Tombstone · Chapter
XVIII: The Honeymoon Cattle Drive explained
This chapter chronicles the life and exploits of John Slaughter, from his Southern roots and early cattle ranching in Texas to his rise as a cattle king and eventual sheriff of Cochise County.
What happens
This chapter chronicles the life and exploits of John Slaughter, from his Southern roots and early cattle ranching in Texas to his rise as a cattle king and eventual sheriff of Cochise County. It highlights his fearless confrontations with outlaws like Bill Gallagher, Ed Lyle, Cap Stilwell, and Ike Clanton, as well as his uncanny ability to sense danger, often attributed to a guardian angel or his horse's intuition. Slaughter's unwavering courage and skill with a six-shooter cemented law and order in the lawless Tombstone region.
Themes in this chapter
Law and Lawlessness
Slaughter's tenure as sheriff marks the dividing line between lawlessness and law in Tombstone, as he uses his pearl-handled six-shooter to enforce order.
Character and Reputation
Slaughter's reputation as a fearless and skilled gunman forces outlaws like Bill Gallagher and Ed Lyle to back down or flee the country.
Violence and Death
The chapter is filled with threats of violence, gunfights, and Slaughter's belief that he cannot be killed, as he confronts numerous desperadoes.
Boom and Bust
Slaughter benefits from the cattle boom when railroads open Eastern markets, but also faces constant threats from rustlers and outlaws during the boom times.
Characters to notice
- John Slaughter
Protagonist of the chapter; his early life, cattle drives, confrontations with outlaws, and eventual role as sheriff are detailed.
- Ike Clanton
Clanton rustles Slaughter's cattle and later threatens him on the road, but is forced to back down by Slaughter's drawn gun.
- Curly Bill
Three of Curly Bill's outlaws trail Slaughter but are thwarted by his mysterious warning.
- Buckskin Frank Leslie
Mentioned in comparison to Bill Gallagher, both having killed thirteen men without bad luck.
- Old Man Clanton
His ranch is near Slaughter's, and his family's cattle rustling affects Slaughter's herds.
Key passages
“Slaughter’s four years as sheriff of Cochise County, 1887–1890, was a period of reconstruction and marked the dividing line between lawlessness and law in the Tombstone country.”
Slaughter's term as sheriff from 1887 to 1890 was a time of rebuilding and established the boundary between chaos and order in the Tombstone area.
Highlights Slaughter's role in restoring law and order.
“Gallagher’s reputation as a killer might have frightened some men, but not Slaughter. All bad men looked alike to this young Texas cow man.”
Gallagher's fearsome reputation did not intimidate Slaughter; he viewed all outlaws the same way.
Illustrates Slaughter's fearless nature.
“No man can kill me. I wasn’t born to be killed. How I know that, I cannot explain. But I know it. When my time comes, I’ll die in bed.”
Slaughter believed he was invincible and would only die naturally in bed, not by violence.
Reflects Slaughter's conviction in his own invulnerability.
“Suddenly something seemed to whisper into Slaughter’s ear, ‘You are in danger. Ride fast and ride hard.’”
An inexplicable inner voice warned Slaughter to flee immediately.
Demonstrates Slaughter's belief in a guardian angel or intuition.