Description: The Vigilantes of Montana -A Correct History of the Chase, Capture, Trial and Execution of Henry Plummer's Notorious Road Agent Band, Together with Accounts of the Lives and Crimes of Many of the Robbers and Desperadoes, the Whole Being Interspersed with Sketches of Life in the Mining Camps of the "Far West" By Prof. Thos. J. Dimsdale Virginia City, MT: D. W. Tilton, Publisher, 1882 (2nd edition) A rare and highly sought after Montana publication on the lawlessness of the Rocky Mountain mining camps. The author, editor of the Virginia City Montana Press, wrote this work to record the history of Montana vigilantes and to defend their efforts as not only necessary but proper. Vigilantism was a reaction to the lawlessness of the Montana mining camps. XRARE: 1882 The Vigilantes of Montana T. Dimsdale Road Agents Henry Plummer Click images to enlarge Description The Vigilantes of Montana A Correct History of the Chase, Capture, Trial and Execution of Henry Plummer's Notorious Road Agent Band, Together with Accounts of the Lives and Crimes of Many of the Robbers and Desperadoes, the Whole Being Interspersed with Sketches of Life in the Mining Camps of the "Far West" By Prof. Thos. J. Dimsdale Virginia City, MT: D. W. Tilton, Publisher, 1882 (2nd edition) A rare and highly sought after Montana publication on the lawlessness of the Rocky Mountain mining camps. The author, editor of the Virginia City Montana Press, wrote this work to record the history of Montana vigilantes and to defend their efforts as not only necessary but proper. Vigilantism was a reaction to the lawlessness of the Montana mining camps, and the author participated in the campaign to impose order. Included is a description of the crimes, including murder and robbery, of Henry Plummer's Road Agent Band which terrorized the area and motivated the rise of vigilante justice. Also includes biographical sketches of Henry Plummer, Boone Helm, George Ives, Aleck Carter, Bill Bunton, Cyrus Skinner, Bill Hunter, Stephen Marshland and James Daniels. "Perhaps no book excells Dimsdale's in presenting the picture of the lawless conditions that characterized the mining camps of the Rocky Mountain country. This is the second edition of "not only the first, but textually the most important, book ever printed in Montana" (Howes). Adams Six-Guns p. 596. From Wikipedia: " The history of vigilante justice and the Montana Vigilantes began in 1863 in what was at the time a remote part of eastern Idaho Territory. Vigilante activities continued, although somewhat sporadically, through the Montana Territorial period until the territory became the state of Montana in 1889. Vigilantism arose because territorial law enforcement and the courts had very little power in the remote mining camps during the territorial period. In 1863–1864, Montana Vigilantes followed the model of the San Francisco Committee of Vigilance that existed in 1850s California to bring order to lawless communities in and around the gold fields of Alder Gulch and Grasshopper Creek. There are estimates that over 100 persons were killed in "road agent" robberies in the fall of 1863. The Vigilance Committee of Alder Gulch organized in December 1863, and in the first six weeks of 1864 at least 20 road agents of the infamous Plummer gang, known as the "Innocents", were captured and hanged by the organization. Formal territorial law reached Alder Gulch in late 1864 with the arrival of Territorial Judge Hezekiah L. Hosmer and vigilante activity ceased in the region. As the gold fields of Alder Gulch and Grasshopper Creek declined in 1865, prospectors and fortune seekers migrated to newly discovered areas in and around Last Chance Gulch (now Helena, Montana). As lawlessness increased, vigilante justice continued there with the formation of the Committee of Safety in 1865. During the period 1865–1870, at least 14 alleged criminals were executed by Helena's vigilantes. In 1884, ranchers in Central and Eastern Montana resorted to vigilante justice to deal with cattle rustlers and horse thieves. The best-known vigilante group in that area were "Stuart's Stranglers", organized by Granville Stuart in the Musselshell region. As formal law enforcement became more prevalent in the region, vigilantism fell into decline. Vigilantism in pre-territorial and territorial Montana has been written about, romanticized and chronicled in personal memoirs, biographies, documentary and scholarly works, film and fiction for well over a century. The very first book ever published in Montana was Thomas J. Dimsdale's 1866 first edition of The Vigilantes of Montana, which was compiled from a series of newspaper articles he wrote for the Montana Post in 1865. Historical analysis of the period ranges from disrepute to heroism, with debates over whether the lack of any functioning justice system and the understanding of due process at the time meant the vigilantes acted in a way they thought was best for their communities or if modern standards of due process should govern analysis of their actions. Original publisher's soft wraps (with condition items as noted). 241 pages. Extremely rare piece of Western history! Guarantee: We make every effort to describe our items as comprehensively and accurately as possible. It is up to you to ask questions prior to bidding - we will cheerfully answer all questions as quickly and completely as possible. Objects are sold in "as is" condition and we provide numerous pictures for your information. We offer refunds/returns if the item has been misrepresented or misdescribed and we will work with you in good faith to ensure your absolute satisfaction! The Fine Print. Please read! I normally ship at three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. At end of auction, contact is expected within three days and payment is due within 5 days of auction close (10 for overseas bidders). Non-paying bidder notice after that time and item re-listed. Where possible, Delivery Confirmation (package tracking) is used and incorporated into the mailing price. Tracking is not available on international orders. Florida residents must pay 6% sales tax. I am not responsible for any accidents, injuries or other damages that arise out of the use or misuse of any item purchased. By bidding, each bidder agrees to release and hold the seller harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with the auction or resulting from acceptance, possession, or use of any item including, without limitation, personal injury, death, property damage and claims based on publicity rights, defamation or invasion of privacy. By bidding, each bidder agrees to all terms and conditions stated here. Get Images that Make Supersized Seem Small.Showcase your items with Auctiva's Listing Templates! THE simple solution for eBay sellers. Track Page Views WithAuctiva's FREE Counter
Price: 995 USD
Location: Boca Raton, Florida
End Time: 2024-05-07T00:18:12.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Softcover, Wraps
Subject: History
Topic: Montana Vigilantes
Year Printed: 1882
Origin: American
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States