 Chapter 19 Part 1 of My Life on the Plains. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Not even the proverbial stoicism of the red man was sufficient to conceal the chagrin and disappointment recognizable in every lineament of the continences of both Satena and Lone Wolf when they discovered that all their efforts at deception had not only failed, but left them prisoners in our hands. Had we been in doubt as to whether their intention had really been to leave us in the lurch or not, all doubt would have been dispelled by a slight circumstance which soon after transpired. As I before stated, we had almost reached Fort Cobb, which was our destination for the time being, the chiefs who had already made their escape now became anxious in regard to the non-arrival in their midst of satanic Hanna and Lone Wolf. The delay of the last two could not be satisfactorily accounted for. Something must have gone amiss. Again was stratagem resorted to. We were marching along without interruption or incident to disturb our progress such of us as were at the head of the column keeping watchful eyes upon our two swarthy prisoners who rode sullenly at our sides and whose past career justified us in attributing to them the nerve and daring necessary to induce an effort to secure their liberty, should there be the slightest probability of success. Suddenly a mounted Indian appeared far away to our right and approached us at a gallop until almost within rifle range when halting his well-trained pony upon a little hill-cock which answered his purpose. He gracefully detached the scarlet blanket he wore and began waving it in a peculiar but regular manner. Both chiefs looked anxiously in the direction of the warrior, then merely glanced toward me as if to see if I had also observed this last arrival. But too proud to speak or prefer a request, they rode silently on, apparently indifferent to what might follow. Turning to Romeo, who rode in the rear, I directed him to inquire of the chiefs, the meaning of the signals which the warrior was evidently endeavouring to convey to them. Satana acted as spokesman and replied that the warrior in sight was his son and that the latter was signalling him that he had something important to communicate and desired Satana to ride out and join him. To have seen the innocent and artless expression of the countenance with which Satana made this announcement, one would not have imagined that the son had been sent as a decoy to cover the escape of the father and that the latter had been aware of this fact from the first. However, I pretended to humor Satana. Of course there was no objection to his galloping out to where his son awaited him because, as he said, the son was and for good reason perhaps unwilling to gallop in to where his father was. But if Satana was so eager to see and communicate with his son, there should be no objection to the presence of a small escort, not that there existed doubts in my mind as to Satana's intention to return to us because no such doubt existed. I was positively convinced that once safely beyond our reach the place at the head of the column, which had known him for a few brief hours, would know him no more forever. I told Romeo to say to Satana that he might ride across the plane to where his son was and not only that, but several of us would do ourselves the honor to volunteer as his escort. The most careless observer would have detected the era of vexation with which Satana turned as ponies had and, taking me at my word, started to meet his son. A brisk gallop soon brought us to the little hill-cock upon which Satana's son awaited us. He was there, a tall, trimly-built warrior-type young fellow of perhaps twenty, and bore himself while in our presence as if he would have us to understand he was not only the son of a mighty chief, but some day would wear that title himself. What was intended to be gained by the interview did not become evident as the presence of Romeo prevented any conversation between father and son looking to the formation of plans for escape. Questions were asked and answered as to where the village was and in regard to its future movements, but nothing satisfactory either to Satana or his captors was learned from the young warrior. Finally, I suggested to Satana that, as we only intended to proceed a few miles further, being then in the near vicinity of Fort Cobb and, with their encamp for an indefinite period, his son had better accompany us to camp where Lone Wolf and Satana would be informed what was to be required of them and their people, and then after conferring with each other the two chiefs could send Satana's son to the village with any message which they might desire to transmit to their people. At the same time I promised the young warrior good treatment, with permission to go and come as he choose, and in no manner to be regarded or treated as a prisoner. This proposition seemed to strike the Indians favorably and, much to my surprise, knowing the natural suspicion of the Indian, the young warrior readily consented to the plan and at once placed himself in our power. Turning our horses' heads we soon resumed our places at the head of the column, the three Indians riding in silence, brooding no doubt over plans, looking to their freedom. By way of a slight digression from the main narrative, I will hear remark that during the prolonged imprisonment of the two chiefs, Satana's son became a regular visitor to our camp, frequently becoming the bearer of important messages from the chiefs to their villages, and in time he and I apparently became firm friends. He was an excellent shot with a rifle. Satana said he was the best in the tribe, and frequently when time hung heavily on my hands and I felt a desire for recreation, he and I took our rifles and, passing beyond the limits of the camp, engaged in a friendly match of target practice, a much more agreeable mode of testing our skills as marksmen than by using each other as targets. Satana had exhibited no little gratification when I first engaged to shoot with his son, and as the lodge in which he was kept a closely guarded prisoner was on my route in returning from target practice to my tent, I usually stopped a few moments in his lodge to exchange passing remarks. He was evidently disappointed when he informed us as to the result of the first trial with our rifles that his son had come off only second best, and numerous were the explanations with which his fertile mind suggested as the causes leading to this result, a result in which the eyes of the Indian assumed far greater importance than would ordinarily be attached to it by white men. As we had agreed to have frequent contests of this kind, Satana assured me that his son would yet prove himself the better man. Each meeting, however, only resulted as the first, although by varying the distance every opportunity was given for a fair test. Finally, when all other explanations had failed, Satana thought he had discovered the real obstacle to the success of his son by ascribing superior qualities to my rifle as compared to the one used by him. Fairness on my part then required that I should offer the young warrior the use of my rifle and that I should use his in the next match, a proposition which was at once accepted, and as if to be better prepared to make an excellent score. My rifle was soon in his hands and undergoing a critical inspection and manipulation of triggered sights, etc., which always suggests themselves the moment an experienced marksman finds a new rifle in his hands. The following day we engaged as usual in rifle practice. Me, with my rifle, I with his. I frankly confess that having entered into the contest from the first with as much zest and rivalry as even my dusky competitor could lay claim to, and having come off victor in the preceding contest, I was not entirely free from anxiety. At least the change in rifles might also change the results and detract in the eyes of the Indians, at least for my former successes. On this occasion, as all previous ones, we were alone and consequently we were our own judges, umpire, and referee. Greatly, to my satisfaction, my good fortune enabled me to make a better score than did my opponent, and this result seemed to settle this opinion finally as to our relative merits at marksman. I attached no little importance to these frequent and friendly meetings between Satan, a son, and myself. Any superiority in the handling or use of weapons, in horseback experiences, or in any of the recognized manly sports, is a sure-stepping stone in obtaining for the possessor the highest regard of the red man. Our arrival at Fort Cobb in the day of the seizure of the two chiefs, Lone Wolf and Satana, we selected a camp with a view of remaining at that point during the negotiations which were to be conducted with the various tribes who were still on the warpath. So far as some of the tribes were concerned, they were occupying the equivocal position which enabled them to class themselves as friendly, and at the same time engage in hostilities. This may sound ambiguous, but it is easily explained. The chiefs and old men with the women and children of the tribe were permitted to assemble regularly at the agency near Fort Cobb, and as regularly were bountifully supplied with food and clothing sufficient for all months. At the same time the young men, warriors, and war chiefs of the tribes were almost continually engaged in making war upon the frontier of northern Texas and southeastern Kansas. Indeed, we established the fact, while at or near Fort Cobb, that while my command was engaged in fighting the warriors and chiefs of certain tribes at the Battle of the Washita, the families of these same warriors and chiefs were being clothed and fed by the agent of the government then stationed at Fort Cobb. Surprisingly, as this may seem, it is not an unusual occurrence. The same system had prevailed during the past year. While my command was resisting the attacks of a large body of warriors on the Yellowstone River last summer, the families of many of these warriors, the latter representing seven tribes or bands, were subsisting upon provisions and clothed in garments issued to them at the regular Indian agencies by the government, but of these more anon. The three tribes which became, at that time, the special objects of our attention, and with whom we were particularly anxious to establish such relations as would prevent in the future a repetition of the murders and outrages of which they had so long been guilty were the Kiwas, Cheyans, and Arapahos. The object being to complete our work by placing these three tribes upon reservations where they might be cared for, and at the same time be kept under proper surveillance. The Washita campaign had duly impressed them with the power and purpose of the government to inflict punishment upon all who chose to make war, and each tribe dreading a repetition of the blow upon themselves and remove their villages to remote points where they deemed themselves secure from further