"W. D. Already Had the Gun at My Head-- Cocked and His Finger on the Trigger"-- Bonnie Parker

I will always think of 2010, as a memorable year for Bonnie & Clyde revelations-- particularly concerning the valuable and previously unreleased info from Billie Parker. Billie's Journal entries concerning her family genealogy, as well as personal insights into her beloved sister Bonnie are quite special. But now, yet another most unique grouping of Billie's recollections have surfaced-- this time from within the pages of a book begun but never finished. Historically-- the importance of these newly found revelations-- require they be revealed.

A brief history-- As I was combing through a box of artifacts given to me recently, I came upon a grouping of pink pages of paper in protective sleeves, with Dallas Times Herald letterhead imprinted upon each one. Long story short-- a number of Blanche's and Billie's items had been combined by agreement, and offered to Heritage Galleries in Dallas for auction in 2006. However as some items were never included within auction lots, they remained unsold. It appeared this document, may have come from among those artifacts. Upon closer examination, these pages appeared to be layout pages-- from back in the days when metal type was physically set to print newspapers. These seemed to be pages reporters would submit their stories upon, formatted for typesetting. With numerous Blanche and B&C related items having come my way recently to review and catalog, when I first glanced at this batch of colorful pages-- I decided to save them for another day. When that day arrived, the realization of what these writings meant-- was nothing short of astounding.

These expressions which are identified as a second draft (and comprise 26 typewritten pages in all)-- are dated January 1975 and are titled Bonnie, Clyde and Me. With this being the same title as the cassette interviews released concerning Floyd Hamilton's story-- my reaction to this similarity, is to believe the date found here of January 1975 may pre-date the Floyd Hamilton offering. I am still researching this coincidence of title. This draft is clearly identified as being a "book". The authors are Billie Jean Parker Moon and Joyce Huddleston as told to Clint Kelley.

Even though I had been entrusted with this document-- as I was familiar with the Dallas auctions from 2006, I felt it important to confirm it's ownership prior to proceeding with revealing it's contents. I also wanted to make sure for the benefit of those involved in this project from 1975, that I do my best to contact these individuals-- to make sure copyrights or other agreements wouldn't be infringed upon, and that there was no concern with my revealing their work now. Within a wonderful conversation with the individual I believe owned the manuscript, in a most gracious gesture-- this document was again offered to me, thus ending any reservations I had in working with Billie's manuscript. To be fair, I have offered to return the original of this document to it's source-- should that ever be desired. It just seems that now is the time, some long held B&C secrets are being freed to be revealed. To those with that generous and caring spirit, I feel we all owe a very large "Thank You".

Having now spoken to both Rhea Leen Linder (aka Bonnie Ray Parker)-- who grew up with Billie as both her aunt and step mother, and Joyce Huddleston whom I've learned is the daughter of A. B. Moon (Billie's last husband)-- I have confirmed the story behind Billie's book, and think I may also know why-- unfortunately this effort was discontinued prior to completion. The bottom line is, this manuscript-- is all that is known to exist from Billie's book which was begun in 1974. It appears that Clint Kelley (whom I've still not located)-- and who may have worked for The Dallas Times Herald-- created this manuscript from the recollections of Billie Parker Moon, with the assistance of Joyce Huddleston.

With the history and provenance of Billie's manuscript now established, let me say how remarkable and truly "important" I feel the information found within Billie's literary effort is. Most recollections found within these pages are accounts personally witnessed by Billie Parker, concerning events she participated in with Bonnie & Clyde. As Billie says-- she was writing her book to "set the record straight". Of great note within these writings, are quotes from B&C as relayed by Billie. As a number of Billie's recollections both contradict and enhance accepted B&C historical knowledge-- I've already had some interesting conversations, with other B&C Historians about Billie's writings. My feeling is, based on Billie's eyewitness accounts-- many involved in this history may be forced to take a fresh look and perhaps rethink, some of what is known regarding certain B&C historical events.

