The Pistoleer: A Novel of John Wesley Hardin

LEGENDS OF ABILENE

The El Paso Daily Herald,

20 AUGUST 1895

Mr. E. L. Shackleford testified as follows:

“My name is E. L. Shackleford; am in the general brokerage business. When I came down the street this evening I had understood from some parties that Mr. Hardin had made some threats against Mr. Selman, who had formerly been in my employ and was a friend of mine. I came over to the Acme Saloon, where I met Mr. Selman. At the time I met Mr. Selman he was in the saloon with several others and was drinking with them. I told him I had understood there was occasion for him to have trouble, and having heard of the character of the man with whom he would have trouble, I advised him as a friend not to get under the influence of liquor. We walked out on the sidewalk and came back into the saloon, I being some distance ahead of Selman, walking toward the back of the saloon. Then I heard shots fired. I can’t say who fired the shots, as I did not see it. I did not turn around, but left immediately. The room was full of powder smoke, and I could not have seen anything anyhow.”

(Signed) E. L. Shackleford

The Life of John Wesley Hardin as Written by Himself

“In those days my life was constantly in danger from secret or hired assassins, and I was always on the lookout.”

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“We stopped next at Newton and took that town in good style. The policemen tried to hold us down, but they all resigned—I reckon. We certainly shut up that town.”

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“I have seen many fast towns, but I think Abilene beat them all.”

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“Wild Bill was a brave, handsome fellow, but somewhat overbearing. He had fine sense and was a splendid judge of human nature.”