chastisement. Having lone wolf and satana, the two leading chiefs of the Kiwas in our hands, we thought that through them the Kiwas could be forced to a compliance with the just and reasonable demands of the government and with the terms of their treaty providing for the reservation system. All demands upon the Kiwas were communicated to me by lone wolf and satana, under the instructions of General Sheridan, who, although on the ground, declined to treat directly with the faithless chiefs. The Kiwas were informed that unless the entire tribe repaired to the vicinity of the agency, then located not far from Fort Cobb, the war which had been inaugurated with such vigor and effect at the Washatah would be renewed and continued until the terms of their treaty had been complied with. This proposition was imparted to lone wolf and satana, and by them transmitted to their tribe through the son of the latter who acted as a sort of diplomatic courier between the Kiowa village and our camp. The Kiwas, while sending messages apparently in accord with the proposition and seeming to manifest a willingness to come in and locate themselves upon their reservation, continued and after the manner of Indian diplomacy to defer from time to time the promised movement. There was every reason to believe that finding the military disposed to temporarily suspend negative operations and resort to negotiation, the Kiowa had located their village within a short distance of our camp as Satana's son, in going and coming with messages from one to the other, easily made the round journey in a single day, so that they had been so disposed the Kiwas could have transferred their village toward immediate vicinity as desired by military authorities in one day. The truth was, however, that while manifesting an apparent desire to conform to this requirement as a precedent to final peace, they had not intended at any time to keep faith with the government, but by a pretended acquiescence in the proposed arrangement, secure the release of the two head chief Sloan-Wolf and Satana, and then hasten with the entire village to join force with the other two tribes, Cheyenne and Arapahos, who were then represented as being located somewhere near the source of the Red River, and on the border of the Llano Estacano, or Staked Plain, a region of country supposed to be impenetrable by civilized man. Every promise the Kiwas to come in was always made conditional upon the prior release of Sloan-Wolf and Satana. Their efforts to procrastinate or evade a fulfillment of their part on the agreement finally exhausted the forbearance which thus far had prompted none but the mildest measures on the part of the military authorities in the efforts of the latter to bring about a peaceful solution of existing difficulties. It had become evident that instead of intending to establish relations of permanent peace and friendship with the Whites, the majority of the tribes were only waiting the release of Sloan-Wolf and Satana to resume hostilities, or at least to more firmly ally themselves with the extremely hostile tribes then occupying the headwaters of the Red River. Spring was approaching, when the grass would enable the Indians to recuperate their ponies, which, after the famished conditions to which winter usually reduced them, would soon be fleet and strong, ready to do duty on the warpath. It was therefore indispensable that there should be no further delay in the negotiations, which had been needlessly prolonged through several weeks. General Sheridan promptly decided upon the terms of his ultimatum. Like most of the utterances of that officer they were brief and to the point. I remember the day and the circumstances under which they were given. The general and myself were standing upon opposite sides of a rude enclosure which surrounded the space immediately about his tent, composed of a single line of rough poles erected by the unskilled labor of some of the soldiers. The day was one of those bright, warm, sun-shiny days so frequent in the Indian territory, even in winter. I had left my tent which was about a few paces from that of General Sheridan to step over and report, as I did almost daily, the latest message from the Kayawas as to their intention to make peace. On this occasion, as on all former ones, there was a palpable purpose to postpone further action until Lone Wolf and Satana should be released by us. After hearing the oft-repeated excuses of the Kayawas, General Sheridan communicated his resolve to me and substance as follows. Well, Custer, these Kayawas are endeavoring to play us false. Their object is to occupy us with promises until the grass enables them to go where they please and make war if they choose. We have given them every opportunity to come in and enjoy the protection of the government if they so desired. They are among the worst we have to deal with and have been guilty of untold murders and outrages. At the same time, they were being fed and clothed by the government. These two chiefs, Lone Wolf and Satana, have forfeited their lives over and over again. They could now induce their people to come in and become friendly if they chose to exert their influence in that direction. As matter has gone on long enough and must be stopped as we have to look after the other tribes before spring overtakes us, you can inform Lone Wolf and Satana that we shall wait until sundown tomorrow for their tribe to come in. If by that time the village is not here, Lone Wolf and Satana will be hung and the troops sent in pursuit of the village. This might be regarded as bringing matters to a crisis. I proceeded directly to the lodge in which Lone Wolf and Satana were prisoners, accompanied by Romeo as interpreter. I found the two chiefs reclining lazily on their comfortable, if not luxurious, couches of robes. Satana's son was also present. After a few preliminary remarks I introduced the subject which was the occasion of my visit. By informing the chiefs that I had just returned from General Sheridan's tent, where the question of the failure of the Kayawas to comply with their oft-repeated promises had been discussed and that I had been directed to acquaint them with the determination which had been formed in regard to them and their people. At this announcement I could see that both chiefs became instantly and unmistakably interested in what was being said. I had so often heard of the proverbial stoicism of the Indian character that it occurred to me that this was a favorable moment for judging how far this trait affects their conduct. For it will be readily acknowledged that the communication which I was about to make to them was one likely, at all events, to overturn any self-imposed stolidity which was not deeply ingrained in their nature. After going over the subject of the continued absence of the Kayawas from their reservation, the oft-made promises made only to be violated. I told them that they were regarded as they had the right to be as the two leading and most influential chiefs of the tribe. That although they were prisoners yet so powerful were they among the people of their tribe that their influence even while prisoners was greater than that of all the other chiefs combined. Hence all negotiations with the Kayawas had conducted through them, and although they had it in their power by a single command to cause a satisfactory settlement of existing difficulties to be made, yet so far they had failed utterly to exert the influence for peace between their people and the government. The announcement then to be made to them must be regarded as final, and it remained with them alone to decide by their action what the results should be. In as few words as possible I then communicated to them the fate which undoubtedly awaited them in the event of the non-appearance of their tribe, until sunset of the following day seemed a very brief period, yet I failed to detect the slightest change in the continents of either when told that that would be the extent of their lives if the tribes failed to come in. Not a muscle of their warrior-like faces moved, their eyes neither brightened nor quailed. Nothing in their actions or appearance gave token to anything unusual had been communicated to them. Satan, a son alone of the three, seemed to realize that matters were becoming serious as could readily be told by watching his anxious glances, first at his father, then at Lone Wolf, but neither spoke. Realizing the importance of time and anxious to bring about it, peaceful as well as a satisfactory termination of our difficulties with the Kayawas and at the same time to afford every facility to the two captive chiefs to save their oft-forfeited lives, for all familiar with their bloody and cruel career would grant that they merited death, I urged upon them the necessity of prompt action in communicating with their tribe and pointed to Satan's son who could be employed for this purpose. Quickly springing to his feet and not waiting to hear the options of the two chiefs, the young warrior rushed from the lodge and was soon busily engaged in tightening the girths of his Indian saddle, preparatory to a rapid gallop on his fleet pony. In the meantime Lone Wolf and Satan had began exchanging utterances at first slow and measured in tones scarcely audible. Gradually they seemed to realize how desperate was the situation they were in and how much depended upon themselves, then laying aside the formality which had up to that moment characterized their deportment. They no longer appeared as dignified, reserved, almost sullen chiefs, but acted and spoke as would be expected of men situated as they were. In less time than I have taken to describe the action, Satan's handsome son appeared at the entrance of the lodge, mounted and in readiness for his ride. Although he seemed by his manner to incline toward his father as the one who should give him his instructions, yet it was soon apparent that a more correct understanding existed between the two captives. Lone Wolf was the head chief of their tribe, Satan the second in rank. The occasion was too important to leave anything to chance. A message from Satan might receive prompt attention. A command from the head chief could not be disregarded. Hence it was that Satan stood aside and Lone Wolf stepped forward and addressed a few hasty but apparently emphatic sentences to the young courier, who was all eagerness to depart on his mission. As Lone Wolf concluded his instructions and the young warrior was gathering up his reins and lariat, and turning his pony from the lodge in the direction of the village, Satan simply added in an energetic tone, hoodle-tee, hoodle-tee, make haste, make haste. An injunction scarcely needed as the young Indian and his pony were the next movement flying across the level plain. I then re-entered the lodge with Lone Wolf and Satan accompanied by Romeo. Through the latter Lone Wolf informed me that he had sent orders to the Kayawah village, which was not a day's travel from us, to pack up and come in as soon as a courier should