Concerning this possibility, I've felt it imperative to ask a quite delicate question politely-- of 3 individuals who knew Billie intimately. I've asked whether Billie Parker was prone to fib or in any way embellish statements she made?? The unanimous consensus of those who knew her, is that Billie despised those who lied. To those close to her, Billie was not known to be anything other than straight up and straight forward. When I mentioned that historians might question some of Billie's accounts as detailed in her book, one person who knew her well said-- "I would suggest they pay attention to Billie Jean".

In reporting on these important new additions to B&C History, I've decided to do as I did with Billie's Journal-- by recounting this information in segments. I may choose at some point, to offer copies of Billie's complete work through the blog. But for now, within Billie's manuscript you'll learn much of many things including-- a "gripping" account of Sowers from the viewpoint of those being shot at, and by how many lawmen?? You'll be surprised. You'll also get what I feel is a clear impression, of whom Billie singles out as the Sower's informant-- including what she believed he was paid. Also you'll learn of Billie's recollections from Ft. Smith and of Bonnie's injuries from the Wellington crash-- as well as an insider's view of the McKinney, Texas incident. Then there's another "wonderful" and funny story concerning Billie's son Buddy, and his interactions with B&C and more-- including personal views of B&C, as well as insights from conversations held-- along with B&C quotes I don't believe ever revealed.

But for now, I "have" to start-- by reporting on a Billie revelation found within her book, which I know will be of great interest-- Billie's confirmation of a B&C suicide pact. Billie wasn't present for the incident she recounts related to this, but her knowledge of this B&C secret and quote attributed to her sister Bonnie from Dexfield Park-- is "chilling". Here and there, you've heard whispers of a suicide pact perhaps having been formed along the way by Clyde and Bonnie. John Neal Phillips addressed this possibility within his writings, based on statements attributed to Billie. But until now, Billie's own acknowledgment of this reality hasn't been available to view. True to my handling of these historical gems, I feel an obligation to only tell these accounts verbatim (including spelling errors). So grab a hat to hold onto-- and here we go.

"That was the life of Bonnie and Clyde. There were no good times... no drinking and carrousing around with a submachinegun in one hand and a bottle in the other. The kids never knew who they could trust or around what corner or over what hill they might find themselves boxed in and killed. They lived every moment in fear of death. A lot of people know about the Joplin, Missouri, raid where Bonnie, Clyde, Buck Barrow and his wife barely escaped with their lives. And about the two Joplin police officers who weren't so lucky."

"But very few people know about the suicide pact the kids made early in their wanderings-- when they finally realized they could never get out of the life they had made for themselves. The movies never mention the fact that after a shootout at Dexter Park, Iowa, Buck was almost dead and his wife was blinded from flying glass fragments. Bonnie, Clyde and another companion, W. D. Jones, had to abandon the Buck Barrows and escape by swimming across a river. All three were seriously wounded, to a point where Bonnie told me the water around them was red with their mingled blood. Clyde handed their only gun-- the only weapon they salvaged in the mad fight-- to W. D. and told him if the police moved in, he was to use the gun on Bonnie. He told W. D. to tell lawmen Bonnie and Clyde had forced him to stay with their gang. Clyde dragged himself across a nearby field, stole a car and returned to pick up Bonnie and W. D."

"We heard Clyde coming back but we didn't know it was him" Bonnie said. "When he finally got close enough to whisper his name to us, W. D. already had the gun at my head-- cocked and his finger on the trigger."

"Their suicide pact is clear evidence they knew what eventually would happen to them. They preferred death at their own hands to death in the Texas Penitentary's electric chair."

Now for all familiar with the incident at Dexfield Park-- for this "remarkable" Bonnie Parker quotation concerning her experience, to fit in with the known history as recounted by witnesses such as the Fellers-- it would likely need to be inserted after Bonnie, Clyde and W. D. swam the river, but prior to their appearance at the Feller farm. As Billie was not there to witness this particular event, my feeling is this Bonnie account as told to Billie must have occurred with the logical adaptation-- that Clyde left a badly wounded Bonnie with W. D. as he scouted first for a car-- and then returned for them prior to all 3 heading to the Feller Farm, and to the fence for Bonnie to be lifted over and so forth. That way, both witnessed accounts work. I don't see how that couldn't be so. But it does seem that their only gun (as again confirmed by this story)-- was indeed loaded, as an empty gun would have served little purpose-- to have saved Bonnie from capture.

