After leaving the Buntline troupe, Wild Bill came to St. Louis for the
purpose of organizing an expedition to the Black Hills. The gold fever
was at its height, and St. Louis, like all other Western cities, was
very much excited over the auriferous discoveries. Bill remained in St.
Louis about three weeks, at the end of which time he had succeeded in
organizing a party of nearly one hundred men, which was increased to
one hundred and fifty by additions received at Kansas City. The party
arrived at the Black Hills in the latter part of June, Bill going to
Deadwood, and the others distributing themselves among the hills, where
they established ranches and began their quest for gold.
Deadwood was a gay place when Bill entered its limits, and the life
led by its mixed citizens was exactly suited to his disposition.
Every other house was a saloon, and if ever there was a gambler’s
paradise, it was there. The female portion of Deadwood’s population was
limited, but the few who were there were so active and boisterous as to
compensate for ten times the same number of ordinary women. Bill was
in his element, although he had no disposition to take a part in the
wild orgies of the drunken, maudlin crowd which infested every nook and
corner of the place. He liked the freedom the society permitted, but
indulged himself only in gambling and an occasional drink.
Bill made many friends in Deadwood, and it was not known that he
had any enemies in the Black Hills, but while he was surrounded by
friends, he should never have forgotten the fact that his enemies were
almost like the leaves of the forest. They were always plotting his
destruction and laying snares along his path. The end came at last,
just as Bill had himself often predicted.