reach them. At the same time he informed them of what depended upon their coming. He had also sent for Black Eagle, the third chief in rank, to come in advance of the village, bringing with him a dozen or more of the prominent chiefs. I inquired if he felt confident that his people would arrive by the appointed time. He almost smiled at the question and assured me that an Indian would risk anything and everything to save a comrade, leaving me to infer that to save their two highest chiefs nothing would be permitted to stand in the way. Seeing perhaps a look of doubt on my face he pointed to that locality in the heavens which the sun would occupy at two o'clock and said, before that time Black Eagle and the other chiefs accompanying him will be here, and by that time indicated in a similar manner sunset the village will arrive. No general commanding an army who had transmitted his orders to his corps commanders directing a movement at daylight the following morning could have exhibited more confidence in the belief that his orders would be executed than did this captive chief in the belief that, although a prisoner in the hands of his traditional enemies, his lodge closely guarded on all sides by watchful sentinels, his commands to his people would meet with a prompt and willing compliance. After a little further conversation with the two chiefs I was preparing to leave the lodge, when Lone Wolf, true to the Indian custom under which an opportunity to beg for something to eat is never permitted to pass unimproved, called me back and said that the next day his principal chiefs would visit him, and although he was a prisoner, yet he would be glad to be able to entertain them in a manner befitting his rank and importance in the tribe, and therefore I was appealed to furnish the provisions necessary to provide a feast for a dozen of their more hungry chiefs and their retainers, in reply to which the modest request I made the heart of Lone Wolf glad, and called forth in his most emphatic as well as delighted manner the universal word of approval. How? By informing him that the feast should certainly be prepared if he only would supply the guests. The next day was one of no little interest and to none more than to the two chiefs who expected to see the first step taken by their people, which would terminate in their release from a captivity which had certainly become exceedingly irksome, not to mention the new danger which stared them in the face. Lone Wolf, however, maintained his confidence and repeatedly assured me during the forenoon the Black Eagle and the other chiefs whom he had sent for by name would arrive, no later than two o'clock that day. His confidence proved not to be misplaced. The sun had hardly marked the hour of one in the heavens when a small cavalcade was seen approaching in the distance from the direction of the Kiowa village. The quick eye of Satana was the first to discover it. A smile of hauntingly triumph lighted up in the continents of Lone Wolf when his attention was called to the approaching party. His look indicated that he felt it could not be otherwise. Had he not ordered it? On they came first about a dozen chiefs riding at a deliberate and dignified base. They and their ponies richly comparisoned in the most fantastic manner. The chiefs wore blankets of bright colors, scarlet predominating with here and there a bright green. Each face was painted in brilliant colors, yellow, blue, green, red, black, and combinations of all of them. Although two faces were being ornamented alike and each new face seemed more horrible than its predecessor, the ponies had not been neglected so far as their outward makeup was concerned, eagle feathers and pieces of gaudy cloth being interwoven in their mains and tails. End of chapter 19, part 1. Chapter 19, part 2 of My Life on the Plains. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Following the chiefs wrote a second line, only less ornamented than the chiefs themselves. These were warriors and confidential friends and advisor of the chiefs in whose train they rode. In rare of all rode a few meek-looking squas whose part in this imposing pageant became evident when the chiefs and warriors dismounted, giving the reins of their ponies to the squas who at once busied themselves in picketing the ponies of their lords and, in every sense of the word, masters wherever the grazing seemed freshest and most abundant. This big done their part was performed and they waited near the ponies and return of the chiefs and warriors. The latter, after forming in one group and in similar order to that in which they rode, advanced toward the lodge outside of which, but within the chain of sentinels, stood lone wolf and satana. The meeting between the captive chiefs and their more fortunate comrades occasioned an exhibition of more feeling and sensibility than is generally accredited to the Indian. A brevy of schoolgirls could not have embraced each other after a 24-hour separation with greater enthusiasm and demonstrations of apparent joy that did these chieftains whose soul delight is supposed to be connected with scenes of bloodshed and cruelty. I trust no gentle-minded reader imbued with great kindness of heart will let this little scene determine his estimate of the Indian character, for, be it understood, not one of the chiefs who formed the group of which I am writing but had participated in the acts of the most barbarious and wanton cruelty. It was a portion of these chiefs who had led and encouraged the band that had subjected the box family to such a horrible fate of which Major General Hancock made full report at the time. Immediately after the greetings had been exchanged between the captives and their friends, I was requested by a message from Lone Wolf to repair to his lodge in order to hear what his friends had to say. As I entered the lodge, the entire party of chiefs advanced to meet man began a series of hen-shaking and universal howls, which in onward earnestness made up for any real lack of sincerity, and to an inexperienced observer or a tender-hearted peace-commissioner might well have appeared as an exhibition of indubitable friendship, if not affection. After all were seated, and the ever-present long red clay pipe had passed and repassed around the circle, each chief indulging in a few silent whiffs. Black eagle arose, and after shaking hands with me proceeded after the manner of an oration to inform me what I had had reason to expect, and what the reader no doubt has also anticipated, that the entire Kiowa village was at that moment on the march, and would arrive in the vicinity of our camp before dark. No reference was made to the fact that this general movement on their part was one of compulsion, but on the contrary, to have heard Black Eagle, who was an impressive orator, might well have believed that no longer able to endure the separation of their brothers, the white men, who, as Black Eagle said, like themselves, were all descended from one father. The Kiowas had voluntarily resolved to pack up their lodges, and when they next should put them down would be alongside the tents of their white friends. In nothing that was said did it appear that the impending execution of lone wolf and satana had ought to do with hastening the arrival of their people. At the termination of the conference, however, Black Eagle intimated that as the tribe was about to locate nearest it would be highly agreeable to them if their two head chiefs could be granted their liberty and permitted to resume their places among their own people. That evening the Kiowa village, true to the prediction of lone wolf, arrived and was located a short distance from our camp. The next evening the family, or families of satana, appeared in front of headquarters and made known their desire to see satana, to which, of course, no objection was made, and the guards were instructed to permit them to pass the lines. Satana's home circle was organized somewhat on the quadrilateral plan. That is, he had four wives. They came together, and so far as outward appearances enabled one to judge, they constituted a happy family. They were all young and buxom, and each was sufficiently like the others in appearance to an able to lot to pass his sisters. And by the way it is quite customary among the Indians for one man to marry an entire family of daughters as rapidly as they reach the proper age. Those who dread a multiplicity of mothers and laws this custom possesses advantages. To add in a material as well as a maternal way to the striking similarity and appearance presented by satana's dusky spouses, each bore on her back encased in the capacious folds of a scarlet blanket, a pledge of affection in the shape of a papoose, the difference in the extreme ages of the four miniature warriors or warrior sisters being too slight to be perceptible. In single file the four partners of satana's joys approached his lodge, and in the same order gained admittance. Satana was seated on a buffalo robe when they entered. He did not rise, perhaps, that would have been deemed unwarrior like. But each of his wives advanced to him when, instead of going through the ordinary form of embracing with its usual accompaniments on such occasion considered proper, the papoose was unslung. I know of no better term to describe the dexterous manner in which the mother transferred her offspring from its cozy resting place on her back to her arms and handed to the outstretched arms of the father who insisted repeatedly with every exhibition of paternal affection scarcely daining to bestow a single glance on the mother who stood by meekly, contenting herself with stroking Satana's face and shoulders gently, at the same time muttering almost in audible expressions of Indian endearment. This touching little scene lasted for a few moments when Satana, after bestowing a kiss upon the soft cherry lips of his child, transferred it back to its mother, who passed on and quietly took a seat by Satana's side. The second wife then approached, when precisely the same exhibition was gone through with, not being varied from the first in the slightest particular. This being ended, the third took the place of the second, the latter passing along with her babe and seating herself next to the first and so on until the fourth wife had presented her babe, received it back and quietly seated herself by the side of the third, not a word being spoken to or by Satana from the beginning to the end of this strange meeting. The Kayawas were all now located on the reservation except a single band of the tribe led by a very wicked and troublesome chief named Womanheart, although his conduct and character were anything but in keeping with the gentleness of his name. He had taken his band and moved in the direction of the staked plains, far to the west of the Kayawa reservation. However, the Indian question so far as the Kayawas were concerned was regarded as settled, at least for the time being, and it became our next body, how to affect a similar settlement with the