could read -it, the following passage from Matthew xxv. 9: “Not so; lest there be -not enough for us and you; but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy -for yourselves.” This gentle hint served better as a joke than an -admonition. - -As a counterpoise to this condition of affairs, the newcomer found much -in the rough, wild scenery, the habits, customs, and dress of the -miners, and in the pursuits of the camp, to interest his attention. -There was a freedom in mountain life entirely new to him. The common -forms of expression, rough, unique, and full of significance, were such -as he had never been accustomed to hear. The spirit of a humor full of -fun, displaying itself practically on all occasions, often at his own -expense, presented so many new phases of character, that he was seldom -at a loss for agreeable pastime, or, indeed, profitable occupation. - -The wit of a mining camp is _sui generis_. It partakes of the -occupation, and grows out of it as naturally as the necessities. Indeed, -it is of itself a necessity,—for the instance of a miner without humor -or a relish for it, if it be of the appreciable kind, is very rare. One -must be versed in the idiom of the camp to always understand it. As for -example, if, in speaking of another, a miner says, “I have panned that -fellow out and couldn’t get a color,” it means the same as if he had -said, “He’s a man of no principle, dishonest, or a scamp.” So if, of -another, he says, “He’s all right, clear down to bed-rock,” it means, -“He is honest and reliable.” A hundred expressions of this kind are in -common use in a mining camp. Common parlance has long ago wrung the -humor from all these oddities of expression; but every now and then -something new springs up which has its run through mining communities as -a bit of fun, before its final incorporation into the epidemic -vernacular. - -It occasionally happens that a genuine loafer turns up. This is not -common; for a man without money or employment, among miners, especially -if he evinces an indisposition for work, is a pitiable object. Nobody -cares for him. His very necessities are subjects for ribaldry, and his -laziness affords ample excuse for a neglect which may end in absolute -starvation. There is no lack of kindness among miners,—their generosity -is only bounded by their means in meritorious cases, but it is cruelly -discriminative against bummers and loafers. They must live by their -wits,—and sometimes this resource is available. - -A singular genius known as “Slippery Joe,” whose character reflected the -twofold qualities of bummer and loafer, hung around the saloons and -restaurants in the early days of Bannack. He worked when compelled by -necessity, and was never known to buy “a square meal.” One evening he -was an on-looker at a party of miners who were playing euchre in -Kustar’s bakery. Their frequent potations, as was often the case, -developing first noise, then dispute, then quarrel, finally culminated -in a fight and general row. Pistols and knives were drawn, one man was -badly stabbed, and several shots fired. The by-standers stampeded -through the door and into the street, to avoid injury. One man was -prostrate, and another bent over him, with an upraised knife. Kustar and -his bartender were engaged in quelling the _mêlée_. Seizing this -opportunity, Slippery Joe stole behind the counter, and taking a couple -of pies from the shelf, mashed them out of shape with his knuckles, and -laid them, still in the tin plates, on the floor near the combatants. He -did not dare to steal the pies, knowing that detection would result in -his banishment from the gulch. Kustar, discovering them after the fight -was over, supposed from the appearance they presented, that they had -been jarred from the shelf and trodden upon. He was about casting them -into the street, when Joe stepped forward, and offered twenty-five cents -for them, pies at the time being sold at a dollar apiece. Glad to sell -them at any price, Kustar regarded the quarter of a dollar as clear -gain, and the sneak owed his supper to his criminal ingenuity. - -This same slippery individual was the hero of another foraging exploit, -which, however we may regard it in a moral aspect, was not discreditable -to his strategic perspicacity. Two partners in a mining claim had -quarrelled, fought, and so far reconciled differences as to agree to -live together. One day a load of potatoes, the first that we had had for -eight months, and a great luxury at sixty cents per pound, arrived from -the Bitter Root Valley. The two miners bought several pounds, and agreed -upon having a holiday, with an old-fashioned stew for dinner at three -o’clock P.M. Joe had epicurean tastes, and longed for a dish of the -stew. He stationed himself near the door of the cabin. Just after it was -taken from the pan, and placed, steaming hot, between the partners, and -one was in the act of slicing the loaf, Joe entered, and with much -adroitness introduced the subject of former difference. This brought on -a dispute, and the two men rose from the table and rushed into the -street to engage in a fist fight. While thus employed, Joe made a single -meal of the entire stew. - -In the early days of gold hunting in California, many young men of -religious proclivities, who had been reared by Christian parents, went -there to make speedy fortunes and return home. Failing to do so, -unwilling to work, and still intent upon suddenly acquiring wealth, they -have wandered from camp to camp among the mountains ever since. These -mining vagabonds are often met with. Their lives have been full of -vicissitude and disappointment, and nature has covered them with signs -and labels, which render their character unmistakable. Lost to all -self-respect, ragged, uncombed, often covered with vermin, they seem to -have no definite object in life, and are content to earn enough to eke -out a meagre subsistence. Sometimes we meet with one, who betrays in the -glow of conversation the remains of a cultivated foreground; but -generally the slang of the camp and the rough manners of the miner have -wrought a radical transformation in both mind and body. - -Such an one was Bill—with whom I first became acquainted in 1863. -Passing Mather’s saloon, one day in the Fall of 1872, I caught a glimpse -of him, and stepped in to renew my acquaintance. He stood by the bar -talking with a friend whom he had known at Boise City, Idaho, in 1862. -The conversation had reference to those early days. - -“Jim,” he inquired, “when did you hear of Yeast Powder Dave last?” A -little farther on in the conversation, after taking a drink, Jim -inquired in return, “Whatever became of Tin Cup Joe?” Then the -conversation flagging, another drink was indulged, and the inquiry -followed, “How late have you heard where Six Toed Pete hangs out?” At -last Bill, fully warmed up to the subject, remarked, - -“Jim, you haven’t forgot the parson, have you?” - -“Parson who?” inquired Jim dubiously. - -“Parson Crib—you know.” - -At the mention of the name, tears came into the eyes of both. It was -evident the memory of the man was very pleasant. Bill continued, - -“Jim, they don’t have no such preachers nowadays as the parson was. -These newcomers, most of ’em feel above us ’cause we wear ragged -clothes, and then they are so slow and lamb-like, that their talks have -little effect on such fellows as you and me; but the old parson used to -rattle up the boys every clatter, and when he’d got through they’d think -their chances of salvation were mighty slim. And he was such a good man, -so charitable and so kind—and how beautifully and eloquently he would -explain the Christian religion as he talked to us of our duties to the -Master. He was a real good man. There ain’t many like him.” Brushing a -tear from his cheek, he added sorrowfully, “Jim, do you know I never did -quite forgive Sam Jones for shooting the parson, for stealing that -sorrel mare.” - -It must have been a warm affection which would fail to approve of an act -regarded so just as shooting or hanging for “cribbing” a horse in a -mining camp. The parson is supposed to have held forth near Boise City. - -Those of my readers who resided in Bannack at the time doubtless -remember the “Miners’ Ten Commandments,” written copies of which were -circulated freely throughout the camp. I recall two of them. If the -first one here given serves to illustrate the prevailing customs of a -mining camp, the other contains a warning which the dishonest and -covetous did not fail to heed. - -“FOURTH COMMANDMENT. Thou shalt not remember what thy friends do at home -on the Sabbath day, lest the remembrance may not compare favorably with -what thou doest. Six days thou mayst dig or pick all that thy body can -stand under; but the other day is Sunday, when thou shalt wash all thy -soiled shirts, darn all thy stockings, tap all thy boots, mend all thy -clothing, chop all thy whole week’s firewood, make up and bake thy -bread, and boil thy pork and thy beans, that thou wait not when thou -returnest from thy long tour, weary. For in six days’ labor only, thou -canst not wear out thy body in two whole years; but if thou workest hard -on Sunday also, thou canst do it in six months, and thou, and thy son, -and thy daughter, thy male friend, and thy female friend, thy morals, -and thy conscience, be none the better for it, but reproach thee -shouldst thou ever return with thy worn-out body to thy mother’s -fireside, and thou strive to justify thyself, because the trader and the -merchant, the carpenter and the blacksmith, the tailors and the Jews, -defy God and civilization, by keeping not the Sabbath day, and wish not -for a day of rest such as memory and home and youth made hallowed. - -“NINTH COMMANDMENT. Thou shalt not tell any false tales about ‘good -diggings in the mountains’ to thy neighbor, that thou mayst benefit thy -friend who hath mules and provisions and blankets and mining tools he -cannot sell; lest in deceiving thy neighbor, when he returneth through -the snow with naught save his rifle, he presenteth thee with the -contents thereof, and like a dog thou shalt fall down and die.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXI - BATTLE OF BEAR RIVER - - -During the year preceding the period whereof I write, and in fact from -the time of the discovery of the Salmon River mines, nearly every train -or single company of immigrants going in that direction was attacked, -robbed, the animals belonging to it stolen, and frequently many of the -persons composing it slain, by predatory bands of Bannack Indians, which -tribe possessed the entire country for a distance of five hundred miles -north of Salt Lake City. Their rapacity and cruelty had become the great -terror of a journey otherwise full of difficulty and discouragement. So -frequent and terrible had been this warfare, that nearly all -communication between the distant mines and Salt Lake City was -suspended; yet the wretches who conducted it, conscious of their -superior power, hesitated not, meantime, to visit the settlements, and -maintain an apparent friendliness towards the people. Several attacks -had been made upon them by detachments of troops from Camp Douglas, -attended with more or less success, but none of them had the effect to -allay their murderous depredations. Success had made them defiant as -well as bloodthirsty, and long impunity begot in them the belief that -they were invincible. - -When the winter began to close in, rich in the spoils of their bloody -forays, a large band of nearly three hundred Bannacks, under their -chiefs Sand Pitch, Sag Witch, and Bear Hunter, established quarters for -the cold months in a ravine on the west bank of Bear River, about four -days’ march distant from the Federal camp. Gen. P. Edward Connor, the -officer in command at Camp Douglas, had carefully watched their -movements with the intention of inflicting the severest punishment upon -them for the enormities they had committed. The example to be salutary, -must be terrible, and Connor contemplated nothing less than the -destruction of the entire band. It was a measure of safety. Many -thousand people in the States and Territories were engaged in active -preparation to make the journey to the northern mines, on the return of -warm weather, and the lives and property of many of them depended, as -General Connor knew, upon the success of his contemplated expedition. - -The Indians selected their camp because of the protection it afforded -from the inclemencies of the weather. The general southwest course of -the river was, by a bend, changed so as to be nearly due west where it -passed their encampment. The nook or ravine, open on the bank, stretched -tortuously between high precipitous banks, north from the river several -hundred yards, until lost in the abrupt ascent of a lofty overhanging -mountain. Clumps of willows grew irregularly over the surface of the -little dell, amid which the Indians pitched their buffalo tents, and -fastened their ponies for better protection against wind and snow. Their -women and children were with them, and all the conveniences and comforts -known to savage life were clustered around them. - -Perceiving soon after they took possession of the spot, that it united -with its other advantages admirable means of defence against an -approaching enemy, they went to work, and improved, by excavation and -otherwise, every assailable point, until satisfied that it was perfectly -impregnable. During the occasional visits of their chiefs and head men -to the settlements, they learned and came to believe that an attack of -some kind would be made upon them before spring. They relished the idea -as a good joke, and with more than customary bravado declared their -readiness to meet it, boldly challenging the whites to come on. - -The winter sped on. Colder than usual even in these high latitudes, both -Indians and whites felt that if nothing else would prevent an attack, -the cold weather was sufficient. General Connor kept his own counsel, -but matured his plans with consummate skill. The citizens of Salt Lake -City, seeing no military preparations in progress, grew restive under -the delay, charged the garrison with neglect of duty, and finally -appealed to the civil authorities. In the latter days of January, when -General Connor’s plans were approaching maturity, Chief Justice Kinney -issued warrants for the arrest of Sand Pitch, Sag Witch, and Bear -Hunter, for murders committed by them on emigrants passing through the -Territory. The officer directed to serve these writs, on one of the -coldest days of the middle of January, applied to General Connor, at -Camp Douglas, for an escort. - -“I have an expedition against the Indians in contemplation,” said the -general, “which will march soon. You can go under its escort; but as I -do not intend to take any prisoners, I cannot tell you whether you will -be able to serve your writ or not. My opinion is you will find it -difficult.” - -Whether the intimation conveyed in this closing remark touched the -official pride of the marshal, or not, I cannot say. Certain it is that -he concluded at once to accompany the expedition, and arrest the accused -chiefs. - -The Indians were on the watch for an attack, and had their runners out -with instructions to bring them the earliest information of an -approaching foe. On the morning of the twenty-second, Captain Samuel N. -Hoyt, with forty men of Company K of infantry, two howitzers, and a -train of fifteen baggage wagons, left Camp Douglas with secret orders to -march leisurely in the direction of the Indian encampment. The Indian -spies, under promise of secrecy, were told by some who assumed to know, -that this was the army sent to exterminate the Indians. They carried the -intelligence to the Indians, where it excited great derision. The little -company marched very slowly, making their roads through the snows of the -divides, and were careful to afford the Indian scouts full opportunity -to learn their strength and armament. The chiefs unconcernedly gave -orders to their warriors to prepare for a warm reception of the foe, -while they visited the settlements. On the morning of the sixth day’s -march, Captain Hoyt and his men reached the vicinity of the present town -of Franklin, within a few hours’ march of the Indian stronghold. Bear -Hunter, who was there at the time, seeing how few the men were in -number, left immediately in high glee, at the prospect of cutting them -off the next day. - -At midnight that night, after a ride of four nights, one of sixty miles, -the others of easier marches, through deep snows and a piercing, bitter -wind that nearly disabled a third of the command, Major McGarry, at the -head of two hundred cavalry, accompanied by General Connor and his aids, -rode into the little camp, and bivouacked with the infantry. The Indians -knew nothing of this arrival. So far the plan for their destruction was -successful. The troops slept on their arms. Orders were given to the -infantry to march an hour after midnight. They were obliged to break -their road through the snow, which completely covered the entire region -to the depth of one or two feet. The heavy howitzers were dragged -through it, over the unequal surface, with great difficulty, and for the -purpose of concealment, kept in the rear. Several hours after the -infantry started, the cavalry dashed by them and drew up on the south -bank of Bear River before the dawn broke over the Indian camp. The -savages were prepared for the attack. The ravine rang with their fearful -and defiant howling. - -[Illustration: - - GENERAL P. E. CONNOR - - _Commander at Battle of Bear River_ -] - -The passage of the river was very difficult. Covered at the bottom to -the depth of a foot or more with anchor-ice, its rapid current, too -strong for congealment at its surface, was filled with floating masses -of ice, whose sharp edges and great weight threatened disaster to every -horse which ventured the treacherous passage. But there was no -alternative. The troops who had dismounted to load their pistols, now -remounted their horses, and led by Majors McGarry and Gallagher, by -slow, tedious, and careful effort, succeeded in reaching the northern -bank in safety. Before the passage was completed, however, the companies -of Captain Price and Lieutenant Chase, which were the first to land, had -drawn up in line of battle. Captain McLean and Lieutenant Quinn, with -their commands, had barely joined them, when the Indians opened the -fight with a shower of balls, wounding one of the men. - -General Connor had instructed McGarry to surround the ravine, and was -himself at this moment awaiting the arrival of the infantry on the south -side of the river. He had not anticipated so early a commencement of the -fight, but leaving his orders to be given by his aid, he hastily crossed -the river and joined McGarry. That officer finding it impossible with -the two companies at his disposal to outflank the Indians, ordered them -to advance as skirmishers. Up to this time the Indians had been -tantalizing our troops by their appearance upon the benches, over which -it was necessary to pass before an attack could be made from the east on -their stronghold. At the approach of the skirmishing party they -retreated under cover of the precipitous bank, where, entirely protected -from our guns, they opened a galling and deadly fire, killing and -wounding several of Connor’s men. The General ordered his men to protect -themselves as much as possible, and sent McGarry forward with a -detachment to scale the mountain which enclosed the ravine on the north, -and outflank the Indians on the left, while the companies on the benches -attacked them in front. - -At this stage of the fight, the most disastrous to our troops, Captain -Hoyt arrived with the infantry on the south bank of the river. He had -heard the firing at a distance, and hurried forward his men, who in -their eagerness for the fray, attempted to ford the river, but found it -impossible. Wet and chilled they crossed the river on cavalry horses -sent from the north side, and galloped up to the battle, just in time to -enable McGarry, with their assistance, to complete his flanking -movement. Captain Hoyt now came up with a portion of his men on the west -side of the ravine, extending the cordon so as to form about -three-fourths of a circle, embracing three sides of the Indian camp. The -fight now became very brisk. By the enfilading fire from the east, west, -and north sides of the ravine, the Indians were gradually driven to the -centre and south. Their stronghold proved a complete _cul de sac_, and -they were entirely at the mercy of the troops. Taken at this great -disadvantage, and seeing their chiefs and head men falling around them, -they fought with desperate bravery, moving slowly toward the mouth of -the ravine on the west side of which General Connor had stationed a -detachment of cavalry to cut off their retreat. The great slaughter -occasioned by the incessant fire of the troops, at length broke the -Indians’ line. Each man sought how best to save himself. Many of them -ran in the most disorderly manner to the mouth of the ravine, where they -fell in heaps before the deadly fire of the rifles. Some attempted to -cross the river, but did not live to effect it. Others crawled into the -willow clumps with the hope of escaping notice, but the troops were -ordered to scour the bushes, and dislodge them. Many of these latter -disclosed their places of concealment by firing from them upon the -troops, as if resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible. The -last Indian foe waited his opportunity. While Major Gallagher was -leading a detachment into a thicket, the savage fired upon him. The ball -passed through his left arm into his side. Again the Indian fired, and a -cavalryman fell from his horse beside General Connor. The flash of his -rifle revealed his hiding-place, and a volley from the detachment ended -the bloody contest. - -The details I have here given of this battle, while they sufficiently -demonstrate the skill and bravery of the officers and men by whom it was -fought, would be wanting in justice to them did I fail to mention other -incidental facts connected with it, which entitle them to additional -claims upon our gratitude and admiration. Few people who have never -experienced a winter in the Rocky Mountains know how to appreciate the -elemental difficulties attending the march of such an expedition as this -one of General Connor’s. The sudden storms, the deep snows, the -trackless wastes, the rapid, half-frozen mountain torrents, the lofty -divides, the keen blasts, and the pinching nights, coupled with all the -unavoidable demands which must encumber the movements of troops and -artillery through a country that for most of the distance is entirely -desolate, should give this expedition a conspicuous place among the -remarkable events of our country’s history. Seventy-four of the number -engaged in it had their feet frozen by exposure. The night rides of the -cavalry to overtake the infantry would furnish as thrilling a theme for -song as any of the rides during our National struggle, which have been -thus immortalized. The transportation of munitions, camp equipage, and -heavy artillery through eighty miles of snow, which for most of the -distance was unmarked by a road, over mountains, through cañons, and -across unbridged streams, furnishes a chapter that can find no parallel -in our former military experience. I mention them, that my readers may -form some idea of the amount of labor and care necessary to carry such -an enterprise through with success, and give the proper credit to those -who accomplished it. - -Through the kindness of General Connor I am enabled to give the names -and rank of those who were killed and wounded. All the officers and men -fought with great bravery. General Connor himself, during the entire -four hours the battle was in progress, was always in the thickest of it, -and seldom out of range of the deadly rifles of the Indians. The -historian of the battle says: - -“General Connor exhibited high qualities of command, and his perfect -coolness and bravery are the universal theme of praise. Possibly some -might have been better pleased with less exposure of their commander, -but I have the best authority for saying it was the call of duty, and -not indifference.” - -The object of the fight was fully accomplished. Two hundred and -sixty-seven Indians were killed, several of their leading chiefs among -the number. Not fifteen escaped to tell the story of the battle. - -This victory removed at once and forever the greatest impediment in the -way of emigration to the new Territory and a safe exit from it for those -who wished to return to their homes in the States. Previous to it people -could not, with safety, pass in either direction except in large and -strongly armed companies; and with certain exposure to the Indians on -the one hand, and the robbers and brigands on the other, with no other -possible outlet for escape except by crossing the Territory to Fort -Benton or over the Cœur D’Alene Mountains to Walla Walla, both very -uncertain and dangerous routes, the inhabitants of the Territory were -completely at the mercy of their assailants. No more fortunate event -could have occurred at the time, than this successful extermination of a -dangerous foe. - -The lesson this battle taught the Bannacks has never been forgotten. The -instance of an attack by other bands upon the emigrants has never been -known since that day. It so reduced their tribe in number that they have -ever since been a broken and dispirited people. They are the vagrants of -the mountains, as remarkable for their pusillanimity, as, in the days of -Bonneville, they were for their bravery, and the commanding position -they held among the mountain tribes. - -The following is a list of the killed and wounded in the fight: - -SECOND CAVALRY, COMPANY A - -_Killed._—Privates, James W. Baldwin, George German. - -_Wounded._—Lieut. D. J. Berry; Privates, John W. Wall, James S. -Montgomery, John Welsh, William H. Lake, William Jay. - -_Frozen._—Corporal Adolph Spraggle; Privates, John D. Marker, J. -Kearney, Samuel L’Hommidieu, R. McNulty, G. Swan. - -COMPANY H - -_Killed._—Privates, John K. Briggs, Charles L. Hallowell. - -_Wounded._—Capt. Daniel McLean, Sergeant James Cantillon;[4] Corporals, -Philip Schaub and Patrick Frauley; Privates, Michael O’Brien,[4] H. L. -Fisher, John Franklin, Hugh Connor, Joseph Clows, Thomson Ridge, James -Logan, Bartele C. Hutchinson, Frank Farley.[4] - -_Frozen._—Sixteen names not obtained. - -COMPANY K - -_Killed._—Privates, Lewis Anderson, Christian Smith, Shelbourne C. Reed, -Adolphus Rowe, Henry W. Trempf. - -_Wounded._—Lieut. Darwin Chase,[4] Sergeant Sylvanus S. Longley, -Corporal Benjamin Landis; Privates, William Slocum,[4] Albert N. Parker, -John S. Lee, Walter B. Welton, Nath’l Kinsley, Patrick H. Kelly, Eugene -J. Brady, Silas C. Bush, John Daly, Robert Hargrave, Morris Illig, -Alonzo A. P. V. McCoy. - -_Frozen._—Sergeant Wm. L. Beach; Corporals, Wm. L. White and James R. -Hunt; Privates, Stragder Ausby, Matthew Almone, David Bristow, Fred W. -Becker, Nath’l Chapman, Sam’l Caldwell, Joseph Chapman, John G. Hertle, -Chas. B. Howe, Joseph Hill, George Johnston, Jefferson Lincoln, Arthur -Mitchell, James McKown, Alonzo R. Palmer, Charles Wilson. - -COMPANY M - -_Killed._—Wagoner, Asa F. Howard; Privates, Geo. C. Cox, Geo. W. Hoton, -Wm. Davis. - -_Wounded._—Sergeants, Anthony Stevens[4] and Lorin Robbins, Corporal L. -W. Hughes; Privates, W. H. Wood, L. D. Hughes, J. Legget, E. C. Chase, -F. Barcafer, R. Miller, M. Forbes, John Stevens, P. Humbert; Bugler, A. -Hoffner. - -_Frozen._—Sergeant John Cullen; Corporals, A. P. Hewitt and Wm. Steel; -Privates, W. W. Collins, James Dyer, John McGonagle, A. G. Case. - -THIRD INFANTRY, COMPANY K - -_Killed._—Privates, John E. Baker, Samuel W. Thomas. - -_Wounded._—Major P. A. Gallagher; Sergeants, A. J. Austin and E. C. -Hoyt; Privates, John Hensley, Thomas Walker. - -_Frozen._—Sergeants, C. J. Herron and C. F. Williams; Corporals, Wm. -Bennett, John Lattman, and John Wingate; Privates, Joseph German, James -Urquhart, Wm. St. John, Algeray Ramsdell, James Epperson, A. J. T. -Randall, Wm. Farnham, John Baurland, Giles Ticknor, Alfred Pensho, B. B. -Bigelow, J. Anderson, F. Bacralso, F. Branch, A. L. Bailey, Wm. Carlton, -D. Donahue, C. H. Godbold, J. Haywood, C. Heath, J. Manning, Wm. Way. - -Footnote 4: - - Died of wounds. - - RECAPITULATION - - REGIMENT KILLED WOUNDED FROZEN TOTAL - 2nd Cavalry, Co. A 2 6 6 14 - 2nd Cavalry, Co. H 2 14 16 32 - 2nd Cavalry, Co. K 5 15 19 39 - 2nd Cavalry, Co. M 4 13 7 24 - 3rd Infantry, Co. K 2 5 27 34 - —— —— —— ——— - _Total_ 15 53 75 143 - - - - - CHAPTER XXII - ALDER GULCH - - -In May, 1863, a company of miners, while returning from an unsuccessful -exploring expedition, discovered the remarkable placer afterwards known -as Alder Gulch. They gave the name of one of their number, Fairweather, -to the district. Several of the company went immediately to Bannack, -communicated the intelligence, and returned with supplies to their -friends. The effect of the news was electrical. Hundreds started at once -to the new placer, each striving to outstrip the other, in order to -secure a claim. In the hurry of departure, among many minor accidents, a -man whose body, partially concealed by the willows, was mistaken for a -beaver, was shot by a Mr. Arnold. Discovering the fatal mistake, Arnold -gave up the chase and bestowed his entire attention upon the unfortunate -victim until his death, a few days afterwards. The great stampede with -its numerous pack-animals, penetrated the dense alder thicket which -filled the gulch, a distance of eight miles, to the site selected for -building a town. An accidental fire occurring, swept away the alders for -the entire distance in a single night. In less than a week from the date -of the first arrival, hundreds of tents, brush wakiups, and rude log -cabins, extemporized for immediate occupancy, were scattered at random -over the spot, now for the first time trodden by white men. For a -distance of twelve miles from the mouth of the gulch to its source in -Bald Mountain, claims were staked and occupied by the men fortunate -enough first to assert an ownership. Laws were adopted, judges selected, -and the new community was busy in upheaving, sluicing, drifting, and -cradling the inexhaustible bed of auriferous gravel, which has yielded -under these various manipulations a greater amount of gold than any -other placer on the continent. - -The Southern sympathizers of the Territory gave the name of Varina to -the new town which had sprung up in Alder Gulch, in honor of the wife of -President Jefferson Davis. Dr. Bissell, one of the miners’ judges of the -gulch, was an ardent Unionist. Being called upon to draw up some papers -before the new name had been generally adopted, and requested to date -them at “Varina City,” he declared, with a very emphatic expletive, he -would not do it, and wrote the name “Virginia City,”—by which name the -place has ever since been known. - -The road agents were among the first to follow in the track of the -miners. Prominent among them were Cyrus Skinner, Jack Gallagher, Buck -Stinson, and Ned Ray,—the last three as deputies of Plummer in the -sheriffalty. Ripe for the commission of any deed, however atrocious, -which gave the promise of plunder, jackal-like they watched the -gathering crowd and its various industries, marking each and all for -early and unceasing depredation. - -The Hon. Washington Stapleton who had been at work in the Bannack mines -from the time of their discovery, a miner named Dodge, and another man, -each supposed to possess a considerable amount of gold, having -determined to go to Virginia City, Dodge was privately informed by -Dillingham, one of Plummer’s deputies, on the eve of their intended -departure, that Buck Stinson, Hayes Lyons, and Charley Forbes had laid -plans for robbing them on the way, and had requested him (Dillingham) to -join them in the robbery. When the time for their going came, Dodge -expressed his fear of an attack, and announced his determination to -remain. His friends rallied him, until, smarting under their taunts, he -revealed the information given by Dillingham. Stinson, Lyons, and Forbes -heard of it, and determined to kill the informer. Stapleton left his -companions, and started for Virginia City alone. At Rattlesnake he -encountered Hayes Lyons, who rode up and asked him if he had heard of -the robbery which Dillingham alleged had been planned against him. -Stapleton replied in the negative; but when telling the story since, -says that he has felt more comfortable even when sleeping in church, -than when he saw that scoundrel approaching him. He told him, he says, -that this was the first he had heard of it, adding, “If you want my -money, I have only one hundred dollars in greenbacks. You had better -take that, and let me go.” - -Lyons replied with an oath that the story was a lie, and that he was -then on his way to kill Dillingham for putting such a story in -circulation, but he feared Dillingham had heard of his intention and -left the country. - -Stapleton accomplished his trip without molestation. Lyons and Forbes -rode on to Virginia City, also, and finding Dillingham there, they, in -company with Stinson, met the next day and arranged for his -assassination. - -A miners’ court for the trial of a civil case was in session the -following morning near the bank of the creek fronting the town. To the -observation of a person unaccustomed to the makeshifts and customs of a -mining community, the picture presented by this court of justice would -have exhibited many amusing features—not the least of which was the -place wherein it was held. The Temple of Justice was a wakiup of brush -and twigs, gathered from the different coppices of willow and alder -growing upon the banks of the creek, thrown together in conical form, -and of barely sufficient capacity to accommodate the judge, clerk, -parties, and jurors. Spectators were indebted to the interstices in this -primitive structure for a view of the proceedings; and as no part of the -person except the eyes was visible to those within, the appearance of -those visual orbs bore no inapt comparison to a constellation in a brush -heap. - -Dr. Steele, president of the gulch, acted as judge. He united with much -native good sense, great modesty of demeanor. He was not a lawyer. On -his trip from the States, while crossing the plains, an unfriendly gust -had swept his only hat beyond recovery, and he came into Montana with -his brows bound in a parti-colored cotton handkerchief, which, for want -of something more appropriate, not obtainable at the stores, he had worn -until some friendly miner possessing an extra hat presented him with it. -Proving too small to incase his intellectual organs, the doctor had, by -a series of indented slits encircling the rim, increased its elasticity, -so that, saving a succession of gaps, through which his hair bristled -“like quills upon the fretful porcupine,” it answered the purpose of its -creation. With this upon his head he sat upon the bench, an embodiment -of the dignity, law, and learning of this little mountain judiciary. - -In the progress of the trial, the defendant’s counsel asked for a -nonsuit, on account of some informality of service. - -“A what?” inquired the judge with a puzzled expression, as if he had not -rightly understood the word. - -“A nonsuit,” was the rejoinder. - -“What’s a—” The question partly asked, was left incomplete. The judge -blushed, but reflecting that he would probably learn the office of a -nonsuit in the course of the argument, he broke through the dilemma by -asking, - -“Upon what ground?” - -The argument followed, and the judge, soon comprehending the meaning of -a nonsuit, decided that unless the defendant could show that he had -suffered by reason of the informal service, the case must proceed. Some -of the friends of the magistrate, seated near the door, understanding -the cause of his embarrassment, enjoyed the scene hugely, and as it -presented an opportunity for returning in kind some of the numerous -jokes which he had played at their expense, one of them, thinking it too -good to be lost, with much mock sobriety of manner and tone, arose and -said, - -“Most righteous decision!” - -All eyes were turned upon the speaker, but before they could comprehend -the joke at the bottom, another arose, and with equal solemnity, -exclaimed, - -“Most just judge!” - -Dr. Steele, though embarrassed by this ill-timed jocularity, was so well -satisfied with his sagacity in finding out what a nonsuit meant, without -betraying his legal unlearnedness, that the joke was taken in good part, -and formed a subject of frequent merriment in after times. - -Charley Forbes was the clerk of the court, and sat beside the judge -taking notes of the trial. After the decision denying the motion, the -plaintiff passed around a bottle of liquor, of which the court and jury -partook. Not to be outdone, the defendant circulated a box of cigars. -And it was while the spectators were giving expression in various forms -to their approval of the decision, that Stinson and Lyons came into the -court, and, proceeding to the seat occupied by Forbes, engaged with him -in a whispered conversation inaudible to the by-standers. After a few -moments, Forbes suddenly rose in his place, and, with an oath, -exclaimed, - -“Well, we’ll kill the scoundrel then, at once,” and accompanied Stinson -and Lyons out of the wakiup. The audience, startled by the announcement, -hurriedly followed. Dillingham had come over from Bannack in his -capacity as deputy sheriff, to look for some stolen horses. He had come -on the ground a moment before, in search of Mr. Todd, the deputy at -Virginia City, for assistance. - -An assemblage of a hundred or more miners and others was congregated in -and about the place where the court was in progress,—some intent upon -the trial, others sauntering through the crowd and along the bank of -Alder Creek. The three ruffians, after a moment’s conversation, -approached in company the spot where Dillingham stood. - -“We want to see you,” said Lyons, addressing him. “Step this way a -moment.” - -Stinson advanced a few paces, and looking over his shoulder said to his -companions, - -“Bring him along. Make him come.” - -Dillingham waited for no second invitation. Evidently supposing that -they had some matter of business to communicate, he accompanied them to -an open spot not more than ten paces distant. There they all stopped, -and facing Dillingham, with a muttered curse Lyons said to him, - -“Take back those lies,” when with the quickness of thought, they drew -their revolvers,—Charley Forbes at the same time exclaiming, “Don’t -shoot, don’t shoot,”—and fired upon him simultaneously. The groan which -Lyons’ ball drew from the poor victim as it entered his thigh, was -hushed by the bullet of Forbes, as it passed through his breast, -inflicting a mortal wound. He fell, and died in a few moments. Jack -Gallagher, who was in the plot, rushed up, and in his capacity as a -deputy sheriff, seized the pistols of the three ruffians, one of which, -while unobserved, he reloaded, intending thereby to prevent the -identification of the villain who fired the fatal shot. - -The deed was committed so quickly that the by-standers hardly knew what -had happened till they saw Dillingham stretched upon the ground in the -death agony. The court broke up instantly, and the jury dispersed. -Aghast at the bloody spectacle, for some moments the people surveyed it -in speechless amazement. The ruffians meanwhile sauntered quietly away, -chuckling at their own adroitness. They had not gone far, until several -of the miners, by direction of Dr. Steele, arrested them. The reaction -from terror to reason was marked by the adoption of vigorous measures -for the punishment of the crime, and but for the calm self-possession of -a few individuals, the murderers would have been summarily dealt with. -An officer elected by the people, with a detail of miners, took them -into custody, and having confined them in a log building, preparations -were made for their immediate trial. - -Here again, as at the trial of Moore and Reeves, the difficulty of a -choice between a trial by the people, and by a jury of twelve, -occasioned an obstinate and violent discussion. The reasons for the -latter, though strongly urged, were finally overcome by the paramount -consideration that the selection of a jury would devolve upon a deputy -sheriff who was in league with the prisoners, and, as it was afterwards -ascertained, an accomplice in the crime for which they were arrested. - -The people assembled _en masse_ upon the very spot where the murder had -been committed. Dr. Steele, by virtue of his office as president of the -gulch, was appointed judge, and at his request Dr. Bissell, the district -judge, and Dr. Rutar, associates, to aid with their counsel in the -decisions of such questions as should arise in the progress of the -trial. E. R. Cutler, a blacksmith, and James Brown acted as public -prosecutors, and H. P. A. Smith, a lawyer of ability, appeared on behalf -of the prisoners. - -A separate trial was assigned to Forbes, because the pistol which -Gallagher had privately reloaded, was claimed by him, a fact of which he -wished to avail himself. In fact, however, the pistol belonged to -Stinson. It was mid-day when the trial of Lyons and Stinson commenced. -At dark it was not concluded, and the prisoners were put under a strong -guard for the night. They were confined in a small, half-roofed, -unchinked cabin, overlooking Daylight Creek, which ran through a hollow -filled with willows. Dr. Six and Major Brookie had charge of the -prisoners. Soon after dark their attention was attracted by the repeated -shrill note of a night-hawk, apparently proceeding from the willows. -After each note, Forbes commenced singing. This being noticed by the -guard, on closer investigation they discovered that the note was -simulated by some person as a signal for the prisoners. They immediately -ordered Forbes to stop singing. He refused. They then proposed to chain -the prisoners, they objecting, and Forbes remarking, - -“I will suffer death before you shall do it.” - -He receded, however, under the persuasion of six shotguns drawn upon a -line with his head, and in a subdued tone, said, - -“Chain me.” - -During the night Lyons sent for one of the citizens, who, under cover of -the guns of the guard, approached and asked him what he wanted. - -“I want you,” said he, “to release Stinson and Forbes. I killed -Dillingham. I came here for that express purpose. They are innocent. I -was sent here by the best men in Bannack to kill him.” - -“Who sent you?” inquired the citizen. - -After naming several of the best citizens of Bannack, who knew nothing -of the murder until several days after it was committed, he added, - -“Henry Plummer told me to shoot him.” It was afterwards proven that this -was true. - -Hayes Lyons was greatly unnerved, and cried a great part of the night; -but Buck Stinson was wholly unconcerned, and slept soundly. - -The trial was resumed the next morning. At noon, the arguments being -concluded, the question of “guilty or not guilty,” was submitted to the -people, and decided almost unanimously in the affirmative. - -“What shall be their punishment?” asked the president of the now eager -crowd. - -“Hang them,” was the united response. - -Men were immediately appointed to erect a scaffold, and dig the graves -of the doomed criminals, who were taken into custody to await the result -of the trial of Forbes. This followed immediately; and the loaded -pistol, and the fact that when the onslaught was made upon Dillingham, -he called out, “Don’t shoot, don’t shoot,” were used in evidence with -good effect. When the question was finally put, Forbes, who was a young -man of fine personal appearance, and possessed of good powers as a -speaker, made a personal appeal to the crowd, which so wrought upon -their sympathies, and was so eloquent withal, that they acquitted him by -a large majority. In marked contrast with the spirit which they had -exhibited a few hours before while condemning Stinson and Lyons to a -violent death, the people, upon the acquittal of Forbes, crowded around -him with shouts and laughter, eager to shake hands with and congratulate -him upon his escape. Months afterwards, when the excitement of the -occasion, with the memory of it, has passed from men’s minds, Charley -Forbes was heard vauntingly to say that he was the slayer of Dillingham. -He was known to deride the tender susceptibilities of the people, who -gave him liberty to renew his desperate career, and chuckle over the -exercise of powers of person and mind that could make so many believe -even Truth herself to be a liar. Among the villains belonging to -Plummer’s band, not one, not even Plummer himself, possessed a more -depraved nature than Forbes; and with it, few, if any, were gifted with -as many shining accomplishments. He was a prince of cut-throats, uniting -with the coolness of Augustus Tomlinson all the adaptability of Paul -Clifford. On one occasion he said to a gentleman about to leave the -Territory, - -“You will be attacked on your way to Salt Lake City.” - -“You can’t do it, Charley,” was the reply. “Your boys are scattered, we -are together, and will prove too many for you.” Nevertheless, the party -drove sixty miles the first day out, and thus escaped molestation. - -His early life was passed in Grass Valley, California. While -comparatively a youth, he was convicted of robbery. On the expiration of -his sentence, he visited his old friends, and on his promise of -reformation, they obtained employment for him in McLaughlin’s gas works. -For a while his conduct was unexceptionable, and he was rapidly -regaining the esteem of all; but in an evil hour he indulged in a game -of poker for money. From that moment he yielded to this temptation, -until it became a besetting vice. Not long after he entered upon this -career, he provoked a quarrel with one “Dutch John,” who threatened to -kill him. - -Forbes told McLaughlin, saying in conclusion, “When Dutch John says so, -he means it.” - -“Take my revolver out of the case,” said McLaughlin, “put it in your -breast-pocket, and defend yourself as occasion may require.” - -Forbes obeyed. Soon after, as he was passing along with a ladder on his -shoulder, an acquaintance said to him, - -“Dutch John is looking for you to kill you.” - -“So I hear,” replied Forbes. “He’ll find me sooner than he wants to.” - -A few rods farther on he saw John coming from the Magnolia saloon, where -he had been looking for Forbes. Forbes sprang towards him, exclaiming -with an oath, - -“Here I am,” and immediately fired four shots at him. John fired once in -return, and throwing up his hands in affright at the rapid firing of -Forbes, ejaculated, - -“_O mein Gott!._ Will I be murdered?” - -A bystander who had witnessed the meeting, and saw that John, who had -expected an easy victory, was paralyzed with fear, called to him, - -“Turn your artillery loose!” - -Forbes was tried for this crime, and acquitted. He was afterwards -convicted of crime of some kind in Carson City, and imprisoned. On New -Year’s day he succeeded in removing his handcuffs, broke jail, and went -to the sheriff’s house, as he said upon entering, “to make a New Year’s -call.” The officer returned him to prison. From this time, his career of -crime knew no impediment. - -On his first arrival in the mountains he corresponded for some of the -California and Nevada papers. His letters were highly interesting. His -true name was Edward Richardson. - -To return to Stinson and Lyons. After the demonstrations of joy at -Forbes’s escape had subsided, the people remembered that there was an -execution on the _tapis_. Drawing up a wagon in front of the building -where the criminals were confined, they ordered them to get in. They -obeyed, followed by several of their friends, who took seats beside -them. Lyons became almost uproarious in his appeals for mercy. The -women, of whom there were many, began to cry, begging earnestly for the -lives of the criminals. Smith, their lawyer, joined his petitions to -those of the women, and the entire crowd began to give way under this -pressure of sympathy. Meantime the wagon was drawn slowly towards the -place of execution. When the excitement was at its highest pitch, a man -demanded in a loud tone that the people should listen to a letter which -Lyons had written to his mother. This document, which had been prepared -by some person for the occasion, was now read. It was filled with -expressions of love for the aged mother, regret for the crime, -repentance, acknowledgments of misspent life, and strong promises of -amendment, if only life could be spared a little longer. Every sentence -elicited fresh grief from the women, who now became perfectly clamorous -in their calls for mercy to the prisoners. After the letter was read, -some one cried out, in derision, - -“Give him a horse, and let him go to his mother.” - -Another immediately moved that they take a vote upon that proposition. -Sheriff Todd, whose duty it was only to carry out the sentence of the -court, consented to this, and the question was submitted to ayes and -noes. Both parties claimed the victory. It was then agreed that those in -favor of hanging should go up, and those opposed, down the side of a -neighboring hill. Neither party being satisfied, as a final test, four -men were selected, and those who wished the sentence enforced were to -pass between two of them, and those who opposed, between the other two. -The votes for liberty were increased to meet the occasion, by a second -passage of as many as were necessary to carry the question. An Irish -miner, while the voting was in progress, exclaimed in a loud voice, as a -negro passed through the acquittal bureau, - -“Bedad, there’s a bloody nagur that’s voted three times.” - -But this vote, dishonest as it was, settled the question; for Jack -Gallagher, pistol in hand, shouted, - -“Let them go. They’re cleared.” - -This was a signal for a general uproar, and amid shouts from both -parties, expressive of the opinions which each entertained, some one -mounted the assassins upon a horse standing near, which belonged to a -Blackfoot squaw, and cutting the lariat, started them off at a gallop -down the gulch. At this moment one of the guard pointed to the gallows, -and said to another, - -“There stands a monument of disappointed justice.” - -Immediately after sentence of death had been passed upon Stinson and -Lyons, Dr. Steele returned to his cabin, two miles down the gulch. The -result of the trial had furnished him with food for sad -reflection,—especially as the duty of passing the death sentence had -devolved upon him. Other considerations followed in quick succession. He -has since, when speaking of it, said that he never indulged in a more -melancholy reverie, than while returning home from this trial. The youth -of the convicts; their evident fitness, both by culture and manners, for -any sphere of active business; the effect that their execution must have -upon distant parents and friends,—all these thoughts presented -themselves in sad array before his mental vision; when, as he was about -entering his cabin, a quick clatter of hoofs roused him, and turning to -see the cause, he beheld the subjects of his gloomy reflections both -mounted upon the Indian pony, approaching at the animal’s swiftest pace. -He had hardly time to recover from his surprise, and realize that the -object was not a vision, until the animal with its double rider passed -him,—and Lyons, nodding familiarly, waved his hand, accompanying the -gesture with the parting words, - -“Good-bye, Doc.” - -The body of the unfortunate Dillingham lay neglected upon a gambling -table in a tent near by, until this wretched travesty was completed. -Then a wagon was obtained, and, followed by a small procession, it was -hurriedly buried. The tears had all been shed for the murderers. - -“I cried for Dillingham,” said one, on being told that his wife and -daughters had expended their grief upon the wrong persons. - -“Oh, you did,” was the reply. “Well thought of. Who will pray for him? -Will you do it, judge?” - -Judge Bissell responded by kneeling upon the spot and offering up an -appropriate prayer, as the body of the unfortunate young man was -consigned to its mother earth. - -Soon after the murder of Dillingham, Charley Forbes suddenly -disappeared. No one knew what became of him, but it was supposed that he -had fallen a victim to the vengeance of his comrades for the course he -had taken in securing for himself a separate trial. This supposition was -afterwards confirmed by some of the robbers themselves, who stated that -in a quarrel with Moore at the Big Hole River, Forbes was killed. -Fearing that the friends of the murdered ruffian would retaliate, Moore -killed Forbes’s horse at the same time, and burned to ashes the bodies -of horse and rider. This fact was known to Plummer only, at the time of -its occurrence. - -Dillingham was a straightforward, honest young man, and his office as -deputy sheriff was given him under the supposition that he would readily -affiliate with the roughs. Lyons, Stinson, and Forbes, who were also -deputies, supposed him to be as bad as they were. - -On my trip east in 1863, the Overland coach in which I had taken passage -was detained a night by snow at Hook’s Station in Nebraska. Ascertaining -that I was from Bannack, a young man at the station asked me many -questions about Hayes Lyons, telling me that he had heard that he -narrowly escaped hanging the previous summer. I narrated to him the -circumstances attending the murder of Dillingham and the trial. - -“He is my brother,” said the young man, and invited me to go with him -and see his mother and sister. I learned that Hayes had been well -brought up, but was the victim of evil associations. His mother wept -while deploring his criminal career, which she ascribed to bad company. - -Later in the winter I received a letter from the father of Dillingham, -who resided at North Orange, New Jersey, inquiring after his son. I -replied, giving the particulars of his son’s death, and the trial and -escape of his murderers, and of my subsequent meeting with the mother of -Lyons. In the meantime, Lyons had been hanged. - -The father was almost heart-broken at the intelligence of his son’s -death, but in his letter, written in a kindly and Christian spirit, he -says: - - “While the shocking details of the sad narrative are inexpressibly - distressing to us, it is a great alleviation to our grief to know - that an act of manly virtue and honor was the superinducing cause - that excited our son’s murderers in their bloody purpose. Death - under such circumstances, so far as it relates to the poor sufferer - himself, is praiseworthy in the highest degree, and inspires us with - thankfulness to God for our son’s integrity, and with humble trust - that it may be overruled in infinite wisdom for our good; and is - certainly a thousand times to be preferred by the afflicted - survivors, to a knowledge of, compliance with, and successful - prosecution of, the infamous scheme proposed. Our hearts truly and - deeply sympathize with the sorrowing mother and family of the - criminal young Lyons. Truly, indeed, may it be said that only God - can assuage the poignancy of such sorrow as must fill their bosoms. - May He sustain and comfort them. - - “It is satisfactory to know that summary measures were finally, and - in a good measure effectually, adopted by your citizens, for ridding - their interesting region of country of these worse than savages. - Retributive justice is almost invariably sure, sooner or later, to - overtake all such heaven-daring outlaws.... - - “Very sincerely yours, - “W. S. DILLINGHAM.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXIII - VIRGINIA CITY - - -No longer in fear of attack by the Indians, immigrants had been steadily -pouring into the Territory over the Salt Lake route during the month of -June. Many came also over the mountains from Salmon River. The opportune -discovery of Alder Gulch relieved Bannack of a large and increasing -population of unemployed gold hunters, who, lured by the overdrawn -reports of local richness, had exhausted all their means in a long and -perilous journey, to meet only disappointment and disaster at its close. -Almost simultaneously with the settlement at Virginia City, other -settlements lower down and farther up the gulch were commenced. Those -below were known by the respective names of Junction, Nevada, and -Central; those above, Pine Grove, Highland, and Summit. As the entire -gulch for a distance of twelve miles was appropriated, the intervals of -two or three miles between the several _nuclei_ were occupied by the -cabins of miners, who owned and were developing the claims opposite to -them, so that in less than three months after the discovery, the gulch -was really one entire settlement. One long stream of active life filled -the little creek, on its auriferous course from Bald Mountain, through a -cañon of wild and picturesque character, until it emerged into the large -and fertile valley of the Pas-sam-a-ri. Pas-sam-a-ri is the Shoshone -word for “Stinking Water,” and the latter is the name commonly given in -Montana to the beautiful mountain stream which was called by Lewis and -Clark, in their journal, “Philanthropy River.” Lateral streams of great -beauty pour down the sides of the mountain chain bounding the valley, -across which they run to their union with the Pas-sam-a-ri, which, -twenty miles beyond, unites with the Beaverhead, one of the forming -streams of the Jefferson. Gold placers were found upon these streams, -and occupied soon after the settlement at Virginia City was commenced. -One of these, at Bivin’s Gulch, in the mountains twelve miles from -Virginia City, though limited in extent, was sufficiently productive to -afford profitable employment to a little community of twenty or more -miners. Twenty miles below Virginia City on the route to Bannack, a man -by the name of Dempsey located a ranche, and built a large cabin for the -accommodation of travellers. Seven miles above, and between that and -Virginia City, another similar building for like purposes was owned by -Peter Daly, and three miles above Daly’s was another owned by Mr. -Lorrain. These establishments are only important as they serve to locate -occurrences connected with this history. - -Of the settlements in Alder Gulch, Virginia City was the principal, -though Nevada, two miles below, at one time was of nearly equal size and -population. A stranger from the Eastern States entering the gulch for -the first time, two or three months after its discovery, would be -inspired by the scene and its associations with reflections of the most -strange and novel character. This human hive, numbering at least ten -thousand people, was the product of ninety days. Into it were crowded -all the elements of a rough and active civilization. Thousands of cabins -and tents and brush wakiups, thrown together in the roughest form, and -scattered at random along the banks, and in the nooks of the hills, were -seen on every hand. Every foot of the gulch, under the active -manipulations of the miners, was undergoing displacement, and it was -already disfigured by huge heaps of gravel, which had been passed -through the sluices, and rifled of their glittering contents. In the -gulch itself all was activity. Some were removing the superincumbent -earth to reach the pay-dirt, others who had accomplished that were -gathering up the clay and gravel upon the surface of the bed-rock, while -by others still it was thrown into the sluice boxes. This exhibition of -mining industry was twelve miles long. Gold was abundant, and every -possible device was employed by the gamblers, the traders, the vile men -and women that had come with the miners to the locality, to obtain it. -Nearly every third cabin in the towns was a saloon where vile whiskey -was peddled out for fifty cents a drink in gold dust. Many of these -places were filled with gambling tables and gamblers, and the miner who -was bold enough to enter one of them with his day’s earnings in his -pocket, seldom left until thoroughly fleeced. Hurdy-gurdy dance-houses -were numerous, and there were plenty of camp beauties to patronize them. -There too, the successful miner, lured by siren smiles, after an evening -spent in dancing and carousing at his expense, steeped with liquor, -would empty his purse into the lap of his charmer for an hour of license -in her arms. Not a day or night passed which did not yield its full -fruition of fights, quarrels, wounds, or murders. The crack of the -revolver was often heard above the merry notes of the violin. Street -fights were frequent, and as no one knew when or where they would occur, -every one was on his guard against a random shot. - -Sunday was always a gala day. The miners then left their work and -gathered about the public places in the towns. The stores were all open, -the auctioneers specially eloquent on every corner in praise of their -wares. Thousands of people crowded the thoroughfares, ready to rush in -any direction of promised excitement. Horse-racing was among the most -favored amusements. Prize rings were formed, and brawny men engaged at -fisticuffs until their sight was lost and their bodies pommelled to a -jelly, while hundreds of on-lookers cheered the victor. Hacks rattled to -and fro between the several towns, freighted with drunken and rowdy -humanity of both sexes. Citizens of acknowledged respectability often -walked, more often perhaps rode side by side on horseback, with noted -courtesans in open day through the crowded streets, and seemingly -suffered no harm in reputation. Pistols flashed, bowie-knives -flourished, and braggart oaths filled the air, as often as men’s -passions triumphed over their reason. This was indeed the reign of -unbridled license, and men who at first regarded it with disgust and -terror, by constant exposure soon learned to become part of it, and -forget that they had ever been aught else. All classes of society were -represented at this general exhibition. Judges, lawyers, doctors, even -clergymen, could not claim exemption. Culture and religion afforded -feeble protection, where allurement and indulgence ruled the hour. - -Underneath this exterior of recklessness, there was in the minds and -hearts of the miners and business men of this society, a strong and -abiding sense of justice,—and that saved the Territory. While they could -enjoy what they called sport even to the very borders of crime, and -indulge in many practices which in themselves were criminal, yet when -any one was murdered, robbed, abused, or hurt, a feeling of resentment, -a desire for retaliation, animated all. With the ingathering of new men, -fear of the roughs gradually wore away,—but the desire to escape -responsibility, to acquire something and leave in peace, prevented any -active measures for protection; and so far as organization was -concerned, the law and order citizens, though in the majority, were as -much at sea as ever. - -Previous to the organization of the Territory of Idaho on the third of -March, 1863, all of that which is now Montana west of the Rocky -Mountains, was part of Washington Territory, with Olympia on Puget Sound -as capital. All east thereof belonged to Dakota, the capital of which -was Yankton on the Missouri, which by the nearest available route of -travel, was two thousand two hundred miles distant. The existence of -Bannack was not known there at that time, to say nothing of the -impossibility of executing any Territorial laws, at such arm’s-length, -even if it had been. Our legal condition was not greatly improved by the -organization of the new Territory of Idaho. Lewiston, the capital, was -seven hundred miles away, on the western side of the mountains. Eighteen -months had passed since we became part of that Territory, before we -received an authentic copy of the Territorial Statutes, and when they -came we had been half a year in Montana. - -In August, 1863, D. S. Payne, the United States Marshal of Idaho, came -over from Lewiston to Bannack to district the eastern portion of the -Territory and effect a party organization of the Republicans. Our people -felt little interest in the measure. Some of the leading citizens had -requested, some time before, that I should make application in person -for them, at the next session of Congress, for a new Territorial -organization, east of the Cœur D’Alene Mountains. Payne was urgent for a -representation of this part of the Territory in the Legislative Council, -and as an inducement for me to consent to the use of my name as a -candidate, offered to appoint any person whom I might name to the office -of Deputy United States Marshal in the east side district. - -A Union League had been for some time in existence in Bannack, of which -I was President. I asked the advice of the members in making the -appointment, first cautioning them to ballot secretly, as by that means -those who otherwise would not support Plummer, who was known to be a -candidate, would escape detection by him. Neither Mr. Rheem, the -Vice-President of the League, nor myself voted. The votes cast, about -thirty in number, were unanimous for Plummer. Some one informed him of -it. He expressed his gratification at the result, and told me that the -confidence of the League in him should never be betrayed. I immediately -informed him that he must not expect the appointment. He gave this reply -a favorable interpretation, and even after it was repeated, turned upon -his heel, laughing, and saying as he went, - -“It’s all right, Langford. That’s the way to talk it to outsiders.” - -Soon after this, in a conversation with Mr. Samuel T. Hauser, I informed -him of the recommendation of the League. Hauser replied, - -“Whoever lives to see the gang of highwaymen now infesting the country -broken up, will find that Henry Plummer is at the head of it.” - -Amazed at the expression of an opinion so much stronger than my own, I -at once decided to reject the advice of the League, rather than incur -the responsibility of recommending so dangerous a person for the office. -Plummer heard of it, and lost no time in asking an explanation, -affecting to believe that I had promised to recommend him. We sat down -upon an ox-shoeing frame, and talked over the whole matter. He had his -pistol in his belt. I was unarmed. He said many provoking things, and -used many oaths and epithets, in his attempt to provoke a quarrel, but -all to no purpose. Finding that no excuse would be given him for a -resort to violence, he arose, and as we parted, said, - -“Langford, you’ll be sorry for this before the matter ends. I’ve always -been your friend, but from this time on, I’m your enemy; and when I say -this, I mean it in more ways than one.” - -These were the closing words of our last conversation. We met -afterwards, but never spoke. - -During that fall I was engaged in purchasing lumber at Bannack to sell -at Virginia City, where no sawmills had yet been put in operation. The -business required frequent trips between the two places; and the ride of -seventy miles through a lonely country, whose surface alternated with -cañons, ravines, foothills, and mountains, afforded such ample -opportunity for secret robbery and murder, that it required considerable -ingenuity to throw the villains off the track. With the threat of -Plummer hanging over me to be executed upon the first favorable -opportunity, my position was by no means an enviable one. I would send -forward the loaded teams, which were four days on the trip, and on the -morning of the fourth would follow, mounted on a good horse, and arrive -in Virginia City the same evening. On my arrival my horse was -immediately put in charge of a rancher, or person who made the care of -horses a specialty. He would send it with a herd to a convenient grass -range, where it would feed in the care of herders night and day until -wanted. Then it was brought into town and delivered at the office of the -rancher. The order for a horse was given the night before it was wanted, -in order to have the animal ready the following morning. - -George Ives, who turned out to be one of the most desperate of the gang -of robbers, was the rancher’s clerk at Virginia City. Whenever -application was made for a horse, unless the applicant was on his guard, -Ives could, by a careless inquiry, learn his destination. By -communicating this to his confederates, they could pursue and rob, or -kill the rider without delay or suspicion. To escape this system of -espionage it was my custom, when ready to leave for Bannack or -elsewhere, to send an order by a friend to the rancher or Ives, -requesting him to let the bearer have the horse to go to some point -which I designated, in an opposite direction from my actual destination. -The friend would receive and mount the horse, and ride out of town, -beyond observation, where I would meet him and go on my way. Thirty -journeys of this kind were safely made between Virginia City and Bannack -during the fall, none, however, without the precaution of carrying a -pair of revolvers in my cantinas, and a double-barrelled gun across my -saddle. - -During a brief stay in Omaha several years ago, I met with Dr. Leavitt, -who was a resident of Bannack while Plummer dwelt there. He related the -following incident, which is repeated here, for the insight it affords -of Plummer’s malignancy. - -“One night in October, 1863,” said the doctor, “I was walking along the -roadway of Main Street in Bannack. The moon, obscured by clouds, shed a -dim light, by which I could see for a few yards quite distinctly. As I -passed your boarding-house, my attention was attracted by a noise at my -left. I stopped, and on close observation saw a dark object under the -window. My curiosity was excited to know what it could be. Judge of my -surprise on approaching it to behold a man with a revolver in his hand, -on his knees at the window, peering into the room through a space of -less than an inch between the curtain and the window casing. I watched -him unobserved for some seconds. Disturbed by my approach, he sprang to -his feet and darted around the corner of the building—but not so rapidly -as to escape recognition. - -“‘Why, Plummer,’ I exclaimed, ‘what in the world are you doing there?’ - -“Seeing that he was known, he came forward, laughing, and replied, - -“‘I was trying to play a joke on my friend Langford. He and Gillette -board here, and I heard their voices.’ - -“I was puzzled to conceive what sort of a joke he was playing with a -loaded revolver, but thought I had better not be too curious to -ascertain. Plummer accompanied me home. He said that you and he were -great friends; that you had done him many favors, and there was no -person in the world he esteemed more highly. I thought nothing more of -the matter, until I heard that Plummer had threatened your life for -refusing to recommend his appointment as Deputy United States Marshal. I -had no doubt then, and have none now, that he was trying to get a sight -through the window for the purpose of shooting you. Your departure for -Salt Lake City a day or two after I heard of your difficulty with him -prevented me from informing you of it at the time.” - -Miners and others who had worked out or sold their claims, were almost -daily leaving the country. Often it was known that they took with them -large amounts of gold dust. Various were the devices for its -concealment. On one occasion a small company contrived to escape plunder -by packing their long, slim buckskin purses into an auger hole, bored in -the end of their wagon tongue, and closing it so as to escape -observation. Others, less fortunate, lost, not their money only, but -their lives, in some of the desolate cañons on the long route to Salt -Lake. Many left who were never afterwards heard of, and whose friends in -the States wrote letters of inquiry to the Territory concerning them, -years after they had gone. Whenever a robbery was contemplated which the -freebooters supposed would be attended with unusual risk to themselves, -Plummer’s presence was required to conduct it. Knowing that his absence -would excite suspicion, he arranged that for such occasions, he should -be sent for, as an expert, to examine a silver lode. But few discoveries -had at this time been made of this mineral, and Plummer’s Nevada -experience was thought to qualify him for determining its value with -considerable accuracy. A rough-looking prospector, dressed for the -purpose, would ride into town, exhibit his specimens, and urge Plummer, -who feigned reluctance, to go with him and examine his discovery, -promising him a claim as an inducement. Often would unsuspecting -citizens offer to aid Plummer in any work he might then have on hand to -enable him to go out, and, under pretence of examining a silver lode, -superintend the commission of a daring robbery. Sometimes this same -object was accomplished by trumping up a charge against some imaginary -delinquent, and obtaining a warrant for his arrest from the miners’ -judge, which Plummer, as sheriff, rode away to execute. - -The following is one instance of Plummer’s method of obtaining recruits. -He called upon Neil Howie in the Fall of 1863, whom he found hard at -work mining, but barely earning a subsistence. - -“Neil,” said he, “this is a hard way to get a living.” - -“I know it,” replied Howie. - -“I can tell you of an easier way.” - -“I’d like to know it.” - -“There are plenty of men making money in this country,” said Plummer, -“and we are entitled to a share of it.” - -Doubtful as to his meaning, or whether he understood; him aright, Howie -regarded Plummer with a puzzled expression, making no reply. - -“Come with me,” said Plummer, “and you’ll have all you want.” - -“You’ve picked up the wrong man,” replied Howie. - -“All right,” said Plummer coolly. “I suppose you know enough to keep -your mouth shut.” - -Howie remembered the fate of Dillingham, and heeded the admonition. - -The placer at Alder Gulch was immensely prolific. Probably its yield in -gold dust was not less than ten millions of dollars before the close of -the first year’s work upon it. Money was abundant. Merchants and bankers -were obliged to exercise great ingenuity and caution in keeping it, as -there were no regular means for sending it out of the country. The only -stage route was between Bannack and Virginia City,—and a stretch of -unsettled country, four hundred and seventy-five miles in width, lay -between the latter place and Salt Lake City. There was no post-office in -the Territory. Letters were brought from Salt Lake City to Virginia -City, first at a cost of two dollars and a half each, and later in the -season at one dollar each. All money, at infinite risk, was sent to the -nearest express-office at Salt Lake City by private hands. In order to -gain intelligence of these occasional consignments, Plummer induced some -of the leading merchants to employ members of his gang. When this could -not be effected, they were occupied so near and on such familiar terms, -that they could observe without suspicion all business operations, and -give him early notice of the transmission of treasure. - -Dance and Stuart commenced business in Virginia City in the Fall of -1863, with a large stock of goods. George Lane, better known as -“Clubfoot George,” whose history in the Salmon River mines I have -already given, came to them with a pitiful story of his misfortunes, and -asked for a place in their store for his shoemaker’s bench. Though -cramped for their own accommodation, they made room for him. He -commenced work, meantime watching all their business operations, for the -purpose of reporting when and by whom they sent money to their Eastern -creditors. