The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1884-09-27
THE MODERN MAZEPPA.
A Startling Sequel to the Great Nebraska
Romance.

Omaha Herald.
About two weeks ago DR.. Eliphalet
| F.. Potter, president of Hobart college,
New York, who was visiting Hon. j.
M. Woolworth in this city, wrote to his
friends in the east a private letter de-
failing his rescue of an Englishman who
was about to be executed by band of
cowboys. A rumor of this reached this
city yesterday, and the Herald man
called upon Mr.. Woolworth to get the
particulars of the affair. Mr.. Wool
worth acknowledged that DR.. Potter
had written such letter, and from the
first-named and other gentlemen to
whom he was sent, the scribe learned
that, in company with Mr.. Woolworth,
DR.. Potter when here early in August,
made visit to the range of the Ogal-
lala Land & Cattle Co., in northwestern
Nebraska. The eminent divine had
never seen the genuine cowboy in his
wild and woolly state, and the journey
was made largely for the purpose of
giving him an accurate insight into
ranch life and the manners and GUS
toms of the people that follow it. At
Ogallala station Mr.. Woolworth |
and DR.. Potter left the Union Pacific |
train and drove to Paxton's ranch, the |
first stopping place on the great range.
There they were Hospitality entertained |
by the resident ranchmen, who recog-
nized in Mr.. Woolworth director of |
the company, and edited with stories
of wild life in the west. A copy of the
Herald, with the story of the "Modern
Mazeppa," published some months ago,
was shown to DR.. Potter, who was told
that Wilson, the man that turned Bur-
bank adrift on the broncho's back, had
been captured, and was held prisoner
at Blue Creek ranch, sixty miles dis
tant. The cowboys, 1t was said, were
very indignant at Wilson, and were
trying to think of some diabolical
scheme by which his life could be SLOW
ly tortured out of him. This Mortified
DR.. Potter, and he resolved to save Will
sons life if possible. Early next morn
ing he procured conveyance and
drove to Blue Creek ranch, and there
found the unfortunate man closely
guarded by two bad looking cow
punchers.
DR.. Potter was allowed to interview
Wilson who related the story of his
troubles with Burbank, substantially as
given in the Herald. Burbank had
seen his partner, and had alineated the
affections of his wife. Wilson thirsted
or revenge, and not wishing to take
he mans life himself, with the help of
MS cowboys dashed him on the back of
/ buck Jumper and turned him loose on
he prairies. Burbank was rescued five
lays afterwards by some men work.
ng for ranchman named Bous-
and, and nursed back to conscious
less. Burbank grew to be great
avorite with all the cowboys, and |
bout August LIST, band of them went.
o Wilson's ranch, surrounded the ,,
louse at night and captured him, car
ying him a prisoner to Blue Creek.
wilson importuned DIR. Potter to save
lis life, and the divine grew eloquent
n his appeals to the guards to release
he captive. Their stoney hearts were
roof against his arguments and plead
ngs, however, and they went so far as {
o irreverently assert that they "didn't !
want no derned galoot of preacher
'ossin' 'em." Finding moral suasion
f no avail, DR.. Potter determined to
ave the man at all hazards. Being of {
obust physique, and knowing how to
put up his hands" when occasion re-
iiires, the divine drove off the guards {
nd released Wilson, who was profuse
q his thanks. There was no time to !
waste in that kind of business, as the
eturn of the ranch-riders was momen-
arily expected, and Wilson saddled
,ony and rode off to the northward. J
ust as he disappeared the cowboys I
anne up, and when they heard of the i
escue they were furious. There was t
ONE tall shouting and shooting of re- s
divers for awhile, but the men were I
nally quoted down by the foreman |
efore anyone was hurt. All night they t
ept throwing ugly chances at the bish-
D, and he was not averse to leaving as
arly as possible the next morning on t
is return trip. The experience seemed S
D satisfy DR.. Potter, and he was not
esirous of making any further expedi- /
ions among the ranchmen. t
Tho HhnInro Arm