Preface to The Story of the Outlaw
By Emerson Hough in 1905
The American West, a landscape etched in rugged beauty and shadowed by tales of daring and defiance, holds a unique figure in its historical tapestry: the outlaw. In this preface to The Story of the Outlaw, published in 1905, Emerson Hough embarks on a study of this iconic character, the "desperado," a figure distinct and easily recognizable, often referred to as the "bad man." Hough, however, makes it clear from the outset that this work is not an apology for the outlaw’s actions. Instead, it’s a pursuit of truth, a quest to understand the forces that shaped this individual and the era they inhabited.
Hough’s intention extends beyond mere thrilling storytelling. He suggests that examining the history of disregard for the law, as embodied by the outlaw, can offer valuable insights into contemporary issues. The lessons learned from dealing with the "bad men" of the past, Hough argues, can inform the best methods of addressing the "bad men" of the present. He posits that a deeper understanding of frontier justice and its application can provide a foundation for broader arguments and perhaps even solutions to modern-day challenges.
One of the central arguments presented in this preface to The Story of the Outlaw revolves around the perceived weakness of modern law enforcement compared to the frontier methods of maintaining order. Hough paints a rather unflattering picture of the average city policeman of his time: "Cloddy and coarse of fiber, rarely with personal heredity of mental or bodily vigor, with no training at arms, with no sharp, penetrating quality of nerve action, fat, unwieldy, unable to run a hundred yards and keep his breath, not skilled enough to kill his man even when he has him cornered." He contrasts this image with the idealized figure of the Western peace officer, suggesting that a small, unrestricted group of these individuals could effectively eradicate crime in a city within a matter of months. While this comparison might be seen as overly romanticized and perhaps even advocating for a return to a more brutal form of justice, it highlights Hough’s concern over the perceived ineffectiveness of the existing legal system. He believed that law enforcement lacked the necessary strength and resolve to effectively deal with criminals, a problem he felt could be remedied by adopting some of the principles of frontier justice.
Hough underscores the importance of accuracy and firsthand accounts in his study of the outlaw. While acknowledging that any historical work covering such a vast period must rely, in part, on compilation, he emphasizes his efforts to gather information directly from participants, survivors, and eyewitnesses. He mentions Captain Patrick F. Garrett, the famed sheriff who killed Billy the Kid, as a key source of information regarding the border fighting in New Mexico. Similarly, he cites Herbert M. Tonney, a survivor of the Stevens County War in Kansas, as providing a firsthand narrative of that conflict. These personal accounts, Hough asserts, lend authenticity and depth to his portrayal of the outlaw and the events surrounding them. The goal of The Story of the Outlaw is to go beyond sensationalized portrayals and delve into the complex realities of the era.
Hough acknowledges the challenges of reconstructing historical events accurately, particularly in the context of the American West, where stories often became embellished and distorted over time. He notes that many accounts of border encounters and vigilante actions were sensationalized in "penny-dreadfuls," making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. To combat this, Hough emphasizes his commitment to seeking accuracy amidst the confusing and often contradictory statements that constitute the historical record. He aims to provide a truthful account of events like the Lincoln County War in New Mexico and the Stevens County War in Kansas, which he claims have never been accurately represented in print before. This dedication to accuracy is a cornerstone of The Story of the Outlaw, aiming to move beyond romanticized myths and provide a more nuanced understanding of the past.
Further solidifying the credibility of his research for The Story of the Outlaw, Hough mentions two other individuals who contributed significantly to his understanding of the American West. Alexander Hynds of Dandridge, Tennessee, is described as an unparalleled authority on early frontier history, possessing a unique knowledge of forgotten historical details. N.P. Langford of Minnesota, a veteran of the Rocky Mountain region in the 1860s and 1870s, is cited as a valuable source of information on life in the West before the establishment of formal legal systems. Hough specifically mentions Langford’s work, "Vigilante Days and Ways," as both interesting and historically valuable, incorporating free quotations from it to enrich his own narrative. The inclusion of these respected voices adds weight to Hough’s analysis and reinforces his commitment to providing a well-researched and authoritative account of the outlaw era.
The author also addresses the challenges of documenting the more recent history of train-robbing bandits and outlaw gangs. He explains that the stories of these individuals are drawn from a combination of personal narratives, judicial records, and existing publications. However, he acknowledges that many of these sources are often more sensational than accurate, requiring careful sifting and verification of details. This meticulous approach to research reflects Hough’s dedication to presenting a balanced and objective account of the outlaw phenomenon, even when dealing with contemporary events that may be subject to bias or exaggeration. He seeks to move beyond the romanticized image of the outlaw and present a more realistic portrayal of their lives and activities.
In conclusion, Emerson Hough’s preface to The Story of the Outlaw serves as both an introduction to his study and a statement of his intent. He sets out to explore the unique phenomenon of the American desperado, not as a romantic hero, but as a complex figure shaped by the specific conditions of the Western frontier. He emphasizes the importance of accurate historical research, firsthand accounts, and a critical examination of existing narratives. Hough also suggests that studying the outlaw era can offer valuable lessons for addressing contemporary issues of law enforcement and social order. Ultimately, he hopes that his work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the "vivid and significant life of the West" and the frontier spirit that, despite its lawlessness, was ultimately driven by a desire for human liberty. He ends with a passionate plea for that banner of liberty to continue to wave, even if it requires sacrifice, rather than be replaced by "license and injustice" in America. His book, The Story of the Outlaw, promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of a complex and fascinating chapter in American history.