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV - COACH ROBBERIES - - -The placer at Alder Gulch was so extensive, so easy of development, and -so prolific, that many of the miners who commenced work upon it in the -early days of its discovery, fortunate in their acquisitions, and -disgusted with their associations, were ready to return to the States in -the fall. Failing in this, they knew that they would be doomed to a long -winter of idleness, exposed to the privations incident to a new and -isolated region, and to the depredations of a large and increasing -criminal population. The hegira, at first small, increased in numbers, -so that, by the first of November it could be numbered by hundreds, who -were on their return to their old homes. Many—perhaps the greater -portion—of those wayfarers travelled in the conveyances which brought -them to the country; others on horseback; and a large number leaving -Virginia City on one of the two lines of coaches for Bannack, trusted to -chance for an opportunity to continue the journey beyond that place. How -many of these persons fell victims to the road agents, on their long and -perilous journey, it is impossible to tell; but the inquiries of -relatives and friends for hundreds of them for months and even years -after their departure, leave no chance for doubt that the villains drove -a bloody and prosperous business. - -Several of their most daring exploits occurred on the route between -Virginia City and Bannack, a region admirably adapted to their purposes. -Its frequent streams, cañons, mountain passes, rocky ledges, willow -thickets, and deep embosomed valleys, afforded ample means of -concealment, and advantages for attack upon passing trains, with very -few chances for defence or escape. The robbers had their established -points of rendezvous on the road, and worked in concert by a system of -horseback telegraphy, as unfailing as electricity. Whenever it was known -that a person with money was about to leave by coach, a private mark was -made upon the vehicle, which would be recognized wherever seen, at -Daly’s, Baker’s, Dempsey’s, or Bunton’s, the several ranches where the -coach horses were changed. Bunton, who kept the Rattlesnake ranche, was -the same villain who was associated with Plummer in the shebangs near -Walla Walla, of which an account has already been given. - -When the approach of the coach was perceived at either of these changing -stations, the herder in charge mounted his horse, and rode hurriedly off -to drive up the horses for the next route, which were generally feeding -in sight of the station. Sometimes they strayed off, and the coach would -be delayed until they were found, but this was of infrequent occurrence. -Precisely the same system was followed here as upon the plains in the -days of the overland mail stages. - -The horses in use when not of the cayuse breed, were bronchos, or wild -horses from California, neither in quality nor breed suited for the -service, unreliable, and easily broken down. They were driven very -rapidly, and when their speed gave out were turned loose as no longer -fit for use. As a consequence it was one of the chief difficulties of a -stage proprietor to secure horses which would insure the punctuality of -his trips. The trip between Virginia City and Bannack was ordinarily -completed between the rising and setting of the sun. - -Among the miners earliest to arrive and stake a claim in Alder Gulch, -was an Irishman by the name of Daniel McFadden, who soon became -familiarized to the sobriquet of “Bummer Dan.” Why he was thus -designated was never known, but it may be presumed that he early -developed some peculiarities, which, in the opinion of the people, -justified it. He was fortunate in securing one of the richest claims in -the gulch, and, making good use of his time, had saved two thousand -dollars or more in dust by the middle of October. Having sold his claim, -with this gold in his possession, he made preparations for a journey to -Bannack. Securing it in buckskin purses, he put them in a larger bag, -and by means of a strap across the shoulder, and a belt, contrived to -conceal the treasure under his clothing, and carry it very conveniently. -One raw, gusty day, toward the close of the month, he left Virginia City -on foot, and walked down the valley to Dempsey’s ranche, on the Stinking -Water, where he waited the arrival of Peabody & Caldwell’s coach on its -way to Bannack. - -Owing to the sickness of the driver, William Rumsey was pressed into -service for the trip, and the coach left Virginia City at the usual hour -in the morning, with Messrs. Madison, Percy, and Wilkinson, as -passengers. One of the heavy snowstorms peculiar to this season and -latitude set in soon after the coach was under way, and continued during -the drive of the first ten miles, rendering their progress slow and -cumbersome. At Baker’s ranche the passengers were obliged to wait until -the herder, who had been housed during the storm, could drive up the -horses. He returned after an hour’s search with an indifferent team, -which was driven on a run to Dempsey’s ranche, to recover the time lost -by the delay. Here “Bummer Dan” took passage, and the same speed was -maintained to “Point of Rocks,” the locality known in Lewis and Clark’s -travels as Beaver Head Rock. The wearied horses gave place here to a -fresher team, which continued on a keen run to Bunton’s ranche on the -Rattlesnake. It was now sunset, and yet twelve miles to Bannack. The -herder who had brought up the horses for the change at the usual hour, -finding that the coach did not arrive on time, had, under Bunton’s -orders, turned them out again, an hour before. Bunton pretended that he -did not expect the coach. The herder was sent out immediately after the -horses, and returned at dark with the report that he could not find -them. Rumsey then requested “Little Frank,” a Mexican boy in whom he had -confidence, to go in search of the horses. He, too, soon returned with -the report that they could not be found. This “Little Frank,” a few -weeks afterwards, told Rumsey that the horses were near at the time, but -that before he started to look for them, Bunton told him that if he did -not report them to be missing he would kill him. - -A night with Bill Bunton was unavoidable, and the passengers at once -determined to “make a night of it.” Bunton entered into the spirit of -the occasion with them. Whiskey was provided. They drank themselves -hilarious, sang, related adventures, and caroused until daylight; but, -to Bunton’s disappointment, without becoming intoxicated, and never -forgetting, meantime, their exposure to robbery, or the convenience of a -revolver in the belt. - -At daylight two herders were sent for the horses. One returned at eight -o’clock, with the report that they could not be found. An hour -afterwards the other brought in the same horses that came with the coach -the previous evening. “Necessity knows no law,” and so with a pair of -these for leaders, and two worn-out wheelers, the coach was soon -declared ready for a start. Just at this time, Oliver’s coach from -Bannack drove up, _en route_ for Virginia City, and fresh drinks were -called for. In the meantime a rough by the name of Bob Zachary, who was -going to Bannack with a couple of horses, insisted that Wilkinson should -bear him company and ride one of them. They departed on a canter in -advance of the coach, and were soon out of sight. Bunton, who had been -distributing liquor among the passengers of the coaches, and trying to -make himself generally agreeable, came out with the bottle and a tumbler -to give Rumsey a drink. - -“Wait a few minutes, Billy,” said he, “and I will ride to Bannack with -you. These passengers will be gone in a moment.” - -“Get up on the box with me,” replied Rumsey. “These old ‘plugs’ at the -wheel will need pretty constant whipping, and my exercise in that line -yesterday has lamed my arm.” - -“I’m a good whipper,” Bunton responded, laughing, “and if there’s any -‘go’ in them, I can bring it out. They’re a pair of ‘played out’ -wheelers that had been turned out to rest, and I think we’ll fail to get -them beyond a walk,—but we’ll give them a try.” - -The weather was cold and blustering. The curtains of, the coach were -fastened down. Percy, Madison, and “Bummer Dan” got in, and Bunton -mounted the box beside Rumsey. The horses began to weaken before they -reached the crossing of the creek, less than a mile away. There the road -entered the gulch. Bunton, who had succeeded, as he intended, in tiring -the horses, surrendered the whip to Rumsey and got inside the coach. He -knew what was coming. Rumsey whipped up the wheelers, but could not urge -them into any faster gait. Cursing his “slow poke of a team,” his eye -caught the figures of two horsemen entering the gulch from a dry ravine -a few rods in front of the coach. They were wrapped in blankets, with -hoods over their heads, and armed with shotguns. It flashed upon him -that they were robbers. - -“Look! boys, look!” he shouted. “See what’s coming. Get out your arms. -The road agents are upon us.” - -The eyes of every man in the coach were peering through the loopholes at -the approaching bandits. Madison, the first to discover them, was -searching for his pistol, when the robbers rode up, and in broken Irish, -and assumed tones, with their guns aimed at the coach, yelled, - -“Up with your hands, every one of you.” - -This formula, always used, was generally concluded with an abusive -epithet. Bill Bunton, who had a part to enact, threw up his hands and in -an imploring voice, exclaimed, - -“For God’s sake, don’t kill me. You are welcome to all my money,—only -spare my life.” - -The other inmates raised their arms as commanded. - -“Get out,” shouted the robbers, “and hold up your hands. We’ll shoot -every man who puts his down.” - -The passengers descended hurriedly to the ground and stood with their -arms upraised, awaiting further orders. Turning to Rumsey, who remained -on the box holding the reins, the robbers ordered him to get down, and -remove the arms from the passengers. - -Not easily frightened, and anxious to escape a service so distasteful, -Rumsey replied, - -“You must be fools to think I’m going to get down and let this team run -away. You don’t want the team. It can do you no good.” - -“Get down,” said the robber spokesman with an oath as he levelled his -gun at Rumsey, “or I’ll shoot the top of your head off.” - -“There’s a man,” said Rumsey, pointing to Bunton, “who is unarmed. Let -him disarm the others.” - -“Oh!” replied Bunton in a lachrymose tone, “I’ll hold the horses—I’ll -hold the horses, while you take off the pistols. Anything—anything, only -don’t shoot me.” - -“Go then, and hold the horses, you long-legged coward,” said the robber; -“and now,” he continued, levelling his gun at and addressing Rumsey, -“get down at once, and do as you’ve been ordered, or you’ll be a dead -man in half a minute.” - -The order was too peremptory to be disobeyed. Rumsey tied the reins to -the brake-handle, and jumped to the ground. - -“Now take them arms off,” said the robber, “and be quick about it too.” - -Removing the two navy revolvers from “Bummer Dan,” Rumsey sidled off -slowly, with the hope of getting a shot at the ruffians; but they, -comprehending his design, ordered him to throw them on the ground. As -the choice lay between obedience or death, he laid them down, and was -proceeding very slowly to remove the pistols from the other passengers, -with the hope that by some fortunate chance a company of horsemen or -some friendly train would come to the rescue before the villains could -complete their work. - -“Hurry up there,” shouted the robber. “Don’t keep us waiting all day.” - -After the passengers were freed of their arms, and the arms piled up -near the road agents, the speaker of the two ordered Rumsey to relieve -them of their purses. Bunton, who had all the time been petitioning for -his life, took out his purse, and throwing it towards Rumsey, exclaimed, - -“There’s a hundred and twenty dollars,—all I have in the world. You’re -welcome to it, only don’t kill me.” - -All this while, the men, not daring to drop their hands, directed Rumsey -in his search for their purses. He had taken a sack of gold dust from -Percy, one from Madison, and two from “Bummer Dan,” and supposed his -work to be completed. - -“Have you got all?” inquired the robber. - -“All I could find,” replied Rumsey. - -Turning to Madison, the robber asked, pointing to the sacks, - -“Is that all you’ve got?” - -“No,” said Madison, nudging his pocket with his elbow, “there’s another -in this pocket.” - -The road agent, in an angry manner, cursing Rumsey for trying to deceive -him, ordered him to take it out. - -“Don’t you leave nothing,” was the stern, ungrammatical command. - -Rumsey took the purse, and having added it to the pile, was about to -resume his seat on the box. - -“Where are you going?” shouted both the robbers. - -“To get on the coach, you fools,” retorted Rumsey. “You’ve got all there -is, and we want to go on now.” - -“Go back there, and get the big sack from that Irish bummer,” said one -of the robbers; and pointing his pistol at Dan, he added, “You’re the -man we’re after. Get that strap off your shoulder.” - -Poor Dan! His money was very dear to him, but his life was dearer. As he -could not save both, he commenced at once to remove the strap. Rumsey -came up, and tried to pull it out, but finding it would not come, -stepped back, while Dan was engaged in unbuckling the belt. - -“Jerk it off,” shouted the robber; “or I’ll shoot you in a minute.” - -“Give him time,” interposed Rumsey; “you’ll not kill a man when he’s -doing all he can for you?” - -“Well, hurry up, then, you awkward blackguard. We have no time to lose.” - -As soon as the belt was loosed, Dan drew forth a large, fringed, -buckskin bag containing two sacks, which he handed to Rumsey, who tossed -it on the heap. - -“That’s what we wanted,” said the robber. “Now get aboard, all of you, -and get out of this as fast as you can; and if we ever hear a word from -one of you, we’ll shoot you on sight.” - -They obeyed with alacrity. Bunton resumed his seat beside the driver, -and commenced whipping the horses, observing, as they rode off, that it -was the hottest place he was ever in. At a turn in the road, Bunton -looked back. The bandits had dismounted. One held the horses; the other -was picking up the plunder, which, in all, amounted to twenty-eight -hundred dollars. After gathering up their booty, the robbers galloped -rapidly over the Indian trail leading to Bannack, arriving there in -advance of the coach. - -When intelligence of the robbery reached Bannack, public indignation was -aroused, but the time had not yet arrived for action. Had the robbers -been recognized, they would have fared hard on their return to Bannack, -but the people felt that it was better not to strike, than strike at -random. - -George Hilderman, one of the robber gang, was present at the -express-office on the arrival of the coach, seemingly as much surprised -as any one at the intelligence of the robbery. His real object, however, -was to observe whether the passengers had recognized the ruffians. If -so, he was to report it to them, that they might keep out of the way. -“Bummer Dan,” doubtless, had in his employ some person in the confidence -of the robbers; otherwise, his efforts to avoid them might have been -successful. - -It was afterwards ascertained that Frank Parish and Bob Zachary were the -men who committed the robbery. Bill Bunton, being in the secret, aided -as much as possible in delaying the coach over-night at Rattlesnake, and -supplying it with worn-out horses for the trip from his ranche to -Bannack. “Bummer Dan” and Percy recognized the robbers, but were -restrained by personal fear from exposing them. - -No man in this company was more feared by the ruffians than Rumsey. They -could not frighten him, and no warning of his friends prevented him from -fully expressing and ventilating his opinions concerning them. Nothing -would silence his denunciations, but his death; and this being resolved -upon by the robbers, they prepared to improve the opportunity afforded -by his return to Virginia City, to accomplish it. It was so late in the -day when he arrived at Dempsey’s that he concluded to pass the night -there. Boone Helm, who had been awaiting his appearance, met him in the -bar-room soon after his arrival, and invited him and other persons -present to drink with him. Rumsey drank with the company two or three -times. Helm called for more drinks. - -“I’ve had enough,” said Rumsey, declining to drink more. - -“Take another, take another,” said Helm. “It’s good to keep the cold -out.” - -“Not another drop,” replied Rumsey. “I know my gauge on the liquor -question, and never go beyond it.” - -“You _shall_ drink again,” said Helm, with an oath, casting a malicious -glance at Rumsey. - -“I _won’t_ drink again,” was the immediate reply, “and no man can make -me.” - -“No man can refuse to drink with me and live,” replied Helm, seizing his -revolver as if to draw it. - -Rumsey was too quick for him. Before the desperado could draw his -pistol, Rumsey had his levelled at his head. Addressing him in a calm, -steady tone, he said, - -“Don’t draw your pistol, or I’ll shoot you, sure.” - -The men gazed sternly upon each other for a minute or more, Helm finally -loosing his grasp of his pistol, and saying, - -“Well, you’re the first man that ever looked me down. Let’s be friends.” - -The courage of Rumsey inspired the robber with a respect for him which -probably saved his life, as no further molestation was offered him on -his way to Virginia City. - -Percy was the proprietor of a bowling alley in Bannack. The roughs, in -frequenting his saloon, would leave their horses standing outside the -door; and he had so often seen the animals and accoutrements of each, -that he easily recognized the robbers by their horses and saddles. When -the coach arrived, Percy saw Frank Parish take Henry Plummer to one -side, and engage in conversation with him. In a few minutes, Plummer -came to Percy, and asked him; if he knew the robbers. Percy replied, - -“No; and if I did, I’d not be such a fool as to tell who they were.” - -Plummer tapped him on the shoulder, and replied, - -“You stick to that, Percy, and you’ll be all right. There are about -seventy-five of the worst desperadoes ever known on the west side of the -mountains, in the country, in a band, and I know who they are.” - -Bunton, after this robbery, used occasionally to accost Percy in a -playful manner, with such language as, “Throw up your hands”; or, “We -were fools to be robbed, weren’t we?” Percy, knowing that Bunton was one -of the gang, soon tired of this; and one day at a race-course, when thus -saluted, remarked, with unmistakable displeasure, - -“That’s played out.” - -The words were scarcely uttered, when Bunton raised his pistol and fired -at him. The ball grazed Percy’s ear. Jason Luce, a driver of Mr. -Oliver’s express, stepped up and said to Bunton, - -“If you want to fight, why don’t you take a man of your own size, -instead of a smaller one?” - -Later in the day, while intoxicated, Luce called Bunton a coward, in the -presence of his brother, Sam Bunton. The latter whipped him severely on -the spot. Three days later, Luce carried the express to Salt Lake City, -Sam Bunton following four or five days thereafter. Luce met him at the -Salt Lake House. - -“We had,” said he, addressing him, “a little difficulty in Bannack, and -now we’ll settle it.” - -“It’s already settled,” said Bunton. - -“You’re a liar,” replied Luce, and drawing his knife cut Bunton’s -throat, killing him on the spot. Luce was arrested, tried, and found -guilty of murder. By the Territorial statute of Utah, he was authorized -to choose the mode of his execution, from the three forms of hanging, -shooting, or beheading. His choice was to be shot, and he was executed -in that manner. - -Bill Bunton and Sam Bunton were natives of Ohio. Their parents moved to -Andrew County, Missouri, in 1839, and thence to Oregon in 1842, when -they were respectively sixteen and fourteen years old. The father was a -rough, drinking, quarrelsome man, clever, but uneducated. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV - LEROY SOUTHMAYD - - -Early in the afternoon of a cold day late in November, 1863, Leroy -Southmayd, Captain Moore, and a discharged driver known as “Billy,” took -passage in Oliver’s coach at Virginia City, for Bannack. A ruffian -equally well known by the cognomens of “Old Tex” and “Jim Crow” stood -near, watching the departing vehicle. As Moore’s eyes alighted upon him, -he said to Southmayd, - -“I am sorry to see that rascal watching us; he belongs to the gang. It -bodes us no good.” - -“Oh,” replied Southmayd, laughing, “I think there’s no danger. Robbery -has ‘played out.’ These fellows are beginning to understand that the -people will hold them accountable for their villainies.” - -Little more was said about it, the conversation turning to more -congenial topics. About three o’clock, the coach, which had made slow -progress, drove up in front of Lorrain’s, eleven miles from town. While -Tom Caldwell, the driver, was changing horses, George Ives and Steve -Marshland rode up, dismounted, and asked if they could procure a change -of horses. Having ascertained that they could not do so, they ordered -feed for those they had been riding, Ives in the meantime carefully -avoiding Southmayd. The company fell into a desultory conversation, -which Ives abruptly terminated by remarking that he had heard from Old -Tex. - -“He is,” said he, “at Cold Spring ranch. I must hasten on and overtake -him.” - -The coach soon departed, and Ives and Marshland immediately ordered -their horses, and riding rapidly, passed it a short distance below -Lorrain’s. - -Cold Spring ranch was eight miles farther on the stage route. That Old -Tex, who was watching the coach when it left Virginia City, should be -there, awaiting the arrival of these two ruffians, occasioned our -passengers great uneasiness. They knew almost intuitively that a robbery -was in contemplation. When the coach arrived at Cold Spring, the first -objects which met their gaze on alighting from it, were the three -ruffians Ives, Marshland, and Old Tex in close conversation. - -After a few moments’ detention, Caldwell drove on to Point of Rocks, -where the passengers remained until morning. Leaving at an early hour, -they proceeded to Stone’s ranche, and during their brief stay there, -Ives, who had been joined by Bob Zachary and William Graves, known as -“Whiskey Bill,” made a detour, and passed the coach unperceived. The -three gentlemanly solicitors of the road trotted slowly on towards -Bannack. They were in complete disguise, each one incased in a blanket -of green and blue. “Whiskey Bill” wore a silk hat, at that time, -perhaps, the only one in the Territory. His sleeves were rolled above -the elbows, and his face concealed behind a black silk handkerchief, -through the eyelets in which his ferret eyes shone like a couple of -stars, in partial eclipse. The gray horse he bestrode was enveloped in a -blanket so completely that only his head, legs, and tail were visible. -The horses of his associates were similarly overspread. Ives was masked -in a piece of gray blanket, and Zachary with a remnant of hickory -shirting. No one, unsuspicious of their presence, however familiar with -their persons, would have recognized them. - -The coach horses moved forward at their usual rapid rate, bringing the -passengers in sight of the horsemen a little before eleven o’clock. -Their attention was first attracted by the peculiar costume, and the gun -which each man held firmly across his saddle-bow. As they approached -them more nearly, Southmayd observed to Caldwell, the driver,— - -“They’re queer-looking beings, Tom, anyhow.” - -“They’re road agents, Leroy, you may depend upon it,” replied Caldwell. - -“Well,” said Southmayd, “I believe they are, but we can’t help ourselves -now.” - -As he said this, the leaders were nearly up with the horsemen. They -rapidly wheeled their horses, and presented their guns,—Graves taking in -range the head of Caldwell; Ives, that of Southmayd; and Zachary -alternately aiming at Moore and Billy. - -“Halt!” commanded Ives; “throw up your hands,” and on the instant the -arms of every man in the coach were raised. - -“Get down, all of you,” he added. - -All but Southmayd jumped to the ground. He lingered, with the hope that -an opportunity might offer to fire upon them. - -“Get down,” repeated Ives, adding a sententious epithet to the command. - -Still hesitating to comply, Ives glanced his eye along his gun-barrel as -if to shoot, and in that subdued tone always expressive of desperation, -once more issued the command. - -Southmayd withstood it no longer, but while making a deliberate descent -threw open his coat, thinking that an opportunity might offer for him to -use his revolver. Ives, perceiving his object, levelled his gun, and -hissed out, in words terribly distinct, - -“If you do that again, I’ll kill you!” - -The passengers stood with upraised hands by the roadside, under cover of -the guns of the robbers. Addressing Zachary, Ives said, - -“Get down and look after those fellows.” - -This was an unwelcome task for Zachary. Villain as he was, Southmayd -says that while he was engaged in searching his person, he quivered like -an aspen. Throwing Southmayd’s pistol and money on the ground, he was -about to renew the search, when Billy, tired of the position, dropped -his hands. - -“Up with your hands again,” roared Ives with an oath, at the same time -bringing the terrible muzzles to bear upon the person of the frightened -driver. Billy, who felt that it was no time to bandy proprieties, threw -them up with more speed than pleasure, realizing that the buckshot were -safer in the barrels than in his luckless carcass. - -Zachary now commenced searching Moore, and, taking from his pocket a -sack, inquired, - -“Is this all you have?” - -“All I have in the world,” replied Moore. - -Zachary threw it on the heap and came to Billy. - -“Give me your pistol,” said he. Billy placed the weapon in his hands. - -“Is it loaded?” inquired Ives. - -“No,” replied Billy. - -“Give it to him again,” said Ives to Zachary. “We don’t want any empty -weapons.” - -“My God!” exclaimed Caldwell, as Zachary next approached him. “What do -you want of me? I have nothing.” - -“Let him alone,” said Ives; and addressing Caldwell, he inquired, “Is -there anything in the mail we want?” - -“I don’t think there is,” answered Tom. - -Zachary mounted the box, and commenced an examination, but found -nothing. Caldwell scanned the villain narrowly, for the purpose, if -possible, of recognizing him. - -“Don’t you do that, if you want to live,” said Ives, rattling his gun -into dangerous range. - -“Well then,” said Tom impudently, “may I look at you?” - -The robber nodded a ready assent, as much as to say, “Find me out, if -you can.” - -The search over, Zachary picked up his gun, and stepped back. - -“Get up and skedaddle,” said Ives to the plundered group. The horses had -grown restive while the robbery was progressing, but Tom had restrained -them. - -“Drive slowly, Tom,” said Southmayd to Caldwell in an undertone, as he -ascended the box. “I want to reconnoitre a little,” and turned his face -to the robbers. - -“Drive on,” shouted Ives. - -Southmayd still continued looking at the robbers as the coach departed, -which Ives observing, the villain raised his gun, and yelled, - -“If you don’t turn around and mind your business, I’ll shoot the top of -your head off.” - -The three robbers then stood together, watching the coach until it was -lost to their view. - -“By George!” said Leroy, laughing, “I looked down into those gun-barrels -so long that I thought I fairly saw the buckshot leap from their -imprisonment. It would have afforded me pleasure to squander the bullets -in my pistol on the scoundrel.” - -Southmayd lost four hundred dollars in gold, and Captain Moore one -hundred dollars in treasury notes. As was usual, quite a large number of -people were awaiting the arrival of the coach, when it drove up to the -express-office at Bannack. Inquiries were immediately made as to the -cause of its detention so much later than common. - -“Was the coach robbed to-day?” inquired Plummer of Southmayd, as he -jumped from the box. - -“It was,” replied Leroy, taking him by the arm, and by his confidential -manner signifying that he was about to impart to him, as sheriff, all he -knew about it. Just at this moment, Dr. Bissell, the miners’ judge at -Virginia City, gave Southmayd a slight nudge, and catching his eye, -winked significantly for him to step aside. - -“Be careful, Leroy,—very careful what you say to that man.” - -Leroy gave an appreciative nod, and rejoined Plummer. - -“So you have been robbed,” said the latter. “I’m not surprised,—and I -think I can tell you who were the robbers.” - -“Who were they?” eagerly asked Southmayd. - -“George Ives was one of them,” said Plummer. - -“Yes,” responded Southmayd, “and the others were ‘Whiskey Bill’ and Bob -Zachary; and I’ll live to see them hanged before three weeks.” - -Southmayd did not know that Plummer’s accusation was made for the -purpose of detecting his knowledge of the robbers. Bissell, who had -overheard Southmayd’s revelation to Plummer, said to him soon after, - -“Leroy, your life isn’t worth a cent.” - -George Crisman, who was standing by, added, - -“They’ll kill you sure.” - -Business detained Southmayd in Bannack the succeeding three days. During -that time he never met Plummer, who left him immediately after they held -the conversation above narrated. - -Two days afterwards, while on his way to Virginia City, Caldwell, the -driver, met with “Whiskey Bill” at the Cold Spring ranche. - -“Did you hear of the robbery, Bill, on my trip out?” he inquired. - -“Sure, I did, Tom,” replied Bill. “Do you know any of the fellows who -committed it?” - -“Not I,” replied Caldwell, “and I wouldn’t for the world. If I did, and -told of them, I shouldn’t live long.” - -“That’s so, Tom,” rejoined Graves. “You wouldn’t live twenty-four hours. -It’s always best to be ignorant in matters of that kind. I’ve had -experience, and I know. I’ll just tell you, by way of illustration, -about my being robbed in California. One night as my partner and I were -riding along, two fellows rode up and told us to throw up our hands. We -did so, and they took from us two thousand dollars in coin. I said to -’em, ‘Boys, it’s pretty rough to take all we’ve got.’ They said so it -was, and gave us back forty dollars. A week afterwards I saw ’em dealing -faro. One of ’em saw me looking at him, and arose and came up to me, and -said in a whisper, ‘Ain’t you one of the men that was robbed the other -night?’ ‘Not at all,’ says I, for I thought if I said ‘yes’ he would -find a way to put me out of the way. ‘Oh, well,’ says he, ‘honor bright! -I want you to own up. I know you’re the man. Now, I’m going to give you -four thousand dollars, just for keeping your mouth shut.’ And he kept -his promise. So you see, Tom, that I saved my life, and got four -thousand dollars for keeping still.” - -Tom wished somebody would treat him so, but when telling the story, said -that he “lacked confidence in human nature, especially where the road -agents were concerned.” He even ventured the assertion that he “did not -believe Graves’ story, anyway.” - -Ives went to Virginia City the day following the robbery. While -intoxicated at one of the fancy establishments, he boasted openly of -having made Tom Caldwell throw up his hands, and that he intended to do -it again. Talking of the robbery with one of the drivers, he said, - -“I am the Bamboo chief that committed that robbery.” - -“Don’t you believe Caldwell knows it?” inquired the driver. - -“Certainly he knows it,” replied Ives. “He recognized me at once.” - -As Ives and the driver were riding side by side into Virginia City, on -their return from Nevada, the driver saw Caldwell approaching. He -motioned him to keep away. Caldwell turned and went away, and was -afterwards told that Ives knew he had recognized him in the robbery, and -would probably kill him on sight. The driver, who expected that Ives -would shoot at Caldwell, had his revolver in readiness to shoot him at -the time alluded to, in case Ives manifested such a design. - -Meantime, Southmayd, having finished his business at Bannack, was ready -to return to Virginia City by the next coach. His friends were -importunate for him to remain. On the day he was to leave, Buck Stinson -and Ned Ray, on being told of it at the express-office, avowed their -intention of accompanying him. The agent then searched for Southmayd, -and said to him, - -“For God’s sake, Leroy, don’t go. These fellows mean to kill you.” - -“I’ve got to go,” replied Southmayd; “and if you’ll get me a -double-barrelled shotgun, I’ll take my chances.” The agent complied with -this request, and the coach left Bannack with Southmayd, Stinson, Ray, -and a lad of sixteen years for passengers, and Tom Caldwell the driver. -The coach was an open hack. Southmayd sat on the driver’s seat with -Caldwell, and the boy took the back seat, and facing him were Stinson -and Ray on the middle seat. Southmayd said to the boy on starting, - -“If we have any trouble, do you shoot, or I’ll shoot you.” - -“You may be sure I’ll do it, too, Southmayd,” said the boy. “I’m not -afraid of them.” - -Southmayd kept watch of the two robbers. The drive through the day was -undisturbed, until the coach reached the crossing of the Stinking Water. -In the three persons standing in front of the station, Southmayd -recognized Bob Zachary, Bill Graves, and another noted rough known as -Alex Carter. Stinson shouted, addressing them as road agents. Each was -fully armed with gun, pistol, and knife. Southmayd whispered to -Caldwell, - -“Tom, I guess they’ve got us.” - -“That’s so,” replied Caldwell. - -Caldwell drove on to Cold Spring station followed by the three roughs on -horseback, who soon came up. This was the supper station. Two of the -robbers left their guns at the door. Carter’s was strung upon his back. -They entered the house in a boisterous manner, with Zachary, feigning -drunkenness, in their lead. - -“I’d like,” said that ruffian with brutal emphasis and gesture, “to see -the man who don’t like Stone.” The banter was made for the purpose of -exciting a quarrel. “Just show me the man that don’t like him, or let -any man here just say he don’t like him, if he wants a healthy fight on -his hands,” blustered the villain. - -No one replied. Seemingly every one present entertained a high opinion -of Mr. Stone. Failing to rouse a quarrel, he ordered “drinks all round,” -bought a bottle of whiskey, and preserved the swagger and braggadocio of -a drunken ruffian through supper time. - -After supper, and while preparing to leave, Southmayd said privately to -Caldwell, - -“Tom, I see through it all. You must take Stinson on the seat with you. -I’ll sit behind and watch him, and the boy can watch Ray.” - -When ready to start, and this arrangement was made known to Buck -Stinson, he did not relish it, and said, - -“I don’t want to ride up there.” - -“Well, you will,” replied Southmayd sternly, pointing to the seat. - -“This is pretty rough, isn’t it?” said Stinson with an oath, as he -mounted to the seat. - -The three mounted ruffians, Zachary, Graves, and Carter, started on in -advance of the coach. Southmayd and the boy sat with their guns across -their knees, watching the motions of their suspected companions. It was -near nightfall. Less than half a mile distant from the station, the -robbers, who had been riding at an even pace, suddenly wheeled, and gave -the command to halt, simultaneously with which, Southmayd levelled his -gun upon Carter, and Caldwell and the boy theirs on the other two. - -Carter, stammering with alarm, made out to say, “We only want you to -take a drink.” - -The bottle was passed around, Southmayd and Caldwell barely touching it -to their lips. Handing it to the boy, Southmayd gave him an admonitory -touch with his foot,—comprehending which, he did not drink. As Carter -had not drunk from the bottle, Southmayd feared that the liquor had been -poisoned. Returning the bottle, the roughs who received it inquired -politely if they did not want any more. The three then wheeled their -horses, exclaiming, - -“We’re off to Pete Daly’s,” and, clapping spurs to their horses, they -were soon out of sight. - -The coach went on six miles, passed Daly’s ranche, and drew up at -Lorrain’s. From this ranche to Virginia City, the road for most of the -distance is rough, narrow, and lies through the cañon of Alder Gulch. -Nature never formed a fitter stretch of country for successful robbery. -Of this our passengers were fully aware, and, anticipating that the -designs of the robbers must culminate on this part of the route, -Southmayd took Caldwell aside to consult as to the proper course to -pursue. - -“It’s a rough night’s work, Tom,” said Southmayd, “but the worst is to -come. If they attack us in the cañon, there is no possible chance for -escape.” - -“They’ll do it, sure,” replied Caldwell. “It’s only driving into their -hands to attempt to go on to-night. Let’s leave the coach here and take -to the brush. We may then avoid them; or if we meet, it will be where -the chances are equal.” - -Buck Stinson, who had been on the watch for some new arrangement, -overheard this conversation. Anxious as he was that the robbery and -murder should take place, he knew that if the men escaped, as they -assuredly would by the means contemplated, they would bring the whole -community of Virginia City on the track of himself and his fellow -ruffians. This must be avoided, even though they were frustrated in -their design. So he stepped forward, and said to Southmayd and Caldwell -in his blandest manner, - -“Gentlemen, I pledge you my word, my honor, and my life, that you will -not be attacked between this place and Virginia City.” - -“If you mean that,” replied Southmayd, “we will go on; but if we are -attacked, we will certainly make it hot for some of you.” - -Soon after the horses started, Stinson commenced singing in a very loud -voice, and continued to do so without intermission until nearly -exhausted. Then, at his request, Ray took up the chorus and kept it up -until their arrival in Virginia City. This was a signal to the robbers -to keep away. Had the singing ceased, the attack would have been made. -Ray called on Southmayd the next day, and warned him, as he valued his -life, to mention the names of none of those among the ruffians whom he -had recognized, as the ones who robbed him while on his way to Bannack. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVI - JOURNEY TO SALT LAKE CITY - - -Dr. A. J. Oliver had been running a letter express between Bannack and -Salt Lake City during the year, and early in the autumn had substituted -for a single saddle horse and pack-animal, a small lumber wagon, with -conveniences for the transportation of a few passengers. It was at best, -a very precarious mode of conveyance; but as it was the only public one, -it was always full. Mr. Samuel T. Hauser (afterwards appointed Governor -of Montana by President Cleveland) and I had been for some time -contemplating a trip to the States, and being now ready, I left Virginia -City for Bannack, expecting to find the express on my arrival, and make -arrangements for our passage to Salt Lake City on its return trip. The -day before I left, one Ed French had shot at me. The bullet slightly -grazed an eyeball, doing no further damage than that of shaking the eye -in its socket, and inflicting considerable pain. I contracted a severe -cold on the ride to Bannack, which settled in the eye, producing -inflammation and temporary blindness. For two weeks I shut myself in a -dark room, ulceration in the meantime bringing relief and restoring -sight. - -While thus confined, friends occasionally called upon me, and one day I -was informed that Ned Ray was in town, and had been making particular -inquiries after me. The next day I was told that Buck Stinson was there -on the same errand. When I left Virginia City, both of these ruffians -were at that place. I was convinced that they had left there to pursue -me on the road to Salt Lake City. Ray was observed to watch my -boarding-house, on repeated occasions, very closely. - -Upon applying to Mr. Oliver for transportation, that gentleman informed -me that snow was falling on the Pleasant Valley divide, and that he -should abandon the wagon and return to Salt Lake City with a pack-mule. -Disappointed in my expectation of finding a conveyance, I wrote to Mr. -Hauser, who came over immediately. - -Messrs. Dance and Stuart, wholesale merchants of Virginia City, had -arranged to send by us to their creditors at St. Louis, fourteen -thousand dollars in gold dust. It was contained in a buckskin sack, and -sealed. Clubfoot George, whose honesty none of us suspected, had heard -us hold frequent discussions in the store of Dance and Stuart, as to the -chances of safely getting through with it to the States. - -Hauser was somewhat surprised on entering the coach at Virginia City, to -find that he had Plummer for a fellow passenger. Believing, upon -reflection, that Plummer was going to Bannack to plan means for robbing -him, he resolved to act as if he had the most implicit confidence in his -integrity. He accordingly made no effort to hide the sack from view, or -conceal the fact that he was going to the States; talked freely and -confidentially, and seemed entirely at ease in Plummer’s society. The -trip was made in safety, though Hauser confessed that while passing -through Rattlesnake Cañon, he did not forget the unenviable notoriety -which frequent robberies had gained for it. When the coach drove up to -Goodrich’s hotel in Bannack, he felt greatly relieved, and with the sack -of gold enveloped in the several folds of his blankets, entered the -sitting-room, where he was met by some old friends, and, as was -customary in those days, congratulated on his safe arrival. In a few -moments he drew forth the sack, and in the presence of Judge Edgerton -and several other leading citizens, turned to Plummer who was standing -near, and thus carelessly addressed him: - -[Illustration: - - SAMUEL T. HAUSER - - _Ex-Governor of Montana_ -] - -“Plummer, I hear that any man who has money isn’t safe in this town -over-night. I’ve got fourteen thousand dollars in this bag, which I’m -going to take to the States with me when I go, and I want you, as -sheriff, to keep it for me till I start.” - -Plummer took the gold, with a promise for its safe return, which he -fulfilled; depositing it for safekeeping in George Crisman’s store. - -Hauser’s friends expressed to him privately their surprise that he -should intrust so large an amount to a man of such doubtful reputation. - -“Why?” replied he, laughing: “do you think he’ll keep it?” - -“I should be afraid of it,” said one, “especially if he’s the man many -represent him to be.” - -“Suppose he should,” said Hauser. “You and half a dozen other good -citizens saw him take it, and heard him promise that it should be safely -returned. He knows, as well as I do, that if he fails to keep this -promise, or through any pretence attempts to appropriate the gold, it -will go hard with him; whereas, if I should attempt to keep it, he, with -others of the roughs knowing that I had it, would kill me if necessary -to obtain it. The gold is safer where it is; and while there, is a -security for my life.” - -This was a bold piece of strategy on the part of Hauser, evincing an -intuitive insight into the character of Plummer; but not one man in a -hundred similarly situated would have thought of adopting it. If Plummer -had entertained an idea that Hauser suspected his motives in -accompanying him to Bannack, this act of gratuitous confidence must have -allayed it at once. - -Hauser and I engaged a passage to Salt Lake City of one of a company of -eight Mormon freighters, who were to leave Bannack at noon on the -fourteenth of November. We did not wish to leave until seven o’clock in -the evening; and the man, impatient of any delay beyond the departure of -his companions, finally agreed, for an extra ten dollars paid in -advance, to wait for us until five o’clock P.M. If we were not ready -then, he would retain the ten dollars, and leave town without us, so as -to overtake the other teams, which were to camp that night at Horse -Prairie, twelve miles distant. These arrangements were made in George -Crisman’s store where Plummer had an office, and in the hearing of one -of his deputies, who immediately communicated the information to his -chief. - -Early in the forenoon Plummer called upon Hauser and presented him with -a woollen scarf of a bright scarlet color, saying, “You will find it -useful these cold nights.” A few hours afterwards, a report was -circulated of the discovery of a silver lode in the vicinity of -Rattlesnake. The person bringing in this intelligence, requested -Plummer, who from his experience in Nevada was supposed to be a good -judge of the quality of silver ore, to go immediately and examine it. He -left early in the afternoon on the Rattlesnake road, but as soon as he -was beyond observation, turned southward toward Horse Prairie. Col. -Wilbur F. Sanders, who soon followed in the direction of Rattlesnake, -returned the next day with the intelligence that he had been unable to -trace him. The circumstance of Plummer’s departure, and the presence in -town of Stinson and Ray, so wrought upon the fears of our friends for -our safety, that it was not without much persuasion that they would -permit us to undertake the journey. We were satisfied, however, that, go -when we might, we should have to incur the same risk. As a precautionary -measure, I carefully cleaned my gun, and loaded each barrel with twelve -revolver balls. George Dart, a friend, observing this, asked why I was -filling my gun so full of lead. I replied that we were fearful of an -attack, and that the indications were that it would be made that night, -if at all. Some of our friends endeavored to persuade us to defer our -journey till a more favorable time. This we would have done had we not -believed that the risk would have to be incurred whenever we took our -departure. At the hour of five we were not ready, but the Mormon -teamster was prevailed upon to wait for us two hours longer. - -Just after seven o’clock, and as we were putting the provisions which we -had prepared for our journey into the wagon, Henry Tilden, a member of -the household of Sidney Edgerton, then Chief Justice of Idaho, came in -with the report that he had been robbed about midway on his ride from -Horse Prairie, by three men, one of whom he thought was Plummer. This -created much excitement; and if our friends had not supposed that we had -already left town, we would probably have been forcibly detained. - -Either our failure to appear at the time at which our appointment to -leave at five o’clock justified him in expecting us, or the belief that -Tilden had circulated the news of his robbery, and thereby delayed our -departure, caused Plummer to return by a circuitous route to town. He -inquired for me at my boarding-house, and being told that both Hauser -and I had gone, left town immediately in hot pursuit. - -In the wagon with us was one Charles Whitehead, a gambler, who had made -arrangements with another of the Mormon teamsters for conveyance to Salt -Lake City; but having some business to detain him in town, he availed -himself of the circumstance of our late departure, to give it attention. -I had frequently seen him in town, but knew nothing about him, save that -he was a professional gambler. He might, I thought, belong to the gang -and be in some way connected with their present enterprise, and we kept -a close watch upon his movements. We rode with our guns double-charged -and cocked, lying upon our laps. It was after eleven o’clock when we -reached the camp of the advance party. The night was clear and cold; the -atmosphere crisp with frost. Whitehead, who had sent his blankets -forward by the other teams, found that they had been appropriated by one -of the teamsters, who had concluded that we had delayed our departure -from town till the following morning. As he was in delicate health, I -give him my place with Hauser in the wagon, and taking a buffalo robe, -stretched myself upon the ground beside the wagon. - -I could not sleep for the cold, and about three o’clock in the morning, -thoroughly chilled, I arose, took my gun in my hand, and walked briskly -back and forth before the camp. Finding that this exercise did not -greatly increase my comfort, I went down to the bank of the creek thirty -yards distant and commenced gathering dry willows to make a fire. While -thus employed I strayed down the stream about twenty rods from the camp. -Suddenly I heard a confused murmur of voices, which at first I thought -came from the camp, but, while walking towards it, found that it was -from a different direction. Curiosity now overcame all thought of cold. -I dropped the armful of sticks I had gathered, and carefully -disentangling the little copse of willows which sheltered me from view, -peered through, and saw in the dim moonlight three footmen approaching -on the other side of the stream. The thought struck me that they might -be campers in search of horses or mules that had strayed. I walked -noiselessly down the stream, to a point where I could obtain through a -vista an unobstructed view, my trusty gun held firmly in the hollow of -my hand. The three men approached the opening through which I was -gazing, and I now discovered that their features were concealed by -loosely flowing masks. I no longer doubted their identity or purpose. -Some little noise that I made attracted their attention to the spot -where I was standing. They saw me, and, perceiving that I had recognized -them, changed their course, and disappeared beyond a clump of willows. - -My first impulse was now to return to camp, and arouse the men, but I -concluded not to do so unless it became necessary. One of the Mormons, -as I passed by him, roused himself sufficiently to ask me why I was up -so early. I replied that I was watching for prowlers. In a few moments I -returned to the bank of the creek, and followed it down thirty or forty -rods, till I came to a ripple where the water was not more than six -inches deep. Stepping into the stream, I waded noiselessly across. The -opposite bank was about two feet high, and covered with a willow thicket -thirty feet in width. Through this I crawled to the opening beyond, -where was the moist bed of a former stream, its banks lined with -willows; and in this half-enclosed semicircle, not fifty feet distant -from where I was lying, stood four masked men. One of them had been -holding the horses—four in number—while the others were taking -observations of our camp. After a brief consultation, they hurriedly -mounted their horses, and rode rapidly off towards Bannack. These men we -afterwards ascertained were Plummer, Stinson, Ray, and Ives. The -fortunate change in my lodgings, and the coldness of the weather, and -consequent sleeplessness, saved us from an attack whose consequences may -be better imagined than described. We made the journey to Salt Lake City -in safety; but from the frequent inquiries made of us while there, -concerning others who had attempted it before us, we concluded that many -had fallen victims who left the mines with better prospects of escape -than those which encouraged us. It was the common custom of Mormon -freighters to extend their day’s journeying far into the evening. -Plummer was cognizant of this fact, and there can be no doubt that his -purpose in presenting Hauser with the scarf was, that he might single -him out from the rest of the party after nightfall. It is a coincidence -that Plummer was hanged on the succeeding anniversary of Hauser’s -birthday, January 10, 1864. - -Our trip of fifteen days, with the thermometer ranging from zero to -twenty degrees below, was not unrelieved by occasional incidents which -we recall with pleasure. Among these, of course, we cannot include the -cold nights we were obliged to pass upon the frozen earth. But we found -an inexhaustible store of amusement, not unmingled with admiration, in -the character of our Mormon conductors. Simple-hearted, affable, and -unsophisticated, with bigot faith in their creed, studious observance of -its requirements, and constant reliance upon it both for assistance in -difficulty and pastime, they afforded in all their actions a singular -contrast as well to the unregenerate Gentiles, as to the believers among -older sects. They were not only sincere in their belief, they were -enthusiastic. It was the single element which governed their lives: they -idolized it, and neither reason, which they at once rejected, nor -ridicule, which they silently abhorred, could shake their religious -credulity. We engaged in frequent discussions with them, prolonging the -evening camp-fire sittings with arguments which broke like the waves of -a summer sea upon the rock of simple faith. Theology with them was -restricted to the revelations of Joseph Smith, and the counsels of -Brigham Young. These contained the precious elements of their belief. - -While passing over one of the divides, I recited to Hauser with such -marked emphasis as I could command, Milton’s description of “the meeting -of Satan and Death at the gates of Hell.” The stirring passage -immediately absorbed the attention of our Mormon driver. The serious -cast of his features during the recitation attracted our attention; and -soon after we had camped for the night, while supper was in the course -of preparation, he was heard to remark to a brother teamster, - -“I tell you, the youngest of those men in my wagon, the one that always -carries that double-barrelled shotgun, is a powerful talker. I heard him -harangue t’other one to-day for half an hour, and he talked mighty fine. -He can overlay Orson Hyde and Parley Pratt, both, and I rather think it -would trouble Brigham Young to say nicer things. And after all, he had -pretty much the same ideas that we have.” Evidently, the man had -regarded the recitation and its delivery as an impromptu exercise. - -When the labor of the day was over, and they were seated around the -evening camp-fire, their thoughts were engrossed with matters -appertaining to their religion. Temporal cares were seemingly forgotten. -Fully instructed in the doctrinal points of their faith, they readily -met and disposed of our arguments upon principles familiar to all -Christian denominations. The golden plates of the book of Mormon, the -inspirational powers of Joseph Smith, the transforming virtues of the -Urim and Thummim, were as sacred in their creed as the miracles of the -Saviour. No argument could shake their confidence in Brigham Young, whom -they regarded as the vicegerent of the Almighty himself. This belief was -sanctified by an immutable promise, that the time would come when the -Mormon religion would embrace the whole family of man. When we spoke -lightly of these things, or expressed doubt concerning them, they -reproved us kindly, and expressed their regret at our stubbornness and -impiety. These discussions, which were frequent, and indulged in more -for pastime than instruction, convinced us of the sincerity of the -Mormons as a people. They believe with enthusiasm too, and among them -may doubtless be found many who would suffer martyrdom as readily as did -Ridley and Latimer, for the precious promises of their faith. Often when -not occupied in discussion, they would all join in singing a religious -hymn. A verse from the one which most frequently taxed their vocal -powers, I well remember: - - “Brigham Young is the Lion of the Lord. - He’s the Prophet and revealer of his word. - He’s the mouth-piece of God unto all mankind, - And he rules by the power of the Word.” - -Sometimes they would unite in a household song—the leader, representing -the head of the family, commencing, - - “The Mormon man delights to see - His Mormon family all agree; - His prattling infant on his knee, - Crying, ‘Daddy, I’m a Mormon.’” - -Then all would join in the chorus, as the representatives of the female -part of the household, - - “Hey, the happy! Ho, the happy! - Hi, the happy Mormon! - I’ve never known what sorrow is, - Since I became a Mormon,” - -occasionally varying it thus, - - “Hey, the happy! Ho, the happy! - Hi, the happy Mormon! - I never knew what joy was, - Till I became a Mormon” - -—the word “joy” being divided in the singing to “jaw-wy,” to accommodate -the metre. - -On the evening of the day before we entered the Mormon settlements, the -leading man of the company beckoned me aside, and referred to our trip -down, which he said had been a pleasant one. - -“We have had,” said he, “some warm discussions about our religion, and -you gentlemen, as our boys think, have been rather hard on us. But the -journey is now about over, and we’ll not mind it. I sought this -opportunity, however, to give you a word of caution, for I feel friendly -to you. While you are at Salt Lake City you mustn’t talk as you have to -us.” - -“Why?” I inquired. - -“Because they don’t allow it. Were you ever at Salt Lake City?” - -“No.” - -“Well, you’ll find out when you get there how it is. They are very -severe upon people who talk as you have talked to us. Should you do it, -you may be assured you’ll never leave the city alive. I thought I’d put -you on your guard.” As he left me, he added, - -“Don’t say a word to the boys about what I’ve told you, but keep an eye -to your conduct. If the bishop knew I had told you this, it would go -hard with me.” - -Thanking him for the advice, we soon after separated; and on our arrival -at Salt Lake City, a day or two afterwards, in conversation with a -leading Mormon with whom we had business, we told him of the advice we -had received, without committing our friend by name. - -“That was good advice,” he replied, with a significant nod, “and if -adhered to will keep you out of trouble.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXVII - COLONEL SANDERS AND GALLAGHER - - -On the day of the departure of Hauser and myself for Salt Lake City, as -described in the preceding chapter, an episode occurred affecting -Colonel Sanders, which illustrates in some degree the condition of -society at that time. - -During the day a number of young men of Bannack City, all known in the -town, and some living there, saddled their horses and rode from saloon -to saloon, indulging in drink, and otherwise busying themselves until -about three o’clock P.M. Among these was Plummer. - -Vague rumors had been extant for some time, that there were in this -portion of Idaho (now Montana), quartz lodes of silver; but none up to -this time had been discovered, or, if discovered, the fact had not been -made known publicly. A number of quartz lodes of gold of very -considerable value had been recorded, but they were considered in the -popular mind as of secondary value. The “Comstock Lode” was at this time -pouring forth its treasures; silver had not fallen under the ban which -subsequently environed it, and there was a great eagerness on the part -of miners and other citizens to acquire interests in silver mines. - -It was apparent that the horsemen on the streets were making ready for -some journey into the country, and it took but a moment to arouse -suspicion that they knew where these reported silver mines were, and -were going out to organize a mining district, and record the claims. - -Col. Samuel McLean, the first delegate in Congress from Montana, who had -an eager eye for mines, and an equally eager desire to obtain them, told -Colonel Sanders that unquestionably the hope of these men was to record -the silver mines already discovered, and was quite anxious that he -should accompany the party. - -In response to this request, Colonel Sanders volunteered to ascertain -whether this was the errand of this party or not, and at once proceeded -to find Plummer, and interrogate him as to his destination. - -Plummer professed to be on some errand for the public good—rescuing a -herd of horses belonging to citizens, from Indian thieves, who, he said, -would certainly make way with them, unless they were at once taken -charge of by himself. - -Colonel Sanders was incredulous as to this story, and so expressed -himself to Mr. Plummer, saying that he was satisfied that the party were -going to the new silver mines, with the purpose of staking them off and -recording them. Plummer denied any such destination, or, at least, said -if that was the intention of his colleagues, he had no knowledge of it, -and that if such should turn out to be the case, contrary to his -expectations, he would cheerfully secure for Colonel Sanders a claim. To -this it was replied that his party might object to his securing a claim -for an absentee, and the colonel expressed a purpose to accompany the -party. Plummer cordially invited him to do so, probably knowing that -there was not a horse in any of the stables in town that was obtainable -for such a journey; but suddenly reflecting upon the matter, he replied -that there was no such errand in view, and if his comrades objected to -his obtaining a claim for Colonel Sanders because he was an absentee, he -would very cheerfully convey his own to him, saying that he could obtain -quartz lode claims whenever he so desired. - -With this understanding, which Colonel Sanders sought to impress upon -his mind so that he would not forget it, the party, in knots of two and -four, left the town in an easterly direction towards the point where -Plummer had stated they were going that evening, which was about fifteen -miles distant, and where he said they would remain over-night at the -ranche of Parish, Bunton and Co., on Rattlesnake Creek, and the next -morning would proceed to obtain the horses that were in such danger of -being stolen. - -This ranche was perhaps the best known of any in the Beaverhead country -at this time. Plummer himself had denounced its proprietors as cattle -thieves, and had threatened to have them arrested for that high crime, -but had never done so. At this particular time the senior member of the -firm was sick with fever, and it was thought that he could not long -survive. - -The morning coach which had brought Plummer and the other passengers -from Virginia City, had also brought one Dr. Palmer, a medical -practitioner at Virginia City, who had been sent for to attend Mr. -Parish. - -The wife of Parish was a Bannack squaw; and Plummer had stated that he -had examined Parish when at his ranche in the morning, and had concluded -that he could not survive more than a day or two, and that, the instant -he died, his wife would take all the horses belonging to parties for -whom Parish, Bunton and Co. were keeping them, and would join her tribe -on the west of the mountains near Fort Lemhi; and in order to save these -horses for the owners, it was necessary that the sheriff should proceed -to take them on general principles, and without any writ for that -purpose. - -Never doubting but that Plummer was relating the truth, the people of -Bannack saw his party quietly climb the eastern hill, and disappear over -one of its declivities. A single member, delayed from some cause or -other, lingered behind in the town. - -After the party had left town, several gentlemen suggested to Colonel -Sanders that he should endeavor to overtake them, and volunteered to -furnish a horse and saddle if he would do so, with a view to obtaining -for himself and themselves, if possible, some interest in the silver -quartz mines which they believed would the next morning be staked off -and recorded. - -Colonel Sanders proceeded to his house, took the inevitable -accompaniments of a traveller, his blankets, robes, revolvers, etc., and -returned to the town, where a somewhat diminutive mule, saddled and -bridled and ready for the fray, was presented to him for his journey. -Mounting the animal, he started on the trail of the party, who had one -hour or more the start of him, on his way to Rattlesnake ranche, the -property of Parish, Bunton and Co. - -The mule at times was recalcitrant in the early part of the journey, but -finally settled down and jogged along at a mild speed towards his -destination. - -Tracks of the horsemen were plainly discernible in the road until he -reached a point near the summit of the range of mountains between the -Grasshopper and Rattlesnake, when they disappeared. - -Upon arriving at the top of the hill, as is not unusual on the top of -these mountain ranges, a snow storm burst upon the lone traveller, -accompanied by a high wind, and in half an hour the disintegrated -granite in the road, which was dry, mixed with the snow so as to cause -the mule to accumulate on his hoofs large quantities of the dust and -snow, to such an extent as to make speed impossible, and travelling very -difficult. - -The colonel dismounted and drove his mule in front of him, eight miles, -to the ranche, where he confidently expected to find a good-natured, -hilarious crowd spending the evening. Judge of his surprise, when he -entered the room, to find the only person in it was Erastus Yager, whose -actual name not one in a thousand knew, but who was universally known as -“Red.” He was the Boniface and _major-domo_ of the place. - -To the inquiry, “Where is Plummer?” he replied that he was not there, -and had not been there; and so, after reflecting a moment, the colonel -had his mule put in the corral. He then sat down by the side of a very -cheerful fire, made of the dry cottonwood obtainable not far distant, -which blazed in a very ample fireplace such as in modern times is -practically unknown, beguiling his disappointment as best he could. - -Dr. Palmer was already asleep in the room, so the colonel unrolled his -blankets, preparatory to making his bed on the floor, whereupon Yager -invited him to sleep on the bed, a straw tick filled with swale grass, -quite ample in its size, lying upon the floor in front of the fire; and, -accepting this hospitable offer, he spread his blankets on the tick, and -in a few moments had retired. - -William Bunton, one of the proprietors of the establishment, appeared -from the back room where his partner lay ill, and retired also upon the -straw tick, and shortly after Yager followed suit, when the three, in -one bed, were all soon in a sound sleep. - -About two hours after they had retired, a boisterous noise was made upon -the door by some individual who was outside, who also hallooed as loud -as he could for admittance. - -Yager got out of bed and proceeded around to the back of the bar where -the liquid refreshments, so called, were dispensed, and lighted a -candle, and taking in his hands a large shotgun which stood in the -corner, started to the door and demanded to know who was there. After -some hesitancy, he was told it was “Jack,” whereupon he proceeded to -take down the bar that was across the door and so fastened at each end -as to effectually serve the purpose of a lock. He then opened the door, -and in stalked a member of Plummer’s party, the one who had remained in -town behind the rest, and known all over that mining country as “Jack” -Gallagher. - -He was in very ill-humor. He had been looking for his party, and had -been disappointed in not finding them, finally seeking shelter from the -storm at the Rattlesnake ranche. - -He said the snow had so covered the road that it could not be -distinguished. He had been lost on the prairie and finally found the -Rattlesnake. He had ridden up and down the valley a number of miles and -failed to find the ranche. He complained that they had no light burning. - -He said he was very hungry and that he wanted a drink. A bottle was set -out for him, and he imbibed pretty freely once or twice. He then wanted -something to eat without delay. He was informed that there was nothing -to eat in the house, that the lady of the house had all she could do to -take care of her husband, who was very ill and who would not probably -recover, and that they were not prepared to entertain guests. - -He expressed an entire indifference to the misfortunes of the household, -and said he must have something to eat if it was no more than some -bread, and became so importunate that Yager went to the back part of the -house, and soon returned with a large tin pan partially filled with -boiled beef. The pan was placed upon the bar, and Gallagher did ample -justice to its contents, refreshing himself from time to time by -frequent libations from the bottle of whiskey. - -He told Yager that he could not stop all night, but must find his party. -He thought it would be necessary for him to have a fresh horse, and he -wanted to trade a very excellent animal which he had ridden to the -ranche for a fresh one. - -Yager thereupon told him that he had no horse to trade, but Jack -affirmed that he had, and furthermore insisted that he should -accommodate him by trading. - -Their wrangling had awakened Colonel Sanders, and also Mr. Bunton, who -finally called Yager to the bedside and told him to trade off that horse -of Oliver’s that was in the corral, if Jack would have a horse trade. - -The importunities of Gallagher for a fresh horse were continuous; and -finally Yager coyly confessed that they did have a horse in the corral, -which was not such a horse as Gallagher wanted, and one that they did -not desire to get rid of, being a favorite animal for riding,—not -specially desirable for its speed, but for wonderful bottom, able to -travel a hundred miles in a day, and after being turned out at night, it -would be ready for a like journey the next day. In fact, it was so good -a horse that Yager wanted it for his own use, and it was not for -sale,—much less did he desire to trade it for as poor a horse as the one -Gallagher had ridden there (which in truth was a very noble animal). - -After a great deal of negotiating and a good many drinks, Gallagher -agreed to pay sixty dollars to boot, and they consummated the trade. - -Colonel Sanders had been very much disappointed at not finding the party -he was in search of, and having an opportunity at the close of the horse -trade, he inquired of Gallagher if he knew where Plummer was. It seemed -to him a harmless question, and he did not expect any one would become -excited by so simple an inquiry, as he lay on his back on the straw -tick. - -The instant the question was asked, Gallagher jumped from the bar where -he was standing to the side of the bed, and placed his cocked revolver -at the colonel’s head, all the while hurling imprecations upon him, and -threatening to “shoot the whole top of his head off.” - -The result, for the instant, upon the colonel is described by himself as -being very peculiar. He said he could count each particular hair in his -head, and that it felt like the quill of a porcupine. Not enjoying the -situation, he made a quick movement, getting his head out of range of -Gallagher’s revolver, and springing to his feet, in an instant was -behind the bar, where “Red” was standing. Sanders seized the shotgun -which was used by Yager in admitting his guests in the night, and -levelled it across the bar directly at Gallagher. The opportunity which -had been afforded Gallagher to shoot Sanders had not been improved by -him till it was too late; and as soon as the gun was aimed at him, with -an air of bravado he placed his revolver on a pine table that stood near -him, the normal use of which was card-playing, and pulling aside his -blue soldier’s overcoat which he wore, he said, “Shoot.” - -Colonel Sanders replied that he had no desire to shoot, but if there -were any shooting to be done, he _did_ desire to have the first shot. - -At this somewhat exciting stage of the game, Bunton, who had hitherto -kept silence, reprimanded the actors in this little drama somewhat -severely, saying that his partner was at the point of death in the back -room, and he would not have any noise in the house. - -Yager also joined in the conversation, and deprecated any such -difficulty, saying to Gallagher that he was blamable for having been the -cause of the disturbance, Gallagher meanwhile standing with his coat -open, as if waiting to be shot down. - -Yager continued his suave and conciliatory remarks to Gallagher, and -said finally that he thought Jack owed Sanders an apology, and that all -had better take a drink. - -A double-barrelled shotgun is a powerful factor in an argument; its -logic is irresistible and convincing; and under its influence Jack -finally relented, and said that he guessed he had made a fool of -himself, and invited the colonel, who up to this time had maintained a -position of hostility, to have a drink; but, becoming satisfied of the -sincerity of Gallagher’s assurances, he placed the shotgun behind the -bar, and the entire party joined in a pledge of amity over a bottle of -“Valley Tan,” a liquor well known throughout the mountains, and a -production of the Mormons of Salt Lake Valley. - -Some controversy then arose as to who should pay for the liquor. Yager -claimed the privilege, but Gallagher said it was his row, and it should -be his treat, and that the man who wouldn’t drink with him was no friend -of his. The affair was finally compromised by allowing Gallagher to -order another bottle of “Valley Tan,” and the actors in this scene dared -fate by taking another drink. This was, doubtless, the easiest method of -settling the difficulty and appeasing the wrath of Gallagher; and my -readers will doubtless agree with me in thinking that the circumstances -of duress which surrounded Sanders ought not to impair his standing as a -Son of Temperance. - -After this renewed pledge of friendship between all the parties, Yager -and Gallagher withdrew to exchange horses, and in a few moments the -latter was on the road in pursuit of his comrades. Yager returned to -bed, and all at the ranche were soon sound asleep. About two hours -thereafter, there was heard another tumultuous rapping at the door, and -the voice of somebody, seemingly very angry, demanding admittance. Yager -exercised the same precaution as before, with his light and gun, and -finally opened the door, when in came Jack Gallagher, with his saddle, -bridle, blankets, and shotgun, and threw them all down upon the floor, -saying that he had been lost since he left the ranche, that his horse -was not good for anything, and he wanted the fire built up. - -He was accommodated; and as there was not room for more than three on -the bed, he spread his blankets on the floor at its foot, in front of -the fire, and soon all were asleep once more. However, they were not -destined to enjoy this peace very long, for shortly after they had all -dropped asleep, there came still another commotion at the door. Yager -arose, armed himself once more, and going to the door demanded to know -what was wanted. It proved to be Leonard A. Gridley and George M. Brown, -from Bannack. They inquired for Colonel Sanders, and being informed that -he was there, and invited in, they declined, and asked that he come out. - -The colonel went out and joined the two men, when he was told that they -had been sent by his wife to ascertain his whereabouts and bring him -home; and they related to him the events now to follow. - -On the morning of the preceding day, a young man named Henry Tilden, who -had accompanied Chief Justice Edgerton and Colonel Sanders from their -homes in Ohio to Bannack City, had been sent to Horse Prairie, ten miles -south of Bannack, to gather together a herd of cattle owned by them and -to drive the same into town. - -It was rather late when he left Bannack, and as the cattle were somewhat -scattered, night came upon him before he had got them all together. He -therefore put those he had found in a corral, and having decided to go -to the town and spend the night, and return the next day to find the -rest, he started in the darkness for Bannack. - -He was a young man used to quiet and peace, and wholly untrained in the -experiences he was about to undergo. Midway between Horse Prairie Creek -and Bannack, as he was riding along at a gallop, he saw in front of him -several horsemen. He was somewhat startled, as he was not prepared to -meet men under such conditions and in such a country. He gathered -courage as he rode, and proceeded along the highway until he came up -with the horsemen, who produced their revolvers and told him to throw up -his hands and dismount, a request with which he quickly complied, -notwithstanding the impolite manner in which it was conveyed. They “went -through” his pockets, he meanwhile maintaining a very awkward position -with his hands in the air above his head. Finding nothing, they told him -to mount his horse and proceed on his way, telling him further that if -he ever dared to open his mouth about the circumstance, he would be -murdered, or, in their expressive language, they would “blow the top of -his head off.” - -The young man started towards Bannack, and as soon as he was out of -sight of the robbers, rode his horse at its utmost speed. - -He finally reached Colonel Sanders’s house on what was known as “Yankee -Flat,” not, however, until he had been thrown from his horse, while -crossing a mining ditch, and had lain on the ground for a period of time -which he could not himself determine, being unconscious. - -He told his story of having met the robbers, and further stated that he -knew the parties who had “held him up,” particularly one of them, who -had held a revolver at his head and who seemed to be a leader among -them, and this man was Henry Plummer. - -Mrs. Sanders then went with him to the house of Chief Justice Edgerton, -where he related again the story of his meeting the highwaymen, and was -cautioned to say nothing about it. - -As the party whom Colonel Sanders had started to find and travel with -had been found going in an opposite direction, and engaged as highway -robbers, it naturally excited and alarmed his family, and the result was -that they, finding a team which had come into town late that night, -procured the horses, and mounted Gridley and Brown and sent them to the -Rattlesnake ranche to find the colonel. The next morning Plummer and all -the men who had gone with him were in town, appearing as unconcerned as -if nothing unusual had occurred. - -Colonel Sanders did not at first share Tilden’s belief concerning the -_personnel_ of the troop of robbers and his identification of Plummer, -but nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, he admonished Tilden not -to communicate his beliefs to any one, assuring him that if his -conjectures were correct, and an expression of them should ever reach -Plummer’s ears, it would go hard with him. Two or three days thereafter, -Plummer approached Tilden, and gazing fixedly upon him, abruptly asked -if he had any clew by which the robbers could be identified. Tilden, -though greatly frightened by this inquiry, gave him an answer which -allayed whatever suspicion the wary robber might have entertained. But -Tilden himself, in relating the incident to his friends, never wavered -in his convictions. There were many among the better class of citizens -of Bannack who had for a long time suspected Plummer, and believed him -to have been engaged in numerous murders and highway robberies, which -were of such frequent occurrence as to scarcely cause comment; and when -it was determined on the afternoon of January 10, 1864, that Plummer -should be hanged, Tilden was sent for and related his story in detail, -which convinced all who heard it of Plummer’s guilt. - -Within sixty days after Colonel Sanders’s adventure at the Rattlesnake -ranche, he was the sole survivor of the party there assembled, the -others having been executed by the Vigilance Committee, and Plummer and -his associates in the attempted robbery of Hauser and myself had met the -same fate. - -But little is known of Gallagher’s early history. He was born near -Ogdensburg, New York. He was at Iowa Point, Doniphan County, Kansas, in -October, 1859, and in Denver from 1862 till early in 1863. At this -latter place he killed a man in an affray, and fled, next making his -appearance in the Beaverhead mines. During the Summer of 1863, he shot -at and badly wounded a blacksmith by the name of Temple, for interfering -to prevent a dog-fight. After this he became uneasy, and finally -determined upon leaving the country, and started for Utah. On the Dry -Creek divide he met George Ives, who persuaded him to return to Virginia -City, and join Plummer’s band. - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII - ROBBERY OF MOODY’S TRAIN - - -One cold morning, a few days after the attempted robbery of Mr. Hauser -and the writer, a train of three wagons, with a pack train in company, -left Virginia City for Salt Lake City. Milton S. Moody, the owner of the -wagons, had been engaged in freighting between the latter place and the -mines ever since their first discovery. His route on the present trip -lay through Black Tail Deer, Beaverhead, and Dry Creek cañons, so named -after the several streams by which they are traversed. Bannack was left -twenty miles to the right of the southern angle in the road at -Beaverhead Cañon, and except three or four ranches, there were no -settlers on the route. - -Among the packers were Messrs. John McCormick, M. T. Jones, William -Sloan, John S. Rockfellow, J. M. Bozeman, Melanchthon Forbes, and Henry -Branson,—energetic business men, who had accumulated a considerable -amount in gold dust, which they took with them to make payments to -Eastern creditors. Buckskin sacks, containing about eighty thousand -dollars, were distributed in cantinas through the entire pack train, no -one pair of cantinas containing a very large sum. Besides this amount, -there was in a carpet-sack in one of the wagons, fifteen hundred dollars -in treasury notes, enclosed in letters to various persons in the States, -and sent by their friends and relatives in the mines. - -The men in the train were well armed, and anticipated attack by the -robbers at some point on the route, but they determined upon fighting -their way through. Plummer had been on the watch for their departure a -week or more before they left, and through his spies was fully informed -of the amount they took with them. He made preparations for surprising -them in camp after nightfall, on their second day out, well knowing that -some would then be seated, others lying around their camp-fires, and -still others spreading their blankets for the night. Two of the boldest -men in the band, John Wagner, known as “Dutch John,” and Steve -Marshland, were selected for the service. They followed slowly in track -of the train. Coming in sight of the camp-fire in Black Tail Deer Cañon -after dark on the evening appointed, they hitched their horses in a -thicket at a convenient distance, and, with their double-barrelled guns -loaded with buckshot, crawled up, Indian fashion, within fifteen feet of -the camp. By the light of the fire, they were enabled to take a survey -of the party and its surroundings. The campers were dispersed in little -groups engaged in conversation, ignorant of the approach of the robbers, -but fully prepared to meet them. Mr. McCormick, who had done some -friendly services for Ives, was warned by him, when on the eve of -departure, not to sleep at all, never to be off his guard, nor separate -from his comrades, but to keep close in camp until after they had -crossed the range. As soon as the robbers comprehended the situation, -they withdrew to the thicket and held a consultation. Wagner, the bolder -of the two, proposed that they should steal again upon the campers, -select their men, and kill four with their shotguns, it being quite -dark; that they should then, by rapid firing, quick movements, and loud -shouting, impress the survivors with the belief that they were attacked -by a numerous force in ambush. - -“They will then,” said Wagner, “run away, and leave their traps, and we -can go in and get them.” - -This scheme, none too bold or hazardous for Wagner to undertake, -presented a good many embarrassments to the more timid nature of his -companion. Bold as a lion at the outset, he now found his courage, like -that of Bob Acres, “oozing out of his fingers’ ends.” The more Wagner -urged the attack, the stronger grew his objections, until at length he -flatly refused, and the experiment was abandoned until the next morning. - -The campers knew nothing of this. One by one they sank to rest, and -arose early the next morning to pursue their journey. While seated -around the camp-fire at breakfast, near a sharp turn in the road, their -attention was suddenly arrested by a voice issuing from the thicket, -uttering the following ominous words: - -“You take my revolver and I’ll take yours, and you come right after me.” - -In a twinkling every man sprang for his gun and cocked his revolver. The -sharp click, that “strange quick jar upon the ear,” probably satisfied -the robbers that they had been overheard, for in a few moments after up -rode Wagner and Marshland, with their shotguns thrown across their -saddles, ready for use. The confused expression of the robbers when they -saw that every man was prepared for their approach, betrayed their -criminal designs. Recovering themselves in a moment, Marshland, who -recognized Sloan, in a friendly tone called out, - -“How do you do, Mr. Sloan?” - -“Very well, _thank you_,” replied Billy, laying particular stress upon -the complimentary words, the significance of which would have been more -apparent, had he known that Marshland’s cowardice the night before had -probably saved his life. - -The road agents inquired if the party had seen any horses running at -large, or whether they had any loose stock in their train. - -“We have not,” was the prompt reply. - -“We were told by some half-breeds we met,” said Marshland, “that our -animals were running with your train, and we rode on, hoping to find -them.” - -“It’s a mistake,” was the answer, “we have no horses but our own.” - -With this assurance the robbers professed to be satisfied, and galloped -on. - -These successive failures only strengthened the villains in their -determination to rob the train. They awaited its arrival in Red Rock -Valley