The blue ovals are wells or water troughs.
Game Setting
Re: Game Setting
Partial map of Austin, Texas
The blue ovals are wells or water troughs.
The blue ovals are wells or water troughs.
Last edited by jemmus on Tue Jul 11, 2023 9:52 pm, edited 2 times in total.
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Wowza, great pic!
Re: Game Setting
I got it from a Danish RPGing site. Somebody redid the PDF map in the rulebook in color, as an editable image file. That's really useful for addition notes. Thanks, anonymous RPGer friend!
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Putting these here for easy reference, an in case anyone is interested later.
June 7, 1873
As the riders turn to leave the Austin city marshal's office, they see notices posted on the wall near the door. They have hand-drawn images of the men in question, except for the Wells Fargo notices.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Fredericksburg highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINES COMPANY
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murdererson the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
June 8, 1873
The newspaper readers see these stories.
-A Wells Fargo stage from Burnet in neighboring Burnet County to the northwest did not arrive in Austin last evening as scheduled. The Wells Fargo Overland Stage Company has asked the Office of the State Police to send Texas Ranger troopers to investigate.
-Construction of the Waco and Northwestern Railroad's spur to Fredericksburg in neighboring Blanco County has again been delayed, at immeasurable cost. The railroad company says that the delays have been caused by injuries and deaths of rail laying and rail yard workers. An anonymous employee stated to the paper that a certain amount of accidents are expected due to long hours, fatigue, the great weights of equipment involved, and drunkenness. But in this case, the number of casualties seem exceptional-- and over an exceptional period of time. A Chinese worker has been detained for questioning.
-An outbreak of anthrax has been reported among the horses of the Tonkawa Indians in the San Marcos area of Hays County. The citizens of the county have demanded that the livestock be immediately exterminated to prevent the spread of infection. The Hays County sheriff Mr. John Behan is bedridden due to multiple shotgun wounds due to a controversial personal matter and the sheriff's deputy is absent while on a task of law enforcement. A member of the Hays County Cattlemen's Association has stated that the matter cannot wait, the Association itself will see to the extermination of the horses, should the Tonkawa Indians not do so immediately.
There are also advertisements for various kinds of employment: train guards, stagecoach guards, cattle herd guards, county deputies, city policemen, Texas Rangers, and U.S. deputy marshals. And of course, cowboys.
June 7, 1873
As the riders turn to leave the Austin city marshal's office, they see notices posted on the wall near the door. They have hand-drawn images of the men in question, except for the Wells Fargo notices.
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY
Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Fredericksburg highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINES COMPANY
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and/or Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murdererson the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
June 8, 1873
The newspaper readers see these stories.
-A Wells Fargo stage from Burnet in neighboring Burnet County to the northwest did not arrive in Austin last evening as scheduled. The Wells Fargo Overland Stage Company has asked the Office of the State Police to send Texas Ranger troopers to investigate.
-Construction of the Waco and Northwestern Railroad's spur to Fredericksburg in neighboring Blanco County has again been delayed, at immeasurable cost. The railroad company says that the delays have been caused by injuries and deaths of rail laying and rail yard workers. An anonymous employee stated to the paper that a certain amount of accidents are expected due to long hours, fatigue, the great weights of equipment involved, and drunkenness. But in this case, the number of casualties seem exceptional-- and over an exceptional period of time. A Chinese worker has been detained for questioning.
-An outbreak of anthrax has been reported among the horses of the Tonkawa Indians in the San Marcos area of Hays County. The citizens of the county have demanded that the livestock be immediately exterminated to prevent the spread of infection. The Hays County sheriff Mr. John Behan is bedridden due to multiple shotgun wounds due to a controversial personal matter and the sheriff's deputy is absent while on a task of law enforcement. A member of the Hays County Cattlemen's Association has stated that the matter cannot wait, the Association itself will see to the extermination of the horses, should the Tonkawa Indians not do so immediately.
