The Real Billy
Billy the Kid. The name conjures images of a ruthless outlaw, a gunslinging bandit who terrorized the Wild West. He’s been immortalized in countless films, portrayed by Hollywood icons like Emilio Estevez, Val Kilmer, Kris Kristofferson, and even Paul Newman. Over fifty movies have chronicled his life, and hundreds of books, songs, and even a ballet have been created in his honor. But behind the legend, who was the real Billy the Kid? What was he like, according to those who knew him, those who rode alongside him? If you were to meet him today, what would you make of him?
Delving beyond the myths and sensationalized stories, a different picture emerges—one painted by the firsthand accounts of those who interacted with him. This is the story of William Henry McCarty Jr., better known as Billy the Kid, as seen through the eyes of his contemporaries.
A Sunny Disposition Amidst the Gloom
One of the most striking aspects of Billy the Kid, as described by those who encountered him, was his remarkably cheerful demeanor. Even in the face of imminent danger, he maintained a lighthearted attitude. One witness recounted that even when captured for the final time, with guns pointed directly at him, Billy remained "cheerful and chattering, excitement lighting up his face."
This wasn’t an isolated incident. During a newspaper interview, the reporter observed that Billy didn’t seem particularly worried about his impending execution. Billy simply replied, "No sense in looking on the gloomy side of everything."
On another occasion, as a crowd gathered around the stagecoach transporting him to jail, eager to catch a glimpse of the infamous Kid, Billy placed his hands on the judge who had convicted him and declared, "This is your man, right here."
Frank Coe, a fellow rider, noted that Billy "found a touch of humor in everything." This consistent portrayal of Billy as a jovial and optimistic individual challenges the stereotypical image of a hardened criminal.
Energy, Grace, and Ambidexterity
Beyond his sunny disposition, Billy the Kid was described as having boundless energy. Multiple accounts refer to his "dancing eyes," suggesting a lively and animated presence. He was constantly fidgeting with his guns, a testament to his skill and comfort with firearms. He could twirl a pistol in each hand simultaneously, spinning them in opposite directions—a feat undoubtedly facilitated by his ambidexterity.
Lily Klasner, who knew Billy, remarked, "The Kid was as active and graceful as a cat. At Seven Rivers, he practiced continually with pistol or rifle, often riding at a run and dodging behind the side of his mount to fire, as the Apaches did." This description paints a picture of a highly skilled and agile individual, constantly honing his abilities.
Reading about his high energy levels and constant movement, one can’t help but wonder if modern doctors would diagnose him with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This speculation, while not definitive, offers a modern lens through which to understand his behavior.
A Gentleman in the Wild West
In stark contrast to his outlaw reputation, Billy the Kid was also known for his gentlemanly conduct. George Coe recalled, "He was the center of attention everywhere he went, and though heavily armed, he seemed as gentlemanly as a college-bred youth. He quickly became acquainted with everyone and because of his humorous and pleasing personality grew to be a community favorite."
Miguel Otero, who met Billy after his final capture, expressed his fondness for the young man: "Nothing would have pleased me more than to have witnessed his escape. He had his share of good qualities and was very pleasant. He had a reputation for being considerate of the old, the young, and the poor; he was loyal to his friends and above all, loved his mother devotedly."
Frank Coe further emphasized Billy’s kindness, stating that he was "always in a good humor and ready to do a kind act for someone." These accounts highlight a compassionate and considerate side of Billy the Kid, challenging the one-dimensional portrayal of him as a cold-blooded killer.
A Charmer with the Ladies
Given his charm and affable nature, it’s no surprise that Billy the Kid was popular with women. He was known to have a string of queridas (sweethearts) in every village he visited in New Mexico. He was a skilled dancer and regularly attended social gatherings. Despite his love for parties, Billy abstained from alcohol. While his friends indulged in drinking, Billy would often spend his time at the McSween house, singing tunes while the local pastor’s wife played the piano.
His friend Frank Coe observed, "In fact, Billy was so popular that there wasn’t enough of him to go around. He had a beautiful voice and sang like a bird." Billy’s popularity with women further humanizes him, revealing a social and romantic side to his personality.
Intelligence and a Love for Learning
Beyond his social skills and charisma, Billy the Kid was also an intelligent and literate individual. His correspondence with the governor of New Mexico reveals an impressive grasp of language and articulate penmanship, especially considering he was a teenager at the time. Moreover, he was fluent in Spanish, allowing him to communicate effectively with the Hispanic population in the region. He often served as a translator for his friends who were married to Hispanic women.
Billy also possessed a voracious appetite for reading. According to Frank Coe, "Billy got to be quite a reader. He would scarcely have dishes washed until he would be sprawled out somewhere reading a book." He enjoyed dime novels and was particularly fond of Jules Verne, the pioneering science fiction author.
Pat Garrett, the lawman who ultimately killed Billy, noted, "Billy always had his eyes to the future. It’s why he was so good as escaping. He kept one step ahead of you all the time." This suggests that Billy possessed a forward-thinking mindset and strategic intelligence, qualities that contributed to his ability to evade capture for so long.
The Enduring Legacy of Billy the Kid
Billy the Kid remains a captivating figure in American history. His life, though short and turbulent, has left an indelible mark on popular culture. While the legends surrounding him often overshadow the reality, the accounts of those who knew him reveal a more complex and nuanced individual.
He was a cheerful and energetic young man, known for his gentlemanly conduct, his popularity with women, and his love for reading. He was also a skilled gunslinger and a charismatic outlaw, forced into a life of crime by circumstances and the turbulent times in which he lived.
One can only imagine what Billy the Kid would make of his enduring fame. Perhaps his "dancing eyes" would light up with amusement, and he would throw back his head and laugh. But knowing his elusive nature, he would likely slip away before we had the chance to truly understand him.
Billy the Kid’s story serves as a reminder that history is rarely black and white. By examining the firsthand accounts and challenging the prevailing myths, we can gain a more accurate and complete understanding of the individuals who shaped the American West.