two days after leaving it, with the intention of attacking it -there, at the hour of going into camp. When near the summit of the ridge -which divides the waters of the Red Rock from those of Junction Creek, -the packers, according to custom, rode on ahead of the wagons to select -a suitable stopping-place for the night. Three or four men only were -left in charge of the teams. The robbers supposed that the treasure was -hidden away in some of the carpet-sacks in the wagons, now near the top -of the divide. The brisk pace of the pack-horses soon took them out of -sight and hearing of their companions in the rear. Assured of this, the -robbers, disguised in hoods and blankets, dashed out of a ravine in -front of the wagons, and in a peremptory tone, covering the drivers with -their shotguns, commanded them to halt. Gathering the drivers together, -they ordered them not to move, at their peril; and while Dutch John sat -upon his horse, with his gun aimed at them, Marshland dismounted, and -engaged in a speedy search of both drivers and vehicles. Unperceived by -the robbers, Moody had slipped a revolver into the leg of his boot. He -also had a hundred dollars concealed in a pocket of his shirt, which -escaped notice. The other drivers had no money on their persons. After -disposing of the men, Marshland went to the wagons, where he was -fortunate enough to find the carpet-sack containing the letters in which -were enclosed the fifteen hundred dollars in greenbacks. Pocketing this, -and still intent upon finding the gold, he proceeded to the rear wagon, -which fortunately was occupied by Forbes and a sick comrade. As soon as -Marshland climbed to the single-tree, Forbes, who had been in wait for -him, fired his revolver through a hole in the curtain, wounding him in -the breast. With an oath and yell, the robber fell to his knees, but -recovering himself, jumped from the wagon, fell a second time, regained -his feet, and ran with the agility of a deer to the pine forest. Dutch -John’s horse, frightened at the shot, reared just as its rider -discharged both barrels of his shotgun at the teamsters. The shot -whizzed just above their heads. Moody now drew his revolver from his -boot, and opened fire upon the retreating figure of Dutch John, the ball -taking effect in his shoulder. Urging his horse to its utmost speed, -John was soon beyond reach of pursuit; but had Moody followed him on the -instant, he might have brought him down. The packers who had gone into -camp, were no less gratified to hear of the successful repulse, than -astonished at the bold attack of the freebooters. Marshland’s horse, -arms, equipage, and twenty pounds of tea, of which he had rifled a -Mormon train a few days before, were confiscated upon the spot. - -Rockfellow and two other packers rode back to the scene of the robbery, -where, striking Marshland’s trail, they followed it, searching for him -till eleven o’clock. He admitted afterwards, when captured, that they -were at one time within fifteen feet of him. They found, scattered along -the route, all the packages of greenbacks he had taken. He gained -nothing by his attack, was badly wounded, froze both his feet on his -retreat to Deer Lodge, and lost his horse, arms, and provisions. Both of -Dutch John’s hands were frozen, but he was fortunate in meeting J. X. -Beidler, who bound them up for him, not knowing at the time the -villain’s occupation. “X,” as he is called by all the mountaineers, -always accounted this kindly act to the retreating ruffian as a stroke -of bad fortune. “Had I only known,” says he when telling the story, “I -would have bandaged his hands with something stronger than a -handkerchief.” - -The serious part of the transaction being over, our wayfarers had -abundant sport for the remainder of their long journey, in determining -the rights of the respective claimants to the booty. Forbes claimed -Marshland’s horse and accoutrements, because it was his shot that caused -the robber to take flight. Moody insisted upon his right to an equal -share, in compensation for the wounds he gave Dutch John. The two -teamsters set up a claim, upon the principle that all ships in sight are -entitled to a share in the prize. If steersmen represented schooners at -sea, teamsters were the proper representatives of “prairie schooners.” -The subject was debated at every camp made on the journey, and finally -determined by electing a judge from their number, impanelling a jury, -and going through all the forms of a regular trial. The verdict gave -Forbes the possession of the property on payment of thirty dollars to -Moody, and twenty dollars to each of the teamsters. The party arrived at -Salt Lake City without further molestation. - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX - GEORGE IVES - - -George Ives, whose name is already familiarized to the readers of this -history, by the prominent part he acted in the robberies of the coach, -and the contemplated attack upon Hauser and the writer, was at the time -regarded as the most formidable robber of the band with which he was -connected. The boldness of his acts, and his bolder enunciation of them, -left no doubt in the public mind as to his guilt. But the people were -not yet ripe for action; and, while Ives and his comrades in crime were -yet free to prosecute their plans for murder and robbery, the miners and -traders were content, if let alone, to pursue their several occupations. -The condition of society was terrible. Not a day passed unmarked by -crimes of greater or lesser enormity. The crisis was seemingly as -distant as ever. Men hesitated to pass between the towns on the gulch -after nightfall, nor even in mid-day did they dare to carry upon their -persons any larger amounts in gold dust than were necessary for current -purposes. If a miner happened to leave the town to visit a neighboring -claim, he was fortunate to escape robbery on the way. And if the amount -he had was small, he was told that he would be killed unless he brought -more the next time. Often wayfarers were shot at, sometimes killed, and -sometimes wounded. - -During this period, it was a custom with George Ives, when in need of -money, to mount his horse, and, pistol in hand, ride into a store or -saloon, toss his buckskin purse upon the counter, and request the -proprietor or clerk to put one or more ounces of gold dust in it “as a -loan.” The man thus addressed dare not refuse. Often, while the person -was weighing the levy, the daring shoplifter would amuse himself by -firing his revolver at the lamps and such other articles of furniture as -would make a crash. This was frequently done for amusement. It became so -common that it attracted little or no attention, and people submitted to -it, under the conviction that there was no remedy. - -Anton M. Holter, owner of a train of wagons, while on the route from -Salt Lake City to Virginia City with a large party of emigrants, was -overtaken by a fierce mountain snowstorm, during the last days of -November, on Black Tail Deer Creek. Fearing that the road would be -blocked, he and a Mr. Evanson pushed on as rapidly as possible to the -Pas-sam-a-ri, crossing the stream with their teams with great -difficulty, the water reaching midway up the sides of the wagon-boxes. -Once over, they made a camp near by, to await the abatement of the -storm. A Mr. Hughes who had been travelling in company with them, came -up with his wagon at a late hour in the evening to the cabin at the -crossing, at the door of which he was met by “Dutch John,” its only -occupant. John, at his request, went in search of Evanson, who came and -assisted in getting the horses and wagons across the river. The night -was half spent before the object was accomplished. During all this time, -John, in pursuance of Plummer’s general instructions for obtaining -information, plied Evanson with questions about Holter’s property and -ready means in gold,—possessing himself of all the information that an -unsuspicious man would be likely to communicate. - -A few days later, Holter moved on with his train to Ramshorn Creek, and -after making camp, went to Virginia City with two yokes of oxen for -sale. On his way he passed Ives and Carter, who, he observed, eyed him -suspiciously. Failing to sell his cattle, he left on his return to camp -the next day, intending to spend the night at Mr. Norris’s ranche. He -had gone well down into the valley, and it was nearly sundown, when he -saw Ives, accompanied by one Irving, approaching on horseback. Holter -did not know Ives, and had no real fear of an attack; but with that -instinctive feeling which regards every stranger with suspicion in a -country infested with robbers, he immediately drew and examined his -pistol. It was so badly rusted that he could not make it revolve. He -replaced it, and, remembering that he had no money, felt equally -satisfied to escape or to hazard an adventure. Ives and Irving rode up -in front of him, and Ives, impudently, as Holter thought, inquired, - -“Where are you going?” - -“Down to Norris’s place,” replied Holter. “Do you know where he lives?” - -“Yes, I know well enough,” answered the highwayman, and drawing closer -to him he asked, “Have you got any money?” - -Holter drew back in surprise, but answered immediately, “No, I’m dead -broke.” - -“Well, we’ll see about that,” said Ives, drawing and cocking his -revolver. - -“You can see for yourself,” said Holter, drawing forth a memorandum -book. - -“Hand it over here,” said Ives, reaching and taking it. He then -proceeded to examine it with some care, but finding nothing in it, with -an expression of disgust he threw it away. Turning to Holter, and -levelling his pistol full upon him, he continued, - -“You’ve got money, and I know it. Hand it over, or I’ll shoot you.” - -“You’re surely mistaken,” replied Holter. “I left what I had at the -camp, and had to borrow ten dollars in town.” - -“I tell you, you have got money,” was the savage rejoinder. “Turn your -pockets inside out—and be quick about it, too.” - -Holter complied, and found a few greenbacks, which, as they were not in -use, he had forgotten. - -“Hand ’em over here,” said Ives, and cramming them hurriedly into his -pocket, he said, - -“Now, turn your cattle out of the road, and don’t follow our tracks; and -when you come this way again, bring more money with you.” - -As Holter turned his cattle to obey, he glanced furtively over his -shoulder, and saw Ives in the very act of firing at him. Dodging -instinctively, the ball passed through his hat, ploughing a furrow down -to the scalp, which it grazed, through his heavy hair. Stunned by the -shot, Holter staggered and almost fell, just as Ives aimed and pulled -the trigger again. Fortunately, the cap snapped; and Holter, now -sufficiently recovered, started on a run, and took refuge in an old -beaver-dam. Ives followed him closely for another shot, but a teamster -with a load of poles at this moment appeared upon the road, which -circumstance deterred Ives from firing, and probably saved Holter’s -life. - -During this same season, a man who had been whipped for larceny at -Nevada, under some modification of his punishment, agreed to disclose -certain transactions of the robbers. Ives heard of it, and watching his -opportunity, met the poor fellow on the road between Virginia City and -Dempsey’s. Riding up to him, he deliberately fired at him with his gun -charged with buckshot. From some cause the shot failed of effect. Ives -immediately drew his revolver, and while loading him with oaths and -execrations, shot him through the head. The man fell dead from his -horse, which Ives took by the bridle and led off to the hills. This -cold-blooded murder was committed in open day on the most populous -thoroughfare in the country, in plain view of two ranches, and while -several teams were in sight. Travellers who arrived at the spot half an -hour after its occurrence, aided by the neighboring ranchemen, paid the -last sad offices to the still warm but lifeless body. Ives sought -concealment in the wakiup of George Hilderman, where he remained until -satisfied that no public action would be taken to avenge the crime. - -He then again sallied forth to watch for fresh opportunities for plunder -and bloodshed. His name had become the terror of the country. No man -felt safe with such a monster at large, and yet no one was ready to -initiate a plan for his destruction. His malevolence was only equalled -by his audacity,—and this was, if possible, surpassed by his gasconade. -The dark features of his character were unrelieved by a single generous -or manly quality. Avarice, and a natural thirst for bloody adventures, -controlled his life. - -About this time, a young German, by the name of Nicholas Tiebalt, who -was in the employ of Messrs. Burtchy and Clark, sold to them a fine span -of mules which were in charge of the herders at Dempsey’s ranche. They -had advanced the money for the purchase, and sent Tiebalt after the -mules. As several days elapsed without his return, they concluded that -he had swindled them out of the money, and left the country with the -mules; a conclusion all the more regretted by them, from the fact that -he had won their confidence by his fidelity and sobriety. - -Nine days after Tiebalt had left Nevada, Mr. William Palmer, while -hunting in the Pas-sam-a-ri Valley, shot a grouse, and on going to the -place where it fell, found it, dead, upon the frozen corpse of Tiebalt. -He immediately went to the wakiup occupied by John Franck—better known -as “Long John”—and George Hilderman, a quarter of a mile below, to -obtain their assistance in lifting the body into the wagon. - -“I will take the body to town,” said he, “and see if it cannot be -identified.” - -“We’ll have nothing to do with it,” said Long John. “Dead bodies are -common enough in this country. They, kill people every day in Virginia -City, and nobody speaks of it, nobody cares. Why should we trouble -ourselves who this man is, after he’s dead?” - -Shocked at this brutality, Palmer returned to the corpse, which he -contrived to place in his wagon, and drove on to Nevada. The body was -exposed for half a day in the wagon, and was visited by hundreds of -people from Nevada, Virginia City, and the other towns in the gulch. - -In reply to the question, “How did you find it?” Palmer answered, - -“It was providential. The Almighty pointed the way, or it would never -have been found. I had my gun in my hand, and was looking carefully -about for game, when a grouse rose suddenly at my approach. I had little -thought of killing it when I fired, as the shot was a chance one. The -bird flew some distance before it fell, but seeing that I had wounded -it, I ran as rapidly as I could, and went directly to it, and found it -on the breast of the murdered man. The body was lying in a clump of -heavy sage brush, completely concealed,—away from the road, where no one -would ever have gone except by chance,—and but for the fact that it was -frozen hard, would long before this time have been devoured by the -coyotes.” - -The body of Tiebalt bore the marks of a small lariat about the throat, -which had been used to drag him, while still living, to the place of -concealment. The hands were filled with fragments of sage brush, torn -off in the agony of that terrible process; and the bullet wound over the -left eye showed how the murder had been accomplished. - -These appalling witnesses to the cruelty and fiendishness of the -perpetrator of this bloody deed roused the indignation of the people to -a fearful pitch. They went to work to avenge the crime with an alacrity -sharpened by the consciousness of that long and criminal neglect on -their part, but for which it might have been averted. They felt -themselves to be, in some degree, participants in the diabolical -tragedy. In the presence of that dead body the reaction commenced, which -knew no abatement until the country was entirely freed of its -bloodthirsty persecutors. That same evening, twenty-five citizens of -Nevada subscribed an obligation of mutual support and protection, -mounted their horses, and, under the leadership of a competent man, at -ten o’clock started in pursuit of the murderer. Obtaining an accession -of one good man on their route, and avoiding Dempsey’s by a hill trail, -they rode six miles beyond it to a cabin, and with the aid of its -proprietor found their way to the point of destination. At an early hour -in the morning, they crossed Wisconsin Creek, breaking through the -frozen surface, and emerging from it with clothing perfectly rigid from -frost and wet. A mile beyond this they were ordered to alight and stand -by their horses until daybreak. An hour or more passed, when they -remounted and rode quietly on, until in sight of Long John’s wakiup. A -dog was heard to bark; and in anticipation of the alarm it might -occasion, they dashed forward at full speed, surrounding the wakiup, -each man halting with his gun bearing upon it. Jumping from his horse, -the leader discovered eight or ten men wrapped in their blankets, -sleeping in front of the entrance. Raising his voice, he exclaimed, - -“The first man that rises will get a quart of buckshot in him before he -can say ‘Jack Robinson.’” - -It was too dark to distinguish the sleepers. With half of his company at -his back, the leader strode on to the entrance. Peering into the -darkness, he asked, - -“Is Long John here?” - -“I’m here,” responded a voice, instantly recognized to be that of the -person addressed. “What do you want?” - -“I want you,” was the rejoinder. “Come out here.” - -“Well,” said John, “I guess I know what you want me for.” - -“Probably,” replied the leader. “But hurry up. We’ve no time to lose.” - -“One moment. I’ll be with you as soon as I can get on my moccasins,” -said John. - -“Be quick about it,” shouted the leader. - -Long John was taken in charge by the company, and as soon as it was -light enough to enable them to see distinctly, the leader, with four -men, escorted him to the spot where Tiebalt was found. The remainder of -the company kept guard over the men found sleeping near the wakiup. When -they arrived upon the ground, the leader said to him, - -“Long John, we have arrested you for the murder of Nicholas Tiebalt. We -believe you to be guilty, and have brought you up here to the spot where -his body was found to hear what you have to say.” - -Palmer, who was one of the company, then proceeded to explain all the -circumstances connected with the discovery, the position of the body, -and the conversation he held with Long John when he applied to him for -assistance. - -“Boys,” said John, in a serious tone, “I did not do it. As God shall -judge me, I did not.” - -One man, more excited than the rest, now began handling his pistol, -saying to John, meanwhile, - -“Long John, you had better prepare for another world.” What more he -might have said, or what done, it is easy to conceive, had he not been -interrupted by the leader, who, stepping forward, remarked, - -“This won’t do. If there is anything to be done, let us all be -together.” - -Long John was then taken aside by three of the company, who sat down in -the faint morning light to examine him. Just as they were seated, they -saw through the haze at no great distance, “Black Bess,” the mule which -Tiebalt rode from Nevada when he started for Dempsey’s. She seemed to be -there at this opportune moment as a dumb witness to the assassination of -her master. Pointing to the animal, one of the men inquired, - -“John, whose mule is that?” - -“That’s the mule that Tiebalt rode down here,” he answered. - -“John,” was the reply, “you know whose mule that is. Things look dark -for you. You had better be thinking of your condition now.” - -“I am innocent,” murmured John. - -The mule was caught and led up to him. “Where are the other two mules?” -was the next inquiry. - -“I do not know,” he replied. - -“John,” said his interrogator, “you had better be looking forward to -another world. You are ‘played out’ in this one, sure.” - -“I did not commit that crime,” was his reply, “and if you’ll give me a -chance, I’ll clear myself.” - -The leader now said to him, “John, you can never do it, for you knew of -a man lying dead here, close to your home, for nine days, and never -reported his murder. You deserve hanging for that alone. Why didn’t you -come and tell the people of Virginia City?” - -“I was afraid,” said John. “It would have been as much as my life was -worth to have done it. I dared not.” - -“Afraid? Of whom?” inquired the leader. - -“I was afraid of the men around here,” he answered. - -“What men? Who are they?” persisted the leader. - -“I dare not tell who they are,” said John, in a frightened tone: -“there’s one of them around here.” - -“But you must tell, if you would save yourself. Where is the one you -speak of?” - -“There’s one at the wakiup,—the one that killed Nick Tiebalt.” - -“Who is he? What’s his name?” - -“George Ives,” said John, after a moment’s hesitation. - -“Is he down at the wakiup?” - -“Yes. I left him there when I came out.” - -“Men,” said the leader, addressing them, “stay here and keep watch over -John, while I go down and arrest Ives.” - -Selecting from the number at the wakiup a person answering the -description of Ives, he asked his name, which was very promptly given. - -“I want you,” said the leader. - -“What do you want me for?” inquired Ives. - -“To go to Virginia City,” rejoined the leader. - -“All right,” said Ives: “I expect I’ll have to go.” He was immediately -taken in charge by the guard. - -“Old Tex” was standing near by at the time, and the leader turning to -him, said, - -“I believe we shall want you, too.” The ruffian made an impudent reply, -to which the leader simply rejoined, - -“You must consider yourself under arrest,”—words whose fearful import he -understood too well to disobey. - -The other men now emerged from their blankets. They were Alex Carter, -Bob Zachary, Whiskey Bill, and Johnny Cooper, and two inoffensive -persons who had fallen in with them the evening before, and craved -permission to pass the night under their protection. Fortunately, these -confiding persons had no money, and escaped assassination; but when told -of the character of their entertainers, one of them, pointing to Carter, -remarked, - -“There’s one good man, anyhow. I knew him on the other side of the -mountains, where he was a packer, and there was no better man on the -Pacific slope.” - -Just at this moment, the leader saw some movement which indicated to him -that a rescue of the three prisoners would be attempted by their -comrades, and in a loud tone of command, said, - -“Every man take his gun and keep it.” - -Five men were ordered to search the wakiup, and the others, meanwhile, -to keep off intruders. The searchers soon came out with seven dragoon -and navy revolvers, nine shotguns, and thirteen rifles, as the fruit of -their spoil. Among other weapons was the pistol taken from Leroy -Southmayd at the time of the coach robbery described in a previous -chapter. Having completed the search and broken up the nest of the -marauders, the scouting party started with their prisoners on the return -to Nevada. At Dempsey’s they found George Hilderman, who, after offering -various excuses, consented, under the mild persuasion of a revolver, to -accompany them. The prisoners were disarmed but not bound, nor prevented -from riding at pleasure among their captors. A stranger, on seeing or -joining with the cavalcade while in motion, would never have supposed -that it was an escort with four murderers in charge; nor, from the -merry, jovial conversation and song singing of the company, as it rode -gayly and rapidly onward, have distinguished the accusers from the -accused. Whenever the subject of his offence was mentioned, Ives -asserted his innocence, and declared that he would be only too happy to -have an opportunity to prove it. With a fair trial by civil authority in -Virginia City, he had no fear of the result; but as he once had the -misfortune to kill a favorite dog in Nevada, he felt that he would have -the prejudices of the people against him if put upon trial there. This -idea was elaborated, because if adopted, Plummer, being sheriff, would -have the selection of the men from whom the jury would be impanelled. -Ives affected great amiability and a ready compliance with every order -and request made by his captors. One subject suggested another, and many -of the rough and pleasant phases of mountain life passed in review, -until that of racing, and the comparative speed of their horses, was -introduced. On this theme Ives was specially eloquent, and being mounted -on his own pony, which had some local popularity as a racer, he ventured -finally to propose a trial of speed with several of the guard, and even -challenged them to race with him. After one or two short scrub races, in -which he suffered himself to be beaten, the spirit of the race-course -seemed suddenly to animate the company, and, one after another, all were -soon engaged in the exciting sport. It increased in interest and -excitement for several miles, and until within a short distance of -Daly’s ranche. At this point, Ives’s horse, which had been kept under -before, was now pressed to his utmost speed; and when the party were -least prepared for it, they saw him not only as the winner in the race, -but leading the cavalcade, and bearing his master away at a fearfully -rapid rate over the level stretch towards Daly’s. Instantly, every horse -was urged into the pursuit. On rode the desperado, and on followed the -now broken column of scouts, two of whom pressed him so closely that he -could not stop long enough at the ranche to exchange his pony for his -favorite horse, which, by order of some of his friends who had pushed on -from the wakiup in advance of the scouts, had been saddled and was -standing ready for his use. His pursuers, more fortunate, found a fresh -horse and mule standing there, which had come down from Virginia City. -These they mounted, and resuming the pursuit, when three miles away from -the main road near the Bivans Gulch mountains, they saw the hotly -pressed fugitive jump from his exhausted pony, and take refuge among the -rocks of an adjacent ravine. Quicker than it can be told, they alighted, -and, fresher on foot than the jaded steeds, they were soon standing on -the edge of the sheltering hollow. Ives was nowhere visible. Certain -that he was near, Burtchy and Jack Wilson plunged into the ravine, and -commenced a separate search among the rocks. It was of brief duration, -for Burtchy soon discovered him, crouching behind a large bowlder, and -directed him to come out and surrender himself. - -Ives laughingly obeyed, and in a wheedling manner was approaching -Burtchy, who was separated from his comrade, evidently with the purpose -of wresting his gun from him. Burtchy understood the movement, and with -his eye still coursing the barrel, now but a few feet from the heart it -would have been emptied into in a moment more, he said, - -“That is far enough, Mr. Ives. Now stand fast, or I shall spill your -precious life-blood very quick.” - -Wilson, who had been searching in a different direction, now came up and -aided in securing the prisoner, with whom they soon rejoined the rest of -the company. The two hours which had elapsed between the escape and -recapture, were pregnant with wisdom for the almost disheartened scouts. - -“Let us raise a pole and hang him at once,” said one of them, as the -captors rode up with their prisoner. - -Several voices raised in approval of this recommendation, were at once -silenced by a very decided negative from the remainder of the company. -Ives, meantime, commenced chatting gayly with the crowd, and treated -them to a “drink all round.” The cavalcade, formed in a hollow square, -with their prisoner in the centre, then rode quietly on to Nevada, -arriving soon after sunset. - - - - - CHAPTER XXX - TRIAL OF GEORGE IVES - - -Intelligence of the capture of Ives preceded the arrival of the scouts -at Nevada. That town was full of people when they entered with their -prisoners. A discussion between the citizens of Virginia City and -Nevada, growing out of the claims asserted by each to the custody and -trial of the prisoners, after much protesting by the friends of Ives, -resulted in their detention at Nevada. They were separated and chained, -and a strong inside and outside guard placed over them. The excitement -was intense; and the roughs, alarmed for the fate of their comrades, -despatched Clubfoot George to Bannack with a message to Plummer, -requesting him to come at once to Nevada, and demand the prisoners for -trial by the civil authorities. By means of frequent relays provided at -the several places of rendezvous of the robbers on the route, he -performed the journey before morning. Johnny Gibbons, a rancher, in -sympathy with Ives, proceeded immediately to Virginia City, and secured -the legal assistance of Ritchie and Smith, the latter being the same -individual who had figured in the defence of the Dillingham murderers. -But the time for strategy was over,—the people were determined there -should be no delay. - -Early the next morning, the road leading through the gulch was filled -with people hastening from all the towns and mining settlements to -Nevada. Before ten o’clock, fifteen hundred or two thousand had -assembled and were standing in the partially congealed mud of the only -public thoroughfare of the town. The weather was pleasant for the -season, with no snow, but a little frostwork of ice bordered the -streams, and the sun shone with an October warmth and serenity. The -urchins of the neighborhood were dodging in and out among the crowd, in -merry pastime; and the great gathering, with all its appointments, wore -more of a commemorative than retributory aspect. And as this was the day -preceding “Forefathers’ Day,” one unacquainted with the sterner matters -in hand, might readily have mistaken it for an old-time New England -festival. The illusion, however, would have been instantly dispelled on -listening to the various opinions advanced by the miners, while -arranging the mode of trial. It was finally determined that the -investigation should be made in the presence of the entire -assemblage,—the miners reserving the final decision of all questions. To -avoid all injustice to people or prisoners, an advisory commission of -twelve men from each of the districts was appointed; and W. H. Patton of -Nevada, and W. Y. Pemberton of Virginia City, were selected to take -notes of the testimony. - -Col. Wilbur F. Sanders and Hon. Charles S. Bagg, attorneys, appeared on -behalf of the prosecution, and Messrs. Alexander Davis and J. M. -Thurmond for the prisoners. Ives was the first prisoner put upon trial. -It was late in the afternoon of the nineteenth before the examination of -witnesses commenced. The prisoner, secured by chains, was seated beside -his counsel. The remainder of that day, and all the day following, had -been spent; and when the crowd assembled on the morning of the -twenty-first, the prospect for another day of unprofitable wrangling, -long speeches, captious objections, and personal altercations, was -promising; but the patience of the miners being exhausted, they informed -the court and people that the trial must close at three o’clock that -afternoon. This announcement was received with great satisfaction. - -I am unable from any facts in my possession to recapitulate the -testimony. Long John was admitted to testify under the rule of law -regulating the reception of State’s evidence. Among other things it was -established that Ives had said in a boastful manner to his associates in -crime, - -“When I told the Dutchman I was going to kill him, he asked me for time -to pray. I told him to kneel down then. He did so, and I shot him -through the head just as he commenced his prayer.” - -Two alibis set up in defence failed of proof, because of the infamous -character of the witnesses. Many developments of crimes committed -jointly by the prisoner and some of his sympathizing friends, were made, -which had the effect to drive the latter from the Territory before the -close of the trial, but for which his conviction might possibly have -been avoided. - -The prisoner was unmoved throughout the trial. Not a shade of fear -disturbed the immobility of his features. Calm and self-possessed, he -saw the threads of evidence woven into strands, and those strands -twisted into coils as inextricable as they were condemnatory, and he -looked out upon the stern and frigid faces of the men who were to -determine his fate with a gaze more defiant than any he encountered. -There were those near him who were melted to tears at the revelation of -his cruelty and bloodthirstiness; there were even those among his -friends who betrayed in their blanched lineaments their own horror at -his crimes; but he, the central figure, equally indifferent to both, sat -in their midst, as inflexible as an image of stone. - -[Illustration: - - COLONEL WILBUR F. SANDERS - - _Principal prosecutor of George Ives_ -] - -The scene, by its associations and objects, could not be otherwise than -terribly impressive to all who were actors in it; it wanted none of the -elements, either of epic force or tragic fury, which form the basis of -our noblest poems. A whole community, burning under repeated outrages, -sitting in trial on one of an unknown number of desperate men, whose -strength, purposes, even whose persons, were wrapped in mystery! How -many of that surging crowd now gathered around the crime-covered -miscreant, might rush to his rescue the moment his doom should be -pronounced, no one could even conjecture. No man felt certain that he -knew the sentiments of his neighbor. None certainly knew that the -adherents of the criminal were weaker, either in numbers or power, than -the men of law and order. It was night, too, before the testimony -closed; and in the pale moonlight, and glare of the trial fire, -suspicion transformed honest men into ruffians, and filled the ranks of -the guilty with hundreds of recruits. - -The jury retired to deliberate upon their verdict. An oppressive -feeling, almost amounting to dread, fell upon the now silent and anxious -assemblage. Every eye was turned upon the prisoner, seemingly the only -person unaffected by surrounding circumstances. Moments grew into hours. -“What detains the jury? Why do they not return? Is not the case clear -enough?” These questions fell upon the ear in subdued tones, as if their -very utterance breathed of fear. In less than half an hour they came in -with solemn faces, with their verdict,—Guilty!—but one juror dissenting. - -“Thank God for that!” “A righteous verdict!” and other like expressions -broke from the crowd, while on the outer edge of it, amidst mingled -curses, execrations, and howls of indignation, and the quick click of -guns and revolvers, one of the ruffians exclaimed, - -“The murderous, strangling villains dare not hang him, at any rate.” - -Just at this moment a motion was made to the miner “that the report be -received, and the jury discharged,” which, with some little opposition -from the prisoner’s lawyers, was carried. - -Some of the crowd now became clamorous for an adjournment; but failing -in this, the motion was then made “that the assembly adopt as their -verdict the report of the committee.” - -The prisoner’s counsel sprung to their feet to oppose the motion, but it -was carried by such a large majority, that the assemblage seemed at once -to gather fresh life and encouragement for the discharge of the solemn -duty which it imposed. There was a momentary lull in the proceedings, -when the people found that they had reached the point when the execution -of the criminal was all that remained to be done. They realized that the -crisis of the trial had arrived. On the faces of all could be read their -unexpressed anxiety concerning the result. What man among them possessed -the courage and commanding power equal to the exigencies of the -occasion! - -At this critical moment, the necessity for prompt action, which had so -disarranged and defeated the consummation of the trial of Stinson and -Lyons, was met by Colonel Sanders, one of the counsel for the -prosecution, who now moved, “that George Ives be forthwith hanged by the -neck, until he be dead.” - -This motion so paralyzed the ruffians, that, before they could recover -from their astonishment at its being offered, it was carried with even -greater unanimity than either of the previous motions, the people having -increased in courage as the work progressed. Some of the friends of Ives -now came up, with tears in their eyes, to bid him farewell. One or two -of them gave way to immoderate grief. Meantime, Ives himself, beginning -to realize the near approach of death, begged piteously for a delay -until morning, making all those pathetic appeals which on such occasions -are hard to resist. “I want to write to my mother and sister,” said he; -but when it was remembered that he had written, and caused to be sent to -his mother soon after he came to the country, an account of his own -murder by Indians, in order to deceive her, no one thought the reason -for delay a good one. - -“Ask him,” said one of the crowd, as he held the hand of Colonel -Sanders, and was in the midst of a most touching appeal for delay, “ask -him how long a time he gave the Dutchman.” - -He, however, made a will, giving everything to his counsel and -companions in iniquity, to the entire exclusion of his mother and -sisters. Several letters were written under his dictation by one of his -counsel. - -In the meantime, A. B. Davis and Robert Hereford prepared a scaffold. -The butt of a small pine, forty feet in length, was placed on the inside -of a half-enclosed building standing near, under its rear wall, the top -projecting over a cross-beam in front. Near the upper end was fastened -the fatal cord, and a large dry-goods box, about five feet high, was -placed beneath for the trap. - -Every preparation being completed, Ives was informed that the time for -his execution had come. He submitted to be led quietly to the drop, but -hundreds of voices were raised in opposition. The roofs of all the -adjacent buildings were crowded with spectators. While some cried, “Hang -the ruffian,” others said, “Let’s banish him,” and others shouted, -“Don’t hang him.” Some said, “Hang Long John. He’s the real murderer,” -and occasionally was heard a threat, “I’ll shoot the murdering souls,” -accompanied by curses and epithets. The flash of revolvers was -everywhere seen in the moonlight. The guards stood grim and firm. The -miners cocked their guns, muttered threats against all who interfered, -and formed a solid phalanx which it would have been madness to assault. - -When the culprit appeared upon the platform, instant stillness pervaded -the assembly. The rope was adjusted. The usual question, “Have you -anything to say?” was addressed to the prisoner, who replied in a -distinct voice, - -“I am innocent of this crime. Alex Carter killed the Dutchman.” - -This was the only time he accused any one except Long John. - -He then expressed a wish to see Long John, and his sympathizers yelled -in approbation; but as an attempted rescue was anticipated, the request -was denied. - -When all the formalities and last requests were over, the order was -given to the guard, - -“Men, do your duty.” - -The click of a hundred gun-locks was heard, as the guard levelled their -weapons upon the crowd, and the box flew from under the murderer’s feet, -as he swung “in the night breeze, facing the pale moon, that lighted up -the scene of retributive justice.” The crowd of rescuers fled in terror -at the click of the guns. - -“He is dead,” said the judge, who was standing near him. “His neck is -broken.” - -Henry Spivey, the juror who voted against the conviction of Ives, was a -thoroughly honest and conscientious man. He was not satisfied that the -evidence showed Ives to be guilty of the murder of Tiebalt, and as this -was the specific charge against him, he could not vote against his -conscience. He said that if Ives had been tried as a road agent, he -would have voted for his conviction. - -The highest praise is due to Colonel Sanders for the fearlessness and -energy he displayed in the conduct of this trial; for it furnished an -example which was not lost upon the law and order men in all their -subsequent efforts to rid the Territory of the ruffians. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXI - RESULT OF IVES’S EXECUTION - - -The confederates of Ives spared no efforts, while his trial was in -progress, to save him. When intimidation failed, they appealed to -sympathy; and when that proved unavailing, it was their intention, by a -desperate onslaught at the last moment, to attempt a forcible rescue. -They were deterred from this by the rapid clicking of the gun-locks at -the moment of the execution. All through the weary hours of the trial, -their hopes were encouraged with the belief that Plummer, their chief, -would come, and demand the custody of Ives; and if refused, obtain it by -a writ of _habeas corpus_, in the name of the civil authorities of the -Territory. But if he obeyed the summons of Clubfoot George, which is at -best problematical, he acted no conspicuous part. A saloon-keeper by the -name of Clinton was very positive that he saw him drink at his bar a few -moments before the execution, and that he immediately went out to lead -the “forlorn hope” of the roughs. Some other person was probably -mistaken for the robber chief, as he was not recognized by any others of -the crowd present at the time. In fact he had enough to do to make -provision for his own safety; for Rumor, with her thousand tongues, had -carried the intelligence of the arrest of Ives to Bannack, before the -arrival there of Clubfoot George. He found the people wild with -excitement over a version of the arrest, which Plummer himself had -already circulated, coupled with a statement that a Vigilance Committee -had been formed at Virginia City, a number of the best citizens hanged, -and that from three hundred to five hundred armed men were on the march -to Bannack, with the intention of hanging him, Ned Ray, Buck Stinson, -George Crisman, A. J. McDonald, Thomas Pitt, and others. This -anticipatory announcement was made with the hope that by mingling the -respectable names of Crisman, McDonald, and Pitt, with those of Stinson, -Ray, and his own, he might divert, or at least divide, the attention -which would otherwise inculpate only the real villains. It produced a -momentary sensation, but failed of effect. - -George Ives was no common desperado. Born of respectable parents, he was -reared at Ives’s Grove, Racine County, Wisconsin. The foreground of his -life was blameless; and it was not until he came to the West that he -developed into the moral monster we have seen. His career as a miner in -California, in 1857–58, though wild and reckless, was unstained by -crime. No accusation of dishonesty was made against him, until after his -employment as a herder of government mules belonging to the military -post at Walla Walla, in Washington Territory. The heavy storms of that -latitude, often destructive to herds in the mountains, afforded him -opportunity from time to time, by reporting the fatality to the herd in -his charge greater than it was, to obtain for himself quite a large -number of animals. The deception was not discovered until after his -departure. He was by turns a gambler and a rowdy in all the mining -settlements on Salmon River. His downward course, once commenced, was -very rapid. On one occasion he surprised the man who had employed him as -a herder, by riding into a saloon kept by him at Elk City. After the man -had seized the horse by the bridle, Ives drew and cocked his pistol to -shoot him, but was prevented by a fortunate recognition of his old -employer. He apologized, and withdrew; and on several occasions -afterwards, proffered him the gray horse he rode as a present, which the -gentleman, convinced that Ives had stolen the animal, as often declined -to accept. He was only twenty-seven years of age at the close of his -bloody career in Montana. His appearance was prepossessing. In stature -nearly six feet, with light complexion, neatly shaven face, and lively -blue eyes, no one would ever have suspected him of dishonesty, much less -of murder, and cold-blooded heartlessness. And yet, probably, few men of -his age had ever been guilty of so many fiendish crimes. - -George Hilderman was fortunate in being put upon trial immediately after -the execution of Ives. Ten days later he would have been hanged upon the -same evidence. It was proved that he knew of the murder of Tiebalt, and -of the murder of the unknown man near Cold Spring ranche, neither of -which he had divulged. He had even concealed the stolen mules, and knew -the persons engaged in the stage robberies, and was found guilty upon -general principles, but recommended to mercy. Upon being informed of the -verdict, he dropped upon his knees, and exclaimed, - -“My God! is it so!” - -He then made a statement confirming all that Long John had testified to -concerning Ives. - -The people commiserated his hapless condition. He was an old man, weak, -somewhat imbecile. They concluded that his silence had been enforced by -the threats of Ives and his associates, and that, as there was no proof -implicating him directly with robbery or murder, they would sentence him -to banishment from the Territory. Ten days were given him in which to -leave. Glad to escape with his life, he applied to Plummer for -assistance. Plummer advised him to remain; but the old man took wiser -counsel from his fears. He decided to go. Plummer gave him a pony and -provisions, and he left Montana forever. - -Hilderman was possessed of a coarse humor, which he had lost no -opportunity to demonstrate, while a sojourner at Bannack. It made him -quite a favorite with the miners, until they became suspicious of his -villainous propensities. He was also a notorious “bummer,” and was -oftener indebted to his humor, which was always at command, than his -pocket, which was generally empty, for something to eat. In width, his -mouth was a deformity, and the double row of huge teeth firmly set in -his strong jaws gave to his countenance an animal expression truly -repulsive. He was the original of the story of “The Great American -Pie-biter.” This feat of spreading his jaws so as to bite through seven -of Kustar’s dried-apple pies, had been frequently performed by him, in -satisfaction of the wager he was ever on hand to make of his ability to -do it. On one occasion, however, he was destined to be defeated. A -miner, who had been victimized by him, arranged with Kustar, the -proprietor of the Bannack Bakery, to have two of the pies inserted in -the pile without removing the tin plates in which they had been baked, -the edges of which were concealed by the overlapping crusts. Hilderman -approached the pile, and spreading his enormous mouth, soon spanned it -with his teeth. The crunch which followed, arrested by the metal, was -unsuccessful. He could not understand it, but, despite the vice-like -pressure, the jaws would not close. The trick not being discovered, he -paid the wager, declaring that Kustar made the toughest pie-crust he had -ever met with. - -Long John purchased his freedom by his testimony, and nothing appearing -against “Tex” at the time, he also was released. - -The execution of Ives had a terrifying effect upon the ruffian horde, -though a few of them put a bold face upon the matter and were as loud in -their threats as ever. The prominent actors in that drama were singled -out for slaughter, but no serious instance of personal assault occurred. -The ruffians felt secure, as long as they were unknown, and the only -revelation yet made was insufficient to implicate any of them with the -numerous murders and robberies that had been committed. Facts had -appeared upon the trial, making it probable that Carter was accessory to -the murder of Tiebalt. The assassination of Dillingham was unavenged. -Either of these causes, in the excited state of the public mind, was -sufficient to remind the people that the work they had to perform was -but just begun. If what they had done was right, it would be wrong to -permit others equally guilty to escape. Carter, Stinson, and Lyons must -be punished. - -This spontaneity of thought brought a few of the citizens of Virginia -and Nevada into consultation the day following the execution; and before -the close of the succeeding day, a league was entered into, in which all -classes of the community united, for the punishment of crime and the -protection of the people. Before the organization of this committee was -completed, a fresh impulse was given to the public indignation on -receipt of intelligence that Lloyd Magruder, a merchant of Elk City, and -the independent Democratic candidate for Congress, who had been trading -in Virginia City during the fall, had, while on his return to his home, -with four others, been cruelly murdered and robbed by a number of the -gang, in the Bitter Root Mountains. Full particulars of this terrible -tragedy will be given in the two following chapters. - -Magruder was very popular with the people of Virginia City. The -committee went to work immediately. Twenty-four of them, well mounted, -and provisioned for a long ride, started in pursuit of Carter. That -villain, accompanied by William Bunton, Graves, and several others, in -anticipation of arrest, left as soon as the trial of Ives was over, for -the west side of the range. The pursuers followed on his trail as -rapidly as possible, into the Deer Lodge Valley. While riding down the -valley, the vanguard of the scouts met Erastus Yager, who from the -redness of his hair and whiskers was familiarly called “Red.” He -informed them that Carter and his companions were lying drunk at -Cottonwood (since Deer Lodge City), and that they avowed themselves good -for at least thirty of any men that might be sent to arrest them. - -The party had suffered severely from the wintry blasts and storms, -especially while crossing the divide; and they were glad that both -strategy and comfort favored their detention for the next twenty hours -at the ranche of John Smith, seventeen miles above Cottonwood. At three -o’clock in the afternoon of the next day, they left for Cottonwood, -expecting to surprise and capture the fugitive without difficulty. How -great was their disappointment, to find that both he and his companions -had fled. A distant camp-fire in the mountains at a later hour convinced -them that further pursuit at that time would end in failure. They -learned upon inquiry that the ruffians had received a message from -Virginia City, warning them of the approach of the Vigilantes. And this -intelligence was afterwards confirmed by a letter which was found at -their camping ground, the writing of which was recognized as that of one -George Brown, who was supposed to belong to the gang. It afterwards -transpired that “Red,” or Yager, was the messenger who brought this -letter, and that he had killed two horses on the expedition. -Disappointed in the object of their search, the scouts now determined to -return by way of Beaverhead Rock, and, if possible, arrest both Brown -and “Red” for their criminal interference. - -Their sufferings from exposure to the keen December storms were intense. -Arriving at Beaverhead, they camped in the willows, without shelter or -fire, except such as could be enkindled with green willows. Some of -their animals strayed to a cañon to escape the severity of the storm. -After remaining in camp at this place for two days, they ascertained -that “Red” was at Rattlesnake, twenty miles distant. A small party of -volunteers started immediately to arrest him, while the others, _en -route_ to Virginia City, stopped at Dempsey’s to await their return. - -At Stone’s ranche the pursuers obtained fresh horses from the stage -stock of Oliver & Co., and resumed their dismal journey to Rattlesnake. -The weather was intensely cold, but this offered no impediment to the -pursuit of their journey. Arriving at Rattlesnake, they surrounded the -ranche, while one of their number entered. Stinson and Ray, both -present, had in their capacity as deputies of Plummer arrested a man, -whom they held in custody. Stinson, who disliked his visitor, confronted -him with his revolver; but seeing a like implement already in the hands -of the scout, who “had the drop” on him, he returned his weapon to its -sheath. - -“I have come to arrest ‘Red’ for horse-stealing,” said the scout. - -On hearing this, Stinson and Ray released their prisoner, on his promise -to go immediately to Bannack and surrender himself. The man started -forthwith to comply with his promise. - -Meantime the scout joined his party outside, and they all rode hurriedly -to a wakiup a few hundred yards up the creek, which they surrounded -while the leader entered, observing as he did so, - -“It’s a mighty cold night. Won’t you let a fellow warm himself?” -Advancing towards the fire, his eyes fell upon “Red.” Raising his -revolver, he said, “You’re the man I’m looking for. Come with me.” - -“Red” asked no questions, and exhibited no terror. Putting on his hat, -and gathering his blankets under his arm, he did as he was ordered, with -as much apparent nonchalance as if he were going on a holiday excursion. -When told that he would be taken to Virginia City, he simply manifested -by a glance that he fully comprehended the situation, and acted in all -respects, while a prisoner, as one who knew his doom was irrevocable. -The scouts took him to the ranche, where they passed the night. - -They left early the next morning; “Red” unarmed, on his own horse, and -riding beside one of the scouts. The dreary ride through snow and wind -was enlivened by the stumbling mule of the leader, which on one occasion -rolled over, and after safely depositing its rider, made two or three -somersaults down a steep bank, plunging headlong into a snowdrift at the -bottom, which completely enveloped him. - -At Dempsey’s the captors joined the main party. Fatigued with the -journey through the drifts, they took supper, provided for the security -of their prisoner, and enjoyed a night’s repose. Brown, the man who had -written the warning missive to Carter, was the bar-keeper, and a sort of -general factotum of the ranche. He had been for some time suspected as a -petty thief and robber, without the courage needful to engage in graver -offences. The Vigilantes saw that he was terrified, as soon as they -arrived, though unconscious of the evidence they had obtained against -him. - -In the morning the captain of the Vigilantes, in a private interview -with “Red,” charged him with being connected with the robber horde. -“Red” denied all knowledge of its existence. - -“Why, then,” inquired the captain, “should you have been at such pains -to apprise the rascals that the Vigilantes were on their track?” - -“It was the most natural thing in the world,” “Red” replied. “I stopped -here on my way to Deer Lodge, and Brown, on being told of my -destination, asked me to take a letter to Alex Carter and some friends. -I knew no reason why I should refuse, and did so.” - -Brown was then called in, and “Red” repeated the statement in his -presence. Brown did not deny it, but betrayed by his blanched cheeks and -trembling limbs that it was true. The captain, laying his hand upon his -shoulder, and looking him steadily in the eye, said, - -“Brown, you must consider yourself under arrest; we will at once proceed -to a full investigation of this matter. It looks very dark for you.” - -He was put under guard, to await the termination of the trial of “Red,” -which was at once commenced. When this was over, Brown was subjected to -a second examination before the entire company. - -“Did you write this letter of warning?” inquired the captain. - -“I did,” replied Brown. - -“Why?” - -“‘Red’ came to Dempsey’s and said he was going to see the boys, and -asked me if I had any word to send them, offering to carry it for me. I -wrote them that the Vigilantes were after them, and advised them to -leave.” - -No other explanation was given; and on their own confessions, and some -additional proof showing that “Red” had made inconsistent statements to -different persons belonging to the Vigilantes, while passing them on his -return from Cottonwood, with a view to deceive them as to the -whereabouts of Carter,—the company withdrew to the Stinking Water -bridge, to decide upon the guilt or innocence of the prisoners. - -“Boys,” said the captain, addressing the assemblage, “you have heard -what these men have had to say for themselves. I want you to vote -according to your consciences. If you think they ought to suffer -punishment, say so; if you think they ought to go free, vote for it. Be -very careful to do the right thing for yourselves, as well as for the -prisoners. All those in favor of hanging them, step to the right side of -the bridge; and those who are for letting them go, to the left side.” - -So thoroughly convinced were the men of the guilt and complicity of the -prisoners with the road-agent gang, that every man passed immediately to -the right. - -The culprits started immediately, under the escort of seven men and a -leader, in the direction of Virginia City. Two hours afterwards they -arrived at Lorrain’s ranche, where they were joined at sundown by the -other members of the company, who, after a brief consultation, rode on -to Virginia City. After they had gone, the leader lay down in his -blanket on the parlor floor, to snatch a few hours of repose. Precisely -at ten o’clock, he was awakened by a slight shake, and the words, - -“The hour has arrived. We mean business, and are waiting for you.” - -He arose and went to the bar-room, where Brown and “Red” lay in the -corner asleep. “Red” was the first to awaken. Rising to his feet, he -addressed the leader in a sad and despondent tone. - -“You have treated me like a gentleman,” said he. “I know that my time -has come. I am going to be hanged.” - -“That’s pretty rough, ‘Red’” interjected the leader. - -“Yes. It’s pretty rough, but I merited it years ago. What I want to say -is, that I know all about this gang. There are men in it who deserve -death more than I do; but I should die happy, if I could see them -hanged, or know it would be done. I don’t say this to get off. I don’t -want to get off.” - -“It will be better for you, ‘Red,’” said the Vigilantes, “at this time -to give us all the information in your possession, if only for the sake -of your kind. Times have been very hard. Men have been shot down in -broad daylight, not alone for money, or even hatred, but for mere luck -and sport, and this must have a stop put to it.” - -“I agree to it all,” replied “Red.” “No poor country was ever cursed -with a more bloodthirsty or meaner pack of villains than this,—and I -know them all.” - -On being urged by the leader to furnish their names, which he said -should be taken down, “Red” told him that Henry Plummer was chief of the -band; Bill Bunton, stool pigeon and second in command; George Brown, -secretary; Sam Bunton, roadster; Cyrus Skinner, fence, spy, and -roadster; George Shears, horse-thief and roadster; Frank Parish, -horse-thief and roadster; Hayes Lyons, telegraph man and roadster; Bill -Hunter, telegraph man and roadster; Ned Ray, council-room keeper at -Bannack City; George Ives, Stephen Marshland, Dutch John (Wagner), Alex -Carter, Whiskey Bill (Graves), Johnny Cooper, Buck Stinson, Mexican -Frank, Bob Zachary, Boone Helm, Clubfoot George (Lane), Billy -Terwiliger, Gad Moore, roadsters. - -These men were bound by an oath to be true to each other, and were -required to perform such services as came within the defined meaning of -their separate positions in the band. The penalty of disobedience was -death. If any of them, under any circumstances, divulged any of the -secrets or guilty purposes of the band, he was to be followed and shot -down at sight. The same doom was prescribed for any outsiders who -attempted an exposure of their criminal designs, or arrested any of them -for the commission of crime. Their great object was declared to be -plunder, in all cases, without taking life if possible; but if murder -was necessary, it was to be committed. Their password was “Innocent.” -Their neckties were fastened with a sailor’s knot, and they wore -mustaches and chin whiskers. He was himself a member of the band, but -not a murderer. - -Among other disclosures, “Red” attributed his hapless condition to Bill -Hunter, at whose instigation, years before, he had entered upon a career -of infamy. He hoped the committee would not spare him. He gave the -particulars of the robberies of the coaches, and the names of all -engaged in this as well as many other crimes. - -After listening to this frightful narrative, and making such memoranda -as they might need for future operations, the little party of Vigilantes -carefully reconsidered the vote they had taken, and decided that the two -culprits should be executed immediately. In the course of the narrative, -“Red” had fully implicated Brown. In the Indian campaign in Minnesota in -1862, Brown was a scout for Gen. William R. Marshall (brother-in-law of -the writer), who regarded him as not a notoriously bad man, but as one -who had little moral principle or force of character, and who was easily -influenced by his associates. - -Less than a quarter of a mile distant, in rear of Lorrain’s, on a -beautiful curve of the Pas-sam-a-ri, stood several majestic cottonwoods, -by far the finest trees in all that region. Two, which stood side by -side, were selected as the scaffolds. It was a dim starlit night, and a -lantern was necessary to complete the preparations for the execution. -The cold blast from the immediate mountains howled fearfully as the -little procession tramped through the snow, with their prisoners in -charge, to the fatal spot. The night was not darker than the gloom which -had settled upon the minds and hearts of these condemned wretches. -“Red,” however, was perfectly collected. Not a sigh escaped him, nor a -tear dimmed his eyes. Brown was all excitement. He begged piteously for -mercy, and prayed for his Indian wife and family. They were in -Minnesota. “Red,” more affected by the terror and moans of his comrade -than his own hapless condition, said to him in a sad but firm tone, - -“Brown, if you had thought of this three years ago, you wouldn’t be here -now, or give the boys this trouble.” - -A few branches were clipped from a lower limb of each of the trees, and -the ropes suspended. Two stools brought from the ranche, by being placed -one upon the other, served the purpose of a drop. A Vigilante, while -adjusting the noose to the neck of Brown, stumbled, and both he and -Brown fell together into the snow. Recovering himself, he said, by way -of apology, - -“We must do better than that, Brown.” - -It was a chance remark, proceeding from a motive which it failed to -express; better interpreted by those who heard it, than I fear it will -be by my readers. - -When all was ready, Brown, with the petition upon his lips, “God -Almighty save my soul,” was launched from the platform, and died without -a struggle. - -“Red” witnessed the scene unmoved. When his turn came, and he stood upon -the frail trestle, he looked calmly around upon his executioners. - -“I knew,” said he, “that I should be followed and hanged, when I met the -party in Deer Lodge Valley; but I wish you would chain me, and not hang -me until after I have seen those punished who are guiltier than I.” - -Just before he fell, he shook hands with all, and then turning to the -Vigilante who had escorted him to Lorrain’s, he said, - -“Let me beg of you to follow and punish the rest of this infernal gang.” - -“‘Red,’” replied the man, “we will do it, if there’s any such thing in -the book.” - -“Good-bye, boys,” said “Red,” “you’re on a good undertaking. God bless -you.” - -The stools fell, and the body of the intrepid freebooter swung lifeless -in the midnight blast. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXII - LLOYD MAGRUDER - - -“In the name of all that is wonderful, Hill, what has kept you up till -this late hour?” was the eager inquiry of Mrs. Maggie Beachy of her -husband, when that gentleman entered his house at two o’clock in the -morning. - -“Well, Maggie,” replied her husband, “you remember my dream about Lloyd -Magruder? I fear it has all come true. Indeed, I am perfectly certain -poor Lloyd has been murdered.” - -“Nonsense, Hill,” rejoined the wife. “Will you never have done with your -unfounded suspicions? You will make yourself the laughing-stock of the -whole country, and bring all the roughs in it about your ears, if you -don’t cease talking about Magruder.” - -“I can’t help it, wife,” persisted Beachy. “Those three rascals, Doc. -Howard, Chris Lowry, and Jim Romaine, with another hangdog-looking -fellow, came into town to-night in disguise, and, under assumed names, -took passage in the coach to Walla Walla. They followed Magruder to the -Bannack mines, and have doubtless killed him while on his way home. -Their cantinas are filled with his gold dust.” - -“How improbable, Hill,” said Mrs. Beachy, smiling. “Why, only yesterday -Lloyd’s wife received a letter from him, saying that he would not start -for twelve days, and that he would have a strong company with him.” - -“Well, well, Maggie, let’s drop the subject. Time will tell whether my -suspicions are correct.” - -Let us inquire into the cause of Hill Beachy’s terrible suspicion. - -Three months before this conversation occurred, Lloyd Magruder, a -wealthy merchant of Elk City, loaded a pack train with merchandise, and -made the long and dangerous journey of five hundred miles, by an Indian -trail over the mountains, to the Bannack mines, in that part of Idaho -afterwards embraced in the boundaries of Montana. The night preceding -his departure, Hill Beachy, the landlord of the Luna House in Lewiston, -a warm personal friend of Magruder, dreamed that he saw Chris Lowry dash -Magruder’s brains out with an axe. He related the dream to his wife the -next morning, and expressed great fears for the safety of his friend. -She was desirous of telling Magruder; but as his investment was large, -and he was ready to start upon his journey, Beachy thought it would only -introduce a disturbing element into the enterprise, without effecting -its abandonment, and expose him to the laughter and sneers of the -public. But he did not conceal the anxiety which the dream had -occasioned in his own mind, and was greatly relieved when news came, six -weeks afterwards, of the safe arrival of Magruder at Bannack. - -On the morning of the day after Magruder left Lewiston, Howard, Lowry, -and Romaine, in company with Bob Zachary and three other roughs, -departed with the avowed intention of going to Oregon. As soon, however, -as they had proceeded a sufficient distance in that direction to escape -observation, they turned towards Bannack, and after a few days’ journey -were joined by William Page, an old mountain teamster. The party -followed on in the track of Magruder’s train, which they overtook when -within three days’ journey of Bannack, and accompanied it to its place -of destination. - -Magruder was disappointed, on his arrival at Bannack, to learn that the -camp had been deserted by most of the miners, who had gone to the -extensive placer mines in Alder Gulch at Virginia City, seventy-five -miles distant, where the writer was then residing. Three days -afterwards, however, he was well satisfied, on his arrival there, to -find an active mining camp of six thousand inhabitants, all eager to -purchase his wares as rapidly as they could be displayed. Howard, Lowry, -Romaine, and Page found comfortable quarters in the building occupied by -Magruder, and were provided by him with employment during his six weeks’ -stay in Virginia City. No one, except himself, knew better than they the -amount of his accumulations. His confidence in them was unbounded. On -his offer to pay them two hundred dollars each, they had agreed to -accompany him as assistants and guards on his return to Lewiston. The -negotiations with Magruder for their employment were conducted by -Howard, who was a physician of marked ability, and whose pleasing -address was well calculated to allay all suspicion concerning their real -motives in joining the party. Howard, Lowry, and Romaine, while at -Lewiston, were classed among the vilest roughs of the town. The former -two were understood to be escaped convicts from the California -penitentiary. They had been concerned in numerous robberies, and were -suspected of connection with Plummer’s infamous gang. Magruder, whose -residence was at Elk City, was entirely unacquainted with their history, -and, from the simulated fidelity of their conduct while in his employ, -had no reason to suspect them of criminal designs. He was very fortunate -in the disposition of his merchandise, realizing therefor twenty-four -thousand dollars in gold dust, and a drove of seventy fine mules. - -A few days before his departure from Virginia City, Charley Allen, a -successful miner, and two young men, brothers, by the name of Horace and -Robert Chalmers, who had just arrived in the mountains from Booneville, -Missouri, and William Phillips, an old pioneer in the country, arranged -to unite their trains with his, and all make the trip together as one -company. Romaine tried to dissuade Phillips from going with the others, -but gave no reason for what seemed to the latter a strange request. - -It was a bright October morning when the train left Virginia City, and -moved slowly down Alder Creek, into the picturesque valley of the -Pas-sam-a-ri. The sun shone; the mountain atmosphere was crisp and -exhilarating. The long plain stretching away to the base of the Ruby -range reflected upon its mirror-like surface that magnificent group of -pine-covered mountains, along whose sides glinted in the sunbeams the -bewitching hues that give them their name. Towering on the right, rose -the twin pinnacles of Ramshorn and Mill Creek; and, afar in the -distance, painted upon the horizon, was the superb outline of the main -range of the old Rockies, and Table Mountain lifting its glittering -plateau of snow far above the surrounding peaks. Filled with the -inspiration naturally enkindled by these majestic views, the men, with -all the animation and abandon of uncaged schoolboys, shouted and sung as -they galloped along and hurried the train across the widespread valley. -Into the hills, over the mountains, across the streams, through the -cañons they scampered, entering Bannack the third day, just as the sun -was setting. - -Business detained them at Bannack the three following days. With the -design of misleading the villains at Lewiston who might be on the watch -for his return, Magruder sent by a company which left the morning after -his arrival, a letter to his wife, telling her of his success, and that -he would leave for home with a train strongly guarded, in twelve days. -While he was thus planning the way for a safe return, Howard was equally -busy in maturing a scheme to rob him on the route. This infernal -project, the fruit of long contemplation, he now for the first time -unfolded to Lowry and Romaine, who gave it their eager compliance. -Meeting with Bob Zachary, he confided it to him; but, on learning that -it could not be effected without the possible murder of Magruder, and -the four persons accompanying him, Zachary, villain as he was, declined -all participation in it. It was understood by the three that on the -eighth day of the journey, when the train would make camp in the Bitter -Root Mountains, at a distance of one hundred miles or more from any -white settlers, they would carry their diabolical design into execution. -Howard declared that it could not be done without killing the five -owners of the trains. Page was to be kept in ignorance of the plot until -the eve of its performance. - -Animated with the hope of an early reunion with his family, Magruder, -with his companions, left Bannack one bright autumnal morning, and -dashed with his train into the manifold intricacies of the mountain -labyrinth. The burden of care with which one is oppressed, while -travelling through an uninhabited region, exposed continually to the -attacks of Indians and robbers, is always relieved by a sort of wild -exhilaration inseparable from the shifting of scenery, and the varied -occupations and incidents of the journey. And when day after day passes, -without any change in the same monotonous round of employment, men -sometimes desire the variety of a brush with the Indians, or a deer -chase, or an antelope hunt, to ward off their mental depression. But -save an occasional foray upon a herd of antelopes, the train moved -safely onward, without impediment. The three ruffians were particularly -attentive to the duties required of them, winning golden opinions from -those they intended to destroy. - -On the evening of the sixth day, the train descended into the valley of -the Bitter Root. The lofty range of mountains which now forms the -boundary between Montana and Idaho stretched along the horizon -displaying alternate reaches illumined by the departing rays of the sun, -and darkened by the shadows of overhanging clouds. - -“In three days more,” said Magruder, “we shall descend the range into -Idaho, and all danger will be over.” - -Near the close of the second day thereafter, as the mules were slowly -creeping up the trail, when near the summit, Howard rode alongside of -Page, and in a tone of fearful earnestness said to him, - -“Page, when we go into camp, to-night, drive the mules half a mile away, -and remain with them till supper time. We are going to kill Magruder and -his four friends. You can help dispose of the bodies when the work is -done, and share in the plunder. As you value your own life, you will not -breathe a word of this to any one.” - -Had a thunderbolt fallen at the feet of Page, he could not have been -more terrified. Reckless as his life had been, no stain of blood was on -his soul. Gladly would he have warned Magruder, but the fearful threat -of Howard was in his way. Besides, as Howard had grown into great favor, -he felt that he would not be believed. He decided the conflict with -conscience by resolving to follow the directions of the conspirators. - -The spot was not unfamiliar. It had been often occupied for camping -purposes, and was specially favored with water and pasturage. It was -also sheltered by the impenetrable foliage of a clump of dwarf pines and -redwoods. Five minutes’ clamber of the vertebrated peak which rose -abruptly above the camp-fire, would enable one to survey for many miles -the vast volcanic region of mountains, hills, and cañons over which the -trail of the traveller, like a dusky thread, stretched on towards -Lewiston. - -The train drew up on the camping ground a little before dark. The sky -was overcast with snow clouds, and the wind blew chill and bleak. Every -sign indicated the approach of one of those fearful snowstorms common at -all seasons in these high altitudes. All the men except Page, who was -with the herd, were gathered around the camp-fire, awaiting supper. As -Page, staggering under the burden of his guilty secret, came to the camp -in answer to a call to supper, Howard met him, and in an ominous -whisper, warned him to retire as soon as his meal was finished, and not -to be seen about the camp until he was wanted. - -Magruder and Lowry were assigned to stand guard and watch the herd until -ten o’clock,—the hour agreed upon for the commission of the crime. Page -had built a fire for their accommodation. As they rose to leave the -camp, Lowry, picking up an axe, remarked, - -“We shall probably need some wood, and I’ll take the axe along.” - -Their departure was regarded as a signal for all to retire. Page had -spread his blankets and lain down some time before, “not,” as he -afterwards said, “to sleep, but to await the course of events.” Allen -crept in by his side. The Chalmers brothers had made their bed twenty -yards distant from the camp-fire; and Romaine, armed to perform the part -assigned to him, stretched himself beside Phillips, his unsuspecting -victim. Howard, the arch and bloody instigator of the brutal tragedy, -demon-like, roamed at large, ready for any service, when the hour came, -necessary to finish the deed. - -The evening wore on. The sleep of toil-worn men comes when it is sought; -and soon the only wakeful eyes in the camp were those of the watchers at -the herd, Howard, Romaine, and the wretched Page. - -The friendly conversation between Magruder and Lowry, as they sat side -by side at the fire, was not interrupted, until the former looked at his -watch. - -“It is nearly ten,” said he, filling his meerschaum, while unconsciously -announcing the hour of his doom. - -“I will put some wood on the fire,” said Lowry, picking up the axe, and -rising. - -Magruder bent forward towards the fire to light his meerschaum, when the -axe wielded by Lowry descended with a fearful crash into his brain. -Howard, who had been concealed near, sprung forward, and snatching the -axe from Lowry, who seemed for the moment paralyzed at the deed he had -committed, struck several additional blows upon the already lifeless -body of the unfortunate man. The villains then hurried to the spot where -the Chalmers brothers were lying, and while they were despatching them -with the axe, Romaine plunged a bowie-knife into the abdomen of -Phillips, exclaiming at the moment, with an oath, - -“You old fool, I have to kill you. I told you at Virginia City not to -come.” - -Allen, wakened by the death groan of young Chalmers, had risen to a -sitting posture, and was rubbing his eyes, when Howard stole behind him, -and blew out his brains, by a simultaneous discharge of buckshot from -both barrels of his gun into the back part of Allen’s head. - -The work of assassination was complete. The murderers, unharmed, were in -possession of the gold which had caused the dreadful deed. - -Page, who had not left his bed, was now summoned by Howard to assist in -the concealment of the bodies. Knowing that his life would pay the -forfeit of disobedience, he hurried to the camp-fire, where Lowry -greeted him with the soul-sickening words, - -“It’s a grand success, Bill. We never made a false stroke.” - -A heavy snowstorm now set in. The assassins occupied the remainder of -the night in destroying and removing the evidences of their guilt. The -bodies of their victims were wrapped in blankets, conveyed to the summit -of an adjacent ridge, and cast over a precipice into a cañon eight -hundred feet deep, where it was supposed they would be speedily devoured -by wolves. The camp equipage, saddles, straps, blankets, guns, pistols, -everything not retained for immediate convenience, were burned, and all -the iron scraps carefully collected, put into a sack, and cast over the -precipice. All the while these guilty deeds were in progress, the storm -was increasing. When the morning dawned, not a vestige of the ghastly -tragedy was visible. The camp was carpeted to the depth of two feet with -snow, and the tempest still raged. The murderers congratulated each -other upon their success. No remorseful sensations disturbed their -relish for a hearty breakfast. No contrite emotions affected the greedy -delight with which each miscreant received his share of the blood-bought -treasure. No dread lest the eye of the All-seeing, who alone had -witnessed their dark and damning atrocity, should betray them, mingled -with the promises they made to themselves of pleasures and pursuits that -this ill-gotten gain would buy in the world where they were going. One -solitary fear haunted them,—that concerning their escape from the -country. - -When this all-absorbing subject was mentioned, they saw and felt the -necessity of avoiding Lewiston; their presence there would excite -suspicion. Howard advised that they should go to a ford of the -Clearwater, fifty miles above Lewiston, and cross over and make a -hurried journey to Puget Sound. There they could take passage on a -steamer to San Francisco or to British Columbia, as after events might -dictate. This counsel was adopted. Mounting their horses, they made a -last scrutinizing survey of the scene of their hellish tragedy, now -covered with snow, and plunged down the western slope of the mountains, -amid the rocks and cañons of Northern Idaho. The expression of Howard, -as he reined his horse away from the bloody theatre, may be received as -an indication of the sentiments by which all were animated. - -“No one,” said he, “will ever discover from anything here the -performance in which we have been engaged. If we are only true to each -other, boys, all is safe.” - -The animals, with the exception of one horse and seven mules, were -abandoned, but accustomed to follow the tinkle of the bell still -suspended to the neck of the horse, the herd soon appeared straggling -along the trail behind the company. The heartless wretches, thinking to -frighten the animals away, at first shot them one by one as they came -within rifle distance. Finding that the others continued to follow, they -finally drove the entire herd, seventy or more in number, into a cañon -near the trail, and mercilessly slaughtered all the animals composing -it. - -Avoiding Elk City by a circuitous route, the party, after several days’ -travel, arrived at the ford of the Clearwater. Two broad channels of the -river at this crossing encircled a large island. A mountain torrent at -its best, the river was swollen by recent rains, and its current running -with frightful velocity. Page, who was perfectly familiar with the ford, -dashed in, and was followed by Lowry. They were obliged to swim their -mules before reaching the island, and had still a deeper channel to -cross beyond. Romaine and Howard, who had witnessed the passage from the -bank, were afraid to risk it. A long parley ensued, which finally -terminated in the return of Page and Lowry, and an abandonment of the -ford. A single day’s rations was all the food the company now possessed. -None could be obtained for several days, except at Lewiston, the mention -whereof brought their crime before the ruffians with terrible -distinctness. But there was no alternative. Risk of detection, while a -chance presented for escape, was preferable to physical suffering, from -which there was none. They encountered the risk. Near Lewiston they fell -in with a rancheman, to whom they committed their animals, with -instructions to keep them until their return, and, concealing their -faces with mufflers, entered the town at a late hour of the evening. - -With the design of stealing a boat, and making a night trip down Snake -River, to some point accessible to the Portland steamboats, they -proceeded at once to the river bank fronting the town. Piling their -baggage into the first boat they came to, they pushed out into the -stream. The wind was blowing fearfully, and the maddened river rolled a -miniature sea. They had proceeded but a few rods when a sudden lurch of -the boat satisfied them that the voyage was impracticable, and they -returned to shore. - -Their only alternative now was to secure a passage that night in the -coach for Walla Walla, or remain in Lewiston at the risk of being -recognized the next day. It was a dark, blustering night. Hill Beachy, -whose invariable custom it was to retire from the office at nine -o’clock, from some inexplicable cause became oblivious of the hour, and -was seated by the stove, glancing over the columns of a much-worn paper. -His clerk stood at the desk, preparing the way-bill for the coach, which -left an hour later for Walla Walla. The street door was locked. Suddenly -the silence without was broken by the heavy tramp of approaching -footsteps. A muffled face peered through the window. Beachy’s attention -was arrested by a hesitating triple knock upon the door, which seemed to -him at the time ominous of wrong. Catching up the lamp, he hurried to -the door, on opening which a tall, well-proportioned man, in closely -buttoned overcoat, with only his eyes and the upper portion of his nose -visible, entered, and with a nervous, agitated step, by a strangely -indirect, circular movement, advanced to the desk where the clerk was -standing. - -Addressing the clerk in a subdued tone, he said, “I want four tickets -for Walla Walla.” - -“We issue no tickets,” replied the clerk, “but will enter your names on -the way-bill. What names?” he inquired. - -For a moment the stranger was nonplussed. Recovering himself instantly, -with seeming nonchalance, he gave the names of John Smith and his -brother Joseph, Thomas Jones and his brother Jim; and, throwing three -double eagles upon the desk, he hastily departed. - -As he closed the door, Beachy said to the clerk, “I’m afraid there will -be a stage robbery to-night. Go to the express-office and tell the agent -not to send the treasure chest by this coach. Don’t wake the passenger -in the next room. I will see the citizens who have secured passage, and -request them to wait until to-morrow.” - -Still reflecting upon the suspicious conduct of the visitor, Beachy -determined to get a sight of his companions. “There are too many Smiths -and Joneses to be all right,” he said to himself, as he slipped the hood -over his dark lantern and took his way to the hotel where they lodged. -Ascertaining that their apartment fronted the street, he stole quietly -up to the window, which was protected by shutters with adjustable -lattice. This, by a cautious process, he opened, and, peering through, -beheld the four inmates, three of whom he recognized as the ruffians who -had left Lewiston and gone to Bannack three months before. - -More deeply confirmed than at the first in the belief that a robbery was -intended, he awaited the approach of the coach, designing to make a -careful survey of the group after they were seated preparatory to -departure. Fifteen or twenty persons, who had heard of Beachy’s -suspicions, several of whom were old associates of Howard and his -companions, followed the coach from the barn to the hotel. - -Enveloped in overcoats and blankets, their faces concealed by mufflers, -and their hats drawn down to hide their eyes, the four men climbed into -the coach. Just as the driver gathered up his lines Beachy opened his -lantern, and before the men could wrap their blankets around them, his -quick eye detected that two of the number had each a pair of well-filled -cantinas on his lap. After the coach had driven off, he turned to Judge -Berry, who was standing near, and, in a low but meaning tone, said, - -“Lloyd Magruder has been murdered.” - -“What makes you think so?” inquired the judge. “Do you recognize these -fellows?” - -“Yes, three of them: Howard, Lowry, and Romaine. Their cantinas are -filled with Magruder’s money. I’ll furnish horses and pay all expenses -if you and the sheriff will join me, and we’ll arrest them to-night.” - -“Arrest them for what?” asked the judge. - -“On suspicion of having murdered Magruder.” - -“Why, Hill, the whole town would laugh at us. We certainly could not -detain them without evidence. Besides, your suspicions are groundless. -Mrs. Magruder told me last evening that she did not expect her husband -for ten or twelve days. Let matters rest for the present.” - -“I know that Magruder is dead, and that these villains killed him, as -well as if I had seen it done,” rejoined Beachy. “From this time forth, -I am on their track.” - -Bidding the judge good-night, he wended his way home, and, on entering -his house, held the conversation with his wife with which this chapter -opens. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIII - HILL BEACHY - - -Mr. Beachy’s convictions gave him no rest. Without a shadow of evidence -to sustain him, or a clew to guide him, he went to work to ferret out -the crime. His friends laughed at and discouraged him. The roughs of -Lewiston threatened him. A few charitably attributed his conduct to -mental derangement. The face of every person he met wore a quizzical -expression, which seemed to imply both pity and ridicule. Often, when -thwarted, he half resolved to abandon the pursuit, but a voice within -whispered him on with assurance of success, and he could not, if he -would, recede. Three days were spent in a fruitless search for the -animals which he knew must have borne the men to town. At the close of -the third day a party arrived from Bannack. The first inquiry he -addressed to them after the usual salutation was, - -“Where is Magruder?” - -“Hasn’t he arrived?” was the surprised rejoinder. “He left four days -before us, intending to come through as quickly as possible.” - -Beachy heard no more. - -“He is dead,” said he, “and I know the murderers.” - -“Tut, tut, Hill, you’re too fast. He has probably gone around by Salt -Lake. He’ll be in all safe in a few days.” - -Beachy resumed his search for the animals. In a few days a man came in -from some point above Lewiston, and reported having seen, on his ride -down the river, a party of four men encamped in a solitary nook on the -opposite bank. The thought flashed through Beachy’s brain that they were -the murderers, who, thwarted in their effort to leave the country at -Walla Walla, had returned by a circuitous route, in search of a point -more favorable. - -In Tom Farrell, a harum-scarum dare-devil of the town, Beachy found one -man who shared his suspicions. He consented to go with him and aid him -in arresting these men. It was freezing weather, and the trail was rough -and mountainous. Both men were well armed and of undoubted courage. -Urging their horses to their utmost speed, they rode on till past the -hour of noon, when Tom descried a thin column of smoke ascending from -the camp of the supposed freebooters. Securing their horses in a -thicket, they crept to a point where, concealed by the willows, they -could observe all parts of the camp. Alas for their hopes! The suspected -robbers developed into a hunting party of honest miners, who were -enjoying a little holiday sport in the mountains. Worn down with fatigue -and anxiety, they returned to Lewiston, to encounter afresh the gibes -and sneers of the people at the failure of this sorry expedition. - -Another day of patient search was rewarded with the discovery of the -rancheman who had possession of the animals. Beachy returned from a -visit to his ranche, bringing with him one horse and seven mules, and -the saddles, bridles, and other accoutrements, which he submitted to the -inspection of the citizens. Not an article was identified as the -property of Magruder. One man thought an old saddle resembled one that -he had seen in Magruder’s possession, but, as old saddles were plenty, -this one, without any distinctive marks, was valueless as evidence. - -Thus far Beachy’s investigations had only involved the subject in deeper -mystery; but as day after day passed, bringing no tidings of his friend, -he felt an increasing conviction of the great evil that had befallen -him. Reflecting upon the partial identification of the saddle, -“Perhaps,” thought he, “this may furnish a clew. If the saddle ever -belonged to Magruder, some of his family will identify it. I have it. -Jack will certainly know it. I can but try him.” He suspended the saddle -on a small peg attached to the stall occupied by his pacing-horse. - -[Illustration: - - HILL BEACHY - - _Lloyd Magruder’s avenger_ -] - -Jack was an Indian boy who had been Magruder’s hostler for several -years. Late in the afternoon Beachy met him. - -“Jack,” said he, accosting him, “don’t you want to take a ride?” - -“I am always ready for that, Mr. Beachy.” - -“Well, our cows haven’t come home to-night. I’ll have my pony in the -stable in ten minutes, and you can saddle him, and have a good time -hunting them. Will you go?” - -“All right,” replied Jack, “I’ll be there.” - -Beachy immediately went to the stable, and, ascending to the haymow, -placed himself in a position where he could observe the actions of Jack -when he saddled the pony. The boy was punctual. Leading the pony from -the stall, he took down the saddle and placed it on him. - -“It’s a failure,” reflected Beachy, as the boy fastened the girth, and -seized the pommel preparatory to mounting. - -Just at this moment Jack’s eye caught sight of the stirrup. He paused, -and, taking it in his hand, surveyed it narrowly. An expression of -surprise stole over his face. Dropping the stirrup, he caught the -crupper and examined it more carefully. He then looked at other parts of -the saddle in detail. At length he mounted, and, while leaving the -stable, looked back with astonished interest upon the crupper. The cows -at this time were discovered on their way home. Jack rode around and -drove them up, and, dismounting, said to Beachy, who met him at the -stable door, - -“This is Massa Magruder’s saddle. He took it with him when he went to -Bannack. How came it here?” - -“How do you know it is his, Jack?” - -“By that crupper. There’s where I mended it myself with a piece of -buckskin. I know it’s the same old saddle. I’ve ridden on it a hundred -times.” - -“A clew at last!” said Beachy. “I’ll follow it up. Jack cannot be -mistaken.” - -Calling to some friends who were passing, he told them the result of his -experiment. The old saddle was produced, and Jack was examined. Alarmed -at the scepticism of his interrogators, Jack wavered in faith, and his -testimony only confirmed the belief that Beachy was crazy. - -The following day a train was seen descending the mountain by the Nez -Percé trail. A tall man, seemingly the leader, who wore a peculiar hat, -like Magruder’s, was pointed out as the missing man. Hundreds of eyes -watched the slow descent of the mules into the valley. The wife of -Magruder, whose thoughts and feelings had been alternating between hope -and fear for a week or more, awaited with delighted surprise the certain -approach of her husband. Hill Beachy looked on with doubtful interest, -hoping, but faithless. Alas! it was not Magruder. - - “For him no more the blazing hearth shall burn, - Or busy housewife ply her evening care.” - -When the train master, in reply to their eager inquiries, expressed his -own surprise, and told them that Magruder should have reached home ten -days before, the people for the first time felt that he might have -fallen a victim to robbers. Still they doubted. The crime was too great, -involved too many lives, and the probability that he had changed routes -and was returning by the way of Salt Lake was greater than that he and -his large train had been destroyed. - -Firm in his belief, Beachy, like a sleuth-hound, continued to follow the -track leading to discovery. “They do not know the desperate character of -those villains,” he said, as he turned from the crowd to pursue the clew -furnished by Jack. His wife, who until this time had feared for his -safety at the hands of the town ruffians, now for the first time gave -him encouragement. - -Falling in company with the men who had just arrived from Bannack, he -plied them with inquiries concerning Magruder’s operations there. - -“Why,” observed one, “he told me on the morning he left that he should -surprise his wife, for he had written her the day before that he would -not leave for ten days. ‘She will tell this to all inquirers,’ said he, -‘and the roughs of Lewiston will be thrown off their guard. I shall -reach home about the time they think I will leave here.’” - -“Would you know any of the stock?” inquired Beachy. - -“Yes; there was one large, white-faced sorrel horse belonging to some of -the party, that was a very good race-horse. I saw him run one night, -when some of the boys were at our camp. I think I should know him. They -intended to bring him here, and make a race-horse of him.” - -The only horse which Beachy had found in possession of the rancheman -corresponded with this description. He placed him in one of a long range -of stalls in his stable, in each of which was a horse, and requested his -informant to select him, if possible, from the number. When the man came -to the sorrel, he said, - -“If this horse were two or three sizes larger, I should think he might -be the one I saw; but he is too small, and I know nothing of the -others.” - -Knowing how much the size of a horse is seemingly increased when in -motion, Beachy saddled the sorrel, and told his hostler to lead him to -the end of the street, mount, and run him at his best speed back to the -stable. As he dashed down to the spot where Beachy and the man were -standing, the latter involuntarily raised his hands and exclaimed, - -“My God! that is the identical animal.” - -“You are sure?” said Beachy. - -“I would swear to it,” was the instant reply. - -“And now,” thought Beachy, “I have a white man on my side. The evidence -is sufficient for me. To-morrow I start for the murderers.” - -Armed with requisitions upon the governors of all the Pacific States and -Territories, the next morning Beachy, accompanied by the indomitable Tom -Farrell, made preparations for his departure. When all was ready, his -wife, who had felt more keenly than he had the ridicule, sneers, -indifference, and malignity with which his efforts had been regarded, -with tearful eyes approached him, and, taking him by the hand, in a tone -softened by the grief of parting, said to him, - -“Hill, you must either return with those villains, or look up a new -wife.” - -“The look which emphasized these words,” says Beachy, “the expression, -the calm, sweet face which said stronger than words that failure would -kill her, filled me with new life. They were worth more than all the -taunts I had received, and I bade her adieu with the determination to -succeed.” - -While Mr. Beachy was speaking thus fondly of his wife, whose death had -occurred but a few months before he narrated to me these incidents, the -tears rolled down his cheeks,—and he added in a voice broken with -emotion, “I then felt that the time had come when I needed something -more than human help, and I went out to the barn and got down upon my -knees and prayed to the Old Father,—and that’s something I haven’t been -much in the habit of doing in this hard country,—and I prayed for half -an hour; and I prayed hard; and I promised that if He’d only help me -this time in catching these villains, I’d never ask another favor of Him -as long as I lived, _and I never have_.” - -Three changes were made in the transmission of the mail over the route -between Lewiston and Walla Walla. The log dwellings and stables at the -several stations were the only evidences of settlement for the entire -distance. Beachy was the proprietor of the stage line. His -station-keepers had been in the habit of transporting way travellers -over parts of the road, for pay, at times when the horses were -unemployed. This practice had been strictly forbidden by Beachy. But -when he and Tom Farrell drove up to the first station, such was his -anxiety to overtake the fugitives, that he did not stop to reprimand the -unfaithful employee who had just harnessed the stage horses to a light -wagon, with the intention of turning a dishonest penny. He took the -wagon himself, and without delay drove to the next station, arriving -there in time to hitch a pair of horses just harnessed by the hostler -for his own use, to his wagon, and hurry on to another station. Here, as -he and Tom alighted, a light buggy with a powerful horse came alongside. -The driver was an old acquaintance. He was going to Walla Walla in haste -for a physician. Beachy offered to do his errand if he would allow him -to proceed in his buggy. The gentleman assented. The horse’s flanks were -white with foam when, at dark, Beachy and Tom Farrell rode into Walla -Walla. - -Before entering the town, Beachy concealed his face in a muffler to -avoid recognition. Half-way up the street he observed a man, of whom he -expected to obtain information, engaged with another in conversation. -Jumping from the wagon he approached him cautiously, and, by a -significant grip, drew him aside and made known his business. - -“They left four days ago for Portland,” said the man, “with the avowed -intention of taking the first boat to San Francisco. They were here two -days, lost considerable at faro, but took plenty of gold dust with -them.” - -“Did they explain how they obtained their money?” - -“Yes. Howard said that they, in company with five others, had purchased -a water ditch in Boise Basin, and had been renting the water to the -miners at large rates. The miners became dissatisfied with their prices, -and a fight ensued. Men were killed on both sides, and they were the -only members of the ditch company that escaped. They were now on their -way out of the country, to escape arrest. They feared the authorities -were pursuing them.” - -While engaged in this conversation, Captain Ruckles, the agent of the -Columbia River Steamboat Company, happened to pass. Beachy hailed him, -and told his story. Ruckles gave him authority to use a Whitehall boat -in descending the river from Wallula, and an order upon the captain of -the downward bound steamer from Umatilla, to consult his convenience on -the trip to Portland. - -The evening was far advanced when Beachy and Farrell started on a -midnight drive of thirty miles to Wallula. Day was breaking when they -drove up to the landing. The river, at all times boisterous, had been -swollen by the flood into a torrent. Rousing a wharfinger, they were -informed that all navigation was suspended until the waters should -abate, that no steamboats had been there for several days, and to -attempt the passage of Umatilla Rapids in a Whitehall boat would be -madness. - -Fortunately, the next man Beachy met was Captain Ankeny, an old river -pilot, who knew every crook and rock in the channel. - -“It’s a dangerous business,” said the captain, after listening to his -story, “but I think we can make it in a Whitehall boat. At all events, -if it’s murderers you’re after, it’s worth the risk. I’ll take you down -if anybody can.” - -At daylight the three men, with the pilot at the helm, pushed out into -the stream, every spectator on shore predicting disaster. It was, -indeed, a lively passage, and not a few hairbreadth escapes were -attributable to the skill of the man who knew the channel. The boat -dashed through the rapids, and rounded to at Umatilla, twenty-two miles -below, two hours after it left Wallula. - -Beachy found a willing coadjutor in the captain of the steamboat at -Umatilla, and, to expedite the departure of the boat, employed eighteen -men to assist in discharging the cargo. When the boat had blown her last -whistle and rung her last bell, two large wagons laden with emigrants, -who had just arrived after a tedious journey across the plains, -thundered down to the wharf to be taken aboard. - -“Too late,” shouted the captain. “The boat cannot be delayed. Cast off.” - -The spokesman for the emigrants pleaded hard for a passage. Beachy -relented. - -“Take them on board for luck,” said he to the captain. - -No other cause for detention occurring, the boat swung off, and -proceeded down the river, arriving at Celilo, eighty-five miles below, -late in the evening. From that point navigation is impeded by rapids for -sixteen miles, which distance is travelled by railroad. The cars would -not leave until the next morning,—a delay which might afford the -fugitives time for escape. In this exigency Beachy applied to the -emigrants, and by pledging the boat as security for the return of their -horses, and paying a round sum, hired three of them to convey Captain -Ankeny, Farrell, and himself to the Dalles. It was after one o’clock in -the morning when they entered Dalles City. Ankeny and Farrell rode down -to the hotel to reconnoitre, and report to Beachy, who awaited their -return in the outskirts. It was a bright, starlight night. A man, whose -form Beachy recognized, passed hurriedly by the spot where he stood. -Hailing him, he unfolded the object of his mission, and learned that -three of the party he was pursuing had left the Dalles on a steamboat -for Portland two days before. The other, he was afterwards informed, had -gone since. - -In company with Tom Farrell, he took passage on the next steamer for -Portland, arriving there twenty-four hours after the fugitives had left -for San Francisco. Farrell hurried on to Astoria, the only port where -the steamer stopped on its passage to the ocean, to ascertain if they -had landed there, while Beachy put in execution a little scheme by which -he hoped to obtain full information concerning their future movements. - -A year before this time, Beachy had concealed from the pursuit of the -Vigilantes at Lewiston a young man accused of stealing, whom he had -known in boyhood. During his concealment, with much other information, -he told Beachy of the robbery of a jewelry establishment at Victoria, in -British Columbia, in which he was concerned with Howard, Lowry, and -Romaine. They deposited their plunder with an accomplice at Portland. -This man still resided at Portland, and had probably met with Howard and -his companions during their stay. If so, he was doubtless possessed of -information which would aid in their detection. - -At every place where they had stopped on the trip to Portland, the -guilty men had told the same story about their collision at, and flight -from, Boise Basin. Acting upon the belief that they had repeated it to -their old confederate at Portland, Beachy, on the same evening of his -arrival, wrapped in blanket and muffler, sallied forth to a remote -quarter of the town, where he resided. No one responded to his rap upon -the door. He crossed the street to a clump of bushes to watch. A -half-hour passed, and a woman entered the dwelling. Recrossing, he -repeated the alarm. The woman met him at the door. With much simulated -nervousness, and mystery of manner and tone, he inquired for the man. - -“He is very busy, and will not be home until late, if at all,” replied -the woman. - -“I must see him immediately,” urged Beachy, with increasing earnestness. -“My life depends upon it. Here, madam,” he continued, thrusting a -hundred dollars into her hands, “secure me an interview as soon as -possible. He is the only person here who can aid my escape. I dare not -be seen, but will conceal myself in the clump until he comes.” - -Beachy says he never was satisfied whether it was gold or pure womanly -sympathy for his apparent distress which obtained for him a speedy -meeting. By assuming the character of a partner in the Boise enterprise -who had miraculously escaped arrest, and was then in pursuit of his -companions, he learned that the men he was pursuing intended to remain -in San Francisco until they could have their dust, amounting to -seventeen thousand dollars, coined, when they would go to New York by -way of the Isthmus, and return to Virginia City in the spring. To make -the delusion perfect, Beachy, at the close of the interview, gave his -informant one hundred and fifty dollars, with which the latter purchased -for him a horse, which he delivered to Beachy at a late hour of the -evening, at East Portland, on the opposite bank of the Willamette River. -Bidding him good-bye, Beachy mounted the horse, and was soon lost to -view in the pine forest, his dupe believing that he had enabled him to -escape the authorities of Boise. Two hours afterwards the horse was -returned to its owner, and the purchase money restored. - -How to reach San Francisco in time to arrest the fugitives before their -departure for New York, was not easy of solution. No steamer would leave -Portland for ten days, and an overland journey of seven hundred miles, -over the muddiest roads in the world, was the only alternative. The -nearest telegraph station was at Yreka, four hundred miles distant. -Wearied with the unremitting travel and excitement of the previous week, -Beachy hired a buggy and left Portland at midnight, intending to -overtake the coach which had left the morning before his arrival. This -he accomplished at Salem, late in the afternoon of the next day. When -the coach reached the mountains, its progress was too slow for his -impatience, and he forsook it, and, mounting a horse placed at his -disposal by an old friend, rode on, hoping to come up with the advance -coach. He fell asleep while riding, and, on awakening, found himself -seated upon the horse in front of its owner’s stable, at a village -twenty miles distant from the one he had left. Here he hired a buggy and -overtook the coach the next morning. - -Two days afterwards he arrived at Yreka. He immediately sent a telegram -to the chief of the San Francisco police, and was overjoyed upon his -arrival at Shasta, twenty-four hours afterwards, to receive a reply that -the men he was pursuing were in prison, awaiting his arrival. At -midnight of the second day following, he was admitted to the cell where -the prisoners were confined. - -They had been arrested by stratagem two days before. As Howard and Lowry -were escaped convicts from the California penitentiary, they naturally -supposed that they had been arrested upon recognition, to be returned -for their unexpired terms. This they were planning to escape by bribing -the officers, whom they had told of their deposit in the mint, denying -at the same time that Page had any interest in it. - -When, therefore, the chief of police entered the cell, and turned on the -gas, disclosing the presence of Hill Beachy, had Magruder himself -appeared, they would not have been more astonished. With dismay pictured -upon his countenance, Howard was the first to break that ominous silence -by a question intended either to confirm their worst fears, or -re-animate their hopes of escape. - -“Well, old man,” said he, gazing fixedly upon Beachy, “what brought you -down here?” - -“You did,” was the instant reply. - -“What for, pray?” persisted Howard, assuming an indifferent air. - -“The murder of Lloyd Magruder and Charley Allen.” - -The eyes of the questioner dropped. He drew a long breath. A deadly -pallor stole over his face. - -“That’s a rich note,” said Lowry, affecting to laugh. “We left Magruder -at Bannack, well and hearty.” - -“We shall see. Good-night, boys,” said Beachy, and he offered each his -hand. - -Page clasped his hand heartily, and, by several scratches upon the palm, -signified that he had something which he wished to communicate. - -Four weeks were spent in San Francisco, in the effort to obtain the -custody of the prisoners. As fast as one court would decide to surrender -them, another would grant a writ of _habeas corpus_ for a new -examination. At length the Supreme Court of the State decided in favor -of their surrender to the authorities of Idaho for trial. In -anticipation of a series of similar legal delays in Oregon, Beachy, -before leaving, obtained from General Wright, the commander of the -Department of the Pacific, an order upon the military post of the -Columbia, directing an escort to meet the prisoners at the mouth of the -river, and deliver them with all possible despatch to the civil -authorities at Lewiston. - -On the voyage from San Francisco to the mouth of the Columbia, the -prisoners occupied the state-room adjoining Beachy’s. An orifice was -made in the base of the partition between the apartments, under the -berth occupied by Howard and Lowry. After they had retired, Beachy would -apply his ear to it, to glean, if possible, from their conversation, any -circumstances confirming their guilt. On one occasion he heard Lowry -observe that “Magruder had a good many friends,” and Howard reply that -“all five of them had friends enough.” This satisfied him that others -beside Magruder had been killed, and that he was on the right track. At -the mouth of the Columbia, a small steamer with a military escort -received the prisoners. They were conveyed immediately to Lewiston. A -large assemblage had gathered upon the wharf, intending to conduct the -prisoners from the boat to the scaffold. Protected by the military, -Beachy succeeded in removing them to his hotel, amid loud cries of “Hang -’em,” “String ’em up,” by the pursuing crowd. He then appeared in front -of the building, and in a brief address informed the infuriated people -that one of the conditions on which he obtained the surrender of the men -was that they should have a fair trial at law. He had pledged his honor, -not only to the prisoners, but to the authorities, that they should only -be hanged after conviction by a jury. This pledge he would redeem with -his life if necessary. He made it, believing that his fellow-citizens of -Lewiston would stand by him. “And now,” said he, “as many of you as will -do so, will please cross to the opposite side of the street.” The -movement was unanimous. - -“Be gorra! Mr. Beachy,” exclaimed an Irishman, after he had passed over, -“you’re the only man in the whole congregation that votes against -yourself.” - -The prisoners were heavily ironed and strongly guarded in an upper room -of the hotel. No legal evidence of their guilt, no evidence that a -murder had been committed, had yet been obtained. Page was reticent, -though believed by all to have been the victim of circumstances. A week -elapsed, and no disclosures were made upon which to base a hope of -conviction. Tired of waiting, it was at length arranged with the -district attorney that Page should be permitted to testify as State’s -evidence. - -Beachy now concerted, with several others, a plan for getting at the -truth. In a vacant room, accessible from the main passage of the -building, he suspended from the ceiling four ropes with nooses, and -under each placed an empty dry-goods box. Every preparation was -seemingly made for a secret and summary execution. - -In a room on the opposite side of the hall he spread a large table, with -paper, pens, and ink, and obtained from the county clerk three plethoric -legal documents, which were put in the hands of persons seated at the -table. A clerk was also there, who had seemingly been engaged in writing -out the confessions of Howard, Lowry, and Romaine, which were -represented by the documents already referred to. - -When these preparations were completed, two guards entered the room -occupied by the four prisoners, and conducted Howard downstairs to a -room in the basement. An hour or more elapsed, and the same ceremony was -observed with Lowry, and after another hour with Romaine. The solemnity -of this proceeding was intended to impress Page with the belief that his -comrades had been severally executed by the Vigilantes. When, an hour -later, the guards returned, they found him in a cold perspiration, and -scarcely able to stand. - -He was met by Beachy at the door. - -“Page,” said he, “I have done all in my power to save you, because I -believed you less guilty than the others, but I find I can do more. -Whether you live or die now remains with yourself. Your old friend, -Captain Ankeny, has worked hard for you.” - -As he said this, the party came to the door of the room where the ropes -were suspended, which had been purposely opened. The hideous -preparations glanced upon the terror-stricken vision of the trembling -prisoner. Beachy slammed the door with a crash, exclaiming, with -well-simulated anger, as he turned to the attendants, - -“I told you to keep that door closed,” and resumed his conversation with -Page. - -“There is,” said he, “a bare chance remaining for you. Your comrades are -still living. They have each made a confession, and now the opportunity -is afforded you. If you make a clean breast of it, and tell the truth, -it is possible you may escape by turning State’s evidence; but if not, -there is no alternative but to hang you all. One thing let me say: if -you conclude to accept this possible chance for life, tell the truth.” - -“I certainly will do so, Mr. Beachy,” said the terrified man. - -He was then seated in front of the clerk at the table. Beachy sat on one -side, holding one of the documents, as if to compare his testimony with -it, and Captain Ankeny and another person, each with a similar document, -sat opposite. The building was of logs. A gathering outside could be -heard through the chinks, discussing the propriety of admitting Page to -testify. - -“He is as guilty as the others, and should suffer the same fate,” said -one. - -“It’s nonsense to try them,” said another. “The Vigilantes should hang -them all immediately.” - -“It’ll do no harm to hear what he has to say,” said a third, “but he’ll -probably lie.” - -“Not if he regards his life. He’ll be easily detected in that, and then -he’ll be hung without mercy,” remarked another. - -These surroundings, terrible to a guilty conscience, were not alleviated -by the frequent interruptions of Beachy and Ankeny, who, to all outward -seeming, were closely comparing the statements of Page with those of his -companions. The confession thus obtained bore internal evidence of -truthfulness; and, when it was finished, Page entreated Beachy not to -return him to the room with the other prisoners. - -“They will kill me if they suspect me of betraying them,” said he, “and -the fact that we have all been requested to confess will make them -suspicious.” - -Page was heavily ironed, and confined in a separate room on the side of -the hall opposite the room occupied by the other prisoners, who, in the -seeming severity with which he was treated, received the impression that -he was singled out as the real criminal. Acting under Beachy’s -instructions, Page occasionally stood in the doorway of his apartment, -so that the other prisoners could see him, and they improved these -opportunities by making significant signs to him to be silent. Howard -would break out into a song, into which he would improvise words of -caution for Page to observe. At length, at their own request, the -prisoners were occasionally permitted to perambulate the hall, and at -those times opportunity was given to converse with Page. They finally -would enter his room, and in a conversation with him, while, as he -supposed, he was enjoying one of these stolen interviews, Beachy heard -Lowry tell Page that the body of Brother Jonathan—meaning Magruder—could -never be found, whether the others were or not. It was a great -satisfaction to Beachy to learn, from this and several other little -incidents that occurred while the murderers were in custody, that he had -made no mistake in arresting them. - -Twenty-four hours before the trial, the prisoners, as required by the -laws of Idaho, were served with a copy of the indictment found against -them, with a list of witnesses, in which it appeared that the charge was -substantiated by the testimony of Page. This was the first intimation -they had that he was to be received as State’s evidence. Lowry read -enough of the indictment to learn this fact. Handing it to Beachy, he -exclaimed with an oath, - -“I have read far enough. If old Page is to testify, the jig is up. I -don’t wish to know any more.” - -More than a hundred persons summoned as jurors were rejected in -selecting an impartial jury. Good counsel was provided for the -prisoners; and after a careful and protracted trial, in which no legal -effort was spared both to convict and to defend, the prisoners were -found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged on the fourth day of March, -1864, six weeks after the trial. - -During this interval, they were confined in their old quarters, where -they received every attention from Mr. Beachy and his wife. As the day -of expiation drew nigh, both Lowry and Romaine confessed to their -participation in the murder, and the truth of Page’s testimony; but -Howard denied it to the last. - -The scaffold was erected in a basin encircled by abrupt hillsides, from -which ten thousand people, including almost the entire Nez Percé tribe -of Indians, witnessed the execution. - -A few weeks afterwards, Beachy and a few friends, under the guidance of -Page, visited the scene of the murder, and returned with the remains of -the unfortunate victims, which were decently buried in the cemetery at -Lewiston. - -Page remained in the employ of Beachy several months—an object of -general reproach and execration. A year had little more than elapsed -when he became involved in a drunken brawl, and was killed by his -adversary. - -Mr. Beachy, after repeated rebuffs, succeeded in getting the seventeen -thousand dollars, which the murderers had deposited in the mint at San -Francisco. This was given to the widow and heirs of Magruder. After a -delay of some years, the Legislature of Idaho appropriated an amount -sufficient to defray the expense he had incurred in the capture and -prosecution of the murderers; and he subsequently removed to San -Francisco, where he died in the year 1875, esteemed by all who knew him, -not less for his generosity of heart, than the other manly and noble -qualities of his character. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIV - HOWIE AND FETHERSTUN - - -Several days after the execution of “Red” and Brown, when their bodies -were taken down for burial, there was found, fastened to each, a -monograph which has few parallels for brevity in the annals of -necrology. “Red! Road Agent and Messenger!” “Brown! Corresponding -Secretary!” Laconic, but explicit, they fitly epitomized the history, -both in life and death, of these ill-fated men. - -The little company of Vigilantes arrived in Nevada early the morning -after the execution. The Committee assembled immediately to consider -what action should be pursued with reference to the disclosures made by -“Red,” but, as the results of their recommendations will hereafter -appear, no further allusion to the subject is necessary at this time. - -The fluttering among the robbers, when it became known that two men of -their number had fallen, was very perceptible both at Bannack and -Virginia City. Many of them fled at once; others, who would have -accompanied them, had they heard of the disclosures made by “Red,” -believed themselves secure, until some testimony should appear against -them. Not anticipating treachery from any of their comrades, they -regarded such treachery as wholly unattainable. - -Dutch John was not of this number. Alarm grew upon him day by day, after -the execution of Ives. He knew that, with the unhealed bullet wound in -his shoulder, his identity with the robbers who attacked Moody’s train -would be clearly established. He went to Plummer with his fears. Plummer -advised him to leave the Territory. In pursuance of this advice, he -shouldered his saddle and left Bannack in the direction of Horse -Prairie. A person who saw him leave, suspecting that he had designs upon -a fine gray horse, wrote to the owners of the animal, warning them of -his approach. They lay in watch for the thief, and discovered him -sitting in the underbrush. They immediately hedged him in, and captured -him. After a severe lecture and taking his saddle, they gave him an old -mule and blanket, and bade him depart. Accompanied by a Bannack Indian, -he rode slowly down the road leading to Salt Lake City. - -A few days after the execution of Ives, John X. Beidler, who had -officiated on that occasion, went down the Salt Lake road to meet a -train which was expected from Denver. Meeting it at Snake River, he -returned with it to Beaverhead valley, where he was told of the attack, -by Dutch John and Marshland, on Moody’s train, and furnished with a -description of the robbers. His informant, believing that Moody’s shot -would prove fatal, told him that he would know the body of the robber by -his leggings. - -“I need a pair of leggings,” replied X., “and, if I find the man dead, -will confiscate them.” Beidler turned back, and met Dutch John and the -Indian in Beaver Cañon, at the toll-gate. Failing to recognize him as -the robber, he offered him a drink from a bottle of schnapps. John’s -hands were so severely frozen that he could not grasp the bottle. -Beidler soaked them in water, to take the frost out. While thus -employed, John asked, - -“Is it true that George Ives has been hanged?” - -“Yes,” replied Beidler; “he’s dead and buried.” - -“Who did it?” inquired John. - -“Oh, the Virginia and Nevada people.” - -“Did they find out anything?” - -“They found out some things,” said Beidler, “and are now after the -robbers of Moody’s train. One of them, Dutch John, was shot, and I -expect to find him dead upon the trail. If I do, I shall confiscate his -leggings, for I need a pair very much.” - -“Would you take his leggings if you found him?” inquired Dutch John. - -“Of course I would, if he was dead,” said Beidler. - -They continued to chat till late in the evening, passing the night -together, Beidler never suspecting him to be the robber he was in -pursuit of. The next morning Beidler dressed John’s frozen hands, and -they separated. - -The next day, while making his way through Beaver Cañon, John was seen -and recognized by Captain Wall and Ben Peabody, who were encamped there -by stress of weather, with a pack train, _en route_ to Salt Lake. They -saw him and the Indian take shelter in a vacant cabin at no great -distance beyond their camp, and went immediately with the information to -John Fetherstun, who was also near at hand with eight teams and drivers, -awaiting an abatement of the temperature. Fetherstun recommended that -John should be hanged to one of the logs projecting from the end of the -cabin. Wall and Peabody wanted him to be returned to Bannack. Being -unable to agree, Wall and Peabody proceeded down the road to the camp of -Neil Howie, who was on his return from Salt Lake City, in charge of -three wagons laden with groceries and flour. If they had searched the -world over, they could have found no fitter man for their purpose. Brave -as a lion, and as efficient as brave, Neil Howie inherited from nature a -royal hatred of crime and criminals in every form. He laid his plans at -once for the capture and return of John to Bannack. The men belonging to -his train promised him ready assistance. In a short time John and the -Indian appeared in the distance, and the courage of Neil’s friends, -which began at that moment to weaken, “grew small by degrees, and -beautifully less,” as the stalwart desperado approached, until, to use -an expression much in vogue in those days, they concluded that as they -“had lost no murderers,” the reason given for the arrest of this one -were not sufficiently urgent to command their assistance in such a -formidable undertaking. In plain words, they backed out of their -promise. Neil, whose contempt for a coward was only equalled by his -abhorrence of a murderer, still determined upon the capture. It would be -a libel upon the honest Scotch inflexibility which had come down to him -through his Covenanting progenitors to recede from a resolution which -his conscience so fully approved. Dutch John rode up and asked for some -tobacco. - -“We have none to spare,” said the train master. “Go to the big train -below. They will supply you.” - -He cast a suspicious, uneasy glance at the men, and, with the Indian by -his side, rode on. Neil looked after him until nearly lost to sight, -then mounted his pony and rode rapidly in pursuit, with the hope of -obtaining aid from the big train, which belonged to James Vivion. He -soon overtook the fugitive, whom he found with rifle in hand, ready to -defend his liberty. The Indian, too, apprised of Neil’s approach, passed -his hands over his quiver, seemingly to select an arrow for instant use. -Carelessly remarking, as he passed, that he had to borrow a shoeing -hammer to prepare the stock for crossing the divide, Neil rode on under -the muzzle of John’s rifle, without drawing his reins until he arrived -at the train. The remark disarmed John’s suspicions, or he would -doubtless have fired upon him. - -Neil related the particulars of John’s career. “It is a burning shame—a -reproach to the Territory, and will be an eternal reproach to us if we -permit so great a villain to escape. Just reflect,—he is a horse-thief -and a murderer, stained with blood, and covered with crimes. Let us -arrest him at once.” - -[Illustration: - - NEIL HOWIE - - _Captor of “Dutch John”_ -] - -All to no purpose. The men, one and all, declined having anything to do -with it. Meantime John came up and asked for some tobacco. - -“Have you any money?” inquired one of the men. - -“Not a cent,” was the reply. - -“Then,” said his interrogator, “we have no tobacco for you.” - -“Oh! let him have what he wants,” interposed Neil. “I will pay for it.” - -John’s face wore a grateful expression. He thanked Neil, and with the -Indian took his departure. Neil made another hurried appeal, not to let -the murderer and road agent escape, but the men refused to help. - -“Then,” said he, “I will arrest him alone,” and he strode rapidly after -John, shouting, - -“Hallo, captain! hold on a minute.” - -John wheeled his mule half round, and sat awaiting the approach of Neil. -To the stature and strength of a giant, John added a nature hardened by -crime, and the ferocious courage of a tiger. His face, browned by -exposure, reflected the dark passions of his heart, and was lighted up -by a pair of eyes full of malignity. Nature had covered him with signs -and marks indicative of his character. Neil, on the other hand, was -rather under the medium size, with nothing in his general make-up that -denoted uncommon strength or activity, though, when aroused, no mountain -cat was more active in his movements, and strength seemed always to come -to him equal to any emergency. His clear gray eye, calm and gentle in -repose, became very powerful and commanding under excitement. - -With his gaze fixed steadily upon the ruffian, he marched rapidly -towards him. John slewed his rifle around, grasping the barrel with his -left, and the small of the stock with his right hand, as if preparing -for a deadly aim. Neil’s hand fell with an admonitory ring upon the -trusty revolver in his belt, which had never failed him. For an instant -only, it seemed that either the rifle or pistol would decide the -adventure; but the ruffian quailed before the determined gaze of Howie, -who passed unharmed beyond the muzzle of his rifle, and stood with his -hand upon the flank of the mule. Looking John steadily in the eye, in a -quiet but authoritative tone, Neil said to him, - -“Give me your gun and get off your mule.” - -With blanched face and trembling hands, John complied, at the same time -expressing his willingness to submit to the capture. - -“You have nothing to fear from me,” said he as he alighted, and handed -the reins to Howie. It is said that occasions will always find men -suited to meet them. This occasion found, among a crowd of twenty or -more experienced mountaineers, only Neil Howie as the man endowed with -moral and physical courage to grapple with it. - -The prisoner accompanied his captor to the camp-fire. The weather was -intensely cold. Many of the oxen belonging to the trains had died from -exposure, and others were so severely frozen that they lost their hoofs -and tails the succeeding spring. As soon as Howie and his prisoner were -thoroughly warmed, Neil said to him, - -“John, I have arrested you for the part you took in the robbery of -Moody’s train last month. Every man in that company charges you with -it.” - -“It’s a lie,” said John. “I had no hand in it at all.” - -“That question can be easily decided,” replied Neil, “for the man they -supposed to be you was wounded by a shot in the shoulder. If you are not -the person, there will be no bullet mark there. I don’t wish to make a -mistake, and your denial of the charge makes it necessary that I should -examine. Just remove your shirt.” - -John reluctantly complied, all the while protesting his innocence. When, -however, the shoulder was bared, the scarcely healed perforation settled -all doubts in Howie’s mind concerning the personal identity of his -prisoner. - -“How is it,” said he, “if you are not the man, that you have this scar?” - -“I got it accidentally while asleep by my camp-fire. It was cold, and I -lay near the fire. My clothes caught fire, and the cap ignited, -discharging my pistol, which was strapped to my side.” - -“Let me prove to you that this story cannot be true,” said Neil. - -Placing a cap upon a stick, he held it in the hottest blaze of the -camp-fire. Minutes elapsed before it exploded. - -“Do you not see,” he continued, “that long before the cap on your pistol -would have exploded, you would have been burned to death? But there is -still another reason. If it had exploded, as you say, the ball could -never have wounded your shoulder. You must go with me to Bannack. If you -can prove your innocence there, as I hope you may, it will all be well -with you.” - -Leaving his prisoner in charge of the train company, Neil started in -pursuit of a person to aid in conveying him to Bannack. Unsuccessful in -this, he left with John in company, and proceeded to Dry Creek, where -was a camp of fifty or sixty teamsters. Such was their fear of the -roughs that they one and all refused to assist him. While deliberating -what next to do, a man by the name of Irvine suggested to him that if -Fetherstun could be induced to aid, he would be a suitable man for the -purpose. Neil went immediately to Fetherstun’s camp, fully determined, -if again rebuffed, to attempt the journey with his prisoner alone. -Fetherstun volunteered without hesitation, and for the two following -days while awaiting an abatement in the weather, took the prisoner in -charge and confined him, under guard, in the cabin he had left but the -day before. - -On the third day Howie and Fetherstun started with John for Bannack, the -weather still so severe that they were obliged every few miles to stop -and build fires to escape freezing. On one of these occasions, while -Fetherstun was holding the horses and Howie building a fire, their guns -having been deposited some forty feet away, the prisoner, under pretence -of gathering some dry wood which was in a direct line beyond the guns, -walked rapidly towards them, intending evidently to possess himself of -the weapons, and fight his way to an escape. His design, however, was -frustrated by his captors, who fortunately secured the guns before he -could reach them. - -During the night when they were encamped at Red Rock, misled by the -apparent slumber of his captors, John rose up, but, upon gazing around, -met the fixed eye of Howie, and immediately resumed his recumbency. As -the night wore on, the two men, worn with fatigue, again sunk into -repose. Assured by their heavy breathing, John again rose up, but -scarcely had he done so when Neil, rising too, said quietly, - -“John, if you do that again, I’ll kill you.” - -The ruffian sunk upon his blankets in despair. He felt that he was in -the keeping of one who never slept on duty. Still the hope of escape was -uppermost. Seeing a camp by the roadside, he naturally concluded that it -belonged to a company of his comrades, and commenced shouting and -singing to attract their attention. As no response followed and no -rescuers appeared, he soon became silent and despondent. - -This trip of three days’ duration, with the thermometer thirty-five -degrees below zero, and no other food than the shank of a small ham, -uniting with it the risk of assassination and personal contest with -robbers, exposure to an arctic atmosphere, and starvation, while it bore -ample testimony to the moral intrepidity and physical endurance of Howie -and Fetherstun, and marked them for a pursuit which they ever after -followed, was also rife with associations which bound these brave -spirits in a friendship that only death could sever. It is no injustice -to any of the early citizens of Montana to say that, not less for its -present exemption from crime and misrule than for the active and -vigilant measures which, in its early history, visited the ruffians with -punishment, and frightened villainy from its boundaries, is the -Territory indebted to the efficient coöperative labors of these -self-sacrificing, heroic men. They were pioneers who deserve to rank in -future history with such men as Boone and Kenton; and long after the -names of many now oftener mentioned in connection with circumstances of -trifling import are forgotten, theirs will be remembered and honored. -Noble Howie! how short a time it seems since he was cut down in the very -prime of his manhood, upon the distant shores of Guiana. Many, many -years must pass before the memory of his heroic actions, his genial -nature, his warm, impulsive friendship, will be forgotten by those who -knew and loved him in his mountain home. - -To return to the narrative. When the captors had arrived at Horse -Prairie, twelve miles from Bannack, Fetherstun encamped with the -prisoner, while Howie rode on to the town to reconnoitre. Fears were -entertained that the roughs would attempt a rescue. It was understood -that if Howie did not return in three hours, Fetherstun should take the -prisoner into town. Accordingly, he proceeded with him without -molestation to Sears’s Hotel. Soon afterwards Howie, meeting Plummer, -said to him, - -“I have captured Dutch John, and he is now in my custody at Sears’s -Hotel.” - -“You have?” replied Plummer with a leer. “What is the charge against -him?” - -“Attacking Moody’s train.” - -“Well, I suppose you are willing he should be tried by the civil -authorities. This new way our people have of hanging men without law or -evidence isn’t exactly the thing. It’s time a stop was put to it. I’ll -take John into my custody as sheriff, and relieve you from all further -responsibility.” - -“Not exactly, Plummer,” replied Howie. “I shall keep John until the -people’s tribunal decides whether they want him or not. I’ve had a good -deal of trouble in bringing him here, and don’t intend he shall escape, -if I can help it.” - -After a few more words they separated. Meantime Fetherstun had left -Sears’s Hotel with his prisoner, and gone down the street to Durand’s -saloon. Fetherstun, being an entire stranger, kept close watch of his -prisoner. They sat down at a table and engaged in a game at cards. Howie -came in, and warned Fetherstun to be on the alert for a rescue, -promising to return in a few minutes. Buck Stinson and Ned Ray soon -after made their appearance, and shook hands with John. They were -followed by four or five others, and the number finally increased to -fifteen. Fetherstun’s suspicions, excited from the first, were confirmed -on seeing one of the men step up to John, and say in an authoritative -voice, - -“You are my prisoner”; which remark was followed by a glance and a smile -by the ruffian, as much as to say, “I’m safe now, and your time has -come.” - -[Illustration: - - JOHN FETHERSTUN - - _Overland express messenger_ -] - -Fetherstun, anticipating an attack by the crew, stepped into a corner, -and drew his revolver. Those of my readers who have since had frequent -opportunity to estimate the cool, determined courage of the man, will -know that this preliminary movement was only preparatory to the -desperate heroism and energy with which, had occasion required it, he -would then have sold his life to a crowd of supposed desperadoes. They -took the prisoner away without resistance, and Fetherstun returned to -his hotel. Four or five men were there, of whom, on inquiry, he learned -that Howie had not been there. As soon as he heard this, he said to -them, - -“Gentlemen, I don’t know whom I am addressing, but if you’re the right -kind of men, I want you to follow me. I am afraid the road agents have -killed Neil Howie. He left me half an hour ago, to be back in five -minutes.” - -He seized his gun, and was about to leave when a man opened the door, -and told him not to be uneasy. This seemed to satisfy all the company -except Fetherstun. He left the hotel, gun in hand, and at no great -distance came to a cabin filled with men, with Dutch John as the central -figure. Being denied admission, he demanded his prisoner. He was told -that they were examining him. The men whom Fetherstun had mistaken as -road agents had mistaken him for the same. Explanations soon set both -right, and John was restored to the custody of Howie and Fethertsun, who -marched him back to the hotel, where he was again examined. - -After many denials and prevarications, he finally made a full confession -of guilt, and corroborated the statements which “Red” had made, -implicating the persons whose names are contained in the list he had -furnished. This concluded the labors of that day, and at a late hour -Howie and Fetherstun, unable to obtain lodgings for their prisoner in -any of the inhabited dwellings of Bannack, took him to an empty cabin on -Yankee Flat. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV - EXECUTION OF PLUMMER - - -Retribution followed rapidly upon the heels of disclosure. The -organization of the Vigilantes of Nevada and Virginia City was effected -as quietly as possible, but it embraced nearly every good citizen in -Alder Gulch. Men who before the execution of Ives were seemingly -indifferent to the bloody acts of the desperadoes, and even questioned -the expediency of that procedure, were now eager for the speedy -destruction of the entire band. Every man whose name appeared on the -list furnished by Yager (“Red”) was marked for early examination, and, -if found guilty, for condign punishment. The miners forsook their work -in the gulch to engage in the pursuit and capture of the ruffians, -regardless alike of their personal interests, the freezing weather of a -severe winter, and the utter desolation of a country but partially -explored, immense in extent, destitute of roads, and unfurnished even by -nature with any protection against exposure. - -The crisis demanded speedy action. The delay of a day or even an hour -might enable the leading ruffians to escape, and thus defeat the force -of a great and efficient example. The ruffians themselves had taken the -alarm. Many of them were on their return to Walla Walla, and others were -making preparations for leaving. It was of special importance to the -object in hand, that Plummer, the chief of the robber band, should be -the first to suffer. That individual, ignorant of the disclosures that -had been made by Yager, was at Bannack, quietly preparing for an early -departure from the Territory. Calm and placid in outward seeming, his -conduct bore evidence that he was all terror within. He was too familiar -with the extreme phases of character not to suspect that he had possibly -been betrayed by some of the number that had been captured, though much -too polite and sagacious to manifest by his deportment the presence of -any such suspicion. But he was constantly on the alert. Not a beat in -the pulse of the community escaped his notice. Not a strange face that -he did not closely scan, nor a gathering occur whose details escaped -him. The language of looks and signs and movements was as familiar to -him as that of words, and in it he read plainly and unmistakably that -his reign of deception was at an end. The people had found him out, and -he knew it. His only mistake was that he delayed action until it was too -late. - -At a late hour of the same night that Dutch John was examined, four -Vigilantes arrived at Bannack from Virginia City, with intelligence of -the organization at that place, asking the coöperation of the citizens -of Bannack, and ordering the immediate execution of Plummer, Stinson, -and Ray. A hurried meeting was held, and the Sabbath daylight dawned -upon a branch organization at Bannack. The day wore on unmarked by any -noticeable event until late in the afternoon. Three horses were then -brought into town, which were recognized as belonging to the three -murderers. - -“Aha!” said one citizen to another, “those rascals scent the game and -are preparing to leave. If they do, that will be the last of them.” - -“We can block that game,” was the rejoinder. - -Several members of the Vigilance Committee met on the spur of the moment -and adopted measures for the immediate arrest and execution of the three -robbers. Stinson and Ray were arrested without opposition,—one at Mr. -Toland’s cabin, and the other, stretched at the time upon a gaming -table, in a saloon. The party detailed to arrest Plummer found him at -his cabin, in the act of washing his face. When informed that he was -wanted he manifested great unconcern, and proceeded quietly to wipe his -face and hands. - -“I’ll be with you in a moment, ready to go wherever you wish,” he said -to the leader of the Vigilantes. Tossing down the towel and smoothing -his shirt-sleeves, he advanced towards a chair on which his coat was -lying, carelessly remarking: “I’ll be ready as soon as I can put on my -coat.” - -One of the party, discovering the muzzle of his pistol protruding -beneath the coat, stepped quickly forward, saying as he did so, “I’ll -hand your coat to you.” - -At the same moment he secured the pistol, which being observed by -Plummer, he turned deathly pale, but still maintained sufficient -composure to converse in his usual calm, measured tone. The fortunate -discovery of the pistol defeated the desperate measures which a -desperate man would have employed to save his life. With his expertness -in the use of that weapon, he would doubtless have slain some or all of -his captors. He was marched to a point where, as designated before the -capture, he joined Stinson and Ray, and thence the three were conducted -under a formidable escort to the gallows. This structure, roughly framed -of the trunks of three small pines, stood in a dismal spot three hundred -yards from the centre of the town. It had been erected the previous -season by Plummer, who, as sheriff, had hanged thereon one John Horan, -who had been convicted of the murder of Keeley. Terrible must have been -its appearance as it loomed up in the bright starlight, the only object -visible to the gaze of the guilty men, on that long waste of ghastly -snow. A negro boy came up to the gallows with ropes before the arrival -of the cavalcade. All the way, Ray and Stinson filled the air with -curses. Plummer, on the contrary, first begged for his life, and, -finding that unavailing, resorted to argument, and sought to persuade -his captors of his innocence. - -“It is useless,” said one of the Vigilantes, “for you to beg for your -life; that affair is settled, and cannot be altered. You are to be -hanged. You cannot feel harder about it than I do; but I cannot help it -if I would.” - -“Do not answer me so,” persisted the now humbled and abject suppliant, -“but do with me anything else you please. Cut off my ears, and cut out -my tongue, and strip me naked this freezing night, and let me go. I beg -you to spare my life. I want to live for my wife,—my poor absent wife. I -wish to see my sister-in-law. I want time to settle my business affairs. -Oh, God!” Falling upon his knees, the tears streaming from his eyes, and -with his utterance choked with sobs, he continued, - -“I am too wicked to die. I cannot go blood-stained and unforgiven into -the presence of the Eternal. Only spare me, and I will leave the country -forever.” - -To all these, and many more petitions in the same vein, the only answer -was an assurance that his pleadings were all in vain, and that he must -die. Meantime, Stinson and Ray discharged volley after volley of oaths -and epithets at the Vigilantes, employing all the offensive language of -their copious vocabulary. At length the ropes were declared to be in -readiness, and the stern command was given, “Bring up Ned Ray.” - -Struggling wildly in the hands of his executioners, the wretched man was -strung up, the rope itself arresting his curse before it was half -uttered. Being loosely pinioned, he thrust his fingers under the noose, -and, by a sudden twist of his head, the knot slipped under his chin. - -“There goes poor Ned Ray,” whined Stinson, who a moment later was -dangling in the death-agony by his side. As Stinson was being hoisted, -he exclaimed, “I’ll confess.” - -Plummer immediately remarked, “We’ve done enough already, twice over, to -send us to hell.” - -Plummer’s time had come. “Bring him up,” was the stern order. No one -stirred. Stinson and Ray were common villains; but Plummer, steeped as -he was in infamy, was a man of intellect, polished, genial, affable. -There was something terrible in the idea of hanging such a man. Plummer -himself had ceased all importunity. The crisis of self-abasement had -passed, hope fled with it, and he was now composedly awaiting his fate. -As one of the Vigilantes approached him, he met with the request, - -“Give a man time to pray.” - -“Certainly,” replied the Vigilante, “but say your prayers up there,” at -the same time pointing to the cross-beam of the gallows-frame. - -The guilty man uttered no more prayers. Standing, erect under the -gallows, he took off his necktie, and, throwing it over his shoulder to -a young man who had boarded with him, he said, - -“Keep that to remember me by,” and, turning to the Vigilantes, he said, -“Now, men, as a last favor, let me beg that you will give me a good -drop.” - -The fatal noose being adjusted, several of the strongest of the -Vigilantes lifted the frame of the unhappy criminal as high as they -could reach, when, letting it suddenly fall, he died quickly, without a -struggle. - -The weather was intensely cold. A large number of persons had followed -the cavalcade, but were stopped by a guard some distance from the -gallows. The Vigilantes surrounded the bodies until satisfied that the -hangman’s noose had completed their work, when they formed and marched -back to the town. The bodies were afterwards buried by the friends of -the criminals. - -Buck Stinson was born near Greencastle, Indiana. His parents removed to -Andrew County, Missouri, when he was about fourteen years of age. He was -a bright and very studious boy, was devoted to his books, which he read -almost constantly, and gave promise of genius; and many who knew him -predicted for him a brilliant and honorable future. His family was -highly respectable. - -Henry Plummer was born in the State of Connecticut, and was in the -twenty-seventh year of his age at the time of his death. His wife, who -had gone to her former home in the States three months previous to his -execution, was entirely ignorant of the guilty life he was leading, and -for some time after his death believed that he had fallen a victim to a -conspiracy. She was, however, fully undeceived, and the little -retrospect which her married life with him afforded, convinced her of -his infamy. - -Many of the citizens of Montana doubted whether the name by which he was -known was his true one; but its genuineness has been established in many -ways, and, among others, by the following incident, which I here relate -as well to illustrate the subtlety of Plummer, as to show the standing -and character of his family relations. - -In the Summer of 1869, soon after the completion of the first -transcontinental railway, being in New York City, I was requested by -Edwin R. Purple, who resided in Bannack in 1862, to call with him upon a -sister and brother of Plummer. He learned from them that they had been -misled concerning the cause of their brother’s execution by letters -which he wrote to them in 1863, in which he told them that he was in -constant danger of being hanged because of his attachment to the Union. -They honestly believed that his loyalty and patriotism had cost him his -life, and they mourned his loss not only as a brother, but as a martyr -in the cause of his country. From the moment that they heard of his -death, they had determined, if ever opportunity offered, to pursue and -punish his murderers, and, with that purpose in view, were about to -leave by railroad for Ogden, Utah, and complete the remaining five -hundred miles of the trip to Montana by stage coach. The next day, -accompanied by Mr. Purple, I had an interview with them, and found them -to be well-educated, cultivated people. They were very eager in their -desire to find and punish the murderers of their brother, and repeatedly -avowed their intention to leave, almost immediately, in pursuit of them. -Both Mr. Purple and I used all the plausible arguments we could summon -to dissuade them from the undertaking, without revealing any of the -causes which led to Plummer’s death. All to no purpose. Finding them -resolved, we concluded that, rather than allow them to suffer from the -deception they labored under, we would put in their hands Dimsdale’s -“Vigilantes,” with the assurance that all it contained relative to their -brother was true. We urged them to satisfy themselves, from a perusal of -it, of the utter fruitlessness of their contemplated journey. The -following day we called upon the brother, who, with a voice broken by -sobs and sighs, informed us that his sister was so prostrated with grief -at the revelation of her brother’s career that she could not see us. He -thanked us for making known to them the terrible history, which -otherwise they would have learned under circumstances doubly afflicting, -after a long and tedious journey. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVI - DEATH OF PIZANTHIA - - -The next movements of the Vigilantes were followed up with remarkable -expedition. The work they had laid out contemplated the execution of -every member of Plummer’s band who, upon fair trial, should be proved -guilty of robbery or murder. They intended also to punish such -incidental rascals as were known to be guilty of crime, and to act as a -protective police, until such time as a competent judiciary should be -established in the Territory. There were many suspicious characters -prowling around the gulches, who, though unaffiliated with the robber -gang, were engaged in the constant commission of crimes. Flumes were -robbed, burglaries committed, and broils were of frequent occurrence. -The country was full of horse and cattle thieves. By prompt and severe -punishment in all cases of detection, and by the speedy arrest and -examination of all suspected persons, the Committee intended to strike -with terror the entire lawless population, which had so long and -unceasingly violated the laws and privileges of civilized life with -impunity. - -The execution of Plummer, Stinson, and Ray met with general approbation. -Every good man in the community was anxious to become enrolled on the -list of the Vigilantes. The dark shadow of crime, which had hung like an -angry cloud over the Territory, had faded before the omnipresence of -Vigilante justice. The very feeling of safety inspired by the change was -the strongest security for the growth and efficiency of the -organization. - -The morning succeeding the execution, the Committee met to devise -further measures for the arrest of the criminals still at large. None of -the reputed members of Plummer’s band were then in Bannack. There was, -however, a Mexican known by the name of Jo Pizanthia, living in a little -cabin built against the side of one of the hills overlooking the town. -Being the only Mexican in the place, he went by the designation of “The -Greaser.” He brought with him to the Territory the reputation of a -desperado, robber, and murderer. With a view to investigating his career -in the Territory, the Committee ordered his immediate arrest, and sent a -party to the cabin to effect it. The little building was closed, and -there was nothing in the appearance of the newly fallen snow to indicate -that it had been occupied since the previous day. George Copley and -Smith Ball, two esteemed citizens, led the public force, and, advancing -in front of it to the door of the cabin, called upon the Mexican by name -to come forth. No answer being made, they concluded, against the advice -of their comrades, to enter the cabin. Cautiously lifting the latch, the -two men stepped over the threshold, each receiving, as he did so, the -fire of the desperate inmate. Copley was shot in the breast, and Ball in -the hip. Both staggered out, exclaiming in the same breath, “I’m shot.” -Two of the company supported Copley to the hotel, but the poor fellow -died of the wound in a few moments. Ball recovered sufficiently to -remain upon the ground. - -When it was known that Copley was killed, the exasperation of the party -at the dastardly deed knew no bounds. They instantly decided to inflict -summary vengeance upon the murderer. Protected by the logs of the cabin, -of which the door was the only entrance, the crowd appreciated the -Mexican’s facilities for making an obstinate and bloody defence. How to -secure him without injury to themselves, called for the exercise of -strategy rather than courage. Fortunately, a dismounted mountain -howitzer which had been left by a wagon train lay near by; and bringing -this to a point within a few rods of the side of the cabin, they placed -it upon a box, and loaded it with shell. At the first discharge, the -fuse being uncut, the missile tore through the logs without explosion. -The second was equally unsuccessful, on account of the shortness of -range. Aim was now directed at the chimney, upon the supposition that -the man might have sought refuge within it, and a solid shot sent -through it—the men meantime firing into the hole made by the shell in -the side of the cabin. No shot was fired in return. - -A storming party was now formed, the men of Nevada being the first to -join it. Half a dozen in number, the men moved steadily onward under -cover of neighboring cabins, until they reached the space between them -and the beleaguered citadel. Rushing impetuously across, they stood in -front of the entrance, the door having fallen inwards from the -fusillade. Looking cautiously into the cabin, they discovered the boots -of the Mexican, protruding beneath the door, which had fallen upon him. -Lifting the door, they dragged him forth. He was badly injured, but, on -the moment of his appearance, Smith Ball emptied his revolver into his -body. A clothes-line near was taken down, and fastened round his neck, -and an ambitious citizen climbed a pole, and, while those below held up -the body of the expiring Mexican, he fastened the rope to the top of the -pole. Into the body thus suspended, the crowd discharged more than a -hundred shots,—satiating their thirst for revenge upon a ghastly corpse. - -While this scene was progressing, several other persons were engaged in -tearing down the cabin. Throwing it into a pile, it was set on fire, -and, when fairly in a blaze, the riddled body of Pizanthia was taken -down, and placed upon the pyre. Its destruction by the devouring element -was complete; not a vestige of the poor wretch remained; though the next -morning a number of notorious women were early at the spot, engaged in -panning out the ashes of the ill-fated desperado, in search of gold. - -This entire transaction was an act of popular vengeance. The people were -infuriated at the murder of Copley, who, besides being one of their best -citizens, was a general favorite. There seemed to be no occasion or -excuse for it, as the Vigilantes contemplated nothing more by the arrest -of Pizanthia than an examination of his territorial record. With the -crimes he had committed before he came to the Territory, they had -nothing to do; and if he had been guilty of none after he came there, -the heaviest possible punishment they would have inflicted was -banishment. He brought his fate upon himself. It was a brief interlude -in Vigilante history, the terrible features of which, though they may be -deemed without apology or excuse, need not seek for multiplied -precedents outside of the most enlightened nations or most refined -societies in all Christendom. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII - EXECUTION OF DUTCH JOHN - - -Dutch John was still a prisoner in charge of Fetherstun, in the gloomy -cabin on Yankee Flat, a euphonious title given to a little suburb of a -dozen cabins of the town of Bannack. He had behaved with great -propriety, and by his amiability of deportment won the sympathy and -respect of his captors. The revelations which he made in his confession, -implicating others, made him fearful of his former companions in crime, -who, he knew, would kill him on the first opportunity. One night during -his imprisonment both he and Fetherstun were alarmed by the sound of -approaching footsteps and suppressed voices in earnest conversation. -Fetherstun prepared his arms for a defence. Casting a glance at his -prisoner, what was his astonishment to see him standing near the door, -with a loaded double-barrelled gun, awaiting the approach of the -outsiders. - -“That’s right, John,” said Fetherstun approvingly; “fire upon them if -they come. Don’t spare a man.” - -John smiled and nodded, levelling the muzzle of the gun towards the -sound, but the ruffians heard the click of the locks, and departed. John -could have shot his keeper and escaped, but he feared the vengeance of -his comrades more than the stern justice of the Vigilantes. - -The fate of this desperado was yet undecided by the Committee. He was -not without strong hope of escape, and his good conduct was doubtless -attributable to the belief that both Howie and Fetherstun would -interpose to save him. The evening of the day after the death of -Pizanthia, the Committee met. The case of Dutch John came up for -discussion. If it had been consistent with the laws prescribed for the -government of the Committee, John would have been banished; but his -guilty, blood-stained record demanded that he should die. He had been a -murderer and highwayman for years, and the vote for his immediate -execution was unanimous. The decision was reduced to writing, and a -member of the Committee deputed to read it to the prisoner, and inform -him that he would be executed in one hour. The wretched man was -overcome. He rose from his blankets, and paced several times excitedly -across the floor. Like Plummer, he then resorted to supplication. - -“Do with me as you please. Disable me in any way, cut off my hands and -feet, but let me live. You can certainly destroy my power for harm -without taking my life.” - -“Your request cannot be complied with,” said the messenger. “You must -prepare to die.” - -“So be it, then,” he replied, and immediately all signs of weakness -disappeared. “I wish,” he continued, “to write to my mother. Is there a -German here who can write my native language?” - -Such a person was sent for. Under John’s dictation, he wrote a letter to -his mother. It was read to him, and he was so dissatisfied with it that -he removed the rags from his frozen hands and fingers, and wrote -himself. - -He told his mother that he had been condemned to death, and would be -executed in a few minutes. In explanation of his offence, he wrote that -while coming from the Pacific side, to deal in horses, he had fallen -into the company of bad men. They had beguiled him into the adoption of -a career of infamy. He was to die for aiding in the robbery of a wagon, -while engaged in which he had been wounded, and his companion was slain. -His sentence, though severe, he acknowledged to be just. - -Handing the letter to the Vigilantes, he quietly replaced the bandages -upon his unhealed fingers. His manner, though grave and solemn, was -composed and dignified. Something in his conduct showed that he truly -loved his mother. Much sympathy for him was evinced in the manner and -attention of those who conducted him to the place of execution, in an -unfinished building at no great distance from his place of confinement. -The first objects which met his gaze, as he stood beneath the fatal -beam, were the bodies of Plummer and Stinson, the one laid out upon the -floor for burial, the other upon a work-bench. He gazed upon their -ghastly features unshrinkingly, and in clear tones asked leave to pray, -which was readily granted. Kneeling down, amid the profound silence of a -crowd of spectators, his lips moved rapidly, and his face wore a -pleading expression, but his utterance was inaudible. Rising to his -feet, while seemingly still engaged in prayer, he cast an expressive -glance at the audience, and then surveyed the provisions made for his -execution. A rope with the fatal noose dangled from the cross-beam, and -beneath it stood a barrel, around which was a cord, whose ends, -stretching across the floor, left no doubt as to the office it was -extemporized to perform. - -“How long,” he inquired, “will it take me to die? I have never seen a -man hanged.” - -“It will be very short, John,—very short. You will not suffer much -pain,” was the reply of a Vigilante. - -The poor wretch mounted the barrel, and stood perfectly unmoved while -the rope was adjusted to his neck. The men laid hold of the rope which -encircled the barrel. Everything being prepared, at the words, “All -ready,” the barrel was jerked from beneath him, and the stalwart form of -the robber, after several powerful struggles, hung calm and still. Dutch -John had followed his leader to the other shore. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII - VIRGINIA CITY EXECUTIONS - - -While the events I have just recorded were in progress at Bannack, the -Vigilantes of Virginia City were not inactive. Alder Gulch had been the -stronghold of the roughs ever since its discovery. Nearly all their -predatory expeditions had been fitted out there. Being much the largest, -richest, and most populous mining camp in the Territory, the -opportunities it afforded for robbery were more frequent and promising, -and less liable to discovery, than either Bannack or Deer Lodge. It was -also filled with saloons, hurdy-gurdies, bagnios, and gambling-rooms, -all of which were necessities in the lives of these free rangers of the -mountains. At the time of which I write there was a population of at -least twelve thousand, scattered through the various settlements from -Junction to Summit, a distance of twelve miles. It was essentially a -cosmopolitan community,—American in preponderance, but liberally -sprinkled with people from all the nations of Europe. Some were going, -and others coming, every day. Gold dust was abundant, and freedom from -social and moral restraint characterized all classes, to an extent -bordering upon criminal license. - -The Vigilantes, more than ever, after it was decided to execute Plummer, -comprehended the necessity for prompt and vigorous measures, as that -event of itself would be the signal for all the guilty followers of that -chief to fly the Territory. Accordingly, having ascertained that six of -the robber band were still remaining in Virginia City, the Executive -Committee decided upon effectual means for their immediate arrest. On -the thirteenth day of January, three days after Plummer was executed, an -order was quietly made for the Vigilantes to assemble at night in -sufficient force to surround the city. Not a man was to be permitted to -leave the city after the line of guards was established. Bill Hunter, -one of the six marked for capture, suspecting the plot, effected his -escape by crawling beyond the pickets in a drain ditch. The city was -encircled, after nightfall, by more than five hundred armed men, so -quietly that none within, except the Vigilantes, knew of it until the -next morning. All that long winter night, while that cordon of iron men -was quietly stretching along the heights overlooking the city, the -Executive Committee sat in council, deliberating upon the evidences of -guilt against the men enmeshed in their toils. - -At the same time another small band was assembled around a faro table in -the chamber of a gambling saloon. Jack Gallagher suddenly broke the -silence of the game with the remark, - -“While we are here betting, those Vigilantes are passing sentence of -death upon us.” - -Wonderful prescience! He little knew or realized the truth which this -observation had for him and his comrades in iniquity. - -Morning broke, cold and cloudy, discovering to the eyes of the citizens -the pickets of the Vigilantes. The city was like an intrenched camp. -Hundreds of men, with guns at the shoulder, were marching through the -snow on all the surrounding hillsides, with military regularity and -precision. The preparation could not have been more perfect if made to -oppose an invading army. There was no misunderstanding this array. -People talked with bated breath to each other of the certain doom which -awaited the villains who had so long preyed upon their substance, and -spread terror through the country. - -Messengers were sent to the different towns in the gulch to summon the -Vigilantes to appear forthwith, and take part in the trial of the -ruffians. At the same time parties were detailed to arrest and bring the -criminals before the Committee. Boone Helm, Jack Gallagher, Frank -Parish, Hayes Lyons, George Lane, and Bill Hunter were known to be in -the city at the time the picket guard was stationed. Of these, Hunter -had escaped. The Vigilantes from Nevada, Junction, Summit, Pine Grove, -and Highland marched into town in detachments, and formed in a body on -Main Street. The town was full of people. - -Frank Parish, the first prisoner brought in, was quietly arrested in a -store. He exhibited little fear. Taking an executive officer aside, - -“What,” he inquired, “am I arrested for?” - -“For being a road agent, thief, and an accessory to numerous robberies -and murders on the highway.” - -“I am innocent of all,—as innocent as you are.” - -When, however, he was put upon his examination before the Committee, and -facts were brought home to him, he receded from his position of -innocence, and confessed to more and greater offences than were charged -against him. - -“I was,” said he, “one of the party that robbed the coach between -Virginia City and Bannack.” - -This confession took the Committee by surprise. He then admitted that he -had been guilty of horse-stealing for the robbers, and had butchered -stolen cattle to supply them with food. He was fully cognizant of all -their criminal enterprises, and shared with them as a member of the -band. Upon this confession he was condemned to suffer death. He gave -directions concerning his clothing and the settlement of his debts. His -case being disposed of, he was committed to the custody of a strong -guard. - -George Lane (Clubfoot George), who has figured conspicuously in this -history, was next introduced into the presence of the Committee. He was -arrested without trouble, at Dance and Stuart’s store. Perfectly calm -and collected, he inquired, - -“Why am I arrested?” - -On receiving the same answer that had been given to Parish, he replied, - -“If you hang me, you will hang an innocent man.” - -“We have positive proof of your guilt,” was the response of the -examining officer. “There is no possibility of a mistake.” - -“What will you do with me?” - -“Your sentence is death,” was the answer. - -His eyes dropped, and his countenance wore an expression of deep -contrition. For some moments he covered his face with his hands, -seemingly overcome by the dreadful announcement. At length, dropping his -hands, and looking into the face of the officer, he inquired, - -“Can I have a minister, to pray for and talk with me?” - -“One shall be immediately sent for.” - -And when the clergyman appeared, Lane, in care of the guard, spent his -remaining hours of life in attending to the affairs of his soul. - -While his examination was progressing, parties came in with Boone Helm -and Jack Gallagher. The former had been arrested by strategy, while -standing in front of the Virginia Hotel. With an armed man on either -side, and one behind with a pistol presented to his head, this veteran -scoundrel, bloodier far than any of his comrades, was marched into the -presence of his judges. - -“Ah!” he exclaimed, “if I’d only had a show, if I’d known what you were -after, you would have had a gay old time in taking me.” - -His right hand was wounded, and supported by a sling. With much apparent -serenity, he sat down on a bench, and looked defiantly into the faces of -the members of the Committee. - -“What do you want of me here?” he inquired, affecting entire ignorance -of the cause of his arrest. - -“We have proof that you belong to Plummer’s band of robbers, that you -have been guilty of highway robbery and murder, and wish to hear what -you have to say to these charges.” - -“I am as innocent,” replied the miscreant, in a deliberate tone, “as the -babe unborn. I never killed any one, nor robbed or defrauded any man. I -am willing to swear it on the Bible.” - -Less for any more important purpose than that of testing the utter -depravity of the wretch, the interrogator handed him a Bible. With the -utmost solemnity of manner and expression, he repeated the denial, -invoking the most terrible penalties upon his soul, in attestation of -its truthfulness, and kissed the volume impressively at its close. - -The Committee regarded this sacrilegious act of the crime-hardened -reprobate with mingled feelings of horror and disgust. - -“This denial,” said the president, “can avail you nothing. Your life for -many years has been a continuous career of crime. It is necessary that -you should die. You had better improve the little time left you in -preparation.” - -Helm looked hopelessly around, but saw no glance of sympathy in the -stern features of his judges. Beckoning to a person standing near, he -whispered, - -“Can I see you alone for a few minutes?” - -The man, supposing that he was desirous of obtaining spiritual counsel, -replied, - -“I will send for a clergyman.” - -“No,” was the instant rejoinder. “I want no clergyman. You’ll do as -well.” - -Stepping into the inner room, Helm closed the door, and, turning to the -man, in an anxious tone asked, - -“Is there no way of getting out of this scrape?” - -“None. No power here is available to save you. You must die.” - -“Well, then,” said he, “I’ll admit to you that I did kill a man by the -name of Shoot, in Missouri. When I left there I went to California, and -killed another chap there. I was confined in jail in Oregon, and dug my -way out with tools given me by my squaw.” - -“Now,” said his confessor, “having told me thus much, will you not give -me what information you can concerning the band to which you belong, -their names, crimes, and purposes?” - -“Ask Jack Gallagher. He knows more than I do.” - -Gallagher, who had been brought into an adjoining apartment, separated -from the one in which this conversation occurred by a thin board -partition, on hearing this reference to himself, poured forth a torrent -of profane abuse upon the head of his guilty confederate. - -“It is just such cowardly rascals and traitors as you,” said he, “that -have brought us into this difficulty. You ought to die for your -treachery.” - -“I have dared death in all its forms,” said Helm, “and I do not fear to -die. Give me some whiskey.” - -The guilty wretch, having been consigned to the custody of keepers, -steeped what little sensibility he possessed in whiskey, and passed the -time until the execution in ribald jesting and profanity. - -Jack Gallagher bounded into the committee-room, swearing and laughing, -as if the whole affair was intended as a good joke. - -“What,” said he, with an oath and epithet appended to every word, “is it -all about? This is a pretty break, isn’t it?” - -On being informed of the charges against him, and the sentence of the -Committee, he dropped into a seat and began to cry. In a few moments he -jumped up, and with much expletive emphasis demanded the names of the -persons who had informed against him. - -“It was ‘Red,’ who was hanged a few weeks ago on the Stinking Water.” - -Gallagher cursed the dead ruffian for a traitor, liar, and coward, in -the same breath. - -“My God!” said he, “must I die in this way?” He was taken out of the -committee-room while uttering the most terrible oaths and blasphemies. - -Hayes Lyons, the only remaining ruffian, had not yet been arrested. The -party detailed for that object, while searching for him at the Arbor -Restaurant, had found and captured Gallagher, on learning which the -Gallagher pursuers immediately took up the hunt for Lyons. Foiled at -several points, they accidentally learned that he had crossed the crags -overhanging the gulch, and, after wandering in a circuit of several -miles through the mountains, had come back to a miner’s cabin but half a -mile distant from his point of departure. Proceeding with all possible -speed to the cabin, the leader threw open the door, and, bringing his -pistol to a deadly aim, exclaimed, - -“Throw up your hands.” - -Lyons, who was in the act of raising a piece of a griddlecake to his -mouth, dropped the fork instantly, and obeyed the order. - -“Come out here, and surrender at once,” was the next command. - -He was in his shirt-sleeves, and, as he stepped out into the biting -atmosphere, he asked in an undertone, - -“Will some one get my coat?” - -A member of the party brought it to him, and assisted him in putting it -on. He trembled so much with fear that it was with difficulty he could -get his arms into the sleeves. While the party was searching him to -ascertain if he was armed, he said, - -“You disturbed me in the first meal I have sat down to with any appetite -in six weeks.” - -“Finish your dinner,” said the leader. “We will wait for you.” - -“Thank you; you are very kind, but I can eat no more. What do you intend -doing with me? Will I be hung?” - -“We are not here to promise you anything. You had better prepare for the -worst.” - -“My friends advised me to leave two or three days ago.” - -“You would probably have done well had you followed their advice. Why -didn’t you go?” - -“Because I had done nothing wrong, and did not wish to leave.” - -It is probable that but for the blandishments of a fascinating mistress, -the memory of Dillingham’s murder would have dictated to this ruffian an -earlier and more successful effort at escape. - -“Have you heard of the execution of Plummer, Stinson, and Ray?” asked -the leader. - -“Yes; but I don’t believe the report is true.” - -“You may bet your sweet life on’t.” - -“Did they make any resistance?” - -“No; they had no opportunity.” - -Arriving at the committee-room, the prisoner was immediately confronted -with the officers. - -“We have condemned you to death for the murder of Dillingham, and being -associated in membership with Plummer’s band of road agents. Have you -anything to say in extenuation?” - -“That I am not guilty. I have committed no crimes, and formed no -associations that call for such severity. I am as innocent as you are.” - -And yet, but a short time before, the wretched man had confessed to a -leader of one of the police committees, in presence of several -witnesses, that he was the murderer of Dillingham. His complicity with -Plummer’s band was known to all. - -Scarcely was Lyons’s examination concluded, when word was brought to the -Committee that two suspicious persons, who had gone hurriedly to -Highland district, three miles above Virginia City, the evening before, -were concealed in one of the unoccupied cabins there. An officer with -fifteen men was sent to arrest them. They were disarmed, and brought -before the Committee, but, no evidence appearing against them, they were -discharged. - -The examination being over, preparations were made for the execution of -the convicts. These were very simple. The central cross-beam of an -unfinished log store, cornering upon two of the principal streets, was -selected for a scaffold. The building was roofless, and its spacious -open front exposed the interior to the full view of the crowd. The -ropes, five in number, were drawn across the beam to a proper length, -and fastened firmly to the logs in the rear basement. Under each noose -was placed a large, empty dry-goods box, with cord attached, for the -drops. - -Beside the large body of armed Vigilantes, a great number of eager -spectators had assembled from all parts of the gulch to witness the -execution. Six or eight thousand persons, comprehending the larger -portion of the population of the Territory, gathered into a compact -mass, when the prisoners, with their armed escort, marched from the -committee-rooms into the street, and were ranged in front of the guard. - -“You are now,” said the president, addressing them, “to be conducted to -the scaffold. An opportunity is given you to make your last requests and -communications. You will do well to improve it by making a confession of -your own crimes, and putting the Committee in possession of information -as to the crimes of others.” - -The prisoners separately declined to make any communication. When the -guard were about to fasten their arms, Jack Gallagher, with an oath, -exclaimed, - -“I will not be hung in public,” and, drawing his pocket-knife, he -applied the blade to his throat, saying, “I will cut my throat first.” - -The executive officer instantly cocked and presented his pistol. - -“If you make another move of your arm,” said he, “I will shoot you like -a dog. Take the knife from him, and pinion him at once,” he continued, -addressing the guard. The ruffian cursed horribly, all the while his -arms were being tied. - -Boone Helm, with customary adjective profanity, said to Gallagher in a -consolatory tone, - -“Don’t make a fool of yourself, Jack. There’s no use or sense in being -afraid to die.” - -After the process of binding was completed, each prisoner was seized by -the arm on either side, by a Vigilante who held in the hand not thus -employed a navy revolver, ready for instant use. The large body of armed -Vigilantes were then formed around the prisoners, into a hollow square, -four abreast on each side, and a column in front and rear. A few men -with pistols were dispersed among the crowd of spectators, to guard -against any possible attempt at rescue. Thus formed, the procession -marched in the direction of the scaffold with slow and solemn pace. The -silence of the great throng was unbroken by a whisper, and, more -eloquently than language could have done, declared the feelings of -anxiety and suspense by which all were animated. Some little delay being -necessary to complete the preparations at the scaffold, the procession -halted in front of the Virginia Hotel, on the corner diagonally from it -across Main Street. While waiting there, Clubfoot George called to his -side Judge Dance, and said to him, - -“You have known me ever since I came to Virginia City, more intimately -than any other man. We have had dealings together. Can you not in this -hour of extremity say a good word for my character?” - -“It would be of no use, George. Your dealings with me have always been -fair and honorable; but what you have done outside, I only know from the -evidence, and that is very strong against you. I can do you no good.” - -“Well, then,” said the penitent ruffian, “will you pray with me?” - -“Willingly, George; most willingly,” and, suiting the action to the -word, the judge dropped upon his knees, and, with George and Gallagher -kneeling beside him, offered up a fervent petition in behalf of the -doomed men. Boone Helm was irritated at this request, and, raising his -sore finger, exclaimed, - -“For God’s sake, if you’re going to hang me, I want you to do it, and -get through with it; if not, I want you to tie a bandage on my finger.” - -While the prayer was in progress, Hayes Lyons requested that his hat -should be removed. Frank Parish gave abundant evidence of deep -contrition, but Boone Helm continued, as from the first, to treat all -the proceedings with profane and reckless levity. - -Gallagher, at one moment cursing, and at the next crying, seemed the -least composed of any of the prisoners. He wore a handsome cavalry -overcoat, trimmed with beaver. - -“Give me that coat, Jack,” said Helm, as Gallagher rose from his knees. -“You never yet gave me anything.” - -“It’s little use you’ll make of it now,” responded Gallagher with an -oath, and, catching at the moment the eye of an acquaintance, who was -regarding him from a window of the hotel, he called to him in a loud -tone, - -“Say, old fellow, I’m going to heaven. I’ll be there in time to open the -gate for you.” - -“Halloo, Bill!” said Boone Helm to one in the crowd, “they’ve got me -this time; got me, sure, and no mistake.” - -Hayes Lyons begged of his captors the privilege of seeing his mistress. -“Let me bid her good-bye and restore this watch to her, which is her -property.” The request was refused, only to be repeated, and on being -made a third time he received for answer, - -“Hayes! bringing women to the place of execution ‘played out’ in ’63, -when they interfered with your trial for killing Dillingham.” - -The unhappy wretch ceased further importunity. - -When the arrangements at the scaffold were completed, the guard crossed -the street, opened ranks, and the prisoners were conducted through into -the building, each as he entered stepping upon one of the dry-goods -boxes. Ranged side by side, Clubfoot George was first on the east side -of the room; next to him was Hayes Lyons, then Jack Gallagher, then -Boone Helm, and near the west wall Frank Parish. The area in front of -them was occupied by the guard and the members of the Executive -Committee. The two streets in front and at the side of the building were -crowded with armed Vigilantes and spectators. The order being given to -remove the hats of the prisoners, Clubfoot George, whose hands were -loosely fastened, contrived to reach his hat, which he threw spitefully -on the floor, the hats of the others being at the same time removed by -the guard. - -After the nooses were adjusted, the chief of the Committee said to the -prisoners, - -“You are now about to be executed. If you have any dying requests to -make, this is your last opportunity. You may be assured they shall be -carefully heeded.” - -Jack Gallagher broke in upon this address with a leer, - -“How do I look, boys,” he asked, “with a halter around my neck?” The -grim effort failed to elicit a smile. - -“Your time is very short,” said the chief, again reminding them that -their requests would be listened to. - -“Well, then,” said Gallagher, “I want one more drink of whiskey before I -die.” - -The loathing which this request excited was apparent in the expression -of the countenances of all who heard it. Some men exchanged meaning -glances, revealing thereby the shock their sensibilities had received by -this exhibition of depravity. Others craned their necks over the crowd, -as if they had not heard aright. For a few minutes no one seemed to know -what answer to make to a man whose last moments were given to the -gratification of his evil appetites. This silence was soon broken, -however, by an old miner. - -“We told ’em,” said he, “that we’d do whatever they asked. Give him the -liquor.” - -A man appeared in a moment with a tumbler nearly full. Raising it as -high as he could, the prisoner bent his head, but was restrained by the -rope from touching the glass with his lips. Throwing his head back, he -turned on the box, and, looking back upon the fastenings of the rope to -the basement log at the rear of the building, in a loud and imperious -tone he launched a profane and vulgar epithet at the guard, saying, - -“Slacken that rope, quick, and let a man take a parting drink, won’t -you?” - -The rope was loosed, while the depraved wretch drained the tumbler at a -draught. While the guard was refastening it, he exclaimed, - -“I hope Almighty God will strike every one of you with forked lightning -and that I shall meet you all in the lowest pit of hell.” - -The Committee decided that the executions should be single, commencing -with Clubfoot George, and concluding with Hayes Lyons, who stood next to -him in order. At the words “Men, do your duty,” the men holding the -cords attached to the box on which the prisoner in turn stood, were, by -a sudden jerk, to pull the footing from under him. A fall of three feet -was deemed sufficient to dislocate the neck, and avoid the torture of -protracted strangulation. - -No more requests being made, the men laid hold of the cords attached to -the box occupied by George Lane. Just at that moment the unhappy wretch -descried an old friend clinging to the building, to obtain sight of the -execution. - -“Good-bye, old fellow,” said he. “I’m gone,” and, without waiting for -the box to be removed, he leaped from it, and died with hardly a -struggle. - -“There goes one to hell,” muttered Boone Helm. - -Hayes Lyons, who stood next, was talking all the while, telling of his -kind mother; that he had been well brought up, but evil associations had -brought him to the scaffold. - -Gallagher cried and swore by turns. - -“I hope,” said he, “that forked lightning will strike every strangling -villain of you.” The box, flying from under his feet, stopped an oath in -its utterance, and the quivering of his muscles showed that his guilty -career was terminated. - -“Kick away, old fellow,” said Boone Helm, calmly surveying the struggles -of the dying wretch. “My turn comes next. I’ll be in hell with you in a -minute.” Shouting in a loud voice, “Every man for his principles! Hurrah -for Jeff Davis! Let her rip,” his body fell with a twang that killed him -almost instantly. - -Frank Parish maintained a serious deportment from the moment of his -arrest until his execution. At his request his black necktie was dropped -like a veil over his face. He “died and made no sign.” - -Hayes Lyons was the only one remaining. Looking right and left at the -swaying bodies of his companions, his anxious face indicated a hope of -pardon. His entreaties were incessant, but when he found them -unavailing, he requested that his mistress might have the disposition of -his body; that the watch of hers which he wore might be restored to her, -and that he might not be left hanging for an unseemly time. He died -without a struggle. - -Two hours after the execution the bodies were cut down, and taken by -friends to Cemetery Hill for burial. - -X. Beidler officiated as adjuster of the ropes at this execution. Jack -Gallagher had killed a friend of his. Some time afterwards, when he was -relating the circumstances attending the execution, in a mixed crowd, a -gentleman present, who was greatly interested in the narrative, and -whose sympathy for the ruffians was very apparent, asked, at the close -of the narrative, in a lachrymose tone, - -“Well, now, when you came to hang that poor fellow, didn’t you -sympathize with him, didn’t you feel for him?” - -Beidler regarded the man for a moment with great disgust, and, imitating -his tone, replied slowly, - -“Yes, I did. I felt for him a little, I felt for his left ear.” - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX - PURSUIT OF ROAD AGENTS - - -The work so well begun was prosecuted with great energy. The ruffians -had fled from Virginia City and Bannack, over the range to Deer Lodge -and Bitter Root, intending gradually to return to their old haunts in -Idaho. The Vigilantes, resolved that they should not escape, took up the -pursuit. A company of twenty-one, under the command of a competent -leader, left Nevada on the fifteenth of January. Arriving at Big Hole in -the evening, they sent a detachment to Clark’s ranche to arrest the -bandit Steve Marshland, who was laid up with frozen feet, and the wound -which he had received in the breast while attacking Moody’s train. -Receiving no response to their repeated raps at the door of the cabin, -one of the party entered, and, lighting a wisp of straw, found Marshland -in bed. - -“Hands up, if you please,” said he, pointing his revolver at the head of -the prostrate robber, who obeyed the command as well as circumstances -would admit. - -“Are you sick, Steve?” queried the Vigilante. - -“Yes—very,” faintly responded Marshland. - -“No one with you?” - -“No one,—no living thing but the dog.” - -“What is the matter?” - -“I’ve got the chills.” - -“Strange! New kind of sickness for winter! Nothing else the matter?” - -“Yes. I froze my feet while prospecting at the head of Rattlesnake -Creek.” - -“Did you raise the color?” - -“No. The water prevented me from going to bed-rock.” - -While this conversation was in progress, the party had built a fire and -commenced cooking supper. Removing from beside the bed two -double-barrelled shotguns, a yager, and another rifle, they invited -Marshland to get up and take supper with them. During the meal all -engaged in merry conversation. After it was over, the leader informed -Marshland that he was arrested for the robbery of Moody’s train. - -“You received,” said he, “while engaged in that robbery, a bullet wound -in the breast, by which we shall be able to identify you.” - -“I received no such wound,” said he; and, striking his breast several -times, he continued, “My breast is as sound as a dollar.” - -“You can have no objection, then, to submitting to our examination.” - -“None in the least, gentlemen. Look for yourselves.” - -The leader threw open Marshland’s shirt. The mark of the recent wound -confirmed the guilt of the robber. He could give no explanation of the -manner in which he received it. - -“The evidence is satisfactory to us,” said the leader. “We have made no -mistake in arresting you. You must die.” - -“For God’s sake, do not hang me. Let me go, and I will trouble you no -more.” - -“It cannot be. We shall certainly execute every one of Plummer’s -infamous band that falls into our hands, and we hope to catch them all.” - -Finding importunity of no avail, he made a full and frank confession of -all his crimes. A scaffold was improvised by sticking into the ground a -pole, the end of which projected over the corral fence, upon which the -pole rested. A box taken from the cabin was placed under it, for the -prisoner to stand upon. When all was ready, and the fatal noose was -adjusted, the prisoner once more appealed to his captors. - -“Have mercy on me for my youth!” he exclaimed. - -“You should have thought of it before,” replied the leader, as he gave -the fatal order, and the poor wretch was launched into eternity. - -The scent of his frozen feet attracted the wolves, and the party were -obliged to watch both him and the horses, to prevent an attack by these -animals. He was buried near the place of execution. The detachment found -the main party the next morning, having been absent only one night. - -The Vigilantes resumed their march, beginning at this point the ascent -of the Deer Lodge divide. Not knowing how soon or where they might -overtake others of the gang, they rode forward in double file at the -rate of sixty miles a day. They divided their company into four messes, -each of which being supplied plentifully with food already cooked, they -lighted no large camp-fires, lest the smoke therefrom should betray -them. A double watch was kept over the horses while in camp. Each man -was armed with at least one, some with two, revolvers, and a shotgun or -rifle. While on the march, the captain was in the van. After they -descended into the valley of Deer Lodge, a spy was sent forward to -reconnoitre the town of Cottonwood, with instructions to meet the party -at Cottonwood Creek. - -At four o’clock P.M. they halted at Smith’s ranche, seventeen miles from -Cottonwood, until after dark, when they rode cautiously forward until -within a short distance of the town. Learning from their spy that all -the robbers except Bunton and “Tex” had gone, they rode hastily into the -town and surrounded the saloon of the former. Bunton refused to open the -door. Three men detailed to arrest him called to him and expressed a -wish to see him. He persisted in denying them admittance, until -convinced that they would effect an entrance by force; and he then told -a man and boy in his employ to let them in. The door was opened, but, as -the lights within had been extinguished, the men declined to enter until -a candle was lighted. As soon as light was furnished, they rushed in, -and the leader exclaimed, - -“Bill, you are my prisoner!” - -“For what?” inquired Bunton. - -“Come with us at once, and you’ll find out.” - -Observing that he made signs of resistance, a Vigilante, whose courage -exceeded his strength, seized the ruffian and attempted to drag him out. -Finding himself overmatched, he called to his assistance a comrade, who -soon succeeded in binding the hands of the desperado behind him. In this -condition he was conducted by a guard to the cabin of Peter Martin. - -“Tex,” who was in the saloon, was conquered in much the same manner, and -forced to follow his companion. - -Martin, who knew nothing of the arrest, was seated at a table playing a -game at cards with some friends. Hearing that the Vigilantes were -surrounding his house, he dropped his cards, and started with great -affright for the door. For a long time he refused to obey their summons -to come out, but, on being assured that he “wasn’t charged with -nothin’,” he opened the door and returned to his game. - -After breakfast the next morning a person who had been conversing with -Bunton informed the Vigilantes that he had said to him that he would -“get one of them yet,” on learning whereof they searched him a second -time. They found a derringer in his vest-pocket, which had evidently -been placed there by some sympathizer during the night. - -Bunton refused to make any answer to the charges made against him. No -doubt was entertained of his guilt. The vote on his case, taken by the -uplifted hand, was unanimous for his execution. The captain informed him -of it. - -“If you have any business to attend to, you had better intrust it to -some one, as we cannot be delayed here.” - -Bunton immediately gave his gold watch to his partner Cooke, and -appropriated his other property to the payment of his debts. He had -gambled for and won the interest in the saloon from its former owner a -fortnight before this time. Having thus disposed of his affairs, he was -conducted to the gate of a corral near, surmounted by a gallows-frame, -beneath which a board laid upon two boxes served the purpose of a drop. -While the hangman was adjusting the rope, he gave him particular -instructions about the exact situation of the knot. This being fixed to -suit him, he said to the captain, - -“May I jump off myself?” - -“You can if you wish,” was the reply. - -“I care no more for hanging,” said Bunton, “than I do for taking a drink -of water; but I should like to have my neck broken.” - -On being asked if he had anything further to say, he replied, - -“Nothing, except that I have done nothing to deserve death. I am -innocent. All I want is a mountain three hundred feet high to jump from. -And now I will give you the time; one—two—three.” The men were prepared -to pull the plank from under him should he fail to jump, but he -anticipated them, and, adding the words, “Here goes,” he leaped and fell -with a loud thud, dying without a struggle. - -“Tex” was separately tried. The evidence being insufficient to convict -him, he was liberated, and left immediately for the Kootenai mines. - -Mrs. Demorest, the wife of the owner of the corral, was so greatly -outraged by the use made of the gate frame that she gave her husband no -peace until the poles were cut down, and the frame entirely unfitted for -further use as a gallows. - -After the execution of Bunton, the Vigilantes, in company with Jemmy -Allen, a rancheman, left Cottonwood for Hell Gate, a little settlement -ninety miles down the river, in the vicinity of Bitter Root Valley. Snow -covered the ground to the depth of two feet, and the weather was -intensely cold. It was after dark when the company arrived at one of the -crossings of the Deer Lodge. The river, being a rapid mountain stream, -seldom freezes sufficiently solid to bear a horseman; but, no other mode -of transit presenting itself, the Vigilantes drove hurriedly upon the -frozen surface, and, before they were half-way across, the ice gave way, -precipitating their horses into the water. Had the stream been wide, all -must have perished. As it was, after must floundering and considerable -exertion, all were landed safely on the opposite bank. One of the party -barely escaped drowning, and his horse was dragged from the stream by a -lariat around his neck. At eleven o’clock the company arrived at Allen’s -ranche, where they passed the remainder of the night in blankets. - -The next day, accompanied by Charles Eaton, who was familiar with the -country, they rode on in the direction of Hell Gate, but, owing to the -great depth of the snow, progressed only fifteen miles. They made a camp -in the snow. Their horses, being accustomed to the mountains, pawed, in -the snow to find the bunch-grass. The ride of the following day -terminated at the workmen’s quarters on the Mullen wagon-road. One of -the ponies broke his leg by stepping into a badger hole while they were -going into camp, and another, by a similar accident, stripped the skin -from his hindlegs. They were obliged to shoot the former, and turn the -latter loose to await their return. - -The troop were in their saddles at daylight, on the route to the -settlement, which they approached to within six miles, and went into -camp until after nightfall. Then they resumed their ride, stopping a -short distance outside of the town. The scout they had sent to -reconnoitre brought them all needful information, and, mounting their -horses, they entered the town on a keen run. Skinner was standing in the -doorway of his saloon, when they rode up, surrounded the building, and -ordered him to “throw up his hands.” - -“You must have learned that from the Bannack stage folks,” said his -_chere amie_, Nelly, who was an observer of the scene. - -Two men dismounted, and, seizing Skinner, bound him immediately. -Meantime two or three Vigilantes threw open the door of Miller’s cabin, -which was next to Skinner’s, and Dan Harding, the foremost among them, -levelling his gun, shouted to some person lying upon a lounge, - -“Alex, is that you?” - -“Yes,” replied the man, “what do you want?” - -“We want you,” was the reply, as the men rushed in, took his pistol, and -bound the robber before he was thoroughly aroused from sleep. - -“These are rather tight papers—ain’t they, boys?” said Carter. “Give me -something to smoke and tell me the news.” On being told the names of -those who had been executed, he quietly remarked, - -“That’s all right; not an innocent man hung yet.” - -He and Skinner were conducted down to Higgins’s store, and their -examination immediately commenced. Three hours were occupied in the -investigation, during which Nelly came down, with the intention of -interfering in Skinner’s behalf. She was sent home under guard; and her -escort, on searching her premises, found Johnny Cooper prostrated by -three pistol shots, received in a quarrel with Carter the previous day, -but for which it had been the intention of Carter and Cooper to leave -for Kootenai. The baggage and provisions they had procured for the -journey, worth a hundred and thirty dollars, together with the -pack-animal, were taken for the use of the expedition, and were paid for -by M. W. Tipton, whom Carter and Cooper had persuaded to become their -surety for the amount. - -During the trial of Carter, he confessed his complicity as accessory, -both before and after the fact, to the murder of Tiebalt. It was proven -also that he was concerned in the coach robbery. Skinner made no -confession, nor was it necessary, as his criminal character and acts -were susceptible of abundant proof. - -Cooper was tried separately. He was one of the lieutenants of the band. -A Vigilante by the name of President testified to Cooper’s having -murdered a man in Idaho, for which he was arrested by the people. While -being conducted to the place of trial, he broke from his captors, leaped -with a bound upon a horse standing near, and, amid a hundred shots, -escaped uninjured, and came to Montana. - -On the evening of the day these trials were in progress, a detachment of -eight men left Hell Gate in pursuit of Bob Zachary, whom they found -seated in bed, in the cabin of Hon. Barney O’Keefe, known throughout -Bitter Root Valley as “the Baron.” One of the party, on entering, pushed -him over, upon his back, taking from him, at the same time, his pistol -and knife. While on their return with him to Hell Gate, O’Keefe -unintentionally mentioned that a stranger was stopping at Van Dorn’s -cabin, in the Bitter Root Valley. A company of three Vigilantes, -suspecting by the description given that he was none other than George -Shears, another of the band, started at once in pursuit. - -Riding up in front of the cabin, Thomas Pitt, their leader, inquired of -the man who met them at the door, if George Shears was in. - -“Yes,” said Van Dorn. “He is in the inner room.” - -“Any objection to our entering?” inquired Pitt. - -[Illustration: - - A VIGILANTE EXECUTION -] - -Van Dorn replied by opening the door of the room, where George was -discovered, knife in hand. He surrendered without resistance, -astonishing his captors by the utter indifference he manifested to the -near approach of death. Walking with Pitt to the corral, he designated -the horses he had stolen, and confessed his guilt. - -“I knew,” said he, “I should have to come to this sometime, but I -thought I could run another season.” - -“There is no help for you, George,” said Pitt. “You must suffer the same -fate as your companions in crime.” - -“I suppose I should be satisfied,” replied the ruffian, “that it is no -worse.” - -He was conducted to the barn, where, a rope being cast over a beam, he -was requested, in order to save the trouble of procuring a drop, to -ascend the ladder. He complied without the least reluctance. After the -preparations were completed, he said to his captors, - -“Gentlemen, I am not used to this business, never having been hung -before. Shall I jump off, or slide off?” - -“Jump off, of course,” was the reply. - -“All right,” he exclaimed, “good-bye!” and leaped from the ladder, with -the utmost _sang froid_. The drop was long, and the rope tender. As the -strands untwisted, they parted, until finally one alone remained. - -Soon after the party which captured Zachary and Shears had left Hell -Gate, intelligence was received there that William Graves (Whiskey Bill) -was at Fort Owen in the Bitter Root Valley. Three men were sent -immediately to arrest and execute him. He was armed and on the lookout, -and had repeatedly sworn that he would shoot any Vigilante that came in -his way. The party was too wary for him. He was first made aware of -their presence, by a stern command to surrender, and a pistol at his -heart. He made no resistance, and refused all confession. A rope was -tied to the convenient limb of a tree, and the drop extemporized by -placing the culprit astride of a strong horse, behind a Vigilante. When -all was ready, the rider, exclaiming “Good-bye, Bill,” plunged the -rowels into the sides of the horse, which leaped madly forward; the -fatal noose swept the robber from his seat, breaking his neck by the -shock, and killing him instantly. - -In the meantime, the trials of Carter, Skinner, and Cooper had resulted -in the conviction of those ruffians, and they were severally condemned -to die. Scaffolds were hastily prepared by placing poles over the fence -of Higgins’s corral. Carter and Skinner were conducted to execution by -torchlight, a little after the midnight succeeding their trial. -Dry-goods boxes were used for drops. On their march to the place of -execution, Skinner suddenly broke from his guard, and ran off, shouting, -“Shoot! Shoot!” Not a gun was raised, but after a short chase in the -snow the prisoner was secured, and led up to the scaffold. He made a -second attempt to get away while standing on the box, but a rope was -soon adjusted to his neck, and the leader said to him, - -“You may jump now, as soon as you please.” Carter manifested great -disgust at Skinner’s attempt to run away. While he was standing on the -drop, one of the Vigilantes requested him to confess that he had -participated in the murder of Tiebalt. - -“If I had my hands free,” he replied with an oath, “I’d make you take -that back.” - -Skinner, who stood by his side, was talking violently at the time, and -Carter was ordered to be quiet. - -“Well, then, let’s have a smoke,” said he; and, a lighted pipe being -given him, he remained quiet. Both criminals, as they were launched from -the platform, exclaimed, “I am innocent”—the password of the band. They -died apparently without pain. - -The party that arrested Zachary arrived with him the next morning. He -was tried and found guilty. By his directions a letter was written to -his mother, in which he warned his brothers and sisters to avoid -drinking, card-playing, and bad company—three evils which, he said, had -brought him to the gallows. On the scaffold he prayed that God would -forgive the Vigilantes for what they were doing, as it was the only way -to clear the country of road agents. He died without apparent fear or -suffering. - -Johnny Cooper was drawn to the scaffold in a sleigh, his wounded leg -rendering him unable to walk. He asked for his pipe. - -“I want,” said he, “a good smoke before I die. I always did enjoy a -smoke.” A letter had been written to his parents, who lived in the State -of New York. Several times, while a Vigilante was engaged in adjusting -the rope, he dodged the noose, but, on being told to keep his head -straight, he submitted. He died without a struggle. - -Having finished their mission, the Vigilantes returned to Nevada. - - - - - CHAPTER XL - EXECUTION OF HUNTER - - -Soon after the transactions recorded in the last chapter, the Virginia -City Vigilantes were informed that Bill Hunter had been seen in the -Gallatin Valley. It was reported that he sought a covert among the rocks -and brush, where he remained during the day, stealing out at night and -seeking food among the scattered settlers, as he could find it. His -place of concealment was about twenty miles from the mouth of the -Gallatin River. A number of the Vigilantes, under the pretence of -joining the Barney Hughes stampede to a new placer discovery, left -Virginia City, and scoured the country for a distance of sixty miles or -more, in search of the missing ruffian. Hunter was discovered during -this search. - -As soon as it became known that he was at the spot indicated, four -resolute men at once volunteered to go in pursuit of, capture, and -execute him. Their route lay across two heavy divides, and required -about sixty miles of hurried travelling. The first day they crossed the -divide between the Pas-sam-a-ri and the Madison, camping that night on -the bank of the latter river, which they had forded with great -difficulty. The weather was intensely cold, and their blankets afforded -but feeble protection against it. They built a large camp-fire, and lay -down as near to it as safety would permit. One of their number spread -his blankets on the slope of a little hillock next the fire, and during -the night slipped down until his feet encountered the hot embers. The -weather increased in severity the next day, during most of which the -Vigilantes rode through a fierce mountain snowstorm, with the wind -directly in their faces. At two o’clock P.M. they halted for supper at -the Milk ranche, about twenty miles from the place where they expected -to find the fugitive. Under the guidance of a man whom they employed -here, they then pushed on at a rapid pace, the storm gathering in fury -as they progressed. At midnight they drew up near a lone cabin in the -neighborhood of the rocky jungle where their game had taken cover. - -“This storm has certainly routed him,” said one of the Vigilantes. “Ten -to one, we bag him in the cabin.” - -“Very likely,” replied another. “He would not suspect danger in such -weather. It will save us a heap of trouble.” - -One of the men rapped loudly at the cabin door. Opening it slowly, a -look of amazement stole over the features of the inmate, as he surveyed -the company of six mounted armed men. - -“Good-evening,” said one, saluting him. - -“Don’t know whether it is or not,” growled the man, evidently suspicious -that a visit at so late an hour meant mischief. - -“Build us a fire, man,” said the Vigilante. “We are nearly frozen, and -this is the only place of shelter from this storm for many miles. Surely -you won’t play the churl to a party of weather-bound prospectors.” - -Reassured by this hearty reproof for his seeming unkindness, the man set -to work with a will, and in a few moments a genial fire was blazing on -the hearth, which the party enjoyed thoroughly. Glancing curiously -around the little room, the Vigilantes discovered that it contained -three occupants besides themselves. Placing their guns and pistols in -convenient position, and stationing a sentinel to keep watch and feed -the fire, the men spread their blankets on the clay surface of the -enclosure, and in a few moments were locked in sleep; careful, however, -first, to satisfy the eager curiosity of their entertainers, by a brief -conversation about mining, stampeding, prospecting, etc., and leading -them to believe that they were a party of miners, returning from an -unsuccessful expedition. - -Fatigued with the ride and exposure of the two previous days, the -Vigilantes slept until a late hour the next morning. Two of the -occupants of the cabin rose at the same time. The other, entirely -enveloped in blankets, kept up a prolonged snore, whose deep bass -signified that he was wrapped in profound slumber. The Vigilantes, -contriving to keep four of their number in the cabin, while making -preparations to depart, soon had their horses saddled; but when all was -ready, one of them inquired in a careless tone, - -“Who is the man that sleeps so soundly?” - -“I don’t know him,” said the host. - -“When did he come here?” - -“At the beginning of the snowstorm, two days ago. He came in and asked -permission to remain here until it was over.” - -“Perhaps it’s an acquaintance. Won’t you describe him to us?” - -The man complied, by giving a most accurate description of Hunter. No -longer in doubt, the Vigilante went up to the bedside, and, in a loud -voice, called out, “Bill Hunter!” - -Hastily drawing the blanket from his face, the occupant stared wildly -out upon the six armed men, asking in the same breath, - -“Who’s there?” - -Six shotguns levelled at his head answered the question. - -“Give us your revolver, and get up,” was the command. Hunter instantly -complied. - -“You are arrested as one of Plummer’s band of road agents.” - -“I hope,” said Hunter, “you will take me to Virginia City.” A Vigilante -assented. - -“What conveyance have you for me?” - -“There,” said one, pointing to a horse, “is the animal you must ride.” - -The prisoner put on his hat and overcoat, and mounted the horse. Just as -he was about to seize the reins, a Vigilante took them from his hands, -saying, with affected suavity, - -“If you please, I’ll manage these for you. You’ve only to sit still and -ride.” - -After the company started, the robber cast a suspicious glance behind -him, and saw one man following on foot. His countenance fell. The -expression told, in stronger language than words, that the thought which -harassed him was that he would not be taken to Virginia City. About two -miles distant from the cabin, the company drew up and dismounted under a -solitary tree. Scraping away the snow, they kindled a fire, and prepared -their breakfast, of which the robber partook with them, and seemed to -forget his fears, and laughed and joked as if no danger were nigh. -Breakfast over, the Vigilantes held a brief consultation as to the -disposition which should be made of their prisoner. On putting the -question to vote, it was decided by the votes of all but the person who -had signified to Hunter that he was to be taken to Virginia City, that -his execution should take place instantly. - -The condemned wretch turned deadly pale, and in a faint voice asked for -water. One of the Vigilantes related to him the crimes of which he had -been guilty. - -“Of course,” said he, “you know that offences of this magnitude, in all -civilized countries, are punished with death. The necessity for a rigid -enforcement of this penalty, in a country which has no judiciary, is -greater even than in one where these crimes are tried by courts of law. -There is no escape for you. We are sorry that you have incurred this -penalty,—sorry for you, but the blame is wholly yours.” - -Hunter made no reply to the justice in his case, but requested that his -friends should not be informed of the manner of his death. - -“I have,” said he, “no property to pay the expense of a funeral, and my -burial even must depend upon your charity. I hope you will give me a -decent one.” - -“Every reasonable request shall be granted, Bill,” said the Vigilante; -“but you know the ground is too hard for us to attempt your interment -without proper implements. We will inform your friends of your -execution, and they will attend to your burial.” - -While this conversation was going on, some of the Vigilantes had -prepared the noose, and passed the rope over a limb of the tree. The -criminal shook hands with all, tearfully bidding each “good-bye.” After -the rope was adjusted, several of the men took hold of it, and at a -given signal, by a rapid pull, ran the prisoner up so suddenly that he -died without apparent suffering; yet, strange to say, he reached as if -for his pistol, and pantomimically cocked and discharged it, the -by-standers stated, six times. The “ruling passion was strong in death.” -Leaving the corpse suspended from the tree, the Vigilantes, now that -their work was done, hurried homeward at a rapid pace. - -Hunter was the last of Plummer’s band that fell into the hands of the -Vigilantes. The man was not destitute of redeeming qualities. He often -worked hard in the mines for the money he lost at the gaming-table, but -in an evil hour he joined Plummer’s gang, and aided in the commission of -many infamous crimes. In his personal intercourse he was known to -perform many kind acts. He admitted, just before his death, the justice -of his sentence. It is believed that in his escape through the pickets -at Virginia City he was assisted by some of the Vigilantes, who did not -credit his guilt. - -The death of Hunter marked the bloody close of the reign of Plummer’s -band. He was the last of that terrible organization to fall a victim to -Vigilante justice. The retribution, almost Draconic in severity, -administered to these daring freebooters had in no respect exceeded the -demands of absolute justice. If the many acts I have narrated of their -villainies were not sufficient to justify the extreme course pursued in -their extermination, surely the unrevealed history, greater in enormity, -and stained with the blood of a hundred or more additional victims, must -remove all prejudices from the public mind against the voluntary -tribunal of the Vigilantes. There was no other remedy. Practically, they -had no law, but, if law had existed, it could not have afforded adequate -redress. This was proven by the feeling of security consequent upon the -destruction of the band. When the robbers were dead the people felt -safe, not for themselves alone, but for their pursuits and their -property. They could travel without fear. They had a reasonable -assurance of safety in the transmission of money to the States, and in -the arrival of property over the unguarded route from Salt Lake City. -The crack of pistols had ceased, and they could walk the streets without -constant exposure to danger. There was an omnipresent spirit of -protection, akin to that omnipresent spirit of law which pervaded older -civilized communities. Men of criminal instincts were cowed before the -majesty of an outraged people’s wrath, and the very thought of crime -became a terror to them. Young men who had learned to believe that the -roughs were destined to rule, and who, under the influence of that -guilty faith, were fast drifting into crime, shrunk appalled before the -thorough work of the Vigilantes. Fear, more potent than conscience, -forced even the worst of men to observe the requirements of civilized -society, and a feeling of comparative security among all classes was the -result. - -But the work was not all done. A few reckless spirits remained, who, -when the excitement was over, forgot the lesson it taught, and returned -to their old vocation. The Vigilantes preserved their organization, and, -as we shall see in the subsequent pages of this history, meted out the -sternest justice to all capital offenders. - -This portion of my history would be incomplete did I omit to mention -that Smith and Thurmond, the lawyers who had on several prominent -occasions defended the bloodiest of the roughs, were both banished. The -former of these was a man of remarkable ability in his profession and of -correct and generous impulses. To a clear, logical mind, and thorough -knowledge of his profession, he added fine powers as an orator; and it -was these qualities, more than any sympathy he indulged for his clients, -that rendered him obnoxious to public censure and suspicion. After an -exile of two years he returned to the Territory, and resumed the -practice of law, which he followed with success until his death, which -occurred in Helena in 1870. He was greatly lamented by all who knew him. - -Thurmond came from the “west side,” with a reputation for being a friend -of the roughs,—one not in complicity with them, but upon whom they could -always depend for assistance in case of difficulty. After his banishment -he went to Salt Lake City, where he associated himself with the Danites, -or Destroying Angels of the Mormon Church, whom he tried to induce to -follow his leadership in an active crusade against all the members of -the Montana Vigilance Committee who might pass through Utah on their way -to the States. Failing in this, he afterwards removed to Dallas, Texas, -where he became involved in a quarrel with a noted desperado, by whom he -was shot and instantly killed. - -The administration of justice, and the peace and safety of the people, -demanded the banishment of both these men, though many of worse -character and more criminal nature but of less influence were permitted -to remain. - - - - - CHAPTER XLI - THE STRANGER’S STORY - - -Late in the Fall of 1872, I spent a few days in Salt Lake City. One -evening at the Townsend House, while conversing with Governor Woods and -a few friends upon the events which had led to the organization of the -Montana Vigilantes, I mentioned the name of Boone Helm. - -“Boone Helm! I knew him well,” was the abrupt exclamation of a stranger -seated near, who had been quietly listening to our conversation. We were -no less attracted by the singular appearance of the speaker, than the -suddenness of the remark. Tall, slender, ungainly, awkward in manner, he -yet possessed a pleasing, intellectual countenance, and a certain -magnetism, which begat an instantaneous desire in all to hear his -history. - -“Excuse me, gentlemen,” said he, drawing his chair nearer our circle, -“for obtruding myself, but the mere utterance of the name of Boone Helm -brings to memory the most thrilling episode of my life’s history.” - -Assuring him that no apology was necessary, and that the recital of -adventures was the order of the evening, we all united in the request -that he should favor us with his narration. - -“It’s quite a long story,” he resumed, lighting his meerschaum, “and you -may tire of it before I close. Our individual experiences seldom -interest listeners, but the subject of your conversation at this time -affords a good place to slip in this single feature of a life not -entirely void of adventure; and I hope it will not detract from the -entertainment of the evening. Truth obliges me to be the hero of my own -tale.” - -Drawing his chair into the centre of our circle, he began: - - “I went to Oregon a mere boy, and grew to manhood there. My early - education was neglected for want of opportunity, there being no - schools in the country. I mention this to account for a fact which - will become apparent hereafter. Our neighbors, in the dialect of the - country, thought me a little ‘luny,’ and predicted for me an unhappy - future. I certainly was eccentric, and when I recall many acts of my - early life, I do not blame them for harshness of judgment. - - “As I approached manhood, no text of the sacred volume exercised me - more than that which declares it is not good for man to be alone. I - set to work to make preparations for domestic life. I entered a - quarter section of land, built a house, ploughed fields, planted an - orchard, cultivated a garden, which I laid out with walks, adorning - them with the choicest shrubs and flowers. My grounds and dwelling - were as neat and comfortable as the resources of a new country would - permit. I stocked my farm with horses, cattle, sheep, and - chickens—in brief, I lacked none of the essentials to a happy farm - life. - - “I had selected the fair one who was to share with me life’s joys - and sorrows, and obtained her promise to marry the following autumn. - The world before me was roseate with beauty and happiness. My - feelings were buoyant, unmingled with a single thought of - disappointment or failure in the plans I had made. But alas! in a - few brief months all this dream was wretchedly dispelled. I learned - the lesson taught in those simple words, ‘Man proposes, but God - disposes.’ When the products of my fields were teeming with their - highest life, and the flowers and shrubs in my garden were blooming - in their greatest beauty, and the sun shone brightest, and the birds - sang sweetest, an angry cloud appeared, filled with myriads of those - winged pests that have so often swept from the soil all the hopes - and treasures of the husbandman. The destruction of the fields of - Egypt under the curse of locusts was not more complete than that of - the field and garden which, a few hours before, had been my greatest - pride. They were thoroughly denuded—field, garden, yard, even the - stately trees around my dwelling—all were naked, shaven, brown, and - barren. A more perfect blight could not be conceived. My heart for - the moment sank within me. - - “But, being naturally of a hopeful disposition, I remembered that - flocks and herds were still left, and I determined to look at the - disaster with a strong heart, and try by renewed exertion to regain - what had been lost. Alas! troubles never come singly. I was obliged - to postpone my marriage indefinitely. The coldest winter and - heaviest snows ever known before or since in that country brought - starvation to all my cattle, horses, pigs, and chickens, and when - spring came I had nothing left but my dwelling. I became despondent, - sulky, indifferent. My father, who dwelt in another part of the - country, was wealthy. Generously sympathizing in my misfortunes, he - offered to give me a fresh start, with three hundred head of cattle - and the necessaries of life. I accepted, and determined to plunge - deeper into the wilds, away from civilization, and begin life anew, - thinking to avenge myself upon the disappointments of the past by a - solitary life, with nature and books as a solace. - - “I bought a well-selected assortment of educational volumes, ranging - from a spelling-book to the Latin and Greek classics, and from Ray’s - Arithmetic to the higher branches of mathematics, and, employing - three reliable men to drive the herd, picked my way over mountains - and rivers to the Rogue River Valley, a region then destitute of - settlers, but the principal hunting-ground and home of the fiercest - and most warlike tribe of Indians on the Pacific coast. Their - hostility to the whites then, and for many years afterwards, was - bloodthirsty and unappeasable. But I was accustomed to frontier - life, familiar with the country, and did not fear the Indians. The - valley was full of game, and they would not kill my stock. My life, - which they would destroy on the first opportunity, I determined to - look out for as best I might; besides, there was an indescribable - charm in the idea of such exposure as required a constant exercise - of all the faculties. A man shows for all he is worth in a country - filled with hostile Indians. He makes no mistakes there, and learns - the value of gun, pistol, and hunting-knife. - - “I selected a place thirty-six miles west of the old California - trail, under the shadow of the Coast Range of mountains, in one of - the most charming of valleys. The only evidence that it had ever - been visited by a human being was a small Indian trail near by, - which led from the base of Siskiyou Mountain to the ocean, near the - mouth of Coquillas River. I turned my cattle upon the fine range of - native grass which covered both hill and valley in all directions, - and, with the aid of the herdsmen, built a log cabin, stockading a - half-acre, enclosing it with poles fifteen feet high. My armory - consisted of one rifle, fifteen United States yagers, one - double-barrelled shotgun, a pair of Colt’s revolvers, and a large - supply of ammunition. Feeling that I was now prepared to defend - myself against the Indians, I dismissed the men, who returned to the - settlements, and began the life of solitude. - - “In the early days of this experience, I confess I sometimes cast - longing thoughts back to the relations and friends I had forsaken, - and wished I had been less precipitate in my choice of a mode of - life. Then the past would come up, with its commencement of promise - and happiness, and its close of disappointment and gloom. I called - philosophy to my aid, and strove to forget, in my studies, which I - engaged in with energy, all my former joys and griefs. - - “Familiarity with my condition wore away all regrets, and I soon - learned to love my exile, and to regard it as the most instructive - and least harmful portion of my life. To avoid too great monotony, I - occasionally spent a day in hunting or fishing, or looking after my - herd; but the proficiency I made in study was my greatest source of - encouragement and happiness. - - “Month after month imperceptibly glided away, except as each was - marked by some increase in knowledge, and some additions to my - cattle. I felt resigned to an isolation which cast me off from all - communion with the world and all knowledge of its transactions. - Indians would occasionally appear, but they knew my means of - defence, and never disturbed me. Their attacks upon armed men, like - those made upon the grizzly or mountain lion, are only ventured when - safe, and always with strategy. Sometimes, when I saw them passing, - I longed for a tussle with them as a change of occupation, but they - never gave me the opportunity. - - “One day, wearied with a problem in Euclid, I shouldered my rifle, - and strolled into the adjacent forest in quest of a deer. A rustle - in the undergrowth attracted my attention. Supposing it to be caused - by some animal, I peered cautiously in the direction from within the - shadow of a pine, and saw, to my surprise, a man half concealed in a - thicket, watching me. It was the work of an instant to bring my - rifle to an aim. - - “‘Who are you?’ I demanded, knowing if he were a white man he would - answer. - - “He replied in unmistakable English, ‘I am a white man in distress.’ - - “Dropping my rifle on my shoulder, I hastened to him, and found a - shrunken, emaciated form, half naked, and nearly famished. A more - pitiable object I never beheld. - - “‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Boone Helm. I am the only survivor of a - company which, together with the crew and vessel, were lost on the - coast ten days ago. We were bound for Portland from San Francisco, - and were driven ashore in a storm. I escaped by a miracle, and have - wandered in the mountains ever since, feeding on berries, and - sleeping under the shelter of rocks and bushes. I came in this - direction, hoping to strike the California trail, and fall in with a - pack train.’ - - “He gave me a circumstantial account of his shipwreck and - wanderings, which interested me very much. My sympathies were - enlisted, and I conducted him to my home, sharing ‘bed and board ’ - with him for a month or more. He recruited in strength rapidly. I - found him genial and intelligent, though uneducated. He was an - agreeable talker, and told a story with an enchanting interest. By - shreds and patches he disclosed much of his personal history, - occasionally dropping a word or expression which led me to believe - he had been a great criminal, and more than once imbrued his hands - in the blood of his fellow-man. He remained with me for a month or - more, long enough to make the prospect of separation painful, though - I felt that I would be better off without than with him. When he - left, I gave him a good buckskin suit, a cap, a pair of moccasins, - and a gun. He wrung my hand at departure, expressing the warmest - gratitude. - - “For a while I was very lonely, and found my studies irksome; but, - as time flew on, I fell naturally into my old round of employment, - and solitude became sweeter than ever. Another year came and went, - during which I labored diligently at my books. I was proud of my - acquirements. I had mastered arithmetic, algebra, and geometry, and - read Latin and Greek with facility. My herds had greatly increased. - I could drive them to Yreka and sell them for a small fortune, a - measure I had determined upon for the following summer. Except when - I went to fish or hunt, or look after my cattle, I never left my - home. It was my custom, during the warm days of summer, to spread my - blanket, and lie down in the shade of the stockade; and, with guns - and pistols in reach, pursue my studies. - - “One day while thus extended, reading a thrilling passage in the - Æneid, I was startled by the distant clatter of a rapidly - approaching horse. Seizing my rifle, I sprang to an opening, to - reconnoitre for Indians. I could see nothing,—the noise had ceased, - and I resumed reading; but in a moment I heard the hoof-beat more - distinctly, and applied myself again to the crevice. Judge of my - astonishment, to behold at no great distance a woman well mounted, - urging her steed rapidly towards my stockade, along the Indian - trail. There was something so unreal in the thought that a woman - should traverse this wilderness alone, I could not for a moment - believe my senses. But there she was, coming at a rapid rate, and, - to all appearance, a very beautiful woman too. She rode along with - the air of a queen; her riding-habit fitted closely to a magnificent - bust, and fell in graceful folds over the flanks of her horse, - which, though jaded with travel, seemed proud of his burden. - Assisting her to alight, I invited her to a seat upon a box, spread - with my blankets. It was the work of a moment to secure her horse, - and hasten to her to learn the import of her wild errand. - - “I need not say that my conduct on this occasion bordered somewhat - upon the romantic. Indeed, how else than after the fashion of a - cavalier or knight of old could I, under the circumstances, approach - a strange and beautiful lady, who had voluntarily, and without - premonition on my part, placed herself so completely at my disposal? - I felt all the delicacy of the situation, for I discovered at a - glance that she was high of spirit, refined, and intelligent. - - “‘Tell me,’ I inquired, ‘where you came from, and why you are here. - It must be a mission of more than ordinary purport that has caused - you to brave the perils of a journey through this wild, unfrequented - region.’ - - “Seemingly for the purpose of putting my curiosity to the rack, she - evaded my question, and talked about the beauty of the scenery, the - desolation of my home, and finally, picking up my books one after - the other, she commenced scanning and rendering the liquid - hexameters of Virgil with the grace and ease of an accomplished - professor. Provoking as this caprice was, there was a charm about - it, which led me soon to adopt the same playful humor. - - “‘It cannot be,’ I said laughingly, ‘that you have come here to - marry me.’ - - “‘No, indeed,’ she replied, blushing and smiling at the same time. - ‘I need not have run so great a risk, if marriage had been my - object.’ - - “‘Well, then,’ I rejoined, ‘Madam or Miss, angel or spirit, or - whatever you are, for the love of Heaven relieve me from this - suspense, and tell me what brought you to my desolate cabin.’ - - “The earnest tone in which I asked the question elicited a serious - reply. - - “‘I was born and reared in Boston, the only child of highly educated - parents. My father was a merchant of wealth and position. I never - knew a want unsupplied or a pleasure ungratified, that parental love - could bestow, in my childhood days. At school, I learned rapidly, - outstripping my classmates, and receiving encomiums from my teacher. - I was sent to a seminary, and graduated with signal honor. - Exhibiting an early taste for music, vocal and instrumental, after - my classical course was completed, I was placed under the - instruction of the best professors. Just at this time, my father - failed because of the misconduct of his partner, and was utterly - ruined. Everything, even to the old homestead, was swept away by his - creditors. My father, wounded in spirit and feeble in health, sunk - under the blow, and died in a few months. - - “‘Never shall I forget the look of utter despair on the face of my - dear mother, when we consigned my father to his last resting-place. - It seemed as if her fountain of tears was exhausted, and her heart - would break. She threw herself into my arms like a child, and looked - up to me for counsel and protection. I, in turn, almost sinking - beneath the care thus early cast upon me, looked up to the Great - Father for aid, and became strong. - - “‘The California gold excitement had just reached the Atlantic - coast. People everywhere were wild. I partook of the infatuation, - and then determined to seek my fortune in that far-off land. My - friends tried to dissuade me, but my purpose was fixed. Placing my - mother in charge of a kind relative, where I knew she would be cared - for, I sold my jewelry for money to meet the expenses of the - journey, and sailed by way of the Isthmus, for San Francisco, where - I arrived early in the Summer of 1850. - - “‘There were but four American ladies in California when I arrived. - I found myself alone, a stranger in a strange land; but, with - courageous heart, pure purpose, judgment matured by experience, and - a firm trust in God, I had no fears for success. I soon became - familiar with the marvellous richness of the mines, the solitary - life and many wants of the miners. My opportunity was apparent. - Purchasing a small assortment of stationery, consisting chiefly of - pens, ink, paper, envelopes, and postage stamps, I visited the - various mining camps, selling my wares to the miners, writing - letters for many whose hands were so stiffened that they could not - guide a pen, and singing the simple ballads I had learned in the - days of prosperity. They paid me generously, often an hundredfold - the value of their purchase. I was everywhere received and treated - with a respect akin to idolatry, regarded, indeed, as a being almost - supernatural. These noble-hearted men, remembering beloved ones they - had left in the States, were so respectful, so kind, so attentive, - it seemed that they could not do enough for me. Commencing thus, - afar up in the Sierras, near Hangtown (Placerville), I visited all - the mining regions, until I arrived at Yreka, a new camp, just then - creating the wildest excitement. - - “‘I had now money enough to carry out the design nearest my heart, - of going East, and returning with my mother to live at San - Francisco. While at Yreka, I put up at the principal hotel, a - half-finished house, with rooms separated by light board partitions, - and crowded with the varieties of a thriving mining town. - - “‘One evening, after a day of more fatiguing labor than usual, I - retired early, but could not sleep. While tossing upon the pillow, I - heard two men enter the adjoining room, and engage in earnest - conversation. I could hear distinctly every word they uttered, and - the subject they were discussing very soon riveted my attention. - They were planning a murder and robbery. In the midst of their - conversation, another man entered, whom they saluted by the name of - Boone Helm. He seemed to be their leader, for he proceeded at once - to describe the home and surroundings of the intended victim, said - he had been there and shared his hospitality for several weeks; - spoke of the road leading there, the trail from the road to the - house, and the distance of the large herd of cattle, and the ready - sale for them at Yreka. - - “‘“We cannot,” said he, “make more money in a shorter time, with - greater ease, and less liability to detection, than to go there and - dispose of the man and take his property.” - - “‘They finally agreed that at a certain time the three should go in - company, and execute their murderous design. I immediately - determined to foil them in their bloody purpose, or lose my life in - the attempt. I could not sleep; indeed, so nervously anxious was I - to start on my errand of mercy, that I could hardly await the - approach of morning. I arose early, made immediate preparation for - departure, and before noon was in the saddle and on my way. I had no - fear of Indians, simply because I believed God would take care of - one engaged on a mission so pure and holy. I have ridden more than - two hundred miles to warn you of your danger. Be on your guard. Make - every preparation to defend yourself, for, as sure as the time - comes, the men will be here to take your life. And now,’ she - concluded, ‘bring my horse, and I will start on my return.’ - - “Language was inadequate to express my gratitude, or the admiration - with which I regarded this noble act of humanity. I begged and - insisted that my benefactress should remain, at least long enough - for rest, but she refused. I then told her my own history, prepared - a hasty meal, and asked her to favor me with a song. In the sweetest - voice I think I ever heard, she sung the Hunters’ Chorus in ‘Der - Freyschutz’; then, springing to the saddle, she waved me a farewell, - and in a few moments disappeared. So sudden had been her appearance - and disappearance, so startling the warning she gave me, so - wonderful her long and dreary ride, that it all seemed like a dream. - I had never made a habit of prayer, but, influenced by the emotion - of the moment, I dropped on my knees, and thanked God, in a fervent - prayer, for this special manifestation of His Providence. - - “The next day I made every needful preparation for defence, and - calmly awaited the arrival of the ruffians. In the afternoon of the - day my informant mentioned I saw them approaching, one, whom I - recognized as Helm, half a mile or more in advance of the other two. - I stood in the gate of my stockade, with my revolver in my belt, and - as he approached me greeted him kindly, bade him enter, and closed - and bolted the door behind him. As this had always been my custom, - he did not notice it. I saw at once, by his subdued, churlish - manner, and his crabbed style of address, that he was bent upon - mischief. Hardly waiting for an exchange of common civilities, he - said, - - “‘Lend me your pistols. I am going on a perilous expedition.’ - - “‘I cannot spare them,’ I replied. - - “‘But you must spare them. I want them.’ - - “‘I tell you, I cannot let you have them.’ - - “Flying into a passion, he with bitter oaths rejoined, - - “‘I’ll make you give ’em to me, or I’ll kill you,’ at the same time - grasping his revolver. - - “Before he could pull it from its scabbard, I had mine levelled with - deadly aim at his head, and my finger on the trigger. - - “‘Make a single motion,’ said I emphatically, ‘and I will shoot - you.’ - - “He quailed, for he saw I had the advantage of him. His comrades now - approached the gate from without. - - “‘Break down the door,’ he shouted, and, adding an opprobrious - epithet, ordered them to kill me. - - “Still holding my pistol level with his temple, I replied sternly, - - “‘If they attempt such a movement, I will kill you instantly.’ - - “He knew me to be desperately in earnest, and, taking the hint, told - them to go away. They obeyed. - - “‘Now, sir,’ I persisted, still holding him under fire, ‘unbuckle - and drop your belt, pistol, and knife, and walk from there, so that - I can get them.’ - - “He begged, but I was inexorable. He tried to throw me off my guard - by referring pleasantly to our former acquaintance, and assuring me - he was only jesting, and would not harm me for the world. I told him - I had been warned of his coming and its object, and detailed with - some particularity the conversation he had with his companions at - the time they agreed upon the expedition. He stoutly denied it, and - demanded the source of my information. Knowing that he was - ignorantly superstitious, I gave him to understand that it was - entirely providential. For a moment he seemed dum-founded, and, - hardened as he was in crime, showed by his action that he believed - it. I made him sit down, and kept him in range of my revolver all - night, conversing with him, meantime, on such subjects as were best - calculated to win his confidence. The night seemed a year in - duration, but he told me his entire history—his birth, the errors of - his early manhood, his first and only love, the illness and death of - his betrothed, his resolution to lead a criminal life, his murder of - Shoot, his escape, and many other murders that he afterwards - committed, and of his intention to murder me and dispose of my - cattle. I never heard or read a more horrible history than that - narrated by this man of blood. He lost no opportunity to throw me - off my guard, but I knew too well what would be the result. He was - my prisoner, under absolute control, as long as his life was in my - power. - - “Morning came. Helm’s companions were still lingering near the - stockade. I ordered them to withdraw a certain distance, that I - might with safety release my prisoner. I then opened the gate, and - with my double-barrelled shotgun levelled upon him, bade him go, - assuring him that if we ever met again I would shoot him on sight. - He marched out and away with his comrades. The next intelligence I - received concerning him was the announcement of his execution by the - righteous Vigilantes of Montana in 1864. - - “I beg pardon, gentlemen, for detaining you so long. My story is - done.” - -After a moment’s silence one of our circle, a nervous, excitable young -man, remarked, - -“We cannot consider the story completed until we know something more of -the young lady. She is really the object of the most interest.” - -“Well, gentlemen,” he resumed, “since you desire it, I will tell you all -I know. Soon after Helm’s departure, influenced by a desire to have the -address of and see once more my benefactress, I drove my herd to Yreka, -and sold it for a handsome sum. While there I searched diligently, but -in vain, for my heroine. She had gone, and, as she had refused to give -me her name, I found inquiry for her impracticable. I went to San -Francisco, but no one could give me the least trace of her, and, after -repeated disappointments, I gave up the search and returned to Oregon. - -“Five years thereafter, business took me to Portland. While seated by -the office stove, in conversation with some old friends, the clerk came -and whispered that a young lady in the parlor wished to see me. -Wondering who she could be, I hastened to the room, and there sat my -friend of the wilderness. She gave me a cordial greeting, and to my -numerous and eager inquiries, informed me in substance that soon after -she left me and returned to Yreka, she went to Boston. After a year -spent among old friends, she came back to San Francisco, accompanied by -her mother. She purchased a neat residence there, and it was now her -home. She had arrived in Oregon with some friends the day before on a -pleasure excursion, but intended to return in a few days. We had a -pleasant interview, and I bade her good-bye.” - -“So you did not marry her, after all,” was the eager remark of our young -friend. - -“No, gentlemen. Had I not been fortunately married some time before our -last meeting, I cannot tell what might have happened; but as it was, I -did not marry her after all, as you say.” - - - - - CHAPTER XLII - WHITE AND DORSETT - - -The attachments formed between men, where the privileges and enjoyments -of social life are confined to the monotonous round of a mining camp, -are necessarily strong. The surroundings, which dictate great prudence -in the choice of friends, where confidence is once established, are -continually strengthening the ties that bind men to each other. -Self-preservation and self-interest will furnish apologies for -incompatibilities of temper in the mountains, which would sever -friendships formed in less exposed communities. The sterling qualities -of truth, honor, integrity, and kindness are sooner ascertained and more -highly prized among miners than any other class. We have seen the -operation of these principles in the instance of Beachy and Magruder, a -very strong but not an exceptional case; this is another narrative of -similar import. - -Rudolph Dorsett arrived at Bannack with a party of miners from Colorado, -in April, 1863. During the following Summer, he, in company with John -White, the discoverer of the Bannack mines, and a few others, left for -the interior on a prospecting tour. The Winter of 1863–64 found the -little party near the head of Big Boulder Creek, where they had made -some promising discoveries. Being nearly out of provisions, White and -Dorsett started on horseback for Deer Lodge, to obtain a fresh supply. -At the head of Boulder, they came upon one Kelley and a comrade, who had -made a camp there, and been detained several days by deep snows. They -were literally “snowed in”; and, their food being exhausted, they had -killed and were feeding upon one of their horses. - -After supplying their immediate wants, White and Dorsett, discouraged by -the gathering snows from any further effort to cross the main ridge, -changed their course, and, taking the two men with them, started for -Virginia City, where they arrived after three days of perilous travel. -Kelley and his partner were entirely destitute. Their kind benefactors -made known their condition to Henry Thompson and William Rumsey, and -they paid their bills at a restaurant the two days succeeding their -arrival; and other citizens of Virginia City, at Dorsett’s solicitation, -provided them with clothing. An arrangement was made for Kelley and his -comrade to return with White and Dorsett to their camp; but, when the -time came to leave, Kelley said that he had been promised a horse the -next day, which he would get and overtake them. The three men departed -without him, and, after a cold ride of several days, found their party -camped on the upper waters of Prickly Pear Creek. They were all in -excellent spirits, and supposed they had found a very prolific placer. -Dorsett, true to the confidence reposed in him by his friends, Thompson -and Rumsey, returned immediately to Virginia City, to apprise them of -his good fortune, so that they might improve the earliest indications of -a stampede, and secure a good interest in the placer mine. This is one -of the rigid requirements of friendship in a mining region. No matter -how distant the discovery may be, nor how difficult the journey, when a -mine is found of any value, it is the duty of the discoverer, before -disclosing it to the public, to notify his friends, that they may make -sure of the best location. Indeed, in the early days of Montana, there -were hundreds of old miners, experts in the business of prospecting, -who, being unable to purchase “grub,” were fully supplied with horses, -food, and tools, upon the distinct understanding that they were to share -with those who “outfitted” them in all their discoveries. Woe to the man -who was base enough to violate this agreement! If he escaped lynching he -never failed being driven from the country by the hisses and execrations -of every “honest miner” in it. There was held - - “in every honest hand, a whip - To lash the rascals naked through the world.” - -During the night following the departure of White, Dorsett, and Kelley’s -partner from Virginia City, a mule belonging to William Hunt, and a -horse owned by another citizen of Virginia City, were stolen. Dorsett -was informed of this on his return, and, not having seen Kelley since -his promise to overtake his party, he at once suspected him of the -theft. The mule was a very fine animal, which Hunt had purchased of -Dorsett in Colorado. - -“If I find him,” said Dorsett, as he mounted his horse to return to the -mine, “I will recover and send him back to you.” - -The second day after this promise was made, while crossing the divide -between White Tail and Boulder, Dorsett met Kelley in possession of the -stolen animals. After a brief conversation, Dorsett asked, - -“Where did you get that fine mule, Kelley?” - -“The man at Nevada, who promised me the horse I told you about, could -not find him, and gave me the mule instead.” - -Not wishing to arouse Kelley’s suspicion, Dorsett asked no more -questions, but, with a friendly “good-bye,” rode on as rapidly as -possible to his camp. He was informed that Kelley had been there, and -had told the miners that some friend in Deer Lodge had sent him a -written offer to furnish provisions and a good outfit for prospecting. -He was going there immediately to accept it, and had bought both horse -and mule for that purpose. When they were informed that the animals were -stolen, White agreed to join Dorsett, and they started immediately in -pursuit of the thief, thus furnishing another instance of the strength -of that friendship which neither the freezing weather and mountain -snows, nor long days of travel and long nights of exposure, could -overcome. The single thought of serving a friend put to flight every -consideration of personal comfort or convenience. They did not expect to -be absent longer than three days at the most. - -A week passed and nothing was heard from them. Dorsett had promised -Thompson and Rumsey, when he left, that he would return to Virginia City -in five or six days. Ten days expired without bringing any intelligence. -Rumsey’s fears were aroused for the safety of his friends. Being at -Nevada on business, he mentioned incidentally this strange -disappearance, and Stephen Holmes, a bystander, observed that, four days -before, while at Deer Lodge, he had met Kelley with Dorsett’s horse, -revolver, Henry rifle, and cantinas, and that Kelley had told him he -traded for them with a man at Boulder. With characteristic promptness, -Rumsey replied to Holmes, - -“The men have been murdered by the scoundrel, and he is fleeing with -their property.” - -To think, with such men as Thompson and Rumsey, was to act. No time was -to be lost. Thoroughly equipped for a long pursuit, Thompson and a -friend named Coburn started immediately upon the track of Kelley, and at -the same time James Dorsett, brother of Rudolph, organized a party with -which he went as rapidly as possible to the Boulder, in search of the -missing men. This little party passed the first night at Coppock’s -ranche on the Jefferson. The next day, while passing through a hollow on -the Boulder range, called Basin, they found tracks diverging from the -road in the direction of White Tail Deer Creek. They followed that -stream nearly to the forks, when suddenly they saw, some distance before -them, two men emerge from the thin forest of pines. They spurred their -horses into a sharp run. The men turned at the sound and raised their -guns, and stood upon the defensive. The approaching party, rifles in -hand, drew nearer, and a conflict at long range seemed inevitable. -Fortunately, at this moment, one of the two men recognized James -Dorsett, and dropped his gun, and with friendly gestures rode toward -him. Offensive demonstrations were soon followed by hearty greetings. -The two men proved to be John Heffner and a comrade, who had just been -searching in the willows for a suitable camping ground for the night. - -“I have found,” said he, in a mournful tone, “what you are searching -for. Rudolph Dorsett and John White have both been murdered, and their -bodies are in the willows.” - -“My God!” exclaimed James, “my brother murdered!” and, bursting into -tears, he followed Heffner into the clump. - -“I came in here,” said Heffner, “to pick up some wood for a camp-fire. -This heap of coals and burned sticks attracted my attention. Thinks I, -there’s been campers here before. I looked around and caught a glance at -the saddle. It startled me, for it seemed a very good one, and I thought -it strange that any one would leave it here. I examined it narrowly, -and, lifting it up, I beheld the dead face of John White. You may well -believe I was frightened. On turning to call my partner, I almost -stumbled over the corpse of your brother, which was covered with an -overcoat. We had just completed our survey of the camp, and stepped out -of the bushes to look up another camping place, when we heard your -horses.” - -On a close examination of the spot, appearances indicated that White and -Dorsett, with Kelley as a prisoner, had arrived there either at a late -hour, or without any provisions, as there was no evidence of cooking. -They had tied their prisoner with twisted strips of blanket, pieces of -which were found near, and, as they doubtless supposed, secured him for -the night. A few fagots had been heaped up for a morning fire; and the -theory of the murder advanced by the searching party was that, while -White was on his knees kindling the fire, Kelley freed himself from his -bonds, picked up White’s revolver, and shot him twice in the back of the -neck; then seizing his rifle, turned and shot Dorsett, who was gathering -wood a little distance away, through the heart. An armful of wood lay -scattered where he had fallen. His skull was beaten in pieces, a bowlder -lying near, bespattered with blood and brains, bearing gloomy testimony -to the manner in which it was done. After this his body had been dragged -some twenty steps from the spot where he fell, and stripped of its -clothing, which the murderer had taken away with him, and wore the day -that Holmes met him at Deer Lodge. White’s body had also been removed, -and the saddle placed over the face. The bodies were taken to Coppock’s -ranche, and thence to Virginia City for burial. - -This was one of the earliest and most brutal tragedies in the newly -discovered gold region; and, happening when they were populated mostly -by Eastern people, and before Plummer and his band of ruffians had been -arrested in their grand scheme of wholesale slaughter, it produced a -profound sensation throughout the country. The desire to capture and -make a public example of the ruffian who had committed the shocking -crime was universal. All eyes were turned to the pursuit of Kelley by -Thompson and Coburn, and all ears open to catch the first tidings of its -success. These men were beyond the reach of information of the discovery -of the bodies at the time it was made, but they had found evidence by -the way, which convinced them that their friends had been assassinated. -At Deer Lodge a pistol which Kelley had sold was identified by Thompson -as the property of Dorsett, and his initials, R. R. D., were graven on -the handle. They pushed the pursuit to Hell Gate, procuring two relays -in Deer Lodge Valley. Finding that the deep snows rendered the Cœur -D’Alene Mountains impassable, they turned back to take the route into -Oregon, by Jocko and Pend d’Oreille lakes. Between Frenchtown and Hell -Gate they met an Indian with Dorsett’s saddle, which Thompson took from -him. Forty miles below Jocko, they reclaimed the horse from a little -band of Indians who had traded for it with Kelley. Proceeding on towards -the Pacific, they met a company of miners, who had met Kelley fifteen -days before, on his way to Lewiston. - -The men pursued their journey, following the devious windings of Clark’s -Fork to its junction with the Snake River, and thence on to Lewiston,—a -tract of country at that time more disastrous for winter travel than -perhaps any other equal portion of the continent. There were no roads, -and the solitary Indian trail leading over the mountains, through -cañons, and across large rivers, for much of the distance was obscured -by snow, and in many places difficult and dangerous of passage. Had -their object been anything less than to avenge the death of their -friend, they would have turned back, and consoled themselves with the -reflection that it was not worth the risk and exposure needful to win -it; but, with that in view, they welcomed privation and danger while a -single hope remained of its accomplishment. - -At Lewiston, Coburn remained on the lookout, while Thompson continued -the pursuit farther west. At the hotel in Walla Walla, Thompson found -Kelley’s name upon the register. He learned, on inquiring of the clerk, -that he had told him he came from the Beaverhead mines. The barber who -shaved him remembered him, because he paid him an extra price for the -service. Kelley had purchased a new suit of clothes, of which Thompson -procured a sample. With these clews Thompson hastened to Portland, and -ascertained that Kelley had spent nine days there, and left by steamer -for San Francisco. In fact, on the day that Thompson arrived at -Portland, Kelley entered the harbor of San Francisco. Thompson -telegraphed the chief of police to arrest and detain him until he -arrived. He had taken the precaution to obtain requisitions from the -Governor of Idaho on the Governors of Oregon, California, and -Washington, and a commission as special deputy United States marshal. - -Chief Burke, on receipt of the telegram, called at the hotel where -Kelley had taken quarters, and, not finding him, gave no further -attention to the matter. Learning on his return that he had been -inquired after, Kelley, suspicious of the object, left the city at once, -taking with him an overcoat and pistol belonging to a fellow boarder. -Thompson found, on his arrival at San Francisco, that the bird had -flown, but in what direction he was unable to ascertain. After spending -some time in fruitless inquiry, he returned home with nothing better -than his labor for his pains. It was a sore disappointment, but none the -less demonstrative as an illustration of personal devotion and -attachment. - -Kelley returned to Portland, and soon disappeared from public view. -Thompson was constantly on the lookout for him, and in 1864 heard of him -as a participant in a robbery committed in Port-Neuf Cañon. It was -ascertained that after the robbery Kelley went to Denver, where he was -known by the name of Childs. He remained there several months. Thompson -heard of his being there, and sent a man to identify him. Kelley took -the alarm, and left immediately by the Oregon route for Mexico. Thompson -wrote to a friend in Prescott to arrest him _en route_, but the letter -arrived too late, as the rascal had passed through the town several days -before. If living, he is still at large; but there is no corner of the -globe where Thompson would not follow him, were he certain that the -journey would effect his arrest. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIII - LANGFORD PEEL - - -People who were living in the West in 1856, well remember the terrible -Winter of that year, and the suffering it occasioned among the poorer -classes. Severity of weather, scarcity of provisions, and the high price -of fuel, following hard upon a season of uncommon distress and disaster -in all kinds of business, necessarily brought starvation and suffering -to a large floating population, which had gathered into the little towns -and settlements along the Missouri border. This was especially the case -in the settlements of Kansas, which, by their supposed opportunities for -profitable investment and occupation, had attracted a large emigration -from other parts of the Union. Langford Peel was at this time a -prosperous citizen of Leavenworth. Moved to compassion by the sufferings -of those around him, he contributed generously to their relief. Among -others who shared liberally of his bounty were Messrs. Conley and -Rucker, two men whom he found in a state of complete destitution, and -invited to his house, where they were comfortably provided for until -Spring, and then aided with means to return to their friends. - -Of Peel’s antecedents, previous to this time, I know nothing. He was -regarded as one of those strange compounds who unite in their character -the extremes of recklessness and kindness. In his general conduct there -was more to approve than condemn, though his fearless manner, his habits -of life, and his occupation as a gambler, gave him a doubtful -reputation. Among people of his own class he was specially attractive, -because of his great physical strength, manly proportions, undoubted -bravery, and overflowing kindness. To these qualities he added a repose -of manner that gave him unbounded influence in his sphere. No man was -more prompt to make the cause of a friend his own, to resent an injury, -or punish an insult. His dexterity with the revolver was as marvellous -as the ready use he made of it when provoked. His qualifications as a -rough and ready borderer bespoke a foreground in his life, of much -exposure and practice. - -The year 1858 found him in Salt Lake City, in reduced circumstances. As -if to mark this reverse with peculiar emphasis, Conley and Rucker, the -sharers of his bounty two years before, were also there, engaged in -prosperous business. They had seemingly forgotten their old benefactor, -and treated him with coldness and neglect. Peel was an entire stranger -to all save them, and felt bitterly their ingratitude. - -A citizen by the name of Robinson, who had been attracted by the manly -figure of Peel, observed him, a few days after his arrival, seated upon -a log in the rear of the Salt Lake House, apparently in deep study. -Calling his partner to the door, he inquired if he knew him. - -“His name is Peel, I have been told,” was the reply. - -“He is in trouble.” - -“Yes, he’s got no money, and is a stranger.” - -“Do you know him?” - -“No, I never spoke to him. I only know he’s in distress, destitute, and -has no friends. He’s the man who took care of a lot of boys that were -dead broke, that hard winter at Leavenworth.” - -“He is? If I didn’t think he’d take it as an insult, I’d go out and -offer him some money.” - -Later in the day, Peel entered Robinson’s room, and approaching Conley, -who was seated in the “lookout seat,” near a table where a game of faro -was progressing, said to him, - -“Dave, I wish you’d lend me twenty-five dollars.” - -“I’ll not do it,” replied Conley. - -“Why?” - -“I’ve no money to loan.” - -“I don’t consider it a loan,” said Peel, looking steadfastly at Conley. -Then, as if influenced by a recollection of his own kindness to the man -who refused him, he exclaimed, “Great God! is it possible that there is -not a man in the country who will lend me twenty-five dollars?” - -Robinson, who was seated by the table drawer, now drew it out, and, -grasping a handful of coin, threw it eagerly upon the table. - -“Here,” said he, “Mr. Peel, I’ll loan you twenty-five dollars, or as -much more as you want. You’re entirely welcome to it.” - -Peel turned, and fixing upon Robinson a look of mingled surprise and -gratitude, responded, “Sir, you’re a stranger to me. We never spoke -together before, but I will gratefully accept your kindness, and thank -you. All I want is twenty-five dollars, and I’ll pay you as soon as I -can.” He then picked up five half-eagles, and placed them in the palm of -his hand. - -“Take more, Peel,” said Robinson. “Take a hundred, or whatever you -want.” - -“No, this is all I want”; then, fixing his gaze upon Conley, whose face -was red and swollen with anger, he seized the “case keeper” used for -marking the game, and hurled it violently at his head. Conley dodged, -and the only effect of the act was a deep indentation in the adobe wall. -Conley sprung from his seat and ran out of the building. Peel drew his -revolver with the intention of pursuing, but Robinson, seizing his arm, -said, - -“Stay your hand, Peel. For God’s sake, don’t make any disturbance.” - -Peel sheathed his pistol at the moment, and, taking Robinson by the -hand, replied, “No; you must excuse me. I beg a thousand pardons, but I -was very angry. You’re the only friend I have in this country. Conley -has treated me like a dog. All of ’em have. I have fed them for weeks in -my own house, when they had nothing to eat. My wife has cooked, and -washed and ironed their clothes for them, and this is the return I get -for it.” - -He then started to leave, but, as if suddenly reminded that he had -neglected to say something, he returned; and while the tears, which he -vainly tried to suppress, were streaming down his cheeks, he said, - -“I’ll certainly repay this money. I would rather die than wrong you out -of it.” - -He had been gone about twenty minutes when shots were heard. - -“I reckon,” said Robinson, starting for the door, “that Peel has killed -Conley.” - -All followed, but they found that the exchange of shots was between Peel -and Rucker, the latter the proprietor of a faro bank on Commercial -Street, where Peel had gone and staked his money on the turn of a card. - -Rucker, perceiving it, pushed the money away, remarking, in a -contemptuous tone, - -“I don’t want your game.” - -Smarting under the insult conveyed in these words, Peel raised a chair -to hit Rucker on the head. Rucker fled through the rear door of the -building, and entered Miller’s store adjoining, the back stairs of which -he hurriedly ascended, drawing his revolver by the way. Peel soon after -went into the store by the front door, and inquired for Miller, who was -absent. Sauntering to the rear of the apartment, which was but dimly -lighted, he came suddenly upon Rucker, who had just descended the -stairs, and, with revolver in hand, was waiting his approach. - -“What do you want of me?” inquired Rucker, thrusting his pistol against -Peel’s side. - -“Great God!” was Peel’s instant exclamation, drawing and cocking his -pistol with lightning rapidity. Their simultaneous fire gave but a -single report, and both fell, emptying their pistols after they were -down. Peel was wounded in the thigh, through the cheek, and in the -shoulder. Rucker, hit every time, was mortally wounded, and died in a -few moments. Peel was conveyed to the Salt Lake House, where his wounds -received care. - -Miller was clamorous for Peel’s arrest, and the city police favored his -execution, but the sympathies of the people were with him. He had many -friends, who assured him of protection from violence, and kept his -enemies in ignorance of his condition until such time as he could be -removed to a place of concealment. This project was intrusted to a -Mormon dignitary of high standing in the church, who was paid forty-five -dollars for the service. He conveyed Peel to a sequestered hut twelve -miles distant from the city, on the Jordan road, and with undue haste -provided him with female apparel and a fast horse, to facilitate his -escape from the country. His wounds were too severe, and he was obliged -to return to the shelter of the hut, near which Miller discovered him a -few days afterwards, while walking for exercise. Miller disclosed his -discovery to the police, boasting, meantime, of what he had done in so -public a manner that the friends of Peel, hearing it, speedily provided -for his protection. Close upon the heels of the policemen who had gone -to arrest Peel they sent the wily Mormon, with instructions to convey -him to a place of safety. The night was dark, and the rain froze into -sleet as it fell. The policemen stopped at a wayside inn to warm and -refresh themselves, and were passed by the Mormon, who, dreading the -vengeance which would visit him in case of failure, urged his horse into -a run, and arrived in time to conduct Peel to Johnson’s ranche, where he -was secreted for several weeks. As soon as he was able, he made the -journey on horseback to California, by the southern route, passing -through San Bernardino and Los Angeles. Large rewards were offered for -his arrest, but his friends, believing him to be the victim of -ingratitude, would not betray him. - -The death of Rucker lay heavy on the conscience of Peel, and from the -moment of his arrival on the Pacific coast, his downward career was very -rapid. He associated only with gamblers and roughs, among whom the -height of his ambition was to be an acknowledged chief. He was a bold -man who dared to dispute the claim to this title with him, for usually -he did not escape without disputing on the spot his higher title to -life. Expert in pistol practice, desperate in character, Peel was never -more at home than in an affray. His wanderings at length took him to -Carson City, in Nevada, where his shooting exploits, and their bloody -character, form a chapter in the early history of the place. It is told -of him by his associates, as a mark of singular magnanimity, that he -scorned all advantage of an adversary, and, under the bitterest -provocation, would not attack him until satisfied that he was armed. His -loyalty to this principle, as we shall see hereafter, cost him his life. - -From many incidents related of the reckless life led by Peel while in -Nevada, I select one, as especially illustrative. A prize fight between -Tom Daly, a noted pugilist, and Billy Maguire, better known as the “Dry -Dock Chicken,” was planned by the roughs of Virginia City. It was -intended to be a “put-up job.” By the delivery of a foul blow, Maguire -was to be the loser. The referee and umpire were privy to the -arrangement, and were to decide accordingly. A great number of sports -were in attendance. At the stage of progress in the fight agreed upon, -Maguire struck his antagonist the exceptionable blow. The expected -decision was given; but Izzy Lazarus, and other men familiar with the -rule of the ring, said that it was not foul. One of the initiated, named -Muchacho, disputed the question with Lazarus, who gave him the lie. -Drawing his pistol, he brought it to an aim, so as to clear the inner -ring, and shouting, “Look out!” fired and hit Lazarus in the breast. -Lazarus refrained from firing lest he should hit others, but approached -Muchacho, who fired again, wounding his pistol hand. Quick as thought, -Lazarus seized his pistol in the left hand, and fired, killing Muchacho -in his tracks. The row now became general, and pistol shots were fired -in all parts of the crowd. No others were killed, but many were severely -wounded, and such was the confusion during the _mêlée_ that the fatal -shot of Lazarus escaped observation. Many were the conjectures on the -subject, but suspicion seemed to fasten upon Lazarus. Dick Paddock, a -friend of his, being in Robinson’s saloon a few days after the affray, -boldly avowed that he fired it. Peel overheard him, and, after informing -him that Muchacho was his friend, challenged him to a fight on the spot. -Both men stepped outside the saloon, took their positions, and commenced -firing. Peel wounded Paddock three times, escaping unharmed himself, and -the combat closed without any fatal consequences. “El Dorado Johnny” -renewed the quarrel, for the double purpose of avenging Paddock and -establishing a claim as chief. The next day, while walking up street, he -addressed the following inquiry to Pat Lannan, who was standing in the -door of his saloon, - -“Pat, what sort of a corpse do you think I’d make?” - -“You don’t look much like a corpse now, Johnny,” replied Lannan, -laughing. - -“Well, I’m bound to be a corpse or a gentleman in less than five -minutes,” replied Johnny, passing on. - -Carefully scrutinizing the inmates of each saloon as he came to it, -Johnny soon saw the object of his search pass out of Pat Robinson’s, a -few rods ahead of him. Walking rapidly back, he turned and faced him, -and, half drawing his pistol, said, - -“Peel, I’m chief.” - -“You’re a liar,” rejoined Peel, drawing his pistol, and killing Johnny -instantly. The words here recorded were all that passed at the -encounter. Johnny had his pistol half drawn, but Peel’s superior -dexterity overcame the advantage. Peel was tried and acquitted. - -As no member of the company of roughs was braver than Peel, so none was -more observant of the rules and principles by which they were governed. -In all their relations to each other, whether friendly or hostile, any -violation of a frank and manly course was severely censured, and often -punished. A person guilty of any meanness, great or small, lost caste at -once. If by any undue advantage, life or property was taken, the guilty -person was visited with prompt retribution. Often, in the young -communities which sprung up in the mining regions, prominent roughs were -elected to positions in the court service. It was deemed a disgrace to -suffer an arrest by an officer of this character, and with Peel it was -an everyday boast that he would die sooner than submit to any such -authority. - -On one occasion, while under the excitement of liquor, being threatened -with arrest, he became uncommonly uproarious. A row was threatened, and -Peel in a boisterous manner was repeating, with much expletive emphasis, -“No man that ever packed a star in this city can arrest me.” - -Patrick Lannan, above referred to, had just been elected as policeman. -He had never been connected with the roughs, and was highly respected as -a peaceable, law-abiding citizen. On being informed that there was a man -down the street stirring up an excitement, he rushed to the scene, and, -elbowing his way through the crowd, confronted Peel. Like the hunter who -mistook a grizzly for a milder type of the ursine genus, he felt that -this was not the game he was after, but he had gone too far to recede. -The arrest must be effected. - -“No man,” repeated Peel, with an oath, “that ever packed a star in this -city can arrest me.” - -Perceiving Lannan standing near, he instantly added, - -“I’ll take that back. You can arrest me, Pat, for you’re no fighting -man. You’re a gentleman,” and suiting the action to the word, with a -graceful bow, he surrendered his pistol to Lannan, and submitted quietly -to be led away. - -To the credit of the roughs of Nevada be it stated that there were few -highwayman, thieves, or robbers among them. Few, except those who were -ready to decide their quarrels with the revolver, were killed. The -villainous element had been sifted from their midst at the time of the -hegira to the northern mines. Those who remained had no sympathy with -it. It is not to be denied, however, that they were men of extraordinary -nerve, and as a general thing so tenacious of life, that, often, the -first to receive a mortal wound in a fight was successful in slaying his -antagonist. Indeed, so frequently was this the case that it operated as -a restraint, oftentimes, to a projected combat. Peel belonged to the -class that were held in fear by tamer spirits for their supposed hold -upon life. The reader will pardon a digression, for the better -illustration it affords of this prevalent apprehension. - -One of the most memorable fights in Nevada took place between Martin -Barnhardt and Thomas Peasley. Peasley was a man of striking presence and -fine ability. He had been sergeant-at-arms in the Nevada Assembly. In a -quarrel with Barnhardt at Carson City, he had been wounded in the arm. -Both Barnhardt and Peasley claimed to be “chief,”—always a sufficient -cause of quarrel between men of their stamp. Meeting Peasley one day -after the fight, Barnhardt tauntingly asked him if he was as good a man -then as he was at Carson. - -“This,” replied Peasley, “is neither the time nor place to test that -question.” - -Soon afterwards, while Peasley was seated in the office of the Ormsby -House in Carson, engaged in conversation with some friends, Barnhardt -entered, and approaching him asked, - -“Are you heeled?” - -“For Heaven’s sake,” rejoined Peasley, “are you always spoiling for a -fight?” - -“Yes,” cried Barnhardt, and without further notice fired his revolver. -The ball passed through Peasley’s heart. Seeing that he had inflicted a -fatal wound, Barnhardt fled to the washroom, closing the windowed door -after him. Peasley rose and staggered to the door. Thrusting his pistol -through the sash, he fired and killed Barnhardt instantly. Falling back -in the arms of his friends, they laid him upon a billiard table. - -“Is Barnhardt dead?” he whispered, as life was ebbing. - -“He is,” was the ready answer given by half a dozen sorrowing friends. - -“’Tis well. Pull my boots off, and send for my brother Andy,” and with -the words on his lips he expired. - -Peasley was supposed to be the original of Mark Twain’s “Buck Fanshaw.” -He was a man of the highest degree of honor, and, if his talents had -been properly directed, would have distinguished himself. - -I resume the history of Peel, at the point of his departure from Nevada. -He left in 1867, in company with one John Bull as a partner. They -quarrelled by the way and dissolved partnership, but on arriving at Salt -Lake City, became reconciled, and started for Helena, Montana, where -Bull arrived some weeks in advance. When Peel arrived, Bull had gone to -examine the mines at Indian Creek. Returning soon after, his account was -so favorable that Peel concluded to go there at once. He came back in a -week thoroughly disgusted, and very angry at Bull, whom he accused of -misrepresentation and falsehood. Bull explained, and they parted seeming -friends, but Peel’s anger was not appeased. Meeting Bull some days -after, he renewed the quarrel at Hurley and Chase’s saloon. Oaths and -epithets were freely exchanged, and Peel seized, and was in the act of -drawing, his pistol. - -“I am not heeled,” said Bull, on discovering his design. - -“Go, then, and heel yourself,” said Peel, slapping him in the face. - -Bull started, saying as he went, - -“Peel, I’ll come back, sure.” - -“When you come,” replied Peel, “come fighting.” - -Bull went out and armed himself. While returning, he met William -Knowlden, to whom he related the circumstances of the quarrel, and told -him what disposition to make of his effects in case he was killed. -Passing on, he met Peel coming out of the saloon, and fired three shots -before Peel could draw his revolver. Each shot took effect, one in the -neck, one in the face, and a third in the left breast. Peel fell and -died without uttering a word. It was the general opinion that he was -treated unfairly. Bull was indicted, tried, and his conviction failed by -disagreement of the jury, which stood nine for acquittal, and three for -a verdict of guilty. He left the country soon after. - -On a plain slab in the graveyard at Helena is the following inscription: - - SACRED - TO THE - MEMORY OF - LANGFORD PEEL. - BORN IN - LIVERPOOL. - DIED - JULY 23, 1867, - AGED - 36 YEARS. - IN LIFE, BELOVED BY HIS FRIENDS, AND RESPECTED BY - HIS ENEMIES. - VENGEANCE IS MINE, SAITH THE LORD. - I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVETH. - ERECTED BY A FRIEND. - -I was curious to learn what suggested the last two scriptural -quotations, and found that the friend had the idea that, as Peel did not -have fair play, the Lord would avenge his death in some signal manner. -The other sentence was thought to properly express the idea that the man -was living who would redeem Peel’s name from whatever obloquy might -attach to it, because of his having “died with his boots on.” Could -there be a more strange interpretation of the scriptures? - - - - - CHAPTER XLIV - JOSEPH A. SLADE - - -Good men who were intimate with Joseph A. Slade before he went to -Montana gave him credit for possessing many excellent qualities. He is -first heard of outside of his native village of Carlisle, in the State -of Illinois, as a volunteer in the war with Mexico, in a company -commanded by Captain Killman. This officer, no less distinguished for -success in reconnoitre, strategy, and surprise, than service on the -field of battle, selected from his regiment for this dangerous -enterprise, twelve men of unquestioned daring and energy. Slade was -among the number. A comrade of his during this period bears testimony to -his efficiency, which he said always won the approbation of his -commander. How or where his life was passed after the close of the war, -and until he was intrusted with the care of one of the divisions of the -Great Overland Stage route in 1859, I have no knowledge. This position -was full of varied responsibility. His capabilities were equal to it. No -more exalted tribute can be paid to his character than to say that he -organized, managed, and controlled for several years, acceptably to the -public, to the company, and to the employees of the company, the great -central division of the Overland Stage route, through six hundred miles -of territory destitute of inhabitants and law, exposed for the entire -distance to hostile Indians, and overrun with a wild, reckless class of -freebooters, who maintained their infamous assumptions with the pistol -and bowie-knife. No man without a peculiar fitness for such a position -could have done this. Stealing the horses of the stage company was a -common crime. The loss of the property was small in comparison with the -expense and embarrassment of delaying the coach, and breaking up the -regularity of the trips. If Slade caused some of the rascals engaged in -this business to be hanged, it was in strict conformity to the public -sentiment, which in all new countries regards horse-stealing as a -capital offence. Nothing but fear could restrain their passion for this -guilty pursuit. Certain it is, that Slade’s name soon became a terror to -all evil-doers along the road. Depredations of all kinds were less -frequent, and whenever one of any magnitude was committed, Slade’s men -were early on the track of the perpetrators, and seldom failed to -capture and punish them. - -The power he exercised as a division agent was despotic. It was -necessary for the service in which he was employed that it should be so. -Doubtless, he caused the death of many bad men, but he has often been -heard to say that he never killed but one himself. It was a common thing -with him, if a man refused to obey him, to force obedience with a drawn -pistol. How else could he do it, in a country where there was no law? - -In the purchases which he made of the ranchemen he sometimes detected -their dishonest tricks, and generally punished them on the spot. On one -occasion, while bargaining for a stack of hay, he discovered that it was -filled with bushes. He told the rancheman that he intended to confine -him to the stack with chains, and burn him, and commenced making -preparations, seemingly for that purpose. The man begged for his life, -and, with much apparent reluctance, Slade finally told him if he would -leave the country and never return to it he would give him his life. -Glad of the compromise the fellow departed the next morning. This was -all that Slade desired. - -Stories like these grate harshly upon the ears of people who have always -lived in civilized communities. Without considering the influences by -which he is surrounded, this class pronounce such a man a ruffian. An -author who writes of him finds it no task to blacken his memory, by -telling half the truth. People who have once heard of him are prepared -to believe any report which connects his name with crime. Wrong as this -is on general principles, it has been especially severe in the case of -Slade. Misrepresentation and abuse have given to him the proportions, -passions, and actions of a demon. His name has become a synonym for all -that is infamous and cruel in human character. And yet not one of all -the great number of men he controlled, or of those associated with him -as employees of the Overland Stage company, men personally cognizant of -his career, believe that he committed a single act not justified by the -circumstances provoking it. - -He could not be true to his employers and escape censure, any more than -he could have discharged the duties expected of him without frequent and -dangerous collision with the rough elements of the society in which he -moved. That he lived through it all was a miracle. A man of weaker -resolution, and less fertility of resource, would have been killed -before the close of his first year’s service. Equally strange is it, -that one whose daily business required a continual exercise of power in -so many and varied forms, at one moment among his own employees, at the -next among the half-civilized borderers by whom he was surrounded, and -perhaps at the same time sending out men in pursuit of horse-thieves, -should have escaped with so few desperate and bloody encounters. - -The uniform testimony of those who knew him is, that he was rigidly -honest and faithful. He exacted these qualities from those in his -employ. Among gentlemen he was a gentleman always. He had no bad habits -at that time. Men who were brought in daily contact with him, during his -period of service, say that they never saw him affected by liquor. He -was generous, warmly attached to his friends, and happy in his family. -He was of a lively, cheerful temperament, full of anecdote and wit, a -pleasant companion, whose personal magnetism attached his friends to him -with hooks of steel. - -Many jarring and discordant incidents disfigured this flattering -foreground in Slade’s border life, but there was only one which gave it -a sanguine hue. That in all its parts, and from the very first, has been -so tortured and perverted in the telling, that persons perfectly -familiar with all its details do not hesitate to pronounce every -published version a falsehood. I have the narrative from truthful men, -personally familiar with all the facts. - -Among the ranchemen with whom Slade early commenced to deal was one -Jules Reni, a Canadian Frenchman. He was a representative man of his -class, and that class embraced nearly all the people scattered along the -road. They regarded him as their leader and adviser, and he was proud of -the position. He espoused their quarrels with outsiders, and reconciled -all differences occurring among themselves. In this way, he exercised -the power of a chief over the class, and maintained a rustic dignity, -which commanded respect within the sphere of its influence. Jules and -Slade had frequent collisions, which generally originated in some real -or supposed encroachment by the latter upon the dignity or importance of -the former. They always arose from trivial causes, and were forgotten by -Slade as soon as over; but Jules treasured them up until the account -against his rival became too heavy to be borne. A serious quarrel, in -which threats were exchanged, was the consequence. If Slade had -treasured up any vicious memory of this difficulty, no evidence of it -was apparent when he afterwards met Jules. They accosted each other with -usual courtesy, and soon fell into a friendly conversation, in which -others standing by participated. Both were seated at the time on the -fence fronting the station. At length Jules left and entered his house, -and a moment afterwards Slade followed. Slade was unarmed. He had gone -but a few rods, when one of the men he had just left, in a tone of -alarm, cried to him, - -“Look out, Slade, Jules is going to shoot you!” - -As Slade turned to obey the summons, he received the bullet from Jules’s -revolver. Five shots from the pistol were fired in instant succession, -and then Jules, who was standing in the door of his cabin, took a -shotgun which was within reach, and emptied its contents into the body -of Slade, who was facing him when he fell. Slade was carried into the -station, and placed in a bunk, with bullets and buckshot to the number -of thirteen lodged in his person. No one who witnessed the attack -supposed he could survive an hour. Jules was so well satisfied that he -was slain, that in a short time afterwards he said to some person near, -in the hearing of Slade, “When he is dead, you can put him in one of -these dry-goods boxes, and bury him.” - -Slade rose in his bunk, and glaring out upon Jules, who was standing in -front of the station, exclaimed with an oath, “I shall live long enough -to wear one of your ears on my watch-guard. You needn’t trouble yourself -about my burial.” - -In the midst of the excitement occasioned by the shooting, the overland -coach arrived, bringing the superintendent of the road. Finding Slade -writhing in mortal agony, he, on hearing the nature of the assault, -caused Jules to be arrested, and improvised a scaffold for his immediate -execution. Three times was Jules drawn up by willing hands and strangled -until he was black in the face. On letting him down the last time, the -superintendent, upon his promise to leave the country, ordered his -release. He left immediately. - -Slade lingered for several weeks at the station, and finally went to St. -Louis for treatment. As soon as he was sufficiently recovered, he -returned to his division, with eight remaining bullets in his body. The -only sentiment of all, except the personal friends of Jules, was that -this attack upon Slade, as brutal as it was unprovoked, should be -avenged. Slade must improve the first opportunity to kill Jules. This -was deemed right and just. In no other way could he, in the parlance of -the country, get even with him. Slade determined to kill Jules upon -sight, but not to go out of his way to meet him. Indeed, he sent him -word to that effect, and warned him against a return to his division. - -Jules, in the meantime, had been buying and selling cattle in some parts -of Colorado. Soon after Slade’s return to his division, Jules followed, -for the ostensible purpose of getting some cattle that he owned, which -were running at large; but his real object, as he everywhere boasted on -his journey, was to kill Slade. This threat was circulated far and wide -through the country, coupled with the announcement that Jules was on his -return to the division to carry it into speedy execution. He exhibited a -pistol of a peculiar pattern, as the instrument designed for Slade’s -destruction. - -Slade first heard of Jules’s approach and threat at Pacific Springs, the -west end of his division, just as he was about leaving to return to -Julesburg. At every station on that long route of six hundred miles, he -was warned by different persons of the bloody purpose which Jules was -returning to accomplish. Knowing the desperate character of the man with -whom he had to deal, and that the threats he had made were serious, -Slade resolved to counsel with the officers in command at Fort Laramie, -and follow their advice. On his arrival at that post he laid the subject -before them. They were perfectly familiar with former difficulties -between Slade and Jules, and the treacherous attack of the latter upon -the former. They advised him to secure the person of Jules, and kill -him. Unless he did so, the chances were he would be killed himself; and -in any event, there could be no peace on his division while Jules lived, -as he was evidently determined to shoot him on sight. Slade had been -informed that Jules had passed the preceding night at Bordeaux’s ranche, -a stage station about twelve miles distant from the fort, and had -repeated his threats, exhibited his pistol, and declared his intention -of lying in wait at some point on the road until Slade should appear. - -When Slade was told of this, he hesitated no longer to follow the advice -he had received. Four men were sent on horseback in advance of him to -capture Jules and disarm him. Soon after they left, Slade, in company -with a friend, followed in the coach. Jules had left Bordeaux’s before -his arrival, but the story of the threats he had uttered there, was -confirmed by Bordeaux, who, when the coach departed, took a seat in it, -carrying with him a small armory of guns and pistols. It was apparent -that the old man, whose interest was with the winner in the fight, -whichever he might be, was prepared to embrace his cause, in case of -after disturbance. - -As the coach approached the next station, at Chansau’s ranche, with -Slade as the driver, two of the four men sent to secure Jules were seen -riding towards it at a spanking pace. Slade and his friends at once -concluded that they had failed in their designs, but the shouts of the -men who swung their hats as they passed the coach reassured them, and -Slade drove rapidly up in front of the station. Jumping from the box, he -walked hurriedly to the door. There were several persons standing near, -all, as was customary, armed with pistol and knife. Slade drew the -pistol from the belt of one standing in the doorway, and glancing -hastily to see that it was loaded, said,—“I want this.” He then came -out, and at a rapid stride went to the corral in rear of the station -where Jules was a prisoner. As soon as he came in sight of him, he fired -his pistol, intending to hit him between the eyes, but he had aimed too -low, and the ball struck him in the mouth, and glanced off without -causing material injury. Jules fell upon his back, and simulated the -mortal agony so well that for a few moments the people supposed the -wound was fatal. Slade discovered the deception at a glance. - -“I have not hurt you,” said he, “and no deception is necessary. I have -determined to kill you, but having failed in this shot, I will now, if -you wish it, give you time to make your will.” - -Jules replied that he should like to do so; and a gentleman who was -awaiting the departure of the coach volunteered to draw it up for him. -The inconvenience of walking back and forth from the corral to the -station, through the single entrance in front of the latter, made this a -protracted service. The will was finally completed and read to Jules. He -expressed himself satisfied with it, and the drawer of it went to the -station to get a pen and ink, with which he could sign it. When he -returned a moment afterwards, Jules was dead. Slade had shot him in the -head during that temporary absence. - -Slade went to Fort Laramie and surrendered himself a prisoner to the -officer in command. Military authority was the only law of the country, -and though this action of Slade may have a farcical appearance when -taken in consideration with the circumstances preceding it, yet it was -all that he could do to signify his desire for an investigation. The -officers of the fort, familiar with all the facts, discharged him, with -their unanimous approval of the course he had pursued. The French -friends of Jules never harmed him. The whole subject was carefully -investigated by the stage company, which, as the best evidence it could -give of approval, continued Slade in its employ. - -This is the history of the quarrel between Slade and Jules Reni, as I -have received it from a gentleman familiar with all its phases from its -commencement to its close. The aggravated form in which the narrative -has been laid before the public, charging Slade with having tied his -victim to a tree, and firing at him at different times during the day, -taunting him meantime, and subjecting him to a great variety of torture, -before killing him, is false in every particular. Jules was not only the -first, but the most constant aggressor. In a community favored with laws -and an organized police, Slade would not have been justified in the -course he pursued, yet, under our most favored institutions, more -flagrant cases than this daily escape conviction. In the situation he -accepted, an active business man, intrusted with duties which required -constant exposure of his person both night and day, what else could he -do, to save his own life, than kill the person who threatened and sought -an opportunity to take it? Law would not protect him. The promise which -Jules had made with the halter about his neck, to leave the country, did -not prevent his return to avenge himself upon Slade. It was impossible -to avoid a collision with him; and to kill him under such circumstances -was as clear an act of self-defence, as if, in a civilized community, he -had been slain by his adversary with his pistol at his heart. - -Slade’s career, relieved from the infamy of this transaction, presents -no feature for severe public condemnation, until several years after its -occurrence. He retained his position as division agent, discharging his -duties acceptably, and was, in fact, regarded by the company as their -most efficient man. When the route was changed from Laramie to the -Cherokee Trail, he removed his headquarters to a beautiful nook in the -Black Hills, which he named Virginia Dale, after his wife, whom he loved -fondly. - -His position as division agent often involved him unavoidably in -difficulty with ranchemen and saloon-keepers. At one time, after the -violation of a second request to sell no liquor to his employees, Slade -riddled a wayside saloon, and poured the liquor into the street. On -another occasion, seemingly without provocation, he and his men took -possession of the sutler’s quarters at Fort Halleck, and so conducted -themselves as to excite the animosity of the officers of the garrison, -who determined to punish him for the outrage. Following him in the coach -to Denver, they arrested and would not release him, until the company -assured them he should leave the division. - -This threw him out of employment, and he went immediately to Carlisle, -Illinois, whence, early in the Spring of 1863, he drifted with the tide -of emigration to the Beaverhead mines. As with all men of ardent -temperament, his habits of drinking, by long indulgence, had passed by -his control. He was subject to fits of occasional intoxication, and -these, unfortunately, became so frequent that seldom a week passed -unmarked by the occurrence of one or more scenes of riot, in which he -was the chief actor. Liquor enkindled all the evil elements of his -volcanic nature. He was as reckless and ungovernable as a maniac under -its influence, but even those who had suffered outrage at his hands -during these explosive periods, were disarmed of hostility by his -gentle, amiable deportment, and readiness always to make reparation on -the return of sobriety. His fits of rowdyism, moreover, always left him -a determined business man, with an aim and purpose in life. As a -remarkable manifestation of this latter quality, soon after he went to -Montana, a steamboat freighted with goods from St. Louis, unable from -low water to ascend the Missouri to Fort Benton, had discharged her -cargo at Milk River, in a country filled with hostile Indians; and Slade -was the only man to be found in the mines willing to encounter the risk -of carrying the goods by teams to their place of destination in the -Territory. The distance was seven hundred miles, full half of which was -unmarked by a road. The several bands of the Blackfeet occupied the -country on the north, and the Crows, Gros-Ventres, and Sioux on the -south. Slade collected a company of teamsters, led them to the spot, and -returned safely with the goods, meeting with adventures enough on the -way to fill a volume. - -After the discovery of Alder Gulch, Slade went to Virginia City. It was -there that I first met him. Slade came with a team to my lumber-yard, -and selecting from the piles a quantity of long boards, directed the -teamsters to load and take them away. After the men had started with the -load, Slade asked me, - -“How long credit will you give me on this purchase?” - -“About as long as it will take to weigh the dust,” I replied. - -He remarked good-humoredly, “That’s played out.” - -“As I can buy for cash only, I must of necessity require immediate -payment on all sales,” I said, by way of explanation. - -Slade immediately called to the teamster to return and unload the -lumber, remarking, as soon as it was replaced upon the piles, - -“Well, I can’t get along without the boards anyhow; load them up again.” - -The man obeyed and left again with the load, Slade insisting, as before, -that he must have time to pay for it, and I as earnest in the demand for -immediate payment. The teamster returned and unloaded a second time. - -“I must and will have the lumber,” said Slade; and the teamster, by his -direction, was proceeding to reload it a third time, when I forbade his -doing so, until it was paid for. - -Our conversation now, without being angry, became very earnest, and I -fully explained why I could not sell to any man upon credit. - -“Oh, well,” said he, with a significant toss of the head, “I guess -you’ll let _me_ have it.” - -“Certainly not,” I replied. “Why should I let you have it sooner than -another?” - -“Then I guess you don’t know who I am,” he quickly rejoined, fixing his -keen dark eyes on me. - -“No, I don’t; but if I did, it could make no difference.” - -“Well,” he continued, in an authoritative tone and manner, “my name is -Slade.” - -It so happened that I had never heard of him, being wholly engrossed -with business, so I replied, laughingly, - -“I don’t know now, any better than before.” - -“You must have heard of Slade of the Overland.” - -“Never before,” I said. - -The reply seemed to annoy him. He gave me a look of mingled doubt and -wonder, which, had it taken the form of words, would have said, “You are -either trying to fool me, or are yourself a fool.” No doubt he thought -it strange that I should never have heard of a man who had been so -conspicuous in mountain history. - -“Well,” he said, “if you do not know me, ask any of the boys who I am, -and they will inform you. I’m going to have this lumber; that is dead -sure,” and with an air of much importance, he moved to a group of eight -or ten men that had just come out of Skinner’s saloon, all of whom were -_attachés_ of his. “Come, boys,” said he, “load up the wagon.” - -Several of my friends were standing near, and the matter between us had -fully ripened for a conflict. At this moment, John Ely, an old friend, -elbowed his way through the crowd, and learning the cause of the -difficulty, told me to let Slade have the lumber, and he would see that -I was paid the next day. I readily consented. Ely then took me aside and -informed me of the desperate character of Slade, and advised me to avoid -him, as he was drunk, and would certainly shoot me at our next meeting. - -Early in the evening of the same day, Slade, instigated by the demon of -whiskey, provoked a fight with Jack Gallagher, which, had not -by-standers disarmed the combatants, would have had a fatal termination. -Soon after this was over I saw him enter the California Exchange, -accompanied by two friends whom he invited to drink with him. When in -the act of raising their glasses, Slade drew back his powerful arm and -struck the one nearest him a violent blow on the forehead. He fell -heavily to the floor. Slade left immediately, and the man, being raised, -recovered consciousness and disappeared. Slade returned in a few moments -with another friend whom he asked to drink, and struck down. Again he -went out, and soon came in with another whom he attempted to serve in -the same manner, but this man rose immediately to his feet. Slade was -foiled by the interference of by-standers, in the attempt to strike him -again. Turning on his heel, his eye caught mine. I was standing a few -feet from him by the wall. He advanced rapidly towards me, and, -expecting an assault, I assumed a posture of defence. Greatly to my -surprise, he accosted me civilly, and throwing his arm around me, said -jocosely, - -“Old fellow! You didn’t think I was going to cheat you out of that -lumber, did you?” - -He then asked me to drink. I respectfully declined. - -“It’s all right,” said he, and walked away. - -I met him afterwards several times during the evening, but he said -nothing more. - -Nine years after these occurrences, in July, 1872, I went from Helena to -Fort Hall by coach, to accompany the United States Geological Survey, -under charge of Dr. Hayden, to the National Park. Dan Johnson, the -driver from Snake River to the fort, being unwell, and having a vicious -horse in his team, asked my assistance, and I drove for him to the -station. We fell into a desultory conversation, and Dan’s reserve -wearing off, he gave me a look of recognition from under the broad rim -of his hat, abruptly exclaiming, - -“If I’m not much mistaken, I’ve seen your face before.” - -“Very likely. I’ve passed over the line many times.” - -“That’s not it. It’s a long time since I have seen you, and I have got -you mixed up with some old recollections of Virginia City, as long ago -as 1863.” - -“I was there a good portion of the time during the Fall of that year.” - -“Just as I thought,” he replied; “you’re the very man who sold the -lumber to Slade. We boys thought Slade would shoot you, when you refused -to trust him for the boards. He came pretty near doing it, and it wa’n’t -a bit like him not to. I was one of the teamsters then, and we all -expected a big row about it, and stood by, ready to pitch in. I ain’t -that kind of a man now, but things were different then, and anybody that -worked for Slade, if he wished to escape being shot, had to stand by him -in a fight. I never knew why Slade didn’t shoot you, but there was never -any telling what he would do, and what he wouldn’t. Sometimes it was one -thing and sometimes another, just as the notion took him; but if he ever -was put down by a man, which wasn’t often, he always seemed to remember -it, and was civil to him afterwards. You were in mighty big luck to get -out of the scrape as you did.” - -In illustration of this latter peculiarity, an incident is related of -Slade, which occurred during that portion of his life passed on the -Overland Stage route. He and one Bob Scott, a somewhat noted man of the -time, had become interested in a set-to at poker; game followed game, -and drink followed drink. Both were exhilarated by liquor, bets grew -larger, and finally in one game each had “raised” the other till Slade’s -money was exhausted. Slade pointed to the piles of coin heaped upon the -table, exclaiming, - -“Bob, that money belongs to me.” - -“It does if the cards say so,” said Bob, “not otherwise.” - -“Perhaps,” rejoined Slade, “my cards are not better than yours; but,” -drawing his revolver and pointing it at Scott, “my _hand is_.” - -Scott glanced at him with amazement, and for a moment both parties were -silent. At length Slade reached forward to pull down the pile of double -eagles and transfer them to his pocket, when, with the quickness of -lightning, Scott pushed aside the pistol with one hand, and dealt his -antagonist a stunning blow between the eyes with the other. Slade fell, -and Scott fell on him, and gave him a severe drubbing, only permitting -him to rise on his promising to behave himself. - -The game was renewed and no reference made to the fight, until Slade, -thoroughly sobered, quietly remarked, - -“Well, Bob, if you’d pounded me about two minutes longer, I’d have got -sober sooner.” - -Soon after he came to Virginia City, Slade located a ranche on the -margin of Meadow Creek, twelve miles distant, and built a small stone -house in one of the wildest dells of the overhanging mountain. This -lonely dwelling, seldom visited by him, was occupied solely by his wife, -who fittingly typified the genius of that majestic solitude over which -she presided. This ill-fated lady was at this time in the prime of -health and beauty. She possessed many personal attractions. Her figure -was queenly, and her movements the perfection of grace. Her countenance -was lit up by a pair of burning black eyes, and her hair, black as the -raven’s wing, fell in rich curls over her shoulders. She was of powerful -organization, and having passed her life upon the borders, knew how to -use the rifle and revolver, and could perform as many dexterous feats in -the saddle as the boldest hunter that roamed the plains. Secure in the -affection of her husband, she devoted her life to his interests, and -participated in all the joys and sorrows of his checkered career. While -he lived, she knew no heavier grief than his irregularities. In his -wildest moments of passion and violence, Slade dearly loved his wife. -Liquor and license never made him forgetful of her happiness, nor -poisoned the love she bore for him. - -The frequent and inexcusable acts of violence committed by Slade made -him the terror of the country. His friends warned him of the -consequences, but he disregarded their advice, or if possible behaved -the worse for it. It was an invariable custom with him when intoxicated, -to mount his horse and ride through the main street, driving into each -saloon as he came to it, firing at the lamps, breaking the glasses, -throwing the gold scales into the street, or committing other acts -equally destructive and vicious, and seldom unaccompanied by deeds of -personal violence as unprovoked as they were wanton and cruel. People -soon tired of pecuniary reparation and gentlemanly apologies for a -course of brutality, which, sooner or later, they foresaw must culminate -in outrage and bloodshed. All the respect they entertained for Slade -when sober, was changed into fear when he was drunk; and rather than -offend one so reckless of all civil restraint, they closed and locked -their doors at his approach. In the absence of law, the people, after -the execution of Helm, Gallagher, and their associates, established a -voluntary tribunal, for the punishment of offenders against the peace, -which was known as the People’s Court. It possessed all the requisites -for trial of a constitutional court; and its judgment had never been -disputed. Alexander Davis, a lawyer of good attainments in his -profession, and a man of exemplary character, was the judge. Slade had -been often arrested and fined by this tribunal, and always obeyed its -decrees, but an occasion came when he refused longer to do so, and -treated its process and officers with contempt. - -He was arrested one morning after a night of riot and violence. He and -his companions had made the town a scene of uproar and confusion. Every -saloon in it bore evidence of their drunken mischief and lawlessness. -They were taken before Judge Davis, who ordered the sheriff to read the -writ to them, by way of an arraignment. Fairweather, one of Slade’s -comrades, placed his right hand on his revolver and with his left hand -menacingly snatched the writ from the sheriff before it was half read, -and tearing it in twain, cast the pieces angrily upon the floor and -ground them under his feet. - -“Go in, Bill,” said Slade, addressing him and drawing his revolver, “I -am with you. We’ll teach this volunteer court what its law is worth -anyhow.” - -The sheriff, who probably entertained Falstaffian ideas of valor, made -no resistance, and the court was thus virtually captured. This -transaction roused the Vigilantes, who had only been prevented from -summarily punishing Slade on several occasions during the previous three -months at the earnest intercessions of P. S. Pfouts, Major Brookie, and -Judge Davis. The two first named of those gentlemen now abandoned him. A -large number of the Committee assembled, and while they were engaged in -council, a leading member sought out Slade, and in an earnest, quiet -tone said to him, - -“Slade, get your horse at once and go home, or you will have serious -trouble.” - -Slade, himself a member of the Vigilantes, startled into momentary -sobriety by this sudden warning, quickly inquired, - -“What do you mean?” - -“You have no right to ask me what I mean. Get your horse at once, and -remember what I tell you.” - -“All right,” he replied; “I will follow your advice.” - -A few moments afterwards he made his appearance on horseback, to obey, -as his friend supposed, the warning he had given him; but, seeing some -of his comrades standing near, he became again uproarious, and seemed by -his conduct to ignore the promise he had made. Seeking for Judge Davis, -whom he found in the store of Pfouts and Russell, he interrupted him -while conversing with John S. Lott. - -“I hear,” said he, addressing him, “that they are going to arrest me.” - -“Go home, Slade,” said Davis; “go at once, and behave yourself, and you -may yet escape.” - -“No,” he replied, “you are now my prisoner. I will hold you as a hostage -for my own safety.” - -“All right, Slade,” said the judge, smiling, and still continuing to -converse with Lott. - -“Oh, I mean it,” replied Slade with an oath, pulling a derringer from -his pocket and aiming it at Davis. - -William Hunt, who had been an eyewitness of these proceeding now stepped -up, and, facing Slade defiantly, said to him, - -“You are not going to hurt him. He can do and act he pleases, and don’t -you dare to touch him.” - -Slade made some careless rejoinder. - -“Slade,” said Hunt, “if I’d been sheriff, the first thing I would have -done when I got up this morning would have been to arrest you. By that -means I would have saved your life, probably prevented bloodshed, and we -would have had a quiet town to-day.” - -“We had better make you sheriff, then,” replied Slade. - -“No, I have no wish for it; but if I were, I have got nerve enough to -arrest you, and would certainly have done so.” - -“Well, well,” said Slade, now thoroughly quieted, “let us go out and get -a drink.” - -The two men left the store. In a few moments Slade returned, and, -approaching Davis, said, - -“I was too fast. I ask your pardon for my conduct, and hope you will -overlook it.” - -In the meantime the Vigilantes, undetermined what course to pursue, had -sent a request to their brethren at Nevada to join in their -deliberations. Six hundred armed miners obeyed the summons, sending -their leader in advance to inform the Executive Committee that, in their -judgment, Slade should be executed. The Committee, unwilling to -recommend this measure, finally agreed that, if unanimously adopted, it -should be enforced. - -Alarmed at the gathering of the people, Slade again sought the presence -of Judge Davis, to repeat his apologies and regrets for the violence of -his conduct. He was now perfectly sobered, and fully comprehended the -effect of his lawlessness upon the community. The column of Vigilantes -from Nevada halted in front of the store, and the executive officer -stepped forward and arrested Slade. - -“The Committee,” said he, addressing him, “have decided upon your -execution. If you have any business to settle, you must attend to it -immediately.” - -“My execution! my death! My God! gentlemen, you will not proceed to such -extremities! The Committee cannot have decreed this.” - -“It is even so, and you had better at once give the little time left you -to arranging your business.” - -This appalling repetition of the sentence of the Committee seemed to -deprive him of every vestige of manliness and courage. He fell upon his -knees, and with clasped hands shuffled over the floor from one to -another of those who had been his friends, begging for his life. -Clasping the hands of Judge Davis and Captain Williams, he implored them -for mercy, mingling with his appeals, prayers and promises, and requests -that his wife might be sent for. “My God! my God! must I die? Oh, my -dear wife! why can she not be sent for?” were repeated in the most -heartrending accents. - -Judge Davis alone stood by the unhappy man in this his great extremity, -and tried to save his life. He conversed with several leaders of the -Committee, suggesting that they should substitute banishment for death. -But the people were implacable. Slade’s life among them had been -violent, lawless, desperate. No brigand was more dreaded by all who knew -him; and the speech which, at the foot of the gallows, Davis addressed -to the crowd in his behalf, fell like water upon adamant. There was no -mercy left for one who had so often forfeited all claims to mercy. Yet -there were a few men, even among those who had doomed this man to death, -that would have given all they possessed to save his life. They could -not witness his execution; and some of them, stout of heart and -accustomed to disaster, it is no shame to say, wept like children when -they beheld him on his march to the scaffold. - -As soon as Slade found all entreaty useless, he sent a messenger for his -wife, and recovered in some degree his wonted composure. The only favor -he now asked of the Committee was that his execution might be delayed -until his wife arrived,—a favor that would have been granted could the -Committee have been assured that her presence and remarkable courage -would not have excited an attempt at rescue, and been the cause of -bloodshed. The scaffold, formed of the gateway of a corral, was soon -prepared, and, everything being in readiness, Slade was placed upon a -dry-goods box, with the fatal cord around his neck. Several gentlemen -whom he sent for came to see him and bid him farewell. One of his -comrades, who had exhausted himself in prayers for his release, as the -fatal moment drew nigh, threw off his coat, and, doubling his fists, -declared that Slade should be hanged only over his dead body. The aim of -a hundred rifles brought him to his senses, and he was glad to escape -upon a promise of future good behavior. The execution immediately -followed, Slade dying with the fall of the drop. His body was removed to -the Virginia Hotel, and decently laid out. - -A few moments later his wife, mounted on a fleet horse, dashed up to the -hotel, and rushed madly to the bed on which the body lay. Casting -herself upon the inanimate form, she gave way to a paroxysm of grief. -Her cries were heartrending, mingled with deep and bitter curses upon -those who had deprived her of her husband. Hours elapsed before she was -sufficiently composed to give directions for the disposition of the -body. - -“Why, oh, why,” she exclaimed, in an agony of grief, “did not some of -you, the friends of Slade, shoot him down, and not suffer him to die on -the scaffold? I would have done it had I been here. He should never have -died by the rope of the hangman. No dog’s death should have come to such -a man.” - -The body was placed in a tin coffin filled with alcohol, and conveyed to -the ranche, where it remained until the following spring, when it was -taken to Salt Lake City and buried in the cemetery. A plain marble slab, -with name and age graven thereon, marks the burial-place of Slade,—a man -who surrendered all that was noble, generous, and manly in his nature to -the demon of intemperance. A friend of his, in a recent letter to me, -relating to him, says: - -“Slade was unquestionably a most useful man in his time to the stage -line, and to the cause of progress in the Far West, and he never was a -robber, as some have represented; but after years of contention with -desperate men, he became so reckless and regardless of human life that -his best friends must concede that he was at times a most dangerous -character, and no doubt, by his defiance of the authority and wholesome -discipline of the Vigilantes, brought upon himself the calamity which he -suffered.” - - - - - CHAPTER XLV - A MODERN HAMAN - - -“We’ve got a woman for breakfast this time, and a Chinawoman at that,” -said X. Beidler, as he drew up to the well-filled breakfast table of the -saloon where he boarded. “There’s no want of variety. We had a negro -election day, and plenty of white men the week before.” (The expression -“a man for breakfast,” signifies, in mining parlance, that a man has -been murdered during the night.) - -“What is the new sensation, X.?” inquired one of the boarders. - -“Nothing remarkable,” replied X., “a Chinawoman choked to death, and -robbed of a thousand dollars during the night.” - -“Who did it?” - -“That’s the mysterious part of it. It was done by some one who don’t -wish to be known. He’s an exceptional scoundrel; generally, our murders -are committed publicly.” - -“Have you no idea who committed the deed?” - -“Oh, yes, but then I may be mistaken. I’ll say nothing about that at -present. The woman was ready to leave for Boise this morning with the -negro Hanson, who has been living with her for some time. I don’t think -Hanson killed her, but it can do no harm to arrest him on suspicion, and -hear his statement.” - -This brief colloquy occurred in Helena on a Sabbath morning in -September, 1867. The town was at that time infested with thieves, -ruffians, and murderers. Shooting affrays, resulting in death to some of -the parties concerned, had been of almost daily occurrence for several -weeks, and the citizens began to fear a return of the days of 1863. - -X. Beidler ate deliberately, and when he had finished, sauntered out in -pursuit of Hanson, whom he soon found, arrested, and took