 Chapter 7, Part 1 of My Life on the Plains, this LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Before leaving the Platt, I employed two additional interpreters who were familiar with Sioux language. Both were white men, but following the example of many frontiersmen they had taken unto themselves Indian wives, and each had become the head of a considerable family of half-breeds. Starting nearly due south from the Platt and marching up the canyon, which forms a natural gateway through the otherwise almost impassable barrier of bluffs and deep ravines bordering the valley of the Platt River, we again set out in search of Indians. The latter are sought after so frequently and found so seldom, except when not wanted, at scouting parties as a general thing or not overburdened with confidence on beginning an expedition. Most of us, however, felt that we were destined to see Indians, an impression probably due to the fact that we had determined to accomplish our purpose, if hard riding and watchfulness could attain this result. Our first days March brought us to a small stream, a tributary of the Republican River, on whose banks we encamp for the night. Day light the following morning found us in the saddle and ascending from the valley to the table lands we were still in the broken country. On reaching the plateau, overlooking the valley we found ourselves enveloped in a dense fog, so dense that the sky was not visible, nor was an extended view of the country possible. Had the surface of the plain been, as usual, level and unbroken, we could have pursued our march guided by the unerring compass, but deep, in impassable canyons divided the country in all directions and rendered our further progress impracticable. The sun, however, soon rose high enough to drive away the mist and permitted us to proceed on what might be truly termed our winding way. The afternoon on the fourth day we reached the forks of the Republican and there we went into camp. We were then located about 75 miles southeast of Fort Sedgwick and about the same distance northeast of Fort Wallace. Intending to scout the surrounding country thoroughly in search of Indians, we selected our camp with reference to a sojourn of several days, combining among its essential wood, water, good grazing, and last but not least, facilities for defense. When I parted from General Sherman the understanding was that after beating up the country thoroughly about the forks of the Republican River, I should march my command to Fort Sedgwick and there I would either see General Sherman again or receive further instructions from him. Circumstances seemed to favor a modification of this plan, at least as to marching the entire command to Fort Sedgwick. It was therefore decided to send a trustee officer with a sufficient escort to Fort Sedgwick with my dispatch and to receive the dispatches which might be intended for me. My proposed change of program contemplated a continuous march which might be prolonged 20 days or more. To this end additional supplies were necessary. The guides all agreed in the statement that when we were then about equidistant from Fort Wallace on the south and Fort Sedgwick on the north, and either of which the required supplies could be obtained, but that while the country between our camp and the former was generally level and unbroken, favorable to the movements of our wagon train, that between us and Fort Sedgwick was almost impassable for heavy laden wagons. The train then was to go to Fort Wallace under sufficient escort, be loaded with fresh supplies and rejoin us in camp. At the same time the officer selected for that mission could proceed to Fort Sedgwick, obtain his dispatch and return. Major Joel A. Elliott, a young officer of great courage and enterprise, was selected as bearer of the dispatches to Fort Sedgwick as the errand was one involving considerable danger required for the round trip a ride of almost 200 miles through a country which was not only almost unknown, but infested by large numbers of hostile Indians. The major was authorized to arrange the details in accordance with his own judgment. Knowing that small detachments can move more rapidly than large ones, and that he was to depend upon celerity of movement rather than strength of numbers to evade the numerous war parties prowling in that vicinity, the major limited the size of his escort to ten picked men and one of the guides, all mounted on fleet horses. To elude the watchful eyes of any parties that might be noting our movements, it was deemed advisable to set out from camp as soon as it was dark, and by making a rapid night ride get beyond the circle of danger. In this way the little party took its departure on the night of the 23rd of June. On the same day our train of wagons set out for Fort Wallace to obtain supplies. Colonel Wes, with one full squadron of cavalry, was ordered to escort the train to Beaver Creek, about midway and their halt with one of his companies, while the train under escort of one company commanded by Lieutenant Robbins should proceed to the fort and return. Colonel Wes, to employ the interval in scouting up and down the Beaver Creek. The train was under the special management of Colonel Cook, who on this occasion was acting in the capacity of a staff officer. While at Fort McPherson, and went under the impression that my command upon arriving at Fort Wallace, after terminating the scouting expedition, we were then engaged upon, would remain in camp for several weeks, I wrote to my wife at Fort Hayes, advising her to meet me at Fort Wallace, provided that travel between the two posts was considered safe. I expected her to reach Fort Wallace before the arrival of the train and escort from my camp, and under this impression I sent a letter to her by Colonel Cook, asking her to come to our camp on the Republican under escort of the Colonel, who was an intimate friend of the family. I am thus minute in giving these details in order that the events of the succeeding few days may appear in their proper light. After the departure of the two detachments, which left us in almost opposite directions, our camp settled down to the dull and unexciting monotony of waiting patiently for the time when we should welcome our comrades back again and listen to such items of news as they might bring to us. Little did we imagine that the monotony of idleness was so soon and so abruptly to be broken. That night our pickets were posted as usual, the horses and mules after being allowed to graze in the evening were brought in and securely tethered close to our tents, and the stable guards of the different troops had been assigned to their stations for the night. At half past eight the bugler at headquarters sounded the signal for taps, and before the last note had died away, every light in obedience to this command disappeared, and nothing remained to the eye except here and there a faint glimpse of a white tent to indicate the presence of our camp. It was just that uncertain period between darkness and daylight on the following morning, and I was lying in my tent in the enjoyment of that perfect repose which only camp life offers when a sharp, clear crack of a carbine nearby brought me to my feet. I knew in an instant that the shot came from the picket posted not far from the rear of my camp. At the same moment my brother, Colonel Custer, who on that occasion was officer of the day and whose duties required him to be particularly on the alert, rushed past my tent, halting only long enough to show his face through the opening and shout, they are here. Now I did not inquire who we were referring to or how many were included in the word they, nor did my informant seem to think it necessary to explain. They referred to Indians, I knew full well, had I doubted the brisk fuselage which opened the next moment and the wild war whoop were convincing evidences that in truth they were here. Ordinarily I must confess to having sufficient regard for the customs and courtesies of life to endeavor to appear in society suitably and appropriately dressed, but when the alarm of Indians was given, and in such a startling manner as to show they were almost in our midst, the question was not, what shall I wear, but what shall I do? It has become so common, in fact, almost a law, to describe the customs worn upon memorable occasions, that I may be pardoned if I indulge in a description which I will endeavor to make as brief as the costume itself. A modern Jenkins, if desiring to tell the truth, would probably express himself as follows. General Custer on this occasion appeared in a beautiful crimson robe, red flannel robe, deignuit, very becoming to his complexion. His hair was worn all natural and permitted to fall carelessly over his shoulders. In his hand he carried gracefully a handsome Spencer rifle. It is unnecessary to add that he became the observed of all observers. My orderly, as was his custom on my retiring, had securely tied all the fastenings to my tent, and it was usually the work of several minutes to undo this unnecessary labor. I had no time to throw away in this manner. Leaping from my bed I grasped my trusty Spencer, which was always at my side whether waking or sleeping, and with a single dash burst open the tent and hatless as well as shoeless, ran to the point where the attack seemed to be concentrated. It was sufficiently light to see our enemies and be seen. The first shot had brought every man of my command from his tent armed and equipped for battle. The Indians, numbering hundreds, were all around the camp, evidently intending to surround us, while a party of about 50 of their best-mounted warriors had, by taking advantage of a ravine, contrived to approach quite close before being discovered. It was the intention of this party to dash through our camp, stampede all of our horses, which were to be caught up by the parties surrounding us, and then finish us at their leisure. The picket, however, discovered the approach of this party, and by firing gave timely warning thus frustrating the plan of the Indians, who almost invariably based their hopes of success upon affecting a surprise. My men opened on them such a brisk fire from their carbines that they were glad to withdraw beyond range. The picket, who gave the alarm, was shot down at his post by the Indians, the entire party galloping over his body, and being prevented from scalping him only by the fire from his comrades, who dashed out and recovered