James W. (James William) Buel
Life and marvelous adventures of Wild Bill, the Scout
being a true an exact history of all the sanguinary combats and hair-breadth escapes of the most famous scout and spy America ever produced.
"Life and Marvelous Adventures of Wild Bill, the Scout" by James W. Buel is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows the life of James B. Hickok, famously known as "Wild Bill," as he navigates the challenges and adventures of life in the American frontier. The book details Wild Bill's legendary status as a scout and gunfighter, recounting his numerous battles, escapades, and the characteristics that made him both a figure of fear and respect during turbulent times. At the start of the book, the author outlines Wild Bill's unique personality traits, emphasizing his daring yet principled nature, setting the stage for a thrilling tale of adventure and survival. We learn about his early life, his departure from home at nineteen to seek a life filled with excitement, and his rise to fame through a series of daring and dangerous encounters, including brawls and shootouts with notorious criminals. The opening portion vividly illustrates his first major conflict at Rock Creek, where he bravely defends himself against a gang of marauders, establishing the tone for his courageous antics that define his legend.