before a -magistrate. The negro was frightened, but protested his innocence. - -“How was it?” inquired the justice, in a kind tone. “Tell us all you -know.” - -“I’ll do that, sure,” replied Hanson. “You see, this woman and I were -jest as close friends as there’s any need of. She had eight hundred -dollars in dust and greenbacks, and three horses. We had agreed some -time ago to go to Boise, and made our arrangements to leave this very -morning. I went up to the house last evening and found a white man -there. I didn’t take no partikler notice of the man, but I think I would -know him again if I saw him. I left, and did not go back till this -morning, when I found the woman lying dead upon the floor. ’Fore God, -that is all I know about the murder of the woman.” - -After a few more questions relating to the size and general appearance -of the man whom he left in company with the woman, Hanson was -discharged. - -“I know,” said X., significantly, “that he is not guilty. Let him go. -We’ll look further for the murderer.” - -Some ten days previous to this time, Hon. William H. Claggett had come -over from Deer Lodge to address the citizens of Helena on the issues of -the political campaign, then in progress. He brought with him a Henry -rifle marked on the stock with his initials. Forgetting to take it from -the coach on his arrival, he returned from the hotel after it, and it -was gone. It had been stolen during his momentary absence. After a -diligent but unsuccessful search, it was given up for lost. X., however, -promised to keep a lookout for it. - -[Illustration: - - JOHN X. BEIDLER - - _Leading Vigilante and express messenger_ -] - -Election day came, when the negroes, for the first time in our history, -were to exercise the right of suffrage. It was a great day for them; and -the few that were in the city, soon began to make their appearance, -dressed up for the occasion as for a holiday. A riot was anticipated, as -threats had been made by the roughs in town that the negroes should not -vote without a fight. X. Beidler stood near the polls to preserve the -peace, and see that every man, black or white, was protected in voting. -In the meantime a colored barber and his negro associate had a set-to at -fisticuffs, to decide some knotty point in politics. The crowd arrested -the combatants, and while conducting them to the magistrate, the barber -escaped and ran home. Hayes, still in their custody, was roughly charged -by one John Leach with having drawn a pistol upon a white man. - -“You lie if you say that,” was the indignant reply of Hayes. - -“Do you call me a liar?” retorted Leach. - -“Yes, you or any other man who says I drew a pistol or carry one.” - -As he said this, the crowd released Hayes, and he walked down the street -to a barber shop, where he was followed by Leach, who seized him by the -collar with one hand, and drawing and cocking a pistol with the other, -repeated the question, - -“You drew a pistol upon a white man, did you?” - -Hayes again replied in the negative, and raising his arm said, - -“Search me, if you think I have any weapons. My fuss was with a colored -man, not with you. I don’t want anything to do with you.” As he turned -to release himself from the grasp of Leach, that ruffian, aiming at his -heart, said, - -“If you open your mouth again, I’ll kill you,” and instantly fired, the -ball entering the left side, below the breast. Hayes lived about an -hour. - -On being apprised of the affray, X. Beidler hastened to the spot to -arrest Leach. A crowd of roughs stood around to protect him, but -Beidler, pistol in hand, at the risk of his life, pushed his way through -it, and seizing Leach by the collar, secured him with handcuffs and led -him to jail. Knives had been drawn in the _mêlée_ by Leach’s friends. A -deadly blow had been aimed at Beidler by one Bill Hynson, which he -evaded by the dexterous use of his right arm. - -After the man was in prison, and quiet restored, Hynson sought out -Beidler, who was then, as now, a terror to the roughs, and said to him, - -“X., I saved your life. I knocked off the blow just in time.” - -Comprehending the object of this salutation, X. replied dryly, - -“I’m all right now, and much obliged to you. I suppose you saved my -life.” - -Hynson, mistaking the irony for sincerity, followed it up by a request -that Beidler would use his influence to get him a position on the police -force of Helena. Beidler gave him no encouragement, and a few days -afterwards he told Beidler he had got a better thing and did not wish -the place. - -From the meagre description given by Hanson of the man he saw in company -with the Chinawoman, during the evening preceding her murder, Beidler’s -suspicions fell upon Hynson. He watched him narrowly, but could find no -clew. - -A day or two after the murder, at a very early hour in the morning, -Beidler, in pursuit of circumstances to justify his suspicions, abruptly -entered an old, deserted building, which a lot of loafers and roughs had -appropriated for sleeping purposes. The floor was covered with their -blankets, and the sudden presence of Beidler among them at so early an -hour caused great consternation. They crept from their covers, and -exchanging hurried glances with each other, as if to inquire, “Which of -us is this day a victim for the dry tree?” fled from the building like -rats from a sinking ship. Hynson was among the number. In the hurried -observation he had taken of the room, Beidler saw, lying beside Hynson -under his blanket, a Henry rifle, which by the initials on the stock he -recognized as Claggett’s. After the room was deserted, he returned to -it, and seizing the rifle sent it to its owner by the next express. - -Hynson missed the rifle. Meeting Beidler the next day, he inquired if he -had seen it. - -“Yes,” replied X. “Whose is it?” - -“Mine,” said Hynson defiantly. - -“Yours!” rejoined X. sternly. “How came you by it? You have seen the -initials on the stock. Don’t you know whose it is?” - -Seeing that Beidler was not to be deceived, Hynson, after some -prevarication, acknowledged that he took the rifle from the coach. - -“I thought,” said he, “I might as well have it as any one.” - -This admission of guilt would have been followed by Hynson’s immediate -arrest had not Beidler hoped by delay to find some evidence against him -of murder. The negro Hanson had, in the meantime, seen Hynson. He told -Beidler he resembled the man he saw at the house of the Chinawoman. -Beidler hesitated no longer, but at once arrested Hynson for stealing -the rifle, intending to keep him in custody until satisfied of his guilt -or innocence of the higher crime. Impatient of this restraint, Hynson -daily vented his wrath upon his keepers. - -“As soon as I get out,” said he to John Fetherstun, “I intend to kill -you. Only give me the chance, and see how quick I’ll do it.” - -John laughed, dismissing all his threats with some axioms less -complimentary to his courage than his bravado, such as, “You crow well,” -“Barking dogs seldom bite,” etc. - -Beidler soon became satisfied that no evidence could be found sufficient -to convict Hynson of murder, and the stealing of the rifle in a -community where higher crimes were committed daily with impunity did not -call for heavier punishment than the thief had already received. So -Hynson was released. As Fetherstun opened the door of the prison for -him, he said, - -“Have you got a six-shooter?” - -“No,” replied Hynson. - -“Then I’ll give you one, and you can turn loose,” at the same time -drawing a revolver from his belt and offering it to him. Seeing that -Hynson hesitated, he immediately added, “Take it. It will give you the -chance you’ve been looking for so long.” - -Hynson declined taking it, saying, - -“I was in jail and feeling bad when I said that. You’ve always been kind -to me. I’ve got nothing against you, and don’t want to hurt you, but I’m -going for X., sure,—the man that put me in here.” - -X. needed no protector, especially when warned. No man could draw and -fire a pistol with deadlier aim or greater rapidity, and so Hynson found -no opportunity of putting his threat into execution. - -In the Spring of 1868, Beidler, on his return to Helena from the -Whoop-up mines, spent a few days _en route_ at Benton. The steamboats -from St. Louis were daily arriving with freights, which from this point -were conveyed by teams to all the towns and mining camps in the -Territory. Hynson, hired as a teamster to Scott Bullard, a heavy Helena -freighter, was on his way to Benton. Learning that Beidler was there, he -frequently in conversation avowed the intention of shooting him on -sight. As the train approached Benton, Bullard rode into town in advance -of it, and apprised Beidler of his danger. - -The day after the arrival of the train, Hynson and Beidler approached -each other in the street. The former extended his hand in a friendly -manner, which Beidler seized with his left hand, keeping his right in -reserve for the use of his pistol. - -“I am told,” said Beidler, “that you have come here to kill me.” - -“I kill you!” said Hynson, in well-affected surprise. - -“Yes, you,” said Beidler, dropping the hand he held, “and if you wish to -try it, you’ll never have a better chance. If that’s what you want, you -can’t pull your pistol too quick.” - -Hynson glared at the little, athletic man who confronted him so boldly, -and saw in those burning eyes and that steady muscle not the smallest -trace of fear. - -Seizing Beidler again by the hand, he said in hurried tones, - -“X., I did make a fool of myself when drunk in camp with the boys, in -some remarks relating to you, but I didn’t mean it. I don’t want to hurt -you, and never did. Now, let’s be friends.” - -Beidler, who had no other feeling than contempt for the bragging -poltroon, listened in silence. - -“I want you,” said Hynson, “to aid me in getting the position of -night-watchman in this city.” - -X. replied to this request in general terms, and, turning on his heel, -left Hynson, who afterwards, by some means which X. could not fathom, -received the appointment he desired. - -Before leaving Benton, X. received a letter from Silver Bow requesting -him to watch for and arrest a person who had stolen a lot of nuggets and -jewelry, and gone from that place to Benton. Called suddenly away by -more important business, X. instructed Hynson with this service, who -caught the thief and recovered the property, which he appropriated to -his own use, pawning the jewelry for a sum of money, which was soon -squandered. When X. returned, Hynson, with much difficulty, redeemed -most of the jewelry, which Beidler returned to the owner. - -About this time Beidler, as deputy United States marshal, made a seizure -of some contraband goods. One Charles Williams was an important witness -in the case. The court was held at Helena, one hundred and forty miles -distant from Benton. Beidler discovered that the defendant and his -friends had a plan on foot to prevent Williams from going to court, -which he determined to forestall. He met Williams by appointment a -couple of miles from town, furnished him a horse, a Henry rifle, and ten -dollars in money, and directed him to ride with all possible despatch to -Helena, he intending to follow in the coach, which was to leave in a few -hours. Beidler saw nothing of his witness on the route, but, as he had -told him to avoid the road the first day as much as possible, this -occasioned no surprise; but when the second and third days passed -without his appearance, he feared some accident had befallen him. The -day after his arrival at Helena he received information that the horse -had been found hitched to a post in Benton, with the saddle and gun on -his back, and that Williams had been hanged. Beidler returned to Benton -and secured his property. In a confidential conversation with Hynson he -learned that before the execution of Williams was completed he was cut -down, taken by his captors below Benton, placed upon a raft in the -Missouri, and upon his promise to leave and not return to the country, -permitted to escape with his life. This story, discredited at the time, -was confirmed by Williams himself four years afterwards. - -Hynson’s participation in this high-handed outrage, while acting as a -conservator of the peace, roused public indignation against him. A few -days afterwards he provoked a dispute with Mr. Morgan, the sheriff, and -slapped him in the face. One trouble followed another, until, in the -Summer of 1868, a Mr. Robinson was knocked down and robbed in the -street, and the circumstances all pointed unmistakably to Hynson, the -night-watchman, as the aggressor. As there was no positive proof of his -guilt, he was suffered to retain his position without molestation. - -On the morning of August 18, the same season, Hynson was observed to -convey to a spot on a prairie, a mile or more distant from town, three -pine-tree poles about twelve feet long and four inches in diameter. -Tying one end of these three poles securely together, he raised them up -in the form of a tripod. When they were stationed in a substantial -manner, and to his liking, he went to a store and purchased a small coil -of rope. - -“What is the rope for?”, inquired a bystander. - -“To hang a man with,” was his reply. - -The listeners understood this as a joke, and dismissed the subject with -a laugh. - -Hynson next employed a negro to go out and dig a grave near the tripod. - -“Who’s dead, Massa Hynson?” inquired the man. - -“Never you mind,” replied Hynson. “Go ahead and dig the grave. I’ll -furnish the corpse.” - -The negro obeyed, and the grave was in readiness at nightfall. - -The next morning the lifeless body of Hynson was found suspended from -the tripod by the rope he had prepared. - -The citizens flocked in crowds to the spot. Among them was the negro who -dug the grave. When he saw the swaying form, and had scrutinized the -ghastly face, he exclaimed, - -“’Fore God, dat’s de gemman dat tole me to dig de grave, and said he’d -furnish de corpse.” - -After the body was cut down, there was found in a pocket the following -letter from the mother of Hynson: - - “MY DEAR SON,—I write to relieve my great anxiety, for I am in great - trouble on your account. Your father had a dream about you. He - dreamed that he had a letter from your lawyer, who said that your - case was hopeless. God grant that it may prove only a dream! I, your - poor, brokenhearted mother, am in suspense on your account. For - God’s sake, come home.” - - - - - CHAPTER XLVI - JAMES DANIELS - - -Of the early history of this individual I know but little, and but for -circumstances attending his “taking off,” should not trouble my readers -with any notice of him. That he was hardened in vice and crime, and, -possibly, was one of the worst of all the ruffians whose careers I have -passed under review, will hardly admit of a doubt, when the reader is -informed that he murdered one man in Tuolumne County, California, and -was only prevented by want of agility to complete a race, from killing -another. His appearance in Helena, and the commission of the crime for -which he lost his life, were almost simultaneous. In a quarrel incident -to a game of cards, near Helena, he stabbed and instantly killed a man -by the name of Gartley. He was immediately arrested by the Vigilantes, -who surrendered him to the civil authorities. On his trial for murder, -circumstances were proved, which, in the opinion of the jury, reduced -his crime to manslaughter. Judge Munson sentenced him to three years’ -imprisonment in the territorial prison. After a few weeks’ confinement, -a petition for his pardon, signed by thirty-two respectable citizens of -Helena, was also presented to acting Governor Meagher, who, under -mistaken sense of his own powers, issued an order for his release. The -right to pardon belonged exclusively to the President. Judge Munson went -immediately to the capital to show the law to the Executive, convince -him of his error, and obtain an order for the re-arrest of Daniels. -Meantime, that individual, uttering the most diabolical threats against -the witnesses who had testified against him, found his way back to -Helena; and before the judge could effect his object with the governor, -in fact, on the night succeeding the day of his arrival in Helena, -Daniels was arrested by the Vigilantes and hanged. - -As I have endeavored to justify, in all cases where I deemed the -circumstances warranted it, the action of the Vigilantes in taking life, -so, as such circumstances were not apparent in this case, do I deem it a -duty to say that they committed an irreparable error in the execution of -this man. However much, by his threats and reckless conduct, he may have -deserved death, they had no right to inflict it. If he had been -wrongfully pardoned, he could easily have been rearrested. He was a -single individual in the midst of a populous community, warned by his -threats of his designs, which could easily have been thwarted by -arresting him, or by setting a careful watch over his actions. No excuse -can be offered for the course that was pursued. This, at least, was one -case where the Vigilantes exceeded the boundaries of right and justice, -and became themselves the violators of law and propriety. - -I was at that time a member of the Executive Committee of the Virginia -City branch of the Vigilante organization, and that Committee disavowed -all responsibility for the execution of Daniels, and expressed its -disapproval of that act, which, it was believed, did not have the -official sanction of the Executive Committee of Helena, but was regarded -as the unauthorized act of certain irresponsible members of the -organization at Helena. - -And I will here take occasion to say that this was not an isolated -instance. Under the pretence of Vigilante justice, after the -establishment of courts of justice in Montana, and when many of the -respectable citizens of the Territory had virtually abandoned the order, -a few vicious men continued occasionally to enforce its summary -discipline. Several individuals were hanged who had been detected in -stealing horses, several for giving utterance to threats of vengeance, -and several on mere suspicion of having committed crime. As soon as this -order of things was understood by the people, the Vigilante institution -was brought to an end, and the men who had misused its powers were given -to understand that any further employment of them would probably cause -it to react upon themselves. These abuses had not been frequent, and -when discovered were promptly terminated. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVII - DAVID OPDYKE - - -This man, on some accounts the most noted among the roughs of Idaho, was -of patrician origin,—the degenerate scion of a family which boasted -among its members some of the leading citizens of New York. He was born -in the vicinity of Cayuga Lake, New York, about 1830, and could not have -been more than thirty-six years of age at the close of his infamous -career. He went to California in 1855, where, for want of more congenial -occupation, he was employed for two years by the California Stage -Company as a stage driver. Thence, in 1858, he sailed to British -Columbia, but finding no business there suited to his tastes, returned -the same year to California, spending two unprofitable years in Yuba -County, and two years succeeding in Virginia City, Nevada. Excited by -the intelligence from the northern mines, in 1862 he went to Florence -and Warren in Idaho, and the Fall of that year found him in Boise -County, where he located and worked a valuable claim on the Ophir. In -1864, with an accredited fortune of fifteen hundred dollars, he removed -to Boise City and bought a livery stable in the centre of the town, -which is still pointed out to visitors as having been the rendezvous of -one of the most reckless and numerous bands of robbers and road agents -in the mountains. - -Opdyke’s associations were bad, and he was suspected of aiding in the -circulation of spurious gold dust, at that time an extensive business -with the roughs of the country. His stable soon became the headquarters -of all the suspicious characters of Boise, Owyhee, and Alturas counties. -From these and other circumstances, the public was prepared to believe -that all the thefts and robberies occurring in the country were -committed by persons connected with the “Opdyke gang,” but so careful -were they to cover their tracks, that no positive evidence could be -found against them. - -A gentleman by the name of Parks went from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Baker -County, Oregon, in 1862, where he was elected sheriff. He was very much -respected. Early in the Fall of 1864, he went to Idaho, and in Owyhee -County purchased and located claims on several quartz lodes, specimens -of which he selected to exhibit to his Eastern friends, and packed -carefully in a valise. Coming to Boise City, preparatory to his -departure for the States, he passed through the streets with the heavy -valise in his hand, which, being observed by some of the “Opdyke gang,” -was supposed by them to contain a large quantity of gold dust. He -remained in Boise four or five days, and was narrowly watched by the -roughs. - -On the morning of his departure, at three o’clock, several of the -robbers left by a trail, and coming up with the coach seven miles east -of the city, caused the driver to stop, fired upon Parks, rifled his -pockets of two or three hundred dollars in money, and departed with the -much-coveted valise. Their chagrin at finding it to contain mere quartz -specimens may be better imagined than described. Parks returned in the -coach to Boise, and died in less than a week of his wounds. He was -buried by the Masons. No clew to his murderers could be found at the -time; but in some of the criminal developments made afterwards, it was -ascertained that Charley Marcus and three others of the “gang” were -directly concerned in the attack. - -The next murderous outrage in which the “Opdyke gang” was concerned, was -the murder and robbery, in Port-Neuf Cañon, of five coach passengers -from Montana, in the Summer of 1865. It is now known that Opdyke -furnished arms and ammunition for the party from Idaho, which engaged in -this expedition, and shared in the booty. Seven or eight of his gang -left Boise at the time, and were joined at Snake River by an equal party -of Montana roughs, who participated with them in the robbery. Frank -Johnson, ostensibly the keeper of a public-house eight miles below Boise -City, was one of the confederates in this crime. His house was long a -rendezvous for robbers, and his partner Beech kept a similar -meeting-place at the Overland Ferry on Snake River. Beech was hung by -the Vigilantes in Nevada in 1865. Johnson eluded the pursuit of the -Vigilantes, fled to Powder River, Oregon, where he was arrested by -Captain Bledso, Wells, Fargo and Company’s messenger, on a charge of -stealing horses. Found guilty on his trial, he was sentenced to ten -years’ imprisonment in the Oregon Penitentiary. - -Soon after the Port-Neuf robbery, information was given to the Montana -authorities, that one Hank Buckner, an escaped murderer from that -jurisdiction, had turned up in Idaho, and was living in Boise City. In -the Fall of 1863, Buckner, in a dispute with one Brown in the Madison -Valley, drew his pistol and shot him. Buckner was arrested, examined in -Virginia City, and placed in custody of the sheriff, from whom, by means -never made public, he escaped. The sheriff, a very respectable man, was -examined by the Vigilantes, and acquitted of blame in the matter; but -the story he told, which was positively credited by the Vigilantes, -ought to have led to further investigation, as it implicated others. - -Governor Green Clay Smith sent Neil Howie to Idaho, with a requisition -upon Governor Lyon for the delivery of Buckner to the Montana -authorities. The “Opdyke gang,” of which Buckner was one, concealed the -fugitive, on Howie’s arrival, in Dry Creek, ten miles distant from Boise -City. Reenan, the sheriff of the county, found and arrested him. -Governor Lyon being at Lewiston, Buckner was examined, and despite the -efforts of his friends, who flocked in hundreds to his defence, was -ordered by the magistrate to be confined in jail in Idaho City, until an -order for his surrender could be obtained. Before this could be -received, a writ of _habeas corpus_ was issued by the probate judge of -the county, and Buckner was released on straw bail. Howie, seldom -thwarted, as we have seen in earlier portions of this history, returned -to Montana, greatly crestfallen, without his prisoner. Buckner, who was -believed to have been a leader in the Port-Neuf robbery, is still at -large. - -At its session of 1864–65, the Legislature of Idaho set off and provided -for the organization of Ada County, appointing the election of officers -in March, 1865. The “Opdyke gang” was a strong powder in the Democratic -party. At its request Opdyke was nominated for sheriff, and by a party -vote largely in the ascendant, elected by a small majority. Soon after -his election, under a pretence of official duty, he avowed the intention -of breaking up a Vigilante organization of about thirty persons, which -had been formed in the Payette River settlement, thirty miles from Boise -City, for the purpose of freeing their neighborhood from two or three -horse-thieves and manufacturers of spurious gold dust. The Vigilantes -were a great terror to the roughs, and interfered with all their -unlawful and bloody plans for money-making. In pursuance of this design, -Opdyke and his coadjutors had in some mysterious manner obtained the -names of all the Vigilantes, and procured a warrant for their arrest. -The proceedings, to all outward seeming, were to be conducted in legal -form; but in making the arrest, Opdyke and his _posse_ proposed to shoot -the leaders of the Vigilantes, and screen themselves under the plea that -they had resisted. It was arranged that fifteen or twenty of the “Opdyke -gang” would leave Boise City, armed with double-barrelled shotguns and -revolvers, and unite at Horse-shoe Bend road with as many more from the -country, similarly equipped. They would then proceed with their warrant -to the settlement, and, by stealing a march upon the citizens, easily -effect their diabolical purpose. - -Intelligence of their plan came to the ears of the citizens of Boise -City. They secretly despatched a messenger to the Payette Vigilantes -with the information. The thirty members of that order armed and -assembled at once in self-protection. Opdyke, at the head of fifteen of -the worst men in the Territory, whom he had summoned as a _posse -comitatus_, left Boise City at four o’clock P.M. to make the arrest. The -party from the country failed to connect with him, and his party marched -down alone. The Vigilantes, numbering two to one of his band, met him. -They were quite as determined as their opponents. Surprised at the -preparation they had made to resist him, Opdyke held a parley, and was -obliged to comply with all the terms prescribed by the Vigilantes. These -were, that they would march to Boise City and answer the warrant, but -they would not allow Opdyke to disarm them or “get the drop” on them. By -the aid of counsel, the complaint against them was dismissed, and they -were discharged, thus bringing to a humiliating conclusion a deep-laid -conspiracy against the lives of some of the best citizens of the -Territory. Nearly all the Vigilantes had been partisans of Opdyke, and -of course, after this manifestation of his hostility, were very bitter -in their opposition to him. Soon after this the county commissioners -ordered the district attorney, A. G. Cook, to institute criminal -proceedings against Opdyke for permitting a criminal to escape, and also -for embezzlement, they having discovered that he was a defaulter to the -county in the sum of eleven hundred dollars. Cook, however, resigned his -office. A. Hurd, who was appointed to succeed him, prepared indictments -which were sustained by the grand jury on both charges. Opdyke paid the -amount for which he was a defaulter, and resigned his office, and the -prosecutions were withdrawn. He, however, swore that he would be -bitterly revenged upon the grand jury, which, being composed chiefly of -men of his political faith, ought, he said, to have saved him, right or -wrong, out of party consideration. The grand jury held a meeting, and -sent to him to ascertain his intentions. He was glad to escape further -molestation by disclaiming all hostile designs against them. - -Early in March, 1865, the citizens of Southern Idaho fitted out an -expedition against the marauding bands of Indians which, for some months -previous, had been engaged in predatory warfare in that part of the -Territory. Opdyke, as leader, with thirty of his gang, volunteered. -Money, provisions, horses, and other equipment were furnished by the -people. A man by the name of Joseph Aden was employed to pack the -stores, for which purpose eleven ponies were provided and placed in his -charge, with the understanding that he should receive them in part -payment for his services. In pursuance of that agreement, he immediately -branded and ranched them. - -Among the volunteers was a young man of nineteen, by the name of Reuben -Raymond. He had performed faithful service in the Union army, and was -just discharged at Fort Boise. He was quite a favorite with the people, -and, though necessarily intimate at this time with the “Opdyke gang,” -was perfectly honest and trustworthy. The expedition ran its course, -and, like all expeditions of the kind, was barren of any marked results. -Opdyke _cached_ a large portion of the stores on Snake River for the -future use of his road agent band; and the roughs, all the more daring -and impudent for the confidence the people had reposed in them, became a -greater burden to the community than ever. - -Aden turned his ponies out on the commons on the south side of Boise -River, claimed as a ranche by Opdyke and one Drake,—the latter assuming -to exercise a sort of constructive ownership to the land. Designing to -swindle Aden out of his property in the ponies, Opdyke told Drake not to -surrender them to Aden except on his written order. Aden employed -attorneys and got possession of the ponies. Opdyke caused his arrest for -stealing; and Aden, leading his ponies, which he hitched in front of the -justice’s office, appeared for trial. He was discharged, and the crowd -dispersed; but Opdyke’s attorney remained, and persuaded the magistrate -to issue an order for the surrender of the ponies to his client. Opdyke -and his friends took them away, and they were never seen in Boise City -afterwards. - -Aden commenced a suit against Cline, the justice, for damages, and -recovered a judgment of eight hundred dollars, which Cline was obliged -to pay. Cline resigned his office. At Aden’s examination, Reuben Raymond -had sworn to the identity of the ponies, which was disputed by nearly -all the roughs in the expedition, and it was almost solely on his -testimony that Aden was discharged. The “Opdyke gang” were very angry -with him; and on the morning of April 3, 1865, a few days after the -examination, while Raymond was employed in a stall in Opdyke’s stable, -John C. Clark, a noted rough, stepped before the stall with his revolver -in his hand, and commenced cursing Raymond. Opdyke and several of his -associates, together with a number of good citizens, were standing near. -Clark finally threatened to shoot Raymond. - -“I am entirely unarmed,” said Raymond, at the same time pulling open his -shirt bosom, “but if you wish to shoot me down like a dog, there is -nothing to hinder you. Give me a chance, and I will fight you in any way -you choose, though I have nothing against you.” - -Clark covered Raymond for a moment or more, with his pistol, and then -with an opprobrious epithet, said, “I will shoot you, anyway,” and, -taking deliberate aim, fired, and killed Raymond on the spot. This -murder produced the wildest excitement, and Clark, who had been -immediately arrested, was taken out of the guard-house the second night -afterwards, and hanged upon an impromptu gibbet between the town and the -garrison. Threats of vengeance were publicly proclaimed by the “Opdyke -gang,” Opdyke himself improving the occasion to tell several of the -grand jury men, who had found the indictment already mentioned against -him, that they would not live to walk the streets of Boise City many -days more. It was also reported that the roughs intended to burn the -city, and not leave a house standing. - -The citizens, fully aroused to the dangers of the crisis, organized a -night patrol. Every inhabitant of the city was armed, and all coöperated -for the purpose of clearing the country of every suspected person in it. -While plans were maturing for this purpose, the roughs became uneasy, -and one after another began to disappear until but few remained. Opdyke -took the alarm for his own safety, and on the twelfth of April, -accompanied by John Dixon, a notorious confederate in crime, departed by -the Rocky Bar road, and brought up at a cabin thirty miles distant. A -party of Vigilantes followed in close pursuit. They captured him during -the night, and conducting him ten miles farther on the road to Syrup -Creek, hanged him under a shed between two vacant cabins, on the -following morning. His companion Dixon, who was caught on the march, was -hanged at the same time. - -When this intelligence became known in Boise City, every suspicious -character disappeared, and the vilest gang of ruffians in Idaho was -effectually broken up. Opdyke had many friends, and was naturally a man -of genial qualities, but he had become corrupted by the evil -associations contracted in Idaho Territory. - -It was believed by many, at the time of Opdyke’s execution, that he was -hanged for his money by some of the employees of the Overland Stage -Company. This, however, was a mistake in his case. The Vigilantes of -Boise City had determined upon his death before he left the city, a -measure they deemed necessary to rid the country of his associates, and -establish peace in the community. - -It was true, however, that some of the Overland Stage Company’s -employees were justly suspected of robbery and murder. On one occasion, -two miners from Boise City, returning to the States, indiscreetly -exhibited a large quantity of gold dust at Gibson’s Ferry on Snake -River, which excited the curiosity of some of the observers. They were -arrested on a pretence of having spurious gold dust, and hanged by some -half dozen of the stage company’s employees. Their bodies were burned, -but no account was ever given of the gold dust. No one was deceived as -to the character of this act. It was the cold-blooded, heartless murder -for their money, of two honest miners who were returning to their homes -with their hard-earned savings. This was the popular judgment. - - - - - CHAPTER XLVIII - A RIDE FOR LIFE - - -Crime, as an organized force in Montana, ceased with the execution of -Plummer and his infamous band early in 1864. The perseverance with which -they were pursued, and the swift punishment following their capture, -caused the few who escaped either to leave the Territory or abstain from -crime. - -From July, 1864, till November, 1868, I was collector of internal -revenue for Montana. The duties of the office necessitated repeated -visits to many of the small gulches and outlying mining camps, -accessible only by bridle paths. My horseback journeys over these -ill-defined trails, unmarked by any sign of civilization, would -aggregate many thousands of miles—and while such experiences were -necessarily full of adventures, I regarded them as nearly free from -actual peril until undeceived by the following incident: - -Early in the Summer of 1866 I visited all the gulches and camps in Deer -Lodge County, on a collecting trip, and had arrived at Blackfoot, a -little town in the county, where one of my deputies was located. With -the sum which he had received, my collections amounted to about $12,000. -Of this amount $5,000 or more was gold dust, which, at $18 an ounce, -weighed about twenty-five pounds. With the entire amount I intended to -leave the next day on horseback for Helena by way of Deer Lodge, some -hundred miles distant across the Rocky Mountains. My friend, Mr. Murphy, -happened to be in Blackfoot on special business, and we arranged to -travel in company as far as Deer Lodge, the county seat. - -Late in the evening as I was about retiring, Mr. Murphy, who had been -out on business, came to my room, and in an anxious tone, said he -thought he had discovered a plan on foot to rob us the next day. - -“Go with me down street,” said he, “and help me form an opinion.” - -We strolled down to the stables where our horses were, and thence across -the street to a billiard saloon. Standing by one of the tables, Mr. -Murphy directed my attention to four men seated in the corner of the -room, engaged in close conversation. Something in their manner, their -furtive glances under their broad-brimmed hats, the pauses in their -conversation when approached, excited our suspicions, and we concluded -that as we were the only persons in town known to have money in any -considerable quantity, it was not improbable that Murphy’s suspicions -were correct. There was nothing in the appearance of the men to warrant -such a conclusion, but we remembered that Plummer had the port and -bearing of a perfect gentleman. - -I returned to the hotel and retired with a feeling of uneasiness that -baffled sleep, and as I had resolved to go on, naturally set myself -devising some method of avoiding collision with these supposed -freebooters. I can form no idea now of the number or character of the -expedients that occurred to me, but I remember that none of them seemed, -at the time, to give promise of escape or safety if these men had, as I -expected, marked me for their prey. - -Early next morning Murphy, who had been keenly on the alert, came to my -room and assured me that our suspicions were unfounded. - -“Those men,” he said, “are honest miners. They left an hour ago to take -up claims on a new discovery. The peculiarities we noticed are -ascribable to their desire to conceal the locality until they have made -their choice of a claim.” - -Though not fully reassured, my fears were greatly allayed by this -intelligence, which was seemingly confirmed an hour later on being told -by the stablekeeper that they had gone to Bear Gulch, where they said -they had found “something rich.” - -It was pleasant to feel that if this information was true we should not -come in contact with them, Bear Gulch being opposite in direction from -our point of destination. - -At a bend in the trail, about two miles down the creek, we came upon a -log cabin saloon by the wayside, in front of which were hitched four -horses and leaning beside the door were four double-barrelled shotguns. -A glance was sufficient to comprehend the situation. - -“Great Cæsar! Langford,” said Murphy in an undertone, “there they are. -We are in for it now beyond a doubt. Those fellows are after our -collections.” - -Our coming had evidently been anticipated, for the saloon-keeper stood -in the door, and with the familiarity of an old acquaintance hallooed to -Murphy: “Come in, come in; bring your friend and take a drink.” - -“Thank you,” responded Murphy, “I don’t drink,” and deferred to me. - -“I never take anything, either,” said I. - -“Well, come in and get a cigar then,” he persisted. - -Both replied in a breath that we did not smoke. - -“That’s odd,” said he, “to meet two men in the mountains that neither -drink nor smoke. Come in anyway, and surprise your bowels with a glass -of cold water.” - -This old joke had lost none of its relish for the four men within the -saloon, who hailed it with a shout and hurried to the door. We -recognized them as the same persons whom we had marked the previous -evening, and were no longer in doubt concerning their purpose, for they -had left Blackfoot in the direction of Bear Gulch, and by a roundabout -way had come upon the Deer Lodge trail. Reining our horses with seeming -unconcern, we rode slowly away, debating, meanwhile, what course to -pursue. - -“What do you think of the situation?” I inquired of Murphy. - -“Desperate enough,” he replied. “We’re no match for those rascals. They -can pick us off very easily, and no one will be the wiser. I feel -inclined to go no further.” - -“That’ll not do,” I rejoined, “for if they’re bent on robbery they can -shoot us before we could get back to Blackfoot.” - -“I’ll tell you what I’ll do,” responded Murphy, after a pause of a few -moments, and as if struck by a sudden thought, added, “a mile farther -down the gulch I’ll strike a familiar trail over to a ranche on the -stage road, leave my horse there and take the coach to Deer Lodge. If my -horse were as good as yours I’d take the chances and go on, but this -little cayuse would soon be run down by the robbers.” - -“I wish you had a strong horse,” said I, “for I dislike very much to -take the risk alone.” - -“Sorry, Langford,” he replied, “but you can see for yourself it would be -madness for me to accompany you. If they should pursue us it would be -impossible for us to keep together.” - -We had now reached the trail leading to the ranche. Grasping his hand, -“Good-bye,” said I; “if fortune favors us we shall meet at Deer Lodge.” - -“Good-bye, and the Lord go with you and protect you,” was his fervent -rejoinder. - -I rode on at a moderate speed to the crossing of the Little Blackfoot, -hoping that I might fall in with a fishing party there, as the stream -was full of trout and often resorted to by the miners and ranchemen for -a day’s recreation. The valley of the Blackfoot at this ford, and for a -long distance above and below it, along the river, is covered with a -dense willow copse, which even at the distance of a few feet would -conceal a party from a passer-by. I looked and listened for friendly -faces and voices after fording the stream, and while riding through the -coppice. Uncheered by any sign of life, I seemed to derive a sense of -immediate safety from the thought that my pursuers would be restrained -from attacking me in the valley, lest they should be surprised by the -sudden appearance of an impromptu rescuing party. - -Ascending the plateau at the base of a long, steep hill, I cast a -furtive glance backward and saw at the distance of a few hundred yards -the four ruffians approaching at a gallop. My heart sank within me, and -for a moment I abandoned all hope of escape. - -It was, however, for a moment only. Stealing another look, I saw that -the party were deceived by the leisurely manner in which I was -travelling, and had reined their horses into a walk. Acting upon the -belief that they intended to delay an attack until I had crossed the -hill, I alighted from my horse, loosened the saddle girth, to favor his -respiration, and walked beside him two miles to the summit, followed by -the ruffians at a distance of about three hundred yards. I felt that if -I could put a mile between us my horse would achieve the race I saw -before me. - -“Ned” possessed wonderful powers of endurance, and was said to be the -best four-mile horse in the Bitter Root Valley, where he was raised, -and, though often beaten in a race of one, two, or even three miles, had -been often tried and as uniformly succeeded where the distance was -extended to four miles. I had often tested his staying powers, having -once ridden him eighty-five miles and once again ninety-four miles, from -Virginia City to Berkin’s ranche in Boulder Valley, in one day; on -another occasion, when Governor Green Clay Smith had requested me to act -as messenger to convey to Colonel Howie, the commander of the militia in -camp in Helena, 130 miles distant, the news of a reported Indian -uprising, all telegraphic communication being suspended, he carried me -ninety-seven miles in fifteen hours, from Virginia City to Barkley’s -ranche, where I obtained another mount, and completed the journey within -twenty hours. - -With a mile in my favor, the little ponies ridden by the pursuers could -not overtake me. - -While these thoughts occurred to me as affording a possible means of -escape, the brigands doubtless felt that as soon as I began to descend -the hill they would have me at their mercy. Immediately after passing -the crown of the hill I lost sight of them. Tightening the girth I -sprang into the saddle and urged my horse to his utmost speed. The -narrow trail was thickly studded with boulders rising several inches -above the surface, over which my horse took many a flying leap, and I -was not without apprehension that an unlucky stumble of my faithful Ned -in attempting to clear them might unhorse me. - -When the robbers reached the top of the divide and saw me at full speed -a mile in advance they comprehended the ruse, and putting spurs to their -horses, gave me instant chase. - -It was then that my race for life began. They gained upon me rapidly at -the commencement, and at one time were so near that I could hear the -labored breathing of their horses. So close, indeed, were they that I -seized my cantinas with the purpose of casting the twenty-five pound -sack of gold dust into the first sheltered nook I could see by the -wayside to lighten the burden of my horse. No opportunity offered, -however, that would have escaped the sight of those in pursuit, and I -replaced the sack, and with the weight in excess of two hundred pounds -my gallant horse strove on with unabated speed until I saw one by one -the horses of the robbers worn out by exhaustion. Two of them that -followed longest finally closed the pursuit with an infernal yell and -gave up the chase. - -After an urgent ride of two or three miles farther I completed the trip -by a slow pace through the Deer Lodge Valley, and the next morning took -the coach from Deer Lodge City to Helena, thankful for an escape from a -peril I hope never again to encounter. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIX - AN INTERESTING ADVENTURE - - -For the first three or four years after the settlement of Montana, a -favorite mode of returning to the States was by Mackinaw boat, down one -or the other of the two great rivers whose upper waters traverse the -Territory. The water trip, if not less exposed to Indian attack, was -pleasanter, less laborious and expensive, and sooner accomplished than -the long, weary journey by the plains. - -The upper portions, both of the Missouri and Yellowstone, pass through a -country abounding in some of the grandest, most unique, and most richly -diversified scenery on the continent. Of themselves the rivers are very -beautiful,—their waters pure, cold, broken into frequent rapids; at one -moment passing through tremendous cañons and gorges; at the next, -babbling along widespread meads; and anon, as if by a transformation of -enchantment, dashing into the midst of a desolation which realizes all -the descriptive horrors of Dante’s “Inferno,”—affording to the eye a -greater variety of picturesque beauty than any of the other great rivers -of the continent. A journey down them in a Mackinaw boat is an incident -to fill a prominent place in the most adventurous life. - -The point selected for embarkation on the Yellowstone was about twelve -miles above the spot where Captain Clark started on his descent of the -river, when returning from the famous expedition of 1804–06. An isolated -grove of lofty cottonwoods has grown upon the only soil within miles, -under the overhanging crags of a cañon whose sombre walls lift -themselves three thousand feet or more into the atmosphere. The river -glides through those strong jaws with the swiftness and silence of a -huge serpent escaping its pursuers, forming an eddy just in front of the -grove, which, being convenient of access, was early selected as a -favorable place for the construction of boats and embarkation of -companies. - -At this grove, in the Fall of 1865, a company of six hundred persons -commenced, in forty-three boats of different patterns, the long journey -of three thousand miles to the States. The distance to the mouth of the -Yellowstone was eight hundred and twenty miles, and little more was -known of its general character at that time than could be derived from -the geographical memoir written by Captain Clark sixty years before. A -gentleman who belonged to the party has informed me that, after the -first day’s sail, he had learned to confide so fully in this narrative -for geographical accuracy, that he was enabled to anticipate, long -before reaching them, every prominent landmark and rapid mentioned in -it. No better geographers than Lewis and Clark have, since their time, -visited the country which they explored; but their book, valuable as it -must ever prove for its historical and topographical accuracy, left -untold the surpassing grandeur and novelty of the scenes through which -they passed. There is not a river in the world which, for its entire -length of one thousand miles, presents with the same grandeur and -magnificence so much of novelty and variety in the stupendous natural -architecture that adorns its banks. Its source is in a beautiful lake, -unlike, in general character and appearance, any other body of water on -the globe. It is surrounded by innumerable warm and hot springs, sulphur -deposits, and mud volcanoes. At a few miles’ distance is the largest -geyser basin in the world, and close at hand stupendous cataracts and -beautiful cascades. Here, too, is a cañon which for forty miles of -distance is filled with physical wonders, so numerous, strange, and -various as to defy description, and almost surpass comprehension. - -Two hundred miles below this immense field of novelties, we arrive at -the mouth of the cañon whence the river has been of late years -frequently navigated, by Mackinaw and flat boats, to its union with the -Missouri. Of this portion, but little has yet been written except by -scientific explorers. For the first eighty miles of the distance, the -river, almost a continuous rapid, rolls between gently undulating banks, -dotted at intervals with clumps of stunted pines. Frequent ledges of -rock jut into the stream, and wherever a bend or projection has served -to arrest the flow of debris in time of flood, or catch the detritus -washed from the rocks, a little bottom affords sustenance to a dense -growth of majestic cottonwoods. This feature is prominent in the river -scenery until the stream enters the Bad Lands, four hundred miles below -the cañon. These groves, unlike the irregular groves that adorn the -Eastern rivers, present to the voyager a straight regular outline on all -sides, a feature imparted to them by the beavers, which cut down -unsparingly both great and small trees outside the given spaces. This -perfect regularity, always at right angles with the upland shore, gives -to these frequent groves the appearance of artificial cultivation, and -in the very midst of one of the most boundless solitudes in the world, -the observer frequently finds himself indulging a thought that there may -be some old mediæval castle still standing within the shadow of these -trees. - -After one has sailed about eighty miles, and finds himself descending an -expansive reach of the river, the eye is suddenly attracted by the -appearance on the right of an immense and seemingly interminable ridge -of yellow rocks, very high, precipitous, and crowned along its summit by -a forest of stunted pines. It is several miles distant, and its sheer, -vertical sides gleam in the sunlight like massive gold. Far away it -stretches, seemingly on an air line beyond the field of vision, -presenting few inequalities of surface, and none of the features of -ordinary mountain scenery. - -The Happy Valley of Rasselas was not more strongly protected against -outside intrusions by the precipices surrounding it, than is this -portion of the Yellowstone Valley from all access by those who dwell -beyond this ridge of sandstone. - -At a distance of ten miles or more from where it first appears, the -river has worn its way through it. We enter the massive gorge. Higher -and higher rise the gleaming cliffs, seemingly straight up from the -river’s bed, until sunlight disappears, and the blue sky above you spans -like a roof the confronting crags. The illusion vanishes with decreasing -height, the gloom painted in darkness upon the frightened stream grows -again into sunlight, and for the next few miles you pass through banks -of green adorned on either hand with citadels, temples, towers, turrets, -spires, and castellated ruins, all deftly wrought by the wind and rain -upon the exposed portions of the yellow rock. Neither the Hudson, with -its green hills and massive knobs, nor the Columbia, with its crags and -beetling cliffs, presents anything at all comparable to this. At one -moment you look up at the sheer sides of a temple wrought into a form -not unlike that of Edfou or Denderah, except as it surpasses them in its -magnificent dimensions, all its sides presenting in the vitrified -fractures of the layers of rock, regular rows of seeming hieroglyphics, -and its conical, time-worn summit, gray and smooth with the frosts and -storms of centuries. A little beyond stand the remains of a castle; and -still farther on, seemingly equidistant from each other, three or four -stately towers; then comes a massive citadel of stone, with embrasures, -walls, and portholes, all the apparent paraphernalia of a mighty -fortress. - -These scenes, with all the variety that Nature observes in her works, -occur at intervals of thirty or forty miles, every time the river -penetrates the ridge, for a distance of two hundred miles; and all the -way between these passages, on one side or the other of the beautiful -stream, you behold stretching along upon the most exact of natural lines -the pine-crowned ridge itself, skirted by meadows reaching to the -margin. Before quite losing this grand exhibition, the river, fed by -Clark’s Fork, the Rosebud, and the Big Horn, changes its character. The -waters become dark and turbid, and spread out to more than a mile in -width. The valley expands correspondingly, and the foothills and -mountains are more distant. About midway of this passage through the -yellow sandstone, Pompey’s Pillar, a table of rock separated by the -river from the main ridge, stands isolated, towering to a height of -several hundred feet over the plain, on the brink opposite. Its summit -of less than half an acre, accessible with difficulty on the inland -side, according to Captain Clark, affords an extensive view of the -surrounding country. - -At the mouth of the Big Horn the last view of the Rocky Mountains, which -thus far have enlivened the scenery with their varied phenomena of storm -and sunlight, fades upon the vision, and your voyage lies for several -miles through a richer agricultural region than any you have yet seen. -Here are fine meadows covered with bunch-grass, and, upon the distant -hills, herds of elks, flocks of mountain sheep, antelopes, and deer. The -temptation, often too great to be resisted, makes the hunter forgetful -of Crows and Sioux, and sometimes lures him to his death. The rapids now -become less frequent, though several of them are more formidable. At one -point, where the river passes through the ridge for a distance of six -miles, it has no channel of sufficient depth to float an ordinary -Mackinaw, and voyagers are obliged by main force to push their boats -into the pool below. Captain Clark gave to this obstruction the name of -Buffalo Shoals. A few miles below this he saw, in the midst of a -formidable rapid, a grizzly bear upon a rock, and gave to the place the -name of Bear Rapids. - -The early hunters and trappers of the Northwest found no region more -favorable for their pursuit than the central valley of the Yellowstone. -Here came Ashley, and Bridger, and Culbertson, and Sarpie, as early as -1817. The latter built a fort, which he called Fort Alexander, some -remains of which are still standing on the margin of one of the most -delightful meadows in the valley. - -The last and most fearful rapid of the Yellowstone is near the mouth of -the Tongue River, and was named by Captain Clark, Wolf Rapid, because he -killed a wolf near it. The river is here lashed into a fury. The roar of -the rapid is heard for several miles, and the tossing spray and seething -foam can be seen at considerable distance. The experiment of descending -it has much to excite the fears of a person unaccustomed to river -travels, but as yet it has been unmarked by accident. - -Below this rapid we enter upon the last one hundred and eighty miles -between us and the Missouri. The river, which to this point has -displayed its beauties in long reaches of ten and twelve miles, now -becomes crooked like the Missouri. Its banks are constantly crumbling, -and its channel as constantly shifting. Everything in sight but adds to -the desolation of the scenery, and the traveller finds it hard to -realize that he is sailing on the same river which he beheld but -yesterday so gloriously arrayed. The same general features are apparent -to its mouth. It is much larger and wider than the Missouri at its -junction with it, and increases to more than twice its size the latter, -which, as all are aware, for more than a thousand miles below the -Yellowstone has fewer attractions than any other river in the world. - -Not so, however, the upper Missouri. That, like the Yellowstone, passes -through a picturesque and beautiful country. From its source, where the -Madison, Jefferson, and Gallatin unite to form it, to Fort Benton, a -distance of two hundred miles, it exhibits a great variety of -interesting and stupendous scenery, both of water, valley, rock, and -mountain. There are the Great Falls, the Gate of the Mountains, and the -passage of the river through numerous cañons, which, in any other -portion of the country than the mountains and rocks of Montana, would be -unparalleled for grandeur and sublimity. - -Fort Benton, one of the early posts built by the American and -Northwestern Fur Companies, is at the virtual head of steamboat -navigation on the Missouri, in the midst of a country formerly occupied -by the Blackfeet Indians,—the most implacable of all the mountain tribes -in their hatred of the whites. From the time of the arrival of the first -settlers of Montana in 1862, until the completion of railroads into the -Territory, Fort Benton was the commercial depot of the Territory. During -the period of high water every spring it is visited by steamboats -freighted at St. Louis with merchandise for the great number of traders -in the interior towns. A considerable town has sprung up within the -shadows of the old post. - -A trip from Fort Benton to the States in a Mackinaw, though full of -danger, was always inviting, while the same trip by the overland stage, -though comparatively safe, was ever repulsive. In the latter part of -August, 1866, Andrew J. Simmons, a citizen of Helena, and ten -companions, after a wagon journey of one hundred and forty miles, -alighted on the _levée_ at Fort Benton, _en route_ to the States. In a -letter to me descriptive of this journey, Mr. Simmons writes: - - “The varied fortunes and migrating tendencies of the gold miner, in - following the great periodical excitements, had cast our lots - together through rough and pleasant places, through adversity and - prosperity in many of the mining camps of the Pacific slope; and - now, having accomplished a successful mining season in the Rocky - Mountains, a visit to home and friends was determined upon by - descending the Missouri River in a Mackinaw. In three days our craft - was completed. She was as stanch as pine lumber and nails could make - her. She was thirty-three feet in length, seven and a half feet - beam, and ten inches rake. Sharp at both ends, and ample for our - accommodation, she was a trim built, rakish-looking craft, which - rode the current majestically, and challenged the admiration of all - observers. - - “Delighted with the success of our experiment in boat-building, and - animated with hope of a safe and speedy passage through the two - thousand miles of hostile Indian country, we quickly deposited our - personal effects and various creature comforts in the little vessel, - which we called the _Self Riser_, and got everything in readiness - for embarkation. We felt, indeed, that the bright visions of home, - which had cheered us through many years of wandering, were soon to - be realized. We had just taken a parting glass with the friends - assembled on the _levée_ to witness our departure, and the farewell - hand-shaking and good wishes were in progress, when a young man, - seemingly not more than twenty, approached me, and in an imploring - voice and manner asked a passage with us down the river. There was - something so touching in the low, sad tones of his voice, and his - subdued manner, that I involuntarily, and on the instant, found - myself deeply interested in him. He was a stranger to us all, but - his pleasant, honest face, lit up by a pair of expressive eyes, - disarmed all suspicions unfavorable to his character; and it was - with real regret that I told him, with a view of breaking my refusal - as lightly as possible, that our party was made up of old comrades, - who had seen much service together, and had jointly outfitted for - the trip with the understanding that the company should not be - increased. - - “I was about to turn away and join my comrades, who had already got - into the boat, when he persisted, - - “‘For the love of God, sir, do not refuse me! I am here alone among - strangers, and have met with many misfortunes in this country. If - you do not take me, I shall lose my last chance of returning to my - friends and relatives.’ - - “I could not resist the power of this appeal. After a few words of - hasty consultation with my companions, it was agreed that the young - man should accompany us. Never shall I forget his look of mingled - joy and gratitude when I told him to come on board. Our moorings - were then cut loose, and with many a shout and cheer we bore down - upon the rapid current. When night approached we did not, as was - usual with voyagers, make land and remain until morning, but sailed - on, bringing to for the first time early in the afternoon of the - next day at the mouth of Judith River. There we made camp under the - branching cottonwoods, one hundred and forty miles from our place of - embarkation. Our larder had been replenished on the trip with three - fat antelopes and a buffalo cow, shot from the boat as we floated - along. We had also contrived to form the acquaintance of our new - passenger, but without learning much of his history. There was - something about him when questioned as to his life in the mountains - which impressed us with the idea that he was guarding a secret it - would cost him great pain to reveal. Respect for his sensibility - soon overcame all curiosity on the subject, and so the poor boy was - only known to us by the unromantic name of ‘Johnny.’ His skill with - the pistol, exhibited on several occasions on our first day out, won - him the favor of every man in the party. We all felt that in his way - ‘Johnny’ was one of us, but his way was not like ours. We soon - discovered that the rough life to which we had been accustomed had - no charms for him. He neither indulged in coarse jokes himself nor - enjoyed them in others, no profane expressions escaped his lips, and - we were kept constantly upon our guard by some indescribable - delicacy of demeanor on his part, which commanded our respect. - Neither could we impose on him any of the severe toil of the voyage, - but in all the lighter duties no man was more faithful than he, nor - more grateful for relief from any labor that overtasked his - strength. - - “We had feasted to repletion on antelope and buffalo at our first - camping place, and when the hour for resting came, the question - arose what should be done with Johnny. He had no blankets, and there - was no alternative but that Humphrey and I should give him a place - with us. So he became our joint bedfellow for the trip. - - “We left at dawn, and before mid-day entered upon that marvellous - tract of country which as yet has received no more appropriate name - than the ‘Bad Lands.’ This significant title, translated from the - original French, _Mauvaises Terres_, has been given to an immense - tract of barren country stretching for more than a thousand miles - along the Missouri and Yellowstone; but the portion to which I here - allude is but a single and remarkable feature of this vast earthen - desert, and should receive a more distinctive appellation. The - Missouri at this point, for a distance of thirty miles or more, - passes through a ledge of talcose rock. Its color is a dusky white. - Twelve miles of this distance the entire face of the rock upon - either bank of the river has been eroded by the elements into - countless forms, which suggest a thousand resemblances to artificial - and natural objects, in some instances so exact as almost to deceive - a casual observer. No other spot in the world has yet been - discovered which can boast of such an extensive display of eroded - rock. The river is confined between precipitous banks a hundred or - more feet in height, and all along the jagged and broken surface, - extending from the edge of these vertical walls beyond the range of - vision, these objects are distributed. It seems as if all the - pantheons and art galleries of the world had been emptied of their - contents here. In one place is an immense round table with a large - company gathered around, realizing at a single glance the legendary - stories of Arthur and his knights. Through a little nook may be seen - a number of forms that will remind one of the Saviour and his - disciples. Then again suddenly springs into view a large gathering - of people, as if assembled upon some public occasion. Men in every - position, women, angels, animals, mausoleums, may be seen, and in - their immediate vicinity are larger forms suggestive of dwellings, - churches, and cottages. On the extreme point of one of the bends in - the river stands the most exquisitely fretted castle of imperial - dimensions; spires, minarets, towers, and domes scattered over it in - great profusion. This single object is larger than the Capitol at - Washington. One nearly as large, and presenting points of great - interest, stands diagonally from it, on the opposite side of the - river. Buildings with long lines of colonnades, citadels with - embrasured parapets and bastions at their several angles, may be - seen on every hand. The exhibition is very beautiful, and so unlike - any other exhibition of natural art, as to excite the wonder not - less than the admiration of all beholders. The difference between - these and the eroded rocks of the Yellowstone is in color and size. - The Missouri erosions are much more delicate, and not confined to - architectural forms alone, but they embrace statuary, furniture, - vessels, chariots, and almost every object in the natural world. - They are, moreover, nearly white, and their surfaces gleam in the - sunlight with all the beauty of polished marble. Awestruck at the - multiplicity and grandeur of the various objects which met our gaze, - we floated through this region of wonders as silently as if it had - been a city of the dead. It did not seem possible as we sailed under - the shadow of these immense citadels, that they were the mere - creation of the elements, and had never been the abodes of men. - - “The navigation of a Mackinaw boat over this portion of the river - was intensely interesting. Our light craft, impelled by sails and a - rapid current, easily at the command of the helmsman, would sheer - around the huge rocks and dash through the foaming rapids, sweeping - bends, crooked channels, and innumerable islands and sand-bars. The - scene was constantly changing, and new objects of interest - presenting themselves. - - “Early on the morning of the third day, one of our company fired at - a black-tailed deer, standing midway to the summit of a lofty cliff. - The animal rolled down the declivity almost to the water’s edge. The - shot was pronounced remarkable. Out of compliment to the skill of - the marksman, as well as to appease the cravings of appetite, we - immediately landed, built a fire, and proceeded to roast and - ‘scoff,’ after the approved manner of hunters, the tender ribs and - haunches, furnishing a meal which all agreed surpassed anything - known to the modern _cuisine_. Perhaps this was attributable to the - fact that we were hungry, but then the delicious flavor of the - venison was not spoiled by villainous cookery. Our dessert consisted - of canned fruit and coffee, the whole moistened with a moderate flow - of Bourbon drunk from tin cups. After our repast was finished, we - resumed our journey in the happiest mood, with the spirit and dash - of adventurers who felt themselves equal to any emergency. At noon - we came upon the steamboat _Luella_, which, owing to the falling of - the river, had left Fort Benton some weeks before, and was lying - below Dauphin’s Rapids, where her passengers, who were coming down - in small boats, were to join her for the trip to St. Louis. The - river, which owes its spring flood to the early rains and dissolving - snows in the mountain ranges, seldom affords sufficient depth later - than July for steamboats to pass over Dauphin’s and Dead-Man’s - rapids, the two great obstructions to its upper navigation. Indeed - it was matter of speculation whether the _Luella_ would be able at - this late period in the season to make the trip until after another - rise. We remained long enough to exchange compliments with Captain - Marsh, and presenting him with a quantity of game for his lady - passengers, resumed our voyage. - - “While descending the river the forenoon of the next day, we saw on - the right bank half a mile ahead, three monster bears. They were - taking a social drink from the river. As soon as they had finished, - they strolled leisurely up the bank and disappeared in the - cottonwoods. Landing at the spot, all hands seized their weapons and - started enthusiastically in pursuit of them. We followed their huge - tracks in the sand up a low coulee, to the top of the bluff, and - there formed in line and proceeded by the flank into the chaparral, - their tracks growing larger and fresher as we advanced, until - suddenly the huge monsters confronted us at a distance of about - thirty paces. Seated on their haunches, their heads towering above - the shrubbery, jaws extended, and paws swaying to and fro, they by - short and eager snuffs, growls, and snaps, gave us an acute sense of - the danger we had mistaken for sport. Our appetite for bear meat - weakened much quicker than it came, and old ‘Forty-niner,’ who had - served a long apprenticeship in California, coming up at this - moment, on seeing the animals, raised and fired his rifle, shouting - in a voice of terror, ‘Holy Jupiter! They are grizzlies!’ and turned - and ran like a demoralized jack-rabbit in the direction of the boat. - Suddenly recollecting that it was the black bear and not the grizzly - we were in pursuit of, we all followed his example. Humphrey, slowly - bringing up the rear, proposed that we should ‘give them a round.’ - To this I assented, but urged as a preliminary that we should get - out of the brush and within striking distance of the boat. Before we - could do so, however, the foremost bear made a plunge for Humphrey, - who, facing him, with his gun at his shoulder, fired with so true an - aim, that the great beast with a somersault fell forward at his - feet, and with a roar of pain expired. The cub, two-thirds the size - of its dam, seeing her fall, turned and fled, leaving the way open - for the attack of the sire, a grand old fellow who sounded instantly - to the charge, and came crashing through the thicket upon us. It was - a moment for action. We opened upon him with a terrible bombardment - from our Henry rifles. In less time than a minute we had fired - thirty-one balls into him. In his endeavors to reach us, and in his - rage and agony, he executed some tremendous feats of ground and - lofty tumbling. The woods echoed to his howlings, and in a frantic - manner he tore up the earth and broke down the saplings for a - considerable space around. The chaparral cracked beneath the strokes - of his paws, and large pieces of rotten logs were scattered in all - directions. His pluck should have won him a more glorious fate, for - with all his efforts to attack us, he died without inflicting any - harm, and his death roar, reverberating through the forest, summoned - our frightened companions, who, with ‘Forty-niner’ in the van, - returned in time to be in at the death. ‘Johnny,’ my faithful - henchman, with revolver in hand, reserving fire for a last - contingency, had stood near while the fight was progressing. He now - came forward and warmly congratulated Humphrey and myself on our - victory. We took the hind quarters of our prize on board, and nailed - one of the huge paws as a trophy, to the top of our jack-staff, and - floated on. - - “Toward evening we descried a party of white men on the right bank, - hove to, and went ashore. They proved to be a party of seven, - engaged in chopping wood for steamboats. They were living in a - little shanty, and intended to remain through the winter. When the - boats came up, in the early spring, they expected to make a - profitable sale of their wood, and go to some less exposed country. - During the winter they designed to increase their wealth by hunting - and trapping for furs. These men were armed with Hawkins rifles, - which, being muzzle-loading, were greatly inferior to the - breech-loading cartridge guns then in use. We warned them of their - danger, but with the energy and enterprise they possessed also the - courage and recklessness of all pioneers. They said they were ready - to take the chances. Poor fellows! The chances were too strong for - them, for only a few days afterwards a body of Sioux Indians came - upon them. They made a desperate defence, but were overpowered and - every one of them massacred. - - “The eighth day of our voyage was mild and lovely. We had floated - seven hundred miles without accident. Each day had been crowded with - events of interest, and our adventures had all been crowned with - success. These, with our resources for humor, and a general - disposition to see only the ludicrous side of passing incidents, - made us cheerful and good-humored even to boisterousness. Sometimes, - even in the midst of mirth, the thought of our constant exposure to - Indian attack would operate as an unpleasant restraint. But we did - not shirk the subject, or fail for a moment to look it steadily in - the face. Most of our company knew what Indian fighting meant, and - some had had experience. Three had followed under the banner of the - writer, on the sunny slopes of the distant Pacific, when gallantry - and honor had called for volunteers for the defence of firesides - against savage forays. In early times upon the Middle Yuba, when - Bill Junes the packer and five others were ruthlessly murdered, it - was ‘Forty-niner’ who sounded the tocsin of war and led the daylight - attack down the winding gorge upon a Digger _ranchero_, to its total - annihilation. Our uniform experience had been that where civilized - jarred with savage nature, a conflict was inevitable, and the - pioneer had fought his own battles unaided. Government had done - little for his protection, and less for the savage. - - “Occasionally this subject would obtrude itself upon our thoughts, - and we would discuss it in its personal aspects, always resolving to - be on our guard against surprise and attack. But the prestige of - successful adventure made us careless, and a latent sentiment of - pride and confidence in our arms pervaded the entire party. We had - been for several days passing through the country of the hostile - Sioux, and knew if we should fall in with one of their war parties - an attack would surely follow, and he would be a lucky man who - escaped a bloody fate. As if, by a presentiment of coming evil, the - subject on this day became more than usually exciting. - ‘Forty-niner,’ who rather desired a brush with the Indians, had just - expressed his willingness and ability to eat any number of Sioux for - breakfast, should they attack our party, when our boat rounded a - bend in the river, and Humphrey, the first to make the discovery, - exclaimed, ‘Well, there they are. You can eat them for dinner if you - choose.’ - - “It was high noon. Just before us at the mouth of a coulee on the - south bank of the river, was a large party of Indians. A hasty - glance of mutual surprise and an instant seizure of arms by both - parties, defined, stronger than language could do, the terms upon - which we were to meet. Below the coulee, there rose to the height of - fifty feet, a perpendicular bluff around whose base dashed the - foaming current. A low open sand-bar disputed our passage on the - opposite side. There was no alternative. We must go by the channel, - within range of their guns, or not at all. As we steered to a point - across the river, the Indians withdrew to the coulee, one alone - remaining, who accompanied his friendly salutation of ‘How! How!’ - with gestures indicating a desire for us to return to that side, and - engage in trade with them. A moment later and our boat was opposite - the coulee, within which we could see some of the red devils - stripping off their blankets, and others, already denuded, - approaching the verge of the bluff, armed with bows and arrows and - rifles. It was evident we had come up with a large party of Sioux - who were about to attack us, and we must make the best of the - situation. Despite our labor at the oars, the current swept us down - in direct range of the spot occupied by the Indians, who, before we - had finished fastening our boat, opened fire upon us with about - fifty shots, which fortunately whistled over our heads. Before they - could correct their aim for another fire, we were behind a - breastwork hastily extemporized by throwing up our blankets and - baggage against the exposed gunwale of the boat. This they pierced - with bullets thick as hail, but the protection it afforded us was - ample, and we soon got ready to return their leaden compliments. - Each of our Henry rifles contained sixteen cartridges when we opened - fire, and the distance being about one hundred and fifty yards to - the bluff, which was literally swarming with savages, not more than - ten minutes elapsed until every one of them had disappeared. The - fearful death howl, however, assured us that our fire had not been - in vain. With the exception of an occasional head dodging behind the - trees, not an Indian could be seen, yet from the coulee, the sage - brush, and low shrubbery, an incessant firing was kept up, which we - returned as often as an object became visible. - - “The effect of our first fire satisfied us that while it would be - death to all on board to attempt to run the channel, we could in our - present position keep the rascals at bay. We could stand the - broiling sun of an August afternoon on a heated sand-bar in the - Missouri better than the hotter fire of our savage foes. Early in - the action, while rising to fire from the breastwork, a bullet - struck Humphrey in the mouth, carrying away with it a piece of the - jaw and three teeth, and severely cutting the lips. The wound - disabled him, and deprived us of the best marksman in the party. A - little later ‘Forty-niner’ was struck by an arrow in the fleshy part - of the thigh. I pulled out the shaft, and bound up the wound. Five - minutes after, an arrow pierced the calf of his leg, inflicting a - painful wound. These arrows came from a squad which was protected - from our bullets by a depression in the bluff, oblique to us. So - great was their skill with the bow, that while the main party in - front could not harm us with bullets, they, by bending their arrows, - caused them to describe a curve which would strike their sharp - points into the legs of our boots with unerring precision. - - “The pride of ‘Forty-niner’ was now fully aroused. Twice wounded, he - became enraged, desperate, and unsheathing his bowie-knife, he rose - to his feet, and brandished it in the rays of the sun, launching a - terrible imprecation upon the liver, hearts, and scalps of the - savages. ‘Come on,’ he shouted, ‘you infernal sons of Belial! Alone - and single-handed, I will meet any five of the best of you in open - fight!’ - - “The bullets whistled around him from an invisible foe, but to no - purpose. Seizing him by the left arm I pulled him down, and warned - him of the danger of this personal exposure; but not until he had - exhausted his vocabulary of maledictions, would he yield to my - entreaties and resume his place behind the breastwork. Deprecating - his recklessness, I could not but admire his courage. But as this - was no time for sentiment, I was only too happy, when, of his own - accord, he stretched himself beside me, and I heard the bullets - whistling harmlessly over us. Just at this moment I looked behind me - and caught a glance of my little friend Johnny. With nothing but a - pistol to engage in the conflict, he had taken no active part in it, - but, with the pistol beside him, he was administering every possible - relief to poor wounded Humphrey. His coolness was remarkable, and - inspired us all with hope. - - “The Indians kept up a brisk fire from various places of concealment - until after sundown. We only responded when our shots would tell, - and finally ceased to fire at all. Our enemies, thinking we were all - slain, sent a party to take our scalps and plunder. We lay still, - behind our breastwork, so as not to undeceive them. Twenty-seven of - their best warriors, led by Ta-Skun-ka-Du-tah (the ‘Red Dog’), swam - the river half a mile above, and marched down directly in rear of - us. There, at a distance of about three hundred yards, they sat down - in a ring, within easy range of our rifles. Sitting Bull, their head - chief, meantime made medicine on the south bank for their success, - while they, believing that we were fully in their power, commenced - smoking and making medicine with the intention of destroying us at - leisure. (The names of the chiefs engaged in this attack were - learned by the writer several years after its occurrence when he was - employed as a government agent for the Teton Sioux, of which tribe - Sitting Bull was head chief.) - - “The ‘Red Dog’ was a big medicine man. Having filled and lighted the - magic pipe, he first touched the heel of it to the ground, then - raised and pointed the stem to the sun, drew a few solemn whiffs, - forcing the smoke through his nostrils, and passed the pipe to his - neighbor on the right, by whom it was passed on, until the ceremony - was performed by every man in the circle, and the pipe returned from - right to left without ceremony to the hands of the medicine man. He - refilled it, and it was circulated again from left to right. Painted - sticks with colored sacks of medicine attached were then stuck in - the ground in the centre of the enchanted circle, and the whole - company arose, broke into a guttural graveyard chant, and commenced - the war-dance around the medicine, the chief meantime waving over it - his coo-stick. This over, the medicine with great solemnity was - given to the sun. - - “During the half-hour thus occupied by the Indians, we were engaged - also in making medicine, and we made it strong. Our ten large Colt’s - revolvers were carefully loaded, our Henry rifles cleaned, and their - magazines filled with cartridges. We were impatiently awaiting the - assault when it came. Naked, hideously striped with red and black - paint, dancing, contorting their bodies, showering arrows thick and - fast into and around the boat, blowing war whistles made of the - bones of eagles’ wings, whooping and yelling, they rushed to the - onset as if all the devils of pandemonium had been suddenly let - loose. For their arrows and bullets we were prepared, but this - terrific vocal accompaniment for the moment scattered our courage to - the winds. We could well understand how the stoutest hearts would - quail in presence of such an infernal demonstration. Our hair rose - up like quills, and we could feel our hearts sink within us as the - noise and din increased, filling the forest with horrible - reverberations. - - “Our little boat, breasting the sluggish current, floated at a - distance of twenty feet from the shore, to which she was fastened by - a strong painter. The red-skins, still shouting and firing, - evidently anticipating an easy victory, rushed madly onward to the - water’s edge, when at a word, we all rose up and opened a deadly and - incessant fire upon them with our rifles. Our hopes were more than - realized in seeing several fall, and the others beat a hasty retreat - to the cottonwoods. It was now our turn to shout, and we made the - welkin ring with cheers of victory as we jumped from the boat and - waded rapidly to the shore, and pursued the flying demons to their - log covert in a coppice of willows. ‘Forty-niner,’ reminded that his - banqueting hour had arrived, forgetful of his wounds, rushed - impetuously to the charge, brandishing his inevitable bowie-knife - with one hand, his unerring pistol firmly clasped in the other, and - his powerful voice raised to the highest pitch of angry utterance. - - “‘Scatter, you infernal demons!’ he cried, ‘scatter, for not a devil - of you shall escape us.’ - - “Too true, alas! for Ta-Skun-ka-Du-tah, were these words of doom. - The medicine which he deemed invincible, failed to protect him from - the deadly aim of ‘Forty-niner,’ a bullet from whose pistol passed - through his heart. With a convulsive leap into the air, and an - agonizing death yell, he fell prone to the earth, grasping the - coo-stick and medicine which had lured him to his fate. Six lifeless - bodies of his followers lay around, and how many were killed or - wounded on the opposite bank in the early part of the contest, we - had no means of ascertaining. ‘Forty-niner’ made medicine over the - fallen chief, and removed his scalp in a manner which even he would - have approved. Little Johnny displayed great courage in the fight, - and was always near me in the thickest of it, seemingly ready to - avenge any harm that might befall his benefactor. - - “The twilight was fading into darkness, when the Indians on the - opposite side of the river fired upon us for the last time. - Assembling upon the bank in a group a few hundred yards above us, - they were speedily rejoined by the survivors of the attacking party, - who, as we learned from their melancholy death howl, had - communicated to them the disasters of the battle. The wailing notes, - attuned to a dismal cadence, ringing in echoes through the forest, - harmonized gloomily with the joy and thankfulness which our escape - had inspired. We had no sorrow to squander upon the savages in their - distress, but there was something so heartfelt in the expression of - their grief, that it filled us all with sadness. And there was no - heart in the loud and repeated cheers and firing of rifles with - which we deemed it necessary to respond, lest they should return and - seek to avenge the death of their fallen comrades. It was simply an - act of self-defence; for had the Indians known our fear of future - and immediate attack, and the anxious plans we made for prompt - departure, our doom would have been certain. - - “When the last faint note of the retreating Sioux assured us of - freedom from immediate danger, we took careful note of our injuries, - and made preparations to resume our voyage. Five of our company had - been wounded, none fatally, but all needed attention and service - which we could not bestow. Our boat and baggage had been pierced by - hundreds of bullets. A companion, who was disqualified by the recent - amputation of his leg from service during the fight, had received a - wound in the back that would have proved fatal but for the - interposition of his wooden leg, which happened to be in range. - Another had an arrow point in his shoulder, and still another one in - the hip. Then there were Humphrey and ‘Forty-niner,’ so badly - wounded as to be incapable of service. Before daylight a thousand - Indians, thirsting for revenge, might assemble at some point below - us, intent upon our destruction. There was no alternative;—we must - leave with all possible speed, and reach Fort Buford, about one - hundred and thirty miles distant, at the mouth of the Yellowstone, - without detention of any sort. Those of us who were uninjured by the - fight, set about repairing the boat. An hour before midnight we - dropped into the current, and under cover of intense darkness were - borne rapidly down the turbid river. Jostled by frequent snags, - arrested by sand-bars and by various collisions, kept in constant - fear of wreck, we contrived to hold our course until daylight. - Through the succeeding day our field-glass was in constant use, but - as no Indians were visible, we ventured, while passing a bottom, to - fire into a large herd of antelopes. Two were killed. We - disembarked, threw out pickets, and prepared a hasty meal, and - sailed onward. Until its close, the remainder of the day was without - incident; but just at dark, our boat ran hard aground upon a - sand-bar, and obliged us to remain there during the night. This was - not without risk, for if the Indians had come upon us we would have - been an easy prey. Our ever-faithful Johnny, who had slept during - the day, volunteered as guard, and wrapped in his blanket, he sat - down on the deck, his clear eye peering into the darkness, and his - keen ears detecting the slightest unusual noise. Several times he - mistook the whistle of an elk, and howl of the wolf, for the Indian, - but no Indian came, and we were aroused at daylight by our trusty - sentinel with the welcome announcement that a large human habitation - was visible. We sprung to our feet, and beheld, at a distance of - three miles ahead, the stockade and bastions of Fort Union. Fears - for our safety and for the poor fellows whose wounds produced the - most intense physical suffering, were instantly relieved; and every - able-bodied man in the party put forth his best exertions with - hearty good will to remove the boat from the sand-bar. This - accomplished, we soon effected a landing at the fort, but finding no - surgeon there, crossed the point with our wounded, a distance of two - miles, to Fort Buford, then in process of construction at the mouth - of the Yellowstone. Here we found a Company of the Thirteenth United - States Infantry, under command of Col. W. G. Rankin, quartered in - tents until the completion of the post. More than half the time - their attention was diverted from work upon the fort by attacks of - Sioux, large bands of whom were prowling through this region. The - colonel received us very kindly, placed a large tent at our - disposal, furnished us with commissary stores, and consigned our - wounded to the skilful treatment of the surgeon. - - “We had been two weeks at Fort Buford, when the steamer _Luella_ - arrived with three hundred passengers. Our taste for adventure - having lost its flavor, we reluctantly bade the kind colonel and his - Company good-bye, and took passage on her for Sioux City. The run - down, unmarked by any unusual incident, and after frequent - detentions upon sand-bars, was accomplished to the head of the great - bend above the town in fourteen days. One of our party crossed the - bend, which is but a few miles in width, to the city, to provide - means upon our arrival for the conveyance of the company to the - Northwestern Railroad, not then completed to the Missouri. I had - just finished a game of whist, when my comrade Johnny, who was - seated beside me, drew me aside and inquired if I intended to leave - the boat at Sioux City. On receiving, with an affirmative reply, an - urgent request to accompany me to Chicago, he broke into tears and - expressed great regret that we must part so soon, as by remaining on - the boat he could reach his friends and home much sooner than by any - other route. - - “‘Come with me on the deck,’ he continued, putting his arm in mine. - ‘I have something to tell you in confidence, which will greatly - surprise you.’ - - “I had often had occasion during our trip to think that Johnny would - unfold the mystery which enveloped him, before we separated, and I - readily accompanied him to the place indicated. With much nervous - embarrassment, he then said to me, - - “‘I am indebted to you more deeply than you can even imagine. You - have been a kind friend and benefactor, and now that the time has - come for us to part, I should be more than criminal did I not reveal - myself to you in my true character. The disguise is no longer - necessary for my protection. I am a woman.’ - - “Involuntarily I exclaimed, ‘Great Heaven! is it possible!—and I, - all this while, so stupid as not to see it in your conduct! This - accounts for everything I thought so strangely reticent, so - singularly delicate and refined in your manners.’ - - “‘Let me go on,’ said she, interrupting this rhapsody. ‘Our relation - to each other, so changed, must not affect the deep sense of - obligation your kindness has imposed; and besides, my history, with - all its sad vicissitudes, will afford ample apology for the deceit - of which this confession convicts me. When I came to you and begged - for the passage you so generously granted, I was a poor heart-broken - woman, but now with the multiplied evidences I have of a protecting - Providence, I am comparatively happy. Listen to my story. Just - before the great rebellion I was married to one I dearly loved. Our - home was in Tennessee. I was nineteen, and my husband, whom I will - call Mr. Gordon, a few years older. Early in the Summer of 1861 he - espoused the Union cause, which brought him in great disfavor with - his relatives and neighbors. Their frequent persecutions drove us - from the country. We sought a new home in California. There he - engaged in extensive mining enterprises, all of which terminated in - failure. He became utterly discouraged, and realized in the current - idiom of the country the condition of one who had “lost his grip.” I - urged him to return to the States, but our means were nearly - exhausted. With the hope of replenishing them, as a last resort he - staked and lost everything at a gambling table. To my constant - entreaties for reformation, he promised well, until intemperance - seized him in its deadly coil. Naturally high-spirited and - honorable, misfortune and dissipation soon reduced him to a wreck. - - “‘In the Spring of 1866 we were living in a mining camp at the - Middle mines, on the western slope of the Sierras. One night (I - shall never forget it) my unfortunate husband, while intoxicated, - became embroiled in a desperate quarrel at a game of faro, with a - player of much local popularity. A fearful fight followed, in which - he killed his antagonist. He was followed into the street and his - arrest attempted by a sheriff’s officer. He fled in the direction of - his home, was fired upon and seriously wounded, and in three shots - fired by him in return, he killed one of the arresting party. The - others fled. The crowd, attracted by the firing, pursued him so - hotly that he ran to the hills and secreted himself in the forest. - - “‘During the succeeding six days of bitter anguish I was in a state - of terrible suspense. Late one night relief was brought by a - messenger from my husband, who said he was lying at a miner’s cabin - in the mountains, fifteen miles distant, seriously wounded, and - required medicine and attendance. I instantly determined to go to - him. The man, an old friend of my husband, discouraged me, lest I - should be followed by the officers, and the hiding-place discovered. - This objection I overcame by donning male attire, and following his - guidance astride a mule. I reached the bedside of my wretched - husband without exciting suspicion, and after several weeks of - careful nursing, his condition was so improved that he could - commence a journey to the States. Fear of discovery prevented longer - delay, and our friend providing us with means of conveyance, we - started on our weary route. - - “‘You may readily conceive that the task was disheartening, for to - escape detection it was necessary to avoid all travelled routes, and - literally pick our way through mountains, valleys, defiles, and - cañons, fording rivers where we could find opportunity, and - obtaining food from ranches and at points remote from the large - settlements. My husband’s condition required constant attention, and - on me alone devolved all the labor and care of the journey. No one, - to see my embrowned face and knotty hands, would have ever dreamed - that I was aught else than the tough wiry boy I appeared, or that I - concealed beneath my disguise a heart torn with anguish and shaken - by continual fear. - - “‘We selected, as least liable to interruption, a route through - Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, intending, after - our arrival in Montana, to find some easier mode of completing our - journey. Five long weary months during which travel was about - equally alternated with delay, found us encamped on the Columbia - plains in Washington Territory near the western border of Montana. - Oh! it had been a terrible perambulation. And now, when beyond the - pursuit of sheriffs, and near the close as we supposed of our - journey, my poor husband, weakened by the internal hemorrhage from - his wound, was prostrated by an attack which in a few days - terminated his life. - - “‘I was alone in the wilderness, several hundred miles from the - nearest settlement. For two days and nights I lingered in that - lonely camp beside the dead body of my husband, without a sound to - break the fearful stillness, save the yelping of coyotes, and the - midnight howl of the wolf. On the third day I heard the welcome - sound of an approaching pack train. The men having it in charge dug - a grave and gave my husband decent burial. I accompanied their train - to Helena, preserving my male _incognito_ without suspicion. After a - brief period of rest and refreshment, I disposed of my effects and - went by coach to Benton, where I was so fortunate as to fall in with - your party. You know the rest.’ - - “The recital of this eventful narrative made a profound impression - upon me. I could scarcely realize that it had fallen from the lips - of the mild-mannered, resolute, active little Johnny, who had been - to us all such a pleasant but enigmatical companion. My sympathies - were all warmly enlisted in favor of the brave woman, but she - refused all further proffers of assistance, assuring me that she was - provided with ample means for the completion of her journey, and had - many able and willing friends who would greet her return to them - with joy. I took leave of her at Sioux City the next day with real - regret, and often since have recalled to mind the thrilling history - of her experience in the mountains.” - - - - - CHAPTER L - THE STAGE COACH - - -The stage coach is one among the most vivid memories of the boy of half -a century ago. The very mention of it recalls the huge oval vehicle with -its great boot behind, fronted by a lofty driver’s seat,—swaying, -tossing, rocking, lumbering and creaking as it dashes along, impelled by -four swift-footed horses, through mud and mire, over hill and dale, in -the daily discharge of its appointed office. Anon the rapid toot of the -horn, closing with a long refrain, which reverberates from every -hillside, winding a different note to the varied motions of the coach, -and a rattle of the wheels announces the arrival, and every urchin in -the village is on the alert to see its passage to the hotel, and from -the hotel to the post-office. It was the daily event in the memory of -childhood, which no time can obliterate. As years wore on and -improvements came, and one by one the old-time inventions gave place to -others, the coach began gradually to disappear from the haunts of busy -life, and the swift-winged rail-car to usurp its customary duties. -Seemingly it shrunk away as if frightened at the improvements -multiplying around it, and sought a freer life in the vast solitudes of -the Great West. There it had full range without a rival for thousands of -miles for a third of a century, and conveyed the van of that grand army -of pioneers across the continent, who sought and found home and wealth -and opened up a new and richer world than any ever before discovered on -the golden shores of the great Pacific. - -The system of overland travel, which afforded a comparatively rapid -transit for passengers and mails between the oceans, made the stage -coach an object of peculiar interest to the civilized communities of -both continents. It was the bearer of the earliest news from the gold -fields, the most assured means of communication between those families -and friends whom the lust for fortune had separated, and the most -available conveyance to the land of gold. The novelty of a trip across -the plains, over the mountains, and through the cañons, its exposures to -Indian attack and massacre, its thrilling escapades and adventures, can -only be known to him who has accomplished it. - -Before the construction of the Union Pacific Railway, mails and -passengers were transported from the States to Montana by Holliday’s -Overland Stage Line, running from Atchison, Kansas, by way of Denver and -Salt Lake City, and connecting at the latter place with a stage line -owned by other proprietors, running to Virginia City and Helena, a total -distance of nineteen hundred miles. The route, for nearly its entire -distance, lay through a country occupied by various Indian tribes, -several of which were permanently hostile, and the others ready to -become so as occasion offered, to satisfy their greed for plunder or -robbery. The only habitations of whites, except at the places mentioned -and two or three smaller settlements, were the log cabins of the -stock-tenders. The regular time for a journey from Atchison to Helena -was twenty-two days. Once started, the only stoppages were at the -changing stations twelve to fifteen miles apart,—the eating stations -being separated by a distance of forty or fifty miles. - -In the Fall of 1864, I made this journey in company with Samuel T. -Hauser,—the time occupied being thirty-one days and nights of continuous -travel. Our journey was prolonged by delays occasioned by the incursions -of the hostile Sioux, who had killed several stock-tenders at different -stations, burned the buildings, and stolen the horses. From their -frequent attacks upon the coaches from ambush, it was necessary for us -to be on the constant lookout, with arms prepared to resist them at any -moment. This cautiousness was intensified by the evidence of their -murderous purpose we met with in our progress. On the second day after -leaving Atchison, the eastern bound coach met us with one wounded -passenger, the next day with one dead, and the next with another -wounded. The reports of passengers eastward bound were also very -discouraging. Yet this risk of life did not lessen travel. The coaches -were generally full. - -As a curious fact in stage-coach statistics, I may be pardoned for -stating that in fourteen years, while National Bank Examiner for all the -Territories and the Pacific States, and four years, while Collector of -Internal Revenue, my staging to and fro over the continent exceeded -seventy-four thousand miles. I learned in that experience that the most -comfortable as well as most eligible place for travelling was the -outside seat beside the driver; and as it was seldom in demand by others -for travel by night, I usually had no difficulty in securing it. For one -whose stage travel is pretty constant, no dress is more suitable than -the one usually worn by express messengers, which consists of warm -overalls and fur coat for ordinary winter weather, and a rubber suit for -protection against storms. The only objection to them, and that -sometimes and in some portions of the country a serious one, is the -liability of the wearer to be mistaken for a guard. The road agent -considers the guard with treasure in his keeping as legitimate prey, and -shoots him without the least compunction if he evinces any determined -resistance. It was my good fortune for several years to travel -unmolested over routes which but the day before or after were the scenes -of both murder and robbery. - -The ill-starred cañon of the Port-Neuf River, memorable in all its early -and recent history, for murder, robbery, and disaster, is about forty -miles distant from Fort Hall, Idaho. It was named after an unfortunate -Canadian trapper, murdered there by the Indians, and ever since that -event a curse seems to have rested upon it. Captain Bonneville -established his camp there for the Winter of 1833–34, and during his -absence with a few men, those who remained, reduced by cold and hunger, -were obliged to leave for a more promising location. He found them on -his return in the Spring, encamped on the Blackfoot, a tributary of -Snake River, not very far above Port-Neuf Cañon. Not only had they been -pinched by famine, but they had fallen in with several Blackfoot bands, -and considered themselves fortunate in being able to retreat from the -dangerous neighborhood without sustaining any loss. - -Ever since the stage road from Salt Lake City to Montana was laid out -through this cañon, it has been the favorite haunt of stage robbers and -highwaymen. Nature seems to have endowed it with extraordinary -facilities for encouraging and protecting this dangerous class of the -community. Both sides of the river wash the base of basaltic walls, -which, by the combined action of fire, water, and wind, have been eroded -into numerous columns, resembling in formation those of Staffa, and -forming coverts and gateways alike favorable to the commission of -robbery or murder, and the escape of the criminals. Indeed, it has been -with many a commonly received opinion, that these gateways of rock gave -the name to the cañon, the word Port-Neuf in compound form signifying -“ninth gate.” Notwithstanding its terrible history, the drive through it -upon a summer day is very delightful. In the most romantic portion of -it, marked by an immense pile of crumbled basalt and favored by an -almost impenetrable thicket of willows, is the scene of one of the most -horrible tragedies that ever occurred in the murderous history of this -robbers’ den. - -Robbery and murder in the early history of the gold-seekers in Montana -and Idaho were carried on upon strictly business principles. No attack -upon a coach or a returning emigrant train was made without almost -certain knowledge of the booty to be obtained. Some of the band of -robbers were at the different mining localities, on the lookout for -victims; and between them and the attacking party a system of telegraphy -existed by which was communicated all possible information concerning -every departure of the coach with a treasure-box, or passengers with -gold dust. - -In the Summer of 1865, Messrs. Parker and McCausland, who represented -the interests of two successful merchants of Virginia City, and Messrs. -Mers and Dinan, merchants of Nevada City, left Montana for St. Joseph, -Missouri, with about sixty thousand dollars in gold dust in their -possession. For a week or more before leaving, as was the custom in -those days, they had sought by various devices to mislead any local -operatives of the robber gang who might be watching them, as to the -exact time of their departure, so that when they took leave of Virginia -City they were very confident they had stolen a march upon them, and -would pass the ordeal of a coach ride to Salt Lake City in safety. -Port-Neuf Cañon was regarded as the dangerous spot. Once through that, -they were comparatively safe. Their treasure, safely packed in buckskin -bags, was in part concealed upon their persons, and the remainder locked -up in a carpet-sack, carefully stowed away under the back seat which -they occupied. Before their arrival at Snake River bridge, two more -passengers, Brown and Carpenter, were added to the number. Leaving there -in high spirits, they proceeded at a brisk pace down the road, entering -the cañon at an early hour in the afternoon. It was a pleasant sunshiny -day. Happy in the belief that before its close they would leave the -dreaded place behind them, and that no attack would be made in daylight, -the members of the company were engaged in one of those rambling -discursive conversations which belong exclusively to this mode of -travel. Each man, however, as if instigated by the evil spirit of the -locality, had, before arriving at the cañon, examined his weapons of -defence and placed them in a convenient position for use in case of -necessity. Mile after mile was passed, and more than half the distance -through the cañon had been travelled, when a voice issuing from a clump -of bushes by the roadside sternly commanded the driver to halt, and at -the same moment the muzzles of nine or ten guns were presented at the -passengers, who were ordered to throw up their hands. “Robbers! Fire on -them!” exclaimed Parker, who had taken a seat on the outside of the -coach for the purpose of watching,—and suiting the action to the word, -he cocked and raised his gun and attempted to fire, but fell forward -riddled with buckshot. At the same time other shots killed McCausland, -Mers, and Dinan, and seriously wounded Carpenter, who escaped by -feigning death, as one of the robbers was about to shoot him again. -Brown escaped by plunging into the surrounding thicket of bushes. -Charley Parks, the express messenger, received a serious wound which -necessitated the amputation of the leg at the thigh. The murderers then -completed their work by rifling the bodies of their victims, and seizing -whatever treasure they could find upon and within the coach, and then -made their escape through the basaltic gateways to the fastnesses of the -mountains. The driver, with his ghastly freight of dead and wounded, -returned to the station. Large rewards were offered by the stage company -for the arrest of the desperadoes who had committed this frightful -butchery, and for the recovery of the stolen treasure. Many members of -the Vigilante organization of Montana started in pursuit, but all -attempts to trace the murderers were for some time abortive. - -Frank Williams, the driver of the coach, soon after left the employ of -the stage company, and was for some time a hanger-on of the saloons of -Salt Lake City. The lavish use he made of money while there, excited the -suspicion of those who were in pursuit of the robbers, and when he left -the city, they followed him and watched him closely, until satisfied -that he was using money in larger amounts than he could have obtained -honestly. At Godfrey’s Station, between Denver and Julesburg, they -arrested him. Conscience-smitten, he fell upon his knees at the feet of -his accusers, and made a full confession, implicating eleven -confederates, whose names and places of abode he revealed. He admitted -that he had driven the coach into the ambush for the purpose of aiding -the robbery, in the avails of which he was a participant. It probably -never occurred to him that the murder of the passengers was possible; -and from the moment of its occurrence he had not known a moment’s peace -of mind or freedom from fear of arrest. He was hanged near Denver -immediately after his arrest and confession. The information he gave -enabled his captors to eventually secure the persons of several others -engaged in the robbery, who were summarily executed,—but the larger -portion of the robbers are still at large. - -There have been several coach robberies in Port-Neuf Cañon and the -vicinity since the one here recorded, but none in which life was taken. -Indeed, attacks upon the downward bound coach became so frequent that -for several years before the completion of the railroad the stage -company provided for each treasure coach a guard, whose business it was -to defend both treasure and passengers by all means in his power. Among -the men selected for this duty they made choice of two who had figured -conspicuously in the early Vigilante history of Montana, John X. Beidler -and John Fetherstun. - -The only stage station in this cañon was known by the very appropriate -name of “Robbers’ Roost,” and I never passed the place without a feeling -of mingled sadness and horror at the recollection of the tragedy which -has given it such a bloody notoriety. Forty-six times have I passed -through this cañon on trips from Montana to the States and returning. It -has been with me a life-long custom to take my seat with the driver, and -occasionally when riding through the cañon, clad in a buffalo overcoat, -with headgear to correspond, I have experienced an instinctive feeling -of discomfort at the thought that I might be mistaken for a guard, who -is always deemed the legitimate prey of the road agent, and shot down by -some avenging Nemesis of the band. The robbers, however, seldom demand -the money or other personal effects of the driver or messenger, as -these, being of small value, poorly compensate for the risk incurred in -robbing the treasure-box and the passengers. - -Among the various devices I had thought of adopting to escape robbery in -case of attack, I finally concluded to act the part of a messenger, with -whose methods long observation had made me familiar. The objection to -this was that the robbers frequented _incog._ the stations on the route -of their contemplated depredations, and knew the _personnel_ of all or -nearly all the messengers. No mercy therefore would be shown to any one -who was detected in the attempt to personate one of them. The risk was -too great to be incurred except by one who courted adventure, or where -the safety of a large amount was involved. An opportunity finally came. - -My duties as bank examiner required a visit to Santa Fe, New Mexico, in -the latter part of June, 1878. Having completed my examinations, the -cashier of the Second National Bank requested me on my return to convey -to Denver a considerable sum of gold and currency. - -The coach robberies had been so numerous for nearly a year on this -route, that Messrs. Barlow and Sanderson, the proprietors of the stage -line and the express company, had refused to transport treasure over it, -and all packages of merchandise were sent in charge of trusty -messengers. I reluctantly assented, they taking the risk of the safe -conduct of the money,—the other risk, to me at least the greater of the -two, my own safety, I had to take myself. I was the only passenger. No -one else coveted a ride over the dismal route. The money was securely -locked in my valise which was packed among the mail-bags inside the -coach. On arriving at Las Vegas a change of drivers took place. Charley -Fernandez, a half-blood Mexican whose acquaintance I had made years -before while on the same trip, took the reins, and we continued on our -way in excellent spirits. He was known by the sobriquet “Mexican -Charley.” He was an excellent whip, and noted for his coolness in -danger, and kindness to his horses. At Eureka, Mr. Stewart, the stage -company’s blacksmith, who had been shoeing the horses along the route, -got into the coach. Fatigued with overwork, he rearranged the mail-bags -and spread his blankets, and, without my knowledge, removed my valise -containing the money to the front boot of the coach. The first half of -the night had worn away. Charley had told me a great number of thrilling -incidents about the stage travel, and the trouble with road agents along -the road. The subject, though interesting, was not at the time and under -the circumstances particularly inspiring, especially as we were now -passing through the infested portion of the route. I had contrived to -fall into a doze, and in that creepy mood so common to people whose -condition is half-way between slumber and wakefulness, had so -con-jumbled road agents and stage coaches, that but for a fortunate jolt -now and then, I should probably have fallen into the unhappy -consciousness that I was really a victim to robbery and disaster. We -were passing at a moderate pace a cluster of isolated hills, known in -that region as “Wagon Mound Buttes.” The horses had just begun with -slackened gait to ascend a grade, when Charley roused me from my revery -by a quick, short, half-breathless ejaculation, “What’s that in the road -ahead of us?” Every sense I possessed was roused in an instant. The -trust I had undertaken gave me infinite concern, and I confess to an -alarm bordering upon fear. If I had left that money behind, I thought, I -should have little trouble in taking care of myself. Peering into the -darkness at that moment partially dispelled by the rising moon, I -discovered, about fifty yards in front, two objects just disappearing -among the bushes by the roadside. - -“I guess,” said Charley, reassuringly, “it’s nothing but burros.” - -“Quite likely, Charley,” I replied. “We have seen them at intervals all -the way.” - -“That’s what it is, you may depend,” rejoined Charley. “I’ve often -mistook ’em before for the blasted road agents. But I was a leetle -skeered at fust, warn’t you?” - -“Considerably, Charley. I don’t want to meet them this time, at any -rate.” - -“No danger, I guess,” said Charley, as he touched his leaders with the -whip to urge them up the grade. - -The horses pulled along at a quicker gait, and I was settling back into -a state of tranquil somnolence, happy in the thought that we were not -probably the first men who had been frightened by a couple of jackasses, -when suddenly, as if springing out of the solid earth, two men jumped -from the bushes. They were about twenty feet apart. The one most -distant, a short, rather slender person, seized the bits of the leaders -with his left hand, holding in the right a cocked revolver. The other, a -stalwart figure of six feet, with corresponding physical proportions, -raised a double-barrelled shotgun, and aiming it directly at my head, -shouted in a fierce, impetuous tone, - -“Halt! Don’t either of you move a hand. I want that treasure-box.” This -startling salutation, with its accompanying demonstration, for a moment -filled me with apprehension, but the quick reply of Charley, “There’s no -treasure-box aboard,” restored me to instant calmness. Now, thought I, -is the time to put my chosen theory into practice, and pass myself as -express messenger. - -“Don’t say a word to them, Charley!” said I, in a suppressed tone. “Let -me do the talking.” - -The big robber, whose determination was more strongly whetted by -Charley’s reply to his first demand, now spoke in an angry tone, and -with his gun in closer proximity to my head, exclaimed, - -“I tell you I want that treasure-box, and quick too. Throw it right down -there,” pointing to the ground alongside the forward wheel of the coach. - -My rapid breathing had now so far abated that I was able to say in a -steady, natural tone, - -“The driver has told you the truth. I have no treasure-box on this run. -I don’t know what the other boys have had. You fellow’s have run the -road to suit yourselves this summer. I haven’t had a treasure-box for -more than two months.” - -“I know better than that,” he replied, with the usual formula of oaths, -“and if you don’t throw out that box, I’ll shoot the top of your head -off,” at the same time advancing two or three steps, and aiming his gun -with both barrels cocked, less than a yard’s distance from my head;—by -reaching forward I could have touched it. - -The man was very nervous. I knew that his object was robbery without -murder, rather than murder and robbery afterwards. In his excitement, -which had been rapidly increasing in intensity, I feared that he might -unintentionally pull the triggers on which his fingers were resting. To -possibly avoid a fatal result in such case, I moved my head backward and -forward, to the right and left, and tried to keep as much out of range -as possible. All to no purpose:—the gun kept motion with me, and held me -constantly in range. I finally said to him, - -“Oblige me by holding your gun a little out of range with my head. -You’ve got the drop on me, but I can’t believe you wish to kill a man -who is ready to give you all he has.” - -“You just give me that treasure-box, and you won’t be hurt,” he replied, -in an obstinate tone, with his gun still in position. - -The other robber, seemingly much amused at the fear I manifested for my -safety, in a jocular manner shouted to me, in a voice peculiarly -feminine, - -“Does them gun-barrels look pretty big?” - -I replied that I could not readily recall a time in my life when -gun-barrels looked quite as large as they did at that moment, and that -although neither the moon nor stars were very bright, yet I was quite -sure I could read the advertisements on a page of _The New York Herald_ -which they had used for gun wadding. - -This answer excited their mirth, and they laughed quite heartily, but it -did not divert them from their purpose. After parleying with them a few -minutes longer, I handed the big man the way-pocket containing the -way-bill, and told him that the entire contents of the coach were -entered on it, and he could satisfy himself that there was no -treasure-box on board. They made the examination and were convinced. - -During this research they watched our movements closely, lest Charley or -I should draw a weapon. Neither of us was armed. Returning the way-bill -to the leather pocket, the big man in a surly tone inquired, - -“Got any passengers aboard?” - -“There is a man inside, but he is not a passenger,” I replied. - -“Who is he then, and what is he doing there, if he is not a passenger?” - -“He is the company’s blacksmith.” - -Frenzied with the disappointment of not finding a treasure-box, and -thinking that I was screening a passenger by calling him an employee, -the robber exclaimed. - -“That’s played out. I want that man,” and, rattling the coach door, in -language redundant with profane superlatives, he ordered him, if he -wished to escape being shot, to come out and show himself. - -Stewart, who had slept through all the previous part of the colloquy, on -being thus summarily summoned, comprehended the situation of affairs, -and slipping a small roll of greenbacks into his shoe, stepped out of -the coach. - -“Throw up your hands,” was the stern command addressed to him emphasized -by the double muzzle of a loaded gun within a few feet of his head. He -was not slow to comply, nor to submit with the best possible grace to -the search which followed, yielding only a single Mexican dollar. - -The fury of the robber as he held this meagre trophy of his enterprise -up to the pale moonlight was dramatic in the highest possible degree, -and yet so associated with his earlier disappointments, that one could -hardly restrain oneself from bursting into a fit of laughter. - -“What business have you,” he yelled, interlarding his speech with an -unlimited use of profane and opprobrious epithets, “to be travelling -through this country with no more money than that?” - -Stewart answered that he was the horse-shoer of the company, which paid -his bills while on the road, and he therefore had no need of money while -thus employed. - -After a careful examination of Stewart’s hands, which were found to be -hard and callous, and the discovery of a box containing the tools used -in horse-shoeing, the robber was satisfied that he had told the truth, -and returned the Mexican dollar. Baffled at all points, he hurled the -way-pocket into the sage brush, and in a tone of mingled anger and -disgust, exclaimed, - -“No passengers, no treasure-box, no _nothing_. This is a —— of an -outfit.” With his gun still in point-blank range, he crept close beside -the front wheel, and by the subdued light gazed scrutinizingly into my -face for a brief space, as if to ascertain whether he had ever seen me -before. He repeated this so often that I feared he would resolve the -doubt he evidently entertained of my assured office against me, and -shoot me for the imposition. This to me was the most terrible moment of -the encounter. I returned his stare each time with an impassive -countenance, resolved at all hazards to persist in my experiment. While -thus occupied, he directed his companion to examine the contents of the -rearward boot and overhaul the mail-bags within the coach. Ten minutes -later, the search proving abortive, he said in slow, measured tones, -dropping back a few paces, “Well, I guess you’d better drive on.” - -Charley gathered up the reins, and was about giving the word to his -horses, when it occurred to me that I might complete the deception I had -all along practiced by a little _ruse_ which the occasion seemed to -demand. - -“Hold on, Charley,” and turning to the discomfited man I added, - -“I want my way-pocket.” - -“You can’t have it,” was the prompt reply. - -“But I must have it,” I insisted. “I can’t go on without it. The company -will discharge a messenger who loses his way-pocket.” - -This reply seemed to allay his suspicions. He stepped into the sage -brush and returned in a few minutes with the pocket, which he gave me, -and ordered us quite peremptorily to drive on. - -Charley needed no second invitation, but drove on quite briskly. After -mutually congratulating each other on our escape, we naturally recounted -the events of the evening, and among other things commented upon the -feminine voice of the smaller of the robbers; but I soon dismissed the -subject, feeling too well satisfied with the success of an artifice -which had saved the bank a considerable sum of money, and possibly both -of us from a fatal calamity. - -Several months after this adventure, while returning by stage from -Leadville to Pueblo, the driver directed my attention to a grave marked -by a low wooden slab on the plateau overlooking the Arkansas River a -short distance below Buena Vista. Just beyond it was an abrupt ravine. - -“I never pass that grave,” said the driver, “without being reminded of -the event connected with it. A few weeks ago a band of horses had been -stolen from a ranche on the road between Trinidad and Wagon Mound -Buttes, by two horse-thieves who were pursued by the owners over the -range into the Arkansas Valley. They were overtaken with the stolen herd -in that ravine. On attempting to enter it the smaller thief commanded -the pursuing party to halt, disregarding which, he fired upon and -wounded two of them. Roused by the firing, the other thief appeared, and -a pitched battle ensued, in which he was slain outright, and the other -fatally wounded. Surgical aid was obtained, and the surviving thief was -found to be a woman. She died in a few days thereafter, refusing to the -last to reveal her history, or furnish any clew by which it might be -traced.” This event occurring so soon after the attempt to rob the -coach, convinced the people thereabouts of the identity of the persons -engaged in both outrages. - -Many of the “home stations” on the stage lines, where meals were served, -were favorite camping grounds for freighters engaged in the -transportation of merchandise from the railroad to the interior towns. -On the road between Kelton and Boise, the station at Rock Creek, one -hundred miles distant from the railroad, was kept by Charles Trotter. It -was one of the few stopping-places where palatable meals were served. -Its reputation in this respect won for it a widespread popularity with -the travelling public, and in process of time a small settlement sprung -up around it. A store was opened, where emigrants and others could -obtain provisions, clothing, and such other necessaries as they needed. -Naturally enough, many of the newcomers were rough in their tastes, fond -of gambling, drinking, and the athletic sports common in an unorganized -community. The influence exercised by a few citizens of the better class -was all that saved the little settlement from lapsing into lawlessness -and crime. - -My diary for 1877 shows that on September 17 I passed through Rock Creek -by stage _en route_ for Boise. Our coach entered the place about the -middle of the afternoon. An Englishman who had arrived in America a -fortnight before, was the only passenger besides myself. It was his -first journey in a stage coach, and the rough and desolate region -through which it lay presented to his mind many features of novelty and -interest, mingled with no little disquietude at the strange character of -his surroundings. He was in a condition to be alarmed at anything. - -As we alighted from the coach, our attention was directed by loud -hilarious singing to a company of twenty or more men approaching the -station, bearing in their midst a long pine box. I perceived at once -that it was a funeral orgie over the burial of some wretch who had paid -the penalty of a summary death for a life of crime. A person standing -near me replied to my inquiry as to the cause. He said that about two -years previous to this time, a stranger came one morning to the station -and asked for breakfast. He was hungry and moneyless. Mr. Trotter gave -him a breakfast and he left; but something about his actions and -appearance aroused Trotter’s suspicions, and, concealed by the sage -brush, he tracked him for some distance across the plain, and came up -with him as he was in the act of mounting a horse which Trotter -recognized as the property of a friend in Boise. Believing that the -horse had been stolen, Trotter arrested the man, who gave his name as -William Dowdle, sent him to Boise, where he was tried for the theft, -convicted, and sentenced to two years’ imprisonment in the Idaho -Penitentiary. Dowdle avowed that if he lived to be free, he would kill -Trotter. At the close of his term he obtained employment as cook for a -freighter named Johnson, and slowly wended his way to Rock Creek, where -his employer and party camped for a day to replenish their stock of -provisions. - -The next morning, armed with a revolver, Dowdle went to the station to -execute his threat, and was greatly chagrined to learn that Trotter was -confined to his bed with typhoid fever. He sought to alleviate his -disappointment in liquor, which maddened him to that degree that he -threatened the lives of several persons, and, seating himself beside the -road, fired indiscriminately at all who passed him. One shot hit a Mr. -Spencer, a blacksmith, who was passing quietly along, inflicting what -was supposed to be a mortal wound. Attracted by the reports of the -pistol, young Wohlgamuth, a relative of Trotter who had charge of the -store, hurried to the doorway, when a bullet from Dowdle’s pistol -penetrated the door-casing, just grazing his head. He immediately -grasped his revolver from a shelf hard by, and shot Dowdle through the -heart. The villain fell prostrate in the road, exclaiming, “Such is -life, boys, in the days of forty-nine,” and died instantly. The entire -settlement manifested their approval of Wohlgamuth’s timely shot by a -season of general rejoicing, and a coroner’s jury exonerated him from -all blame. - -The funeral followed speedily. A rude coffin of pine, with four handles -of cords knotted into the sides, was the single preparation. In this the -body, incased in Johnson’s overcoat, was laid, fully exposed, the cover -of the box being laid aside until the conclusion of the ceremonies. Four -strong men grasped the handles, and lifting the coffin, the procession -formed about equally in front and rear of them, and the march commenced. -Frequent potations had exhilarated the entire company to such a degree -that no attempt was made to preserve regularity of motion or direction. -The line of march was between a ridge on the south and one on the north -side of the station, about a mile apart. No clergyman was present to -conduct the exercises, and no layman was in condition to offer a prayer -or read the scriptures. The exigency could only be supplied by vocal -music; and in the absence of hymn books it was thought to be exceedingly -proper and befitting the occasion for all to join in an old California -refrain entitled, “The Days of Forty-Nine.” Indeed, the last words of -Dowdle seemed to convey a request for it. The song was a doggerel -composed in the early Pacific mining days in commemoration of “Lame -Jesse,” a kindred spirit to Dowdle. The mourners on this occasion -substituted for the name of “Lame Jesse,” that of “Dowdle Bill.” This -musical service was progressing as our coach drove up to the station. -The song consisted of a score or more of verses of which I can recall -the following only: - - “Old Dowdle Bill was a hard old case; - He never would repent. - He never was known to miss a meal,— - He never paid a cent. - - “Old Dowdle Bill, like all the rest, - He did to Death resign; - And in his bloom went up the flume, - In the days of Forty-Nine.” - -Mrs. Trotter informed me that this procession of men bearing the coffin, -had marched to and fro between the two ridges in a state of drunken -revelry for a period of five hours; some singing one, some another -verse, producing an utter confusion of sound, and so excited as to be -utterly unable to preserve a straight line. At one of their halts near -the coach, Johnson, who was at the moment one of the bearers, discovered -that his own overcoat covered the body. - -“—— if they haven’t laid him out in my blue overcoat!” he exclaimed, and -loosening his hold of the handle, he raised the body, removed the coat, -and put it on his own back. The march was then resumed, and amid -singing, shouts, and laughter, the body was borne to a low ridge and -buried. - -Supper being soon announced, my English fellow-traveller did not appear -at the table. He was perfectly appalled at the scene he had witnessed. - -“Is this,” he inquired, with much earnestness, “the usual way funerals -are conducted in this wild country? We never have such proceedings in -England, you know. If the better class of people do such things, the -country must be pretty rough. I didn’t know but they’d take me next, and -I hadn’t any appetite.” - -I assured him that our lives were perfectly safe; but it was not until -we reached the next eating station, that hunger seemed to conquer his -fears, and he was fully reassured. - - - - - CHAPTER LI - RETROSPECTION - - -In the former chapters of this history, we have seen that the people of -Montana did not adopt the Vigilante code until a crisis had arrived when -the question of supremacy between them and an organized band of robbers -and murderers could be decided only by a trial of strength. When that -time came, the prompt and decisive measures adopted by the Vigilantes -brought peace and security to the people. If any of the murderous band -of marauders remained in the Territory, fear of punishment kept them -quiet. Occasionally indeed a man would be murdered in some of the -desolate cañons while returning to the States, but whenever this -occurred the offenders were generally hunted down and summarily -executed. - -When the executive and judicial officers appointed by the government -arrived in the Territory in the Autumn of 1864, they found the mining -camps in the enjoyment of a repose which was broken only by the varied -recreations which an unorganized society necessarily adopts to pass away -the hours unemployed in the mines. The people had perfect confidence in -the code of the Vigilantes, and many of them scouted the idea of there -being any better law for their protection. They had made up their minds -to punish all lawbreakers, and there were many who did not hesitate to -declare to the newly arrived officers, that while the courts might be -called upon in the settlement of civil cases, the people wanted no other -laws in dealing with horse-thieves, robbers, and murderers, than the -ones they themselves had made. This feeling, though not so general as -was claimed for it, was quite prevalent at that time among the miners. -As soon, however, as they found the courts adequate to their -necessities, they readily conformed to the laws and their administration -after the manner prescribed by the government, and the Vigilante rule -gradually disappeared. In several extreme cases they anticipated by -immediate action the slower processes of law, but this occurred only -when the offence was of a very aggravated character. - -Some of the leading newspapers of the nation, and the people of many of -the older communities where the hand of the law was strong, and -sufficient for the protection of all, have denounced the action of the -Vigilantes as cruel, barbarous, and criminal; but none of them have had -the perspicacity to discover any milder or more efficacious -substitute,—though apologies and excuses for the murderers have been -numerous and persistent. The facts narrated in these volumes are a -sufficient reply to these hastily formed opinions. The measures adopted -were strictly defensive, and those who resorted to them knew full well -that when the federal courts should be organized, they themselves would -in turn be held accountable before the law for any unwarrantable -exercise of power in applying them. The necessity of the hour was their -justification. Too much credit can never be awarded to the brave and -noble men who put them in force. They checked the emigration into -Montana of a large criminal population, and thereby prevented the -complete extermination of its peace-loving people, and its abandonment -by those who have since demonstrated, by a development of its varied -resources, its capacity for becoming an immense industrial State of the -Union. They opened up the way for an increasing tide of emigration from -the East, to this new and delightful portion of our country. They sought -mainly to protect every man in the enjoyment of his own, and to afford -every citizen equal opportunity to seek for and obtain the hoarded -wealth of the unexplored mountains and gulches in the richest portion of -the continent. They made laws for a country without law, and executed -them with a vigor suited to every exigency. - -Not one of that large cosmopolitan community who faced the realities of -brigand domination and aggression, ever complained of the means by which -they were terminated. The change was as welcome to them as sunlight to -the flowers, or rain to the parched earth. It changed their fear into -courage, and their despondency into hope. It cheered them with the -promise that their hard toil and coarse fare would eventuate in good, -and that the star which had led them from homes of comfort to these -distant wilds, did not,— - - “Meteor-like, flame lawless through the skies.” - -A marked improvement soon became visible in all classes of society. -Pistols were no longer fired, and bowie-knives were no longer flourished -in the saloons. Gambling, though still followed as a pursuit by many, -was freed from all dangerous concomitants, and the hurdy-gurdy houses -wore an appearance of decency and order that they had not known before. -An air of civil restraint took the place of recklessness in personal -deportment, and men lived and acted as if they had suddenly found -something in the community worthy of their respect. This enforced -reformation was only to be preserved by a rigid observance of the -regulations which had produced it. There were hundreds of men in the -Territory ready to take advantage of the smallest relaxation, to rush -again into organized robbery and murder. The Vigilantes understood this, -and that there might be no mistaking their intentions, they pursued -every criminal, from the greatest to the smallest, oftentimes aiding the -civil authorities, and suffering no guilty man who fell into their hands -to escape punishment. - -Nearly one-half of a century has elapsed since the United States -Congress gave to Montana a territorial government. At that time it was -the wildest and least inhabited portion of our national domain. A very -small portion of it only had been reclaimed from the savage tribes which -had inhabited it for centuries—the few whites who had gone there holding -it by an occupancy so nearly divided between the lovers and the -violators of law and order, that it was next to impossible to convert it -into a peaceful, law-abiding community. There was nothing in the -writings of early explorers to render it attractive for any of the -purposes of permanent settlement. Captains Lewis and Clark, who explored -this region in 1804–5–6, had told of its great rivers and valleys, its -rocks and its mountains, and the numerous nomadic tribes which subsisted -upon the herds of buffaloes, elks, and antelopes, that fed on its -perennial grasses. Their story had been repeated in more, graphic form -by Washington Irving in his version of Captain Bonneville’s expedition. -Trappers and hunters belonging to the Northwestern and American fur -companies, had told many thrilling adventures of their frequent -conflicts with Indians and grizzlies; but no one had ever testified to -the vast wealth of its mountains and gulches, the surpassing fertility -of its valleys and plains, and the navigability and water facilities of -its wonderful rivers. The possibility that it could ever become anything -more than a field for fur-hunters, or a reserve for some of our Indian -tribes, had never been seriously considered by any one. All the worst -crimes known to the Decalogue stained its infant annals, until, roused -by a spirit of self-defence, the sober-minded and resolute population -visited in their might with condign punishment the organized bands of -ruffians which had preyed upon their lives and property. These, as we -have seen, were speedily swept away from the face of the earth, and the -organization of the Territory was then complete. To-day Montana is the -most attractive of all the States recently admitted into the Union. With -a large and increasing population dwelling in the cities, agricultural -and mining districts, it is rapidly growing into one of the most -powerful States of the Union. Favored by nature with a healthful -climate, and with seasons of heat and cold equally distributed, it -cannot fail to give birth to a hardy, vigorous, and enterprising people. -The development of its vast and varied resources has just commenced, -yet, under its inspiring influence, large cities have sprung up, -manufactories have been established, vast valleys subdued, great -railroads constructed, and the work of a steady and increasing -improvement made everywhere visible throughout its borders. - -Many of the noble-hearted pioneers who placed themselves in the van of -this movement have passed away. Montana, now a State of the Union, may -well mourn the loss of such courageous spirits as James Stuart, Walter -Dance, Neil Howie, John Fetherstun, Dr. Glick, John X. Beidler, and many -more who have not lived to see her in her day of grandeur and triumph. A -time should never come when the memory of these men should cease to be -venerated. It should never be forgotten that Montana owes its present -freedom from crime, its present security for life and property, to the -early achievements of these self-denying men, and of their comrades who -still survive; who established law where no law existed, spoke order -into existence when all order was threatened with destruction, declared -peace where all was anarchy, and laid broad and deep the foundations of -a great and populous State amid the perils of robbery and bloodshed. -Equal in degree to the sacrifices made by the brave soldiers of the war -who saved our Republic, were the deeds of those who saved Montana from -rapine and slaughter. Like them, the graves of the dead should be -crowned with flowers, and the pathway of the living be brightened with -the rewards of a grateful people. - -Standing in the valley of the Mississippi, and beholding its marvellous -development, we talk of the West—its cities, its agriculture, its -progress—with rapture; we point to it with pride, as the latest and -noblest illustration of our republican system of government; but beyond -the West which we so much admire and eulogize, there is another West -where the work of development is just commencing: a land where but a -quarter of a century ago, all was bare creation; whose valleys, now -teeming with fruition, had then never cheered the vision of civilized -man; whose rivers, now bordered by thousands of happy homes, then rolled -in solitary grandeur to their union with the Missouri and the -Columbia;—a land whose rugged features, civilization with all its -attendant blessings has softened, and where an empire has sprung up as -if by enchantment;—a land where all the advantages and resources of the -West of yesterday are increased, and varied, and spread out upon a scale -of magnificence that knows no parallel, and which fills the full measure -of Berkeley’s prophecy,— - - “Westward the course of Empire takes its way. - The first four acts already past, - A fifth shall close the drama with the day. - Time’s noblest offspring is the last.” - - - THE END - - - - - INDEX - - - Abercrombie, Fort, 123 - - Adams, Thomas, 111 - - Aden, Joseph, 481, 482 - - Alder Gulch, discovery of, 206, 207; - settlement of, 221, 222, 230 - - Allen, Charley, 320; - murder of, 325 - - Allen, Jemmy, 394 - - Anderson, Resin, 111 - - Ankeny, Capt., 338, 339, 345 - - Arnett, William, 114 - - Ashley, ——, 497 - - Atkinson, Dr., 112 - - Ault, ——, 113 - - - Bad Lands, the, 494, 501, 502 - - Bagg, Charles S., 299 - - Ball, Smith, 368, 369 - - Banfield, ——, 176–178 - - Bannack, 68, 122, 129–131, 134–136, 188–191; - _see also_ Grasshopper Creek - - Bannack Indians, 118, 120, 195–197; - final destruction of, 199–203 - - Barlow & Sanderson, 525 - - Barnhardt, Martin, 437, 438 - - Beachy, Hill, 318, 328–348 - - Bear Rapids, 497 - - Bear River, Battle of, 199–201; - lists of killed and wounded, 203–205 - - Beaver Head Diggings, 65, 118 - - Beidler, J. X., 284, 350, 351, 388, 463–470, 524, 541 - - Bell, William H., death of, 181 - - Benton, Fort, 66, 123, 126, 498 - - Berry, Joseph and John, robbery of, 59, 60 - - Biddle, Dr. and Mrs., 134 - - Bissell, Dr. Edward, 115, 176, 207, 212, 219, 249 - - Blackburn, sheriff of Carson City, 48; - murder of, 49 - - Blackfeet Indians, 122, 124, 451, 498; - attack of, 127–129 - - Blake, A. S., 112 - - Bledso, Captain, 478 - - Bledsoe, Matt, 56 - - Bond, Samuel R., 123 - - Bonneville, Capt., 520, 540 - - Bozeman, J. M., 279 - - Branson, Henry, 279 - - Bray, Cornelius, 124–129 - - Bridger, ——, 497 - - Broadwater, ——, 163–170 - - Brockie, ——, 45, 55, 56 - Brookie, Major, 115, 213, 457 - - Brown, ——, 522 - - Brown, George M., of Plummer’s band, 275, 276, 312–315; - execution of, 316, 317 - - Brown, James, 212 - - Bryan, Eliza, afterwards Mrs. Henry Plummer, 186 - - Buckner, Hank, 478, 479 - - Buffalo Shoals, 497 - - Bull, John, 439 - - Bullard, Scott, 469 - - Bunton, Bill, 24, 28, 233, 235–240, 242, 243, 270, 309, 315, 391; - execution of, 392, 393 - - Bunton, Sam, 242, 243 - - Burritt, E. H., 123 - - Burtchy, ——, 297 - - Burton, Elijah, 76 - - - Caldwell, Tom, 244–255 - - Carpenter, ——, 522 - - Carrhart, George, of Plummer’s band, 133, 134, 151, 177 - - Carter, Alex, of Plummer’s band, 252, 253, 287, 294, 309, 315, 395, - 396; - execution of, 398 - - Castner, J. M., 134 - - Chalmers, Horace and Robert, murder of, 325 - - Chapman, Arthur, 56 - - Charlton, David, 123 - - Chase, H. M., discovers gold in Washington Territory, 35 - - Chase, Lieut., 199 - - “Cherokee Bob,” of Plummer’s band, 24, 40–43, 47, 48, 50–51, 70, 71; - death of, 72 - - Civil War, the, 22 - - Claggett, Hon. Wm. H., 464, 467 - - Clancy, Judge, 115 - - Clark, John C., slayer of Raymond, 482; - execution of, 483 - - Cleveland, Jack, 24, 66–68, 131; - murder of, 132, 133 - - Cline, ——, justice at Boise City, 482 - - Columbia River, Lewis fork of, 19; - Clarke fork of, 19 - - Columbia River Steamboat Co., 338 - - Comstock Lode, the, 266 - - Conley, David, 429–432 - - Connor, Gen. P. Edward, 196–202 - - Contway, David, 167–169 - - Cook, A. G., 480, 481 - - Cooper, Johnny, one of Plummer’s band, 166, 168–170, 315, 395, 396; - execution of, 398, 399 - - Copley, George, 143, 368–370 - - Courts, and processes of trial, among miners, 139–141 - - Craig’s Mountain, 26, 28 - - Crawford, “Hank,” 132, 133, 143–145, 148–157 - - Crisman, George, 249, 257, 258 - Culbertson, ——, 497 - - Cutler, E. R., 212 - - Cynthia, mistress of Mayfield and Cherokee Bob, 50–52, 70–73 - - - Dale, Virginia, wife of Slade, 450, 456, 461 - - Daly, Tom, 434 - - Dance, Walter B., 113, 114, 173, 231, 384, 541 - - Dance & Stuart, firm of, 231, 256 - - Daniels, James, 473; - execution of, 474 - - Danites, or Destroying Angels of Mormon Church, 406 - - Dart, George, 259 - - Davenport, ——, 174; - and his wife, 175 - - Davis, Alexander, 299; - judge of the People’s Court, 457–460 - - Davis, Jefferson, 99; - wife of, 207 - - Dawson, ——, factor at Fort Benton, 126, 156 - - Deer Lodge, gold placers on, 65, 66, 118, 121 - - Dempsey, Robert, 111 - - Dibb, Dr. W. D., 123 - - Dillingham, ——, of Plummer’s band, 207, 219; - letter in regard to, 220; - murder of, 211 - - Dimsdale, Prof. Thomas J., _quoted_, 146, 147 - - Dinan, ——, 521; - murder of, 522 - - Dixon, John, 483; - execution of, 483, 484 - - Dodge, ——, 207, 208 - - Donahue, ——, slayer of Patterson, 108, 109 - - Dorsett, James, 424 - - Dorsett, Rudolph, 420–423; - murder of, 424 - - Dougherty, Patrick, 124–129 - - Douglas, Camp, 195, 196 - - Dowdle, William, 533, 534 - - Durley, Jefferson, 186 - - “Dutch Fred,” 82; - murder of, 83 - - “Dutch John,” of Plummer’s band, 215, 216, 280–284, 286, 315, 349–359; - execution of, 371–373 - - - East Bannack, 66, 186 - - Eaton, Charles, 394 - - Edgerton, Judge Sidney, 257, 259, 275, 276 - - Elk City, 20, 36, 66 - - Ellis, ——, 172 - - Ely, John, 453 - - English, David, 45, 59, 60–62; - execution of, 62, 63 - - Evans, ——, slayer of Mayfield, 72, 73 - - Evans, George, murdered by Cleveland, 131 - - Evanson, ——, 286 - - Express, pony, 29 - - - Farrell, Tom, 332, 336 - “Fat Jack,” 88; - death of, 89 - - Fernandez, Charley, 525–531 - - Fetherstun, John, 351, 355–359, 371, 468, 524, 541 - - Field, ——, 76 - - Findlay, Francois, discoverer of gold in Montana, 111 - - Fisk, Capt. James L., 122, 123 - - Fletcher, William, 76 - - Florence, 20, 36, 53, 66 - - Floyd, Camp, 76, 77 - - Forbes, Charley, of Plummer’s band, 207, 208, 210, 211, 215, 216; - trial of, 212–214; - death of, 219 - - Forbes, Melanchthon, 279, 283 - - Ford, Patrick, a saloon-keeper in Lewiston, 36, 38; - murder of, 39 - - Franck, John, “Long John,” 290, 292–294, 308 - - French, Ed, 255 - - - Gallagher, Jack, of Plummer’s band, 207, 211, 271–275, 277, 278, 375, - 376–380; - execution of, 383–387 - - Gallagher, Major, 199, 201 - - Glick, Dr., 115, 129, 157–160, 175, 541 - - Godfrey, ——, 138 - - Goodrich, ——, saloon-keeper at Bannack, 131 - - Grasshopper Creek, afterwards Bannack, 119–121 - - Graves, William, “Whiskey Bill,” of Plummer’s band, 245–249, 294, 309, - 315, 397; - execution of, 398 - - Gridley, Leonard A., 275, 276 - - Grimes, ——, discoverer of gold on the Boise River, 66 - - Groves, Dr. Wm. H., 76, 77 - - - Hall, Fort, 118 - - Hanson, ——, 463, 464; - murder of, 465, 466 - - Harkness, ——, a butcher, 28 - - Harper, Charley, one of Plummer’s associates, 40, 44, 63, 87; - removal, with band, to Salmon River, 45, 54; - execution of, 88 - - Hauser, Samuel T., 113, 114, 226, 255–262, 518 - - Hayden, Dr., 454 - - Heffner, John, 424 - - _Helena, Mont., Herald_, 161 - - Helm, Boone; 74–86, 241, 315, 376–380; - execution of, 383–387; - story of the stranger about, 407, 411, 412, 416–418 - - Hereford, Robert, 111, 303 - - Hickey, ——, of Plummer’s band, 55 - - Higgins and Warden, store of, 174 - - Hilderman, George, of Plummer’s band, 240, 289, 290, 295; - trial of, 307, 308 - - Hiltebrant, ——, saloon-keeper in Lewiston, 32, 33, 37 - - Holliday’s Overland Stage Line, 518 - - Holter, Anton M., 286–288 - - Howard, “Doc.,” 318–330, 342–347; - execution of, 348 - - Howie, Neil, 230, 351–359, 371, 478, 479, 541 - - Hoyt, J. F., 143, 146 - - Hoyt, Samuel N., 197, 198, 200 - - Hughes, ——, 286 - - Hunkins, Col., 113 - - Hunt, William, 422, 458, 459 - - Hunter, Bill, of Plummer’s band, 151, 158, 315, 375, 376, 400–403; - execution of, 404, 405 - - Hurd, A., 481 - - Hynson, Bill, 466–472 - - - Idaho, originally comprised Montana and Wyoming, 20 - - Irving, Washington, on Captain Bonneville’s expedition, 540 - - Ives, George, of Plummer’s band, 132–134, 166, 168–170, 227, 244–251, - 261, 280, 285, 294–297; - trial of, 298–301; - execution of, 302–304; - life of, 306 - - - Jacobs, John M., 111 - - Jernigan, B. F., 114, 115 - - Johnson, Dan, 454 - - Johnson, Frank, 478 - - Jones, M. T., 279 - - - Kelley, ——, 421–428 - - Killman, Capt., 441 - - Kinney, Chief Justice, 197 - - Kirby, ——, a Lewiston gambler, 31, 32. - - Knox, Robert C., 123 - - - Lane, George, “Clubfoot George,” 61, 231, 256, 298, 315, 376, 377; - execution of, 383–387 - - Langford, N. P., 123–129, 138, 142, 143, 173, 182, 219, 225–229, - 255–265, 451–455, 485–491, 518–520, 524–536 - - Lannan, Pat, 435–437 - - Laramie, Fort, 447, 448 - - Lazarus, Izzy, 435 - - Le Clair, Michaud, a fur-trader, 116–119 - - Le Grau, robbery of, 175 - - Leach, John, slayer of Hanson, 465, 466 - - Leavitt, Dr., 115, 159, 228 - - Lewis and Clark Expedition, 492, 493, 540 - - Lewiston, capital of Idaho, 20, 22, 31–33, 225 - - “Long John,” _see_ John Franck - - Lott, John S., 458 - - Louthen, Frank, 113 - - Lowry, Chris, 318–330,342–347; - execution of, 348 - - Luce, Jason, 242, 243 - - _Luella_, steamboat, 503, 513 - - Lyon, General, killed in battle of Wilson’s Creek, 113 - - Lyon, Governor, of Oregon, 32, 478, 479 - - Lyons, Hayes, of Plummer’s band, 179, 207, 208, 210, 211, 216, 219, - 315, 376, 380–382; - trial of, 212–214; - execution of, 383–388 - - - McAdow, P. W., 112, 113 - - McCausland, ——, 521; - murder of, 522 - - McClinchey, Neil, 58 - - McCormick, 279, 280 - - McFadden, Daniel, 233, 234–240 - - McGarry, Major, 198, 199, 200 - - McGranigan, ——, 76, 77 - - McLean, Captain, 199 - - McLean, Col. Samuel, 115, 118, 119, 266 - - Mackinaw boat travel, 492, 497, 498; - story of, 499–516 - - Madison, ——, 234, 236–240 - - Magruder, Lloyd, murder of, 309, 318–326; - trace of, 328 - - Maguire, Billy, 434 - - Marcus, Charley, 477 - - Marshall, discoverer of gold in California, 35 - - Marshland, Steve, of Plummer’s band, 244–246, 280–284, 315, 350, 389; - execution of, 390, 391 - - Martin, John, 76 - - Martin, Peter, 392 - - Masons, first meeting of, in Bannack, 181; - funeral services of W. H. Bell, 182–184; - power of, 184, 185 - - Mayfield, Bill, 48–51; - death of, 72, 73 - - Meagher, Governor, 473 - - Meeks, Jake, 111 - - Mendenhall, Jack, 113 - - Mers, ——, 521; - murder of, 522 - - Miller, C. F., 182 - - Mitchell, William, associate of Reeves, 136, 138, 146; - trial of, 144 - - Montana, originally a part of Idaho, 20 - - Monthe, Jake, 113 - - Moody, Milton S., 279, 282–285 - - Moore, Augustus, 131, 135–139, 141, 163, 164, 176–178, 219; - trial of, 144–147 - - Moore, Captain, 244–248 - - Moore, Gad, of Plummer’s band, 315 - - Mormons, 258–265; - fort of, at Lemhi, 113, 118 - - Mose, of the early pony express, 29, 30 - - Muchacho, 435 - - Mullen, Capt. John, 122 - - Munson, Judge, 473 - - Murieta, Joaquin, 45 - - Murphy, ——, 485–488 - - - Neselrode, ——, 89 - - _New York Herald_, 528 - - Nez Percés Indians, 26 - - Northern Overland Expedition, 122 - - Northwestern Fur Co., 118, 540 - - Northwestern Railroad, 513 - - - O’Keefe, Barney, 396 - - “Old Tex,” a brother of Boone Helm, 84, 85 - - “Old Tex,” one of Plummer’s band, 244, 245, 294, 308, 391–393 - - Oliver, Dr. A. J., 255, 256 - - Opdyke, David, 476–482; - execution of, 483, 484 - - Oro Fino, 20, 37, 66 - - Overland Stage Co., 441–443, 484 - - - Page, William, 319, 323–330, 343–348 - - Palmer, Dr., 268, 270 - - Palmer, William, 289, 290, 292 - - Parish, Frank, one of Plummer’s band, 240, 242, 315, 376; - execution of, 384–387 - - Parker, ——, 521; - murder of, 522 - - Parks, ——, murder of, 477 - - Parks, Charley, 522 - - Patterson, Ferd, 91, 95–108; - death of, 108 - - Patton, W. H., 299 - - Payne, D. S., 225 - - Peabody, Ben, 351 - - Peasley, Thomas, 437, 438 - - Peel, Langford, 429–440 - - Pemberton, ——, 163 - - Pemberton, W. Y., 299 - - People’s Court, The, 457 - - Peoples, William, 45, 59, 60–62; - execution of, 62, 63 - - Percy, ——, 234, 236–240, 242 - - Perkins, George, 151, 152 - - Perkins, Jeff, 131 - - Pfouts, P. S., 457 - - Phillips, William, 321; - murder of, 325 - - Phleger, Harry, 132, 133, 149, 153, 171, 172 - - Pike’s Peak Gulch, 125, 129 - - Pinkham, ——, 91–95, 98; - murder of, 99–101; - results of murder, 102–109 - - Pizanthia, Jo, 368–370 - - Plummer, Henry, 23–27, 37, 48, 66–68, 130, 137, 138, 148–162, 171–175, - 186–188, 213, 226, 242, 258, 261, 266–272, 276, 315, 357, 360, 361; - execution of, 362–364; - life of, 365–366 - - Porter, Deputy Sheriff, 42, 43 - - Post, Columbus, 115, 118 - - Post, Mark, 115 - - Powell, John W., 111; - letter of, 78–81 - - Price, Captain, 199 - - Prickly Pear Valley, 123; - Creek, 124 - - Purple, Edwin R., 365 - - - Quinn, Lieut., 199 - - - Ray, Ned, of Plummer’s band, 207, 251–256, 261, 311, 315, 358, 361; - execution of, 362–364 - - Raymond, Reuben, 481, 482; - murder of, 483 - - Reeves, Charley, one of Plummer’s hand, 37, 66, 132, 135–139, 141, 163, - 176; - trial of, 144–147 - - Reni, Jules, 444–449 - - Rheem, Wm. C., 144, 147, 226; - _quoted_, 161, 162 - - Richardson, Edward, real name of Charley Forbes, 216 - - Ridgely, of Plummer’s band, 37, 39, 40, 43, 44, 66 - - Ritchie, ——, 298 - - Robbins, ——, a friend of Pinkham, 102, 103, 106 - - Robinson, ——, 430, 431 - - Rockfellow, John S., 279, 283 - - Romaine, Jim, 318–330, 342–347; - execution of, 348 - - Rucker, ——, 429, 432, 433 - - Ruckles, Capt., 338 - - Rumsey, William, 234, 236–239, 241, 421, 423 - - Russell, Capt. Jack, 115–120, 176–178 - - Rutar, Dr., 212 - - - Salmon River, 29, 30; - discovery of gold in, 45 - - Sanders, Col. Wilbur R., 258, 267–277, 299, 304 - - Sapp, Dick, 176–178 - - Sarpie, ——, 497 - - Scott, Bob, 455 - - Scott, Nelson, 45–47, 59–62; - execution of, 62, 63 - - Shears, George, of Plummer’s band, 315, 396; - execution of, 397 - - “Shebangs” of Plummer’s band of road agents, 26, 27, 28 - - Shepard, Johnny, 154 - - Shoot, Littlebury, murder of, 75 - - Short, Mr. and Mrs., 134 - - Shoshone Falls, 20 - - Simmons, Andrew J., 498; - letter of, 499–516 - - Sioux Indians, 122, 451, 519; - attack of, 506–511 - - Six, Dr., 213 - - Skinner, Cyrus, 53, 134, 172, 178, 207, 315, 395, 396; - execution of, 398 - - Slade, Joseph A., 441–460; - execution of, 460–462 - - “Slippery Joe,” 190, 191 - - Sloan, William, 279, 281 - - Smith, Governor Green Clay, 478, 490 - - Smith, H. P. A., 115, 212, 216, 298, 406 - - Smith, Joseph, 262 - - Smith, Judge, of Walla Walla, 61 - - Snake River, rise of, 19 - - Southmayd, Leroy, 244–254, 295 - - Spillman, C. W., 114, 115 - - Spivey, Henry, 304 - - Stage Coach, the, 517–524 - - Staples, Capt., murder of, 97 - - Stapleton, Washington, 115, 207, 208 - - Steele, Dr., president of Alder Gulch, 209, 210, 212 - - Stevens, Governor Isaac I., 123 - - Stewart, ——, 525, 529 - - Stinson, Buck, 180, 207, 208, 210, 211, 216, 251–256, 261, 311, 315, - 358, 361; - trial of, 212–214; - execution of, 362–364; - life of, 365 - - Stuart, Granville, 111, 114, 119 - - Stuart, James, 111, 114, 119, 541 - - - Talbert, Henry, real name of “Cherokee Bob,” 72 - - Terry, ——, a friend of Patterson’s, 99, 100, 102 - - Terwiliger, Billy, of Plummer’s band, 160, 315 - - Tetons, the three, 20 - - Thomas, Henry, “Tom Gold Digger,” 112, 124 - - Thompson, Henry, 421–428 - - Thurmond, J. M., 299, 406 - - Tiebalt, Nicholas, 289; - murder of, 290–292, 294, 300 - - Tilden, Henry, 259, 275–277 - - Tipton, M. W., 396 - - Todd, ——, deputy of Virginia City, 211, 216 - - Tracy & Co., pony express of, 29 - - Trotter, Charles, 532, 533 - - Turner, ——, of Plummer’s band, 28 - - - Union, Fort, 123, 512 - - Union League, 225 - - Union Pacific Railroad, 518 - - United States Geological Survey, 454 - - - Vail, ——, in charge of Government farm on Sun River, 67, 186 - - Vigilantes, of Florence, 88, 89; - first real activities of, 291; - organization of committees, 309, 360, 367; - of Virginia City, 374; - justification of, 405, 406; - mistakes of, 474, 475; - review of, 537 - - Virginia City, founding of, 207; - growth of, 222–224 - - Vivion, James, 352 - - - Wagner, John, real name of Dutch John, 280 - - Wall, Capt., 351 - - Warner Creek, 20 - - West Bannack, 66, 186 - - White, John, 119, 420–423; - murder of, 424 - - White Bird Creek, 30, 56 - - Whitehead, Charles, 259, 260 - - Wilkinson, ——, 234, 236–240 - - Williams, Charles, 470 - - Williams, Frank, 523 - - Williams, “Jakey,” 71, 72 - - Willoughby, Bill, 70–72 - - Wilson, Jack, 297 - - Winnemuck, chief of the Bannack Indians, 178–180 - - Wohlgamuth, ——, 534 - - Wolf Rapid, 497 - - Woodmansee, ——, 120 - - Woods, Governor, 407 - - Wright, Gen., commander of the Department of the Pacific, 343 - - Wyoming, originally a part of Idaho, 20 - - - Yager, Erastus, “Red,” 269–274, 310–316; - execution of, 317 - - Yankton, capital of Dakota, 225 - - Yellowstone River, 19; - National Park, 19; - travel on the river, 492–515 - - Young, Brigham, 262, 263 - - - Zachary, Bob, of Plummer’s band, 235, 240, 245–249, 294, 315, 319, 396, - 398 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES - - - 1. Silently corrected typographical errors and variations in spelling. - 2. Archaic, non-standard, and uncertain spellings retained as printed. - 3. Footnotes were re-indexed using numbers. - 4. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK VIGILANTE DAYS AND WAYS *** - -***** This file should be named 64135-0.txt or 64135-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/6/4/1/3/64135/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where - you are located before using this eBook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |