In 1868, Wild Bill was engaged to guide a party of thirty
pleasure-seekers, headed by Hon. Henry Wilson, deceased
ex-Vice-President, through some of the Western territories. Mrs.
Wilson, wife of the Vice-President, was among the party, and being of
a most vivacious and entertaining disposition, added greatly to the
enjoyment of the trip. Wild Bill’s introduction to her resulted in a
pleasing episode at the conclusion of the trip. She requested Bill to
carefully scrutinize the party, and then give her his impartial opinion
of Yankees. Bill replied that it was not customary for him to form rash
conclusions, but if it were her wish he would deliver his opinion upon
their return.
The thirty days roaming through the canyons and over the mountains
furnished a most enjoyable diversion to the entire party. There was
scarcely a day passed but that Bill gave them samples of his unerring
aim, killing enough game with his pistol to provision the company. The
ladies, who composed nearly one-half the party, never tired of praising
him, listening to his stories of border life, and wondering at his
marvelous escapes. Bill naturally felt elated, and could not refrain
from evincing his very deep interest in the pretty girls from the
states. The gentlemen exhibited equal interest in the exploits of Bill,
and gave him full credit for his performances. There was one thing
about the party which Bill could not comprehend, viz.: the tight-legged
pants which they wore--which at that time were the prevailing fashion
in the East--and gave to the wearer the appearance of skeleton legs,
wrapped with checked bandages, or a grasshopper dressed in an overcoat.
Upon the return of the party, Mrs. Wilson, in bidding Bill good-bye,
asked for a fulfillment of his promise. He rather reluctantly
responded, “Well, madam, I always like to keep my promise, but in this
instance I should like to be excused.” But no excuse would answer; his
disinclination only excited a more anxious interest in Mrs. Wilson to
obtain his opinion.
Being pressingly importuned, Bill at length gave his opinion as
follows: “If you Yankee women have as small legs as the sample of
Yankee men we have here, then I have a d--d poor opinion of the tribe.”
The frankness with which Bill spoke, no less than his remarks, threw
the entire party into disorder. The young ladies hid their faces, and
the men generally exhibited their umbrage, but Mr. and Mrs. Wilson
were fairly convulsed with laughter. The sting was taken out of Bill’s
opinion by Mrs. Wilson exclaiming, “Well, Mr. Hickok, that is just my
sentiment.”