There's plenty more to come from Billie's manuscript. On behalf of all who care about B&C History-- I extend my thanks to Billie Parker, may you rest in peace-- to Rhea Leen Linder, Joyce Huddleston, and to Clint Kelley-- where ever you are. The Billie Parker Moon manuscript along with it's revelations of Bonnie and Clyde statements and events, are © 2010 The B&CHB by A.W. Woodward. Thank you. I invite your comments.

"Amputated"-- Could a Sordid 1930's Comic, Be the Source of Bonnie Parker Rumor??

2010 has been a good year for Bonnie & Clyde revelations. To me, it's felt like Christmas many times this year. And just as I was about to reveal perhaps the most important 2010 B&C revelations to date, I open a seemingly innocent e-mail. I receive many e-mails regarding B&C, but this one captured my attention to the point-- I wanted to offer a post and comment concerning this subject right away. I've chosen to save much time here, by posting some useful links which delve into the fascinating and seedy world of Tijuana Bibles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tijuana_bible
http://www.tijuanabible.org
http://www.tijuanabibles.org

These anonymously drawn and sexually explicit short comic expressions, were apparently underground favorites for decades-- including the depression riddled years of the 1930's. These no holds barred erotic comics, not only provided spoofs of many existing comic strip characters-- but sometimes parodied true life individuals as well. It seems movie stars and other famous people, were fair game to be exploited as subject matter for Tijuana Bibles. Dillinger had one-- so did Cary Grant and Dorothy Lamour. Clark Gable, William Powell & Mirna Loy, Esther Williams, George Raft, Gracie Allen and Robert Mitchum-- were also targets of these sordid expressions. Even the affable Robert Young, had a Tijuana Bible title. This brings us to our topic for this post.

It's been made known to me, that a Tijuana Bible exists for Bonnie Parker. The cover art for this old time comic, has been cataloged along with other B&C media pieces-- however it's likely rare, to find an intact "adulterated" version of this B&C relic. This undated 8 page glimpse into racy 1930's consciousness-- is titled "Amputated". A PDF of this recently obtained original Tijuana Bible was e-mailed to me, along with the educational links posted.

B&C forums all have their own standards for content and discussion-- as I have standards here. Based on the raw explicitness of this comic material and out of respect for the Parker family-- I've chosen not to provide an open link to "Amputated" within The B&CHB. However as I support full disclosure concerning B&C materials, I will provide a copy of this Bonnie Parker Tijuana Bible in PDF form-- to all who e-mail me requesting one. And to be fair, a disclaimer is also provided. **Please note-- the content of this Tijuana Bible portrayal of Bonnie Parker is blatantly sexual and explicit. Some may be offended by it's content or depiction of Bonnie-- but all will be enlightened, concerning the survival of this historically relevant parody. There-- now with that behind us, I make these observations.

As I've often made a point to discuss B&C sexual rumor and innuendo-- in viewing this fascinating BP Tijuana Bible, I wonder where the openly torrid "Amputated" fits within existing rumors concerning Bonnie Parker promiscuity?? With this is mind, an intriguing question can be asked-- could a sordid 1930's comic, actually "be" the source of Bonnie Parker sexual rumor?? It's seems obvious, that "Amputated" clearly spells out the inference that Bonnie has trouble being satisfied sexually. Thus a link could be made between this spoof of Bonnie, and the rumors advanced over the years-- concerning her sexual appetite. To some, "Amputated" could be viewed as a damning reflection on Bonnie, but in real terms-- this 8 page piece of old style smut, may serve best to reveal itself, as perhaps the source of decades of rumor. So which came 1st, rumors to inspire "Amputated"-- or the underground comic itself??

