Priscila's Diary - January 1876

    I don't understand. There must be some mistake. I know Johnny has made some bad decisions and has been fighting his demons, but this? It can't be true. He would never sink this far. He is not a horse thief! He could not have been involved with a cruel evil man like Kid Holmes. Never. But there he sits in Snake's jail. And those two poor men are dead. What am I to think? I have to hear it from Snake. I know he will not lie to me. I just have to make him talk to me. He will have the answers I need to hear. I am going to get Sally to watch Joshua and go find the truth. But it scares me so.

   What is happening to this town? Damn that outlaw for bringing this evil into our midst. I am afraid the worst is yet to come. I went to the jail today to talk to Snake and almost walked into a town revolt! Dan Bullard, I man that I really do not know, was poking the hornet's nest with a stick. Seems he and some of his friends, are blaming Snake for the deaths of those two boys! Lord knows Snake has his faults, but he can't be blamed for this. It's Holmes, why can't they see that?
   I approached the jail house and Snake stepped out on the porch to meet me. "I'm sorry Prissy," he said lighting a cigarette, " but I can't let you see him yet. He's still recovering."
   "Tell me the truth Snake. He could not have been mixed up in this mess. There has got to be some misunderstanding!" I pleaded
   "I wish I could tell you different gal,"he replied with a sorrowful look,"but it looks bad. He was there, he fired on us along with the rest of the gang. I won't know the rest until he wakes up and I can talk to him. But Doc Thomas has got the slugs out of him and patched him up real good. If he don't get infected, he should be fine."
  "Was it you that shot him Snake?" I asked. He paused and looked at the porch floor for a heartbeat.
  "I reckon I don't rightly know Prissy. There was a lot going on. I am not exactly sure who shot who." He was lying. I could tell. He never could lie well. And as I was about to call him on it I heard noises approaching from behind me. Snake looked over my shoulder to the street and his face suddenly grew hard and cold. "Go on now Prissy" he whispered, "get from here. Might be trouble." I turned and saw a group of angry looking men headed directly towards us. "Go!" Snake repeated in a hard voice that left no room for discussion. I stepped away without realizing I was even doing it.

  "Marshal!" said the man in front of the group. I recognized him has Dan Bullard. He owns that no good whiskey house that Johnny has been hanging around. "We come to talk to ya!" I stepped off the end of the porch and stood behind a nearby wagon.
   "Well, you found me Bullard." said Snake as he spread his feet and dropped his hands down near to his pistols."Read your letter in the paper this morning. Reckon you got your hackles raised up."
   "You're damn right we do!" Said Bullard in a loud voice. "We don't rightly like the way you are operating things around here. Them boys didn't need to die!"
   "Now you are right about that." Snakes voice was a calm as a small pond on a windless day. "Innocent people get hurt sometimes. Sometimes they even get killed. I don't like it no more than you do friend. But that's the way things are. If I could take things back, I reckon I would, but I can't. And there we are."
   "Fancy talk Marshal." Said Bullard looking around at his friends for support. "But it don't change the fact that Hugh's boy is in the ground!" A few of the men patted Mr. Darling's back to comfort him.
  "Mr. Darling, I am right sorry for your loss, but your son was a grown man. And a brave one at that."
  "You don't know nothing about it Marshal!" shouted Bullard "We want you out of this town! Right now. You can leave on your own, or we can make you. What's it gonna be Snake???" He said the last word in a mocking, foolish manner. I backed behind the wagon a little more.
  Snake stood silent for a moment, letting the weight of the situation settle in. "Friend," he said in a calm cool voice," that sounded a little like a threat to me. Are you sure you want to play things this way?"
  "There are 9 of us here Marshal, and just one of you. I reckon that means we can play things any damn way we want to." I realized then for the first time that Bullard was drunk. In fact it looked like most of them were.
  "Dan," spoke up one of them, " I didn't sign on for no gun play."
  "Shut up Dukes! Ain't gonna be no gun fight. I don't care how good he's supposed to be, aint no one man will go up against nine at once. Ain't nobody that good!"
  "You sure about that friend?" said Snake. "You willing to risk everything on that? I'll tell you what Bullard, I know you are upset, and maybe even a little bit drunk right now. I am gonna let you walk away from this and not hold it against you. But only if you go now. You see, you keep standing there in front of my office running your mouth like a fool, I might decide to get offended. And sir,  I'm from Texas, we don't take kindly to someone offending us. We tend to take it personal. And then people tend to get hurt."
  "Let's go Dan." said Dukes, the banker "This isn't the way to handle things." Some of the others voiced their agreement to leaving.
  "Alright Marshal." Said Bullard "But this isn't over. Know that we are watching you. We won't stand for no more innocents getting hurt on account of you! Let's go men." Then he turned away and the others followed. All except Hugh Darling. He stood there looking at Snake.
  "He was a brave boy Marshal, wasn't he?" he said in a voice near to breaking.
  "Yes sir, he was. No question about it."
  "You gonna get the son of a bitch who killed him?"
  "Yes sir. You have my word on it." replied Snake.
  "You kill him Marshal. You kill the bastard." Then he turned and slowly walked away.

  As I started to come from behind the wagon, I saw another figure step from the shadows on the other side of the jail. Snake wheeled and reached for his pistol as he stepped into the light. "Damn it boy. That's an easy way to get killed!" I could see him relax as I recognized young Shots.
  "Nicely played Marshal." said the young man with a sly grin on his face. "Thought for sure I was gonna have to put a bullet in one or two of those fellas to help you out."
  "When I need your help youngin, I will ask for it." Snake laughed "But I appreciate it anyways."
  "Anytime Marshal." He said as he pulled a flask from his hip and took a drink. "Don't kid yourself into thinking Bullard won't come back. Best watch your back." He offered Snake a pull.
  "Son," said Snake as he took a swallow from the flask, "you don't live long in this business any other way. Now come on inside and help me finish off this bottle." With that they went back into the jail.

  And I walked home without any more answers than I had this morning.

  Poor Johnny.

Red Creek Tribune - January 25th 1876

Aftermath of Bloody Shootout

By Silas Furgenson, Owner, Red Creek Tribune

   It has been 2 days since the deadly gunfight in the hills outside of town between Marshal Johnson's posse, and Kid Holmes' gang, but the impact of this violent clash still has the citizens of Red Creek on edge. Tensions came to a head yesterday after the funeral of young Jimmy Darling. A small group of concerned locals made their displeasure known outside of the Marshal's Office.
   Dan Bullard, long time Red Creek resident and owner of the Broken Noose Saloon, seemed to be the vocal leader of this group. Unhappy with the Marshal's handling of the Holmes' situation, and in fact, blaming the Marshal for the deaths of Jimmy Darling and ranchhand Kevin Guilderman, Bullard led a group of 8 or 9 men to the Marshal's doorstep and confronted him on his actions. Included in this group were lumber mill owner, and father of slain Jimmy, Hugh Darling, and owner of the bank Johnathon Dukes. Gambler Stan Masterson, and several regulars from the Broken Noose were also present.
   Eyewitness reports have Bullard calling the Marshal out of his office and demanding than he leave town. Bullard claimed the citizens of Red Creek did not want, or need, the kind of trouble they blamed Marshal Johnson of bringing to town. The Marshal is said to have thanked the group for their concern and asked them to stay out of the way of the law. Tempers apparently flared and things were reported to move close to a dangerous place, but apparently cooler heads prevailed. Bullard and his followers left the jailhouse with warnings that they would be watching how things play out.
  Dear Readers, it is an uncertain time we find ourselves in. Murderous Outlaws in the hills, young men slain in the promise of their youth, threats of civil uprisings. We, as the people of Red Creek, need to insure we do whatever is needed to protect the peace and security of our humble town. Know that I, Silas Furgenson, vow to keep you updated with the latest developments, as they occur.

