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Drake

Hired gunfighter[1] in New Mexico Territory in 1878. (September 12, 1846 – December 23, 1928)[2]

Drake established a name for himself as a gunslinger during his involvement with the Regulators in the Lincoln County War.[2]

In July of 1878,[2] Carl Jimson shot Bret Maverick in the shoulder over a call for a cut during a poker game at Jimson's brace joint, the Square Deal Saloon in Silver Springs,[1] New Mexico Territory.[2] While Bret was recuperating from the gunshot wound, he let word get around town that, when his shoulder was healed enough, he was going to finish his fight with Jimson. Jimson sent for Drake, ostensibly to discuss some property near Rigby but in actuality, was hiring him to face Bret in a showdown Bret had a chance to challenge Jimson. Drake was paid a large amount of money before the showdown, and was promised more money when the job was done. As Bret approached the Square Deal to confront Jimson, Drake claimed he was there to settle an old score over a past encounter with Bret. Bret stalled by talking, removing his hat to wipe his forehead, and then placed his free hand behind his hat in front of him. When Drake told Bret to draw, Bret said he didn't have to, because he held a derringer inside his hat, pointed at Drake's heart. Drake backed down and Bret, revealing his empty fist inside his hat, slugged Drake, knocking him out.[1]

See: Relic of Fort Tejon