Never say die, but brave the shock,
While there’s a shell-fish on the rock.
Which sentiment, though equally forcible, we reluctantly admit, is, perhaps, a shade less poetical; but it is nevertheless, good philosophy, which, with all respect for his lordship, is the reverse of what should be said of the teaching derivable from the beautiful lines of that erring genius.
As a proof of the address and tact of Plummer, and of the terrible state of society, it may be mentioned that he got himself elected Sheriff, at Bannack, despite of his known character, and immediately appointed two of his Road Agents; Buck Stinson and Ned Ray, as Deputies. Nor did he remain contented with that; but he had the effrontery to propose to a brave and good man, in Virginia that he should make way for him there, and as certain death would have been the penalty for a refusal, he consented. Thus Plummer was actually Sheriff of both places at once. This politic move threw the unfortunate citizens into his hands completely, and by means of his robber deputies—whose legal functions cloaked many a crime—he ruled with a rod of iron.
The marvellous riches of the great Alder Gulch attracted crowds from all the West, and afterwards from the East, also; among whom were many diseased with crime to such an extent that for their cure, the only available prescription was a stout cord and a good drop.
Plummer had appointed as his Deputies, Jack Gallagher, Buck Stinson and Ned Ray. The head Deputy was a man of another stripe, entirely, named Dillingham, who had accurate knowledge of the names of the members of the Road Agent Band, and was also acquainted with many of their plans, though he himself was innocent. He told a man named Dodge, who was going to Virginia with Wash Stapleton and another, that Buck Stinson, Haze Lyons and Charley Forbes intended to rob them. Dodge, instead of keeping his council, foolishly revealed the whole affair to the robbers, who, of course, were much struck at the news. Hays ejaculated, “——, is that so?” The three men at once concluded to murder Dillingham.
At Rattlesnake, Haze Lyons came to Wash Stapleton, who was on the road between Bannack and Virginia, and asked him if he had heard about the intended robbery, adding that he had followed Dillingham that far, and that he had come to kill him, but he said that he feared that he had heard about it, and had got out of the country. Wash who says he has felt more comfortable, even when sleeping in church—at once replied, “No; this is the first I’ve heard of it. I have only $100 in greenbacks, and they may as well take them, if they want them, and let me go.” The other swore it was all a d——d lie, and they separated.
The robbers went on to Virginia. Jack Gallagher came to X, and wanted a pony for his friend Stinson to ride down the Gulch. At first his request was refused, the owner saying that he wanted to ride it down the Gulch, himself. Jack insisted, and promising that he would be back in half an hour, X lent it to him. He was away for two hours, and the proprietor was “as hot as a wolf,” when he came back. The truth was that they had been consulting and fixing the programme for the murder, which was arranged for the next day, they having discovered that Dillingham was in the gulch.
In the morning, Buck Stinson, Haze Lyons and Charley Forbes might be seen engaged in a grand “Medicine talk,” in the neighborhood of a brush wakiup, where Dr. Steele was holding court, and trying the right to a bar claim, the subject of a suit between F. Ray and D. Jones. Dillingham was standing close by the impromptu Hall of Justice, when the three Road Agents came up. “We want to see you,” said Haze; Stinson walked a pace or two ahead of the others. Haze was on one side and Forbes was behind. “Bring him along! Make him come!” said Buck Stinson, half turning and looking over his shoulder. They walked on about ten paces, when they all stopped, and the three faced towards Dillingham. “—— you, take back those lies,” said Haze, and instantly the three pulled their pistols and fired, so closely together that eye-sight was a surer evidence of the number of shots discharged than hearing. There was a difference, however; Haze fired first; his ball taking effect in the thigh. Dillingham put his hand to the spot, and groaned. Buck Stinson’s bullet went over his head; but Charley Forbes’ shot passed through his breast. On receiving the bullet in the chest, Dillingham fell like an empty sack. He was carried into a brush wakiup, and lived but a very short time.
Jack Gallagher, being Deputy Sheriff, settled the matter very neatly and effectively (for his friends.) He rushed out, as per agreement, and took their pistols, putting them together and reloading Buck Stinson’s, so that no one knew (that would tell) whose pistols fired the fatal shots.
The men were, of course, arrested. Red tape is an institution not yet introduced among miners. A captain of the guard, elected by the people, and a detail of miners, took charge of the prisoners, who were lodged in a log building, where John Mings’ store now stands.