Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service
The American West, a landscape etched in rugged individualism and fraught with peril, gave rise to a unique figure: the shotgun messenger. This individual, often uncelebrated in popular narratives, played a crucial role in the economic arteries of the frontier. Imagine him perched on a stagecoach, a double-barreled shotgun resting across his lap, his gaze constantly scanning the horizon for any sign of threat. His mission was simple yet vital: to protect the treasure box entrusted to his care, a repository of gold, cash, and valuables being transported across vast distances.
The Humble Guardian: The life of a shotgun messenger was far from glamorous. It was a profession defined more by danger than by accolades or financial reward. These men were handpicked by express companies like Wells Fargo for their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding their cargo. They were individuals who thrived in a world where the ability to stare death in the face was the ultimate survival tool. However, despite the inherent risks and the demanding nature of the job, few shotgun messengers rose to positions of significant prominence in frontier society.
Bob Paul: A Notable Exception: One exception to this trend was Bob Paul, a man described as both fearless and loyal. Paul transitioned from the messenger service to become the Sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, and later, a United States Marshal for the territory. His career trajectory was a testament to his dedication and capabilities. Eventually, he chose to leave the world of law enforcement behind, opting for a more comfortable life overseeing his smelting works in Tucson. It was there, amidst the fiery glow of the furnaces, that he would recount his daring exploits, including the tale of the killing of Bud Philpott. The tales of the Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service were a part of his history.
Bud Philpott and the Perils of the Road: Bud Philpott, a stagecoach driver, regularly drove the route between Tombstone and Tucson. With the arrival of the railroad, his route shortened, but the danger of hold-ups remained ever-present. The boomtown atmosphere of Tombstone attracted some of the most dangerous outlaws on the frontier, significantly increasing the risk of robbery. Driving a stagecoach through such territory required a particular kind of courage, especially with the knowledge that thousands of dollars were locked away in the front boot. The driver’s primary responsibility was to control the team of horses, leaving the messenger to handle any potential threats.
The Shotgun Messenger’s Burden: The isolation of the shotgun messenger was a defining characteristic of the job. He was often viewed with suspicion and even resentment by passengers and drivers alike, who recognized that his presence made them a target for bandits. Outlaws, both active and aspiring, saw him as an obstacle standing between them and their desires. The shotgun itself, a symbol of authority and a formidable weapon at close range, was the source of their greatest animosity.
The Wells Fargo Shotgun: A Civilizing Force: The Wells Fargo shotgun was a no-nonsense weapon, designed for close-quarters combat. Its shorter barrels made it easy to maneuver and deploy quickly, and its heavier weight allowed it to handle a large charge of buckshot. Each barrel was loaded with twenty-one buckshot, creating a devastating spray of lead capable of incapacitating or killing multiple targets. While not a weapon for sport or duels, it was an invaluable tool for an honest man facing overwhelming odds.
A Close Call and a Near Surrender: One particular incident highlighted the tension between the shotgun messenger and the stagecoach driver. While traveling to Benson, Wyatt Earp, acting as the messenger, and Bud Philpott encountered four men who appeared to be preparing to rob the stage. Philpott, understandably nervous, suggested surrendering the treasure. Earp, however, prepared to fight. As they approached the men, it became clear that they were not robbers but harmless Mexicans searching for stray horses. This comedic misunderstanding underscored the constant state of alert that messengers and drivers lived under. The Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service were filled with near misses and tense encounters.
Tragedy Strikes: The relative peace of the encounter with the Mexicans was shattered when Bob Paul took over as messenger. In 1881, the stagecoach he was riding on was ambushed outside of Tombstone. Robbers opened fire, killing Bud Philpott. Bob Paul returned fire, wounding one of the attackers. However, the horses bolted, dragging Philpott’s body beneath the wheels. The robbers, unable to pursue, resorted to firing at the fleeing coach, killing a passenger.
The Aftermath and the Pursuit: Paul rode to Tombstone to inform Wyatt Earp of the attack. Earp, despite his lucrative faro bank, assembled a posse that included his brothers, Doc Holliday, Bob Paul, and Bat Masterson. They tracked the robbers to their hideout, finding evidence of the ambush. The ensuing seventeen-day manhunt was a prelude to the infamous feud that would define Earp’s legacy.
Curly Bill’s Acquisition: The story of how Curly Bill Brocius acquired his Wells Fargo shotgun provides further insight into the lawlessness of the era. Another messenger, Charley Bartholomew, was robbed by Curly Bill and his gang. The outlaws ambushed the stagecoach, firing from a distance to disable the horses and intimidate the occupants. They made off with $10,000 in miners’ wages and Bartholomew’s shotgun.
Justice, Revenge, and the Cycle of Violence: Morgan Earp and Wyatt Earp tracked Stillwell and Spence to Bisbee, arresting them for the robbery. Stillwell was later killed. The Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service often ended in violence.
Lame Bradley: A Comedic Interlude: Amidst the grim tales of violence and robbery, there was also room for humor. Lame Bradley, a limping road agent with a distinctive brogue, became a notorious figure around Deadwood. Known for his polite yet firm demands and his willingness to shoot a hole in a messenger’s ear to ensure compliance, Lame Bradley provided a moment of levity in a dangerous profession.
The Tales of the Shotgun-Messenger Service are a glimpse into a bygone era, a time of both peril and opportunity. They tell the stories of courageous men who risked their lives to protect valuable cargo, facing down outlaws and enduring the loneliness of the road. The Shotgun-Messenger Service played a vital role in the developing West, connecting remote settlements and facilitating the flow of commerce. While their contributions may not always be recognized, their bravery and dedication remain an integral part of the history of the American West.