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Savages Slay Vaughan’s Hired Hands

Michael has a BA in History & American Studies and an MSc in American History from the University of Edinburgh. He comes from a proud military family and has spent most of his career as an educator in the Middle East and Asia. His passion is travel, and he seizes any opportunity to share his experiences in the most immersive way possible, whether at sea or on the land.

Cottle County, Texas

    During the fall of 1876, Comanche Jack, an Indian, and his followers, stole horses belonging to Vaughan, in the territory north of Pease River. Vaughan and his men came upon the Indians one morning just as they were breaking camp, and succeeded in killing several of the savages. As a consequence, Comanche Jack and his men determined to have revenge, so in February of 1877, Vaughan, who was hunting buffalo about five miles away, discovered smoke, toward his camp, which was on Good Creek. The camp had been left in charge of some of his men, two of whom were killed. Provisions were stolen, about 7000 buffalo skins fired and the Indians had a war-dance, nearby.

    The dead were placed in a wagon and started toward Henrietta, but were buried on Spy Mound, near the Wichita River.

    In 1882, Comanche Jack, who no doubt, in company with his men committed the above deed, and Vaughan, met in Eagle Flats, now-known as Vernon. Vaughan demanded of Comacnhe Jack if he had made the threat that he was going to have revenge. But the Indian made an emphatic denial of the accusation.

    Note: Author corresponded with H.C. Justin, Justice of the Peace, Vernon Texas.

The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.

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