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Newspaper
Cheyenne Weekly Leader
Location
Cheyenne, Wyoming, United States of America
Date
Mar 29, 1877
Page
16
The March 29 1877 issue notes a rich copper lode discovered at the head of Castle Creek in the Black Hills. Assays show high value. Local items recount printer jokes, rail changes, a judge in Denver, hail storms, and a tale of Persimmon Bill rumors.
Engineers strike a steady supply of pure water from an artesian well sunk eighteen miles from Indian Wells. The well reached ninety feet, delivering enough water to supply engines and workmen as progress continues. Train service to the Colorado River expected by late next month. Walters and Dos Palmas new stations established at 613 and 631 miles from Frisco, with Indian Wells renamed India on the Yuma division.
The Deadwood City postmastership provokes a Senate style dispute as R O Adams of Omaha is named postmaster amid protests by Rosewater and opposition from Alvin Saunders. Postmaster General Tyner delays action, citing need to review charges and avoid turning the office into a police court. Adams is supported by Deadwood citizens Steele Wyoming delegate and most others.
A man forces a tramp to eat a full meal at his table under threats and profanity. The tramp, fearing poison, pleads to leave but remains until the plate is emptied. On leaving, he bolts away, certain he would avoid another breakfast with the host.
Reports tell of a Cheyenne and Black Hills coach robbery near Deadwood with five masked gunmen. Driver Johnny Slaughter was killed, Walter Iler wounded, and a second passenger hurt. $500 rewards were offered for the assailants. The incident sparks widespread sorrow in town.
General orders from the Department of the Platte praise Second Lieut. J F Cummings and a citizen volunteers detachment for capturing a hostile village on Grow creek Dakota about 50 miles north of Deadwood City. Special thanks are given to Mr Bradley and his volunteers for valuable aid. Also commends Sergeant C A Bessey and Privates Taggart Leonard and Featherall of Company A for their brave action near Elkhorn creek Wyoming on January 13.
Chicago dispatch notes Spotted Tail undertakes a voluntary peace mission visiting Crazy Horse and other hostile camps to urge occupation of the reservation. Government offers no aid beyond allowing the effort as Sheridan rejects delaying the campaign for talks while supplies rush to readiness for an early opening.
Dispatch from Red Cloud Agency says Spotted Tail has been heard from and plans to proceed with his mission of peace. He faced delays due to bad weather and poor horse condition before continuing toward the hostiles.
A Denver telegram reports W Maxwell and his sixteen year old son, stock men formerly of Stuart Iowa, murdered in Colfax County New Mexico. A negro suspect, captured in Trinidad Colorado, is linked to the crime. robbery is seen as the probable motive. The bodies were found Sunday with both heads shot.
The Cheyenne and Black Hills Stage Co begins daily runs from this city in six-horse coaches carrying eighteen passengers. The timetable aims for two day travel from Cheyenne to Deadwood with fast horses, comfortable coaches, first-class eating stations, and quick time.
Dispatch from Fort Fetterman reports General Mackenzie ordered arrest of thieves after 80 or 90 ponies were stolen from Red Cloud Agency on the 20th. Pursuers recovered all but two near the post and arrested a man named Wm. F. Hall with two ponies for rations. Ponies returned to the Indians. A new wire across the North Platte and ferry repair are noted at the fort.
The article describes a fear haunted landscape at Mountain Meadows with desolation near the emigrant camp and a blighted Cedar City. It notes the 1857 massacre participants Haight Higbee and Stewart and reports their probable exile and pledged resolve to die by a promised pact. It mentions Lee’s relations with the Indians and their interest in his execution.
A well known firm member hurries to work at 7 am claiming three partners share two chairs. The rival trader suspects brisk sales but learns the rush is to avoid leaving the last partner to stand all day. The exchange ends with a dramatic comparison to a reporter rushing to a fire.
A group of young gentlemen organizes an overland wagon trip to California. They plan a first class outfit, starting west soon, using the northern route via Cheyenne and Salt Lake City. Travels will be slow with hunting and fishing, stopping at Carson City and Virginia City, Nevada, visiting Yosemite and Big Trees, San Francisco, and later Los Angeles as fall nears.
General Crook declares Spotted Tail the foremost Indian figure and conduit to the bands. He plans large farms for ten thousand to fifteen thousand Indians, though his only progress is a ten by ten foot squash patch. Sheridan notes fair annuity distributions now that thieves are curbed. meanwhile Mackenzie and Miles' victories demoralize hostile camps. Crazy Horse camps on Powder River await a summer council with Spotted Tail. Sitting Bull reportedly moved north.
Word from Deadwood reports actress Fanny Garrettson, who worked here last summer, died by suicide three weeks ago after cutting her throat. The death is described as self-inflicted.
The Denver Pacific announces a new timetable effective Sunday at 6 30 am. The express train arrives here at 12 30 am and departs 2 30 am with Denver arrival 7 30 am and departure 7 30 pm. Freight trains run Denver to here Mondays Wednesdays Fridays 10 am to 7 05 pm and reverse Tuesdays Thursdays Saturdays 7 am to 4 20 pm.
A critique of an alleged April Scribner's Monthly piece titled A Trip to the Black Hills by L Puttyhead Richardson condemns the article as untruthful dull and worthless. The piece is said to be the first on the subject and critics doubt its authorship and credibility.
The Forresters last night performed Satan in Paris and the Rival Doctors to a full theater in the Magic City. The crowd praised the high quality entertainment and the Ladies particularly enjoyed the program. Manager Mc Daniels earns praise for bringing the troupe. Cheyenne will host them again soon.
Letter to the Deadwood Leader rebuts a Mullin alias claim and identifies Hartgrave as the killer. It states Varnes, a railroad worker turned prospector in the Black Hills, was shot without warning after a dispute. The murderer remains at large as officials vow pursuit.
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