The Cow Dispute

A farmer had kept a cow for a relative for years. Three brothers came to take it. He warned them off. The eldest, a pistol hidden in his pocket, walked angrily toward the farmer near a fence on the farmer's own land, left hand in his pocket. He said 'Damn you, I will show you' and moved his hand as if to draw. The farmer, carrying his usual shotgun, struck him on the head with it. The man died. The judge told the jury the farmer had to retreat if he safely could.