him. He was found to be badly, though not mortally wounded, by a rifle ball through the body. The Indians, seeing their attempt to surprise us and to stampede our horses, had failed, then withdrew to a point but little over a mile from us, where they congregated and seemed to hold a conference with each other. We did not fear any further attack at this time. They were satisfied with this attempt and would wait another opportunity. It was desirable, however, that we should learn, if possible, what tribe our enemies belonged. I directed one of our interpreters to advance midway between our camp and the Indians to make the signal for holding a parlay, and, in this way, ascertain who were the principal chiefs. The ordinary manner of opening communications with parties known or supposed to be hostile is to ride towards them in a zigzag manner, or ride in a circle. The interpreter gave the proper signal, and was soon answered by a small party advancing from the main body of the Indians to within hailing distance. Those then agreed that I, with six of the officers, should come to the bank of the river, which was about equidistant from my camp and from the point where the Indians had congregated, and there be met by an equal number of leading chiefs. To guard against treachery, I placed most of my command under arms and arranged with the officers left in command that a blast from the bugle should bring assistance to me if required. Six of the officers and myself, taking with us a bugler and an interpreter, proceeded on horseback to the designated point. Dismounting we left our horses in charge of the bugler, who was instructed to watch every movement of the Indians and upon the first appearance of violence or treachery to sound the advance. Each of us took our revolvers from their leather cases and stuck them loosely in our belts. Descending to the river bank, we awaited the arrival of the seven chiefs. On one side of the river the bank was level and covered with a beautiful green sword, while on the opposite side it was broken and thickly covered by willows and tall grass. The river itself was at this season of the year and at this distance from its mouth scarcely deserving of the name. The seven chiefs soon made their appearances on the opposite bank and after removing their leggings, waited across to where we stood. Imagine our surprise at recognizing as the head chief Pawnee Killer, our friend of the Conference of the Platt, who on that occasion had overwhelmed us with the earnestness of his professions of peace and who, after partaking of our hospitality under the guise of friendship and leaving our camp laden with provisions and presents, returned to attack and murder us within a fortnight. This too without the slightest provocation, for surely we had not trespassed against any right of theirs since the exchange of friendly greetings near Fort McPherson. Pawnee Killer and his chiefs met us as if they were quite willing to forgive us for interfering with the success of their intended surprise of our camp in the morning. I avoided all reference to what had occurred, desiring of possible to learn the locality of their village and their future movements. All attempts, however, to elicit information on these points were skillfully parried. The chiefs in turn were anxious to know our plans, but we declined to gratify them. Upon crossing to our side of the river, Pawnee Killer and his companions at once extended their hands and saluted us with the familiar how, suspicious of their intentions. I kept one hand on my revolver during the continuance of our interview. We had had about concluded our conference. A young brave, completely armed, as were all the chiefs, emerged from the willows and tall grass on the opposite bank and waited across to where we were, greeting us as the others had done. Nothing was thought of this act until a few moments another brave did the same and so on until four had crossed over and joined our group. I then called Pawnee Killer's attention to the conditions which under we met and told him he was violating his part of the contract. He endeavored to turn it off by saying that his young men felt well-disposed towards us and came over only to shake hands and say, How? He was told, however, that no more of his men must come. The conversation was then resumed and continued until another party of warriors was seen preparing to cross from the other side. The conduct of these Indians in the morning added to our opinion in general as regarding treachery convinced us that it would be in the highest degree imprudent to trust ourselves in their power. They already outnumbered us eleven to seven, which were as heavy of odds as I felt disposed to give. We all felt convinced that the coming over of these warriors one by one was but the execution of a preconceived plan. Whereof we were to become the victims as soon as their advantage in numbers could justify them in attacking us. Again reminding Pawnee Killer of the stipulations of our agreement and that while we had observed ours faithfully he had disregarded his. I told him that not another warrior of his should cross the river to our side and call his attention to the bugler who stood at the safe distance from us. I told him that I would then instruct a bugler to watch the Indians who were upon the opposite bank and upon any of them making any movement as if to cross to sound the signal which would bring my entire command to my side in a few moments. This satisfied Pawnee Killer that any further attempt to play us false would only end in his own discomforture. He had once signaled to the Indians on the other side to remain where they were. Nothing definite could be glane from the replies of Pawnee Killer. I was satisfied that he and his tribe were contemplating mischief. Their previous declarations of peaceful intent went for naught. Their attack on our camp in the morning proved what they would do if able to accomplish their purpose. I was extremely anxious, however, to detain the chiefs near my camp or induce them to locate their village near us and keep up the semblance of at least friendship. I was particularly prompted to this desire by the fact that the two detachments which had left my command the previous day would necessarily continue absent several days, and I feared that they might become the victims of an attack from this band if steps were not taken to prevent it. Our anxiety was greatest regarding Major Elliot and his little party of eleven. Our only hope was that the Indians had not become aware of their departure. It was fortunate that the Major had chosen night as the most favorable time for setting out. As to the detachment, they have gone with the train to Fort Wallace, we felt less anxious. It being sufficiently powerful in numbers to defend itself, unless attacked after the detachment became divided at Beaver Creek, finding all efforts to induce Pawnee Killer to remain with us unavailing, I told him that we would march to his village with him. This did not seem satisfactory. Before terminating our interview, the chief requested me to make them presence of some sugar, coffee, and ammunition. Remembering the use they had made of the latter article in the morning, it would not appear strange if I declined to gratify them. Seeing that nothing was to be gained by prolonging the interview, we separated, the officers returning to our camp and the Indians recrossing the river, mounting their ponies and galloping off to the main body, which was then nearly two miles distant. My command was in readiness to leap into their saddles and I determined to attempt to follow the Indians and, if possible, get near their village. They were prepared for this move on our part and the moment we advanced towards them they set off top of their speed. We followed as rapidly as our heavier horses could travel, but the speed of the Indians' pony on this occasion, as on many others, was too great for that of our horses. A pursuit of a few hours proved our inability to overtake them and we returned to camp. Soon after arriving at camp, a small party of Indians was reported in sight in a different direction. Captain Louis Hamilton, the lineal descendant of Alexander Hamilton, was immediately ordered to take his troop and learn something of their intentions. The Indians resorted to their usual tactics. There were not more than a half a dozen to be seen, not enough to appear formidable. These were there as a decoy. Captain Hamilton marched his troops towards the hill on which the Indians had made their appearance, but on arriving at its crest found that they had retired to the next ridge beyond. This maneuver was repeated several times until the cavalry found itself several miles from the camp. The Indians then appeared to separate into two parties each going in different directions. Captain Hamilton divided his troop into two detachments, sending one detachment, under command of my brother, after one of the parties, while he with twenty-five men continued to follow the other. When the two detachments had become so far separated as to be of no assistance to each other, the Indians developed their scheme. Suddenly dashing from a ravine as if springing from the earth, forty-three Indian warriors burst out upon the cavalry, letting fly their arrows and filling the air with their wild war whoops. Fortunately Captain Hamilton was an officer of great presence of mind as well as undaunting courage. The Indians began circling about the troops throwing themselves upon the sides of their ponies and aiming their carbines and arrows over the necks of their well-trained war steeds. Captain Hamilton formed his men in order to defend themselves against the assault of their active enemies. The Indians displayed unusual boldness, sometimes dashing close up to the cavalry and sending in a perfect shower of bullets and arrows. Fortunately their aim, riding as they did at full speed, was necessarily inaccurate. At this time we who had remained in the camp were ignorant of what was transpiring. Dr. Coates, whose acquaintance had been made before, had accompanied Captain Hamilton's command, but when the latter was divided the doctor joined the detachment of my brother. In some unexplained manner the doctor became separated from both parties and remained so until the sound of the firing attracted him towards Captain Hamilton's party. When within a half a mile of the latter, he saw what was transpiring, saw our men in the center