The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-21

A Western Mans Life-and-Death Struggl,
with Mountain Lion.


with Mountain Lion.
Cheyenne Leader.
Two weeks ago last Saturday James jackson
started out to cut some wood for his ranch, and
took with him double barreled shotgun and a
few rounds of ammunition expecting to obtain
number of ducks and geese. When short
distance from his cabin, he saw couple of large
birds perched upon rock, and at once took aim
and fired at them He missed the birds, but
what was his surprise to hear a roar of mingled
rage and pain emerging from the vicin-
ity of the rock. large mountain lion was
paving tn earth and licking with it's
tongue gaping wounds in its shoulders and side.
Mr.. Jackson's first intention was to leave the
spot instanter, but then he thought it would be
quite laurel On his brow to kill the lion and
take its body to his cabin, and from there either
to Laramie or Cheyenne, and have it mounted.
Then he placed a fresh cartridge in his gun, and
fred two shots in rapid succession at the beast.
The animal was not killed, but tore the earth
and rocks with its paws in a fearful manner. and
roared with pain, as number OF shot had hit
the beast. jackson now became excited, and
determined to have the beast at all hazards, SO
he placed the last two cartridges in his gun and
again took aim at the beast and succeeded in
Embedding in its hide large number of shot.
This was the turning point in the hostilities.
The lion sat upon its launches glared at the
assailant for few seconds, then with roar it
started for jackson, making the rocks and dust
fly as it approached. jackson started to run,
but seeing he was about to be overtaken, turned
around, grasped the muZzle Of his gun with both
hands and awaited the approach of the now
ferociouS brute In an instant the lion was
upon him, and using all his strength, he struck
the animal across the head, completely breaking
his gun. For an instant the lion was stunned,
and jackson sought to improve this by escaping.
He again started on the run, but the beast was
soon after him, roaring and writing in pain.
jackson turned around, threw off his coat pulled
his small pocketknife from his pocket and
calmly awaited the approach Of the enemy.
In less time than it takes to describe it, the
man and the lion had met and were rolling in a
struggle which meant death to one. Jackson's
knife had long, pointed blade, which was very
sharp. and this he used to the best advantage.
But he could not use it to such an extent as to
inhlct mortal wound, as the lion was mincing
his body every second with its terrible jaws, and
tearing horrible gashes with its claws Hard
they struggled for about ten minutes, and the
clothes were torn entirely from Jackson's body
by the ferocious beast but he still retained his
knife in his hand, and as they rolled over, he
succeeded in plungng the knife into the lions
throat IL bled horribly and seemed to become
weaker, and, improving the opportunity Jackson
succeeded in Stabbing it in several places, until
finally it released its grasp and fell over dead.
At this time jackson tainted from the over
exertion and loss of blood and when he revived it
was evening. There he was his flesh torn and
mangled and his body covered with ciotted
blood. lie crawled a short distance to a pool of
clear cool mountain water and bathed with 1t
his head and wounds, and was soon sufficiently
revived to YEARLY drag himself to his cabin
about mile distant. He remained there alone
several days, caring for and dressing his wounds
as best he could until Squires happened along
and did all he could for the unfortunate man.
Squires desired to go for surgeon. but to this
Jackson objected, saying that it was unneces-
sary. as the wounds would soon heal, and Jack
son said as soon as he was able to get around he
was going to bring the lion to one OF the cities
either Laramie or Cheyenne, and have it
mounted. Squires left jackson for Denver last
"Wednesday, and will be absent several weeks,
and says that the wounded man is doing finely
and is able to be around, although his wounds
are serious and severe.