Ferguson and Beatty

[Independence]

Maybe it's just me but how can 2 men involved in the same activity end up with 1 on the stand testifying against the other and going scotfree,and the other one kicking at the end of a rope?????

 

[Elennsar]

The Prisoner's Dilemma.

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/playground/pd.html

Only without the fiendish wizard.

 

[donna]

I think the answer to your question is that Fergerson was the notorious Confederate guerrilla and Tinker Dave Beatty was the notorious Union Guerrilla. As the "Notorious Meddler writes in his blog, " apparently because his side won, Tinker Dave was never prosecuted".The Meddler is related to Tinker Dave Beatty's sister, Matilida. Matilida married John Boles, Sr.,the Meddler's Great Great Great Grandfather. Boles was a member of the independent scouts, Tinker Dave's Group.

 

[TerryB]

Two sisters named Brady in my line were said by family legend to have been secret couriers who smuggled messages to Ferguson through the lines. Both married men named Johnson and one of them moved to California about 1866. The father of one of those Johnson men testified at Champ's trial, so I pretty much believe the legend. There were definitely people that Champ had it in for, because he did not kill at random.

 

[kansas]

Happens every day, called plea bargain now days. Then was called to the victor belongs the spoils. The only difference between a terrorist and a freedom fighter is what side you are on, and who catches you. Champ was on the wrong side, he was not exactly well loved by the military forces of either side, so no giant public outcry to save him.

 

[donna]

To all those interested in Champ Ferguson, I recommend the "History of Ferguson's Independent Kentucky and Tennessee Cavalry, CSA" at the Welcome To The Partisan Rangers of Kentucky website. There is also a section on John Hunt Morgan.
Also in General Basil Duke's "Reminiscences of the Civil War", he has Chapter devoted to Guerillas and Bushwhackers, Champ Ferguson and "Tinker" Dave Beatty.