 16 The Scouts at Fort Larnet, when I arrived there, were commanded by Dick Curtis, an old guide, frontiersman, and Indian interpreter. There were some three hundred lodges of Kiowa and Comanche Indians camp near the fort. These Indians had not as yet gone upon the war-path, but were restless and discontented, and their leading chiefs, Satanta, Lone Wolf, Kicking Bird, Satank, Sidamore, and other noted warriors, were rather saucy. The post at the time was garrisoned by only two companies of infantry and one of cavalry. General Hazen, who was at the post, was endeavoring to pacify the Indians and keep them from going on the war-path. I was appointed as his special scout, and one morning he notified me that he was going to Fort Harker and wished me to accompany him as far as Fort Zera, thirty miles distant. The general usually traveled in an ambulance, but this trip he was to make in a six-mule wagon under the escort of a squad of twenty infantrymen. So early one morning in August we started, arriving safely at Fort Zera at twelve o'clock. General Hazen thought it unnecessary that we should go farther, and he proceeded on his way to Fort Harker without an escort, leaving instructions that we should return to Fort Larnad the next day. After the general had gone, I went to the sergeant in command of the squad, and told him that I was going back that very afternoon, instead of waiting till the next morning, and I accordingly saddled up my mule and set out for Fort Larnad. I proceeded uninterruptedly until I got about half way between the two posts, when at Pawnee Rock I was suddenly jumped by about forty Indians who came dashing up to me, extending their hands, and saying, How? How? They were some of the same Indians who had been hanging around Fort Larnad in the morning. I saw that they had on their war-paint, and were evidently now out on the war-path. My first impulse was to shake hands with them, as they seemed so desirous of it. I accordingly reached out my hand to one of them, who grasped it with a tight grip, and jerked me violently forward, another pulled my mule by the bridle, and in a moment I was completely surrounded. Before I could do anything at all they had seized my revolvers from the holsters, and I received a blow on the head from a tomahawk which nearly rendered me senseless. My gun, which was laying across the saddle, was snatched from its place, and finally the Indian, who had hold of the bridle, started off towards the Arkansas River, leading the mule, which was being lashed by the other Indians who were following. The savages were all singing, yelling, and whooping, as only Indians can do when they are having their little game all their own way. While looking towards the river I saw, on the opposite side, an immense village moving down along the bank, and then I became convinced that the Indians had left the post and were now starting out on the war-path. My captors crossed the stream with me, and as we waded through the shallow water they continued to lash the mule and myself. Finally they brought me before an important looking body of Indians, who proved to be the chiefs and principal warriors. I soon recognized old Satanta among them, as well as others whom I knew, and I supposed it was all over with me. The Indians were jabbering away so rapidly among themselves that I could not understand what they were saying. Satanta at last asked me where I had been, and as good luck would have it a happy thought struck me. I told him I had been after a herd of cattle, or wojas, as they called them. It so happened that the Indians had been out of meat for several weeks, as the large herd of cattle which had been promised them had not yet arrived, although expected by them. The moment that I mentioned that I had been searching for the wojas, old Satanta began questioning me in a very eager manner. He asked me where the cattle were, and I replied that they were back only a few miles, and that I had been sent by General Hazen to inform him that the cattle were coming and that they were intended for his people. This seemed to please the old rascal, who also wanted to know if there were any soldiers with the herd, and my reply was that there were. Thereupon the chiefs held a consultation, and presently Satanta asked me if General Hazen had really said that they should have the cattle. I replied in the affirmative, and added that I had been directed to bring the cattle to them. I followed this up with a very dignified inquiry, asking why his young men had treated me so. The old wretch intimated that it was only a freak of the boys that the young men had wanted to see if I was brave. In fact, they had only meant to test my bravery, and that the whole thing was a joke. The veteran liar was now beating me at my own game of line, but I was very glad of it, as it was in my favor. I did not let him suspect that I doubted his veracity, but I remarked that it was a rough way to treat friends. He immediately ordered his young men to give me back my arms, and scolded them for what they had done. Of course the sly old dog was now playing it very fine, as he was anxious to get possession of the cattle, with which he believed there was a heap of soldiers coming. He concluded it was not best to fight the soldiers if he could get the cattle peaceably. Another council was held by the chiefs, and in a few minutes old Satanta came and asked me if I would go over and bring the cattle down to the opposite side of the river so that they could get them. I replied, of course, that's my instruction from General Hazen. Satanta said I must not feel angry at his young men, for they had only been acting in fun. He then inquired if I wished any of his men to accompany me to the cattle herd. I replied that it would be better for me to go alone, and then the soldiers could keep right on to Fort Larnad, while I could drive the herd down on the bottom. So wheeling my mule around, I was soon recrossing the