PREFACE

The object of the writer in presenting this narrative to the public is 
twofold. His intention is, in the first place, to furnish a correct 
history of an organization administering justice without the sanction of 
constitutional law; and secondly, to prove not only the necessity for 
their action, but the equity of their proceedings.

Having an intimate acquaintance with parties cognizant of the facts 
related, and feeling certain of the literal truth of the statements 
contained in this history, he offers it to the people of the United 
States, with the belief that its perusal will greatly modify the views of 
those even who are most prejudiced against the summary retribution of 
mountain law, and with the conviction that all honest and impartial men 
will be willing to admit both the wisdom of the course pursued and the 
salutary effect of the rule of the Vigilantes in the Territory of Montana.

It is also hoped that the history of the celebrated body, the very mention 
of whose name sounded as a death-knell in the ears of the murderers and 
Road Agents, will be edifying and instructive to the general reader. The 
incidents related are neither trivial in themselves, nor unimportant in 
their results; and, while rivalling fiction in interest, are unvarnished 
accounts of transactions, whose fidelity can be vouched by thousands.

As a literary production, the author commits it to the examination of the 
critical without a sigh. If any of these authorslayers are inclined to be 
more severe in their judgment than he is himself, he trusts they will 
receive the reward to which their justice entitles them; and if they 
should pass it by he cannot but think that they will exercise a sound 
discretion, and avoid much useless labor. With all its imperfections, here 
it is.

THOS. J. DIMSDALE.



CHAPTER I - Vigilance Committees

CHAPTER II - The Sunny Side of Mountain Life

CHAPTER III - Settlement of Montana

CHAPTER IV - The Road Agents

CHAPTER V - The Dark Days of Montana

CHAPTER VI - The Trial

CHAPTER VII - Plummer Versus Crawford

CHAPTER VIII - A Calendar of Crimes

CHAPTER IX - Perils of the Road

CHAPTER X - The Repulse

CHAPTER XI - The Robbery of Peabody & Caldwell's Coach

CHAPTER XII - The Settlement of Virginia City and the Murder of Dillingham

CHAPTER XIII - The Robbery of the Salt Lake Mail Coach

CHAPTER XIV - The Opening of the Ball - George Ives

CHAPTER XV - The Formation of the Vigilance Committee

CHAPTER XVI - The Deer Lodge Scout

CHAPTER XVII - Dutch John

CHAPTER XVIII - Execution of Plummer Ray and Stinson

CHAPTER XIX - Execution of "the Greaser" (Joe Pizanthia) and Dutch
              John (Wagner)

CHAPTER XX - The Capture and Execution of Boone Helm, Jack Gallagher Frank
             Parish, Haze Lyons, and Club-foot George (Lane)

CHAPTER XXI - The Deer Lodge and Hell Gate Scout

CHAPTER XXII - Capture and Execution of Bill Hunter

CHAPTER XXIII - Capt. J. A. Slade

CHAPTER XXIV - Execution of Brady

CHAPTER XXV - The Snake River Scout

CHAPTER XXVI - Execution of John Dolan

CHAPTER XXVII - Execution of R. C. Rawley

CHAPTER XXVIII - Execution of John Keene

CHAPTER XXIX - Capture of Jake Silvie

CHAPTER XXX - Henry Plummer

CHAPTER XXXI - Boone Helm - George Ives - Bill Bunton - Aleck Carter -
               Cyrus Skinner - Bill Hunter - Stephen Marshland - James
               Daniels

CHAPTER XXXII - Conclusion