On approaching Virgil Earp, Behan states that Virgil said he would let the Cowboys make a fight.  Behan responded, “ It is your duty as a peace officer instead of encouraging a fight to disarm the parties.” Let me interrupt this for a second.  I may not quote some of what was said due to the colorful language used in the “Wild West.” Okay, back to the program.  Virgil remembers the conversation a little differently.  He stated that he asked Behan to help him disarm the Cowboys.  Behan said he would go alone to disarm them because they would not fight him.  The history shows that Behan did go to the Cowboys alone but that does not verify either story.

The version of Behan’s meeting with the Cowboys in the vacant lot stays pretty consistent.  Most of the Cowboys told Behan that they would not fight the Earps and that they wanted to leave town.  Billy Clanton remained the only Cowboy to give Behan some “trouble,” remaining armed until Behan disarmed the Earps.  These versions may be true, but it is also important to note that the witnesses in the vacant lot were all friendly towards one another.  Others claim hearing the Cowboys state that they would “kill the Earps on sight.” Oh the “Wild West.”

Johnny Behan