USA > Wyoming > The history of Wyoming from the earliest known discoveries > Part 36
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Hugo Koch, who now resides in Fremont County, tells me that he came west in the fall of 1858 and that at Atchi- son he joined a bull train which was in charge of Slade, who the following year became a superintendent of a division of the Overland stage company in Wyoming. This, then, is the introduction of that notorious character into this country. Koch describes Slade as not far from thirty years old at that time, though he must have been older, as he was a volunteer in the Mexican War. He was rather under the medium size, dark complexion, firm set features and determined look. Slade was accompanied by his wife, who was rather good looking and about the same age as her husband; weight about 160 pounds. Mr. Koch claims that Slade was a bad man when he was drunk and that he was often found in this condition. Mrs. Slade was not altogether a lovely charac- ter, often interfering in her husband's business, and many of the difficulties he had with people originated with her. I have on this same authority something of Slade's early life. He was born in southern Illinois and at the age of thirteen displayed an ungovernable temper and killed a man by striking him with a stone. This man had interfered with some boys with whom young Slade was playing. The father of the lad succeeded in getting him out of the country and sending him to Texas, where he grew to manhood and was married. His wife always possessed great influence over him, even when he was drunk. Soon after arriving in Wyo-
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ming he killed Andrew Farrar, a man connected with the train. The two were drinking together at some point east of Green River and got into an animated conversation, dur- ing which something was said about shooting, Slade remark- ing that no man must dare him to shoot. Farrar, who was fast reaching a maudlin condition, replied, "I dare you to shoot me." Instantly Slade drew his revolver and fired, in- flicting a dangerous wound on the person of Farrar. Hor- rified at what he had done, he expressed the greatest sorrow to the wounded man and those around him and instantly dis- patched a messenger on a fast horse to Fort Bridger to se- cure a surgeon. The doctor came promptly, but his services were without avail and Farrar died. As superintendent for the stage company, Slade had many adventures. He conducted business in a manner satisfactory to the stage company and was noted for his promptness in all transac- tions relating to the passenger and express business. I find many old timers who were well acquainted with Slade while he was in charge of a division of the Overland stage. All agree that he was a good man for the very difficult position he held, but that he was a dangerous character when under the influence of liquor. He had trouble with many people, and among others Jules Reni, a Canadian Frenchman, who had a ranch on the South Platte where Julesburg is located at the present time, the town being named after this Ca- nadian. Reni and Slade often met and as often had mis- understandings. Finally they had a quarrel and Reni fired with a shotgun thirteen buckshot into Slade's person. His antagonist appeared well satisfied and said to some person standing near, "When he is dead, you can put him in one of these dry goods boxes and bury him." This remark was heard by Slade, and with an oath he replied, "I shall live long enough to wear one of your ears on my watch guard. You needn't trouble yourself about my burial." While the shooting excitement was still on, the Overland stage came along, and it chanced that the superintendent of the road was on board. This officer ordered the arrest of the would- be murderer, and those present took him into custody and
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proceeded to hang him. After he had been strangled until he was black in the face, he was allowed to go, on promising to leave the country, which he did for the time. Slade suf- fered from his wounds for several weeks and finally made a journey to St. Louis to procure surgical assistance. Seven of the buckshot were cut out and the balance remained in his person to remind him of vengeance. When he returned to the road he took occasion to send word to his antagonist that he was determined to kill him on sight, but he would not go out of his way to meet him. Reni, or Jules as he was always called, received Slade's message and at once re- turned to the division of the Overland where Slade was em- ployed and on his way told several persons that he was going to kill Slade. The latter was at Pacific Springs and heard of the threat, and he at once started for Julesburg. When he arrived at Fort Laramie he visited the officers and laid the subject before them and promised to take their advice. The officers understood all about the threats of both parties and frankly told Slade that in their judgment Jules would kill him unless prompt measures were taken, and that he would have no peace on his division unless Jules was captured and killed. Slade now dispatched four men to Bordeaux's ranch, where he learned Jules had spent the night before. The instructions given the men were to make Jules a prisoner, securely tie him and await the arrival of Slade, who was to follow in the next east bound coach. The men sent after Jules did not find him at Bordeaux's, so they went on to Chansau's ranch, the next station, where they found their man. They captured him without opposition, securely bound his hands and feet and placed him in the corral in the rear of the station. Slade came in the next coach, as agreed, and was rejoiced to find his enemy a cap- tive. He at once went to the corral and on sight leveled a pistol and fired. The ball struck Jules in the mouth but did not kill him; a second shot passed through his head and pro- duced instant death. Slade now returned to Fort Laramie and went through the farce of delivering himself up to jus- tice, and demanding an investigation. The commander of