and Indians charging and firing from the outside. His first impulse was to push on and endeavor to break through the line of savages casting as luck with his struggling comrades. This impulse was suddenly nipped in the bud. The Indians, with their quick watchful eyes, had discovered his presence and a half a dozen of their best mounted warriors had once galloped towards him. Happily the doctor was in the direction of camp from Captain Hamilton's party and, comprehending the peril of his situation at a glance, turned his horse's head toward the camp and applying the spur freely set out on a ride for life. The Indians saw this move but were not disposed to be deprived of their victim in this way. They were better mounted than the doctor, his only advantage being in the start and the greater object to be obtained. When the race began, he was fully four miles from camp. The day was hot and sultry, country rough and broken and his horse somewhat jaded from the effects of the ride in the morning. These must have seen immense obstacles in the eyes of a man who was riding for dear life, a fall step, a broken girth, or almost any trifle might decide his fate. How often, if ever, the doctor looked back, I know not. His eyes more probably were strained to catch a glimpse of camp or of assistance accidentally coming to his relief. Neither the one nor the other appeared. His pursuers, knowing that their success must be gained soon, if at all, pressed their fleet ponies forward until they seemed to skim over the surface of the green plain, and their shouts of exultation falling clear and louder upon his ear told the doctor that they were surely gaining upon him. Fortunately, our domestic horses, until accustomed to their presence, are as terrified by Indians as by a huge wild beast, and will fly from them if not restrained. The yells and the approaching Indians serve no doubt to quicken the energies of the doctor's horse and impelled him to greater efforts to escape. So close had the Indians succeeded in approaching that they were almost within error range, and would soon have sent one flying through the doctor's body when, to greet the joy of the pursued and the corresponding grief of his pursuers, camp suddenly appeared in full view scarcely a mile distant. The ponies of the Indians had been ridden too hard to justify their riders into venturing near enough to provoke pursuit upon fresh animals. Sending a parting volley of bullets after the flying doctor, they turned about and disappeared. The doctor did not slacken his pace on this account, however. He knew that Captain Hamilton's party was in peril, and that assistant should reach him as soon as possible. Without tightening rain or sparing spur, he came dashing into camp, and the first we knew of his presence he had thrown himself from an almost breathless horse, and was lying on the ground, unable, from sheer exhaustion and excitement, to utter a word. The officers and the men gathered about him in astonishment, eager and anxious to hear his story, for all knew that something far from any ordinary event had transpired to place the doctor in such a condition of mind and body. As soon as he had recovered sufficiently to speak, he told us that he had left Captain Hamilton, surrounded by a superior force of Indians, and that he himself had been pursued almost to the borders of the camp. This was enough. The next moment the bugle rang out the signal to horse, and in less time than would be required to describe it, horses were saddled and arms ready. Then there was mounting and hot haste. A moment later the command set off at a brisk trot to attempt to rescue their beleaguered comrades. Persons unfamiliar with cavalry service may mentally inquire why, in such an emergency as this, the intended reinforcements were not pushed forward at a rapid gallop. But in answer to this, it need only be said that we had a ride of at least five miles before us, in order to arrive at the point where Captain Hamilton and his comrades had last been seen, and it was absolutely necessary to sow husband the powers of our horses as to save them for the real work of conflict. End of chapter 7, part 1. Chapter 7, part 2 of My Life on the Planes. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. We had advanced in this manner probably two miles when we discerned in the distance the approach of Captain Hamilton's party. They were returning leisurely to camp after having succeeded in driving off their assailants and inflicting upon them a loss of two warriors killed and several wounded. The Indians could only boast of having wounded a horse belonging to Captain Hamilton's party. This encounter with the Indians occurred in the direction taken by Major Eliot's detachment on leaving camp, and the Indians after this repulse by Captain Hamilton withdrew in that direction. This added to our anxiety concerning the safety of Major Eliot and his men. There was no doubt now that all Indians infesting the broad belt of country between the Arkansas and the Platt Rivers were on the warpath, and would seek revenge from any party so unfortunate as to fall in their way. The loss of two warriors slain in the fight and their wounded comrades would be additional incentives to acts of hostility. If there'd been any possible means of communicating with Major Eliot and either strengthening or warning him, it would have been done. He left us by no traveled or defined route, and it was by no means probable that he would pass over the same trail and coming from Fort Sedgwick as in going to that point. Otherwise reinforcements could have been sent out over his trail to meet him. On the twenty-seventh, our fears for the safety of the Major and his escort were dispelled by their safe return to camp, having accomplished a ride of nearly two hundred miles through an enemy's country. They had concealed themselves in ravines during the daytime and traveled at night trusting to the fateful compass and their guide to bring them safely back. Now that the Major and his party had returned to us, our anxiety became centered in the fate of the larger party which had proceeded with the train to Fort Wallace for supplies. The fact that Major Eliot made his trip unmolested by Indians proved that the latter were most likely assembled south of us, that is, between us and Fort Wallace. Wherever they were, their numbers were known to be large. It would be impossible for a considerable force, let alone a wagon train, to pass from our camp to Fort Wallace and not be seen by the Indian scouting parties. They had probably observed the departure of the train and escort at the time, and dividing the object which, occasioned to sending of wagons, would permit them to go to the Fort unmolested, but would wailay them upon their return in the hope of obtaining the supplies they contained. Under this supposition the Indians had probably watched the train and escort during every mile of their progress. If so, they would not fail to discover that the larger portion of the escort halted at Beaver Creek, while the wagons proceeded to the Fort guarded by only forty-eight men, in which case the Indians would combine their forces and attack the train at some point between Fort Wallace and Beaver Creek. Looking at these probable events I not only felt impelled back promptly to secure the safety of the train and its escort, but a deeper and stronger motive stirred me to leave nothing undone to circumvent the Indians. My wife who, in answer to my letter, I believed was then at Fort Wallace, would place herself under the protection of the escort of the train and attempt to rejoin me in camp. The mere thought of danger to which you might be exposed spurred me to decisive action. One full squadron well-mounted and armed under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Myers, an officer of great experience in Indian affairs, left our camp at dark on the evening of the day that Captain Hamilton had his engagement with the Indians and set out in the direction of Fort Wallace. His orders were to press forward as rapidly as practicable following the trail made by the train. Written orders were sent to his care to Colonel West, who was in command of that portion of the escort, which had halted Beaver Creek to join Colonel Myers' command with his own, and then to continue to march towards Fort Wallace until he should meet the returning train and escort. The Indians, however, were not deprived of this opportunity to secure scalps and plunder. From our camp to Beaver Creek was nearly fifty miles. Colonel Myers marched his command without halting until he joined Colonel West at Beaver Creek. Here the two commands united, and under the direction of Colonel West, the senior officer of the party, preceded Fort Wallace following the train left by the wagon train and escort. If the escort and Colonel West's forces could be united, they might confidently hope to repel any attack made upon them by Indians. Colonel West was an old Indian fighter, and too thoroughly accustomed to the Indian tactics to permit his command to be surprised or defeated, in any manner other than by a fair contest. Let us leave them for a time and join the wagon train and its escort, the later numbering all told as before stated, forty-eight men under the immediate command of Lieutenant Robbins. Colonel Cook, whose special duty connected him with the train and its supplies, could also be relied upon for material assistance with the troops in case of actual conflict with the enemy. Comstock, the favorite scout, a host in himself, was sent to guide the party to and from Fort Wallace. In addition to these were the Teamsters, who could not be expected to do more than control their team should the train be attacked. The march from camp to Beaver Creek was made without incident. Here the combined forces of Colonel West and Lieutenant Robbins encamped together during the night. Next morning, at early dawn, Lieutenant Robbins' party, having the train in charge, continued to march towards Fort Wallace, while Colonel West sent out scouting parties up and down the stream to search for Indians. As yet none of their party were aware of the hostile attitude assumed by the Indians within the past few hours, and Colonel West's instructions contemplated a friendly meeting between his forces and the Indians should the latter be discovered. The march of the train and the escort was made to Fort Wallace without interruption. The only incident worthy of remark was an