The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-02-05
Gel. BOWIE AND his KNIFE.
The Exact Origin of the Famous
Weapon Somewhat Doubtful.
From the Mem YorI. Times

The Exact Origin of the Famous
Weapon somewhat Doubtful.
From the Mem York Times.
The bowie knife, for many years the most ef-
fective weapon in the south, has been attrib-
uted to the inventive genius Of Col. James
Bowie, one of the heroes in the Texan war for
independence, who was killed at the Alamo,
March 6, 1888. Tie story of the advent OF this
remarkable blade so far as the colonel is CON
cerned, is OF doubtful authenticity. There ere
two versi ons current ia the Lone Star state
One is That, in bloody contest with the Mexi-
cans previous TO the revolution in Texas, his
sword suddenly broke off within III feet of the
hit, upon which be employed the fra Ement as
knife In his hand TO hand contests during the
rest Of tn battle.
Col Bowie settled with his parents in Loulsi-
ana early 10 1899 and soon became notorious for
the many duelS which his irritable temper uro-
ked. The most prominent and sanyui1ary of
these took place opposite Ma chez, on the Mis-
sissippi, in August, 1870. A meeting had been
arranged between one Dr. Maddox aud Samuel
Wells aud the ground selected, a low sandbar
near the city. but outside OF the state limits
After the difficulty had appare ntly been ad-
justed by the exchange Of two shots without
ehecl the principals were Joined by parties of
friends ana q general melee occurred, in Which
fltee Of tbel number We're wounded and six
killed
Bowie. who was one Of the participants had
been snot early in the enga cement. He drew
his knife, the story runs. which had been made
{. L
which he killed Maj Norris Wri Sht.
After tho conflict the weSpol was sent north
% Philadelphia. WHERE il was fashioned by O
cutler into the form of i,nife watch STYLE of
weapon was Immediately made ia;uouS as the
bow H. knife When the original vas received
BY the colonel he was to d; 1t is more trust.
worthy int Tie hands OF strong man TIA a
pistol Tor it will rot snap after this general
Hyht he emigrated 30 Texas vi h his brother
and took an active part IN the struggle against
Mexico. he fought in che engagement near
Ga k.af. Nov - and IN, d
the MeNicGns near NacoS lOcheS aui at Con
cercion durny 1885. He attained the grade of
colonel, aud COMMANDED at Grass III bt Oct
IS the same year. The next year he was
order to BeXar. later joining Coils. Travis ana
| Crockett. and with them was slain at the taking
OF the Alamo.
The colonel was principal in another famous
duel, which may probably be regarded as the
greateSt on record, and which is still remem-
hered by q few o.d men who are living yet al a
remarkably rips age. Bowie used to spend a
great deal of his time in Natchez, where he was
challenged by a gentleman living it Alexan-
dria. La. for some alleged grievance The
friends Of the latter 10 the number of twenty or
more accompanied him to Natchez to see fair
play well aware that Col. Bowie was a des-
pirate man aud had his own friends about him
All tie parties went together upon the field
the combatarts taking their places in the cen
ter, separated from their friends in the rear
far enough not to endanger them with their
ba Is. ne twenty armed LOuisianians were
htty yards behind their champion and his sec
hind Bowie and his seconds and SURGEONS we're
the twenty armed Eississippians, friends of the
colonel.
The nights Of Matches were thronged with
spectators, and steamer rounded TO in the
river with its decks black with passengers
watching with adeep interest the exciting scene.
The plan of the fight was TO exchange shots
twice with pistols and to close with knives
Bowie being armed with his own terrible
wea ION. st the first fire both parties escaped
injury. At the second, the Louisianian was TOO
quick and took advantage of Col. Bowie, who
waited for the word At this Bowie's second
| cried out, Foul play !" and shot the LouisiAn-
ian dead.
The second Of the latter instantly killed the
! slayer OF his principal. Col. Bowie then drove
/ his knife into the man, finishing him in an in
slant. The surgeons now crossed blades, while
with defiant battle cries came on the two parties
! of friends the light OF battle in their eyes In
"a moment the whole number was engaged in a
| fearful conflict Dirks pistols, and knives we're
/ freely used with fatal effect IL was a drea full
! slaughter. Col. Bowie fought like an enraged
| lion, but fell cove. ed with wounds. For months
! he fingered at his hotel between life and death,
/ finally recovering owing 70 his wonderful con-
stitution.