The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1885-03-21
BIDDING FOR BLOOD.
Story OF Indian Torture and Butchery In
Colorado In Modern Times.

Story Of Indian Torture and Butchery In
Colorado In Modern Times.
Some Of the facts in the following
horribly romantic story were developed
in the trial which succeeded their occur
renee, but the most thrilling portions of
the story, as told by some of the actors.
have never before been published. 1t
seems. according to Denver papers, that
in 1882 a man named jackson was en-
gagged in freighting to the Uncompaghre
and White River agencies, hauling Gov
eminent freight and supplies. In his
employ as driver was his nephew,
young man also named Jackson. One
day, after having delivered a load OF
freight at the angency, on their return
the Jacksons went into camp for the
night, after having Travelled some miles.
No sooner had they stopped than an In
dian rode up and demanded supper.
Young jackson said: Supper is not
ready yet; as soon as we get it you can
have some"
The Indian became very abusive, and
with some rough epithets said: ME want
it now" Jackson repeated his former
statement that it was not ready and
that he would have to wait. This seemed
to enrage the redskin, who at once
pulled his gun on the young man to en-
force his demands. jackson then ran
around the wagon, got his rifle, and
fired at but did not hit the Indian, who
galloped off at full rate of speed to the
agency, where he reported the matter
in his own way. The agent immediate
ly returned with him and a party OF
Indians and demanded from jackson
the surrender of the young man.
Fearing for his safety, the old man
refused at first, but the agent
gave his word that he should
not be injured, that he would merely be
taken to the post for hearing to satisfy
the Indians. Upon this assurance being
given the young man was given up, but,
notwithstanding the pledge of the agent,
they had not proceeded far on their re-
turn to the agency when the agent
yielded to the demands of the Utes and
surrendered the prisoner to them. They
at once took him to the timber, tied him
to tree, and amid the most disgusting
orgies tortured him to death in a most
horrible manner.
His uncle, upon ascertaining his fate,
made the best of his way back and, upon
arriving at Del Norte, detailed the par
ticulars of the tragedy to large and
excited crowd. Among those present
was young man named Lowe, who.
upon hearing the story, said the agent
should be killed II will give you a
horse and five hundred dollars if you
will do il" said Jackson.
Lowe accepted the proposition, and
the next day, well mounted and armed,
and with liberal advance of the sum
agreed upon, started on his mission of
blood. As the feeling of having money
in his pocket was novel one, upon ar
irving at Saguache he proceeded to
"blow himself in," and got gloriously
drunk. Having spent all his money,
there was nothing left for him but to
get sober and proceed on his journey to
the agency. Upon arriving there he was
met by the agent, who. perhaps, mis-
trusting him, proceeded to ply him with
liquor, and while under its effects Lowe
confided to him the object of his mission.
The agent naturally feeling that his
position was critical one, and feeling
no computations for the fate of the
Younger jackson, to which he had so
largely contributed, then made a propo-
sition to Lowe fully as extraordinary as
the one made by jackson, which was
that he would pay 81 600 for the murder
of the frcighter. This being better
offer, Lowe accepted it, and started on
his return to carry out the terms of the
contract. Arriving at Del Norte he at
once sought out Jackson, who asked if
he had killed the agent. mo-" said
Lowe. II found him to be a very good
sort of fellow, and besides he made a
better offer than yours"
"What was it?" asked Jackson.
''He raised you, and offered me 81, 00O
to kill you, and want 10 know what
you are going to do about it."
II don't understand you," said the
amazed freighter.
II mean just what 1 say. He has
raised you $500, and want to know il
you intend to raise him?"
''Why, no, of course not" said Jack
son; ''and if don't what do you intend
to do?r
well, think that unless you make
better offer will have to accept his. ~
.You do, do you?" said jackson.
''Yes," said Lowe; don't know what
else can do"
jackson then walked off and left him,
and got a double-barreled shotgun from
his house. He then went to Ewing
hardware store, obtained some buckshot
cartridges, with which he loaded the
gun, and returned to the blacksmith
shop where the conversation had taken
place.
Lowe, in the meanwhile, went off
got shaved, and then got on his horse
and started down the street, Winchester
in hand. Jackson, who was standing
in the door of the blacksmith shop. saw
him coming, and feeling sure that LaWt