BUCHANAN, ALEXANDER

GEORGE, EDWARD

Fatal Affray at Fort Yuma—A private letter received in San Francisco from Fort Yuma, an extract from which is published in the Bulletin, says: “A shooting affray occurred at the Fort [Yuma] on the 2d inst., under, as I learn, the following circumstances. The parties were Edward George, formerly of Adams’ and subsequently of the Pacific Express Company of San Francisco; Alexander Buchanan, an employee of the Overland Mail Company; William Twilley, stage driver; and a fourth, whose name I do not know. They were playing cards for a can of sardines. George accused Buchanan of showing his hand to his partner, the lie passed, and both broke for their revolvers. As Buchanan reached behind him to draw, George fired and hit him below the right arm, the ball passing through him. Buchanan now drew and shot George near the right nipple, the ball passing through him to lodge in the side of Bill Twilley. George fired again and so did Buchanan—missing him, however. Buchanan fell dead about twelve feet from the spot where he first fired. George fell and is supposed to be mortally wounded. Bill Twilley is not dangerously hurt. All the parties were supposed to be the best of friends.” [Calif. Weekly Patriot, Iowa Hill, Saturday, 2-19-1859. Submitted by Kathie Marynik,]