Gen. Curtis continued pushing southward, and it again became necessary
for Bill to enter the enemy’s lines. There were three things
particularly in Bill’s favor as a scout and spy. First of all, he was
daring beyond example; second, he was an unerring shot, and third, he
could change his appearance so radically as to defy detection; add to
this a native cunning and adaptability, and his success and escapes are
not so remarkable.
[Illustration: Bill’s Escape from the Confederates.]
The second time he was sent into the lines he was accompanied by
Nat. Tuckett, one of the dearest friends Bill ever had. They took a
circuitous route like the one adopted by Bill in reaching Price’s
army, and attached themselves to Kirby Smith at Austin, Texas, and
soon afterwards moved north with Smith’s army into Arkansas. Curtis’
forces were not very strong, and while deploying down the Arkansas
river they began to feel the strength of the Confederates. At length
the main body of both armies came in view and stretched their lines of
battle opposite each other about one thousand yards apart. A battery
of ten-pounders was stationed on a small knoll to the left, which was
kept playing on the Confederates, but evidently with little effect,
for they did not change positions and appeared willing that the Union
forces should expend their fire, for they did not return it except
occasionally, apparently to let the Union forces know they were waiting
for the attack. This condition of affairs continued for more than an
hour, when suddenly two horsemen were seen to leave the ranks of the
Confederates and ride furiously towards the Union lines. They had not
gone a hundred yards before a detachment of cavalry started in pursuit
and a rapid fire was commenced at the two riders. A company of Union
men was deployed to intercept the pursuers, as it was evident that the
two were trying to effect their escape. On they came, the pursued and
pursuers, until the two reached a ditch about twenty feet wide and ten
feet deep. All but two of the pursuers had been distanced, and when the
pursued came to the ditch one of them cleared it with a bound, but the
other fell dead under his horse from a pistol shot fired by the two
advanced pursuers. The Union forces could then plainly see that the
two trying to escape were Wild Bill and Nat. Tuckett. When his partner
fell, Bill turned in his saddle and fired two quick shots, and both the
advanced pursuers fell dead and their horses galloped riderless into
the Union lines.
This ride has been pronounced by those familiar with the
facts--hundreds of whom are yet living--as one of the most daring
feats ever accomplished, and Bill’s escape from death one of the most
remarkable of his many strokes of good fortune. The only motive he
had for adopting so rash a measure was his dare-devil nature, which
possibly became intensified by one or more drinks.
In accomplishing this perilous feat, Bill rode a black mare, to which
he gave the name of Black Nell, and which he took great pains to train,
with what success will be mentioned hereafter.