Connecticut western news., 1883-06-27
A PLUNGE TO DEATH.
Three Mounted Cowboys Ride at a G alOp
 Over Precipice.

There arrived on the Burlington train last night, says the Denver NeaOs, a well-known citizen of Greedy who will probably die from the effects of injuries sustained in one of the most narrowing accidents that has place in the history of roundup sensations in the West The victim is Mr. Charles Hughitt The Little Frenchman Range, in south western Nebraska, is perhaps one of the most celebrated cattle sections in the country. In that neighborhood Hughitt was one of the most noted among the cowboys. A college graduate, he com bined intelligdnce with that rare courage which the better class of cow boys always display on that range. He was more than valiant.
 On the day in question the herds of the several stockmen were all gathered on the brink of a large mesa which over looked the Little Frenchman River. The bluff was at least one hundred feet above the stream. While the cattle were being cut out steer broke away and made dash along the edge of the yawning chasm. Beneath were the swiftly passing water and sharp jutting rocks. There were one hundred and fifty cowboys in the circle, the number being equally divided among three out fits. A representative of each put spurs to his horse and made the chase. Hug hitt was the foremost. Following him closely were William Thompson and John Green. All three circled lassoes above their heads and dug the spur points into their horses sides until the blood spurted. It was rivalry of horsemanship and herding valor. Along the edge of the awful precipice the mad dened steer plunged, the three ambitious horsemen closely pursuing and awaiting an advantage. When about two hun dred yards away from the herd, and as the surrounding cowboys were about to utter another yell of encouragement, a cry of destruction and death went heavenward. The steer and horseman
 
 The party rushed to the point of look out on the chasm only to see beneath the mingled bodies of dead and dying. While the members stood paralyzed on the brink, yet irresolute as to what they should do, Hughitt was observed spring ing to his feet. His horse responded to the release, and the rider, after some difficulty, mounted The twain, by 8 circuitous route, then slowly climbed back to the mesa. Dismayed by the terrible catastrophe, the cowboys were still standing benumbed with dread when the maimed man appeared among them. Meanwhile descent was made into the canon by a rescuing party. The steer, the cause of the disaster. es- capped injury. Green was found almost buried and dead. He was bruised con- siderably, and all his limbs were found broken. Thompson was found dead and fearfully mutilated. The pommel of his saddle had completely disemboweled him.
 It was twenty-eight miles to Culbert- son station, and weary nights ride. The party escorting Hughitt never heard a word of suffering from his lips. Finally he began to bleed at the lungs, and halt was made to determine the nature and extent of his injuries. He was d3smounted and examined. Imagine the surprise of the escort when they found that he was maimed almost to death. His collar bone was broken, his right arm was fractured in two places, and from his right side there protuded two broken ribs. Add to this the fact that he was internally injured, as evi- denced by the blood-vomit, and the con- dition of the sufferer can be realized. Completely worn out by the long jour- ney, the party arrived at Culbertson about noon. When the station hove in ln sight, the sufferer revived and began to express hopes of recovery. He was placed on the afternoon train arriving at the hour stated
 '.That is the grittiest man I ever met, said the cowboy, in rounding off his account of the occurrence.
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