After 76 years, there doesn't seem to be verifiable evidence to support claims of Bonnie being a loose woman. Maybe for some in today's reality driven world, where truth is often contrived-- these B&C rumors are convincing enough to count as fact. But the "facts" as I see them concerning B&C sexual rumors, are such that no empirical evidence seems available-- to support these innuendos which so many may wish to be true, but have not been substantiated. You would think if facts could be shown to demonstrate these realities, someone would have made the case by now. Instead as if by osmosis, these rumors just seem to seep into our collective consciousness from sources unknown. There are clues (or maybe not)-- within obscure references which live within literary expressions and seedy cartoons. But I would ask-- where is the proof, the smoking gun-- the 1st hand testimony to back these B&C rumors which are professed?? It's truly not good enough, for these rumors to be touted as "reality"-- without any discernible source!!

I don't have a hard time believing that people in the past, would have been crass enough to spread these rumors-- without evidence to back them up. But I do have a hard time believing, that if there really was something to B&C sexual innuendo, that some evidence wouldn't have surfaced by now. Perhaps the opposite is indeed the reality-- no sources-- no truth-- just playful/hurtful rumor, created by a free and loose press, some crime rag, an underground cartoonist-- or a B&C author just to be sensational. But that never happens does it?? The true untold stories of Bonnie and Clyde, are always told straight up aren't they??

It's strange enough concerning these rumors of Bonnie promiscuity. But what about the rumor of Clyde being homosexual. Where is the proof for that assertion as well?? You would think that an author with the credentials of a John Toland, would diligently verify his sources for any info he used-- including rumors?? The fact that a Pulitzer Prize winner, didn't or couldn't defend innuendos he decided to include within his only book on the criminal element of the '30's-- may speak volumes, concerning these stories perhaps just being rumors. Toland's book The Dillinger Days along with it's B&C references, was published in 1963-- long after any notion of politeness or sugar coating would need to be employed. Where are the footnotes??-- where are the facts for these assertions??

Perhaps Toland was a closet fan of Tijuana Bible humor??-- or just ran with stories passed down from others who were?? Could a dash of Tijuana Bible "shock value"-- together with a pinch of sensationalized fodder, combine to form the recipe for 3/4's of a century of scurrilous rumor?? Is that what this is really all about?? Or perhaps there's something to all this scuttlebutt?? Were earlier literary references, passed down without regard for the truth-- or is the truth still unknown?? I"m still asking where is the evidence??-- which for these self perpetuating rumors, seems not to exist.

Many like to hang their hats on the gossip within this history, without caring to examine what is actually known. Yes the gossip is known too-- but should innuendo carry equal weight, as accounts documented from credible sources?? That's the nature of evidence vs hearsay. Some people seem to relish hearsay concerning B&C, and bandy it about-- as if excited over some new phone app. A fair question to ask of these individuals might be-- would "they" want hearsay to be the standard applied in court-- should they become involved in some issue where the truth needs to be known?? The B&C families would likely and unanimously support B&C-- which is understandable. But surely with enemies having been out there, if evidence "was" available to support nefarious activities for B&C-- doesn't anyone feel some real evidence would be known??

I wonder why there's not a Tijuana Bible for Clyde being gay, if that was so believed back in the day-- like the one for Cary Grant?? Wouldn't a Clyde Barrow homosexual rumor, have made for a spectacular and juicy underground Tijuana Bible?!? I would bet so. I don't know-- all of these rumors just seem perpetuated without any real source, as if by smoke & mirrors. So does that make these rumors less relevant??-- or should we be digging to discover the truth regarding these sexual innuendos as well?? Perhaps "Amputated" is the answer to this Bonnie Parker mystery?? It's hard to know for sure, but I guarantee you one thing-- with this post up, those interested in B&C sexual rumors will flock here. "Yea Baby"!! But even though this topic needs to be addressed, as I've asked before-- sex sells, but at what cost to B&C History??? My approach is to go right at these fascinations-- to make people think-- and question what standards of truth should be applied to this history?? I welcome your comments.

Bonnie and Clyde Q&A-- Does a Photograph of Bonnie Parker and Frank Hamer Exist??

