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Sunday, January 1
Went to bed this morning about 5 o'clock, got up at half past 10 am. Went around town until night, called at Nelson's, but too late to see the dog fight. Played two games billiards, lost one. Let our last nights prisoner go this morning, he got his nose broke last night, went to theatre a short time, Barney Wilson arrested, let him go. All quiet around town, Jerry Lewis on a spree. Sanders & Neely little on it, weather warm through the day, cloudy & cool at night.
The Montana Post 1-1-65 "Arrived - We had the pleasure of shaking hands with Geo. M. Pinney, Esq., U.S. Marshal for Montana Territory."
Monday, January 2
Great excitment about the fight, Commissioners met this morning, busy filing my bills for County Commissioners to act on. Chumesseria went to the fight; H. O'Neal & C. Orem in the ring at 2 pm, fought 3 hours & 15 minutes and one hundred & eighty‑six rounds. Referee decided a draw fight on account of it being too dark to fight it on. I think O'Neal would have won the fight in two rounds the fighting was very hard, had hard work to keep the crowd off the ropes, everything very quiet for the occation.
Tuesday, January 3
Got up at half past 7 oc, County Commissioners met this morning, talked with Mr. Sulte about the court room. Riley & Bean met in the ring at 2 oc, Riley won the fight the first round by knocking Bean out, of time Bean was led the second round by his seconds, but could not fight. I went to the lower town after 3 oc pm, sent a note of adjournment of shffs sale to gone off go at 2 pm. Rec'd a letter from Lewis, went to Nevada and posted 3 notices adjourning the sale of Wood's claim. Wrote Lewis to Bannock, Bob Hill got up a bill for John Featherstun, for the Legislatuir for his services after Buckner; went to bed late.
Wednesday, January 4
Got up at 8 oc, snowing continued until 9 oc, got my Criminal Bills certified, to get a Bill in for Featherstun and one for his brother. Commissioners met at 10 o'clock, heard that there was a man shot in Summit last night, and that the party that shot him gave himself up. Got my Bills allowed by the Commissioners. County Board adjourned this afternoon, have to collect some money to pay Bills tommorrow. Sanders left for Bannock this morning. Weather fine, played a game of cards with Knox, B & C at their cabin. Culverstun crazy this evening, locked up Cr this afternoon on his old scrape.
Thursday, January 5
Went around collecting, collected $465, borrowed $75.00 from John Creighton and paid it to Phil in act; sent a package to Lewis & Brown to Deer Lodge. Culverstun got crazy last night, took him and Nev out in the evening, went up to Crowell's Ball, stayed an hour, dance went off rather dull. Called at Idaho Saloon and played two games of C and pitch spades running lively. Called on Nat Stern afternoon, called on Mr. Fergus after dark, went to theatre a short time, a small, played a game of biliards with Beidler at Ming's, met H. O'Neal walking around town.
The Montana Post 1-5-65 "Hank Roy shot by Wilkinson in self defense"
Friday, January 6
Paid Conrad & Co. $6.15, gave Beidler $20 in notes to pay meat bill. Weather cloudy, snowed a little early, rather cold. Beilder served summons & injunction on Geo. Orr & collected $250 costs from Parker & $150. Yesterday our fees $31 notes, several against shi t in advance case, also copied a summons & complaint in sume case entitled Carrie Dunwick vs L. Dunwick; Crow let out of jail on bail. Also Scotty Wilkinson cleared for shooting Raealt at Summit. Went to the theatre at half past 7 oc pm to hear Major A. read one of his pieces. Called at Silas, weather pleasant through the day, was called on by Nelson about another fist fight.
Saturday, January 7
Require to file my answer in a suit comprised against one Gilbert & Smith by C. Hendrick. Had poor luck collecting today, went around with Armitage good part of the day. Understand that the last coach starts for Boise Monday, and can only take one officer along. Met Paul Coburn this evening, a few of us had a good time about town and went to the theatre, spades running lively, took supper at Mohigans. Went to bed at 12 o'clock, McClure on a spree.
The Montana Post 1-7-65 "Neil Howie has been appointed U.S. Marshal for the First Judicial District, pro tem., and J. H. Featherstun, deputy." Sunday, January 8
Weather cold, got up in good season, went around to make arraingments to either go or send after Buckner, concluded to go myself. Weather pleasant through the day, bought a suit of clothes from Cfort & Bush, did not suceed in getting my money for the trip. Concluded to go to Bannock and make arraingments with the Govenor for funds,if possible. Fixed up my affairs to start in the morning, came near not going on account of parties refusing to furnish funds, got everything fixed about 12 o'clock, the boys on the dance and spree. C Nolan drunk, went to bed at 2 o'clock.
Buckner alias Jackson was arrested and jailed for the murder of Brown in August of 1864. On August 14th he escaped and made his way to southern Idaho, where he was arrested. Upon notification of Buckner's location, Neil Howie travelled from Virginia City to Idaho City and Boise extradite Buckner back to Montana Territory. In his efforts to obtain Bruckner, Howie had to endure a series of court proceedings - where the Montana Vigilance Committee was tried for lawlessness, local political wrangling, and death threats by Buckner's friends who were attempting to rescue him. Buckner was eventually freed by the court but admitted to Howie his guilt in the killing of Brown and escape from the Madison County Jail. Buckner also cleared R.C. Knox and John Featherstun of any complicity in the escape.
