Robert, if you have felt that you have been “slaughtered” for any of your posts you made, I’m sorry. You should not feel uncomfortable or worried about being jumped on for any of your comments or questions (as long as it’s not vulgar or an attack on another), and that goes for anyone here. The goal I have for this forum is too be friendly and for no one to be worried about being knock down for their opinions or comments, (but people should still be able to question your comments or theories), AS LONG as it is not in violation of the forum rules. So Robert, you are completely welcome here and every post you have made has been valid and informative. Again, and this goes for everyone, don’t hesitate to voice your opinions or comments, as long as it doesn’t violate the forum rules.

Now in answer to your question; the original tintype has been verified by many that knew Billy the Kid, such as Paulita Maxwell, the Coe cousins, the Dederick Brothers, and Pat Garrett (he may have been one of the first to use the photo for his biography on Billy the Kid –well, actually it was an engraving of the image). In 1907 (I’m not positive on the year, since I’m at work while I’m typing this and don’t have any of my sources in front of me), one of the copies surfaced and was made public, but the image was so poor, that an artist enhanced it and gave the appearance of Billy the Kid being very goofy and ugly. To see what I’m talking about click here. Unfortunately, that photo was used for years and gave the belief that Billy was very homely and it may have been what Paulita meant, when she said the photo of Billy the Kid doesn’t do him “justice.” Anyways, when Billy had this photo taken, he got four copies, supposedly Paulita herself had one them and I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Garrett claimed to have one of them too. But Billy did give one to the Dederick brothers (friends of his that operated a stock yard and bought stolen livestock from him). In 1987, the Dederick family donated it to the Lincoln Heritage Trust Foundation, and the original and only authentic photo of Billy the Kid is now at the Hubbard Museum in Ruidoso. That photo (which is displayed on my site) is a better likeness of Billy compared to that horrible 1907 copy. Hope that helped answer your question.

Marcelle, Two things, firstly, my use of the phrase "being slaughtered" was a tongue in cheek reference to the way the girls here leapt to Billy's defence when I made a less than flatering remark about his countenance, honestly, I was awaiting such a rebttal and had a hearty laugh to myself when it arrived. As much as I hold the efforts of the members here in great respect, I cannot resist having a little fun from time to time, if I tease, then I expect to be "skelped" (the administration of a light slap) from time to time!!  Let me say now that I feel no hesitation whatsoever in posting to this site, I love it here, there is a warmth in here that is absent in so many other sites, I cannot be offended, it just ain't possible, cross my heart and hope to die!!

Secondly, did any bright spark ever take the "Billy" pic and digitaly enhance it to give a clear view of it? If not, get on it girl!! Use your contacts!

Robert,

That's what I thought too --that you were just kidding around, but then I thought "What if you do feel you're getting jumped on everytime you say something that may not be agreeable with everyone here?" I've posted on other boards and it is frustrating when you get slammed for every comment or opinion you make, which is why I started my own forum and have strict rules of conduct. Unfortunately, it has deterred some people to post here, but at least for the rest of us there's a friendlier atmosphere.

As for the Billy picture, I have played around with it on Photoshop to take out the scratches and specks, but I ended up making the image blotchy. But now that I'm a little more computer wise, I'll give it another shot. It's just one of those things you put off and end up forgetting. Thanks for reminding me.

P.S. JayPo, can you read this message??

JayPo,

     I owe you one, I visited the "True West" site, it is unbelievably good, the page on the "Sheriff Brady" ambush is first rate and the paintings of it are in a class of their own. I suspect that many hours of fun are to be had within it's pages.

             Stay Warm,

Have a nice trip to Sheffield, we looking forward to having you back, it will be a bit mellow here without you. If you happen to see actor Sean Bean visiting his family back home in Sheffield tell him I said "Hello"   hee hee.

I'll see about getting my scanner back to download a copy of that Billy pic.

Again, have a nice trip.

"Beano?" Are you referring to my Sean as a fart pill? Well anyways I would love to have tea with him when I visit, tell him I accept.

Sorry I forgot to post the date of that TRUE WEST issue with the pic of Billy the Kid. It is a good issue and may be worth getting if you come across it on Ebay.

By the way, glad to have you back, it was quiet here during the weekend -did you have a nice trip?

 I gotts that issue! Viggo

 Morganson!