To my knowledge, the only image which could be made of Bonnie Parker along with Frank Hamer in the same phpto, would be a still created from Ted Hinton's film shot after the ambush. In some of this footage, Hamer can be seen watching as Henderson Jordan scours through B&C belongings from the death car. Of course within these moving images, B&C can be seen dead within the Warren car. It would likely take a review of all the Hinton footage, to see if a good photo of Hamer & Bonnie together would be possible. If you proceed to Hinton's footage blog right>> I recall there's a scene with Hamer visible, where the camera pans away from B&C to view Jordan and Hamer behind them. I believe that scene could be freeze framed to include both Hamer and Bonnie.

Frank Hamer is not known to have ever seen Bonnie Parker or Clyde Barrow, prior to the ambush. There do exist photos shot from the doorway of Congers, with Hamer visible at Bonnie's door seemingly made before the bodies were removed. However in both a crowd ladened photo with the crowds packed tight around him, and also within a shot made once a path had been cleared to the car-- no view is offered into the vehicle. I believe there are at least 2 more photos shot from this vantage point, where Hamer is positioned in the street on Clyde's side of the vehicle or elevated on the driver's side running board-- to perhaps address the crowd or gain order. People's idea that a photo of Bonnie and Captain Hamer exists, I suppose comes from the 1967 movie-- where the scene depicting a captured Frank Hamer was invented for the film. A number of lawsuits were won by surviving members of both the outlaw's and lawman's families-- based on inaccurate depictions of the real life individuals.

A Bonnie Pregnancy??-- Oh Not That!!

This is one B&C subject where lines can be drawn with permanent markers, relationships can be strained-- and where comments run the gamut from being prolific, to being so quiet ssshhhh-- that you can almost hear a pin drop.

Images from inglorious uncaring bastards to celebrated heroes-- poor souls to those who deserved to die and couldn't die fast enough, fill the minds of B&C enthusiasts-- and those are just the usual debates. Then add the possibility of an unborn child to the mix, and well-- welcome to the great debate. The ambush, always seems to inspire the most interest of all B&C topics. But among Bonnie & Clyde wonderings, the thought of a pregnancy for Bonnie Parker??-- perhaps reaches the greatest depth, within the B&C well of emotion.

Should a Bonnie Parker Pregnancy be Explored??

Sometimes you reach that not so magical spot in life, where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't. For more than a year now, as time has allowed amongst the many things I do related to B&C History, I have delved headlong into research and conducted a good # of interviews, aimed at trying to shed light on a cornerstone wonderment of this history-- was Bonnie Parker pregnant when killed with Clyde Barrow on old LA Highway 418, that unusually hot day in May 1934??

Once I initiated this endeavor-- early on, some people within and around the families and friends of the families (both outlaw and lawman)-- made their feelings known to me. A few people made it a point to tell me I should lay off, and "drop" my investigation into attempting to learn the truth concerning a possible Bonnie pregnancy. Interestingly for the most part, these pleas didn't center so much around what one might expect-- concerning areas of emotional sensitivity and the like. But rather the most prevalent expression made to me in this regard, has been a simple 5 word question-- "what difference would it make??"

Somehow whenever that question's been asked, I've not only felt that knowing the truth "could" make a difference for this history-- but I've also felt through that question, there was an underlying protective web being spun for both outlaw and lawman advantage-- but with the edge perhaps going to those with an interest in protecting the lawman's point of view. One conversation went a bit like this-- I'm represented by the color blue. "But Winston, they had to be stopped"-- "Yes I know, and I don't disagree". "But you don't understand-- if they hadn't been stopped, more would have died"-- "I do understand, and that's likely true". "Then what difference would it make if Bonnie was pregnant"??-- "Ah, but that "is" the question isn't it"?? Of course disagreement will reign, concerning what difference this knowledge would make-- should some supportable conclusion become available. From a practical point of view, of course nothing would change. What's done is done, and long ago. Depending on circumstance-- I suppose any new battleground could be a moral one.