Monday, January 9
Was woke up at 4 o'clock, started at five, weather pleasant, took breakfast at Dalies. Took dinner at St_____ Ranch about 2 o'clock, were detained at every station by the pay master, Mr. Street, who was setling up with the station keepers. Got to Rattle Snake Station, was detained sometime, then took a sleigh going to Bannock about half past 10 o'clock. Passengers Bissell, Langford, Street, Brully, Coburn, Mr. Parks, _______, Cowell, & Jackson; ______ had a fine day for the trip, but very cold at night. Called on the Govenor on my arrival, got very little incuragment, went to bed about 10 oc.
Tuesday, January 10
Got up at sunrise, called on Tom Pitt, offered to give me $50 and raise what _______ he ________ $105. in dust. Took breakfast with Mr. Steel & Miller. G. Hill made out the necessary papers in good time, s_______ name for Lewis for a power of attorney, left Bannock about half past 10 oc, received the best wishes of my friends. Took supper at Pine Bute Station, they boys got a little tight, weather very cold and windy towards night. Mad_____ _______ in the c______ at Pine Bute, poor fair, plenty of s_________ .
Wednesday, January 11
Weather very cold last night, got breakfast and started by 8 o'clock, conciderable snow on the rainge, had to walk most of the distance of 15 miles. Met quite a number of packers, some had got their feet frozen and had them bundled up with rags, got to Pleasant Valley before noon, took dinner and started on, drove to Chamas Creek and laid over for the night. Sleighing first rate from the first station from Pleasant Valley, distance of the drive 25 miles. Weather cold all day, moderated a little at night; good supper and comfortable lodging.
Thursday, January 12
Weather pleasant this morning, got off in good season. Drove to Snake River, a distance of 25 miles. Got dinner and a change of stock, drove 8 miles to the upper ferry and changed again, drove to next station 16 miles and changed stock here, Galeshi & the stock tender had difficulty which resulted in the stock tender, John, getting shot. Took him down 16 miles to next station where we laid over.
Friday, January 13
Got up early, the wounded man better, left about 9 oc, got to Junction at 15 m past 3 oc pm, crossed the ferry opisite the old fort, found a fine station, snow about 12 inches deep on Ft. Hall Flat. Weather not very cold, we expect to remain here until Sunday morning.
Saturday, January 14
Weather cool and clear, the station boys butchering today. Mr. Coburn took me around and showed me the station, which is fixed very conveniently. Wrote to Beidler, Knox, Armitage, and Mary Howie. Charly Burns & C. Greer arrived with the Salt Lake coach after dark, Boise mail arrived just after dusk. Rec'd a letter from Beach directed to Featherstun with information that time an separately, then we started in the morning for Boise, weather very fine.
Sunday, January 15
Got up before daylight, and wrote a letter to Beach, Agt Overland at Boise City. Buck board started before daylight, weather cold. Started after sunrise, fed at Portnuff 15 miles from F.W.H. Porfer, good roads & level country. Portneuf had stream to cross, stayed at Cedar American Falls. Found Dean Harding there, very good grub and comfortable lodging. Weather pleasant through the day, falls one mile below the station.
Monday, January 16
Weather bright, got an indistinct view of the falls when passing, stopped at Cedar Bluff, 15 miles from the falls, good fair & grub. Weather cold, road hilly today, river running in a rocky channel whenever in sight; got to Raft River, small stream running through a fine little valley, very little snow here. Weather moderated in the evening, overtook Mr. Miller, whiskey p______ch after going to b____ porr grub but comfortable quarters, whiskey played out.
Tuesday, January 17
Weather cool after getting on the hills, drove 18 miles to Marsh Creek and laid up for the day, snowed nearly all afternoon, went hunting but found no game. This is called Marsh Creek on account of it running through an extin___in marsh. Broke in our box of grub at noon, stoped snowing at night.
Wednesday, January 18
Drove 15 miles to Goos Creek & took dinner, played cards for oysters, cigars, & wine; oysters and me had a good dinner. Weather cold, drove to Snake River after noon, arrived at dusk, left the boys here on buckboard, drove 8 miles to Rock Station, then to Cannon Station. Station whin we arrived, cold & hungry.
Thursday, January 19
Found myself at Kuntz's Station at 5 oc am, passed a very uncomfortable night, this station is a little below the Sh____ Sh____ Falls. Stayed an hour and left on the 25 mile stretch, roads cold & hilly. Rained from 10 oc, arrived at ferry at 12 pm, cold and weary, some very steep hills, longest 25 miles I ever travelled. Got a dinner, felt better, wind very high afternoon & storm passed over. Mail arrived from Boise in the evening.
Friday, January 20
Mail left this morning for Boise about sunrise. Hired a mule from U.V. Sherwin for $15 to ride to Boise City, left the ferry at 10 oc, passed Malade Station half past 12, 12 mls on road. Rode 16 mls to Clover Springs over very deep snow, laid over. Shot a prairie hen, weather beautifull, cold at night, laid in a good lot of sage brush for fire.
Saturday, January 21
Started early, rode 15 miles to King Hill, roads bad, took dinner and went on. Thought I run across Porter, the escaped convict, was mistaken. Roads very bad on top of Hangs Hill for 3 miles, crossed conciderable of a creek, 3 or 4 miles from Cold Springs, when I stayed overnight; this place is sometimes called Grave Creek, on account of 42 persons being buried there who were killed by the indians. The country here is level, some grass found.