observation of Comstock's which proved how thoroughly he was familiar with the Indians and his customs. The escort was moving over a beautifully level plateau. Not a mound or hillock disturbed the evenness of the surface for miles in either direction. To the unpracticed eye, there seemed no recess or obstruction in or behind which an enemy might be concealed. But everything appeared open to the view for miles and miles look in what direction one might. Yet such was not the case. Ravines of greater or less extent, though not preceptible at a glance, might have been discovered if searched for extending almost to the trail over which the party was moving. These ravines, if followed, would be found to grow deeper and deeper, until after running their course in an indefinite extent they would terminate in the valley of some running stream. These were natural hiding places of Indian war parties waiting for their opportunities to dash upon unsuspecting victims. These ravines served the same purpose to the Indians of the Timberless Plains that the ambush did to those Indians of the Eastern states accustomed to fighting in the forests and never glades. Comstock's keen eyes took in all at a glance, and he remarked to Colonel Cook and Lieutenant Robbins, as the three rode together at the head of the column that, if the Indians strike us at all, it will be just about the time we are coming along back over this very spot. Now mind what I tell you all, we shall see how correct Comstock's prophecy was. Arriving at the fort, no time was lost in loading up the wagons with fresh supplies, obtaining the mail intended for the command, and preparing to set out on the return to camp the following day. No late news regarding Indian movements was obtained. Fortunately, my letter from Fort McPherson to Mrs. Custer asking her to come to Fort Wallace miscarried, and she did not undertake a journey which in all probability would have imperiled her life, if not terminated it in a most tragic manner. On the following morning, Colonel Cook and Lieutenant Robbins began their return march. They had advanced one half of the distance which separated them from Colonel West's camp without the slightest occurrence to disturb the monotony of their march, and had reached the point where, on passing before, Comstock had indulged in his prognostication regarding Indians, yet nothing had been seen to excite suspicious alarm. Comstock always on the alert, and with eyes as quick as those of an Indian, had been scanning the horizon in all directions. Suddenly he perceived, or thought he perceived, strange figures resembling human heads peering over the crest of a hill far away to the right. Hastily leveling his field-glass, he pronounced the strange figures, which were scarcely perceptible to neither more nor less than Indians. The officers brought into requisition their glasses, and were soon convinced of the correctness of Comstock's report. It was some time before the Indians perceived that they had been discovered. Concealment, then, being no longer possible, they boldly rode to the crest and exposed themselves in the full view. At first, but twenty or thirty made their appearance. Gradually their numbers became augmented, until about a hundred warriors could be seen. It may readily be imagined that the appearance of so considerable a body of Indians produced no little excitement and speculation in the minds of the people at the train. The speculation was as to the intentions of the Indians whether hostile or friendly. Upon this subject all doubts were soon dispelled. The Indians continued to receive ascensions to their numbers, and reinforcements coming from beyond the crest of the hill on which their presence was first discovered. Finally, seeming confident in their superior numbers, the warriors all of whom were mounted advanced leisurely down the slope leading in the direction of the train and its escort. By the aid of field glasses, Comstock and the two officers were able to determine fully the character of the party now approaching them. The last doubt was thus removed. It was clearly to be seen that the Indians were arrayed in full-war costume, their heads adorned by the brilliantly colored war bonnets, their faces, arms, and bodies painted in various colors rendering their natural, repulsive appearance even more hideous. As they approached near, they assumed a certain order in the manner of their advance. Some were seen to be carrying the long-listening lance with its pennant of bright colors, while upon the left arm hung a round shield, almost bullet-proof and ornamented with paint and feathers, according to the taste of the wearer. Nearly all were armed with carbines and one or two revolvers, while many in addition to these weapons carried a bow and arrow. When the entire band had defiled down the inclined slope, Comstock and the officers were able to estimate roughly the full strength of the party. They were astonished to perceive that between six and seven hundred warriors were bearing down upon them, and in a few minutes would undoubtedly commence the attack. Against such odds and upon ground so favorable for the Indian mode of warfare, it seemed unreasonable to hope for a favorable result. Yet the entire escort officers and men entered upon their defense with the determination to sell their lives as dearly as possible. As the coming engagement so far as a cavalry was concerned was to be purely a defensive one, Lieutenant Robbins at once sent out preparing to receive his unwelcome visitors. Colonel Cook formed the train in two parallel columns, leaving ample space between the horses and the cavalry. Lieutenant Robbins then dismounted his men and prepared to fight on foot. The lead horses, under charge of the fourth trooper, were placed between the two columns of wagons and were thus in a measure protected from the assaults, which the officers had every reason to believe would be made for their capture. The dismounted cavalry men were thus formed in a regular circle, enclosing the train and the horses. Colonel Cook took command of one flank, Lieutenant Robbins of the other, while Comstock, who as well as the two officers remained mounted, galloped from point to point wherever his presence was most valuable. These dispositions being perfected, the march was resumed in disorder and the attack of the savages calmly awaited. The Indians, who were interested spectators of these preparations for the reception, continued to approach, but seemed willing to delay their attack until the plane became a little more favorable for their operations. Finally the desired moment seemed to have arrived. The Indians had approached to within easy range, but not a shot had been fired. The cavalry men, having been instructed by their officers to reserve their fire for close quarters. Suddenly, with a wild ringing war whoop, the entire band of warriors bore down upon the train and its little party of defenders. Uncame the savages, filling the air with their terrible yells. Their first object evidently was to stampede the horses and drought animals of the train, then in the excitement and consternation which would follow to massacre the escort and drivers. The wagon master in immediate charge of the train had been ordered to keep his two columns of wagons constantly moving forward and well closed up. This last injunction was hardly necessary as the frightened teamsters glancing at the approaching warriors and bearing their savage shouts were sufficiently anxious to keep well closed upon their leaders. The first onslaught of the Indians was made on the flank, which was super-intended by Colonel Cook. They rode boldly forward as if to dash over the mere handful of cavalrymen who stood in skirmishing order in a circle about the train. Not a soldier faulted, as the enemy came thundering upon them, but waited until the Indians were within short rifle range of the train, the cavalrymen dropped upon their knees and taking deliberate aim poured a volume from their Spencer carbines into the ranks of the savages, which seemed to put a sudden check upon the odor of their movements and forced them to wheel off to the right. Several of the warriors were seen to reel in their saddles, while their ponies of others were brought down or wounded by the effectual fire of the cavalrymen. Those of the savages who were shot from their saddles were scarcely permitted to fall to the ground before a score or more of their comrades dashed to their rescue and bore their bodies beyond the possible reach of our men, this in accordance with Indian custom in battle. They will risk the lives of a dozen of their best warriors to prevent the body of any one of their number from falling into the white man's possession. The reason for this is the belief which generally prevails among all the tribes, that if a warrior loses his scalp he forfeits his hope of ever reaching the happy hunting ground. As the Indians were being driven back by the well-directed volley of the cavalrymen, the latter overjoyed at their first success, became reassured and set up a cheer of exultation, while Comstock, who had not been idle in the fight, called out to the retreating Indians in their native tongues, taunting them with their unsuccessful assault. The Indians withdrew to a point beyond the range of our carbines, and there seemed to engage in a parley. Comstock, who closely watched every movement, remarked that, there's no such good luck for us as to think them Indians mean to give it up so. Six hundred red devils ain't going to let fifty men stop them from getting at the coffee and sugar, that is in the wagons, and they ain't going to be satisfied until they get some of our scalves to pay for the bucks we popped out of their saddles a bit ago. It was probable that the Indians were satisfied that they could not dash through the train and stampede the animals. Their recent attempt had convinced them that some other method of attack must be resorted to. Nothing but their greater superiority in numbers had induced them to risk so much in a charge. The officers passed along the line of skirmishes, for this in reality was all their line consisted of, and cautioned the men against wasting their ammunition. It was yet early in the afternoon, and should the conflict be prolonged until night, there was great danger of exhausting the supply of ammunition. The Indians seemed to have thought of this, and the change in their method of attack encouraged such a result. But