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course discharged him, inasmuch as he had advised the kill- ing. The story of this shooting has been told in many ways. I have met persons who claimed that Slade ordered Jules placed in a standing position and fired repeated shots, and between each went to the station and invited the crowd to take a drink, and just before firing would say, "Now, Jules, I'm going to hit you-in such a place," and being an expert shot he kept his word every time. Finally he cut off his ears and put them in his vest pocket, after which he killed him outright. This is the story told by some parties now living in this state, but I am satisfied they have been misinformed and that my account is substantially correct. The stage company investigated the affair at the time and while they did not approve of Slade's conduct, they permitted him to continue in his position as superintendent of his division.
While discussing the Jules Reni and Slade affair, I will finish the story of the remaining desperado at this point in the history. Slade's whole conduct while connected with the Overland was the embodiment of ruffianism, and how he held his position with the stage company is hard to conjec- ture. It may be that his reputation was some protection to the company, and that he had some ability to get stages through on time, but for all this he was a dangerous charac- ter when drunk, and in this condition he was very often found. He was guilty of many acts of violence toward men who were much better in every way than himself. After the stages were removed to the southern line, he on one oc- casion entered the sutler's store at Fort Halleck and amused himself by shooting holes through the canned goods on the shelf. At another time he took possession of the sutler's quarters and terrorized everybody connected with the estab- lishment. For this offense the commander of the fort had him arrested and refused a release unless the stage company would first dismiss him from their employ. This was done and Slade found his way to Montana, where he had many adventures, and finally located in Virginia City in 1863, where his frequent drunken brawls and high-handed acts of violence made him the subject of investigation by the
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vigilantes, who sentenced him to be hanged. When in- formed of his fate by the executive officer of the committee, he fell upon his knees on the floor and with clasped hands begged for his life. When he saw that it was useless to im- plore, he exclaimed, "My God! My God! Must I die?" One of his friends, at this critical moment, who had been begging for his release, threw off his coat and doubling up his fists: declared that Slade should be hanged only over his dead body. A hundred rifles in the hands of the vigilantes were cocked and aimed at him in less than a minute and he was only too glad to make promises of future good behavior in order to save his life. The vigilantes now proceeded to exe- cute the condemned man. A rope was thrown over the cross-beam of the gateway of a corral and Slade was placed upon a dry goods box, the rope drawn tight and the box pushed from under him, and all was over. Mrs. Slade had been sent for, but arrived too late to see her husband alive. The body had been cut down and taken to a hotel, where the newly made widow followed it. She threw herself upon the dead body, clasping the inanimate form in her arms, and gave vent to heart-rending cries, followed by bitter curses upon those who had hanged her husband. Finally, turning to those about her, she exclaimed in an agony of grief, "Why, oh, why did not some of you, the friends of Slade, shoot him down and not suffer him to die on the scaffold? I would have done it had I been here. He should never have died by the rope of the hangman. No dog's death should have come to such a man." Many people in Wyoming will not agree with Mrs. Slade, for they are firmly of the opinion that he deserved the death which came to him. It is com- monly reported that while in this country Slade was secretly at the head of a gang who stole horses, robbed emigrants and did murder, when occasion required, in carrying out these enterprises. It is said that "the devil is not as black as he is painted," and this may apply to some extent to Slade. He was, however, a bad man, and committed many atrocious acts while in Wyoming, but just how many I have no desire to make the necessary investigation to determine.
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Like most men of his class, who held human life cheap, he was a coward at heart, as his conduct at the time of his death proved.