Jimmy "Shots" Scafe - An Introduction

   December 19th, 2011

    Hey guys, Barry here. Well, Christmas time is right upon us. All the Decorations are up here at the Cardwell house. Most of the shopping is done as well. Which is good because it has given me more time to sort through Prissy's trunk.

 

    I have stumbled across an interesting side story that ties into Prissy's tale and Red Creek. It deals with a young gunslinger named Jimmy Scafe, or "Shots" as he was called. It's been kinda hard to put the pieces of his story together from the various items that I have found, but I think we now have at least a rough overview of who he was and how he ties into to Prissy and Snake. We do know from a Red Creek Tribune article I have already posted here that Shots was a part of the initial posse Snake took into the hills after Kid Holmes. It mentions that Shots leaped from a boulder and saved Snake from getting shot in the back. This kind of dramatics it seems came easy for him. Apparently Shots was quite a character.

   Here is an excerpt from one of Ruby's letter's talking about him,

    "Now Sis, I believe I done spoke to you before about this fella here in town called "Shots". Lord a mercy this boy has got some big balls on him! Last night there was some rough cowboys in the joint drinkin it up and havin a good ole time. Well, Shots was in here as well flirtin with one of my gals. He seems to have takein a liking to Lilly, a young pretty redhead that has been here a few weeks. Now one of these cowboys, they were on a drive up to Kansas City I believe, got it into his head that he wanted Lilly for himself and that Shots was hoggin up all her time. These boys came up outta Texas, and you know they grow em big down there, and Shots, well he damn sure aint the biggest frog in the pond. Hell, I think he's a might shorter than me. But that ain't got nuthin to do with his stones if'n ya know what I mean. That boy ain't got a lick of back down in him. He's a pretty boy too. Got curly black hair, clean face. Young lookin. But Hell I guess he is young. Cant be but 20 I reckon. Always dresses nice and clean as well. A real ladies man. But like I said, he has a hard streak in him when he gets pushed. So this cowpoke from Texas starts to push him. Tellin Lilly she should come see a real man when she's tired of playin with boys. At first Shots laughs it off and offers to buy him a beer. But this fella was pretty drunk and like I said, Shots ain't that intimidating to look at, so he just keeps acomin. I swear I could see the smile fade off of Shots' face when he realized this cowboy was not gonna give up. I motioned for Gus to try and stop things before they got started, but it was too late.

    "Step away from me Lilly." Shots said in a calm cool voice. And once she did, "Now Mister, I got no particular problem with you this evening, but I suggest you change your tone and attitude right quick."

    "Or what boy?" says the cowboy. "Hell, does your daddy know you got his guns? You might be in fer a whuppin when he finds out."

    "Now fellas," Gus butted in trying to save the situation. " we don't need no trouble in here tonight. Let's just drink up and have some fun with the ladies. Let me get you both a bottle, on the house."

    "Right friendly of ya Gus," said Shots, "but I get the felling this cowboy is lookin for a fight. Ain't that right cowboy? You lookin for a fight?" His hands inched down near his brace of pistols. Beautiful ones they were too. And well used.  Well this cowboy musta heard something in Shot's voice or saw something on his face that made him think maybe he had made a mistake. Everyone in the bar could see the doubt come over him. His friends saw it to. They tried to back him down, but he was bull headed. "I ain't scared of you boy!" He said as he cleared his jacket away from the revolver stuck in the front of his pants. 

   "No sir, I reckon you ain't." Said Shots in a low, deadly tone. "But you are afraid of dyin. I can see it in your eyes. I can smell it on you. And you know you are close to it. Right close. Best step down Mister. Live to see the sunrise." For a moment I thought the cowboy was gonna be smart, but I guess he was too far along to turn back. Men are so stupid Margo. Wasn't nothing put silly pride stoppin him from getting out of this mess. But to a man pride is powerful thing I guess.

  "Shots!" I said as things got to the breakin point. "You kill this man on my floor, you ain't gonna be welcomed in my place never again. You hear me?"

   "Now Miss Ruby, that ain't right. I ain't done nothin wrong. And hell, I am your best customer, you ain't gonna put me out."

   "You ever known me to not mean what I say son? You, cowboy! Get your damn hand away from your gun and sit your dumb ass back down before this boy kills you dead. You ain't got a chance, and you know it." The cowboy's face was a mask of confusion, he didn't know what to do or think. Seems like that is pretty much the natural state of most men I ever met! But pride won out.

  "To hell with all of ya!" He cried as he went for his gun.

  I heard three shots go off before the cowboy's gun had even cleared his pants. The first one got him in the thigh, the second one in his shoulder as he fell. The third one was for his friend who I reckon tried to back his play. He got a bullet in his hand for his trouble. The smoke cleared and Shots still stood there leaning against the bar with smoke drifting out of the barrels of his pistols. "Damn it Shots!" I said.

   "But Miss Ruby", he said with a sly smile as he holstered his guns and reached out for Lilly, "I didn't kill anyone. Me and Lilly will be upstairs."

   As I watched him take Lilly, and a bottle to the rooms upstairs, I heard Gus laugh. "Well Miss Ruby, boy has a point."

   "Shut up Gus and help these boys out of here and down to the Doc's." As I turned away I had to smile myself. Damn, that boy has a coachload of swagger. 

   How can you not like Mr. Scafe after a story like that? Haha!  Anyway, there is alot more to do with Shots, Snake, and Kid Holmes later. I will try to get a few more posts in before the holidays.

Barry Cardwell

Priscilla's Diary - January 1876

     "Damn it Snake!" I cried as I dropped down to make sure Johnny was breathing. "What have you done?"

   He slowly stepped away from the cell and put his pistol back into it's holster. "I don't care if he is your husband Prissy, I ain't about to let him threaten you. No way in Hell." There was a nasty red whelp already forming between Johnny's eyes, but his breathing was regular and I knew he would be alright. I stood up and faced Snake. "Who does what to me, is not your affair anymore Snake Johnson! You best remember that! That was a foolish thing to do. You might have kilt him. You just don't think, you never did! Now tell me why you got poor Johnny locked up here in the first place!"

    A slow smile crawled across his face as he began to roll a cigarette. And with that smile I felt my anger wane. "Well now Priscilla Barns, or I guess it's Cardwell now ain't it?" He lit his cigarette with a match he struck off the wall and eased back, sitting on his desk. "It's mighty nice to see you as well."
   "Don't try to charm me Snake. I am not a little girl anymore! I ain't the person you knew. I am a school teacher here. And a wife! And a mother! I done built me a better life here in this town and I ain't gonna let you take it away from me! You or nobody else!" All the frustration, fear, and anger I had been feeling seemed to rush back to the surface and I was practically screaming at him.
    "Whoa gal!" He said in a soft calm tone. "No need to get so riled up. I ain't here to take nothin from you. I didn't know this here fella was your husband when I brung him in here. You know why I am here Prissy. I am after Kid Holmes. I ain't after you. I didn't even know you was here."
    "Well," I said, calming down some, "what about Johnny here? How much trouble is he in?"
    "Not much, unless he keeps up that foolish talk about puttin a hand to you. Now tell me the truth Prissy. He ever hurt you?"
    "No Snake. Never. You know I wouldn't stand for it. You taught me better than that." As much as I tried to fight it, I felt a slight smile creep across my face. "He's a good man Snake. At least, he used to be."
    "Alright then Prissy, I will take you at your word. When he wakes up, I'll let him out. But he needs to be careful. Seems like he's runnin with a dangerous pack. I don't want him to get hurt on account of you. And your baby." My heart broke as he mentioned Joshua and I had to quickly look away.
    "I am sorry I ran out on you like that Snake. You didn't deserve that."
    He stood and placed his hand on my shoulder turning me back to him. His palm slipped up to my cheek and his eyes bore right through me. "I imagine you had your reasons Prissy. Now don't you fret none. It's alright. You just go on back home and care for that child. I will get your man to you soon enough."
    "Alright Snake. I, .... I...." I didn't know what to say to him.
    "Hush now." Damn him. "I will watch out for him while I am here. I owe you that much. Go on now" and he eased me towards the door. I looked back at Johnny slumped against the cell bars as I walked outside.
   "You don't owe me anything" I whispered to myself as I left.

