Helena weekly herald., 1880-08-05

, history. If the rocks along that highway
could speak, many story of murder and
outrage would be told, many mystery of to-
day unsolved would be revealed. But those
days of pillage have passed, and no traveller
need now fear that he will be molested.
Bannack is not what truthful man would
, call "red hot town, but nevertheless it still
liyes Mr.. r, Dempsey is still as Jolly as
ever, and sells merchandise at figures which
'get away" with competition. He carries
fair assortment of groceries, clothing and
general merchandise Mr.. Miller is engaged
in the manufacture of boots and shoes, and
has thriving business. The most comfort
able stopping place in the town is that of
Mrs. NJ. A. Goodrich, who has recently se-
cured the building formerly occupied by the
Odd Fellows. She has fitted it up very COM
tortably, and sets a table that is in every re-
spect satisfactory. Mrs. G. has been in Ban
mack for many years, and has friends in
nearly every section of Montana. The read
ers of the HERALD will be glad to learn that
MIR. James Hardy is hale and hearty,
and can still be found at the old stand where
fluid comforts are obtained with little trouble
and at small expense. MIR. Hardy has on his
premises an immense duck gun which in for
mer years he used on the bay at San Francis
co. When Chief Joseph and the Nez Perces
came through the country Mr. II. and his
duck gun played an important part in the de-
tense of the town. 1t was loaded with slugs.
mounted on pivot and taken out on spot
where it could be used to the best advantage.
The Indians appeared, but the sight of the
big gun and the big man behind it, was too
much for their fortitude. They weakened"
and went around by Horse Prairie, leaving a
trail of fire and blood which marks their
course L do not hesitate to say that Mr..
Harry was the savior of Bannack, and if
any one is disposed to doubt it sight of him
and his big gun will think settle all their
doubts. ,''':
Horse Prairie is not pleasant place to
visit at this season, for the heat, dust, and
mosquitoes ere elements which are not calcu-
lated to make the trip enjoyable. The inter-
ests there are stock-raising and butter making,
and it has proved profitable if we may Judge
from the comfortable homes and extensive
Improvements which are noted on every side.
I arrived late one night at the ranch of Mr..
j. II. Hamilton, where was to remain until
the following morning. Mr.. H. had retired
for the night and felt somewhat disguised at
being called up, but he had his revenge the
next morning, for l was routed out of bed for
breakfast while the stars were still shining.
Then l felt dlsgusted most decidedly. Mr..
II. has handsome three -year-old stallion,
which Is of French stock, sixteen and half
hands high, dark brown in color, and very
strongly built. The horse was raised by him
and he may well be Congratulated on possess
sing such valuable animal.
In former years there were extensive placer
claims in this vicinity, but with the exception
If those worked by Chinese the only ground
low operated is that of the California bar.
The members of the company are Messrs.
Myers, Keppler g Wright Their claim has
'een worked for the past twelve years and
low pays from $5 to 81 day to the man.
l portion of their ground is bar and portion
q the creek. The claim is $500 feet in
ength and between 500 and 600 feet wide.
The depth to bedrock is from five to eight
eet There are no tailings OF the ground, and
be company have a flime half mile long,
he property is valued at $4,000.
An all days drive brought me to station
1elve miles distant from the Terminus and
le morning following took passage on the
zach for that point. The drive down the
alley was decidedly pleasant We had room
nough and to spare in the coach, and the
rong horses ratified us over the road at
uprising rate. A few miles north of the
erminus the first locomotive was noticed. 1
i'd not seen an engine or car for two years
i'd the sight of this engine with its train of
1t cars was decided luxury. The smoke,
dinarily so annoying to the traveller, was to
e delightful novelty , to which all the
lors of the perfumer were not to be COM
red. Red Rock is lively, bustling town.
ut of the place and its business houses I
IL write later. F. NV.
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THE "HIGH KICKER'S" FATE.