Sept. 9-12, 1876. Having had several near misses, the gang takes
some diversionary tactics and is not seen for several days. About 3
miles northwest of Elysian (although their goal is southwest) they
abandon their horses. Friday night and Saturday are spent
alternately creeping and resting in the woods and marshes heading
along the south-side of the German-Jefferson chain of lakes. On
Sunday morning, as they approach Marysburg, they hear the bells of
St. Mary , and circle south around the village to avoid detection.
A few miles west of town they find an abandoned farmhouse where
they spend the next three nights recuperating, drying out and
resting.
Meanwhile the posse, numbering over a thousand, the biggest in
the history of the U.S., is becoming increasingly discouraged,
disorganized and discontented. Rewards encourage many members to go
their own way rather than to follow orders. Glory-seekers start
taking chances. Rumors fly. Any innocent stranger is likely to
generate a report that an outlaw has been spotted and posses split
off to pursue every false lead. And the rain is incessant making
tracking impossible and the picketers shirk their duties.
Marysburg was much bigger in 1876 than it is now. About all that
remains is the church and the bell and a monument where you'll find
a micro.
Previous stop:
Klondike Hill.
Marysburg pure letterbox.
Next stop:
Mankato.
Winter Friendliness: It's not, but at least it's on the south
side.