Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-08-16

mans assertions. Here, then, was
chance for at least as much as we could
all eat, and the temptation was too
strong TO be resisted. The Leather,
stocking ofthe crowd, Tom Hancock,
we'll known in Texas as one Of the best
hunters in the Republic, was deputed
to go ahead with rifle, with the hope
that he could at least get near enough
to wound the animal, while four US,
who were better mounted than the
balance, made every preparation for a
chase to the death.
Disencumbering our animals Of all
suPe"huous weight, we tied handfer-
chiefs over our heads and prepared for
a sport rendered doubly exciting by our
starving condition. Each of my com
rades had pair of heavy belt pistols,
and in addition one ofCoIt's repeating
pistols with cylinder containing five
shots. In my holsters [ had a heavy
HarPer's Ferry dragon pistol, throw
ing large bal! with great force and ac-
curacy, besides bell muzzled affair
which was loaded with two or three
balls and some fifty buckshot. This
pistol was made expressly for the cele-
brated pirate Laftte, by some means
came in possession of one of the Ba-
lie pilots, was presented by him to
DIR. Saunders of this city who kindly
gave it to me when left for Texas
With this | intended at least TO give
the buffalo dose that would bleed him
freely. In addition, l also had one of
Colts five-shooters which | borrow
ed from Lit. Munson.
Beyond the buffalo the prairie rose
very gradually Tor a mile--farther than
that we knew nothing of the nature of
the ground. Tom Harcock could
make less show and creep closer to the
ground than any person along, but he
still thought it more prudent to give
the animal shot when within a hun
dred and fifty yards. Evidently hit, he
rose from the ground whisked his long
tail, and looked for a moment enqui-
ring y about him.
We still kept orr position about a
quarter OF mile from Hancock, while
the latter reloaded his rifle without RI
sing. Another shot now followed, the
buffalo again lashed his sides, and then
started off at numbering gallop direct
ly towards the sun--wounded from ev-
cry appearance but by no means seri-
Gus y hurt.
At a brisk canter our little party Of
four now dashed off in pursuit, keep
ing company until we had nearly reach
ed the top oflhe distant rise in theprui-
RE. Here my horse being in far bet
ter condition than the Others, left them
and on reaching the summit discover
ekIhe buffalo still numbering cIumslly
a Though rapidly along some halfa mile
distant. The ascent of the prairie was
very gradual, and | could plainly see
every object within five miles.
now put spurs to my horse who
dashed madiv down the gentle slope.
Turning one look behind, | saw that
one of my companions at the start,
Maj. Howard, had given up the chase,
or rather his horse had given up. 1t.
Lubbock and one of the men, the lat
ter mounted on a mule which, if it
could not get over the ground narticu-
Iarly fast, Rad at least the commenda-
BILE quality drumming all day, were still
in hot pursuit.
The prairie was comparatively smooth
and although | could not spur my
horse into his fall, open stride, | was
still soon alongside the huge ANIMAL
He was bull of the largest size, and
his bright, glaring eyebalIs, peering ouI
from his shaggy lrontlet of hair, show
ed plainly that he was maddened by bis
wounds and the close pursuit. 1t was
with the greatest difficulty, so terrible
/ did the buffalo look, that | could ge
my horse within twenty yards OF him
and when [ fred my first charge at thai
distance the ball did not take effect.
AS the chase progressed my horse
came to his work more kindly, and
soon appeared to take an interest in the
exciting race, | let him fall back a
little and then by dashing the spurs
rowel deep into his sides, brought him
up directly alongside and within three
or four yards Of the infatuated animal
Again | fired, and the buffalo shrank as
the ball struck just back of the long
hair on his shoulders. | was undel
such Roadway when | fired that | wa:
obliged to pass the animal, cut acros:
close to his head, and again dropped
behind. Once more | put spurs tC
their work, and as | fairly flew by gave
the buffalo another wound directly il
his side. He was now fairly frothins
and foaming with rage and pain. Hi
eyes resembled two deep red balls o
ire-his tongue was out and curlec
inwardly---while his long and tufteC
tail was either carried high alolt or els
lashing madly against his sides. Amor
wild and at the same time magnifcen
picture Of desperation had neve
seen.