08/17/2026
This week in 1858….
The news of Captain Bradfute’s arrest was announced. Bradfute shot and killed a private while the young soldier was enjoying libations and entertainment at the popular Marlin Ranch a few miles down river from the Fort. Troopers at the Fort were ordered to stay away from Marlin’s Ranch as no soldier should be allowed to have that much fun while enlisted. After numerous warnings, Bradfute himself rode to the ranch to see if he could catch any insubordinate soldiers. After reprimanding those found at the ranch, one inebriated private challenged Bradfute with a few ill advised words. Bradfute, ever the gentleman, slapped the soldier with his leather gauntlet, when the soldier retaliated with a punch, Bradfute pulled out his C**t and shot the soldier. Commanders were sincere about their directives in 1858. Court Martial proceedings found Captain Bradfute was well within his rights and found not guilty. He was brought up on charges in Civilian Court by the family of the slain but a little thing known as the Civil War interrupted the trial. (Newspaper clipping of the August 14, 1858 edition of the Colorado Citizen.
