The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1882-04-05

such precaution was no additional protection
the extra and useless weight was dispensed
with, and the great bars of gold and bags Of
coin, ETC., are now placed under the seat,
as would the farmer arrange his truck des-
tined for market. From Deadwood to Sid
ney, a distance of 295 miles. Of bowling
wilderness in which the desperadoes are
ranged in large numbers, this treasure is in
trusted to five men, who, for many reasons,
deserve the poor recognition herein mani
tested and very much more. Their names
are Scott Davis, Jesse Brown, William Sam
Pile, Ross Davis and Johnny Cochrane. It
has been my good fortune to make the per-
sonal acquaintance Of these boys, whose ap-
pearance and demeanor when not rugged for
their dangerous trips. indicate an occupation
vastly different from that by which they earn
their daily bread. There is nothing that sa-
vors of borderism, bravado or a penchant
for bluff, buster and blood about their attire
or demeanor. On the contrary their dress,
conversation and every action is that of the
perfect gentleman whose company is ever
a delight and such they are. Scott Davis,
captain of the crew, receives $125 a month,
the others $50 month, and ''founu,' and
their duties consist solely Of making the two
trips a month. Dressed, armed and equipped
for a journey they
CONSTITUTE A GUARD
whose appearance is decidedly formidable,
and whose record in many an ordeal attest
the fact that it is a bad party to tackle. Each
man is armed with two improved self-cock-
ing revolyers of the largest calibre, a double
barreled shotgun, and is supplied with 100
rounds of ammunition, while six improved
Winchester rifles are placed conveniently in
the coach. AS a matter of precaution no
regular hour or day is fixed for departure,
but is quietly arranged on each trip, so that
the most dangerous localities along the route
can be passed in daylight. These ''bad
spots are all north Of old Red Cloud agency
the most dreaded spot being near Buffalo
Gap and at Lame Johnnie creek, where the
road runs through a very broken and rocky
country, sffording many fine places where
the stage could be ambu,hed. Over this par
ticular route two ontriders are employed !;
that is, trusted, heavily armed and mounted
men are sent in advance a few hundred
yards to thoroughly reconnoitre before the
coach is permitted to proceed. The outfit
moves with great speed, the team Of six
great sleek horses dashing from station to
station on the dead run the team changing
in less than five minutes !; the run resumed,
and thus the entire distance is covered
IN SEVERAL HOURS LESS TIME
than is usually consumed by the regular pas
senger coach. In such manner during the
past six years over $12, 900, 900 have been
carried from Deadwood to Sidney, without
the slightest loss whatever or any Interrupt
ton by the road agents, although such gentry
a year or so ago were numerous along the
road, and frequently ''held up" passenger
coaches, often two a night, and within half
an hour of each other. Such a showing is
indeed one in which the faithful messengers
my we'll exult, and to which the company
and the people of the Hills point with no
little pride as they read Of the numerous and
successful train robberies perpetrated in The
the States during that same interval of time.
WITH ROAD AGENTS.
The experience of treasure guards was not
always as smooth and pleasant as now. In
1877 and 1878 the company was running
upon the Cheyenne road, one peculiarly
adapted for highway robbery, and which was
infested by a gang of as desperate outla VS.
as ever lived. Blackburn and Wall were
the leaders, and their companions were WELL
known to the officers throughout the west,
out | cannot recall their names. A number
of them have long since gone over the range.
Many are in the penitentiary, and the remain
der, finding it too warm for them in this To-
cality-thanks to Sheriff Seth Bullock and
the messengers-have sought new fields for
operations. Their first exploit occurred in
April, 1877. when they attempted to ''hold
up an incoming passenger coach about four
miles from DeadWood. The vehicle, loaded
with passengers, and in charge of driver
Johnny Slaughter, as bright a little fellow IS
ever lived, and a universal f%avoriie, was
passing down Wnitewood canon at q rapid
rate, when from the darkness-the gloom
was intense-sounded the summons, HAT !!
driver, stop !" Not comprehending the stu
alton, or unable to Immediately stop his team
the order was not instantly obeyed, where
upon
A voLLEY WAS FIRED