There are also advertisements for various kinds of employment: train guards, stagecoach guards, cattle herd guards, county deputies, city policemen, Texas Rangers, and U.S. deputy marshals. And of course, cowboys.
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Texas Rangers Monthly Salaries
All amounts are for "pay, rations, clothing, and horse service." In other words, the amount is for personal wages and for covering one's own expenses.
Private - $37.50
2nd Lieutenant $60.00
1st Lieutenant - $75.00
Captain - $90
Major (in charge of all Rangers companies) - $150
All amounts are for "pay, rations, clothing, and horse service." In other words, the amount is for personal wages and for covering one's own expenses.
Private - $37.50
2nd Lieutenant $60.00
1st Lieutenant - $75.00
Captain - $90
Major (in charge of all Rangers companies) - $150
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Native American Tribes of Texas
Comanches – The nomadic masters of the buffalo range plains of Texas, a lot of the Indian Territory and the territory of New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Kansas.
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 68#p670868
Called by Gen. George Armstrong Custer “the most superb horsemen of North America,” they virtually live on horseback. They’re famous for being about to accurately shoot while hanging from the side or even under a galloping horse. They’re at war with the Anglo settlers coming from the east to set up farms and ranches on the range, and the U.S. Army ordered to subdue them and force them into life on a reservation. They are also at war with the Apaches, their hereditary enemies.
All of the Comanches’ enemies-- Apaches, other Indian tribes, Texans, Mexicans-- know that it is better to die than be captured by them alive. Should that happen, death comes very slowly, in a number of imaginative and unthinkable ways.
The Comanche are armed with knives, stone-headed war clubs, bows and their famous lances, which are their preferred weapon for harvesting buffalo. They also have firearms, mostly older models such as cap and ball revolvers, breech loading single shot rifles, Spencer lever-action rifles, and Civil War-era rifled muskets. Their current best-known war leader is Iron Shirt, who wears the breast plate of an old Spanish conquistador in battle.
Kiowa – Nomadic buffalo hunters based in the north Panhandle of Texas, between the Indian Territory and New Mexico.
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 53#p619553
See the inset map of the Panhandle
The Kiowas are known for being far ranging, even for Indians of the southern and northern plains. Tribes as far away as the lower northern plains and Mexico have clashed with them, and rarely come out the better for it. They are also known for their men cutting their hair from the level of the eyes straight back around the head, to keep long hair tangling with a bowstring drawn across the cheek.
The Kiowa are allies of the Comanche, and though they’re not as populous as a tribe, they’re no less fearsome in battle. Their level of horsemanship, though not as renowned as the Comanches’, is an a par with the excellent skill of any of the plains bison-hunting tribes. They’re armed similarly to the Comanche, though with less emphasis on the lance. Their current war leader is Satanta, a clever tactician and great poetic orator.
Lipan Apache – Originally nomadic buffalo hunters on the high plains, the Lipan Apache were driven off of it by the Comanche and Kiowa. They now inhabit semi-arid lands around the shallow Rio Grande River, Texas’s border with Mexico. They also resist the U.S. Army’s attempts to force them into reservations, and Texan and Mexican ranchers’ attempts to make their foraging lands into land to graze their cattle. The Apache are surrounded by enemies-- the Comanches and Kiowas to the north, the Texans to the east, and the Mexican army and Federales police force to the south and west. As such, the Lipan Apache live by their wits, and by their reputation as stealthy, and extremely unpredictable hit-and-run fighters. Every kind of enemy of the Apache report seeing them at two places at once-- People at La Mission Acuna say the Apaches raided the village on Friday afternoon, and Army officers report fighting the same group of fighters outside Fort Hudson at the same time. It’s no big surprise to the Indian tribes. The Apache are known to have very powerful shamans who walk freely in about The Other Side.