Cheyenne in Arapahos who had fled after the Battle of the Washita and were then supposed to be somewhere between the Wichita Mountains and the western border of Texas, north of the headwaters of Red River. It was finally decided to send one of the friendly chiefs of the Apaches, whose village was then near the present site of Fort Arapahos, and one of the three captive squads whom we had brought with us. All the chiefs of that region who were interested in promoting peace between the whites and Indians were assembled at my headquarters, when I informed them of the proposed peace embassy, and asked that some chief of prominence should volunteer as bearer of a friendly message to the Cheyennes in Arapahos. A well-known chief of the Apaches, named Iron Shirt, promptly offered himself as a messenger in the cause of peace. A reply to my inquiry he said he could be ready to depart upon his commendable errand the following day, and estimated the distance such that it would be necessary to take provision sufficient to last him and his companion three weeks. Having arranged all the details of the journey, the assemblage of the chiefs dispersed, the next step being to decide which of the three squads should accompany Iron Shirt to her tribe. I concluded to state the case to them and make the selection of matter for them to decide. Summoning Moisa, Manasita, and the Sioux Squad, their companion to my tent, I, through Romeo, acquainted them with the desire of the government to establish peace with their people and with the Arapahos, and in order to accomplish this we intended dispatching a friendly message to the absent tribes which must be carried by some of their own people. After conferring with each other a few minutes they concluded that Moisa, the sister of Black Kettle, should return to her people. Every arrangement was provided, looking to the comfort of the two Indians who were to undertake this long journey. A bountiful supply of provisions was carefully provided in convenient packages, an extra amount of clothing and blankets being given to Moisa, in order that she should not return to her people empty-handed. To transport their provisions and blankets a mule was given to them to be used as a pack animal. It was quite an event sufficient to disturb the monotony of the camp when the hour arrived for the departure of the two peace commissioners. I had told Iron Shirt what he was to say to the chiefs of the tribes who still remained hostile, which was in effect that we were anxious for peace and to that end invited them to come at once and place themselves and their people on the reservations where we would meet and regard them as friends and all present hostilities as well as reckoning for past differences should cease. But if this friendly proper was not accepted favorably, at once we would be forced to regard it as an indication of their desire to prolong the war in which event the troops would be sent against them as soon as practicable. I relied not a little on the good influence of Moisa, who as I have before stated was a woman of superior intelligence and was strongly impressed with the desire to aid in establishing a peace between her people and the white man. Quite a group composed of officers, soldiers, teamsters, guards, and scouts assembled to witness the departure of Iron Shirt and Moisa and to wish them God's speed in their mission. After Iron Shirt and Moisa had seated themselves upon their ponies and were about to set out, Moisa suddenly placing her hand on the neat belt which secured her blanket about her, indicated that she was unprovided with that most essential companion of frontier life, Amuchka, as she expressed it, meaning a hunting knife. Only those who have lived on the plains can appreciate the unpurchasable convenience of a hunting knife. Whether it is to carve a buffalo or a mountain trout, mend horse equipments or close up a rent in the tent, there is a constant demand for the services of a good hunting knife. Moisa smiled at the forgetfulness which had made her fail to discern the submission sooner, but I relieved her anxiety by taking from my belt the hunting knife which hung at my side and giving it to her, adding as I did so that I expected her to return it to me before the change in the moon, that being fixed as the extreme limit of their absence. When all was ready for the start, iron shirt rode first, followed by the packed mule which he led while Moisa, acting as driver to the ladder and well-mounted, brought up the rear. As they rode away amid the shower of good wishes which was bestowed upon them and their mission, many were the queries as to the probable extent of their journey, their return, and whether they would be successful. For upon the successor failure of these two Indians depended in a great measure, the question whether or not we were to be forced to continue the war and among the hundreds who watched the departing bearers of the olive branch, there was not one but hoped earnestly that the mission would prove successful, and we be spared the barbarities which a further prosecution of the war would necessarily entail. Yet there are those who would have the public believe that the army is at all times clamorous for an Indian war. I have yet to meet the officer or man belonging to the army who, when the question of war peace with the Indians was being agitated, did not cast the weight of his influence, the prayers of his heart on behalf of peace. When I next called Moisa's attention to the mucca knife, it was far from the locality we then occupied and under very different circumstances. After the departure of iron shirt and Moisa, we were forced to settle down to the dullest routine of camp life as nothing could be done until their return. It was a full three weeks before the interest in camp received a fresh impetus by the tidings which flew from tent to tent that iron shirt had returned. He did return, but Moisa did not return with him. His story was brief. He and Moisa after leaving us and traveling for several days afterward had arrived at the Cheyenne and Arapaho villages. They delivered their messages to the chiefs of the two tribes who were assembled in council to hear them, and after due deliberation thereon iron shirt was informed that the distance was too great, the ponies in too poor condition to permit the villages to return. In other words, these two tribes had virtually decided that rather than return to the reservation, they preferred the chances of war. When asked to account for Moisa's failure to accompany him back, iron shirt stated that she had desired to fulfill her promise and return with him, but the chiefs of her tribe would not permit her to do so. The only encouragement derived from iron shirt was in his statement that little robe prominent chief of the Cheyennes and Hallow Bear, the second chief of the Arapaho's, were both extremely anxious to affect a permanent peace between their people and the government, and both had promised iron shirt that they would leave their villages soon after his departure and visit us, with a view to prevent a continuation of the war. Iron shirt was rewarded for his journey by a bountiful presence of provisions for himself and his people. True to their promises made to iron shirt, it was but a short time before little robe and yellow bear arrived at our camp and were well received. They reported that their villages had been under consideration the question of accepting our invitation to come in and live at peace in the future, and that many of their people were strongly in favor of adopting this course, but for the present it was uncertain whether or not the two tribes would come in. The two tribes would probably act in concert, and if they intended coming would make their determination known by dispatching couriers to us in a few days, in spite of the sincerity and motives of little robe and yellow bear, whom I have always regarded as two of the most upright and peaceably inclined Indians I have ever known, and who have since that time paid a visit to the President at Washington. It was evident that the Cheyennes and Arapahos, while endeavouring to occupy us with promises and pretenses, were only interested in delaying our movement until the return of spring when the young grass would enable them to recruit the strength of their winter-famished ponies and move when and where they pleased. After waiting many long, weary days for the arrival of the promised couriers from the two tribes, until even little robe and yellow bear were forced to acknowledge that there was no longer any reason to expect their coming, it occurred to me that there was but one expedient yet untried which furnished even a doubtful chance of averting war. This could only be resorted to with the approval of General Sheridan, whose tent had been pitched in our midst during the entire winter and who evidently proposed to remain on the ground until the Indian question and locality should be disposed of. My plan was as follows. We had some fifteen hundred troops, a force ample to cope with all the Indians which could then or since be combined in any one point on the plains, but in the state of feeling existed among the Indians at that time, consequent upon the punishment which they had received at and since the Wachita campaign, it would have been an extremely difficult if not impracticable matter to attempt to move so large a body of troops near their villages and retain the latter in their places, so fearful were they of receiving punishment for their past defenses. It would also have been impracticable to move upon them stealthily, as they were then, for causes already given, more than ever on the alert, and were no doubt kept thoroughly informed in regard to our every movement. It was thus considered out of the question to employ my entire command of fifteen hundred men in what I propose should be purely a peaceable effort to bring about a termination of the war, and so large a force would surely intimidate the Indians and cause them to avoid our presence. I believe that if I could see the leading chiefs of the two hostile tribes and convince them of the friendly desire of the government, they might be induced to relinquish the war and return to the reservation. I have endeavored to show that I could not go among them with my entire command. Neither was I sufficiently orthodox as a peace commissioner to believe what so many of that order preach, but fail to practice. That I could take an olive branch in one hand, a plan of a schoolhouse in the other, and unaccompanied by force visit the Indian villages in safety. My life would certainly have been the price of such activity. Too imposing a force would repel the Indians, too small a force would tempt them to murder us, even though our mission was a friendly one. After weighing the matter carefully in my own mind I decided that with General Sheridan's approval I would select from my command forty men, two officers, and a medical officer, and accompanied by two chiefs, Little Robe and Yellow Bear, who regarded my