The morning news., 1894-11-18
MUSCOGEE AN ARMED CAMP.
All Suspicious Characters in the Town
TO Be Arrested.

They Will Be Shot on the Spot If They
Resist-Any Suspicious Character
Who Attempts to Enter the Bank to
Be Killed Before He Can Cross the
Threshold-Cook Sends a Note Of
Warning to the Prosecuting Attorney.
st. Louis, Nov. IA special TO the
Chronicle from Muscogee, l. T., says; AT
a secret meeting OF the Muscogee business
men held early this morning it is said that
$4,000 was subscribed for the defense OF
the town. Ex-Indian Gen. Leo r. Benz
nett was placed in command. lie immedi-
ately held a conference with Al Mackays
one of the Indian police, and a plan OF
campaign was perfected
The town is to be guarded by armed
men both day and night Scouts are to
be placed in the suburbs to watch the
movements of Bin Cook and his men. All
suspicious characters found in town are
to be arrested on sight. If any resist arr
rest they are TO be shot down. The streets
arc Hlled with armed guards, and this
show of force has evidently impressed the
outlaws. The first suspicious character
who attempts to enter the bank will be-
shot before he crosses the threshold
United States Prosecuting Attorney
jackson has as yet heard nothing OF the
posse of twelve men he sent out Thurs
day night. Mr. Jackson organized and
equipped the posse alone and unaided.
He is afraid that they are IN trouble, as
nothing has been heard from them since
they departed.
Bill Cook evidently does not fancy the
change in the situation. This morning he
sent letter to Attorney Jackson. 1t is
written in his own hand and on a single
oh. .naf - Nr al -
prosecuting attorney. The following
is an exact copy of the letter:
Camp Cook--We found out to-day that
you fixed up some deputy marshals to run
us down. l mean me and my gang. IL
you are going to run US down we viii get
you out Of the way. We know what you
do. II you let us alone you are all right
II you don't you Will hear from us.
Take warning.
Signed Bill Cook"
Among the marked men are Prosecut-
ing Attorney Clifford J.. Jackson, Leo X
Bennett, Indian agent, D. M. Wisdom and
United States Commissioner Wayman G.
Jackson"
A telegram received by United States
Attorney Jackson tonight stated that
deputy marshals had fight this after
noon with Cherokee Bill and his gang.
Cherokee Bill was badly wounded and two
other members OF the party were captured.
together with two Of the bandits horses.
The deputies of the Fort Smith and Mus
kogee courts are pursuing Cherokee Bill
and the remaining members of the gang.
Marshal Rent Cobb arrived late to-day
bringing in one of the captured robbers
and a whisky peddler The other mem-
bers of the Cook gang are said to be sur
rounded by the msrshals. Marshal Cobb
has asked the United States attorney and
the United States marshal for recruits to
assist him.
Cherokee Bill is so badly wounded that
the deputies think he will soon be obliged
to give himself up. Marshal Cobb reports
that he expects hard battle, but that he
has the advantage of the bandits.
Excitement is running high in Muslgo-
gee and a company of men is being organ~
lied to start TO the scene of the battle.
Great credit is due Mr.. Jackson, the
United States attorney for the Indian
Territory. He equipped fifteen men at
his own expense and put them in the
field to remain Till the gang is captured
The citizens of Muskogee have offered al
handsome reward for the capture of the
Cook gang.