The Benton weekly record. [volume] (Benton, Mont.) 1880-1885, 1880-01-23
Original Story.
FROM 3 &
SKETCHES.
By j. j. HEALY.
Almost a. Duel.

Almost a Duel. -
In early days, when Western Montan
was known as a geographical portion @
Washington Territory, the only places Q
| resort for the frontiersman were the severa
trading posts of the great fur companies, o
perhaps the isolated residences of SOM
hunters and trappers who had concluded
to establish themselves n home in the viii
derness, and who were always ready tc
welcome with genuine hospitality mem
bers Of tleir calling, or any stranger, (pro-
Fided he did not wear store clothes}, that
might come along, to stay for day or a
month; and there was no footing of q bill
at the time of the departure. When after
wards, private trading outfits invited a
share of patronage, they of course, were
frequently made rendezvous, not only
forbarter but also for recreative purposes.
4 A store, which was at the same time a
| saloon also, had its attractions for the
rough, buckskin-clad mountaineers and
prairie men, in the new feature of setting
liquor on the bar with the novel glass tum-
! Iber whereas heretofore, it had been USUAL
to purchase it in quantity and drink it
without special relish from tin cup Or the
| bung of keg. The strictly American
custom of treating, which is invariably in
roduced with the advent of saloons,
brought OH here, as elsewhere, its incident
quarrels. A word unguardedly spoken, or
~ joke intended as innocent, neither of
which would have excited more than
passing emotion on the trail or in the camp,
would often be taken as an insult reflective
4 on reputed bravery or integrity, and result
sometimes in resort to weapons, or in an
abiding hostility Of feeling.
Bill Hamblcton and David Macdonald
\ had been enstranged to one another from
some cause engendering animosity, the
loutcroppings of which could be perceived
Eeyery time they CHANGED to meet. One
Iday in December, 1861, while Bill was re-
Turning in company with some others from
Hell Gate to the Suffers store on the Big
IBlackdoot, accident of travel caused him to
meet Macdonald travelling with his Indian
family in an opposite direction, Ell route
Ior his home from a trading trip to Beaver
head. The latter was generally deemed a
quiet and inoaensive man, and one who
would have wended his way without re-
|malk; but Bill ire .inflamed at the sight
Iof him, and a short, passionate recital of
grievances was followed by a definite
challenge, to fight mortal combat with
Ihe morrow's earliest dawn. The chal-
|hnge, eorched in language which no men
|of those days could have unresented, was
promptly accepted, and the duel was to be
fought on horseback, with Bowie knives
Iand pistols. Macdonald turned and en-
Isamped on the Blackfoot for the night, af-
tier having chosen Major Graham for his
second; while Bill had accepted an army
surgeon, Dr. Hammond), who was was well |
known for his sporting qualities, to assist
him. ~
Bill having now cooled down to busi-
mess, enjoyed himself till late in the night,
when finally he retired for short rest, but I
lhly equipped and harnessed fora start-of
lat any moment. Long before daylight the
Doctor and Major were on hand to arouse
him, and having succeeded iii enahleiag him
tlully to review the position, they went out.
Ito see if Macdonald had taken water or was
ready to meet his engagement; but he was
mere and signitied perfect Willingness to
|hghtit out. Hereupon consultation was
|held, when it was stipulated between the
seconds that the duel should be fought in
Inc orthodox way, on foot and with pistols
Vhiy. The parties were to be placed back
70 back, and march off one pace at each
Inuntto the tenth, when they should turn
Iahd commence firing
Bill was a little indisposed to this ar
fsngement, thinking it entirely too tame
saa roundabout a way to come to conclll-A
Eohs, and remarked that he would not
Il hi e itsl
Show theproper time when to turn loose;
70 II was decided to give him a little train--
ing beforehand. The Doctor, placing him
VITA his backt to tine counter, said: s'Now
\ commence counting to ten, at each count
you willtake short step (beeause theroom
v smalD forward, and when 1 call off
ten'' you will turn and shoot. y
There were several parties in the store
oy this time and witnessed the process of
qfllllng. With hand upon the holster,
|oii obeyed the Doctors Instructions, until |.
the word "tena sounded in the air, when
WIN the habitual quick movement Of a fe- I
|alle, (which has gained him the subroquet
~ wild Cat Bills he turned and fred OF
hs pistol, the bali striking a post not over
I half an inch above the head Of one of the +
aerks. Yet Bill was perfectly cool other |,
WISE, and the parties, after taking q drink, T
started for across the river. Here the
ground was selected and the parties about
y be placed, when Major Graham felt in
IElned to avoid blootlshed, and ,judicio,sly
approaching the enemies, succeeded in
Eteoneiling them for the moment, so much
\ thay they forced themselves. to shake
|Nalis with each other.
Inc duel was off, yet came very near be-
EEns renewed afew hours later, when the
fNe academia y meeting, Bill ssit.,ot,t-a
|s0fd, drew; his knife and pistol and held f
!'leaa out for a. choice. Mac. took the knife. B
Unfortunately eyeral persons present re-
y'ef1ng from the first shock of surprise,
I4'eS themselves upon the two men just
'ale nick of time, and caused them to
l'eltsra..a. $ss5
= was only a short time after, that Mac i
i ssaia lgnononiously died at Hell Gate
,sAi the effect cf a spree Bill still -four
at ~ = som where along the Missouri, and lis
C. ~ IN highestination for reckless bravery
] + Excellent qualities az. a scout: .
h., ~ q tlle most powerful athletes Of
! Nh; ~ tames was probably Count Drlof, IL
4 w. s,seer to eatharine IA, Of Russia. He
! e. giant IN stature, could roll 5,lp Ill
siser With his harllls, md could crush Is
\ 8ssnsS gas between Ills thumb and fore
III ! b,sts e' He vas mentally and morally as f
rs