The same year he joined the Rangers the 19yo Gillette nearly shot the Apache captive and adoptee 16yo Herman Lehmann. IIRC the Rangers had taken an educated guess at where the Apaches were headed and ridden through much of the night, surprising the Apaches in the morning.
Lehmann was mounted behind an Apache friend, the two riding two-up, their horse consequently lagging behind. Gillett, riding ahead of his companions closed the distance, dismounted and shot the horse with his Winchester rifle (my own contention is, never mind revolvers, rifles had it all over handguns in plains combat).
If I recall correctly, both Lehmann and his friend escaped.
"...if the gentlemen of Virginia shall send us a dozen of their sons, we would take great care in their education, instruct them in all we know, and make men of them." Canasatego 1744
