Eulogy for a Regulator

RIP Dick Brewer

Richard “Dick” Brewer lost his life during the gunfight at Blazer’s Mill on April 4th, 1878.

But did you know that the lawyer and Regulator ally, Alexander McSween, wrote his eulogy?

Dick Brewer

I want to give a hat-tip to the Billy the Kid Historical Coalition for bringing this fascinating piece of history to my attention.

The following eulogy (as written by McSween) first appeared in the Cimarron News & Press on April 17th, 1878.

"I want to say a few words concerning Mr. Brewer.

Richard M. Brewer was one of nature’s noblemen. Physically faultless; generous to a fault; a giant in friendship; possessing an irreproachable character and unsullied honor; kind, amiable, and gentle in disposition, he has fallen early into the “three by six” promised him eighteen months ago.

Outside 'the House' no one knew Mr. Brewer but to respect him. He was a young man without vices of any kind. Had he been content to enslave himself, he would, no doubt, be living now, but to a man of kingly nature, existence would be intolerable under the conditions sought to be imposed. Murderers and horse thieves hated him; their friends hated him. But the people, Mexican and American, held him in the highest possible esteem.

He had a fine ranch on the Rio Ruidoso, which he had been cultivating the past four years. It was his intention to make Lincoln County his permanent home.

Peace to your ashes, Dick! as you were familiarly called. Sweet and pleasant be your slumbers! Ever green and fresh be your memory. Some will malign you, but that will not disturb you, for when the mist has cleared away and the horizon of truth is clearly seen, even they will be shamed to silence.

Death has deprived your father and mother of an obedient and loving son; your sister and brother of the prince of brothers; the county of Lincoln of one of her best, most industrious, sober, upright, and honest citizens.

He died young — 27 years of age. His father and family live in Wisconsin."

Alexander McSween and his unfortunate mustache

Although McSween stated that Brewer was 27, in all reality, he had just celebrated his 28th birthday on February 19th, just a little over a month before his death.

Interestingly enough, he was 3 years OLDER than the man he was attempting to avenge, John Tunstall.

Believe it or not, Tunstall was just barely 25 years of age when he was gunned down, as opposed to Terence Stamp, who was already 50 when he portrayed Tunstall in Young Guns 1.

I love you.