little time was spent at the parley. Again the entire band of warriors, except those already disabled, prepared to renew their attack and advanced as before. This time, however, with greater caution evidently desiring to avoid a reception similar to the first. When sufficiently near the troops, the Indians developed their new plan of attack. It was not to advance in mass as before, but fight as individuals, each warrior selecting his own time and method of attack. This is a habitual manner of fighting among all Indians of the plains, and is termed circling. First, the chief's let-off followed at a regular interview by warriors until the entire six or seven hundred were to be seen riding and single-file as rapidly as their fleet-footed ponies could carry them. Preserving this order and keeping up their savage chorus of yells, war-roops, and taunting epithets, this long line of mounted barbarians was guided in such a manner as to envelop the train and escort, and make the latter appear like a small circle within a larger one. The Indians gradually contracted their circle, although maintaining the full speed of their ponies, until sufficiently close to open fire upon the soldiers. At first the shots were scattered and wide of their mark, but emboldened by the silence of their few but determined opponents, they rode near and fought with greater impetuosity. Forcing out to defend themselves to the uttermost, the cavalrymen opened fire from their carbines, with most gratifying results. The Indians, however, moving at such a rapid gate and in single-file, presented a most uncertain target. To enter this uncertainty, the savages availed themselves to their superior, almost marvelous powers of horsemanship. Throwing themselves upon the sides of their well-trained ponies, they left no part of their persons exposed to the aim of the troopers except the head and one foot, and in this posture they were able to aim the weapon either over or under the necks of their ponies, thus using the bodies of the latter as an effective shield against the bullets of their adversaries. At no time were the Indians able to force the train and its escort to come to a halt. The march was continued as an uninterrupted gate. This successful defense against the Indians was in a great measure due to the presence of the wagons, which arranged in the order described formed a complete barrier to the charges and assaults of the savages, and as a last resort the wagons could have been halted and used as a breastwork behind which the cavalry dismounted would have been almost invincible against their more numerous enemies. There's nothing an Indian dislikes more in warfare than to attack a foe, however weak, behind the breastworks of any kind. Any contrivance, which is an obstacle to his pony, is a most serious obstacle to the warrior. The attack of the Indians aggravated by their losses in warriors and ponies, as many of the latter had been shot down, was continued without cessation for three hours. The supply of ammunition of the cavalry was running low. The fourth troopers who had remained in charge of the lead horses between the two columns of wagons were now replaced from the skirmishers, and the former were added to the list of active combatants. If the Indians should maintain the fight much longer, there was serious ground for apprehension regarding the limited supply of ammunition. If only night or reinforcements would come, was a prayerful hope of those who contended so gallantly against such heavy odds. Night was still too far off to promise much encouragement, while as to the reinforcements their coming would be purely accidental, at least so argued those most interested in their arrival. Yet reinforcements were at that moment, striving to reach them. Comrades were in the saddle and spurring forward to their relief. The Indians, although apparently turning all their attention to the little band inside, had omitted no precaution to guard against the interference from outside parties. In this instance, perhaps, they were more than ordinarily watchful, and had posted some of their keen-eyed warriors on the high line of the bluffs, which ran almost parallel to the trail over which the combatants moved. From these bluffs not only a good view of the fight could be obtained, but the country for miles in either direction was spread out beneath them, and enabled the scouts to discern the approach of any hostile party which might be advancing. Fortunate for the savages that this precaution had not been neglected, or the contest in which they were engaged, might have become one of more equal numbers. To the careless eye nothing could have been seen to excite suspicion, but the warriors on the lookout were not long in discovering something which occasioned them no little anxiety. Dismounting from their ponies and concealing the latter in the ravine, they prepared to investigate more fully the cause of their alarm. That which they saw was as yet, but a faint dark line on the surface of the plain, almost against the horizon. So faint was it that no one but an Indian or a practice frontiersman would have observed it. It was fully ten miles from them and directly in their line of march. The ordinary observer would have pronounced it a break or irregularity in the ground, or perhaps the shadow of a cloud and its apparent permanency of location would have dispelled any fear as to its dangerous character. But was it stationary? Apparently yes. The Indians discovered otherwise. By close watching a long faint line could be seen moving along as if creeping stealthily upon an unconscious foe. Slowly it assumed a more definite shape, until what appeared to be a mere stationary dark line drawn upon the green surface of the plain developed itself into the searching eyes of the red man into a column of cavalry moving at a rapid gate toward the very point they were occupying. Convinced of this fact, one of the scouts leaped upon his pony and flew with almost the speed of the wind to impart this knowledge to the chiefs in command on the plain below. True, the approaching cavalry, being still several miles distant, could not arrive for nearly two hours. But the question to be considered by the Indians was whether it would be prudent for them to continue their attack on the train, their ponies already becoming exhausted by the three hours hard riding given them, until the arrival of fresh detachment of the enemy, whose horses might be in a condition favorable to a rapid pursuit, and thereby enable them to overtake those of the Indians whose ponies were exhausted. Unwilling to incur this new risk and seeing no prospect of overcoming their present adversaries by a sudden or combined dash, the Indians decided to withdraw from the attack and made their escape while the advantage was yet in their favor. The surprise of the cavalrymen may be imagined at seeing the Indians after pouring a shower of bullets and arrows into the train withdrew to the bluffs, and immediately after continue their retreat, until lost of view. The victory for the troopers, although so unexpected, was nonetheless welcome. The Indians contrived to carry away with them their killed and wounded. Five of their bravest warriors were known to have been sent to the happy hunting-ground, while the list of their wounded was much larger. After the Indians had withdrawn and left the cavalrymen masters of the field, our wounded of whom there were comparatively few, received every possible care and attention. Those of the detachment who had escaped unharmed were busily engaged in exchanging congratulations and relating incidents of the fight. In this manner nearly an hour had been whittled away and far in the distance in their immediate front fresh cause for anxiety was discovered. At first the general opinion was that if it was the Indians again determined to contest their progress. Field glasses were again called into requisition and revealed, not Indians, but the familiar blue blouses of the cavalry. Never was the sight more welcome. The next moment Colonel Cook and Comstock and a few troopers applied spurs to their horses and were soon dashing forward to meet their comrades. The approaching party was none other than Colonel West's detachment, hastening to the relief of the train and its gallant little escort. A few words explained all and told the heroes of the recent fight how it happened that reinforcements were sent to their assistance and then was explained why the Indians had so suddenly concluded to abandon their attack and seek safety in quietly withdrawing from the field. The train with its escort returned to the main camp on the Republican. All were proud of the conduct of these detachments of the command which had been brought into actual conflict with the Indians. The heroes of the late fights were congratulated heartily upon their good luck while the comrades who had unavoidably remained in camp consoled themselves with a hope that the next opportunity might be theirs. The dispatches brought by Major Elliot from General Sherman directed me to continue my march and had been suggested up the North Republican, then strike northward and reach the Platt again at some point west of Fort Sedgwick near Riverside Station. This program was carried out. Leaving our camp on the Republican we marched up the North Fork of that river about 60 miles, then turned due north and marched for the Valley of the Platt. The only incident connected with this march was the painful journey under the burning July sun of 65 miles without a drop of water for our horses or drought animals. The march was necessarily affected in one day and produced untold suffering among the poor dumb brutes. Many of the dogs accompanying the command died from thirst and exhaustion. When the sun went down we were still many miles from the Platt. The moon which was nearly full at the time lighted a sunner weary way for some time, but even this was only an aggravation as it enabled us from the high bluffs bordering the Platt Valley to see the river flowing beneath us yet many miles beyond our reach. Taking Lieutenant Mullen, Dr. Coates, and one attendant with me, and leaving the command under the temporary charge of Major Elliot, I pushed on, intending, after arriving at the river, to select a good camping ground as the darkness and circumstances would permit. We then imagined ourselves within four or five miles of the river. So did it appear to us, mile after mile was traversed by our tired