river, leaving old Satanta in the firm belief that I had told him a straight story, and was going for the cattle which only existed in my imagination. I hardly knew what to do, but thought that if I could get the river between the Indians and myself, I would have a good three-quarters of a mile the start of them, and could then make it run for Fort Larnad, as my mule was a good one. Thus far my cattle story had panned out all right, but just as I reached the opposite bank of the river, I looked behind and saw that ten or fifteen Indians who had begun to suspect something crooked were following me. The moment that my mule secured a good foothold on the bank, I urged him into a gentle loop towards the place where, according to my statement, the cattle were to be brought. Upon reaching a little ridge and riding down the other side out of view, I turned my mule and headed him westward for Fort Larnad. I let him out for all that he was worth, and when I came out on a little rise of ground I looked back and saw the Indian village in plain sight. My pursuers were now on the ridge which I had passed over, and were looking for me in every direction. Presently they spied me, and seeing that I was running away, they struck out in swift pursuit, and in a few minutes it became painfully evident that they were gaining on me. They kept up the chase as far as Ash Creek, six miles from Fort Larnad. I still led them half a mile, as their horses had not gained much during the last half of the race. My mule seemed to have gotten his second wind, and as I was on the old road I had played the whip and spurs on him without much cessation. The Indians likewise had urged their steeds to the utmost. Finally upon reaching the dividing ridge between Ash Creek and Pawnee Fork, I saw Fort Larnad only four miles away. It was now sundown, and I heard the evening gun at the fort. The troops of the garrison little dreamed that there was a man flying for his life from the Indians and trying to reach the post. The Indians were once more gaining on me, and when I crossed the Pawnee Fork, two miles from the post, two or three of them were only a quarter of a mile behind me. Just as I had gained the opposite bank of the stream, I was overjoyed to see some soldiers in a government wagon, only a short distance off. I yelled at the top of my voice, and writing up to them told them that the Indians were after me. Denver Jim, a well-known scout, asked how many there were, and upon my informing him that there were about a dozen he said, Let's drive the wagon into the trees and we'll lay for them. The team was hurriedly driven in among the trees and low-box elder bushes, and there secreted. We did not have to wait long for the Indians, who came dashing up, lashing their horses, which were panting and blowing. We let two of them pass by, but we opened a lively fire on the next three or four, killing two at the first crack. The others following discovered that they had run into an ambush, and whirling off into the brush they turned and ran back in the direction once they had come. The two who had passed hurried the firing and made their escape. We scalp the two that we had killed and appropriated their arms and equipments, and then catching their horses we made our way into the post. The soldiers had heard us firing, and as we were approaching the fort the drums were being beaten, and the butlers were sounding the call to fall in. The officers had thought that Satanta and his Indians were coming in to capture the fort. It seems that on the morning of that day, two hours after General Hazen had taken his departure, old Satanta drove into the post in an ambulance, which he had received some months before as a present from the government. He appeared to be angry and bent on mischief. In an interview with Captain Parker, the commanding officer, he asked why General Hazen had left the post without supplying the beef-callow which had been promised to him. The captain told him that the cattle were surely on the road, but he could not explain why they were detained. The interview proved to be a stormy one, and Satanta made numerous threats, saying that if he wished he could capture the whole post with his warriors. Captain Parker, who was a brave man, gave Satanta to understand that he was reckoning beyond his powers, and he would find it a more difficult undertaking than he had any idea of, as they were prepared for him at any moment. The interview finally terminated, and Satanta angrily left the officer's presence. Going over to the settler's store he sold his ambulance to Mr. Tappan, the past trader, and with a portion of the proceeds he secretly managed to secure some whiskey from some bad men around the fort. There are always to be found around every frontier post some men who will sell whiskey to the Indians at any time and under any circumstances, notwithstanding it as a flagrant violation of both civil and military regulations. Satanta mounted his horse, and taking the whiskey with him, he rode rapidly away and proceeded straight to his village. He had not been gone over an hour when he returned to the vicinity of the post, accompanied by his warriors, who came in from every direction, to the number of seven or eight hundred. It was evident that the irate old rascal was on his ear, so to speak, and it looked as if he intended to carry out his threat of capturing the fort. The garrison at once turned out and prepared to receive the Redskins, who, when within half a mile, circled around the fort and fired numerous shots into it, instead of trying to take it by assault. While this circular movement was going on, it was observed that the Indian village in the distance was packing up, preparatory to leaving, and it was soon under way. The mounted warriors remained behind some little time to give their families an opportunity to get away, as they feared that the troops might possibly in some manner intercept them. Finally they encircled