proposition with favour. I would set out in search of the hostile camp, there being but little doubt that with the assistance of the chiefs I would have little difficulty in discovering the whereabouts of the villages, while the smallness of my party would prevent unnecessary alarm or suspicion as to our intentions. From my tent to General Sheridan's was but a few steps, and as soon as I submitted my proposition to the general, who from the first was inclined to lend his approval to my project, after discussing it fully, he gave his assent by saying that the character of the proposed expedition was such that he would not order me to proceed upon it, but if I volunteered to go he would give me the full sanction of his authority and every possible assistance to render the mission a successful one, in conclusion urging me to exercise the greatest caution against the stratagems of treachery of the Indians. No doubt would be but too glad to massacre my party in revenge for their recent well merited chastisement. Returning to my tent I had once said about making preparations for my journey, the extant a result of which now became interesting subjects for deliberation. First thing necessary was to make up the party which was to accompany me. As a number of men was to be limited to forty, too much care could not be exercised in their selection. I chose the great majority of them from the sharpshooter men who, in addition to being cool and brave, were experienced and skillful marksmen. My standard bear, a well-tried sergeant, was selected as a senior non-commissioned officer of the party. The officers who were to accompany me were my brother Colonel Custer, Captain Robbins and Dr. Renwick, acting assistant surgeon, U.S. Army. As guide I had Neva, a Blackfoot Indian who had accompanied General Fremont in his explorations and who could speak a little English. Little robe and yellow bear were also to be relied upon as guides while Romeo accompanied us as interpreter. Young Brewster, determined to miss no opportunity of discovering his lost sister, had requested and been granted permission to become one of the party. This completed the personnel of the expedition. All were well-armed and well-mounted. We were to take no wagons or tents. Our extra supplies were to be transported on packed mules. We were to start on the evening of the second day, the intervening time being necessary to complete our preparations. It was decided that our first march should be a short one, sufficient merely to enable us to reach a village of friendly Apaches located a few miles from our camp. We would then spend the first night and be joined by little robe and yellow bear, who at that time were guests of the Apaches. I need not say that in the opinion of many of our comrades, our mission was regarded as closely bordering on the imprudent to qualify it by no stronger term. So confident did one of the most prudent officers of my command feel in regard to our annihilation by the Indians, that in bidding me good-bye he contrived to slip into my hand a small pocket derringer pistol, load it with the simple remark, you had better take it, General. It may prove useful to you. As I was amply provided with arms, both revolvers and rifle, and as a pocket derringer may not impress the reader as being a very formidable weapon to use in Indian warfare, the purpose of my friending giving me the small pocket weapon may not seem clear. It was given me under the firm conviction that the Indians would overwhelm and massacre my entire party, and to prevent my being captured, disarmed and reserved for torture. That little pistol was given me in order that at the last moment I might become my own executioner. An office I was not seeking, nor did I share in my friend's opinion. Everything being ready for our departure we swung into our saddles, waved our audios to the comrades who were to remain in camp. In the next moment we turned our horses' heads westward and were moving in the direction of the Apache village. End of Chapter 19 Part 2 Chapter 20 Part 1 of My Life on the Plains This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Apache village had been represented as located only 5 or 6 miles from our camp, but we found the distance nearly twice as great, and although we rode rapidly our horses being fresh, yet it was quite dark before we reached the first lodge, the location of the rest of the village, being tolerably well defined by the apparently countless dogs whose barking at our approach called forth most of the inhabitants of the village. As our coming had been previously announced by Little Robe and Yellow Bear, our arrival occasioned no surprise. Inquiring of the first we saw where the stream of water was, as an Indian village is invariably placed in close proximity to water, we were soon on our campground, which was almost within the limits of the village. Our horses were soon unsaddled and picketed out to graze. Fires were started by the men preparatory to the enjoyment of a cup of coffee and every preliminary made for a good night's rest and early start in the morning. But here the officers of the party encountered their first drawback. For someone explained the cause the packed mule which carried our blankets had with his attendant, failed thus far to put in an appearance. His head-leader had probably fallen behind and in the darkness lost the party. The bugler was sent to a neighboring eminence to sound signals with his bugle in the hope that the absent man with his mule might make his way to us but all to no purpose. We were soon forced to relinquish all hope of seeing either man or mule or blankets until daylight, and consequently the prospect of enjoying a comfortable rest was exceedingly limited. Saddle bags were in great demand, but I was even more fortunate. A large number of the Apaches had come from their lodges out of mere curiosity to see us, hoping, no doubt too, that they might secure something to eat. Among them was one with who I was acquainted and to whom I made known the temporary loss of my blankets. By promising him a pint of sugar and an equal amount of coffee on my return to my camp he agreed to loan me a buffalo robe until morning. With this wrapped around me and the aid of a bright blazing campfire I passed a most comfortable night among my less fortunate companions, as we all lay stretched out on the ground using our saddles for pillows. Early next morning our pack animals, having come up in the night, we were in our saddles and on our way ready and eager for whatever might be in store for us. The route taken by the guides led us along a northern border of the Wichita Mountains, our general direction being nearly due west. A brief description of these mountains and of the surrounding scenery is contained in the first chapter of Life on the Plains. As soon as it had become known in the main camp that our expedition of which now I write was contemplating young Brewster, who had never relinquished his efforts or inquiries to determine the fate of his lost sister, came to me with an earnest request to be taken as one of the party, a request which I was only too glad to comply with. No person who has not lived on the frontier or in an Indian country can correctly realize or thoroughly appreciate the extent to which a frontiersman becomes familiar with and apparently indifferent to the accustomed dangers which surrounded him on every side. But it is another verification of the truth of the old saying, familiarity breeds contempt. After getting well on our way I began through Romeo conversing with the two chiefs, Little Robe and Yellow Bear, who wrote at my side, upon the topic which was upmost in the minds of the entire party, when and where should we probably find their people. Before our departure they had given me to understand that the villages might be found on the same one of the small streams flowing in a southerly direction past the western span of the Wichita Mountains, a distance from our main camp not to exceed 60 or 70 miles. But I could easily perceive that neither of the chiefs spoke with a great degree of confidence. They explained this by stating that the villages would not remain long in one place and it was difficult to say positively in what locality or upon what stream we should find them. But that when we reached the last peak of the Wichita Mountains, which commanded an unlimited view of the plains beyond, they would send up smoke signal and perhaps be able to obtain a reply from the village. In the evening we reached a beautiful stream of water with abundance of wood in the vicinity. Here we halted for the night. Our horses were fastened to the trees while the officers and men spread their blankets on the ground and in the groups of two and threes prepared for the enjoyment of a good night's rest. One century remained awake during the night and in order that the loss of sleep should be as little as might be consistent with our safety, the relief instead of being composed of three men, each of whom would have to remain on duty for two hours for every four hours' rest, was increased in numbers so that each member, thereof, was required to remain on post but a single hour during the night. While I felt it confidence in the good intentions of the two chiefs, I did not neglect to advise the guards to keep a watchful eye upon them as we could not afford to run any avoidable risks. Long after we had sought the solace of our blankets and had dropped into a comfortable dose, I was awakened by an Indian song. There was of course no occasion for alarm from this incident yet it was sufficient to induce me to get up and make my way to the small fire around which I knew the three Indians and Romeo to be lying, and from the vicinity of which the singing evidently came. As I approached the fire I found Neva, the black foot replenishing the small flame with a few dried twigs, while Romeo and Yellow Bear were sitting nearby enjoying some well-broiled beef ribs. Little Roe was reclining in a half-sitting position against a tree and apparently oblivious to the presence of his companions was singing or chanting an Indian melody, the general tenor of which seemed to indicate a lightness of spirits. Young Brewster, unable perhaps to sleep owing to the thoughts of his lost sister, had joined the group and appeared an interested observer of what was going on. I inquired of Romeo while Little Roe had selected such an unreasonable hour to indulge his wild melodies. Romeo repeated the inquiry to Little Roe who replied that he had been away from his lodge for a long time and the thought of soon returning and being with his people once more had filled his heart with gladness which could only find utterance in a song. Taking a seat on the ground by the side of young Brewster I joined the group as neither Little Roe nor Yellow Bear could understand a word of English and Neva was busily engaged with his culinary operations. Young Brewster, with unconcealed delight, informed me that from conversations with Little Roe, who appeared in a more communicative mood than