Famed Author Debunks Hico, Texas Brushy Bill Roberts
As Pure Nonsense To BTKOG Founder

Nov. 9, 1987.

Dear Marylin Bowlin:

The idea that Brushy Bill Roberts is Billy the Kid is pure nonsense. I know of at least three others who made the same claim and there are a half dozen who claimed to be Jesse James.

The basic stories about Billy's last hours are true; Billy was killed by Garrett at Pete Maxwell's house in 1881.

When I arrived in Fort Sumner and worked there for a time a few of the old timers were still around. Deluvina Maxwell was still alive at Old Fort Sumner and remembered Billy well. She prepared his body for burial.

I had not yet become a writer but was interested in all aspects of American history and talked with as many old timers as I could find. George Coe was alive then and so was Tom Pickett, Sarah McSween Barker was living further south in New Mexico.

I was in Fort Sumner in the early 1920's.

I cannot be considered a Billy the Kid historian although I've known two women and five men who knew him well, and are on record as having known him. At the time I listened to their stories but did not have the skills or the knowledge to ask the proper questions. I did hear the stories from thier lips. I was just a drifter with a lively interest in all things historical.

George Coe had a store at Ruidoso for a time.




Sincerely,
Louis L'Amour

Source: 1989 BTKOG Outlaw Gazette