Bozeman avant courier. [volume] (Bozeman, Mont.) 1872-1882, 1878-10-10
LErrER FRoM Willow CREEK.


Editor Audnf Courier:
Having seen several incorrect accounts
in tie. papers regarding the atrocious m,.r.
der OF w. z. Frelricks. ;.nd wishing the
readers OF your Journal TO be tr1Ithfully
informed, send you the following facts
The Sunday OF the murder, Foley was seen
travelling toward Willow Greek from Mud
Springs, by man who was stock huntin. Z
but whom he avoided by leaving the Rad.
He came to within fifty yards OF the house
and then laid in ambush behind some BUSH
es until he saw Mr.. +. go to the corral.
lie then ran rapidly toward the house and
entered, having his gun ready and cart-
ridge in his hand, with several Others in his
belt, and butcher knife, also. Passing
into the sitting-room where Mrs. friedrich.
was, ordered her to give up her money or he
would kill her instantly, remarking, 81 will
give you two seconds to get your money,
and then Ill kill you anyway" Mrs. F..
requested him to have patience and not kill
anyone, for as soon as she could get the
key OF her trunk she would give him what
money she had. During this time, Gilbert,
Mr., F's. little six-year-old son, ran out of
the house and told his father that Foley
was there. Mr.. Frcdricks proceeded to
the house. Hearing his approaching foot
steps, Foley turned, and, seeing him reach
for his rife, this desperate man took DELHI
crate aim and fired, the ball entering his
side. passed through the stomach and out
OF the back. Mr.. F. sprang forward.
caught him and threw him to the floor.
twisting the gun from him. In doing So,
the stock struck the side of the wall and
was broken. The prisoner was slightly
scratched about the face and had some
scalp wounds of no consequence. A ball
had passed through the right shoulder of
his coat from small six inch Colts pistol.
out 1t took no effect on his body. He told
me that he remained in the hills above the
mill till eight O'Clock that night and then
started along the brow of the mountain
towards Smith Boulder. which he reached
Monday, at o, p. IN. After getting dinner,
he proceeded to the jefferson and crossed.
going to the ranch of MIR. Cardwell, where
he remained until Tuesday morning. Here
he sold his gun, saying it had been broken
by wagon running over it,. From this
place he proceeded to Fish Creek, stopping
ut the house of Mr.. futile, where he was
when | arrested him. He was tracked by
small patch on his boot which showed
very distinctly. Being aware that he was
in the house, | rode my horse up on one
side so that he would not see me. ASH
entered he was standing by window, and
l requested him to raise his hands and sur
render, which he was slow about doing. : !
had to repeat this four times. He was try
ing to get his hand in his pocket and had
almost succeeded, when ordered him TO
raise it or would be under the painful ne
cessity of killing him. He had a large plug
of tobacco in his pocket which l thought
was revolver. -
| examined him for arms but found none.
My brother came up haitian hour aftcrwaru
with the Intention ofassisting in his capture.
then handcuffed him, and, getting horse
for him to ride, proceeded to John Pa,,!s',
on the Pipestone, arriving there at 10 o.
clock Tuesday night. When. passing Mr..
Pauls', in my pursuit of Foley, my horse
gave out and he very kindly took one of his
out Of = team with which he was gathering
hay. and let me have it. lie was very gen.
tleaaanly throug1fit..::a whole aff,ir. Wetlncs-
day, tie Sheriff OF JefIers.:>> county and
MIR. Cardwell arrived and wanted TO take
the prisoner 10 Radersburg and PLACE him In
the county Jail. This would not periiiit.
so you were misinformed in regard To that
matter. l retained the prisoner till / gaze
him over to Mr.. Warfield OH ;;he Jefferson.
A small number of the pursuing party had
oycrtaken lis and wanted TO take the prs
oner away from tie of,icers.bHt think
the presence of Mr.. McKinsie prevthted:t.
I told Mr. Wartiell woull have nothing
to do with mob violence, believing it best
to let the law have lis course. Mrs. Fred
ricks says that lie pursued her to the brow
of the Hill behind the mill. and fired once
ut her, saying. g Y on needn't run tor'Ill
get you yet. Respectfully.
j. Il. MCKEOWN., !