THE REYNOLDS GANG: CONFEDERATE OUTLAWS WITH A CAUSE
Colonel Chivington and Jim Reynolds sat facing each other in a small cell of the Denver city jail. The colonel offered the gang leader a fresh cigar who pushed it away, saying, "Sir, what I’d like to do with this cigar now would be to shove it up your . . ."
Chivington cut him off. "I came here prepared to be civil. I expect the same from you, sir."
Reynolds gave him an unmistakable smirk and asked, "Why?"
The colonel pinched the rim of his nose as though he felt a headache coming on. Complacently he replied, "I will be civil on two counts. First, because I am indeed a gentleman. Also I know you are a captain in the Irregular Confederate Army." He smirked as he uttered the word "Irregular."
"Whatever. But make it quick," Reynolds responded flippantly. "I’m a busy man!"
Chivington cleared his throat, "Yes, I see that . . . Well, sir, I have a deal for you and your men."
Reynolds laughed. "Do tell." He already had a sneaking suspicion of what was coming. "Would it, by any chance, have anything to do with a hidden treasure we’ve buried around the hills of Fairplay, Colorado? If so, it’s spoken for. It’s going to Richmond, VA, to help conclude this Civil War with a victory for the Confederacy.”
Dr. Benoit grew up in New England and received his doctoral degree from the University of Kansas. He is a long-time resident of Colorado, living with his wife in Castle Rock very near the location where the Reynolds gang was executed in 1864.