But as I often consider, what would those alive in 1934 have thought of a Bonnie pregnancy??-- and would they have viewed this debate as being important?? They certainly were digging to find out. My question is why?? Was it mainly a matter of tabloid fascination until Bonnie's death, when it didn't matter any more?? Or was it more, the deadly game of cat and mouse between the law and B&C taken to a new level-- which then leaked into the press?? Why did the law seem so intent, on focusing their efforts toward learning the truth-- regarding the pregnancy of Bonnie Parker?? Did the law feel it would be easier to catch B&C, with such a dual joy and burden to perhaps slow the duo down?? Or maybe this knowledge accelerated a perceived urgency to get 'em quick-- before Clyde & Bonnie might do the unthinkable, and leave their known stomping grounds for a prolonged period-- due to the reality of a baby??

I don't recall seeing news reports from olden days, expressing sympathy for Bonnie-- should the reality of a pregnancy have been proven. But apparently behind the scenes, contingency plans were being developed in Louisiana to care for a Bonnie Parker child. For this rumor to have been developed that far, and within the location where Bonnie was active and interacting with individuals who it's said were preparing to help her-- surely makes one wonder. Would B&C think kindly, concerning a rumor of this sort being spread about them?? And if the rumor was true, would they want their reality to be known?? My God, there are a lot of questions within this question!%@&!!

I believe it's now thought with a reasonable assurance, that Frank Hamer believed Bonnie to be pregnant ("in a delicate condition")-- prior to the ambush. He relayed this knowledge, reportedly known from an informant's family in Louisiana-- to Dallas Bureau of Investigation SAC Frank Blake on May 11th, 1934-- 12 days prior to the waylay. Within this hand written document, Hamer reminds Blake he had told him of this knowledge before. Based on Captain Hamer's revelation to SAC Blake, a fair question remains-- whether this insider's info (true or not)-- was told to the other posse members, in advance of 9:15 AM on May 23rd?? It seems both before & after the ambush and in a variety of locations-- rumors swirled that Bonnie was indeed pregnant.

As John Neal Phillips referenced in his book Running With Bonnie and Clyde, news reporters were sent from Dallas to Arcadia and allowed to view the undraped body of Bonnie Parker in death-- to see if they could discern any sign of Bonnie being a reported 2 1/2 months pregnant at the time. Also as now revealed through various accounts-- these rumors had multiple sources in multiple places, seemingly all unrelated and unknown to one another. You know the old adage-- where there's smoke there's fire. Thus in reviewing the evidence, which seems to emit plumes of smoke as if from smoldering leaf piles scattered across the B&C landscape-- I decided to take on what could be considered a daunting challenge.

The B&CHB receives numerous inquiries each week, asking the question "Was Bonnie Parker pregnant??" My feeling is next to the ambush itself, the question of a Bonnie Parker pregnancy-- is the greatest mystery of the Bonnie and Clyde saga. Now that I've kicked my investigation into high gear concerning Bonnie's maternal status??-- I've receiving a renewed crop of calls for me to "drop" my investigation. Somehow when I hear these calls for "containment"-- it makes me even more intent on redoubling my efforts to get at the truth. One famous B&C researcher asked me as we discussed this-- "why would anyone not want to know at this point??" That's a good question. Why indeed??

My feeling is, this emotionally charged mystery concerning a Bonnie Parker pregnancy??-- is not going away with or without my interest. The more I cull through evidence, some of which is new or very obscurely known-- the more I feel I couldn't be more right to pursue a possible solution to this mystery. I tread with respect for all, and with the realization that whether or not a definitive answer can be found to this 76 year old question-- remains unknown.

What do you think?? Should a Bonnie Parker pregnancy be explored?? I welcome your comments.

My thanks to Life Magazine, for publishing the perfect photo for this expression.

More Memories from Blanche

I feel most fortunate, to have been entrusted with numerous items once owned by Blanche Barrow Frasure. Among these items are many photos, who's time frames range from her life before Buck and Bonnie & Clyde-- to near the end of her illustrious life.

I'll let these photos speak for themselves, and will answer questions within your comments. The cool dog Blanche had during WWII, with the dark head and mostly white body (which was visible only from the back in the previously unreleased Blanche photo)-- was named Valentine. From it's looks, I believe this dog may have been a Basenji. The building as shown in a picture taken by Blanche, with her Kodak camera and inscribed to her father Matt-- is Farm 1, Blanche's prison residence at Jefferson City.

