Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-04-05

just skinned through, I don't know how"
old AnSe said to me. I've fit a good MANY
people. and would do the same tomorrow
II need be. I've been abruisin' around a
mighty spell, and all | want now is to
curl up and die when the natural time
comes without no mans help to send me
off, neither"
Tired of the Struggle.
AS I was leaving Island Castle the next
day, the old bear hunter took me into his
room, and, at the bedside of his wife, who
was Jest a bit dauncy" QlD, he informed
me, made a solemn request
Stranger" he said. there's no telling
when you'll see this ugly face again, but L
want you to do old Anse a favor before
you clean forgit i'm, jest for the sake Of
the bar meat and honey we've ct together,
and for the old oman lying here.
Il want you to go to ole Ran'nle Mccoy
over in kaintuck and tell him that | say
more.
We've fit powerful spell and lost a
sight of kin and money, and none of us is
the better for it. Tell him l say let's quit
Both of US KANT dodder along here much
longer, and while we air here we mout as
well have peace between u.s.
Mrs. Hatfield, the mother of thirteen Hat
fields, most of whom fought in the feud
seconded the old mans request, and as
was on my way to Pikevile, Ky, where
Randolph Mccoy lives, l readily assumed
the responsibility OF the strange message
1t would be a benefit to both states if these
two families could become reconciled and
the bloody feud forgotten. It's continuance
has been a great detriment to the counties
involved, delaying their development and
deterring strangers oftentimes from ever
travelling through them.
But / found q very different sentiment
prevailing with the McCoys in Kentucky
Trouble has undermined the mentality of
old Randolph. Mention of the feuds ex-
hnft ta,,t
anger at any discussion involving the name
OF his ancient enemies compels one speedily
to drop the subject.
It.was. therefore, to his son, Jim Mccoy,
that | delivered Anse Hatfields message
In all matters of business family Jim
Mccoy stands in his fathers place. He is
an excellent specimen of the strong hardy
mOuntaineer a man universally liked in
Pike county, Ky, where for years he has
been deputy sheriff. He has ten children
of his own, and his genial, hearty manner
seemed favorable augury for the peaceful
settlement of this ancient feud. But as
soon as he heard Anse Hatfield's message
every token of cordality vanished His ex-
preston hardened, the lines on his face
grew tense, his words were slowly and
qnietiy uttered, but there was no gain
saying their decisiveness
You can tell Mr.. Hatfield" he said,
that so long as l live there win be no
compromise between us. He and his have
shot down my kin, and | have made II nv
duty never to forgive them. There is no
more to say. l have my duty to the dead.
Let the law do it's part. 1 have made my
self poor man in order to bring these muir
derers to justice. Not until every Hatfield
who has injured Mccoy has been pun
ished will l be satisfied. That is my mes
sage to Devil Anse"
Those who know the man say that Jim
Mccoy will never alter his purpose, and
that not in this generation al least will the
final chapter be written to the Hatfield
Mccoy feud. 1t is a strange commentary
on our boast of progress in these United
States that this border land must continue
to bear so unsavory reputation that few
strangers dare to venture into it.