Priscilla's Diary - January 1876

   I spoke to Snake today.

    My heart is still racing and my hands are wet. But I did it. I have spent the last 3 days in the house. I was scared to go outside, thinkin I would have to face him. I made myself a prisoner here in my own home. Foolishness! Not fair to Joshua, and not fair to me. I don't know where Johnny is. I aint seen him in a week. I made up my mind that I am tired of lettin these men determine my fate. It ain't right! I have much a right to a life as anyone else. So I took the baby over to Sally's house this morning and set out to find Snake. Wasn't hard to find. Big Red was tied up right outside the jail house. I walked up too him and nuzzled his nose. He always did like that. Such a beautiful horse. He seemed to remember me, or at least I think he did. Then I mustered up all the courage I could, took a deep breath, and walked inside.

   Lord, it was not what I expected. First thing I see is Johnny, lying on the bunk in the cell! He jumped up like the sight of me scared him to death. "Prissy!" he yelped "What are you doing here? Go on back home!"
   I ran to the cell bars. "Johnny" I says, "Lord, where have you been? What happened? Why are you locked up?"  And then I heard his voice from behind me.
  "Hello Prissy." All the resolve and the courage that I had worked so hard to build up drained away in an instant. I saw the look of confusion on poor Johnny's face, and it pained me to my very soul. I wanted to vanish from the face of the Earth. I sighed and slowly turned around. Just looking into his large blue eyes took me back to the days in Wichita. These were the eyes I had first loved. The eyes that had saved me, and had given me a reason to go on. The eyes that burned right through me and opened my heart and my very soul. The eyes that I had betrayed. And we both knew it.
   "Marshal," I said, much harder than I intended, "why is my husband locked up in your jail?"
   The hope and kindness that I saw in his face that first instance was quickly replaced with something hard and cold. This was not going the way I had intended, but I felt like I had no control of things anymore.
    "Your husband," he said in a distant voice, "is charged with public drunkenness, destruction of property, shooting his guns in a public saloon, and not being able to cover his gambling losses. There were some rough boys looking to do him harm last night and I thought it best that he was here."
    "What's best Marshal, is for him to be at home. With his wife, and our son!" The mention of Joshua was almost an accusation against Snake. He flinched a little. This man, who I know to be a fool when it comes to facing down any kind of danger, and may just be the bravest man I ever met, flinched at my tone. If I wasn't trying so hard not to cry, I might have laughed.
   "Prissy," said Johnny from the cell behind me, "I told you to go home! This aint no place for you! Get now, afore I have to whup you!" I don't know why he said that. Johnny had never raised a hand to me. Ever. Maybe he was trying to look tough in front of Snake, maybe he was just scared, I can't even guess. But it was just about the worst possible thing he could have done.

    I know that Snake is fast. I have seen it before. Faster than anyone I have ever known. If I would have known what Johnny was going to say I am still not sure I could have reacted fast enough to save him. But as it was Snake was past me and at Johnny before I could even register what he said. Snake's left arm shot through the cell bars and grabbed Johnny's hair to pull his face close. His right hand was down and up in a lightning quick flash, bringing the butt of that damn Colt crashing into Johnny's forehead.
   "No Snake!" I screamed, but it was too late. Johnny was on the floor before the words left my mouth.


   Joshua is crying, I will have to finish this later.

Editorial Letter to the Red Creek Tribune - January 24th, 1876

Something Should Be Done!!!!

By Dan Bullard, Owner of the Broken Noose Saloon

   You all know me, I am not a man given to letter writing and such things. I settle my accounts like a man. Strait enough. I am all for letting the Law do it's job when it knows it's place in the way of things. Our late Sheriff was a good man. A smart man. Did what he could, when he could. It's a damn shame what happened to him. But life goes on. Those of us who have made our homes and our businesses here in Red Creek have put everything we own into this town, and I, for one, am not about to let that hard work and sweat go to waste! Sheriff Blocker never once got another man here in town killed. Now this new Marshal is here less than two weeks and two of our boys are gettin buried today. What did Jimmy Darling ever do to anyone that he deserved to be killed in what looks to me like a personal feud between this Marshal and the cur that killed the Sheriff? Huh? Poor Jimmy was not a law man! He had no business goin up into them hills yesterday. I say the Marshal should have known better! He wants to be some kinda of hero, he should be able to do his work by himself, not drag innocent boys around the countryside to do his dirty work! Jimmy's father, Hugh, is a good man and a leader of this town. And now, because of this so-called Lawman, his oldest boy is layin in a pine box this morning in his living room. And let's not forget young Kevin Guilderman from the Circle M ranch. This young man was shot down in the prime of his life as well. Are we gonna sit by and let this sort of thing happen here in our town? I say no. Something should be done!

Ruby's Letter's - Novermber 1875 (Johnny Cardwell)

Dear Margo,

    Hey gal. Now I don't wanna hear no damn fussin about the money. Christmas is a'coming and you use this bit of cash to make it a merry one for you and yours. It's the least I can do. Tell them critters that their Aunt loves them and misses them. And tell that man o yours the same. You darn sure landed a prize fish in him sis. I hate to admit it, and will deny it to hell and back if you ever tell him, but I am a little bit jealous. Funny, here I am, been with just about every kind a man the good Lord put on this Earth, and ain't never found the right one. You find him right out of the gate!

  Ignore my bitchin gal, just in a strange mood tonight it seems. I see alot here in my joint, as you can imagine, some good, some bad. But sometimes I see somethin that is just plain sad. Sad enough to break your heart if'n you let it. I seen alot of men come through my doors. Most of them are just men. A little stupid, hard headed, proud, easy to predict, and easier to control. Ha! And I know how to deal with them. Lord knows I do, else I could have never got to where I am. But some of them are different. Some of them are just.... bad. Rotten strait through. I have seen my share of 'em. Best to just get them in and out quietly and quickly before anything flares up. Some men have somethin else inside of them, a hardness, a kind of moral code. These fellas try to do the right thing most times, but can be just as dangerous as the bad ones. They got no give to them. They might not push first, but they are damn quick to push back, and push hard. More like than not, these fellas end up dead in towns like this. Unless they are real good with their iron. And then someone else ends up dead.

     And then there are fella's that seem to be good men, but they are just weak. They get worn down by life out here. They fall pray to the pressures that can be put on a man in wild places. Christ knows I've seen it afore. Sometimes these boys try to be men before they are ready, and just get eaten alive. There was one of these kinda fellas in my place tonight. He came here, hell I don't know, year and a half ago, with a pretty little wife and a baby on the way. Came in here lookin for work. I could tell right off he was a little soft for a town like this. Knew I had nothin for him in the way of work, but I kinda took to him a little. I know, you don't even have to say it Margo, I been tendin to strays my whole life. Ain't nothin ever good come of it, I know. But we are who we are girl.
  