The Apache are reportedly equipped similarly to the Comanche and Kiowa, but with, by necessity, much less reliance on horses. The Apache can ambush on foot in rugged terrain, or rapidly strike from horseback strike in plains terrain. They don’t often use the plains Indian lance, but they’re good short range archers. Their firearms armament is unpredictable. It can range from old muzzle-loading rifles and pistols to cap and ball revolvers and revolving cylinder rifles to modern Winchester level-action rifles and carbines. There current most-famed war leader is Cochise, who is described as a big and gentle man loved by children and respected by shamans, but cunning in war. And absolutely without fear.
Tejas – The westernmost tribe of the Caddo confederation originally of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They live in the piney woods of eastern Texas, and are a peace with the Texans. They’re allies of the Comanches, and trade foodstuffs, arrow shafts, lodge poles (and some say firearms and whiskey) with them in exchange for rights to harvest buffalo meat, hides, and parts on Comanche ranges.
Tonkawa – The strange, tattooed, outlier tribe of Texas. The were allies with the Comanche against the Comanche. Then as the Comanche grew stronger, with the Apache against the Comanche. Like the more populous Lipan Apache, the Comanche and Kiowa drove them off of the buffalo range plains. They went to the east of San Marcos, Texas, and for years subsided on deer, rabbits, wild bird eggs, bullfrogs, roots, acorns, and the like. Eventually the Congress of Texas awarded them two square mile of land. During the War, they sided with the southern government, possibly just to get along with the majority of neighboring Texans. But when the northern side won, the tribes who had sided the other way punished them, hard. At present there are hardly more than 100 Tonkawa.
The term “Indian chief” is a misnomer and a misunderstanding by about everyone but the Indians. The tribes are not ruled by a chief, they’re advised by a group of elders who gather often and informally discuss things. The elders discuss the issues with their sons and daughters, gossip and discussion goes around the village, and there ends up being a kind of general opinion about which way to go. Sometimes bored or angry young men group up and go out for “walkabouts” or “wildings” on their own. The papers report it as “Iron Shirt Breaks Treaty, Declares War & Massacre Red River Settlers.” But “Chief” (war band leader) Iron Shirt may have been 10 of miles away and asleep in his lodge, and the whole Comanche nation may have known nothing about the young men’s big, possibly deadly, but always exciting adventure.
PCs
Comanches – The nomadic masters of the buffalo range plains of Texas, a lot of the Indian Territory and the territory of New Mexico, and parts of Colorado and Kansas.
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 68#p670868
Called by Gen. George Armstrong Custer “the most superb horsemen of North America,” they virtually live on horseback. They’re famous for being about to accurately shoot while hanging from the side or even under a galloping horse. They’re at war with the Anglo settlers coming from the east to set up farms and ranches on the range, and the U.S. Army ordered to subdue them and force them into life on a reservation. They are also at war with the Apaches, their hereditary enemies.
All of the Comanches’ enemies-- Apaches, other Indian tribes, Texans, Mexicans-- know that it is better to die than be captured by them alive. Should that happen, death comes very slowly, in a number of imaginative and unthinkable ways.
The Comanche are armed with knives, stone-headed war clubs, bows and their famous lances, which are their preferred weapon for harvesting buffalo. They also have firearms, mostly older models such as cap and ball revolvers, breech loading single shot rifles, Spencer lever-action rifles, and Civil War-era rifled muskets. Their current best-known war leader is Iron Shirt, who wears the breast plate of an old Spanish conquistador in battle.
Kiowa – Nomadic buffalo hunters based in the north Panhandle of Texas, between the Indian Territory and New Mexico.
https://www.unseenservant.us/forum/view ... 53#p619553
See the inset map of the Panhandle
The Kiowas are known for being far ranging, even for Indians of the southern and northern plains. Tribes as far away as the lower northern plains and Mexico have clashed with them, and rarely come out the better for it. They are also known for their men cutting their hair from the level of the eyes straight back around the head, to keep long hair tangling with a bowstring drawn across the cheek.
