Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1885-1890, 1885-10-24

aineers, had herds Of fat cattle in
Deer Lodge Valley, which had been
bought OF stolen from immigrants on
the overland route, and driven north.
Our arrival was a godsend to these
fellows, and there herds supplied the
mines for years. But the sawmill and
fresh beef did not prevent us from
wishing to hear from home and get
ting word to our friends This desire
resulted in the establishment of a pri-
vate pony express to connect with
Salt Lake at 81 a letter each way.
This was reasonable, for the messen-
ger had to ride eight hundred miles
to make the round trip, and through
country at that time dangerous.
Nevertheless, our first communica-
ton was by the way of Walla
Walla, and happened in this wise:
The Government had mail route
And the agent was also in the employ
Of Wells, Fargo & Co. The trips
were at long intervals. Before we had
returns from Salt Lake, this mail and
express agent stepped out Of his way
to give us call. He was then bound
to Benton, and would at once return
to the Pacific slope. Of course the
opportunity was siezed to mail letters
and forward remittances, and the car
rier left the gulch with about $21, 900
in clean gold, and one companion as
guard and assistant, furnished by the
express company.
About this time Bannack was dis
tinguished by the presence Of man
Of genteel appearance, medium height,
rather slender build, fair complexion,
with hands that a lady might envy
His dress would not have been out Of
place in a pulpit. This gentleman
had pleasant relations with the fami-
ly Of a Government Indian Agent To-
Gated on Sun River, a mile Or so be-
low the crossing Of the Benton and
Walla Walla road A day or two af-
ter the mail agent left Bannack the
person referred to, Mr.. Henry Plum
mer, taking his friend Mr.. Skinner,
as best man, started for Sun River
TO MARRY A LOVELY GIRL,
The pride and joy of that family.
Why he chose this particular time for
his wedding trip will be seen in the
sequel. On the day he and his friend
left there was not suspicion of the
truth, nor for a long time after
Plummer's celebrated feud with Hank
Craw ford, when each sought the 9th
er's life, which led to certain disclos-
ures, was yet in the future. The
bridegroom reached the house of his
intended, having secured a priest
from the neighboring mission to per-
form the ceremony. That evening
the Mail Agent and his companion
camped near the crossing, one mile
above, on their return West. The
marriage was arranged for the follow
ing morning, the parties to start at
once for Bannack At an early hour
on that morning Plummer and his
friend took a-walk- they needed fresh
air. Their walk led them to the spot
where the agent was camped.
THIS MAN AND HIS COMPANION THEY
Concealing their bodies in some will
lows not far off. The horses were led
into a thicket and shot. This was
enough, for that road then was sell
dom travelled. The treasure was plac-
ed where it could easily be transfer
fer to their conveyance later in the
day. This done, the two friends re-
turned to greet the host and his con
fding family In half an hour Plum
mer stood with his lovely victim be-
fore Gods minister, and the ceremo-
ny Of marriage was performed. Two
weeks later the party was in Bannack,
and the bride was kindly received by
the few ladies then in the gulch. It
was months before even rumor
reached us Of the missing agent But
the flush hand held by Plummer and
Skinner after this trip gave rise to
suspicious which ultimately develop
ed into that power which crushed and
destroyed the best organized band Of
cut -throats that ever infested our
borders.