   Anyways, this boy's name was Johnny. Cute boy, had a little of a puppy dog look to him. I gave him some beer and listened to his story for a bit. Him and his wife came here from Wichita lookin to start a new life for their family. He was gonna take this town by storm. Same story I have heard from so many of these fellas. This one though just kinda got to me I guess. He had an earnestness to him. I met his wife one day as well. Thought right off there was something funny about her. In my line sis you got to learn to read people right quick, else you got major problems. Well I read this gal well enough. She seemed to be one of those uptight, snooty women that look down on people like me and my gals. At least that's what she wanted people to believe. But she wasn't used to lyin I could tell. I know saloon gals when I see them. And I would be willin to bet my last dollar this girl was no stranger to this life. Her husband might believe she was a pure angel sent strait from the heavens above, but I knew better. But ain't my place to call someone else out on secrets that they might wanna keep hidden. This gal soon became the new school teacher here in town, and I'd see her now and again here and there. Seemed nice enough, but I could tell she didn't really want to get to know me that well. Haha. Can't say that I blame her!

    Well over time this fella kinda fell on hard times here. He worked for a spell up at the Mitchellson's ranch, and I think he was a miner for a bit. But nothin seemed to work out. I tried to help him, cause, like I says, I kinda liked the boy. But like it seems to do, life out here changed him over time. I could see it come over him. He began to drink more and more. He started hanging out with some bad men and pickin up their ways. The nice boy I knew is just about gone. Just tonight he was in here and got in a fight with some cowboys. I think these fellas were once friends of his too. I tried to calm things down, and I got Gus to get him out before things went to total hell and lead started flyin. But I can tell Margo, this boy is pretty far down the path. I feel so sad for him. And even his wife. I tried to talk to her the other day, but she just kinda ignored me. I could see the pain in her face though. Breaks my heart girl. Cause, as you know, I sure have been there.

   I know what you are thinkin. I got my own problems to worry about and my own life to lead and I should stop interfering in everyone elses! Lord, I can hear you and Mama saying that in my head to this day! And I know you are right. I just can't help it. I fear things for this boy and gal are gonna end bad. And it makes me plum sad.

   Merry Christmas girl. You know I love you. Always
   Ruby

                                                        Ruby Rose

Ruby's Letters - January 1876 (Arrival of Marshal Johnson)

   Dear Margo

     Howdy Sis. Hope all is well in the Big City. Hope them youngins ain't drove ya too crazy yet! Now you tell em that their Aunt Ruby says hi. Lord I do miss ya'll somethin fierce, that's the truth. Well now things out here have sure gone to hell. The Sheriff was murdered right in the street a few weeks back. Sad sad thing. The low life dog that done it spent a few nights here at my place just before. I had a bad feelin about him from the start. He was a creepy son-of-a-bitch. Should have had Guss toss him out on his ass. But apparently he's some kinda hot shot gunslinger, and well, Gus is handy with the usual roughneck cowboys we get in here, I don't think he would fare none too well 'gainst a real killer. Poor Sheriff had a right nice family. It's a damn shame.
    Now this new Marshal done come to town huntin this outlaw. Wooo-Weee gal, you should see this hombre! Now I have seen my share of lookers, but, damn. This boy would make even that stuck up school teacher we got here warm up a might! (NOTE- This is priceless!!!! - Barry) And he looks like a man that can certainly handle his self in a scrap. Plus, and this is good news for me, he seems to be a fan of whores! Or "Sportin' Women" as he calls them. I done set him up with one of my girls last night. Margo, it has been a spell, but I just might have to come out of retirement for this one!!! Lord help me!
   Well speak of the devil! Here he is now awalkin in the front door. Uh oh, looks like somethin done upset his wagon. I better go see what I can do to make it all better! Haha!

   Anyway, love you girl and I will write again soon.

  Your sis forever,
  Ruby

New Find! - The letters of Miss Ruby Rose!!!!

December 7th, 2011

   Happy Pearl Harbor Day everyone. I have some exciting news! You just have to love the Internet. While the things I have found in Prissy's chest are wonderful, and tell an exciting story of life in the old west, the inherent problem is almost everything is in relation to Prissy's point of view. It does not paint a complete picture of the tale. It would be great to have another source of information to help fill in the blanks as it were. So I have been searching different websites and online libraries trying to locate something, anything that might help. I have found a few things here and there, that I have already posted some of, such as the background info I found on Snake and such. But what I truly was hoping for was another personal accounting of the story of Red Creek. Well my friends, I have discovered gold!!

  Miss Ruby Rose, who if you remember, was the owner/operator of Rosie's Saloon in Red Creek, seems to have been a prolific letter writer! Ruby apparently had a twin sister living in Boston that she was very close to. Lucky for us! Most of these letters have been persevered and are a part of an 19th century historical collection at a private museum owned by Mr. James Gaffen. I have contacted Mr. Gaffen and explained the contents of Prissy's chest, and how Ruby's letters might tie into the overall story of Red Creek. He has graciously agreed to send me photocopies of the letters to repost here. I have already received the first few, and could not be more pleased. In Ruby we have a completely different voice than Prissy's or even Sally Robert's. Ruby, as you shall see, was certainly not afraid to mince words or say what she thought.  Ruby's letters cover a wide variety of subjects and issues and out of respect to Mr. Gaffen's collection I have agreed to only post the ones that tie into Prissy's story both directly or indirectly. Also Mr. Gaffen has a wide array of photographs of Ruby, some of which he has painstakeingly restored and moderized into truly remarkable pictures.

      You are in for a treat my friends!!!

                                                        Miss Ruby Rose

Letter From Sally Roberts - Jan 1876

Dearest Prissy -

    How are you my friend? I am worried about you dear. You have seemed, a bit out of sorts the past few days. I know this awful business with Sheriff Barker has affected all of us. Do not worry though, I have spoken with the new Marshal and he seems like a very capable fellow. I am sure he will deal with this wild outlaw and return our town to the side of law and righteousness. Apparently this Kid Holmes is not acting alone. The Marshal says he has collected a small gang of cut throats and villains up in the foothills. Marshal Johnson, his first name is Snake ( isn't that odd ), has spoken to my John about becoming a deputy. I must say I am not too happy about the prospect. Maybe your Johnny could be of use to him as well. I know you are still worried about him not finding any regular work. Maybe this could be an opportunity for him?

   How are things between you dear? I know you fear he has lost his way. Just stay strong in the word of the Lord, Prissy. Everything has it's place and reason, as you know. Things will be alright.

   Oh, I almost forgot, Prissy do you happen to know Marshal Johnson? Maybe from before you and Johnny moved to Red Creek? I ask because this morning as I stood outside of John's Livery speaking with the Marshal and John, I saw you coming out of Miss Daisy's Store. When I called your name you must not have heard me for you hurried off down the street. But the Marshal seemed to been thunderstruck or something. He kinda froze up and just stared after you. He asked what your last name was. A look came across his face that I would be hard put to describe. Full of pain and sorrow. Yet dark and angry. I mentioned that you were the school teacher, and married with a beautiful baby boy. He suddenly just turned and walked away back to the jail. I thought it strange. He must have you confused with someone else he once knew. But other than that he seems like a real nice man.

   I must be going my dear friend. Do not worry too much over this outlaw in our midst. I am sure he will be dealt with soon and all will return to normal.

    All my Love,
    Sally Roberts

Priscella's Diary - January 1876

     My God. What have I done? It's my fault. Lloyd Barker is dead, and it's my fault. I warned him about Kid Holmes, thinking only of myself. I wanted Holmes out of Red Creek to protect myself. I knew Snake would follow him here. And now the poor sheriff is dead. I cant stop thinking about his family and what I have done to them. I should have never come here. I should have never tried to change. Who did I think I was fooling? I don't know what to do. And now, the one thing I have been most afraid of, for over a year and a half, has come true. He is here.