The Kiowa are allies of the Comanche, and though they’re not as populous as a tribe, they’re no less fearsome in battle. Their level of horsemanship, though not as renowned as the Comanches’, is an a par with the excellent skill of any of the plains bison-hunting tribes. They’re armed similarly to the Comanche, though with less emphasis on the lance. Their current war leader is Satanta, a clever tactician and great poetic orator.
Lipan Apache – Originally nomadic buffalo hunters on the high plains, the Lipan Apache were driven off of it by the Comanche and Kiowa. They now inhabit semi-arid lands around the shallow Rio Grande River, Texas’s border with Mexico. They also resist the U.S. Army’s attempts to force them into reservations, and Texan and Mexican ranchers’ attempts to make their foraging lands into land to graze their cattle. The Apache are surrounded by enemies-- the Comanches and Kiowas to the north, the Texans to the east, and the Mexican army and Federales police force to the south and west. As such, the Lipan Apache live by their wits, and by their reputation as stealthy, and extremely unpredictable hit-and-run fighters. Every kind of enemy of the Apache report seeing them at two places at once-- People at La Mission Acuna say the Apaches raided the village on Friday afternoon, and Army officers report fighting the same group of fighters outside Fort Hudson at the same time. It’s no big surprise to the Indian tribes. The Apache are known to have very powerful shamans who walk freely in about The Other Side.
The Apache are reportedly equipped similarly to the Comanche and Kiowa, but with, by necessity, much less reliance on horses. The Apache can ambush on foot in rugged terrain, or rapidly strike from horseback strike in plains terrain. They don’t often use the plains Indian lance, but they’re good short range archers. Their firearms armament is unpredictable. It can range from old muzzle-loading rifles and pistols to cap and ball revolvers and revolving cylinder rifles to modern Winchester level-action rifles and carbines. There current most-famed war leader is Cochise, who is described as a big and gentle man loved by children and respected by shamans, but cunning in war. And absolutely without fear.
Tejas – The westernmost tribe of the Caddo confederation originally of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They live in the piney woods of eastern Texas, and are a peace with the Texans. They’re allies of the Comanches, and trade foodstuffs, arrow shafts, lodge poles (and some say firearms and whiskey) with them in exchange for rights to harvest buffalo meat, hides, and parts on Comanche ranges.
Tonkawa – The strange, tattooed, outlier tribe of Texas. The were allies with the Comanche against the Comanche. Then as the Comanche grew stronger, with the Apache against the Comanche. Like the more populous Lipan Apache, the Comanche and Kiowa drove them off of the buffalo range plains. They went to the east of San Marcos, Texas, and for years subsided on deer, rabbits, wild bird eggs, bullfrogs, roots, acorns, and the like. Eventually the Congress of Texas awarded them two square mile of land. During the War, they sided with the southern government, possibly just to get along with the majority of neighboring Texans. But when the northern side won, the tribes who had sided the other way punished them, hard. At present there are hardly more than 100 Tonkawa.
The term “Indian chief” is a misnomer and a misunderstanding by about everyone but the Indians. The tribes are not ruled by a chief, they’re advised by a group of elders who gather often and informally discuss things. The elders discuss the issues with their sons and daughters, gossip and discussion goes around the village, and there ends up being a kind of general opinion about which way to go. Sometimes bored or angry young men group up and go out for “walkabouts” or “wildings” on their own. The papers report it as “Iron Shirt Breaks Treaty, Declares War & Massacre Red River Settlers.” But “Chief” (war band leader) Iron Shirt may have been 10 of miles away and asleep in his lodge, and the whole Comanche nation may have known nothing about the young men’s big, possibly deadly, but always exciting adventure.
PCs
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Current rewards, June 10, 1873 Austin Statesman
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY, Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
REWARD -$50 CASH- FOR ARREST AND CAPTURE OF JOHN WESLEY HARDIN
For the cold-blooded murder of Nasty Jim Talbot outside of the Traildust Saloon, Austin, Texas.
