Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-09-20
A NOTED OUTLAW.
The Ears Of the Victim rendered
in Payment for Drinks.
Colorado Weekly Ga.otts.


John Alfred Slade, the noted out.
law and h~ighwayman, used to wear a
beaded and gaudily colored buckskin
suit, which cost $3.50. SHADES ex.
PLOTS are we'll remembered by all the
old time settlers in the West. At one
time he became involved ina difficulty
with a Frenchman named Jules, an
Indian trader, who had spent the
greater part Of his life among the
Indians of the plains.
Upon the establishment Of the over
land line Of coaches to California.
Jules was much incensed, as he
claimed it was an innovation.upon the
rights Of the Indians and the traders,
and would bring too many whites upon
the plains. He waged incessant war
upon the overland line, with the aid
Of Indians and half breeds, drumming
of stock and committing other depre-
dations, which were Continued
without restraint until John
Alfred Slade appeared upon
the scene a a division agent
from Fort Kearney west. This man
was a refugee from justice, having
killed a man 10 his native county OF
Clinton, Iii. Soon after taking charge
of the division Slade became the ter.
ror OF the road, and his blood and
reckless daring involved him in nu
merUus quarrels with stock thieves
and others. His quick aim and steady
nerve sent many a desperate to a
bloody crave; in fact, he sought quar-
rels, and, to use the parlance OF the
times, always got his man" A deadly
feud existed between Jules aud Slade.
andthe former resolved on his(Slade'sj
death: Knowing that on a certain
day Slade would come down the road
upon the overland coach, Jules laid
Tor him with his gun, both barrels of
which took effect, and as his enemy
lay writhing upon the earth, poured
the contents of his dragon pistol
into his body. Then mounting his
horse, Jules rode into the mountains.
fearing the Vengesnce of SHADES
friends. Strange and unaccountable as
it may seem, Slade was found to be alive
and was carried into the station. and
though lingering upon the point of
death for months. he recovered from
his wounds and laid his plans for the
capture OF his enemy, who was finally
hunted down and taken to Boyeys
station. The names of the captors Of
Jules were Nelson Vaughn, John Fry.
aud another man, who is now a resi-.
dent Of Montana. Those three per-
sons having secured Jules, sent a
messenger to Slade, and the two bloody
men met again face to face; this time.
however, Slade had the drop, being
heavily armed and with the three
armed oaptors Of Jules at his back
Well knowing his doom was sealed.
jules stood up and demanded half a
chance for his life. lyon gave me no
show retorted Slade, "but take this
and defend yourself" handing the
Frenehman a pistol which he
knew wen would not reV0lve
and the next instant sent
a ball through the forehead Of
Jules near the top of the skull, who
reeled and fell. Slade and his party
then retired to the nextroom to take 4
drink, but upon returning found thai
the Frustrated Frenchman was gone
Horses were mounted and the countr,
secured to no effect; but upon return.
ing to the station the wonderful hle,
was found in an clubhouse covered M
With hay. He was led out and shoI
through the mouth, and again at IN,
base Of the right ear, which finished
the job. Vaughn cut off the carr o
the dead man and gave one to SIade
reserving tho other. The two worthie.
t then came to Denver with these blood,
/ trophies in their pockets, and wor,
them out at the different bars on
prolonged spree, in slapping them OF
l the counter as a tender for the paw
: ment of drinks. -