   I saw him ride into town this morning. I recognized Big Red first. How many times have I leaned out of a window and watched for that horse to trot up the street. The sight used to make me so happy. Today it filled me with dread. I quickly moved away, afraid that he might see me. I hid behind a post, like a frightened little girl, and watch him ride by. He hasn't changed at all. Tall, strait-backed, his blond hair cropped at his shoulders. He is still wearing the silver spurs that I bought him. Damn him. Damn him for still makeing me feel this way. I am not a child anymore. I am a mother now. A wife. I..... I, .... it doesn't matter. I am sure he has either forgotten about me by now, or he hates me. He has to hate me.

   He doesn't know.

   And I can't let him find out.

U.S. Marshal Snake Johnson

Barry Cardwell
November, 25th 2011
Waterton, New Mexico

   I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving yesterday. We here at the Cardwell house did. We usually have a large group over for an even larger meal. I think we numbered 23 adults and 13 children this year. Sara, my wife, out did herself on the bird. Potatoes, cranberry, yams, gravy, beans, bread, corn, pies, and several bottles of wine were attacked with the usual gusto. After dinner I shared some of the contents of Priscella's chest with a couple of my cousins who I thought would be interested. I was not disappointed. Their reactions has bolstered my resolve to share this story.

   It is at this point in the tale that another character appears in the town of Red Creek. U.S. Marshal Snake Johnson arrived in town close to a week after the death of Sheriff Barker. It has been alluded to thus far that the Marshal had a personal history with both Priscella (details of which will come to light shortly) and the outlaw Kid Holmes. (If you remember Holmes killed the Marshal's brother in Wichita two and a half years before the murder of Lloyd Barker.)

   To understand who Johnson was and how he was tied to Priscella's story, I have spent some time gathering all the information I could find on the man. Cornelius Johnson (apparently his parents were fond of Roman names)  was born in 1841 in Chattanooga Tennessee.  Oldest of two sons, his parents migrated to Texas in 1850. It was somewhere around this time that young Cornelius earned the nickname that would stick with him the rest of his life. It seems to have come from the fact he kept a pet rattlesnake for a while. A friend of Johnson's at the time, a slightly older boy who would grow into one of the most important men of the age, began to simply call him "Snake". That boy was Charlie Goodnight. If that name is not familiar, you may be in the wrong blog! Haha! Google it.

                                                              Charles Goodnight 1860

    Snake joined his friend Goodnight as a Texas Ranger just before the outbreak of the Civil War. In 1861 both of the young rangers were inducted into the Confederate Army and served most of the war in a frontier regiment protecting outpost from Indian raids. Johnson seems to have been known for both a fast hand and a hot temper during his military career. After the War Goodnight went onto a very successful cattle business. Snake though was not ready to settle down. With his younger brother Tobius in tow, he set out north to Kansas. The Johnson brothers became bounty hunters for a brief time, then lawmen. Snake's first badge was as a deputy in the town of Abilene. In 1868 the brothers moved to Wichita. Tobius became a deputy there while Snake was hired on as a U.S. Marshal. As Marshal Snake roamed the land far and wide, but his home remained in Wichita.

     There is an interesting document that I was able to find through an online research site that sends some light on the relationship between Snake and Prissy in Wichita. It is from the Marshal Historical Record Department. It appears to be some sort of overview, or performance review of the Kansas based Marshals in the year 1873. Here is the entire passage that mentions our boy.

       "Snake Johnson has continued to show resolve and spunk in his young career. He has proven resourceful, honest, brave, and intelligent. The only knock against this young Marshal is perhaps a lacking in personal morality. He continues to live with a young whore from one of the Wichita brothels. He has been warned that this is not the image we want from our young officers, but when said warning was given Johnson grew upset and wrathful. "If it comes between this badge and Prissy, you can shove the tin up your asses! Don't nobody tell me how to live my life" is the accounted response."

  So there it is. The upstanding, admired, married with a child, school marm of Red Creek, was a 17 year old prostitute in Wichita! My Great-great-great-Grandmother was a whore! Haha! I love it!!!!!

   Anyways apparently after the murder of his brother Tobius by Kid Holmes, Snake was a driven man. He set off on the trail of Holmes for the next few years. His relationship with Prissy seems to have suffered and eventually she left Wichita with Johnny Cardwell and showed up in Red Creek married and pregnant. And once Kid Holmes was accused in the Red Creek Tribune of the slaying of Sheriff Lloyd Barker, it was just a matter of time until Snake rode into town.

    You can't make this crap up!!!!
 
    I wonder if there is any pie left. Until next time.

  Barry Cardwell

Red Creek Tribune - January 5th 1876

Sherriff  Barker Murdered

Beloved Lawman Gunned Down By Wanted Outlaw

By Silas Fergenson - Owner, Red Creek Tribune

Sherriff Lloyd Barker

    Make no mistake about it gentle readers, life as we, the god-fearing law abiding citizens of Red Creek, have known it has changed. With one vile bullet our town has been drug into the modern, lawless times of the rest of this wayward nation. Sherriff Lloys Barker, upstanding, rightous family man and pillar of our community was brutally murdered yesterday on the very streets he had sworn to protect. Randolf "Kid" Holmes, a debased animal of a man, murdered Barker yesterday just after 5 PM outside of the Broken Noose Saloon. 

    It is said that Holmes arrived in Red Creek just days ago. Apparently this monster is wanted in Texas, Kansas, and Missouri for a long list of evil deeds. And this paper has learned that Sherriff Barker is not the first lawman Kid Holmes has gunned down. He is said to have killed a Deputy in Wichita, and a Marshal in Texas. And now alas, Red Creek will be added to this black list.

   It seems the Sherriff was tipped off by someone in town about the true identity of Holmes, who was registered at the Hotel under the name Gus Horn. The Sherriff then got confirmation by way of a wanted poster that clearly displayed Holmes' evil face. Ignoring the warnings that Holmes was a dangerous scoundrel, Barker went alone to the Broken Noose yesterday afternoon to apprehend the criminal. Eyewitness reports from inside the Noose have the Sherriff approaching the outlaw with his pistol drawn and cocked. Holmes was sitting at the poker table with unnamed locals. Holmes coolly told the Sherriff he must have made some mistake. Barker said they could sort it all out back at the jail. Holmes is said to have smiled and said fine. He got up and handed his gunbelt to the Sherriff, then walked out of the saloon to the street outside. It was there that Barker made a fatal error.

     Holmes turned and faced the Sherriff and again spoke of a mistake being made, that he was not a wanted man. Barker said that may be so, but he was taking the Kid in anyways. He pushed the muzzle of his pistol into Holmes' belly and told him to start walking. He should have never gotten his gun so close to this rattlesnake. Holmes has a reputation as having the fastest hands in the west, and it would seem that is no exageration. His left hand shot up from his hip and pushed Barker's Colt to the right as the Sherriff pulled the trigger. The bullet shot harmlessly into the mud of the thruofare. Holmes' right hand was already moving with lightning speed towards his own gun belt that Barker had slung across his shoulder. Before the Sherriff could recover, the Kid had his own Remmington secured, cocked and pointed. Barker dropped his gun and raised his hands. "Now son," he said, "let's don't go do anything foolish here." The cold blooded killer laughed and pulled the trigger.

    Holmes slowly walked to his horse and casually rode out of town towards the foothills as our honest Sherriff lay bleeding to death in the street. Beware kind reader, this reporter fears the reprecussions of this evil, vile act will be felt for a long time here in our once peaceful little town.