usual, had felt cheered by the belief that at last he was in a fair way to discover the whereabouts of his captive sister. He then briefly detailed how Little Roe, little dreaming that his listener was so deeply interested in his words, had admitted that the shy ends had two white girls as prisoners, the date of the capture of one of them and the personal description given by Little Roe closely answering to that of Brewster's sister. In the hopes of cleaning other valuable information from time to time, I advised the young man not to acquaint the Indians with the fact that he had lost a sister by capture, else becoming suspicious the supply of information might be cut off. The tidings in regards to the captured girls were the most encouraging and spurred us to leave no effort untried to release them from the horrors of their situation. Before daylight the following morning we had breakfasted and, as soon as it was sufficiently light to enable us to renew our march, we set out, still keeping almost due west. In the afternoon of that day we reached the last prominent peak of the Wichita Mountains from which point Little Robe and Yellow Bear had said they would set up a smoke signal. I had often during the Indian campaign seen these signal smokes on my front, on my right and left, everywhere in fact, but could never catch a glimpse of the Indians who were engaged in making them, nor did I comprehend at the time the precise import of the signals. I was glad therefore to have an opportunity to stand behind the scenes, as it were, and not only witness the modus operandi, but understand the purpose of the actors. Arriving at the base of the mountain or peak, the height of which did not exceed one thousand feet, we dismounted, and leaving our horses on the plain below, owing to the rough and rocky character of the ascent, a small portion of our party including, of course, the two chiefs, climbed to the summit. After sweeping a broad horizon which spread out before us and failing to discover any evidence of the presence of an Indian village anywhere within the scope of our vision, the two chiefs set about to make preparations necessary to enable them to call to the village, as they expressed it. I have alluded in a former article on the perfect system of signals in use among the Indians of the plains, that which I am about to describe briefly was but one of many employed by them. First gathering an armful of dried grass and weeds this was carried and placed upon the highest point of the peak where, everything being in readiness, the match was applied close to the ground, but the blaze was no sooner well lighted and about to envelop the entire amount of grass collected, then little row began smothering it with the unlighted portion. This accomplished a slender column of grey smoke which began to ascend in a perpendicular column. This, however, was not enough as such a signal or the appearance of such might be created by white men, or it might rise from a simple campfire. Little robe now took a scarlet blanket from the shoulders and with a peaceful wave threw it so as to cover the smoldering grass when assisted by yellow bear he held the corners inside so closely to the ground as to completely confine and cut off the column of smoke. Waiting for but a few moments and until he saw the smoke beginning to escape from beneath he suddenly threw the blanket aside in a beautiful balloon shaped column puffed upward like the white cloud of smoke which attends the discharge of a fieldpiece. Again casting the blanket on the pile of the grass the column was interrupted as before and again in due time release so that a secession of elongated egg shaped puffs of smoke kept ascending toward the sky in the most regular manner. This speed-like column of smoke considering the height from which it began to ascend was visible from the points on the level plain fifty miles distant. The sight of these two Indian chiefs so intently engaged in this simple but effective mode of telegraphing was to me full of interest and this incident was vividly recalled when I came across Stanley's painting of The Signal in which two chiefs or warriors are standing upon a large rock with lighted torch in hand while far in the distance as to be seen the answering column as it ascends above the tops of the trees from the valley where no doubt the village is pleasantly located. In our case, however, the picture was not so complete in its results for strain our eager eyes as we might in every direction with no responsive signal could be discovered and finally the chiefs were reluctantly forced to acknowledge that the villages were not where they expected to find them and that to reach them would probably involve a longer journey than we had anticipated. Descending from the mountain we continued our journey still directing our course nearly due west as the two chiefs felt confident the village were in that direction that day and the next passed without further incident. After arriving at camp on the second evening a conversation with the two Indian chiefs made it seem probable that our journey would have to be prolonged several days beyond the time which was deemed necessary when we left the main camp and as our supply provisions was limited to our supposed wants during the shorter journey it was necessary to adopt measures for obtaining fresh supplies. This was more the imperative as the country thought which we were then passing was almost devoid of game. Our party was so small in number that our safety would be greatly imperiled by a serious reduction yet it was a measure of necessity that a message should be sent back to General Sheridan informing him of our changed plans in providing for a renewal of our stores. I acquainted the men of my command with my desire and it was not long before a soldierly young trooper announced that he would volunteer to carry a dispatch safely through. The galliant offer was accepted and I was soon seated on the ground pencil in hand writing to General Sheridan a hurried account of our progress far and our plans for the future with a request to forward to us a supply of provisions adding that the party escorting them could follow our trail and I would arrange to find them when required. I also requested that Colonel Cook, who commanded the sharpshooters should be detailed to command the escort and the California Joe might also be sent with the party. It was decided that the dispatch bearer should remain in camp with us until dark and then set out on his return to the main camp. Being well-mounted, well-armed and a cool, daring young fellow, I felt but little anxiety as to his success. Leaving him to make a solitary journey guided by the light of the stars and concealing himself during the day, we will continue our search after what then seemed to us the two lost tribes. Daylight as usual found us in our battles, the country continuing, interesting but less rolling and, we judge by appearance, less productive. We saw but little game along the line of the march and the importance of the time rendered delays of all kinds undesirable. The continents of little robe and yellow bear wore an anxious look and I could see that they began to doubt their ability to determine positively the locality of the villages. Neva, the Blackfoot, was full of stories connected with his experiences under General Fremont and appeared more hopeful than the two chiefs. He claimed to be the son-in-law of Kit Carson, his wife, a half-breed being deceased. Carson, it appeared, had always regarded Neva with favor and often made him and his family handsome presence. I afterward saw son of Neva and extremely handsome boy of fourteen whose calmly face and features clearly betrayed the mixture of blood indicated by Neva. Yellow Bear finally encouraged us by stating that by noon the following day we would arrive at a stream on whose banks he expected to find the Arapaho village and perhaps that of the Cheyennes. This gave us renewed hope and furnished us a topic of conversation after we had reached our camp that night. Nothing occurred worthy of note until about noon the next day when Yellow Bear informed me that we were within a few miles of the stream to which he had referred to the day before and added that if the village was there his people would have a lookout posted on a little knoll which we would find about a mile from the village in our direction and as the appearance of our entire force might be given alarm Yellow Bear suggested that he, with little robe, Romeo and Neva and myself and two or three others should ride some distance in advance, remembering the proneness of the Indians to stratagem, I was yet impressed not only with the apparent sincerity of Yellow Bear thus far but by the soundness of the reasons he gave for our moving in advance. I assented to his proposition but my confidence was not sufficiently great to prevent me from quietly slipping a fresh cartridge in my rifle as it lay in front of me across my saddle-bow nor from the unbuttoned strap which held my revolver in place by my side. Fortunately, however, nothing occurred to make it necessary to displace either rifle or revolver. After riding in advance for a couple of miles Yellow Bear pointed out in the distance the little mound at which he predicted we would see something posted in the way of information concerning his tribe. If the latter was not in the vicinity a letter would no doubt be found at the mound which now became an object of interest to all of us, each striving to be the first to discover the confirmation of Yellow Bear's prediction. In this way we continued to approach the mound until not more than a mile of level plain separated us from it, and still nothing could be seen to encourage us. When owing to my reason being quickened by the excitement of the occasion, thus giving me an advantage over the chiefs or for other causes, I caught sight of what would ordinarily have been taken for two half-round stones or small boulders just visible above the upper circle of the mound as projected against the sky beyond. A second glance convinced me that instead of the stones which they so closely resembled they were neither more or less than the upper parts of the heads of two Indians who were no doubt studying our movement with a view of determining whether we were friendly or war party. Reassuring myself by the aid of my field-glass I announced my discovery to the chiefs and the rest of the party. Yellow Bear immediately cantered his pony for a few yards to the front when, freeing his scarlet blanket from his shoulders, he waved it twice or thrice in a mysterious manner and waited anxiously the response. In a moment the two Indians, the tops of whose heads had alone been visible, rolled boldly to the crest of the mound and answered the signal of Yellow Bear, who uttered a quick off-repeated whoop, and at my suggestion galloped in advance to inform his people who we were and our object in visiting them. By the time we reached the mound all necessary explanations had been made and the two Indians advanced