June 9, 1873.
Last seen headed north in Austin on a bay mare with white blaze and stockings.
Known to be from out west, El Paso area.
Caution - Already has a reputation as a dangerous killer. If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t get yourself killed or wounded. Just report to the nearest legitimate law enforcement officers and see if they can get you your reward. We don’t have the time.
Warning – A false report is a crime. A serious one.
A drawing of the criminal’s face is in the Marshal’s office.
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY, Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
REWARD -$50 CASH- FOR ARREST AND CAPTURE OF JOHN WESLEY HARDIN
For the cold-blooded murder of Nasty Jim Talbot outside of the Traildust Saloon, Austin, Texas.
June 9, 1873.
Last seen headed north in Austin on a bay mare with white blaze and stockings.
Known to be from out west, El Paso area.
Caution - Already has a reputation as a dangerous killer. If you don’t know what you’re doing, don’t get yourself killed or wounded. Just report to the nearest legitimate law enforcement officers and see if they can get you your reward. We don’t have the time.
Warning – A false report is a crime. A serious one.
A drawing of the criminal’s face is in the Marshal’s office.
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Here's the June 10 edition of the Austin Statesman, for anyone who read's it at the Drover/Drowver Hotel on June 11. The rewards information is the same as in the last post.
Austin Statesman
June 10, 1873
THE FIRE ERA.
Serious Conflagaration at Waco, TX - $100,000
Waco, June 9 – A large fire is raging in the Waco Avenue, along the Brazos River, in this city. It commenced at 9:00 o’clock, in Wm. O’Mailler’s & Co.’s warehouse and communicated to their barge Waco. The cargo and warehouse were destroyed. The fire is radiating from the origin building by building, and threatening to spread to the Waco Stockyards. The McClennan County Stockmen’s Association has announced that it is seeking to retain volunteer, or hired and paid, individuals to combat the fire. Mayor Shutes has telegraphed to Austin for help.
LATER – The fire is now contained. The barge Waco is now drifting down the river, burning, with a large cargo.
CRIME
Nasty Jim Talbot waylaid and shot outside the Trail Dust Saloon.
Austin, June 9 - Eyewitnesses report that an assassination occurred last night around 10:00 PM on the street outside of the Trial Dust Saloon. Henry Bell was playing faro at a table with four other men, including Nasty Jim Talbot and John Wesley Hardin. In one game, Hardin declined to bet, for reasons he did not disclose. Talbot said, “You have already got some of my money, so I’ll have another chance of getting some of yours.”
“What makes you think so?” Hardin replied.
Talbot said, “My fists, my boots, my knife, and my gun.”
“I’ll see all of them and you in h---,” Hardin said, and turned and left the saloon. A few seconds later Talbot followed, and Bell heard a blow of a club and a three pistol shots. He looked out the door, and saw Talbot dead in the street, and Hardin standing over him with a 2” by 4” wooden board in one hand and a smoking pistol in the other. The board had apparently been taken from the site of a nearby outhouse being demolished and rebuilt. Hardin glanced at the observers from the saloon, calmly mounted a horse, and swiftly rode away. The City of Austin Marshall’s Office is currently investigating.
TEXAS
Marksmanship contest in Austin tomorrow.
Austin, June 9 – The Winchester Firearms Co., the Samuel Colt Manufacturing Co., and multiple sponsoring companies will hold a shooting contest tomorrow. It’s to be held at the intersection of Front St. and Main St. at 5:30 PM in Austin. Around two to three dozen contestants from around the City and Travis County are expected to compete. The entrance fee of $4 per contestant (per event) as well as the embarrassment from being publically defeated by more expert shooters, is expected to discourage many able sharpshooters from entering the competition. However, the prizes for the winners are quite rewarding. For the 1st prize winner of the rifle competition, a hand-machined, silver-plated and brass-chased Winchester 1873 carbine. The Winchester Co. assures this newspaper that it is highly accurate, and faster and more accurate the than a manufactured rifle of comparable build. A value of $100, or more.
