268

Buffalo Bill.

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A DAMAGING STORY REPEATED

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Buffalo Bill, being now a citizen of West Chester, we feel it our duty to keep our readers posted in whatever pertains to his distinguished name, and consequently we produce the following clipped from N. Y. Herald, of the 1st inst.

The Pensacola (Fia.) "Express" of the 19th ultimo announces the fact that General J. W. Butler, Sheriff of Santa Rosa county, killed a desperado, It says;

On Monday Sheriff Butler, of Santa Rosa county, had some difficulty in a settlement with a white man called "Buffalo Bill." "Bill" at the the time mounted a horse of Butler's that was hitched near the Sheriff's office, saying that he would settle it in that way, and rode off. Butler and a colored man in a short time were mounted in pursuit, and came up with "Bill" near Arcadia. Butler states that he ordered him to stop, and fired over him with a pistol to intimidate the fellow, but that did no good, and at last he shot to stop him, killing "Bill," almost instantaneously. At the Coroner's inquest two women who witnessed the affair stated that Butler had ceased firing that both parties were riding very fast and that the colored man shot "Bill." As far as we can learn no verdict has been arrived at. The affair is one to be regretted, but, if our information in regard to the man who was shot is correct, this is not the first time that he has had a recountre with a Sheriff. Some time back Sheriff Wells, of this county, attempted to arrest him, and several shots passed between them, "Buffalo Bill" escaping without being hurt.

In reply to the above Bill published the following article of refutation in the Herald of the 5th inst.

New York, August 5, 1873.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD: -

I read in the "Herald" of yesterday a statement that one "Buffalo Bill," in Florida, had come to an untimely and inglorious end. That name was given to me years ago on the Plains, and if I, William F. Cody, respond to it, it is only in consequence of numerous relationships that have been formed from time to time in the pursuit of my professional duties. While thus engaged my only aim has been to serve both government and individuals as a frontiersman and a scout. If, being in the possession of the peculiar faculties which are understood to belong to men who live on the outskirts of civilization, I have subserved a purpose; if I have in any way been a link between civilized friends to cross the line between the white man and the red man, then I am both glad and indifferent; but I cannot consent, after a ling life spent upon the plains, with many personal risks, to be written in the "Herald" as a brawler or man killer in Southern States of elsewhere. When constitutes the safeguard of society, whether it apply to man or to woman.

WILLIAM F. CODY.