Sunday, January 22
Rode 5 miles to Bennetts Ranch & took breakfast. Weather beautifull, passed Warm Springs Station, 10 miles from Cold Springs before noon, then rode to Cannon Creek & fed, making 25 miles then 11 miles to Squaw Ranch in Squaw Creek, where I stayed overnight, weather fine all day and cold at night, night uncomfortable.
Monday, January 23
Got up early, weather cloudy & very cold, rode 3 miles to Coxes Ranch and ________ rode to Indian Creek & took breakfast. Rode 7 miles to a station, fed hay, roads very sunny, got to Moneys Ranch at dark _____ miles from town. Weather fine & warm after 11 oc am. Carried my blankets from Moneys Ranch to town, found Mr. Beach without any trouble, met Mr. Keenan [deputy sheriff] late in the evening. Buckner still in jail in Idaho City.
Tuesday, January 24
Weather cold, in the office nearly all day, got shaved & put on clean clothes. Feel as if I had a hard trip, paid $8 for drawers & shirt. My friend Mr. _________ around today, don't think he observed me.
Wednesday, January 25
Weather extremely cold this morning, moderated towards noon. Wrote a letter to Beidler & Featherstun, yesterday in the office nearly all day. Mr. Beach very kind to me; Coburn, Street, & party arrived this evening about sundown. I had no idea they could make the trip so soon. The whiskey supper in tonight, the boys glad to see me.
Thursday, January 26
Weather not so cold today, a great many in the office today to settle. I met Mr. Kelly day before yesterday evening, a lawyer, he thinks I will have to go to Walla Walla to get the Govenor's Seal or signature, who is detained there on account of some difficulties about the Capital. I went up to see the Commander of the military, he is willing to assist me if necessary. Keenan rec'd a letter from prosecuting att'ny, which states that the Govenor is at Walla Walla. Mr. Kelly also gave me a letter for him. The Idaho Territorial Legislature had recently passed a bill to move the Territorial Capital from Lewiston to Boise. Govenor Lyon enroute to Boise was in Walla Walla, Washington Territory, leaving the Territorial Seal and archives behind in Lewiston because of an injunction issued not to remove them from Lewiston.
Friday, January 27
Went around to Durell & Co's. last night with the boys, when treated by Co. to apples, cigars, & wine. Sent a letter in the way pocket to Beidler, this morning rained conciderable.
Saturday, January 28
Keenan left for Idaho City this morning, agreed to make an effort to deliver Buckner to me immediately. Weather fine, no news from Walla Walla. Played a few games of billiards with Coburn.
Sunday, January 29
Weather beautifull, the roughf watching me on the streets. Around town all day, had a long talk with Mr. Blossum, a merchant in town, he offers me funds if necessary, and other assistance. Very quiet today & has been since _________.
Monday, January 30
No news today yet, weather beautifull. Rec'd a letter from Keenan this evening, requesting me to pay $200 for him and stating that he sent Buckner's committment to Gov. Lyon.
Tuesday, January 31
Mr. Street & Brumly left for California this morning. I sent a copy of the requistion for Buckner with Street to deliver to the Govenor, also a warrant. Nothing of importance transpired today. I begin to lose confidence in the County Officials. _______ed at night, snow going fast.
Wednesday, February 1
Mr. Coburn left this morning for Ft. Hall, sent a letter to Beidler & Featherstun, rainy, Walla Walla mail arrived about noon, no news of importance, nothing in _____ and to the Govenor.
Friday, February 3
Borrowed $100 from Mr. Blossum, a merchant in Boise City. Hired a horse from _______ Reynolds and started from town about noon, took dinner at the at the 12 mile house, very cold after dark, got into Idaho City half past 10 o.c., met Attny General. Keenan & Bowen, the Sheriff, all on a spree, was introduced as Sheriff of Madison County, M.T. ________ was not intended.
Saturday, February 4
Around town all day, weather cold and clear; was taken around town with Mr. Keenan and met late at night with Keenan & Bowen. Weather fine through the day, cold night & morning, nothing of interest occured officially.
Sunday, February 5
Around town all day, weather cold & clear, very quiet around town. No news yet from below. Find it hard work to keep sober. Met Wm Jack this morning, called on his family & took dinner with them.
Monday, February 6
Weather very cold this morning, thawed a little through the day. Attended a party this evening with the Sheriff, was around with Harry Hustun, Frank Lyman & others, all on a spree, all friends and I think will help me.
Tuesday, February 7
Mr. Keenan left for Boise City with the stage this morning, to return by first stage. Sent a letter to Mr. Beach, weather fine. Mr. Keenan talks of going to M.T. with me but I fear it won't pay him.
Wednesday, February 8
Around town all day, no news nor excitement. Weather fine, thawing through the day, cold night and morning. No news from Boise City today, another party tonight.
Thursday, February 9
Took a walk over on Buena Vista Bar with Wm Jack. Weather warm through the day, no mail from Lewiston. Went to L____igans Ball as a spectator, also called a few minutes at a private party. Mr. Durell arrived, went to bed at 2 o.c.. Was in the Sheriff's Office a while this evening, mail arrived from Boise City.
Sunday, February 12
Weather fine, no news, spent a l_______ day about town.
