The Payback

A robbery victim almost had to reimburse the stolen money.

May 11, 1889. A contingent of Buffalo Soldiers, led by Major Joseph Wham, are attacked while taking a $29,000 payroll from Fort Grant to Fort Thomas, Arizona Territory. The soldiers make a fight of it, but they are overwhelmed. The robbers make off with the money. Most of them are identified but are quickly acquitted by a friendly jury. Major Wham is held responsible for the loss of the payroll but that is later rescinded.