CHAPTER XXXII.
INDIAN TROUBLES ON THE OVERLAND.
EVENTS OF 1864-A GLANCE BACKWARD-THE CROW COUNTRY-THE CROW CHARACTER-WHAT ROBERT CAMPBELL SAYS OF THEM-THE BOZEMAN ROAD-THE MAN WHO LAID IT OUT AND HIS DEATH- OVERLAND STAGE COMPANY COMPLAINS-GEN. CONNOR'S POLICY WITH INDIANS SUCCESSFUL-RETURN OF STOLEN PROPERTY-GEN. CONNOR ORDERED TO PROTECT THE OVERLAND FROM SALT LAKE TO FORT KEARNEY-MORMONS ATTEMPT TO HAVE CAMP DOUGLAS REMOVED- GEN. CONNOR'S TROUBLE WITH THE MORMONS-THE OUTLOOK FOR I865.
To properly understand the conditions of 1864 in the country now comprising Wyoming, it may be well to take a glance backward and find out somewhat of the territory north of the North Platte, which is soon to become the cen- ter of important military operations. Up to the time of the building of Fort Laramie the Crow Indians, or, as they originally called themselves, the Upsarokas, owned all the country along the Yellowstone, Big Horn and Big Wind Rivers. They were a powerful tribe, and, as Indians go, were superior in many respects. They would steal horses, of course, but were not disposed to murder white people unless in self defense. The early trappers had now and then a difficulty with the Crows, but not to the extent that they had with the Blackfeet. The Crow warriors prided themselves not exactly upon their honesty, but on their honor, when they made a promise to protect the property of the trappers placed in their hands for safe keeping. This is well illustrated by the experience of Robert Campbell with this tribe. He was at one time quartered in the village
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of the Crows and was the guest of Arapooish, the then great chief of the tribe. Campbell was on a successful trapping expedition and had secured a large number of peltries. He partially trusted to the honesty of the Crows, but yet had his misgivings, so before entering the village he made a cache in which he placed one-half of the beaver skins. When all had been properly secured about the cache, he and his men went forward to the Crow village. The tribe re- ceived him cordially and he became a guest of the chief and was quartered in his lodge. There was merry-making and much smoking of a most friendly character, but one night the stalwart chieftain entered the lodge with a cloud of dis- pleasure on his brow and seating himself in his accustomed place he remained silent for a long time and finally said to Campbell, abruptly, that he had more furs than he had brought to the lodge. Mr. Campbell knew the Indian char- acter to perfection and he quickly saw that it would be bad policy to hesitate or keep anything back, and so he replied that he had. The chief looked into the face of his guest and demanded to know the whereabouts of the furs. Without hesitation the fur trader described to the chief the location of the cache. What followed is given as Campbell told the story to Washington Irving.
"' 'Tis well,' replied Arapooish, 'you speak straight. It is just as you say. But your cache has been robbed. Go and see how many skins have been taken from it.' Campbell examined the cache and estimated his loss to be about one hundred and fifty beaver skins. Arapooish now summoned a meeting of the village. He bitterly reproached his people for robbing a stranger who had confided to their honor; and commanded that whoever had taken the skins, should bring them back; declaring that, as Campbell was his guest and inmate of his lodge, he would not eat nor drink until every skin was restored to him. The meeting broke up, and every one dispersed. Arapooish now charged Campbell to give neither reward nor thanks to any one who should bring in the beaver skins, but to keep count as they were delivered. In a little while the skins began to make their appearance, a few at a time; they were laid down in the lodge, and those who brought them departed without saying a word. The day passed away. Arapooish sat in one corner of his lodge,
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wrapped up in his robe, scarcely moving a muscle of his countenance. When night arrived, he demanded if all the skins had been brought in. Above a hundred had been given up and Campbell expressed himself contented. Not so the Crow chieftain. He fasted all that night, nor tasted a drop of water. In the morning some more skins were brought in, and continued to come, one and two at a time, throughout the day, until but a few were wanting to make the number complete. Campbell was now anxious to put an end to this fasting of the old chief, and again declared that he was perfectly satisfied. Arapooish demanded what num- ber of skins were yet wanting. On being told, he whispered to some of his people, who disappeared. After a time the number was brought in, though it was evident they were not any of the skins that had been stolen, but others gleaned in the village. 'Is all right now?' demanded Arapooish. 'All is right,' replied Campbell. 'Good! Now bring me meat and drink! When they were alone, Arapooish had a conversation with his guest. 'When you come another time among the Crows,' said he, 'don't hide your goods; trust to them and they will not wrong you. Put your goods in the lodge of a chief and they are sacred; hide them in a cache and anyone who finds them will steal them. My peo- ple have now given up your goods for my sake; but there are some foolish young men in the village who may be dis- posed to be troublesome. Don't linger, therefore, but pack your goods and be off.' Campbell took his advice and made his way safely out of the Crow country. He ever afterward maintained that the Crows were not so black as they were painted. 'Trust to their honor,' says he, 'and you are safe; trust to their honesty, and they will steal the hair off your head.' "