horses, yet we apparently arrived no nearer our journey's end. At last, at about 11 o'clock, and after having ridden a brisk raid of nearly 15 miles, we reached the river bank. Our first act was to improve the opportunity to quench our thirst and that of our horses. Considering the lateness of the hour and the distance we had ridden since leaving the command, it was idle to expect a ladder to reach the river before daylight. Nothing was left to us but to bibwack for the night. This we did by selecting a beautiful piece of swad on the river banks for our couch, after taking our saddle blankets for covering and our saddles for pillows. Each of us attached his horse by the halter strap to the hilt of his saber, then forced the saber firmly into the ground. Both horses and riders were weary as well as hungry. At first the horses grazed upon the fresh green pasture which grew luxuriously on the river bank, but fatigue, more powerful than hunger, soon claimed the mastery, and in a few minutes our little group horses and men were wrapped in the sweetest of slumber. Had we known that the Indians were then engaged in murdering men within a few minutes' ride of where we slept and that when we awakened in the morning it would be to still find ourselves away from the command on sleep would not have been so undisturbed. Daylight was beginning to make its appearance in the east when our little party of slumbering troopers began to arouse themselves. Those unfortunate persons who have always been accustomed to the easy comforts of civilization and who have never known what real fatigue or hunger is cannot realize or appreciate the blissful luxury of a sleep which follows a day's ride in the saddle and a half a hundred miles or more. Being the first to awake I rose to a sitting position and took a hasty survey of our situation. Within a few feet of us flowed the Platte River. Our group horses and men presented an interesting subject for a painter. To my surprise I discovered that a heavy shower of rain had fallen during the night, but so deep had been our slumber that even the rain had failed to disturb us. Each one of the party had spread his saddle blanket on the ground to serve as his couch, while for covering we had called into requisition an Indian rubber poncho, or rubber blanket, which invariably forms an important part of the Plainsman's outfit. The rain without awakening any of the party had aroused them sufficiently to cause each one to pull his rubber blanket over his face and thus protected he continued his repose. The appearance presented by this somber-looking group of sleepers strongly reminded me of scenes during the war when after a battle the bodies of slain had been collected for burial. But this was no time to indulge in idle reveries. Arousing my comrades we set about discovering the circumstances of our situation. First the duties of a hasty toilet were attended to, nothing, however, could be more simple. As we had slept in our clothes, top boots and all, we had so much less to attend to. The river flowing at our feet afforded a lavatory which, if not complete in its appointments, was sufficiently grand in its extent to satisfy every want. It was now becoming sufficiently light to enable us to see indistinctly for almost a mile in either direction. Yet our eyes failed to reveal to us any evidence of the presence of the command. Here was fresh cause for anxiety, not only as to our own situation, but as to the whereabouts of the troops. Saddling up our horses each person acting on his own groom, we waited to the clearing away of the morning mist to see the main body. We had not long to wait. The light was soon sufficient to enable us to scan the country with our field-glasses in all directions. Much to our joy we discovered the bivouac of troops about three miles down the river. A brisk gallop soon placed us where we desired to be, and a few words explained how, in the darkness, the column had failed to follow us, but instead had headed for the river at a point below us, a portion not reaching the bank until near morning. Breakfast disposed of, the next question was to ascertain our exact location and distance from the nearest telegraph station. Fortunately, Riverside Station was near our camp, and from there we ascertained that we were then about fifty miles west of Fort Sedgwick. The party obtaining this information also learned that the Indians had attacked the nearest stage station west of camp the preceding evening and killed three men. The station was only a few minutes' ride from the point of the river bank where myself and comrades had passed the night in such a fancied security. Believing that General Sherman must have sent latter instructions for me to Fort Sedgwick than those last received from him, I sent a telegraph to the officer in command at the Fort making inquiry to that effect. To my surprise I received a dispatch saying that the day after the departure of Major Elliott and his detachment from Fort Sedgwick with dispatches, of which mention had been previously made, a second detachment of equal strength. Viz, ten troopers of the second United States Calvary under the command of Lieutenant Kitter and guided by a famous sous-chief named Red Deed, had left Fort Sedgwick with the important dispatches for me from General Sherman, and that Lieutenant Kitter had been directed to proceed to my camp near the forks of the Republican and failing to find me there he was to follow rapidly on my trail until he should overtake my command. I immediately telegraphed to Fort Sedgwick that nothing had been seen or heard of Lieutenant Kitter's detachment and requested a copy of the dispatches borne by him to be sent to me by telegraph. This was done. The instructions of General Sherman were for me to march my command as was at first contemplated across the country from the Platte to the Smoky Hill River striking the ladder at Fort Wallace. Owing to the low state of my supplies, I determined to send out for Fort Wallace at daylight next morning. Great anxiety prevailed throughout the command concerning Lieutenant Kitter and his party. True, he had precisely the same number of men that composed Major Elliott's detachment when the ladder went upon like a mission, but the circumstances which would govern in the one case had changed when applied to the other. Major Elliott, an officer of experience and good judgment, had fixed the strength of his escort and performed the journey before it was positively known that the Indians in the section had entered upon the war path. Had the attack on the commands of Hamilton, Robbins, and Cook been made prior to Elliott's departure, the ladder would have taken not less than fifty troopers as escort. After an informal exchange of opinions between the officers of my command regarding the whereabouts of Lieutenant Kitter and party, we endeavored to satisfy ourselves with the following explanation. Using the capital letter Y for illustration, let us locate Fort Sedgwick, from which post Lieutenant Kitter was sent with dispatches at the upper right point of the letter. The camp of my command at the Forks of the Republican would be at the junction of the three branches of the letter. Fort Wallace relatively would be at the lower termination and the point on the plat at which my command was located, the morning referred to be at the upper termination of the left branch of the letter. Robbins and Cook, in going with the train to Wallace for supplies, had passed and returned over the lower branch. After their return and that of Major Elliott and his party, my entire command resumed the march for the plat. We moved for two or three miles out on the heavy wagon trail of Robbins and Cook, then suddenly changed our direction to the right. It was supposed to be that Kitter and his party arrived at our deserted camp at the Forks of the Republican about nightfall, but finding us gone had determined to avail themselves of the moonlight night and overtake us before we should break camp the next morning. Riding rapidly in the dim light of the evening they had failed to observe the point at which we had diverged from the plainer trail of Robbins and Cook, and instead of following our trail had continued on the former in the direction of Fort Wallace. Such seemed to be plausible if not the only solution capable of being given. Anxiety for the fate of Kitter and his party was one of the reasons impelling me to set out promptly on my return. From our camp at the Forks of the Republican to Fort Wallace was about eighty miles, but eighty miles are the most dangerous country infested by Indians. Remembering the terrible contest in which the command of Robbins and Cook had been engaged on this very route within a few days and knowing that the Indians would be in all probability, maintain a strict watch over the trail to surprise any small party which might venture over it, I felt in the highest degree of solicitous for the safety of Lieutenant Kitter and party. Even if he succeeded in reaching Fort Wallace unmolested there was the reason to apprehend that, impressed with the importance of delivering his dispatches promptly, he would set out on his return at once and endeavor to find my command. Let us leave him and his detachment for a brief interval and return to events which were more immediately connected with my command and which bear a somewhat tragic as well as personal interest. In a previous chapter reference has been made to the state of dissatisfaction which had made its appearance among the enlisted men. The state of feeling had been principally super-induced by inferior and insufficient rations, a fault for which no one connected with the troops in the field was responsible, but which was chargeable to persons far removed from the theater of our movements, persons connected with the supply detachments of the army. Added to this internal source of disquiet, we were then on the main line of overland travel to some of our most valuable and lately discovered mining regions. The opportunity to obtain marvelous wages as miners and the prospect of amassing sudden wealth proved a temptation sufficiently strong to make many of the men forget their sworn obligations to their government and their duties as soldiers. Forgetting for the moment that the command to which they belonged was actually engaged in war and was in a country infested with armed bodies of the enemy and that the legal penalty of desertion under such circumstances was death, many