So according to Parsons/DeMattos, the scenario I described in my post is "pure fiction." Fair enough. They're the guys in the know.
That said, from what they have written, I still fail to understand why, if it had nothing to do with (avenging?) Ringo, Claiborne would behave so aggressively towards Leslie. The authors seem to suggest that it had something to do with local electoral politics, but unless I am missing something--always possible--they don't specify just what that something was.
Was Claiborne "mixed up" in local politics? Did he have some personal stake in the outcome of that election? If not, and the authors as far as I can discern do not say, then why would they suggest that that is what furnished the motive, sufficient motive, for Claiborne to go after Leslie?
In the end, of course, in the aftermath of their initial contretemps, Claiborne felt that he had been rough-handled and humiliated by Leslie which led to his returning and taking a potshot at him, but what exactly was that contretemps about? An election? What am I missing here?
What I am not missing is that the authors agree that Ringo was a suicide.
Here's Parsons' and DeMattos' take on Claiborne and Ringo: https://books.google.com/books?id=FxhgDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA45&dq=Ringo+Claiborne&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwifl-qJvMDoAhUKS6wKH... more
According to Bossenecker in RIDE THE DEVIL'S HERD, Billy apparently incorrectly thought that the group speaking with Leslie were talking about the recent shriff's election. Claiborne had supported Dave... more
Dumb as it sounds, a misunderstanding about local politics leading to one thing leading to another leading to what it ultimately led to. (Claiborne sounds like a real piece of work, but then Leslie apparently... more
Olds, you should finish reading this highly educational post and then immediately order RIDE THE DEVIL'S HERD. Bossenecker is no slouch when it comes to research, but in this book his skills are combined... more
edifying, Bob, among other things. You've certainly furthered my education on this subject, for which many thanks. Problem is, the more I know, the more I remain partial to my original position. I... more
Here's a motive that Ken Vail posited for Leslie, or any number of Cochise County characters. https://nediscapp.com/discussion.cgi?disc=39627&article=34553&search_page=2&search_term=Leslie
Bob I say this sincerely - you are the main reason I drop in on this discussion board. Your knowledge and research and measured delivery always impresses me. Keep it up. Cheers PB
Thank you, Peter. I really apptreciate that. I wish my posts would lure more world class authors and researchers (unlike me) back to the board, like you. I'm sure people would be more interested in how... more
B.J., all I meant by my post is that none of those mentioned post here nearly as much as they used to. I think you have done an excellent job in trying to maintain a site with a welcoming vibe.
Of all the people who post here, you have the most balanced historical perspective of events, protagonists and antagonists. I have learned that no matter how objective most historians are and try to... more
So the conjecture is that the motive would have been the reward money offered by this Protective Association? ($1,000 then would be roughly $30,000 now.) As motives go, plausible enough, I suppose, though... more