Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1882-10-26
NO. 43.


May %, and made slow march across
the burning plains and trackless wastes
of Arizona and New Mexico, until
Sept. found them fifty miles north of
Trinidad and an equal distance east of
Cucharas. The Kelly outfit went into
camp for day near the camp of
George Howard, a large cattle grower.
The latter had heard of 5000 cattle,
and commanded twenty-eight cow BOYS.
The two herds became mixed up
while travelling close together, and
Howard made claim for cattle which
! Kelly considered unjust, and refused it,
| This angered Howard, and words fol-
| lowed. Kelly claimed Howard had
some of his cattle, and offered to ex-
change; but the latter refused, and the
quarrel became very dangerous. The
COW boys on each side gathered around
and began to handle their weapons in
manner which indicated that they
meant business.
Kelly saw the danger. He knew if a
fight should occur between such deadly
marksmen there would hardly be "a
man left to tell the tale, and in addition
to the loss, of human life the huge
heard of cattle would be scattered and
all hands ruined. Just as the cloud of
war was about to burst he conceived a
plan to avoid bloodshed, and broached
it to Howard, who agreed to it. The
plan was rs follows: Each was to select
six COW boys, the best shots in their
outfit, and placing them in line fifty
yards distant on horseback to give the
word "Frep' and let them settle the
dispute. This novel method of settling
a difference was hailed with delight by
the men on each side, and volunteers
were numerous. Kelly selected six men
who had been with him long time,
and been tried and proved in many q
desperate situation. Howard selected
six Of his best men, There was no time
lost III preparing for the duel, which
was to be the greatest affair of the kind
ever known. The men of the opposing
sides retired to their camp and coolly
made preparations for the feast of
death. They groomed their horses, oiled
and cleaned their revolvers, and, put
| ting their saddles on with care, rode
out to the fight. 'Kid Franks, men
were armed with Winchester revolvers,
SS and A calibre, long barrelled, and
Howard's.six carving Colts improved.
Each man knew his weapon and his
horse, and all were fully aware of the
fact that the men standing Sc grinly
in front of them were equally well
equipped.
The opposing duellists were drawn
up in line facing each other at 3 o'clock
IN the afternoon. The sight was one
which few men have looked upon.
Fifty yards apart stood like statues two
lines of men, horse and rider almost
one, every duelist grasping huge gilt
| tering revolver in each hand, with the
reins in his teeth or hanging loosely,
| for these daredevil riders or the SouCh
guide their horses with their knees, as
the scarcely more savage Indian do 8.
Around about, carelessly In the range
of stray bullets, were the friends of
both parties, mounted on their horses,
watching the fight and to see that no
advantage should be taken. At either
side was the chief, who had sent these
men out to die. Over Sll brooded q
death-like silence, while DER the swell
ing, rolling, silence plain shone the
gold of the bright September sun. The
man who wos detailed to give the
word which was destined to create O.
whirlwind of death started forward. At
the first move there was shiver of
| life along both lines, but it was not
shiver of fear. Each man straightened
himself, grasped his pistols the firmer,
and singled out his opponent The
umpire lifted his hand, and suddenly
on the still air came the cry of doom,
'Fire" At the word twelve horses
bounded forward, and twelve pistol
shots rang out. Three of Howsrd's
men threw up their hands and fell
from their horses, while one of Kelly's,
men fell. -Kelly's men, not heading
their comrades death, sped straight
toward the three men in front of them.
The latter dropped their pistols in their
bride hands and pulled their horses up,
while their five enemies came riding
swiftly on, pouring hail of bullets in
from pistol in every hand. The How
ard men saw the odds, They were too
great, and, turning swiftly, they ran,
turning in their saddles as they flew.
and bravely returning the fire. In three
brief minutes the duel was fought and
won, and four dead men lay upon the
ground. Frank rode up to Howard and
said, "Now you and 1 will settle with
each other"
'No." replied Howard, as he looked
sadly at the dead men; 81 am salts
fed"
"Very WELL" said Kelly, and orders
were given to exchange the cattle.
Very strangely, no news of the fight
WAS received until yesterday; but this,
perhaps, was due to the fact that no
towns were passed by the Kelly outfit.
Only he himself has arrived, his hard
not being due for two weeks yet. Kelly
himself is q sun burned, manly look.
ing young fellow, and told the story in
a matter-of-fact way which would
hardly attract attention.
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| HIGH Snnrf in Erancn