The Hatfields and the McCoys

Originally published in the November 1888 issue of "Current Literature" magazine, THE HATFIELDS AND THE McCOYS: THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A MOUNTAIN FEUD chronicles the true events of the notorious Hatfield and McCoy feud of the late 1800s. Sample passage: When the gang reached the Kentucky side they stopped, and by dashing water into Farmer's face, revived him that he might suffer the more. Then they forced the prisoners along the grassy bank under the trees, until a slight depression was reached. Here were a number of pawpaw trees. The prisoners were there thrown to the ground, and then raised on their knees, and each one tied in that position to a pawpaw bush. Talbot, who had asked to be shot in the face, was tied with his back to his executioners; but Farmer, who was already nearly dead with fear, was tied facing them. The lad was tied facing his brothers, and then the gang formed in line, and Bad Anse shouted to Wall, who was on the other side of the river, for the word. As it came they all fired, and the two older brothers, Talbot and Farmer, fell dead. The crying of the lad had ceased through horror and fear. After a few shots had been fired into the dead bodies by Cap and Jonce Hatfield, Ellison Mounts, and Tom Mitchell, to gratify their innate thirst for the safe shedding of blood, the gang started down the river. But fear overcame one of their number, Alex Messer, and he said: "Dead men tell no tales." He referred to the lad who had recognized them all.