REH’s Writings

WritingPermanent catalogue Work

The Vultures of Whapeton

1textual state0Characters

PublishedDecember 1936Sale amount$150Howard received$135

Genre

Western

Story and plot spoilers

"The Vultures of Wahpeton" unfolds in the tumultuous mining town of Wahpeton Gulch, gripped by fear and chaos due to the terror inflicted by a gang of outlaws known as the Vultures. The story centers around Steve Corcoran, a formidable Texas gunslinger, who is brought in by Sheriff John Middleton to serve as a deputy. However, a shocking twist reveals that Middleton, the man Corcoran is supposed to assist, is actually the mastermind behind the Vultures.

Corcoran's tenure in Wahpeton is marked by his ruthless yet effective approach to upholding law and order. He becomes romantically involved with Glory Bland, a dance hall girl, who unwittingly becomes the key to unraveling Middleton's duplicity. After surviving an attempt on her life by Middleton, Glory discloses his true identity to Corcoran. This revelation sets the stage for a series of violent confrontations, leading to a climactic gunfight where Corcoran eliminates Middleton and his deputies, bringing an end to the Vultures' reign of terror.

This story encapsulates the essence of the Wild West era, portraying a landscape rife with violence, moral complexity, and the relentless pursuit of justice. The two endings offer contrasting views on the protagonist's journey: one highlighting a solitary departure into ambiguity, and the other emphasizing redemption and a new beginning with love.

Textual states

Shown in a practical developmental order where possible: synopsis/outline, numbered drafts, submission states, then published or posthumous states. This display order does not itself assert exact chronology or textual authority.

Published versionThe Vultures of Whapeton

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Information

"The Vultures of Wahpeton," initially received by the Kline Agency on October 5, 1934, was eventually sold for $150 on July 16, 1936, with Howard earning $135. This story, initially handled by Jessica Miller and later by Otto Binder, includes Howard agreeing to a reduced rate of ½¢ per word. Besides the final version, there exists an early draft titled "The Vultures of Teton Gulch," with minor differences, notably a more somber ending. The collection also features two untitled synopses of the story.

This is a Western story by Robert E. Howard featuring Texas gunman Steve Corcoran, who becomes a deputy marshal in the mining boomtown of Wahpeton. The story explores themes of trust and deception in a town rife with dark forces. The narrative includes Glory Bland, a key character offering a contrast to the otherwise grim setting. Based on real-life Old West gunman Hendry Brown, the characters Steve Corcoran and John Middleton embody dual aspects of Brown's personality. The story's setting, Wahpeton, is inspired by Deadwood, Dakota Territory. It was one of Howard's final sales before his death, published in Smashing Novels with two different endings. Howard's other work, "Vultures’ Sanctuary," continues his Western storytelling, set in the Guadalupe Mountains and featuring Bill McClanahan, known as Big Mac, embarking on a rescue mission against an outlaw gang.

From the letters:

Howard mentions the letter (#301) to August Derleth, ca. mid-October 1934:

What I feel is one of the best stories I’ve ever written was a 30,000 word Western, the first draft of which I knocked off in two and a half days, but which I have my doubts if anybody will accept it. Yet I feel that if I ever do write anything of lasting merit it will be fiction laid in the early West.

And in a letter to Otto Binder, circa after June 5, 1936, we learn:

Dear Binder:
1/2 a cent is O.K. if you can’t get more; I think this yarn has been turned down by most of the better paying mags, anyway.

Howard’s note was handwritten in the margin of a letter from Binder with the date June 5th, 1936. This must been one of the last letters Howard wrote. It's the last we know exists.