at Yellow Bear's bidding and shook hands with me, afterwards going through the same ceremony with the other officers. Yellow Bear then dispatched one of the Indians to the village less than two miles distance to give news of our approach. It seemed that they had scarcely had time to reach the village before young and old began flocking out to meet us, some on ponies, others on mules, and occasionally two full-grown Indians would be seen mounted on one diminutive pony. If any of our party had feared that our errand was attended with risk, their minds probably underwent a change when they looked around, and among all sides saw armed warriors whose numbers exceeded ours more than ten to one, and whose entire bearing and demeanor towards us gave promise of anything but hostile feelings. Not deeming it best to allow them to encircle us too closely, I requested Yellow Bear and whose peaceable desires I had confidence to direct his people to remain at some distance from us so as not to impede our progress at the same time to inform them that it was our purpose to pitch our camp immediately alongside of theirs, when full opportunity would be given for interchange of visits. This proposition seemed to meet with favor, and our route was left unabstructed. A short ride brought us to the village, the lodges composing which were dotted in a picturesque manner along the left branch of the Mulberry Creek, one of the tributaries of Red River. I decided to cross the creek and bivouac on the right bank opposite the lower end of the village and within easy pistol range of the nearest lodge. This location may strike the reader with some surprise, and may suggest the inquiry why we did not locate ourselves at some point further removed from the village. It must be remembered that in undertaking to penetrate the Indian country with so small a force, I acted throughout upon the belief that if proper precautions were adopted, the Indians would not molest us. Indians contemplating a battle, either offensive or defensive, are always anxious to have their women and children removed from danger thereof. By our watchfulness we intended to let the Indians see that there would be no opportunity for them to take us by surprise. But that if fighting was intended, it should not be on one side. For this reason I decided to locate our camp as close as convenient to the village, knowing that the close proximity of their women and children and their necessary exposure in case of conflict would operate as a powerful argument in favor of peace when the question of peace or war came to be discussed. But right here I will do the Arapaho's justice by asserting that after the first council, which took place in my camp the same evening, and after they had an opportunity to learn the exact character and object of our mission, as told to them by me, and confirmed by the earnest address of Yellow Bear and Little Robe, they invinced towards us nothing but friendly feeling and exhibited a ready willingness to conform to the only demand we made of them, which was that they should proceed at once with their entire village to our main camp within their reservation and then report to General Sheridan. Little Raven, the head chief, spoke for his people and expressed their gratification at the reports brought to them by Yellow Bear and Little Robe. They accepted with gladness the offer of peace and promised to set out in three days to proceed to our main camp near the site of Fort Sill. As it was quite late before the council concluded the discussion of questions pertaining to the Arapaho's, no reference was made to the Cheyennes. Besides, I knew that Little Robe would be able to gather all possible information concerning them. Little Raven invited me to visit him the following day in his village, an invitation I promised to accept. Before the chief separated, I requested Little Raven to give notice through them to all his people, that after it became dark it would no longer be safe for any of them to approach our camp, as according to our invariable custom guards would be posted about the camp during the entire night, and as we could not distinguish friends from foes in the darkness, the sentries would be ordered to fire on every object seen approaching our camp. To this Little Raven and his chiefs promised a scent. I then further informed him that during our stay near them we should always be glad during the hours of daylight to receive visits from him or from any of his people, but to prevent confusion or misunderstanding, not more than twenty Indians would be permitted to visit our camp at one time. This also was agreed to in the chiefs after shaking hands and uttering the customary how departed to their village. Yellow Bear remained only long enough to say that his family, being in the village, he preferred, of course, to be with them, but assured us that his people were sincere in their protestations of peace, and that we might sleep as soundly as if we were back among our comrades in the main camp with no fears of unfriendly interruption. After tethering our horses and packed mules securely in our midst and posting the guards for the night, each one of our little party, first satisfying himself that his firearms were in good order and loaded, spread his blanket on the ground, and with his saddle for a pillow, the sky unobscured by tent or roof above him, was soon reposing comfortably on the broad bosom of Mother Earth, where, banishing from the mind as quickly as possible all visions of Indians, peace commissioners, etc., sleep soon came to the relief of each and we all, except the guards, rested as peacefully and comfortably as if at home under our mother's roof, and yet we all in seeking lowly couches that night felt that the chances were about even, whether or not we should be awakened by the war whoop of our dusky neighbors. Nothing occurred, however, to disturb our dreams or break our slumber, save perhaps in my own case, from a greater sense of responsibility, perhaps, than rested on my comrades, but not greater danger. I woke a different hours during the night and remember myself that all was well, rose up to a sitting posture on the ground and aided by the clear sky and bright starlight, looked about me only to see, however, the dim outlines of my sleeping comrades as they lay in all manner of attitudes around me, wrapped in their blankets of gray, while our faithful horses, picketed in the mist of their sleeping riders, were variously disposed, lying down, resting from the fatigues of the march, others nibbling the few tufts of grass which the shortness of their tether enabled them to reach. That which gave me the strongest assurance of safety, however, as I glanced across the little stream and beheld the conical forms of the white lodges of the Indians, was a silent picture of the sentry as he paced his lonely post within a few feet of where I lay. And when my inquiry, in subdued tones, if all had been quiet during the night, came the prompt soldierly response, all quiet, sir. I felt renewed confidence and again sought the solace of my equestrian pillow. Breakfasting before the stars made us good night or rather good morning, daylight found us ready for the duties of the day. As soon as the Indians were prepared for my visit, Yellow Bear came to inform me of the fact and to escort me to Little Raven's Lodge. Romeo and Nava accompanied me, the former as interpreter. I directed Captain Robbins, the officer next in rank, to cause all men to remain closely encamp during my absence, and to be careful not to permit more than the authorized number of Indians to enter. Also to watch while the Indian village, not that I believe there would be an impact at a stratagem, but deemed it well to be on guard. To convince the Indians of my own sincerity I left my rifle and revolver with my men, a measure of not such great significance as it might at first seem, as a question of arms or no arms would have exercise but little influence in determining my fate, had the Indians as I never for a moment believed, intended treachery. Just at Little Raven's Lodge I found him surrounded by all his principal chiefs, a place being reserved by his sight for me. After the usual smoke and preliminary moments of silence which strongly reminded me of the deep silence which is the prelude to religious services in some of our churches, Little Raven began a speech which was mainly a review of what had been agreed upon the evening before, enclosed with the statement that his people were highly pleased to see white men among them as friends, and that the idea of complying with my demand in regard to proceeding to our main camp had been discussed with great favor with all his people, who were delighted with this opportunity of terminating the war. All questions affecting the Arapahos being satisfactorily disposed of, I now introduce the subject of the whereabouts of the Cheyenne village, stating that my purpose was to extend to them the same terms as had been accepted by the Arapahos. To this I could obtain no decisive or satisfactory reply. The Cheyennes were represented to be moving constantly, hence the difficulty in informing me accurately as to their location, but all agreed that the Cheyennes were among a long distance west of where we were then. Finally I obtained a promise from Little Raven that he would select two of his active young warriors who would accompany me in my search for the Cheyenne village and whose knowledge of the country and acquaintances with the Cheyennes would be of incalculable service to me. As a limited amount of provisions on hand would not justify us in continuing our search for the Cheyennes, I decided to await the arrival of Colonel Cook, who I felt confident would reach us in a few days. In the meanwhile the days fixed for the departure of the Arapahos came and the village was all commotion and activity, lodges being taken down and packed on ponies and mules, the activity I might mention being confined, however, to the squazz, the noble lords of the forest sitting unconcernedly by quietly smoking their long red clay pipes. I was sorry to lose the services of Yellow Bear, but it was necessary for him to accompany his people, particularly as he represented the peace element. I gave him a letter to General Sheridan in which I informed the latter of our meeting with the Arapahos, the Council, and the Final Agreement. In view of the further extension of our journey I requested a second detachment to be sent on our trail with supplies to meet us on a return. Everything being in readiness, the chiefs, commencing with Little Raven, gathered around me and bade me goodbye, Yellow Bear being the last to take his leave. This being ended the entire village was put in motion and soon stretched itself into a long irregular column. The chiefs formed the advance, next came the squazz and the children and the old men, followed by the pack animals bearing the lodges and household goods. After these came the herd consisting of hundreds of loose ponies and mules driven by squazz, along the