In Their Own Words
When it comes to old west notables portrayed in their own words or the words of those who knew them best, who better to start with than Wyatt Earp?
“Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.” Advice espoused by a number of successful gunnies.
“Shooting a man who is returning the compliment means going into action with the greatest speed of which a man’s muscles are capable, but mentally unflustered by an urge to hurry or the need for complicated nervous and muscular actions which trick shooting involves.” Quite a few words for a man of few words.
“He had a quiet way of taking the most desperate characters into custody, which invariably gave one the impression that the city was able to enforce her mandates and preserve her dignity. It wasn’t considered policy to draw a gun on Wyatt, unless you got the drop and meant to burn powder without any preliminary talk.” Dodge City Times 1877. That ‘quiet way’ was most often a whack on the head with the barrel or butt of a gun. Wyatt called it “Buffaloing”.
“I think it was the distinguishing trait of Wyatt Earp, leader of the Earp brothers, that more than any man I have ever known, he was devoid of physical fear. He feared the opinion of no one but himself and his self-respect was his creed.” W.B. Masterson on his friend. Bat knew.
“You damn dirty cow thief if you’re anxious to fight, I’ll meet you.” Spoken to Ike Clanton near the OK corral. Poor ole Ike. Careful what you wish for.
“For my handling of the situation in Tombstone, I have no regrets. Were it to be done again, I would do it exactly as I did at the time.” Wyatt carried himself as a man of conviction not to be second guessed.
“I still have a clear vision of that dignified figure walking down Allen Street.” John Clum, Tombstone Epitaph Editor on Wyatt Earp. As I let my mind’s eye wander Front Street in Dodge City a couple of years ago, I had the feel of his shadow along the boardwalk.
Next Week: The James Younger Gang
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Ride easy,
Paul
“Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything.” Advice espoused by a number of successful gunnies.
“Shooting a man who is returning the compliment means going into action with the greatest speed of which a man’s muscles are capable, but mentally unflustered by an urge to hurry or the need for complicated nervous and muscular actions which trick shooting involves.” Quite a few words for a man of few words.
“He had a quiet way of taking the most desperate characters into custody, which invariably gave one the impression that the city was able to enforce her mandates and preserve her dignity. It wasn’t considered policy to draw a gun on Wyatt, unless you got the drop and meant to burn powder without any preliminary talk.” Dodge City Times 1877. That ‘quiet way’ was most often a whack on the head with the barrel or butt of a gun. Wyatt called it “Buffaloing”.
“I think it was the distinguishing trait of Wyatt Earp, leader of the Earp brothers, that more than any man I have ever known, he was devoid of physical fear. He feared the opinion of no one but himself and his self-respect was his creed.” W.B. Masterson on his friend. Bat knew.
“You damn dirty cow thief if you’re anxious to fight, I’ll meet you.” Spoken to Ike Clanton near the OK corral. Poor ole Ike. Careful what you wish for.
“For my handling of the situation in Tombstone, I have no regrets. Were it to be done again, I would do it exactly as I did at the time.” Wyatt carried himself as a man of conviction not to be second guessed.
“I still have a clear vision of that dignified figure walking down Allen Street.” John Clum, Tombstone Epitaph Editor on Wyatt Earp. As I let my mind’s eye wander Front Street in Dodge City a couple of years ago, I had the feel of his shadow along the boardwalk.
Next Week: The James Younger Gang
Return to Facebook to comment
Ride easy,
Paul
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