Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-10-18
THE COW BOY DUEL.
KID Frank's -A~co"ns OF One of the Host
Remarkable Fights 0n Record.
Deuvar Reon,blicou I


Denver Republican,
John Kelly. one of the participants in
the famous cowboy puel," arrived here
yesterday. He is remarkable man. Born
in Buffalo about thirty years ago, he came
west at an early age, and became pretty
we'll known as S'Kid Frank After lead
ing an adventurous life he married we'll
TODD Mexican woman, and by her secured
fine ranch forty miles square in old
Mexico, on the San Pedros river, close to
the line. Ho became known far and wide
by his skill in shooting, and was generally
avoided by men DESTROYS of killing some
one for the sake of notoriety. His herd
grew rapidly until about four months ago,
when he found his brand on three thousand
head OF cattle, worth nearly 100000. He
determined to sell $500 head, and gather
ing up 500 head more, he started to drive
to Denver, distance of nearly 1,5OO miles.
His outfit consisted of thirty two cowboys,
and Frank took command of the expedi-
ton. The trip was very long and severe
one, but by using great care the losses
were small. The party started May %,
and made slow march across the burning
plains and trackless wastes of Arizona and
New Mexico, until September s 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, large cat
tie grower. The latter had herd 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 con-
sldered unjust, and refused it. This
angered Howard, and words followed. Kel-
ly claimed Howard had some of his cattle,
and offered to exchange; but the latter re-
fused, and the quarrel became very dan
gerous. The COW boys on each side gath
cred around and b gan 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 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 burst
he conceived plan to avoid bloodshed and
broached it to Howard, who agreed to it..
The plan was as follows: Each was to Sc
lect six COW boys, the best shots in their
outfits, and placing them in line fifty yards
distant on horseback, to give the word
"Fire!' and let them settle the dispute.
This novel method of settling 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 PROV
ed in many a desperate situation. How
ard selected six of his best men. There
was no time lost in preparing for the duel,
which was to be the greatest of the kind
ever known. The men of the opposing
sides retired to their camps and coolly
made preparations for the feast of death.
They groomed their horses, oiled
and cleaned their revolvers, and, putting
their saddles on with care, rode out to the
fight. ''Kid Franks" men were armed
with Winchester revolvers, SO and A cali
| brc, long barreled, and Towards six car
| ried Colts improved. Each man knew his
weapon and his horse, and all were fully
aware of the fact that the men standing so
grimly in front of them were equally well
equipped.
The opposing due]ists were drawn rp in
line facing each other at three 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, glittering revolver in
each hand, with the reins in his teeth or
hanging loosely, for these daredevil riders
of the south guide their horses with their
knees, as the scarcely more savage Indian
does. 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 all brooded death-like silence,
while on all the swelling, rolling,
silent plain shone the gold
of the bright September sun.
The man who was detailed to give the
word which was destined to create a whirl-
wind of death started forward. At the
first move there was SILVER of life along
both lines, but it was not a SILVER of fear.
Each man Strengthened himself. grasped
his pistols the frmer, and singled out his
opponent. The umpire lifted his hand,
and suddenly on the still air came the cry
of doom, "Firer' At the word twelve horses
bounded forward, and twelve pistol shots
rang out. Three of Towards men threw
up their hands and fell from their horses,
while only one of Kelly's men fell. Kelly's
men, not needing 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 enc mics
came riding swiftly on, pouring hail of
bullets in from a pistol in every hand.
The Howard men saw the odds. They were
too great, and, turning swiftly, they ran,
turning in their saddles as they few, 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 Nov you and
I will settle with each other"
"No," replied Howard, as he looked sadly
at the dead men; II am satisfied"
every WELL" said Kelly, and orders we're
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 him
self has arrived, his herd not being due for
two weeks yet. Kelly himself is sun
burned, manly looking young fellow, aud
told the story in matter-of-fact way
which would hardly attract attention.