Monday, February 13
Weather fine, mail arrived from Boise City; goes back in the morning, no news. Rec'd a letter from Keenan, who wants me to get some money for him on the strength of his going with me.
Tuesday, February 14
Weather fine, but prospects of snow. I went with Bob Baily and had my picture taken; also went to a party, which was rather a slim affair, danced until 2 o.c.. $6.00 taken in for the Aid Society.
Wednesday, February 15
Snowed nearly all night and until 12 o'clock M. Snowed 11 1/2 inches, weather cloudy all day. Went over to Buenavista Bar after dark with Bob Baily & Sayers. Called at O'Neal's Saloon, returned about 10 o.c., no news. Bob Baily ordered a ring for me today.
Thursday, February 16
Weather clear & warm; about 4 o.c. this morning I was taken sick, threw up ________ quanity of bile. I took a trip with George Sayers to Centerville, 8 miles from Idaho City, the Sheriff arrived with a subpoena for me in a Writ of Habeus Corpus case about 10 o.c.. Got back to Idaho at 12 o.c.. Buckner was remanded to jail, to arrest, his trial tommorrow at 12 o.c.. Roads very bad, snowed about six inches through the night.
Friday, February 17
Weather clear and warm this morning. Buckner was brought to the courtroom half past 11 o.c. am. I recognized him at once, trial came off at half past 12 o.c.. The judge sustained the writ, and the prisoner was discharged, but immediately arrested again by Sheriff Bowen by a warrant from a Justice of the Peace. Great excitement about the rearrest last _____ break made, Buckner was commanded back to jail to await his trial, Monday 12 o.c..
Saturday, February 18
Weather clear all day, the Buckner question discussed by nearly everyone, in hearing of the trial. Deputy Gorman left for Boise City in the morning for witnesses. Sent a letter to Beidler with my likeness, also a letter to Beush & Blossum, roads reported bad.
Sunday, February 19
Weather mild, all quiet about town. I feel anxious about the trial tommorrow, which will no doubt determine if I get Buckner or not. Mallery arrived from Boise City, brought me a letter from my deputy, X. Beidler, & Mr. Beach.
Monday, February 20
Cold this morning, Buckner's trial came on the dockett today. Mallery & Goodrich on the witness stand. Mallery very much confused, Goodrich all right. Conciderable feeling manifested by Buckner's friends. I knew Buckner this morning as soon as I saw him from the Courtroom window last Friday. The trial is likely to be tedious; I am pleased with the decisions of the court, many questions asked about the Vig in Virginia. Weather clear all day, sent a subpoena for H. Hustun.
Tuesday, February 21
I was called on the witness stand about half past 10 oc am. Court adjourned about sundown, the main questions asked me were about the Vigelance Committee at Virginia City. Weather cold, very little excitement, the courtroom was crowded with spectators.
Wednesday, February 22
I was called on the stand again today was excused about 1 o'clock pm, a Mr. Fox gave in his testimony, stated that Dolan was hung about the 15th or 18th of Sept. of 1864. I now recollect that Dolan was hung in Sept., was confident when I gave in my testimony that his execution took place in August. Willis also remember that I did not commence to act as high Sheriff of Madison Co. until sumtime after the date of my appointment. Weather clear & cold, went around to two balls.
"Vigilantes of Montana" John Dolan was hung on 9-17-64
Thursday, February 23
Very cold early in the morning, several witnesses sworn today. They state that they have all been in Virginia City, and they knew of no civel law in that county. Spent the evening with Judge Huff, most of the time in his room, not up ________ at all. Friday, February 24
The trial going on, I requested the attorneys to call me back on the stand to correct some of my evidence in regard to the hanging of Dolan and some other small matters which they refused to do. Evidence summed up and case closed about 11 o'clock, the Judge gives his decision tommorrow at 2 oc pm; weather fine.
Saturday, February 25
Weather fine and warm, at 2 o'clock the prisoner, Buckner, was brought to the courtroom and was immediately got out, but the trial postponed until Monday at half past 9 oc am. Was on a little spree with myself & sum others.
Sunday, February 26
Weather cold until 11 oc A.M., nothing unusual hapned today. Wrote a letter to Beach at Boise City, copied the Requesition & Commitment and mailed them with Bowen's commitment directly to the Govenor or Acting Govenor. They start in the morning, wrote a letter to Father, sent by C______ f______. Commenced snowing after dark, spent the evening with Mr. Huff.
Monday, February 27
Snowed all night, 12 inches deep at 10 o'clock. Buckner trial came on at 11 o'clock, continued all day, the Judge postponed giving his decision until tommorrow at 2 oc P.M.. Snowed off and on all day, at dark was about 15 inches deep. Met Mr. Jones in the evening, called on Winlock at dark, no mail, stage left for Boise City this morning. I concluded that I can't stay here much longer.
Tuesday, February 28
At 2 o.c. the prisoner was brought to the Courtroom. Judge Shepherd discharged him, Sheriff Bowen again arrested him, some of the crowd cried out,"Take him, go in", but did not make a break, it was well for them, they did not. This trial was set for tommorrow at half past 9 o'clock A.M.. Malbrook insisted in on having the trial today, it is thought Buckner will be committed tommorrow.