    Barker's widow, Connie and his children, Lloyd Jr, Anna, and Micheal, will be recieveing quests at their house this afternoon starting at 1.

Priscella's Diary December 1875

December 29th 1875

    It feels like the world is falling apart. I have worked so hard to make our lives here in Red Creek safe and good. I have managed, through hard work and faith, to shut the door on the past and focus on the here and now. And where has it gotten me? What have I done wrong?

    Johnny has not been home since Christmas night. I know he spends most of his time at that damn saloon. I feel like I do not even know him any longer. He has become a drunkard. A gambler and a liar. He doesn't seem to care about me or even Joshua anymore. I have tried to understand. I know that it has been hard on him here, but it has been hard on me as well. I just don't know what to do.

    And this afternoon I saw a face on the street that I prayed I would never see again. The outlaw from Wichita. The one who killed Tobius. There he was coming out of the hotel in broad daylight. I was on my way home from the school house and he stepped right in front of me as I passed. I was not looking where I was walking and bumped right into him. My heart almost stopped. I am sure it was him, though I don't believe he knew me. Really there is no way he would. Why is he here? And does this mean that Snake is behind him? I know from a press clipping I saw last year that he was still chasing him. Did he catch him? If he did and Holmes is here, then Snake must be dead. I can't bear to think of it. And what if he's not? Is he on the way here? I am so afraid and confused. I pray that this murdering outlaw will leave Red Creek soon. Maybe I should warn Sheriff Lloyd who he is. Maybe the Sherriff can make him leave. What might happen if he stays terrifies me to my soul. I, I can't think on it. I have to focus on trying to save my husband. My son needs a father.

   Oh Lord. What if......... No. I will not even write it

Letter from Fergus "Fingers" O'Malley - October 1875

Miss Cardwell,

  Howdy Ma'm. Sheriff Barker has been kind enough to allow me to write this here little letter while I am a guest here in his little steel hotel. I just wanted to thank you for what you did the other afternoon. I know that I must make a sorry appearance. No one would have expected someone like you to go out of her way for someone like me. In fact, I imagine it must have cost you some embarrassment from the folks around town. I am very sorry for any problems I might have caused a fine church going lady such as yourself. The world can be a hard place Mrs. Cardwell. Lord knows it seems to have gotten the best of me. There was a time Ma'm, when I was a better man than the old run down drunk I have become. I have known kindness, it just seems a long long time ago. To see it again, especially in the form of such a pretty young thing, well it does this old heart some good.

    I am sure them boys didn't mean to do me any real harm, I think they was just blowin off some hot air. But I am sure grateful for your interference. Wish I would had been sober enough to see the looks on their faces when you told them off like ya did. Yes Ma'm I imagine it must have been a sight. I know there ain't really too much a man like me can do to repay your kindness, but I do want you to know that I aim to try. I have run into your husband here and there around town, and if'n you don't mind me sayin so, I have noticed that he could use a little lookin after himself now and again. I know it don't amount to much Mrs. Cardwell, but I will do the best I can to keep an eye out for him. Try to steer him out of some tight spots if I can.

  Anyways, I just wanted to say thank ya again for what you done. I know I am just an old drunken fool, but I am in your debt Ma'm

Fergus O'Malley
October 17th 1875

Red Creek Tribune - March 1874

Local Legend Seeks Solitude

"Fingers" O'Malley  Would Forget His Storied Past

By Silas Fergenson - Owner Red Creek Tribune



                                                         Furgus "Fingers" O'Malley

   There was a time gentle readers, when the name Fergus "Fingers " O'Malley was one to be reckoned with in this land of ours. At times a tracker, a Texas Ranger, an outlaw, a Indian Killer, Fingers made quite a reputation for himself in his time. And now this living legend of the west lives right here in our little town of Red Creek. Of course, O'Malley doesn't quite strike the same figure he might once have. In fact, more nights than most he can be found either passed out in some dark alley near the Brooken Noose Saloon, or on the cot in Sheriff Barker's jail cell.

    Fergus first rose to fame as a Texas Ranger in the years before The War. Known for his tracking skills, and his natural instincts for fighting wild Indians, O'Malley became a Captain in the Rangers until a personal tragedy brought his Ranger career to an end. His family was massacred by Comanche renegades out for revenge. Fingers left the Rangers and became somewhat of a wanderer. He turned to drink and ran afoul of the law in El Paso. Reports say he killed a cowboy over a dancing girl. Released from prison in '62 under the condition he served in the Confederate Army, O'Malley soon found himself in Missouri under the command of the notorious "Bloody" Bill Anderson. During this time Fergus rode with another of Anderson's men, Frank James, who, as you know, is causing such a stir along with his brother Jesse up and around Missouri. After the War, O'Malley drifted across the west for a while crawling deeper and deeper into a whiskey bottle. 

  

                                                       "Bloody"  Bill  Anderson

   He settled in Red Creek close to 4 years ago and has not caused too much trouble. Other than sad displays of public drunkenness. When asked by this reporter to remenise about his adventures and the surprisingly long list of notable people he has brushed against, O'Malley responded with a firm conviction to forget the past. In fact he became quite agitated and angry.

       So beware gentle readers. This seemingly harmless drunken shadow that stalks our backstreets is no meek wallflower. He has been a dangerous man. And in this humble opinion, is still very capable of violence. 

Priscella's Diary - June 1874

June 13th, 1874

    Joshua. I have a son, and his name is Joshua. To hold this small miracle in my arms is the greatest joy I have ever known. For the first time in a long long time, I am truly happy.

  

    Yet it is daunting. I am responsible for someones life now. It is up to me to protect him. To shape him. To teach him right from wrong. To love him. I pray that I am up to the task. I have faith that with God's help, I will be. And I pray that Johnny will be up to it as well. I worry about him. He is having a hard time here in Red Creek. We have been here 5 months now and he has yet to find regular work. He is trying. Seems he has had a string of bad luck. But I know that things will change. Now that this little blessing is here, nothing can discourage me.

   Miss Davens has been real helpful since Joshua has come. Her and Sally have been by here almost every day to check in on us. I am hoping to be able to return to helping Miss Davens once school starts back up. I really enjoy working there. To help with the children is a joy. And dear sweet Sally has been wonderful. I am truly blessed to have her as a friend. Her husband John works so hard at the Livery and Sally does such a good job raising their 3 boys. They are an inspiration.

    Sometimes when I am alone with my thoughts I worry that I am kidding myself. I am not sure I deserve this life. The devil seems to whisper to me at night. He tells me that I am living a lie. This is not my life. Who do I think I am pretending to be? He tells me that I am stained with the things I have done and they will return to drag me back one day. But I know he is the King of Deceit. The past is just that, the past. I need to learn to ignore the whispers. And the ghosts of things best forgotten.

   Looking into little Joshua's eyes I am torn. I see the promise of the future. The hopes and dreams of what he will see and do in his life. And yet, sometimes a look crosses his young face, and I see his father. 

   And that ghost is very persistant. 

Wichita Times - July 1873

(NOTE - The following news report from the Wichita Times was not inside Prissy's chest. I found it during my research and since it concerns both Snake Johnson and Kid Holmes, who will both later prove to be an integral part of Prissy's story, I decided to include it here. The mysterious woman at the end of the article is of particular interest.  - Barry Cardwell)

Daring Bank Robbery

3 Slain by Outlaw Kid Holmes

    Deputy Tobias Johnson, Central Bank Owner Karl Brown, and local farmer Henry London were brutally murdered yesterday on the streets of Wichita. Randolf "Kid" Holmes, a young outlaw from Texas gunned them down in cold blood as he robbed the Central Bank.