The Crows were very proud of their country and it can be said that no other tribe exhibited such unbounded love of their hunting grounds as this nation. They claimed the land as far east as the valleys of the different branches of Powder River and west a considerable distance beyond Wind River and north to the Yellowstone and south to the north end of the Laramie range. This was a good country for game and possessed every advantage as a residence for a wild tribe. The chief Arapooish was an enthusiast in re- gard to the country which composed his domain. He told
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Robert Campbell that the Crow country was a good country and that the Great Spirit had put it in exactly the right place. It was good for horses, and he added, "What is a country without horses?" He said that on the Columbia, the people were poor and dirty, paddled about in canoes and ate fish. On the Missouri, he said, the water was muddy and bad. To the north of the Crow country it was too cold and to the south it was too hot. The Crow country was just right. The water was clear and sweet. There was plenty of buffalo, elk, deer, antelope and mountain sheep. The Wind River valley, he said, was the best wintering place in the world and had plenty of game. Is it any wonder that the Crow nation fought long and hard to defend this country, which they loved so much? They fought the Blackfeet for seventy-five years to keep them away from these hunting grounds, and later they defended the territory against com- bined assaults of the Arapahoes, the Cheyennes and the nu- merous tribes of the Sioux nation, and they would have suc- ceeded against these fearful odds had it not been for the ravages of the small pox. They finally were driven out by the warlike Sioux and their home, which had been sweet to them for so many years, knew them again no more. It was a sad day for the white men when the Crow country passed into the hands of the Sioux and their allies. The Crows from the first coming of the whites welcomed them and en- couraged all to remain. They adopted the trappers into their tribe and gave them equal opportunity with the Indian braves to become great chiefs.
I am thus particular to give a short sketch of the Crow nation and the Crow country for the reason that the ene- mies of the Crows were the enemies of the whites, and the disaster that befell this tribe of Indians resulted finally in the destruction of many white men who attempted to pass through the country.
The Bozeman road was one of the bloody thoroughfares of Wyoming. It was not a main highway across the conti- nent, like the Overland trail, being laid out in comparatively modern times and in another direction. It led from Boze-
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man City, Montana, all the way through what had been the Crow country, to Fort Laramie, in Wyoming, and was not in the beginning intedned for a military road, but circum- stances compelled the United States government to place a line of military posts along the route, and thus it became a noted thoroughfare, guarded by United States troops. It received its name from J. M. Bozeman, a citizen of Mon- tana, who in the spring of 1863 laid out the road from Red Buttes on the Platte River to the Three Forks on the Mis- souri River. John M. Jacobs accompanied Bozeman on this trip and assisted in the enterprise. Bozeman was shortly afterwards killed by Indians at the mouth of Shields River on the Yellowstone. The city of Bozeman, Montana, was named in honor of this enterprising pioneer. As soon as this road was laid out it was used by miners going to Mon- tana, it being a short cut to the newly discovered gold fields. The Indians at once objected to the passage of emigrant trains through that part of their country. The Sioux and Cheyennes, the former led by Man-Afraid-of-His-Horses, Spotted-Tail and Two-Face, and the latter by White Ante- lope, but these tribes having a war on hand on the South Platte, were unable at first to give much attention to the Bozeman road, and yet they managed to make it uncom- fortable for many of the trains passing by this route. In 1865, General Alfred Sully was sent up the Missouri with an expedition against the Sioux and succeeded in bringing the savages to battle at several points, and in one engagement killed nearly six hundred of them. This expedition was successful, but it resulted in driving the Indians down on the Platte and made the conditions on the Overland trail and the Bozeman road much worse than before.