of the men formed a combination to desert their colors and escape to the mines. The first intimation received by any person in authority of the existence of this plot was on the morning fixed for our departure from the plot. Orders had been issued the previous evening for the command to march at daylight. Upwards of forty men were reported as having deserted during the night. There was no time to send parties in pursuit or the capture and return of a portion of them might have been affected. The command marched southward at daylight. At noon, having marched fifteen miles, we halted to rest and grazed the horses for one hour. The men believed that the halt was made for the remainder of the day, and here a plan was perfected among the disaffected by which upwards of one-third of the effective strength of the command was to seize their horses and arms during the night and escape to the mountains. Had the conspirators succeeded in putting this plan into execution it would have been difficult to say how serious the consequences might be, or whether enough true men would remain to render the march to Fort Wallace practicable. Fortunately it was decided to continue the march some fifteen miles further before night. The necessary orders were given and everything was being repacked for the march when attention was called to thirteen soldiers who were then to be seen rapidly leaving the camp in the direction from which we had marched. Seven of these were mounted and were moving off at a rapid gallop. The remaining six were dismounted not having been so fortunate as their fellows in procuring horses. The entire party were still within sound of the bugle, but no orders by bugle note or otherwise served to check or diminish their flight. The boldness of this attempt at desertion took everyone by surprise. Such an occurrence of enlisted men deserting and brought daylight and under the immediate eyes of their officers had never been heard of. With the exception of the horses of the guard and a few belonging to the officers all others were still grazing and unsaddled. The officer of the guard was directed to mount his command promptly and if possible overtake the deserters. At the same time those of the officers whose horses were in readiness were also directed to join in pursuit and leave no effort untried to prevent the escape of a single male content. In giving each party sent in pursuit instructions there was no limited fixed to the measures where they were authorized to adopt in executing their orders. This unfortunately was an emergency which involved the safety of the entire command and required treatment of the most summary character. It was found impossible to overtake that portion of the party which was mounted as it was afterwards learned that they had selected seventh of the flitest horses in the command. Those on foot when discovering themselves pursued increased their speed but a chance of a couple of miles brought the pursuers with inhaling distance. Major Elliot, the senior officer participating in the pursuit, called out to the deserters to halt and surrender. This command was several times repeated but without effect. Finally seeing the hopelessness of the further flight the deserters came back to bay and Major Elliot's renewed demand to throw down their arms and surrender. The ringleader drew up his carbine to fire at his pursuers. This was a signal for the ladder to open fire which they did successfully bringing down three of the deserters although two of them were worse frightened than hurt. Rejoining the command with their sixth captive deserters the pursuing party reported their inability to overtake those who had deserted on horseback. The march was resumed and continued until near nightfall by which time we had placed thirty miles between us and our last camp on the plat. While on the march during the day a trusty sergeant one who had served as a soldier long and faithfully imparted the first information which could be relied upon as to the plot which had been formed by the male contents to desert in a body. Following night had been selected as a time for making the attempt the best horses and arms in the command were to be seized and taken away. I believe that the summary action adopted during the day would intimidate any who might still be contemplating desertion and was confident that another day's march would place us so far in hostile and dangerous country that the risk of encountering war parties of Indians would in itself serve to deter any but large numbers from attempting to make their way back to the settlements. To bridge the following night in safety was the next problem. While there was undoubtedly a large portion of the men who could be fully relied upon to remain true to their obligations and to render any support to their officers which might be demanded, yet the great difficulty at this time owing to the sudden deployment of the plot was to determine who could be trusted. This difficulty was solved by placing every officer in command on guard during the entire night. The men were assembled as usual for roll call, at tattoo and then notified that every man must be in his tent at the signal taps which would be sounded half an hour later, that their company officers fully armed would walk the company streets during the entire night and any man appearing outside the limits of his tent between the hours of taps and revelry would do so at the risk of being fired upon after being once hailed. The night passed without disturbance and the daylight found us in the saddle and pursuing our line of march toward Fort Wallace. It is proper to hear record the fact that from that date onward desertion from the command during the continuance of the expedition was never attempted. It may become necessary in order to perfect the record, borrowing a term from the War Department, to refer in a subsequent chapter to certain personnel and official events which resulted partially from the foregoing occurrences. Let us now turn our attention to Lieutenant Kitter and his detachment. The third night after leaving the plat my command encamped in the vicinity of our former camp near the forks of the Republican. So far nothing had been learned which would enable us to form any conclusion regarding the route taken by Kitter. Comstock the guide was frequently appealed to for an opinion which from his great experience on the plains might give us some encouragement regarding Kitter's safety, but he was too cautious and careful a man, both in word and deed, to excite hopes which his reasoning could not justify. When thus appealed to he would usually give an ominous shake of the head and avoid a direct answer. On the evening just referred to, the officers in Comstock were grouped near headquarters discussing the subject which was then uppermost in the mind of everyone in camp. Comstock had been quietly listening to the various theories and surmises advanced by different members of the group, but was finally pressed to state his ideas as to Kitter's chances of escaping harm. Well, gentle men, emphasizing the last syllable as was his manner, before man can form any agia as to how this thing is likely to end, there are several things he ought to be acquainted with. For instance, now no man need tell me any parts about engines. If I know anything, it's engines. I know just how they'll do anything and when they'll take to do it. But that don't settle to question, and I'll tell you why. If I'd known this young lieutenant, I mean Lieutenant Kitter, if I'd known what for sort of man he is, I could tell you mighty near to a certainty, all you want to know. For you see engine hunting and engine fighting is a trade all by itself, and it's like any other business. A man has to know what he's about, or if he don't, he can't make a living at it. I have lots of confidence in the fighting sense of Redbid, the sub-chief, who has gotten the lieutenant and his men, and if that engine can have his own way, there is a fair show for his guiding them through, all right. But as I said before, the laser difficulty. If this lieutenant, the kind of man who is willing to take advice, and if he does come from an Indian, my experience with you, I'm a folk, has been alas, been the youngsters among you, think you know the most, and this is particularly true if they have just come from West Point. If some of them young fellows know half as much as they believe they do, you couldn't tell them nothing. As to real bulk learning, well I suppose they got it all, but the fact of the matter is they couldn't tell the difference, tweaks the trail of a war party and one made by a hunting party to save their necks. Half of them when they first come here can't tell a squaw from a buck, just because both ride straddle, but they soon learn. But that's not neither henna there. I told that the lieutenant were taken about as a newcomer and that this is his first scout. If there be the case, it puts a mighty uncertain look on the whole thing, and to excuse me, gentlemen, he'll be mighty lucky if he gets through all right. Tomorrow we'll strike the wall of Strel, and I can mighty soon tell if he has gone that way. But little encouragement was to be derived from these expressions. The moral would undoubtedly enable us, as Comstock had predicted, to determine whether or not the lieutenant and his party had missed our trail and taken that leading to Fort Wallace. At daylight our column could have been seen stretching out in the direction of the Wallace Trail. A march of a few miles brought us to the point of intersection. Comstock and the Delaware's had galloped in advance and were about concluding a thorough examination of the various tracks to be seen in the trail when the head of the column overtook them. Well, what do you find, Comstock, was my first inquiry. They gone towards Fort Wallace, sure was his reply, and in support of his opinion he added, the trail shows that about 12 American horses shot all round at past his walk, going in the direction of the fort, and when they went by this point they were all right because the horses were moving along easy, and there were no pony tracks behind them. As wouldn't be the case if the Indians had gotten eye on them. He then remarked, as if in parentheses, it would be astonishing if that lieutenant and his layouts gets into the fort without a scrimmage. He may, but if he does, it'll be a scratch of ever there was one, or I'll lose my confidence in Indians. The opinion