Wednesday, March 1
Malbrook threatened to have me arrested for the hanging of Kelly on Snake River. Justice Burns postponed the trial today to give him time to look up law, Court room full & conciderable excitement.
See 8-2-64 entry about Murphy & Jem Kelly, Kelly hung in the Summer of 1864.
Thursday, March 2
2 o'clock came and the final issue, Burns would not hold the prisoner without new evidence, as the higher court has cleared him on a writ in the face of the evidence. Malbrook complimented me and Judge Huff as officers in court after Buckner discharged. Went to Malbrook's office with Judge Huff to see Buckner, he gave me to understand that neither Knox nor Featherstun helped him escape. Buckner went to Buenavista Bar after dark. Called on Wm Jack, Huff informs me that there is no use of staying.
Friday, March 3
Mr. John Henly loaned me $100. last night. Bid my friends adeiu and left on the stage for Boise City. Took dinner at halfway house, cold all day, got to Boise City after dusk. Snowed all day, passed over snow slides 20 feet deep, in the Canyon met two droves of cattle going up, roads very bad for 6 miles. Snowed all night in Boise City.
Saturday, March 4
Got out a warrant for Buckner and placed it in the hands of Sheriff Iver, he & the Vig sent a man down to Piett towards night. Warm through the day, Malbrook was expected tonight to speak at the Political Meeting.
Sunday, March 5
Rained nearly all day, snowed on the mountains. The Salt Lake mail arrived after dark, the driver reports the roads very bad, almost impassable. I have heard nothing of Buckner's whereabouts. I mailed a letter to Beidler and one to Judge Bissell.
Monday, March 6
Conciderable excitement about Election; one man hit with a pistol, another knocked over with _______ weapons & a shot exchanged between to other parties. I ordered a pair of snow shoes made today. Expect to start tommorrow for Ft. Hall, was introduced to Borden He______s by Buckley, weather fine. The Vig ________ threatened, expect to help them if they have any work to do.
Tuesday, March 7
Weather warm ...[rest of entry obscured]
Wednesday, March 8
Weather fine this morning, got ready to start at half past 11 am. Mr. Blossum gave me $32.00 to bear my expenses, he has been very kind to me ever since I arrived. Took horse out _______ to the first station, lost the road by the deserted ______ ranch man. Cold after sundown, found the trail after ______ 3 miles got to the station half past 8 o.c., had a good supper & bed.
Thursday, March 9
Cold & stormy, started about 9 o'clock, trail drifted but got to ________ Ranch about noon, 9 miles from Fort and ______ so that they went ________ ________ met Bennett at _______ ________ _______ ______ __________________________ got _________________________ took supper _______________________________ was very tired ___________________.
Friday, March 10
[entry obscured]
Saturday, March 11
Started at 9 oc, met 4 men 12 miles on the way and shortly after, who were hard looking cases, all bound for Boise City, the 4 were from the ferry. Got to Bennett's Ranch after dark, was informed that some of the ________ mules were going to m_____ station from Cold Spring station.
Sunday, March 12
Got up about sunrise and started in hopes to get to the Cold Springs Station to get a ride, found it very hard travelling, arrived at Cold Springs, just in time they gave me my breakfast, would not accept pay, got to big hill half past 6 o.c.. Snow very bad, part way 6 of in company had a good deal of fun with a fellow falling off his mule. Weather clear and warm.
Monday, March 13
Left at 8 oc, snow light for 5 miles, then 2 to 3 ft. deep, got to Clover Springs before night. Warm through the day, snowed all night, wind high. Had bread & coffee at Big Hill Station, the same here, came 18 mls. today.
Tuesday, March 14
Started 1/4 to 11 oc, snow very deep & drifted for 10 mls., got to Maylad Creek half past 4 oc. Cold & windy all day, an old man from Missouri keeping the station, nothing to eat but beans and bacon. Came 18 mls. today, find it hard riding without a saddle.
Wednesday, March 15
Hitched the 4 mules to wagon this morning. Snowed a little after we started, roads got muddy after getting a short distance from the station. Made the ferry at half past 2 oc, very little snow in river bottom, got a very good supper & dinner.
Thursday, March 16
The driver decides to go to Ft. Hall with the team, started about 8 oc, got 4 mls. when the teamster weakened on account of high water. I waded across and went on, left my blankets with Vannection driver, had travel 20 mls. after 12 oc, through wind and water must have crossed over 20 streams, got to Desert Station quarter past 7 oc, found James Williams & _______ there, was treated very kindly.
Friday, March 17
Crossed Rock Creek on a pole close to the station. Got to Rock Creek Station afternoon, had a hard tramp, mud and deep; got some bread, bacon, & coffy for dinner from a man here called Jim, going up tommorrow who offers me one of his ponies to ride; the mail arrived here today, the station keeper leaving tommorrow on account of indians and want of grub. Froze hard after dark, came 15 mls.
Saturday, March 18
Ground froze hard this morning, saw an indian where they had killed a mule, thought of killing the indian but concluded to let him go. Going very bad after 10 o'clock, got to Snake River Station about 10 oc, found three men there nearly out of grub. Weather warm, found riding a great improvement over walking.
Sunday, March 19
Started with my companion about 10 oc, froze very little last night, consequently roads very muddy, rode 12 miles to Goos Creek where we took up quarters for the night, found some bread and plenty of beans & bacon. Snowed nearly all the fore noon, crossed Goos Creek on the ice.