Those who pass over what was once the Crow country, even at this day, cannot help feeling that the eloquence of Arapooish was not out of place when his theme was the home of the Crows. Bridger, Beckwourth, Father De Smet and many others of the early travelers spoke in glowing terms of this fair land. The fertile basins of Wind River, Big Horn, Yellowstone, Tongue River, and many other
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choice localities attest the chieftain's eloquence. The wild fruits, the game, the grasses and native grains make the Crow country worthy of the love of the people of the Crow nation. I have no desire to discuss the rights and wrongs of the Indians, but I cannot help saying that the United States government should have given its protection to the Crow nation as against those more barbarous tribes, the Sioux, the Cheyennes and the Arapahoes. The American Fur Company was the aider and abettor in the conquest of the Crow country, simply because the great Sioux tribes had more furs and skins to sell than the Crows. The desire of this company was trade, and it mattered not who was to be wronged. They furnished the guns, powder and lead which made the conquest. The Sioux even to this day admit that they stole the hunting grounds of the Crows because they were the best. Had our government given assistance to the Crow nation, that tribe would have become allies, and thereby the lives of thousands of white settlers would have been saved. This is one of the great mistakes made by the government. These Indians possessed integrity of char- acter, and meet them where you will, even to this day, they still make the proud claim that the Crow nation never killed a white man except in self defense. The reader must under- stand that the conquest of the Crow country occurred in comparatively modern times. In the forties, Father De Smet found the Crows occupying their beautiful country, and it was not until after his time that wasting war, waged year after year for more than a decade, forced the members of this tribe to give up their homes. That was the oppor- tunity for the government to have assisted this friendly tribe and thus assisted white men as well. The Crows were brave warriors and would have beeen glad of the opportu- nity to protect the Overland road. After this digression, let us return to the events of 1864.
During the year 1864, the Overland Stage Company made many complaints regarding slight Indian depreda- tions along the mail route. During the spring and early summer there were occasional attacks on the mail coaches
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and some stock stolen from the company and also from passing emigrants. As the summer advanced, Indian depre- dations increased, the greater part of the trouble being in eastern Wyoming and western Colorado. General Connor reported on July 1st, from Camp Douglas, that the policy pursued toward the Snakes had had a most happy effect. Connor believed in making Indians understand that depre- dations would be followed by swift and awful punishment, and he also believed in rewarding good conduct on the part of the Indians by issuing to them flour, sugar and clothing. The Bannocks, Snakes and Shoshones had become friendly through Connor's methods, which justified him in the belief that Indians could be managed only by inspiring a whole- some dread of consequences. His theory was that you must impress upon the mind of the savage that "the way of the transgressor is hard," and at the same time make him under- stand that the government would protect good Indians. The General was certainly the most successful Indian fighter of his time. He cleared the stage road of hostiles from Green River to California, and kept it clear.
To show the conditions which prevailed around Fort Bridger that spring, I will quote from a report made by Major P. A. Gallagher, the commander. The report was to General Connor and reads as follows:
"I have the honor to report to the general commanding that one of Washakie's Indians, named Wo-an-gant, brought to this post yesterday nineteen horses which had been stolen and delivered them into my hands, making the following statement: He says that being out hunting in the Wind River Mountains, he came to four lodges of Indians, and that they are a branch of the Snake tribe, called by the Shoshones, Sheepeaters. They informed him that they had stolen twenty-three horses from the white men who were mining or prospecting some two months before near Beaver Head. This Indian says that he told them that a treaty had been made with the whites last summer, which was the first information they had of it. They delivered up to him twenty horses (three having got away from them) to be
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