Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1882-10-19
One of the Most Remarkable Fights on Record

(Intercd Mt the Postorcc at Alexandria Virginia ne
second-class natter.)
One of the Most Remarkable Fights on Record.
John Kelly, one of the participants in the
famous Cow boy duel, arrived here yester-
day. He is remarkable man. Born in Buff
falo about thirty years ago, he came west at
an early age, and became pretty we'll known
as kid Frank" After leading an advcntu-
rous life he married wcll-to-do Mexican
woman, and by her secured fine ranch for
ty miles square in old Mexico. on the San
Pedros river, close TO the line He became
known far and wide by his skill in shooting.
and was generally avoided by men desirous
OF killing some one for the sake of notorie-
ty. His herd grew rapidly until about four
months ago, when he fo und his brand on
3,oOO head OF cattle, worth nearly 100000
He determined to sell $500 head and gath
erng up 1900 head more, he started TO
drive TO Denver, Il distance Of nearly, 1900
miles. Ills outfit consisted Of thirty-two
COW boys, and Frank took command of the
expedition. The trip was very long aud
severe one, but by using great care the los
ses were small. The party started May %
and made a slow march across the burning
plains and tracklcss wastes Of Arizona and
New Mexico. until September found them
ti,,y miles north of Trinidad, and an equal
distance cast of Cucharas. The kel.
~ oulht went into camp for day
near the camp Of George Howard. a
large caltle-growcr. The latter had herd
OF 3,OOO cattle, and commanded twenty
eight COW boys. The two herds became
mlypl while troy 1-p1ip,r ,lpun
and Howard made Il claim for cattle which
Kelly considered unjust, and refused it.
This angered Howard, and words followed.
Kelly claimed Howard had some Of his
cattle, and offered to exchange; 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 Il manner which indicated that
they meant business
Kelley saw the danger. He knew if Il
fight should occur between. such deadly |
marSsmen there would hardly be man
left to tell the tale, and in addition to the
loss of human life the huge herds of cattle |
would be scattered and all hands ruined. |
Just as the cloud of war was about to hurst
he conceived q plan to avoid bloodshed, and
broachcd it to Howard, who agreed to it. |
The plan was rs follows: Each was TO Sc
lcct six COW boys. the best shots in their
outfits, and, placing them sin line fifty
yards distant on horseback. to give the
word "Fire y and let them settle the dis
pute. This novel method Of settling q diff
ference was hailed with delight by the men
OIL each side, and volunteers were numcr-
Gus. Kelly selected six men who had been
with him long time and been tried and |
proved i'll many Il desperate situation
Howard selected six of his best men, There
was no time lost in 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 groomcd their horses, oiled
and cleaned their rcvolvers, and, putting
their saddles on with care, rode out 10 the
fight. kid Frank S" men were armed with
Winchester rcvolvers, IS and At callibre.
long -barrclcd, and Howard's six carried
Colts improved. Each man knew his wca-
pom and his horse, and all were fully aware
OF the fact that the men standing so grimly
in front of them were equally we'll equip
ped.
The opposing duellists were drawn up in
line facing each other at 3 o'clock in the af-
ternoon. 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, gllttcring revolver in each hand, with
| the relnS IN his teeth or hanging loosely for
these daredevil riders Of the South guide
their horses with their knees, as the scarce
ly more savage Indian does. Around about
carelessy 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 all brooded a death-like
silence, while on all the swelling. rolling,
silent plain shown the gold of the bright
September sun. The man who was detailed
to give the word which was destined to
create Il whirlwind of death started for
ward. At the first move there was shiver
of life along both lines, butit was not a shiver
of fear Each man Strengthened himself.
grasped his pistols the frmer, and singled
out of his opponent. The umpire lifted his hand.
and suddenly on the still air came the CRY of
doom, Fire" At the word twelve horses bound
ed forward, and twelve pistol shots rang out
Three OF Towards men threw up their hands and
fell from their horses, while only one of Kclly's
men fell. kelly,s men, not needing their COM
rade's death. sped straight toward the three men
in front of them. The latter dropped their pis-
tolls in their bride hands and pulled their horses
up, while their five enemies came riding swiftly
on, pouring hail of bullets in hom pistol in
every hand. The Howard 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 min
utes the duel was fought and won, and four dead
men lay upon the ground, Frank rode up to
Howard and said, Now you and will settle with
each other
NO replied Howard, as he looked sadly at the
dead men, II am satisfied"
"Very well" said Kelly, and orders were given
to exchange the cattle.
Very strangely, no news of the fight was re-
cniynd until Yesterday. but this nerbons yroc 5ro