A few of those who resist the notion that William Henry Roberts (1859-1950) could have been the outlaw, Billy the Kid, have advanced the notion that while the famous outlaw was known to be fluent in Spanish, Roberts was not.

    When asked where they obtained the information that Roberts could not speak Spanish, none have been able to quote an authentic or reliable source. The answers range from “everybody knows it” to “they say ….”

    Those who quote “they” have always been a problem in the credible researching of anything, particularly outlaw and lawman history, which is populated mainly by hobbyists. There is nothing wrong with that, but it must be noted that they tend to be amateurs who merely repeat what other unidentified amateurs are saying and appear to be unconcerned with provenance or credibility. This approach does little more than interrupt and slow down the quest for truth. For the most part, such statements and claims are easily dismissed. Those who insist that “everybody knows it” are doing a disservice to the quest, for “everybody,” whoever they may be, knows no such thing.

    The truth is William Henry Roberts was quite fluent in Spanish. It is a matter of documentation. His fluency was pointed out by the first man to conduct research on him. William V. Morrison interviewed Roberts on tape in 1949, and was well aware of his bi-lingualism. Furthermore, Dr. C.L. Sonnichsen, the esteemed Harvard-educated researcher, historian, folklorist, and writer, met and visited with Roberts during the late 1940s and noted that the old man spoke Spanish very well.

    When Roberts was taken by Morrison to visit Lincoln County in 1949, the old man met and visited with a few of his friends from the days of the Lincoln County War who were still living there. Most were Mexicans, and during his stay Roberts conversed with them Spanish. Others who knew Roberts have verified that he spoke Spanish with ease and facility.

    So, the charge that the Kid was fluent in Spanish and Roberts was not is bogus.

    For more information on the facts behind Billy the Kid and William Henry Roberts, see Billy the Kid: Beyond the Grave (W.C. Jameson, Taylor Trade Publishing). These books can be ordered from Amazon.com or any good book store. For some amazing revelations, see Billy the Kid: The Lost Interviews coming soon (W.C. Jameson, Garlic Press Publishing Company).