Monday, March 20
Started at 8 oc, rode 18 mls. to March Creek and fed our ponies hay and got some barley bread & bacon for dinner. Snowed some at noon, station keeper allmost destitute. Goos Creek deserted, roads very bad after noon, had a good many ponds of water to go around, which made the distance much greater. Got to Raft River after dusk, 18 mls. from where we left this morning. Found a family here, the old man bad with scurvy, got beef & coffy for supper. They were grinding barley until late for breakfast.
Tuesday, March 21
Beef, barley bread, & coffee for breakfast. My companion concluded to lay over here, got anextry company mule to ride which proved to be a good one. Crossed the stream in a wagon box and led the mule, got to Cedar Bluffs about 10 oc. I fed, had beef straight for dinner. 4 indians came up & ___ them, when I arrived made them all leave before I left. Met the mail 5 mls. from Falls Station, got there at dusk where I found three men. Warm all day, some bad snow drifts, 15 mls. to the Bluffs, & 15 mls. to Falls.
Wednesday, March 22
Started with a wagon, Ian Hearllin, driver. Chainged stock at Portneff Station, roads muddy, arrived at Fort Hall a little after 2 oc pm. Johnny Grant here on his way to the States, and one man from Virginia City, who informs me of the death of Mr. Chaimberlain, shot by Uncle Johnny Thornburn. Mail arrived from Salt Lake, coach started from here this morning for VA City, was well received.
Thursday, March 23
Stage started for Salt Lake & for Boise City, Miller & McManus left for Boise. Joseph Mexican arrived last night from Salt Lake & two men from Carson tried last night to get a horse to overtake the coach & thought of starting a foot. Plenty of beans & bread & poor bacon to eat. Weather fine yesterday & today, heard last night of Featherstun.
Friday, March 24
According to programe last night, a party of us went up a mile & a half to give a man by the name of Tweed 50 lashes, let him off with us, he shed some tears while receiving his sentence. Some time ago he kicked his child, a boy about 7 years old, so it died in three days after. The boys gave him 10 days to leave, the time was up last night, if he don't leave in 5 days from this date he is to get 100, then if he don't leave, to be hung. Would have started for Tom Baume's camp 30 mls. above but for the stream, snowed hard all day was still snowing & blowing at 10 oc pm. Had a good deal of fun with Mr. Vict_____ , mail expected but more arrived after 10 oc pm.
Wednesday, March 29
Got to Cannon Creek Station before daylight, got breakfast and drove to Pleasant.
Thursday, March 30
Left early, weather cold, got to Red Rock Station about 10 & took breakfast & dinner together, roads bad from Point of Rocks & a good deal of bare ground above got to Bannock about 10 o'clock, took supper at Burchet's had a drink with the boys, Dick Harris on a tight.
Friday, March 31
Called on the Govenor after breakfast, started with the coach after sunrise, met many of my friends who were glad to see me back alive. Got to Virginia City at dark, all glad to see me, went around with the boys until late, weather fine.
THE FLOUR QUESTION The winter of 1864 - 1865 was very hard, the wagon road into southwest Montana from Salt Lake drifted in with snow so heavy that it made nearly impassible for freighters to move their goods north to the mining camps. The wagons that tried to get through were the easy prey of road agents. By the middle of March the cost of food staples were dramatically rising as an acute shortage was developing. To exacerbate the situation, some merchants horded flour and slowly doled it out at inflated prices. Before winter, "States" flour brought up by steamboat to Fort Benton went for about $25 for a hundred pound sack. In April flour in Virginia City was up to $100 a sack. March 18th, a bread riot occurred at Silver Bow City at Domrain's Store. Irishmen with no money seized flour and then demanded canned oysters. On Sunday, April 2nd a riot started in Nevada City, a gang of self-appointed regulators bought flour by force, from merchants who had it, at the old prices. They bought all but two sacks. The rest of that day and Monday large meetings were held in Virginia City and a committee was formed to call upon the merchants. The mob, inflamed by the committee, marched down to Newbanks store. Outside the store was Sheriff Neil Howie and twenty deputized officers, inside were twenty-three of the store-onwer's armed men. A blood bath would have occurred if it wasn't for Howie's ability to talk the unruly crowd into not doing anything they might regret. Everyone backed down, for the moment. Some of the merchants in town boasted that they had the right to sell as they pleased. Remarking that they knew of flour selling at $5 dollars a pound ($500 a sack) within a few hundred miles, anything less then that was quite reasonable. At noon on April 18th the second but orderly flour riot began. Four hundred and eighty men, divided into six companies, led by R.S. Blake on a horse carrying an empty flour sack on a stick as a flag, silently marched from Nevada City to Virginia City. Sheriff Howie confronted the procession at the edge of town and was quoted as saying: "Gentlemen, this uprising is to get flour and pay a reasonable price for it; it is not to sack the town....the first man who was caught stealing would be shot or hanged....the same men that fought for law and order a few months ago are prepared to fight for it now." Searching the town for three tense days, the rioters eventually ferreted up eighty-two sacks; vouchering for the flour with pre-printed promissory notes at the old rate. The sacks of flour were taken to the Leviathan Hall and sold to applicants, who lined up, if they could prove they had no flour. A few days afterwards, Howie had a warning printed in the Montana Post. That male citizens were subject to call to disperse unlawful gatherings and that demonstrations would be dispersed at all costs. By June 10th the price of flour dropped to $15 a sack.