expressed by Comstock, as to the chances of lieutenant-kitter in the party making their way to the fort across 80 miles of danger unmolested, was in the concurrent opinion of all officers, and now that they had discovered their trail the interest and anxiety became immeasurably increased as to their fate. A latter could not remain in doubt much longer, as two days marching would take us to the fort. Alas we were to solve the mystery without waiting so long. Pursuing our way along the plain, heavy trail made by Robbins and Cook and directing Comstock and the Delaware's to watch closely, that we did not lose that of Kitter in his party, we patiently but hopefully awaited further developments. How many miles we had thus passed over without incident worthy of mention, I do not now recall. The sun was high in the heavens, showing that our day's march was about half completed, when those of us who were riding at the head of the column discovered a strange-looking object lying directly in our path and more than a mile distance. It was too large for human being, yet in color and appearance at that distance resembled no animal frequenting the plains of which any of us were familiar. Eager to determine its character, a dozen or more of our party, including Comstock and some of the Delaware's, galloped in front. Before riding the full distance the question was determined. The object seen was a body of a white horse. Closer examination showed that it had been shot within the past few days, with the brand US prove that it was a government animal. Major Elliott then remembered that, while at Fort Sedgwick, he had seen one company of cavalry mounted on white horses. These and other circumstances went far to convince us that this was one of the horses belonging to Lieutenant Kitter's party. In fact, there was no room to doubt that this was the case. Almost the unanimous opinion of the command was that there had been a contest with the Indians, and this only the first evidence we should have proving it. When the column reached the point where the slain horse lay, a halt was ordered to enable Comstock and the Indian scouts to thoroughly examine the surrounding grounds to discover, if possible, any additional evidence, such as empty cartridge shells, arrows or articles of Indian equipment, showing that a fight had taken place. All the horse equipment, saddle, bridle, and so on, had been carried away, but whether by friend or foe could not then be determined. While the preponderance of circumstance favored the belief that the horse had been killed by Indians, there was still room to hope that he had been killed by Kitter's party, and the equipment taken away by them, for it frequently happens on a march, that a horse will suddenly take ill and be unable for the time being to proceed further. In such a case, rather than abandoning him alive, with a prospect of his recovering and falling into the hands of the Indians to be employed against us, orders are given to kill him, and this might be true of accounting for the one referred to. The scouts being unable to throw any additional light upon the question, we continued our march, closely observing the ground as we passed along. Homstock noted that instead of the trail showing that Kitter's party was moving in a regular order, as when it was first discovered, there were but two or three tracks to be seen in the beaten trail, the rest being found on the grass on the other side. We had marched two miles, perhaps from the point where the body of the slain horse had been discovered, when we came upon a second, this one, like the first, having been killed by a bullet, and all of his equipment taken away. Homstock's quick eyes were not long in detecting pony tracks in the vicinity, and we had no longer any but the one frightful solution to offer. Kitter and his party had been discovered by the Indians, probably the same powerful and bloodthirsty band which had been resisted so gallantly by the men under Robinson Cook, and against such overwhelming odds the issue could not be doubtful. We were then moving over a high and level plateau, unbroken either by ravines or divides, and just such a locality as would be usually chosen by the Indians for attacking a party of the strength of Kitter's. The Indians could here ride unobstructed and encircle their victims with the continuous line of armed and painted warriors, while the beleaguered party from the even character of the surface of the plain would be unable to find any break or depression from behind which they might find a successful defense. It was probably this relative condition of affairs which had induced Kitter and his doomed comrades to endeavor to push on in the hope of finding ground favorable to their making a stand against their barbarious foes. The main trail no longer showed the footprints of Kitter's party, but instead Homstock discovered the tracks of shod horses on the grass, with here and their numerous tracks of ponies, all by their appearance proving that both horses and ponies had been moving at full speed. Kitter's party must have trusted their lives temporarily to the speed of their horses, a dangerous venture when contending with Indians. However, this fearful race for life must have been most gallantly contested, because we continued our march several miles further without discovering any evidence of the savages having gained any advantage. How painfully, almost despairingly exciting must have been this ride for life, a mere handful of brave men struggling to escape the bloody clutches of the hundreds of red visage demons who, mounted on their well trained war ponies, were straining every nerve and muscle to wreak their hands in the lifeblood of their victims. It was not death alone that threatened this little band. They were not riding simply to preserve life. They rode an doubtless parade, as they rode, that they might escape the savage tortures, the worst than death which threatened them, would that their prayers have been granted. We began leaving the High Plateau and to descend into a valley through which, at the distance of nearly two miles, meandered a small prairie stream, known as Beaver Creek. The valley near the banks of this stream was covered with a dense growth of tall wild grass, intermingled with clumps of osears. At the point where the trail crossed the stream we hoped to obtain more definite information regarding Kitter's party and their pursuers, but we were not required to wait so long. When within a mile of the stream I observed several large buzzards floating lazily in circles through the air, and but a short distance to the left of our trail. This of itself might not have attracted my attention seriously, but for the rank stench which pre-vated the atmosphere, reminding one of those horrible sensations experienced upon the battlefield when passing among the decaying bodies of the dead. As if impelled by one thought, Comstock, the Delaware's, and a half a dozen officers detached themselves from the column and separating into squads of one or two instituted a search for the cause of our horrible suspicions. After riding in all directions through the rushes and willows, and when about to relinquish the search as fruitless, one of the Delaware's uttered a shout which attracted the attention of the entire command. At the same time he was seen to leap from his horse and assume a stooping posture as if critically examining some object of interest. Hastening in common with many others of the party, to aside, a sight met our gaze which even at this remote day makes my very blood curdle. Lying in irregular order and within a very limited circle were the mangled bodies of poor kidder in his party yet so brutally hacked and disfigured as to be beyond recognition save as human beings. Every individual of the party had been scalped and his skull broken, the latter done by some weapon, probably a tomahawk, except the suit-chief red bead, whose scalp had simply been removed from his head and then thrown down by his side. This comstock informed us was in accordance with a custom which prohibits an Indian from bearing off the scalp of one of its own tribe. This circumstance then told us who the perpetrators of this deed were. There could be none other than the suit led in all probability by Pawnee Killer. Red bead, being less disfigured and mutilated than the others, was the only individual capable of being recognized. Even the clothes of all the party had been carried away. Some of the bodies were lying in beds of ashes with partly burned fragments of wood near them, showing that the savages had put some of them to death by a terrible tortures of fire. The sinews of the arms and legs had been cut away, the nose of every man had been hacked off, and the features otherwise defaced so that it would have been scarcely impossible even for a relative to recognize a single one of the unfortunate victims. We could not even distinguish the officer from his men. Each body was pierced by from twenty to fifty arrows, and the arrows were found as the savage demons had left them, bristling in the bodies. While the details of the fearful struggle will probably never be known, telling how long or gallantly these ill-fated little band contended for their lives, if the surrounding circumstances of ground, empty cartridge shells, and a distance from where the attack began satisfied us that Kitter and his men fought as only brave men fight when the watch word is victory or death. As the officer his men and his no less faithful Indian guide had shared their final dangers together, and had met the same dreadful fate at the hands of the same merciless foe, it was but fitting that their remains should be consigned to one common grave. This was accordingly done. A single trench was dug near the spot where they had rendered up their lives upon the altar of duty. Silently, mournfully, their comrades of a brother regiment consigned their mangled remains to Mother Earth, there to rest undisturbed, as we supposed, until the great day of final review. But this was not to be so, while the closest scrutiny on our part had been insufficient to enable us to detect the slightest evidence which would aid us or others in identifying the body of Lieutenant Kitter or any of his men. It will be seen, hereafter, how the marks of a mother's thoughtful affection were to be the means of identifying the remains of her murdered son, even though months had elapsed after his untimely death. End of chapter 8