Bill served the time for which he was chosen as marshal of Abilene, and
in the spring of 1872 removed to Kansas City. It was at this place the
writer--then connected with the daily _Journal_--met him and formed an
intimate acquaintance, which afforded abundant opportunity to learn
his real character as a man. Bill was frequently importuned for the
particulars of his marvelous adventures, and permission to write his
life, but he always positively refused. The last time this request was
made, he returned the following reply: “Well, Buel, I expect my life
has been a little interesting, and it might please some people to read
about my adventures, but I don’t want a word written about me until
after I’m dead. I never fought any man for notoriety, and am sorry that
I’ve got the name I have. Since Ned Buntline made a hero out of such
material as Bill Cody (Buffalo Bill,) I’ve thought it time to drop out
of sight. I took Cody when he was left alone in the world, a young lad,
and partially raised him. Well, I don’t want to say anything against
the boy, but his pluck wouldn’t go at par. I’ve kept a little diary of
all my exploits, and when I’m dead I’ll be glad if it falls into your
hands, and from it you may be able to write something interesting. When
I die it will be just as you now see me, and sickness will not be the
cause. For more than ten years I’ve been constantly expecting to be
killed, and it is certain to come before a great while longer.”
During this conversation Bill appeared to be unusually sad, and when he
referred to his death it was with a seriousness which indicated that he
had been notified of his tragic end by some terrible presentiment.
He was an expert poker-player, and followed no other calling while
in Kansas City. The place was fairly filled with gamblers, and up
to 1875 the voice of the keno caller could be heard in nearly every
other building on Main street, between Missouri avenue and Fourth
street. The Marble block, and houses on the west side of the square,
were particularly the haunts of gamblers. Murders and rows were not
infrequent, but Bill kept out of all difficulties. He was both feared
and respected. His carriage was that of a peaceable gentleman, and
during the three years he made Kansas City his home, he was a party
to but one row, and that was of minor consequence. This difficulty
occurred in the St. Nicholas Hotel bar-room, owned by Joe Siegmund,
now the proprietor of a hotel in Malvern, Arkansas. A foppish fellow,
half-drunk, being told that the party drinking at the bar was Wild
Bill, went up to him, and, in a most provoking manner, asked Bill if he
was the desperado who had been killing men indiscriminately out West.
The impertinent inquiry called forth from Bill an equally insulting
reply. The fellow, evidently bent on a row, then began to talk of
shooting, and his ability “to lick any border ruffian that ever lived.”
Bill walked up to him slowly, and as the senseless fop was attempting
to draw a pistol, he caught him by one ear and slapped his face until
the fellow howled for mercy.