Excerpt from Wild Bill
© 1999 ProofmarkJames Butler 'Wild Bill' Hickok
WILD BILL'S OPINION OF YANKEES
In 1868, Wild Bill was engaged to guide a party of thirty pleasure-seekers, headed by the Honorable Henry Wilson, now-deceased ex-Vice President, through some of the Western territories. Mrs. Wilson, wife of the Vice President, was among the party and, being of a most vivacious and entertaining disposition, added greatly to the enjoyment of the trip. Wild Bill's introduction to her resulted in a pleasing episode at the conclusion of the trip. She requested Bill to carefully scrutinize the party, and then give her his impartial opinion of Yankees. Bill replied that it was not customary for him to form rash conclusions, but if it were her wish he would deliver his opinon upon their return.
The thirty days roaming through the canyons and over the mountains furnished a most enjoyable diversion to the entire party. There was scarcely a day passed but that Bill gave them samples of his unerring aim, killing enough game with his pistol to provision the company. The ladies, who composed nearly one-half the party, never tired of praising him, listening to his stories of border life, and wondering at his marvelous escapes. Bill naturally felt elated, and could not refrain from evincing his very deep interest in the pretty girls from the States. The gentlemen exhibited equal interest in the exploits of Bill, and give him full credit for his performances. There was one thing about the party which Bill could not comprehend, viz.: the tight-legged pants which they wore-- which at the time were the prevailing fashion in the East-- and gave to the wearer the appearance of skeleton legs wrapped with checkered bandages, or a grasshopper dressed in an overcoat.
Upon the return of the party, Mrs. Wilson, in bidding Bill goodbye, asked for a fulfillment of his promise. He rather reluctantly responded, "Well, madam, I always like to keep my promise, but in this instance I would like to be excused." But no excuse would answer; his disinclination only excited a more anxious interest in Mrs. Wilson to obtain his opinion.
Being pressingly importuned, Bill at length gave his opinion as follows: "If you Yankee women have as small legs as the sample of Yankee men we have here, then I have a damned poor opinion of the tribe."
The frankness with which Bill spoke, no less than his remarks, threw the entire party into disorder. The young ladies hid their faces, and the men generally exhibited their umbrage, but Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were fairly convulsed with laughter. The sting was taken out of Bill's opinion by Mrs. Wilson exclaiming, "Well, Mr. Hickok, that is just my sentiment."
...
HE REMOVES TO KANSAS CITY
Bill served the time for which he was chosen as marshal of Abilene and, in the spring of 1872, removed to Kansas City. It was at this place the writer-- then connected with the daily Journal-- met him and formed an intimate acquaintance, which afforded abundant opportunity to learn his real character as a man. Bill was frequently importuned for the particulars of his marvelous adventures and permission to write his life, but he always positively refused. The last time this request was made he returned the following reply: "Well, Buel, I expect my life has been a little interesting, and it might please some people to read about my adventures, but I don't want a word written about me until after I'm dead. I never fought any man for notoriety, and am sorry that I've got the name I have. Since Ned Buntline made a hero out of such material as Buffalo Bill Cody, I've thought it was time to drop out of sight. I took Cody when he was left alone in the world, a young lad, and partially raised him. Well, I don't want to say anything against the boy, but his pluck wouldn't go at par. I've kept a little diary of all my exploits, and when I'm dead I'll be glad if it falls into your hands, and from it you may be able to write something interesting. When I die it will be just as you now see me, and sickness will not be the cause. For more than ten years I've been constantly expecting to be killed, and it is certain to come before a great while longer."
During this conversation Bill appeared to be unusually sad, and when he referred to his death it was with a seriousness which indicated that he had been notified of his tragic end by some terrible presentiment.
He was an expert poker player, and followed no other calling while in Kansas City. The place was fairly filled with gamblers, and up to 1875 the voice of the keno caller could be heard in nearly every other building on Main Street between Missouri Avenue and Fourth Street. The Marble block, and houses on the west side of the square, were particularly the haunts of gamblers. Murders and rows were not infrequent, but Bill kept out of all difficulties. He was both feared and respected. His carriage was that of a peaceable gentleman, and during the three years he made Kansas City his home he was a party to but one row, and that was of minor consequence.
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