outskirts of the entire cavalcade rode the young men and boys performing the part of assistance to the herders, but more important as flankers or vedettes in case of danger or attack. Nor must I admit another important element in estimating the population of an Indian village, the dogs. These were without number, and of all colors and sizes. It was difficult to determine which outnumbered the other, the dogs or their owners. Some of the former were mere puppies unable to travel, these were carefully stowed away in a comfortable sort of basket made of willows and securely attached to the back of one of the pack animals, the mother of the interesting family trotting along contemptly by the side of the ladder. After the excitement attending to the departure of the Indians had passed and the last glimpse of the departing village had been had, our little party seemed lonely enough as we stood huddled together on the bank of the Mulberry Crick. There was nothing to be done until the arrival of our expected supplies. Little rope in patience at the proposed delay concluded to start at once in quest of his people, and if possible persuade them to meet us instead of awaiting our arrival. He evidently was anxious to have peace concluded with the Cheyennes and thus enabled his people to be placed on the same secure footing with the Arapahos. Instead of opposing, I encouraged him in the execution of his plan, although loathe to part with him. The two young Arapahos were to remain with me, however, and by concert of plan between them and little rope we would be able to follow the trail. It was agreed that if little rope should come up with his people and be able to induce them to return, he was to send up smoke signals each morning and evening in order that we might receive notice of their approach and be able to regulate our march accordingly. Giving him a sufficient supply of coffee, sugar, and hard bread, we saw little rope set out on a solitary journey in the character of a veritable peace commissioner. I might fill several pages in describing the various expedience to which our little party resorted in order to dispose of our time while awaiting the arrival of our supplies. How Romeo, by the promise of a small reward in case he was successful, was induced to attempt to ride a beautiful Indian pony which he had caught on the plains and which was still as wild and unbroken as if he had never felt the hand of a man. The ground selected was a broad border of deep sand extended up and down the valley. Two long lariots were securely fastened to the halter. At the end of one was my brother. I officiated at the end of the other, with the pony standing midway between us some twenty feet from either, and up to his fatlock and sand, an anxious spectator of what was going on. Everything, being in readiness, Romeo, with never of fear or doubt, as to the result, stepped quietly up to the saddle of the pony, who, turned his head somewhat inquiringly, uttered a few snorts, indicative of anything but gentleness. Romeo, who was as active as a cat, succeeded in placing his hands on the pony's back, and with an injunction to us to keep firm hold of the heads, he sprang lightly on the back of the pony and seized the mane. I have seen trained mules in delight of boys who attend to the circus and sometimes of persons of more advanced stage, and have witnessed the laughable efforts of the youngsters who vainly endeavored a ride the contamacious quadrupled once around the ring, but I remembered nothing of this description to equal or resemble the frantic plunges of the Indian pony in his untrained efforts to free his back from its burden, nor the equally frantic and earnest efforts of the rider to maintain his position. Fortunately for the holders of the larriots, they exceeded the length of the pony's legs or his heels, which were being elevated in all directions, and almost at the same time would have compelled us to relinquish our hold and leave Romeo to his fate, as both pony and rider seemed to redouble their efforts for the mastery of the scene became more ludicrous, while the hefty and prolonged shouts of laughter from the bystanders on all sides seemed only to add intensity to the contest. This may strike the reader as a not very dignified proceeding, particularly upon the part of one of the larriot holders, but we were not studying how to appear dignified, but how to amuse ourselves. So exhausted did I become with unrestrained laughter as I beheld Romeo in his lofty gyrations about his center which belonged to the movable order, that a much further prolongation of the sport would have forced me to relinquish my hold on the larriot. But I was spared this result. The pony, as if studying the problem, had indulged in almost every conceivable form of leaping, and now, rising almost perpendicular on his hind legs, stood erect, pawing the air with his forelegs and compelling Romeo in order to prevent himself from sliding off to clasp him about the neck with both arms. The pony seemed almost as if waiting the situation, as with the utmost quickness and before Romeo could resume his seat, he descended from his elevated attitude and the next moment his head was almost touching the ground and his heels occupied the space just vacated by his head in midair. This sudden change was too much for Romeo, and as if projected from an ancient catapult he departed from his place on the back of the pony and landed on the deep, soft sand many feet in advance of his late opponent. Three times was this repeated with almost the same result until finally Romeo, as he brushed the sand from his matted locks, expressed it as his opinion that no one but an Indian could ride that pony. As Romeo himself was half Indian, the distinction seemed finally drawn. Enumerable were the tricks played on each other by one and all, everything seemed legitimate sport which tended to kill time. Three days after the departure of the Rappahoe village, the lookout reported that parties were in sight some three or four miles in the direction taken by the village. This created no little excitement in camp. Field glasses were brought into immediate requisition, and after a careful examination of the parties who could be plainly seen approaching us in the distance, we all came to the conclusion that what we saw must be the escort with our supplies. A few horses were soon saddled into the officers with some of the men galloped out to meet the advancing party. It proved to be Colonel Cook with California Joe and a dozen men, bringing with them several pack animals loaded with fresh supplies. I need not say how we welcomed their arrival. It was too late in the day to make it desirable for us to set out on the trail a little robe, as it was necessary to unpack the issue rations and repack the remainder so that it was concluded to remain until next morning. An additional reason in favor of this resolution being that the horses of Colonel Cook's party would have the benefit of rest. This account given by Colonel Cook and California Joe concerning their march was exceedingly interesting. It will be remembered that it was the expectation that we would find the Arapaho village near our main camp than we afterward did, and in my letter to General Sheridan I have intimated that Colonel Cook would probably overtake us at a point not far from the termination of the Wichita Mountains. Colonel Cook arrived at the designated point, but we of course had gone and not finding any letter or signal at our deserted camp, he became not unnaturally anxious as to where we had gone. This will not be wondered at when it is remembered that we had but 13 men with him, and was then in hostile country and far from all support. However, he had nothing to do but to continue on our trail. That night will no doubt long live in the memory of Colonel Cook. After reaching camp with his little party in a small piece of timber, he, as he afterward related to me, began taking a mental survey of the situation. For fear of misleading the reader, I will hear remark, as I have indicated in previous chapters, that fear or lack of the highest order of personal courage was not numbering among the traits and character possessed by this officer. After seeing that the animals were properly secured for the night, and his men made comfortable, he sat down by the campfire awaiting the preparation of his evening meal. In the meantime, California Joe found him and entered into a discussion as to the probabilities of overtaking us soon, and in a kind of Jack Bunsby style suggested, if not, why not? The more Colonel Cook looked at the matter, the more trying seemed his position. Had he known, as we then knew, that the Arrapahos had been found, and a peaceful agreement entered into, it would have solved all his difficulty. Of this he, of course, was ignorant, and thoughts ran through his mind that perhaps my little party had been led on only to be massacred, and his would follow blindly to the same fate. This recalled all former Indian atrocities with which he was familiar, why prominent above them all rose before him the fate of young Kidder and his family, whose fate is recorded in a former chapter. In thinking of this, Colonel Cook was struck by a coincidence. Kidder's party consisted of almost the identical number which composed his own. Kidder had a guide, and Cook had California Joe, all of which, without attaching any importance to his words, the latter took pains to remind Colonel Cook of. By the time supper was prepared, Colonel Cook felt the responsibilities of his family too strongly to have any appetite for food, so that when supper was commenced he simply declined it, and inviting California Joe to help himself, and invitation to the latter was not slow and accepting. Posting his guards for the night, Colonel Cook felt that to sleep was impossible. He took a seat by the campfire and with his arms by his side, impatiently waited the coming of dawn. California Joe, who regarded the present as far more importance than the future, and whose slumber would have been little disturbed even if he had known that hostile Indians were soon to be encountered, disposed of Colonel Cook's supper, and then wrapping himself up in his blanket stretched himself under a tree near the fire, and was soon sleeping soundly. His brief account of the enjoyment he derived from Colonel Cook's supper was characteristic. I saw it and saw it, eating of them young men's vitals, while he and his cavalry boots with his pistols in his belt stood looking into the fire. Early next morning, as soon as the light was sufficient to enable them to follow our trail, Colonel Cook and his party were on their way. About noon, as they were passing over a low ridge yet sufficiently high to enable them to see for miles beyond, the eyes of one of the party caught a view of a long line of dark-looking objects' smiles in the advance, yet directly in their path. Each moment the objects became more distinct until finally Colonel Cook, who was studying them intently through his glass, pronounced the simple word