   Eyewitness reports have Holmes entering the bank just after 2 yesterday afternoon. He proceeded to the cashier's window and pulled his two colts from their well worn holsters. He then struck bank teller Hugo Trannel across the face with the butt of his pistol. Mr Brown, the courageous bank owner, drew his shotgun from his desk and tried to defend his employees and customers. The Kid is said to have laughed as he put 4 lead slugs  into Mr. Brown. Holmes then jumped behind the counter and began to fill a large sack with the bank's cash.

  

                                                           Deputy Tobius Johnson

    Young Deputy Johnson, hearing the shots within the bank, quickly arrived on the scene and cornered the Kid inside. Holmes opened fire has the prisoners in the bank began to flee to safety. Deputy Johnson bravely tried to help them escape the chaos by returning fire. Henry London, a father of 4 young children was mercilessly gunned down by The Kid as he tried to escape. According to several reports Deputy Johnson was wounded in his hand and fell to the bank floor unarmed. The Kid quickly crossed the distance and placed his boot on Johnson's chest. With an evil smile Holmes placed the muzzle of his smoking pistol on the deputy's forehead and pulled the trigger. Holmes then proceeded out to the street, mounted his horse, and lit out leaving 3 dead, 2 wounded, and with the Bank's cash.

    Later in the evening Deputy Johnson's older brother, U.S. Marshal Snake Johnson returned to town from serving a warrant in the next county. Marshal Johnson is a permanent resident at Kate's Hotel and Tavern. Upon learning of his brother's fate, the Marshall promptly refitted his supplies, changed his saddle to a fresh horse and set out on The Kid's trail. A young woman was seen trying to prevent the Marshall leaving, but to no avail. When asked she had no comment.

  

   Let us hope that this black hearted villain Kid Holmes will soon be brought to justice and forced to account for the vile sins he has committed on the streets of our fair city.

Red Creek Tribune - July 1875

Saloons of Red Creek - Belly Up to the Bars!

by Silas Fergenson, Owner, Red Creek Tribune

     Thirsty? Well friendly readers, there seems to be no shortage of establishments here in Red Creek who would be more than happy to help you quench that thirst. Whiskey and beer are in ready supply here in our little town. We seem to run the gamete from upscale, high-end houses, to dark, dingy and dangerous. Let's take a tour shall we?

     The most popular bar in town would be Rosie's Saloon. Owned and operated by Miss Ruby Rose, who moved to Red Creek some 6 years ago and built her place from the ground up. Rosie's is the largest saloon in town and benefits from being pretty much on the dead center of Main Street. Well lit, boisterous, loud, and sometimes rowdy, it is one one the staples of our little community. Highlighted by a gigantic gold inlayed bar, and a well used raised stage where a parade of dancing girls, singers, and even from time to time a snake charmer entertain. Speaking of girls, Rosie's has no shortage. Sportin' women of all shapes and sizes can be found. Miss Rosie prides herself on her girls. And there doesn't seem to be much complaint from the overflowing crowds. There is also a large craps table in the back of the saloon where one can usually find Gus Tanner, Miss Rosie's house manager. Gus is a likable fellow most times, but is quick to toss out anyone who gets a little carried away with themselves. There is a kitchen in the back where you can get a nice steak, some potatoes, beans, rice, and sometimes even a slice of pie. While there have been reports of some dust ups at Rosie's, remember poor Walis Cotton who was shot in the back last year by the outlaw Russ Walker, the violence is keep to a minimum by Tanner and his staff. So if, kind reader, you are looking for a fun time, cold beer, a chance at the craps table, or just some nice, cheap sportin' women, Rosie's is your place.

      Near the north end of town is the Harlequin Honey Pot. Miss Scarlet Preston is the proud owner of this small, but beautiful house of ...fun. Catering to a more upscale clientele, you will not find any rotgut whiskey, or cheap beer here. Fine liquors from the East and the best cigars in the land await behind Miss Preston's bar. And a small bar it is. But then again the drinks are not the main draw at the Honey Pot. While Rosie's has many more girls and much more variety to chose from, the Honey Pot handles nothing but the best. Refined, educated, demure women of the highest quality are to be found. These are skilled artists in their chosen trade. And their time does not come lightly. Miss Preston will tolerate absolutely no rough play or unseemly conduct from anyone in her place of business. Her man Chancy, a large Negro with two well oiled peacekeepers on his hips enforces this policy with great determination.

      And dear readers, this brings us to the south end of town and the aptly named Broken Noose Saloon. Those of you who read this journal with any regularity will surely recognize the name of this establishment. For it seems to be featured in these pages quite often, and usually not for good reasons. The Noose is owned by Dan Bullard. A hard man to know, Dan was one of the first pioneers of Red Creek. His bar was to first to serve a mug to a paying customer here. And the place of the first murder. The Broken Noose is a dark, smokey den of hard men and hard times. Beer and whiskey are the only beverages of choice. There is usually a poker game in the back. Dan usually forgoes the sportin' women that frequent the other local establishments, but one can usually find Fallena, a Mexican dancer, haunting the place. Our brave Sherrif Barker is kept bust most nights at the Noose. But Mr. Bullard has assured this paper that he runs a safe, honest saloon. You be the judge dear reader.

   And there you have it my friends. As long as Red Creek is a frontier town it is a safe bet that saloons, and everything that comes with them, will be a part of the landscape.

Letter from Sally Roberts - March 1875

My dear dear friend,

     I wanted to again congradulate you on your new appointment as head School teacher! You deserve it so much. While it is sad that Miss Davens had to leave town, not one soul will think the children are in lesser care. God is good and has blessed you, and the entire community. I know that your Johnny must be very proud!

    Speaking of, you know I do not mean to pry into your personal business, but I hope your Johnny is doing well. I know you are worried about him and fear he is losing his way, but take heart Prissy. Have faith that he will find himself and all will be well. These towns test men. My own John went through the same thing a while back. When he first opened the livery there were many many dark days. But God doesn't give us more than we can bear Prissy. Your husband will be fine. At least he has not turned to spirits and gambling. Many wives in town are forced to wait at home while their men lose their wages in the Broken Noose, or in Rosie's. Be thankful for small favors. 

     My my, have you seen the latest hat that Miss Daisy is wearing? Lord, what a sight! She had it shipped all the way from New York City! It is something to behold!! I tried my best to not laugh when I saw her walking down Main street yesterday. Bless her heart. It must be nice to have the money that she spends on such silly things.

    Well Prissy, again I am so happy for you and your family. Red Creek is lucky to have someone like you here to mold it's young ones.

  Your friend and neighbor,
    Sally Roberts 

Priscilla's Backstory

November 14, 2011

    In trying to piece together the stories that I have uncovered in Priscilla's chest, it has quickly become apparent that there was not a lot of information on her life before her and Johnny arrived in Red Creek. There are hints of things in different passages from her diary (which I will soon publish so you can read as well), but no hard facts. so I have taken it upon myself to help flesh out this story and did some digging on my own. The amount of information I was able to find does not tell the whole story, but I think you will agree that it helps.

      She was born on Sept 3rd, 1855 on a small farm in western Kentucky. Her maiden name was Barns. Her parents, Abe and Clara were farmhands trying to scratch out a meager existence. She had two younger brothers, who both died young. In 1867 the family moved to the then booming town of Wichita Kansas. In 1869 both Abe and Clara contracted Small Pox and passed away, leaving the then 14 year old Prissy on her own.