The Colt company is offering two prizes, also hand-crafted by master gunsmiths, for the pistol and fast draw pistol contests. One is a single-action revolver, the other a double-action fast draw model. Each come with oiled leather gunbelt, which reputedly eases the ease and speed of all actions.
Other prizes will be awarded, according to division of entry fees among participating participants. The public is invited.
THE INDIANS.
Tonkawa horse herd shot, burned.
_____________________
County ranchers suspected anthrax infection.
San Marcos, June 8 – Ranchers and members of the Hays County Cattlemen’s Association destroyed by gunfire the Tonkawa tribe’s entire herd of cattle, reportedly a total of six animals. Some of the Association’s members report that a Tonkawa horse was showing clearing clear symptoms of anthrax, and the horses were euthanised and burned to prevent the spread of the disease to livestock and the community. The Association members are donating horses and funds for replacement horses for the Tonkawa.
JUDICIAL
Austin, June 9 – A jury in Travis County court found defendant Henry Lynn Johns guilty of attempted rape. The incident in question occurred near ranches on the highway from Austin to San Marcos. Because of her tender years, the victim was allowed to testify by signed letter, rather than in person. Johns was sentenced to one year in state prison.
GREAT BRITAIN
London, June 6 – The Alexandra Palace, near this city, was reported as destroyed by fire. Seven lives are reported to have been lost.
London, June 7 – The Alexandra Palace is reported to have been totally destroyed by fire. Estimated value: $3,000,000. Insurance: $0,000,000.
MEXICO
St. Louis, June 8 – Dr. I.T. Lewis, who resided in the State of Coahuila, Mexico for two years and ranched there and gives accounts of affairs in that country. He confirms the capture of Gen. Lesado, the rebel chief, and states that it is believed he was immediately shot.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Fredericksburg highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINES COMPANY
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY, Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
REWARD -$50 CASH- FOR ARREST AND CAPTURE OF JOHN WESLEY HARDIN
For the cold-blooded murder of Nasty Jim Talbot outside of the Traildust Saloon, Austin, Texas.
June 9, 1873.
Austin Statesman
June 10, 1873
THE FIRE ERA.
Serious Conflagaration at Waco, TX - $100,000
Waco, June 9 – A large fire is raging in the Waco Avenue, along the Brazos River, in this city. It commenced at 9:00 o’clock, in Wm. O’Mailler’s & Co.’s warehouse and communicated to their barge Waco. The cargo and warehouse were destroyed. The fire is radiating from the origin building by building, and threatening to spread to the Waco Stockyards. The McClennan County Stockmen’s Association has announced that it is seeking to retain volunteer, or hired and paid, individuals to combat the fire. Mayor Shutes has telegraphed to Austin for help.
LATER – The fire is now contained. The barge Waco is now drifting down the river, burning, with a large cargo.
CRIME
Nasty Jim Talbot waylaid and shot outside the Trail Dust Saloon.
Austin, June 9 - Eyewitnesses report that an assassination occurred last night around 10:00 PM on the street outside of the Trial Dust Saloon. Henry Bell was playing faro at a table with four other men, including Nasty Jim Talbot and John Wesley Hardin. In one game, Hardin declined to bet, for reasons he did not disclose. Talbot said, “You have already got some of my money, so I’ll have another chance of getting some of yours.”
“What makes you think so?” Hardin replied.
Talbot said, “My fists, my boots, my knife, and my gun.”
“I’ll see all of them and you in h---,” Hardin said, and turned and left the saloon. A few seconds later Talbot followed, and Bell heard a blow of a club and a three pistol shots. He looked out the door, and saw Talbot dead in the street, and Hardin standing over him with a 2” by 4” wooden board in one hand and a smoking pistol in the other. The board had apparently been taken from the site of a nearby outhouse being demolished and rebuilt. Hardin glanced at the observers from the saloon, calmly mounted a horse, and swiftly rode away. The City of Austin Marshall’s Office is currently investigating.