References:The Bloody Bozeman, Dorothy M. Johnson :The Hungry Winter in Alder Gulch, Dorothy M. Johnson
Wednesday, April 5
Arrested John Metr half past 3 oc pm, fees $6.00.
Thursday, April 6
2 papers served in Cook & Dodson Case, fees $2.50.
Tuesday, April 10
Weather cold, court drags slowly. Grand Jury vinera issued, to be served tommorrow. Went to theatre tonight, plenty of whiskey afloat today.
Wednesday, April 11
Special Grand Jury summonsed this morning, met at League Room and adjourned, nearly all got tight f_____ _______ met again at 2 oc and adjourned at 4 oc pm. Richmond reported taken, last night by mail. Uncle Tom's Cabin played tonight, weather fine, rather cool. People vs Lusigniso tried today, verdict from jury $1,000 fine, court adjourned at 4 pm.
Thursday, April 13
Went to the lower town and arrested Nathaniel Stanley & subpoened some witnesses, got back before noon. The jury found Crow E.O.S. guilty of asalt with deadly weapons, fined $1,000. The jury discharged in the Crabtree Case, a special vinera issued to summons 24 jurors. Bissell went with me, got the jury summonsed after dark, took great pains to getting a good jury.
Friday, April 14
Court called at 9 oc am, had to summons jurors in the Crabtree Case, part of the evidence given. Court adjourned at 5 o'clock pm. News came in the this evening, by coach, that Gen. Lee has surrendered, on the strength of which the Union boys got on a big spree, fired the Armie for three hours. Dimsdale, Cook, Chumeseria addressed the crowd; late at night the Liberty Pole was set afire, I happened along just in time to save it.
General Lee surrendered on 4-9-65
Saturday, April 15
Crabtree Case up today again, jury out a short time, verdict of guilty of assalt with a deadly wepon. A month imprisonment & $1,000 fine ______ to receive sentence Monday morning. Everything quiet today, Beidler on a tight at lower town. Cap__ Pal____'s Pipe raffled off, Nat Stein won it. Theatre tonight, attended it. Fancy dance at the Exchange, called there. Nat Stein has given up the office of County Treasurer.
Sunday, April 16
I intended to write home today but a fire broke at Mehegan's Restaraunt, which was successfully put out. Then a warrant was placed in my hands for Martin, which Beidler & I went down to serve after a while. I found him after Beidler had left & bought him up to town, he gave bond after dark. Me, Jas. Merretta, Jas. Roy & Joe in Nevada. Snowed first part of the day, roads very muddy, no mail tonight.
Monday, April 17
Flour $100. a sack. Called court at half past 9 oc am. Beidler went to Nevada for witnesses in Martin case. Crabtree sentenced to $1,000 fine, imprisonment r_____tted. Crowell's case up today, had to summons 3 parties on the regular jury.
Monday, April 24
We received news this morning of President's Death, quite an excitement in town about it. Court adjourned until tommorrow, speeches were made in the afternoon by Sanders & others. A large meeting at Nevada in the evening when several speeches were made. I rode to the lower town twice, appointed John Vanbrocklin receiver of Meyer's interest in the afternoon. Quiet about town, arrested a man there about the flour question.
President Lincoln died on 4-15-65
Tuesday, April 25
Weather cool this morning, but turned warm through the day. Beidler went to Geo Orr place with a summons and Bevens Gulch with an execution, got $9. in dust for serving a writ of injunction, gave the money to Beidler. Duncan & Tagert's case not finished yet, sent a subpoena to Cap. Williams. Mailey got back today with a warrant, weather cloudy in the evening, received a letter from my brother John, one from Indiana, a paper from Boise.
Wednesday, May 3
The Bridge case up this morning. Staved off Davis, Root, & Gibson vs Whitting & Whitting, next jury summonsed by Riley, court adjourned at 5 oc, rode around town with Wm Heigh, rode around on the hills opisite town. Riley rode to Centerville, meeting of the Vig. Sanders to go to Salt Lake to plead the cause of the committee. Weather very fine & warm.
Thursday, May 4
Summonsed a jury in the Bridge case in the fore noon. Sent Riley to the Cold Springs Ranch afternoon for witnesses. Rode up to Summit myself for a witness; met Beidler, John Creighton & Bob Hill at Summit City. Paid $4 for billiards, $3 for Beidler. Got home about 4 oc pm, found the loyal fraternity on a tight. Court adjourned at 10 oc until tommorrow morning. Arrested Rob Duncan by order of the Govenor. Weather fine, went to bed about 12 oc, was around helping Sanders to get ready to go to Salt Lake.
Friday, May 5
The Bridge jury impanelled yesterday, Gov. Edgerton in the case today for the plaintiff. Got $18. from Root yesterday for going for witnesses. Tirnan & Jack got into a scrape this morning. Served Injunction papers on Sullivan & Co. afternoon. Court adjourned at 5 oc pm. Beidler bought me a pair of shoes, I also bought a pair of boots for $14. Coach arrived just after dark, 10 sacks of mail. Beidler on a tight, he went to Nevada with Cap. Williams, I g_____ C. Perry.
Saturday, May 6
Weather beautifull, so the Bridge case submitted to the jury afternoon. Gov. Edgerton argued the case for the plaintiff. Riley tight after dark, I rode to Nevada after noon to see Pink.