                                                              Wichita Kansas, 1871


   The next few years are hard to figure out. We know by her diary that she arrived, married and pregnant in Red Creek in Jan. 1874. We also know that U.S. Marshall Snake Johnson worked out of Wichita in the last few years that Prissy lived there. Marshall Johnson would play a very large part in the events of Red Creek as you shall soon discover. What the exact nature of his and Prissy's relationship was in Wichita is unclear. But easy to guess at. Suffice it to say that in Wichita at least, Prissy was not the respectable school marm that she grew into in Red Creek.

   But you will learn more shortly,
       Barry Cardwell.

Photo of the Cardwell Family

Picture dated  July, 1875.  Just about 6 months before Johnny's turn to crime. - B. Cardwell

Red Creek - Letter from Johnny Cardwell - Sept 1874

My Dearest Wife,

    Sweet Prissy. I pray this letter finds you and baby Joshua well and in good spirits. We are camped just outside of Dodge City. Mr. Mitchellson and Boss Ned have rode ahead to get the best price they can for the herd. I miss you so very much. It has been a long hard journey and I am bone weary. To be honest Prissy I am not sure that I am cut out for this work. The days are long, hot, and dusty. The nights are cold and silent. The men are all partakers of strong drink. I am trying my best Prissy. I know we need the money. I will not let you down. But it is hard. There must be a better way. I hope things in Red Creek are good. Has your friend Sally been a help? I hope so. I pray Joshua is strong and healthy. Boss Ned says we are to spend a week in Dodge and then start the journey home. I can not wait to hold you in my arms again. You are in my prayers.

All of my love, your loyal husband,
       Johnny

Red Creek Tribune - January 23, 1876

SUNDOWN SHOOTOUT SURROUNDING STOLEN STEEDS

by Silas Furgenson, owner Red Creek Tribune

          The peaceful days of our quiet little town seem to be a thing of the past. Indeed the death knell for our tranquility might have well been the shot that killed our Sheriff, Lloyd Barker just three weeks ago. Rumors are the Sheriff was slain by Kid Holmes, said to be the fastest draw in the West. And now we find our self with a new lawman, Marshal Snake Johnson, who apparently has been on the trail of this outlaw for some time. Well it is my sad duty to report to you fine folks that the feud between these two gunslingers has spilled over into our town and cost us dearly.
            A deadly shootout happened just this evening up in the foothills outside of town. It seems that this outlaw Kid Holmes used the cover of yesterday's storm to sneak onto Wyatt and Maude Mitchelson's ranch and steal a string of prized ponies. Marshal Johnson, eyeing the scene, thought that the Kid had help for there were several tracks. The Marshal formed a posse earlier today and headed into the hills where he believed Holmes is hiding. The posse included John Roberts, our new Deputy, Wyatt Mitchelson, young sharpshooter "Shots" Scafe, Kevin Guilderman ( a ranch hand working for Mitchelson) , Jimmy Darling ( son of Hugh Darling owner of the lumber mill) and the Marshal himself.
            Apparently the Marshal lead this posse into the hills where sometime just around sundown they were ambushed and bushwhacked by Kid Holmes and his gang. This reporter has heard eyewitness testimony detailing the ferocity of this shootout. The first shot apparently killed the Marshal's horse and he went down under it. Bullets and smoke filled the air as the two sides squared off. Alas poor Jimmy Darling was the first to die. He caught a lead slug in the eye. Story is told of Deputy Roberts showing no fear as he stepped into gunfire to retrieve his body. The Deputy received a slight wound in the shoulder for his efforts. Young Guilderman also perished under fire. Marshal Johnson brought down two of The Kid's gang members, while Wyatt Mitchelson wounded a third. The identity of this wounded criminal might shock you, good readers. Reports are that he is none other than Johnny Cardwell, husband to our school marm Prissy Cardwell.
           This reporter has turned up reports that in the past few days Johnny Cardwell had amassed large gambling debts to Stan Masterson, resident card shark. It seems to pay for these debts he turned to crime. I am told that though Cardwell was shot in the chest, we has been patched up by Doc Thomas and is expected to live. No comment yet from his wife. Although after speaking to Miss Scarlett, of the Harlequin Honey Pot, there might be more than meets the eye to the Cardwells and Marshal Johnson's history.
          Sadly folks it seems that Kid Holmes made a clean get away during the gun play. Marshal Johnson vows to catch him very soon. The Marshal also wanted this reporter to mention the bravery of the fallen men, and of young "Shots" who leaped from a bolder to take out one of the gang members as he was preparing to shoot the Marshal in the back. The horses of the Mitchellson Ranch were recovered.
               Yes the slow quiet days of Red Creek might have left us for now good people, but rest assured that what ever happens. the Tribune will be there to let you know it.

Red Creek - Priscella's Diary - 1st entry

         Here are a couple of pictures of Priscella. This first one is dated June, 1874.

           The second one has a date of Feb12th, 1889.

       I think we can agree she was a very striking woman. This next piece is one of the earliest entrys in her diary. I hope you enjoy.


Diary of Priscella Cardwell - January 16th, 1874
       A new beginning. A fresh start. Johnny and I arrived here in the town of Red Creek yesterday. We are staying in a local hotel for now, until Johnny can find us a place. He is so sweet. He is determined to make a home for us here. He is lookin to get hired on up at this ranch we passed on out way into town. I think it is called the Circle M. Said to be owned by a hard working, god fearing couple that come up outta Texas. The Mitchellsons is what I heard. I hope Johnny gets hired on. I am gonna talk to the schoolmarm today and see if there is any work for me. I don't mind being a helper, or anything else. I will be a maid if I need to be. I am willing to do just about anything I can to help make a life for us here.
    Well, almost anything. Those days are past and it's best I forget them. And him. I am a wife now, a new woman. And I love Johnny. I surely do. He is what is best for me. And the baby. Lord knows I will love this child with everything I have. But I hope he forgives me. I am a little scared. What if.... No. Best not to dwell on such things. I am a respectable woman now. A wife with a good man, and a child on the way. Things are gonna be different here in Red Creek. I have faith.
      But sometimes, I still see his face at night.
      Lord, give me strength.

The Saga of Red Creek - Introduction

November 12th, 2011   

     My name is Barry Cardwell. I live here in Waterton New Mexico. Waterton is an unimportant small town about 25 miles north of the Texas border. I am a finish carpenter and own a small local business that I run with my wife, Sara. We have a 3 year old daughter who is the light of our life and her name is Francine. My family has lived in New Mexico, Texas, and Arizona for over 150 years or so. At least that is what I have been told. And well, now I have proof I guess.

    The reason I am writing this is I have recently become sole owner of a very interesting chest that seems to have come to me out of the past. You see I have, well had, an Uncle by the name of Harold Cardwell who lived in a big house in Scotsdale Arizona. Uncle Harold passed a few months ago. As he had no surviving children it was my job to settle his affairs and put everything in order. In doing so I found a large oaken chest in his basement that was full of mementos, letters, pictures, newspaper clippings, and various items all belonging to my Great-Great-Great Grandmother. Her name was Priscella Cardwell. Some of the items have been ravished beyond recognition by the tide of time, but most are in relatively good shape. There was even her diary. It has made for a very interesting find.

     Most of the letters and stories seem to focus on the town of Red Creek and date from 1874 to 1879. Apparently Red Creek was a small frontier town strait out of an Old West story. Gunslingers, outlaws, ranchers, gamblers, whores, Indians, cowboys, they are all here. Quite a tale of love, death, bravery, danger, adventure. Priscella seems to have led one hell of a life.

    My plan is to post some of these items on here to share the stories. There seems to be some kind of a mystery underneath all of this. Red Creek had it's secrets. Maybe we can find them out together.