TEXAS
Marksmanship contest in Austin tomorrow.
Austin, June 9 – The Winchester Firearms Co., the Samuel Colt Manufacturing Co., and multiple sponsoring companies will hold a shooting contest tomorrow. It’s to be held at the intersection of Front St. and Main St. at 5:30 PM in Austin. Around two to three dozen contestants from around the City and Travis County are expected to compete. The entrance fee of $4 per contestant (per event) as well as the embarrassment from being publically defeated by more expert shooters, is expected to discourage many able sharpshooters from entering the competition. However, the prizes for the winners are quite rewarding. For the 1st prize winner of the rifle competition, a hand-machined, silver-plated and brass-chased Winchester 1873 carbine. The Winchester Co. assures this newspaper that it is highly accurate, and faster and more accurate the than a manufactured rifle of comparable build. A value of $100, or more.
The Colt company is offering two prizes, also hand-crafted by master gunsmiths, for the pistol and fast draw pistol contests. One is a single-action revolver, the other a double-action fast draw model. Each come with oiled leather gunbelt, which reputedly eases the ease and speed of all actions.
Other prizes will be awarded, according to division of entry fees among participating participants. The public is invited.
THE INDIANS.
Tonkawa horse herd shot, burned.
_____________________
County ranchers suspected anthrax infection.
San Marcos, June 8 – Ranchers and members of the Hays County Cattlemen’s Association destroyed by gunfire the Tonkawa tribe’s entire herd of cattle, reportedly a total of six animals. Some of the Association’s members report that a Tonkawa horse was showing clearing clear symptoms of anthrax, and the horses were euthanised and burned to prevent the spread of the disease to livestock and the community. The Association members are donating horses and funds for replacement horses for the Tonkawa.
JUDICIAL
Austin, June 9 – A jury in Travis County court found defendant Henry Lynn Johns guilty of attempted rape. The incident in question occurred near ranches on the highway from Austin to San Marcos. Because of her tender years, the victim was allowed to testify by signed letter, rather than in person. Johns was sentenced to one year in state prison.
GREAT BRITAIN
London, June 6 – The Alexandra Palace, near this city, was reported as destroyed by fire. Seven lives are reported to have been lost.
London, June 7 – The Alexandra Palace is reported to have been totally destroyed by fire. Estimated value: $3,000,000. Insurance: $0,000,000.
MEXICO
St. Louis, June 8 – Dr. I.T. Lewis, who resided in the State of Coahuila, Mexico for two years and ranched there and gives accounts of affairs in that country. He confirms the capture of Gen. Lesado, the rebel chief, and states that it is believed he was immediately shot.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Fredericksburg highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINES COMPANY
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
REWARD OFFERED
$250 in Silver Dollars and Bank Notes
For information leading to the arrest and conviction of Stagecoach Robbers and Murderers on the Austin - Burnet highway.
WELLS FARGO OVERLAND COACH LINE
Commerce Street
Austin, Texas
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE - $300 REWARD
Train Robber SAM BASS
Last seen on March 19, 1873 in Round Rock, Williamson County
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY, Congress Street, Austin, Texas
$350 REWARD
is offered by the Bexar County Cattlemen's Associate, San Antonio, Texas,
for the capture or elimination of notorious horse and cattle rustler King Fisher.
Known to operate with a gang throughout South Texas and beyond the Mexican Border.
$250 REWARD
For the the body, alive or dead, James Brown Miller. Also known as Killer Miller and Deacon Jim.
WANTED FOR MURDER of his Grandparents, Brother-in-Law, and Former Deputy U.S. Marshal Gus Bobbit, et cetera.