Sunday, May 7
Weather rather warm, water raising fast in the gulch. Wrote a letter to Mr. J.M. Blossum, also another to Indiana, went up the gulch with Jerry Cook to Sullivan's claim, drank nothing stronger than beer after breakfast.
Wednesday, May 10
Weather cold for this season, let Mr. Cook have my horse to ride up the gulch and down to Nevada. Con Pantisan served a writ of Reditation. F. Root up the gulch, called on Conway & rec'd an execution against his house & Lott. Fixing up acts for Co. Commissioners this evening, have almost made up my mind in t______ , understand Beidler intends to leave me soon, County Scrip coming up. Called at John Creighton's this evening to hear the boys sing.
Thursday, May 11
County Commissioners in session today, took a ride to Nevada with Cap. Williams, weather . Mail arrived before dark, some of my bills arrived today. Perrie Claim on Bevens Gulch sold today for $600., bid by Wm Tinan. Beidler a little in it, drank sum myself. Judge Hosmer & Thoroughman left this morning. Summonsed a Sheriff's jury today to try the rights of property under exemption basis.
Friday, May 12
Met the Commissioners this morning, got bills to the amount of about $1,400 alowed, adjourned before noon to meet 1st Monday in June. Thinking of going to Last Chance, weather fine.
Saturday, May 13
I asked funds from Vanbroklan to sell Meyers claim which he failed to give, and postponed the sale until Monday, the 15th. Mr. Emery paid off the Judgement against the Witting Boys, made my return in this execution. Played pool with the boys until 3 oc in the morning, rained early in the evening, commenced to snow towards morning, lost only one game of pool. Good news from Blackfoot, a new gulch found last fall on the dockitt.
Sunday, May 14
Got up at 8 o'clock, snowing fast. Jesey Fulford called to have me go to Last Chance after a man named Bruin with a warrant. At home all forenoon, went over to Jas. Kiskaddens afternoon, spent the evening at Cook's office. Snowed hard all day up to 1/2 past 11 at night. Coach expected from Salt Lake, snow about 8 inches deep, would have been 20 inches or 2 feet had it not melted, unexcepted, high water when the storm is over.
Tuesday, May 16
Around town all day, levied on two outfits susposed to belong to Elias Cockrill, after noon went up to Oliver's to serve a notice, when I found E. House was in town. Bought an album from John Ming at $17, to be paid in the fall or when convient. Let Mr. J.J. Hull have $64. in Scrip, County; the boys bought a wagon, was out until 11 oc. Played a game of biliards with Beidler, beat him, weather beautifull.
Wednesday, May 17
Beidler left this morning for the Jefferson with Copick, is to bring a team up with him to go to Last Chance. Got a summons to serve a note on Ed House in Brunsetter's case by copy. Sold $332.72 of Scrip today, at 4 o'clock paid John Russell $60.00 in dust on butcher bill. Bob Hill got in from Bannock the 16th, weather warm. Snow that fell last, all gone around town, mud drying up fast ______ ______ley & Judge Hosmer arrived this morning from Last Chance.
Thursday, May 18
Delivered a Sheriff's deed to Allen & Millard of the Nebraska House, dated 11th of May,1865, amount 225. Alton & Co. Rec'd. Served a summons on Crowell, weather fine, d______ t______ t____ leaving tommorrow for new mine.
Friday, May 19
17th Sheriff's sale today against Scranage, the above sale came off between 10 & 11 oc am. Deputized Hank Crawford and Joe Riley & Judge Bissell as Under Sheriff during my absence. Rained hard afternoon, water very high in the gulch, John McC_____t on tight.
Saturday, May 20
Designed starting today, but it commenced raining about noon, and for other reasons our departure was postponed. Was not satisfied with the pictures I had taken day before yesterday, so had another taken today. Rained very hard afternoon but cleared off, went around to the Shades after dark, called on Mrs. Lyons in the evening. Beidler. The Montana Post 5-27-65 "Good-Bye - Sheriff Howie and Deputy Sheriff J.X. Beidler, (or as we would much rather say, Neil and X.) have started for Blackfoot and parts surrounding. Good luck go with them. Two good officers & two good men will camp out wherever they light a fire or pillow on a saddle."
Sunday, May 28
Cold this morning, warm after the sun rose, had a long talk with Mr. Hill afternoon, went down to N______ & helped to _______ a cabin house, back to town & got supper. C______ M________ took & Porterfield _________ with me.
Tuesday, May 30
Helped Mr. Wm Porterfield to fix the cabin today,worked hard, weather fine and warm. Went down two miles with Porterfield to look for a lode, after quitting work, got up to town at 7 o'clock pm. Called on Mr. Sayers two miles below town, he arrived with his family today.
Wednesday, May 31
Commenced the dream ditch this morning. Called on Mr. Sayers and tried his pony and bought him for $80, to be paid when I return from Virginia. Tried to get a claim ___ure presented to jump, could find none, weather warm. Wm Rumsey arrived this evening very tired & sore from yesterday's work, feverish all day.
Thursday, June 1
Cold this morning, met ______ started on, took breakfast at Milligan's, paid for 2 breakfasts & ________ for ________ _________ in the forenoon _________ and met Frank Featherstun last night. Intended to start for Helena today |