Notice the painted tree trunks. This could have been done, to prevent the inmates from using the trees as cover.

Hamer, Jordan & Alcorn-- "But I Thought "I" Gave the Warning"?!?

As this year we commemorated the 76th anniversary of the ambush of Bonnie & Clyde, I thought it only appropriate that the May 23rd, 1934 Sailes, Louisiana ambush-- be the focus of May's B&C Polls. From the poll results, it seems wonderment over a number of these queries-- was as profound as some of the varying ambush stories themselves. I suppose that's not surprising, as within the saga of B&C-- it's the ambush that seems to provide the greatest mystery. With a prompting to view the title of this post-- here we go.

Question 1 may have been a bit tougher than it seemed, for those unfamiliar with Frank Hamer's interview made the day after the ambush. Hamer stated "Clyde was driving less than 30 miles an hour-- I raised up and commanded them to halt." That's strange, I've always thought B&C stopped at Ivy Methvin's truck?? Also as the Warren car was reportedly found in 1st gear, and with the limited synchromesh technology available in 1934-- it's my understanding cars would need to be stopped, in order to be placed in 1st gear. Ah those pesky details!! Anyway, in adding Hamer's admission that "he" shouted a warning to B&C, to that of Jordan and also to Hinton's statement that he thought he heard Bob Alcorn shout a warning-- and you end up with "3" of the 6 ambush posse members, who it's claimed warned B&C at the ambush site.

An aside here-- From my perspective, somehow the total lack of agreement concerning such disjointed claims of warning-- seems revealing. That along with the care seemingly exercised in making it known that the posse gave B&C a chance-- and thus at this point, I question whether any warning was given. Of course many would say, a warning was never needed-- and in 1934, I'm not sure those searching for fairness concerning the ambush-- would find much sympathy for any. By the way, new info now uncovered-- seems to confirm the lack of warning for Sowers as well. I feel I can also now question the directive, not to engage B&C when civilians were at risk. Concerning the ambush-- although it's possible, I'm not sure it would be thought likely-- that at Sailes all 3 lawmen shouted at B&C. Also you would think that among the 6 who witnessed this event close up, at least 2 participants could agree on a single person who shouted a warning-- if one was echoed at all?!? Lawmen are trained to note detail within their duties.

Question 2 was clarified by Jim Knight in July of last year, based on a B&CHB poll question concerning "Bonnie's Sweet 16". Based on Jim's research, it seems Hamer's inventory of the Barrow Gang weapons from the 1935 book "Texas Rangers" by Webb, was mis-copied by Frost & Jenkins in writing I'm Frank Hamer. According to Webb-- Hamer listed the shotguns as 16 and 20 gauge. Thus the correct line up of heavy weapons found in the Warren car appears to be, 16 and 20 gauge shotguns and 3 BARs. Known photos exist to substantiate this reality.

Concerning the critically important photos known to exist, showing the posse member's weapons on top of the death car-- I would have accepted either 4 or 5 as the number of weapons visible. One photo seems to show 4 and the other 5. It's said the posse members placed their weapons on top of the car, to keep spectators who were assembling from getting to them. Also according to Ted Hinton, his personal armaments at Sailes, included a BAR, a shotgun and (2) .45 caliber automatic pistols.

Many were right, in knowing that the conventional wisdom is that the Barrow Gang hideout (likely the John Cole house)-- was said to have been 3 1/2 miles from the ambush site. This can be discerned based on maps published in 1934, showing both the ambush site and hideout locations. These maps noted the mileage between spots. In perhaps the most recognized B&C Poll question of the bunch, it was John B. Gasquet who took many of the famous Arcadia pics of B&C and the death car. Then the following question seemed one of the least known-- that Prentiss Oakley served 3 terms as Bienville Parish Sheriff, following the 2 terms of Henderson Jordan which concluded in 1940.

And finally, it was Blanche who reportedly said "I'm glad that they were both killed; it was the easiest way out." In a similar statement, Roy Thornton reportedly said-- "I'm glad they went out the way they did. It was better than getting caught." As always my thanks, for your loyal participation in the B&C Polls. Look for June's B&C Poll offerings to be posted soon.