The Pulaski citizen. [volume] (Pulaski, Tenn.) 1866-current, 1876-08-03
Life at the Black Hills.

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The tenth day of March was the
coldest day experienced in the Black
Hills during the entire winter. The
mercury was down to 20 degrees
below zero and still sinking, while
the snow rolled down in binding,
eddying clouds, rendering lie out
of doors almost impossible. The
unfortunates who were encamped
in and about the neighboring gulch-
es flocked into the dark, cheerless
cabins and huddled together in shiv-
ering groups about the pitch or pine
fires kept up for the free accommo-
dation of all who might seek warmth
and shelter within doors. At least
thirty men had congregated in the
most prominent store, the largest and
best in Custer The mud floor was
rendered muddier by the thawing of
small streams from the rough wrap
pings of the cosmopolitan assem-
blage.
The store is a deserted military
barracks, a large, low, barn-like at-
fair, containing beds, blacksmith's
forge, carpenters bench, bar-room,
grocery and notion store, and re-
porter's desk. The center of attrac-
ton was the bar, which was patron
lied by the shivering crowd.
A party of young men from Salt
Lake and the mines of Nevada came
rushing into the store, and, with
loud, boisterous braggadocio, took
possession of the bar. Ranging
themselves in a row in its front, they
called for ''some o that ar ticker. :"
Round after round of whisky was
poured down, and they stood and
talked and swore and laughed.
They had just arrived from Chey-
eune after a twenty days voyage,
and were about to separate and each
20 his own way, some to the north,
others south, and one or two to re-
main; and this was the farewell
drink. For fully two hours they
stood before the bar, pouring down
whiskey, and about o'clock started
for the door, where their teams
stood shivering in the storm.
Alexander Shaw and Tom Milliga1
were partners, both from Salt Lake
both young, rough but affectionat'
friends, just on the point of shaking
hands before parting. They reach
ed the door and rushed forth, shout
ing and yelling, like drunken mel
often do. Milligan drew his revol
yer and fired it in the air.
Fire lower, Tom, or you'll hi
some of us," said a companion.
Too late! the pistol was raiset
again by the reeling man. Their
was flash, a report, and Alecl
Shaw reeled and fell across tn
threshold Of the door.
Good Sod! Tom, what have yol
done? Did you shoot Aleck, Tom ?
said one of the party.
No he's possuming, boys" an
5, cred Milligan. CD d-n you
Aleck, come and take a drink"
, The reckless shooter staggered t
, the PROSTATE form which lay upo
its face, and seizing him by the Goa
collar, turned it over. A ghastly
sickening sight was presented
view. The pale face was stripe
2 with blood, which oozed out c
e small hole in the forehead. Th
g bullet had pierced through the braiI
t and had lodged beneath the sku
e upon the back ofthe head. For a II
e ment the drunken man stared dow
d into his friends bloody face, the
r his countenance assumed a deadl
e pallor. He was sobered. Turnin
e, around to his Mortified companion
q he said, as he threw his pistol dowT
IS Boys, didn't 60 to do it. I
-e swear I didn't mean to kill him
/ Then bursting into tears he elaspC
t his hands to his face and stood so
Is bing like a child.
le He was the best friend had
y the world, boys, and loved hi
le like a brother. Oh God. what ha
fe / done! what have l doneF'
y Lets hang him, suggested son
IS excitable individual behind the ha
q sobered group or Salt Lake men.
be mo, nol None Of that ere bnl
I'd ness just yet in Custer. The nj
Il must have a trial, said citizs
cody, as he drew his revolver.
TO @Iarest you, sir, in the name
be the citizens of Custer" said Ps
az McCay, the Merchant, and Aiiliig
tx stood meekly awaiting the grasp
the law.
@whoH dare 10 arrest himY 81