Henry Boren killed by Bill Boren

This letter was given to me by Larry Peacock, a descendant of Lewis Peacock. Larry said he has tried to track down the original letter, but has had no luck.

This is a letter from William "Bill" Boren to Dick Boren, not dated but written in 1870's. Bill Boren was the man who killed Henry Boren during the Lee-Peacock Feud in Texas, and Dick Boren is believed to have been the brother of Henry Boren. Spellings and errors have been left as in the original letter.

Mr. Dick Boren
Montague, Texas

My Dear relative

It has been brought to my attention since my return from the territory (Oklahoma) that you have been inquiring as to my present condition and I am hoping that your concern is a genuine (one) and that the past is finally dead.

My health has been as normal as circumstances will premitt, as you know I have been living in the open these passed few years, but still I consider Montague my home and my family is here. I would come see you in person but I don't know what your concern is but I am hoping it is genuine and (that) you hold no hostility for me as I have none.

We have never discussed the events which brings (second page) us all to this time and place and I know I thought it best to stay away from the subject as much as possible and consider things best left alone and I can presume these were your and everybodys thoughts about the matter. But will you let me explain my reasons for Henry's death and the curcumstances and I think you will think better of me.

I know that you are aware that my feelings were entirely against the Union as was most of my countrymen in this matter and Henry was with us at the first as you know and just as you were. I felt no anxiousness when Henry joined the Unionist cause as we had never seen eye to eye on matters and I thought this was just another but his friendlyness with the Peacocke faction against cousin Bob Lee was a thorn in all our sides but still I felt no anxiousness.

Oh, that godforsaken day when Henry stained the proud Texas name of Boren with the blood of cousin Bob Lee. I know you have quite a while been down on me for my recent actions but Dick can you say (page three) that my actions during this time have been as bad as when Henry killed Bob? I think not for such a dirty deed has not been performed before or since. You know that cousin Bob Lee was a staunch gard of all that was good before the Unionists stuck in there noses and declared northern Texas Union. I still find it hard to call Henry relation but you know that this is not the falt of you or your family and how glad I am that you inquire of me.

Now you might still reflect that I am wayward in my actions because I joined the raiders and for this you no doubt condemn my shooting Henry but I say to you that under any curcumstances and even if Henry had not been relation I should have had to do the same.

That morning is burned in my mind like none other I came to Henry's home and Enoch was chopping wood. I said "Enoch is your father home?" and no sooner said than Henry came to his door and was armed and said "god damn you, Bill get off my porperty" this without any explannation of alowing me any. (page four)

Of course we argued and cousin Bob Lee was not yet in his grave and I profaned somewhat I admitt and Henry pulled down on me with every intent to shoot me but I am no bad hand with a gun and was the quicker. I fell no anxiousness over saving myself from certain destruction even though much has been put to about Henry's gun being unfired and my being a raider shooting him in cold blood. I stand in my place and he is in his place and cannot defend his part in it but I can and that is enough to say I am alive and he is gone.

Much has been laid at my door since and god knows should I have known then what I have since learned I would not have joined the raiders then nor run off later to be with friend Wes Hardin knowing him as I have since learned of it and his ways - yet he has been a good friend and stood by me through it all. We have come from the territory together and he says he will not come back to the four corners unless it is to dig up cousin Bob's gold but that being a small chance he is going instead to search for the b - - - - - - who killed his own cousins if you recall Wes having cause to mourn from the same faction that causes the Borens now to mourn and Wes having lost a brother as yourself you will understand his felling. It is a sad business (page five).

God knows I would have none of it Dick if I could turn back time and all but being mortall just like you what am I now to do? Havent we all lost a good brother in this cause? I know you well recall that my brother Isham died at the hands of the same Unionists and warmongers that Henry saw fit to join up with. He might of well pulled the trigger and shot the ball which killed brother Isham.

But enough of this. My intent was only to explain and hope that once more I might see you and your family as I know only what I hear of them but have heard only good things about them from friends here. I don't think now I will ever lay down my guns and refrain from doing or living the way I think is right but what a blessing it would be to have friends among my relatives once more. I don't apologise for what I did only explain and make amends any harm that has come to my family for my actions. I would like to learn of Louisa and the family are they still at Coleman? You can write me here while I am here which as I now think will be about two months or come to see me at my place. You would be welcommed. I will be anxious to know.

Yours in friendship (signed) Bill Boren, Montague county

© 1997 Denise Maddox