Known to habitually attend Methodist Church Services. Formerly served as Marshal of the City of Waco in McLennan County, Texas. Rumored to wear an Iron Plate under his jacket. Last seen in May 1873 in Belton, Bell County, Texas.
Report claim of reward to the Texas State Police Office in Austin City, Texas
REWARD -$50 CASH- FOR ARREST AND CAPTURE OF JOHN WESLEY HARDIN
For the cold-blooded murder of Nasty Jim Talbot outside of the Traildust Saloon, Austin, Texas.
June 9, 1873.
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Added a specialty item holster.
Prices
Stabling a horse - Generally 30 cents per night.
Telegrams - 55 cents and up, depending on the length of the message and the distance. Example: This message from Temple, TX to Houston: GRAIN PRICES IN TEMPLE 60% OF AVERAGE CATTLE 140% AVERAGE NEED INSTRUCTIONS A fairly short message, going around 220 miles, and needing eight station-to-station relays. $2.50.
Blanket -75 cents
Custom made oiled holster or longarm sheath - $10. It provides +1 to a Fast Draw d20 roll (p.35). But it's made for one particular type of weapon (lever-action rifle, lever-action carbine, single-action revolver, double-action revolver, etc.) and can't be used with any other type. Having the holster made takes a few days, during which the PC needs to leave the firearm with the leather worker for custom fitting. If not, there's a 20% chance that the +1 bonus won't apply.
Prices
Stabling a horse - Generally 30 cents per night.
Telegrams - 55 cents and up, depending on the length of the message and the distance. Example: This message from Temple, TX to Houston: GRAIN PRICES IN TEMPLE 60% OF AVERAGE CATTLE 140% AVERAGE NEED INSTRUCTIONS A fairly short message, going around 220 miles, and needing eight station-to-station relays. $2.50.
Blanket -75 cents
Custom made oiled holster or longarm sheath - $10. It provides +1 to a Fast Draw d20 roll (p.35). But it's made for one particular type of weapon (lever-action rifle, lever-action carbine, single-action revolver, double-action revolver, etc.) and can't be used with any other type. Having the holster made takes a few days, during which the PC needs to leave the firearm with the leather worker for custom fitting. If not, there's a 20% chance that the +1 bonus won't apply.
PCs
Re: Game Setting
Frontier Hospitality
As we saw with the saddle bum accused rapist incident, frontier homes were generally very welcoming of travelers. It was a common practice for travelers to stop at a frontier farm or ranch house at the end of the day and expect free room and board. The more isolated the home and the more lonely and monotonous the family’s daily life was, the hospitable it was. One of my favorite Time-Life Old West series books says that one lonely farm house had a sign on the door saying, “We’re not home, but come on in. There’s cornbread and buttermilk in the pantry and beef stew on the stove.” “Saddle bums” made a living off of riding from house to house for free food and lodging.
Some guests would stay several days before moving on. And at times families would end up hosting guests who were strangers to each other at the same time. That didn’t always work out so well. It seems that men in the Old West were prone to getting into brawls, out of plain orneriness or just to see who was the “better man.” Kind of like in the old Western movies that always had a mandatory fistfight scene.
As we saw with the saddle bum accused rapist incident, frontier homes were generally very welcoming of travelers. It was a common practice for travelers to stop at a frontier farm or ranch house at the end of the day and expect free room and board. The more isolated the home and the more lonely and monotonous the family’s daily life was, the hospitable it was. One of my favorite Time-Life Old West series books says that one lonely farm house had a sign on the door saying, “We’re not home, but come on in. There’s cornbread and buttermilk in the pantry and beef stew on the stove.” “Saddle bums” made a living off of riding from house to house for free food and lodging.
Some guests would stay several days before moving on. And at times families would end up hosting guests who were strangers to each other at the same time. That didn’t always work out so well. It seems that men in the Old West were prone to getting into brawls, out of plain orneriness or just to see who was the “better man.” Kind of like in the old Western movies that always had a mandatory fistfight scene.
PCs