the post several times, fired some farewell rounds, and then galloped away over the prairie to overtake their fast departing village. On their way thither they surprised and killed a party of woodchoppers down on the Pawnee Fork, as well as some herders who were guarding beef cattle. Some seven or eight men in all were killed, and it was evident that the Indians meant business. The soldiers with the wagon, whom I had met at the crossing of the Pawnee Fork, had been out for the bodies of the men. Under the circumstances it was no wonder that the garrison, upon hearing the reports of our guns when we fired upon the party whom we ambushed, should have thought the Indians were coming back to give them another turn. We found that all was excitement at the post, double guards had been put on duty, and Captain Parker had all the scouts at his headquarters. He was endeavoring to get someone to take some important dispatches to General Sheridan at Fort Hayes. I reported to him at once, and stated where I had met the Indians, and how I had escaped from them. He was very fortunate, Cody, in thinking of that cattle story, but for that little game, your hair would now be an ornament in a Kiowa's lodge, said he. Just then Dick Curtis spoke up and said, Cody, the captain is anxious to send some dispatches to General Sheridan at Fort Hayes, and none of the scouts here seem to be very willing to undertake the trip. They say they are not well enough acquainted with the country to find the way at night. As a storm was coming up, it was quite dark, and the scouts feared that they would lose the way. Besides, it was a dangerous ride, as a large party of Indians were known to be camped on Walnut Creek on the direct road to Fort Hayes. It was evident that Curtis was trying to induce me to volunteer. I made some evasive answer to Curtis, for I did not care to volunteer after my long day's ride, but Curtis did not let the matter drop, said he. I wish, Bill, that you were not so tired by your chase of today, for you know the country better than the rest of the boys, and I am certain that you could go through. As far as the ride to Fort Hayes is concerned, that alone would matter but little to me, I said. But it is a risky piece of work just now, as the country is full of hostile Indians. Still, if no other scout is willing to volunteer, I will chance it. I'll go, provided I am furnished with a good horse. I am tired of being chased on a government mule by Indians. At this, Captain Nolan, who had been listening to our conversation, said, Bill, you may have the best horse in my company. You can take your choice if you will carry these dispatches. Although it is against regulations to dismount and enlisted man, I have no hesitancy in such a case of urgent necessity as this is, in telling you that you may have any horse you may wish. Captain, your first sergeant has a splendid horse, and that's the one I want. If he'll let me ride that horse, I'll be ready to start in one hour, storm or no storm, said I. Good enough, Bill. You shall have the horse. But are you sure you can find your way on such a dark night as this? I have hunted on nearly every acre of ground between here and Fort Hays. I can almost keep my route by the bones of the dead buffaloes, I confidently replied. Never fear, Captain, about Cody not finding the way. He is as good in the dark as he is in the daylight, said Curtis. And orderly was sent for the horse, and the animal was soon brought up, although the sergeant kicked a little against letting him go. After eating a lunch and filling a canteen with brandy, I went to headquarters and put my own saddle and bridle on the horse I was to ride. I then got the dispatches, and by ten o'clock was on the road to Fort Hays, which was sixty-five miles distant across the country. The scouts had all bid me a hearty goodbye and wished me success, not knowing when, if ever, they would again gaze upon my warlike form, as the poet would say. It was darkest pitch, but this I rather liked, as there was little probability of any of the Redskins seeing me unless I stumbled upon them accidentally. My greatest danger was that my horse might run into a hole and fall down, and in this way get away from me. To avoid any such accident I tied one end of my rawhide lariat to the bridle and the other end to my belt. I didn't propose to be left on foot, alone, out on the prairie. It was indeed a wise precaution that I had taken, for within the next three miles the horse, sure enough, stepped into a prairie dog's hole, and down he went, throwing me clear over his head. Springing to his feet, before I could catch hold of the bridle, he galloped away into the darkness, but when he reached the full length of the lariat, he found that he was picketed to Bison William. I brought him upstanding, and after finding my gun which had dropped to the ground, I went up to him and in a moment was in the saddle again, and went on my way, rejoicing, keeping straight on my course, until I came to the ravines leading on to Walnut Creek, twenty-five miles from Fort Larnad, where the country became rougher, requiring me to travel slower and more carefully, as I feared the horse might fall over the bank, it being difficult to see anything five feet ahead. As a good horse is not very apt to jump over a bank, if left to guide himself, I let mine pick his own way. I was now proceeding as quietly as possible, for I was in the vicinity of a band of Indians who had recently camped in that locality. I thought that I had passed somewhat above the spot, having made a little circuit to the west with that intention, but as bad luck would have it this time, when I came up near the creek, I suddenly rode in among a herd of horses. The animals became frightened and ran off in every direction. I knew at once that I was among Indian horses, and had walked into the wrong pew, so without waiting to apologize, I backed out as quickly as possible. At this moment a dog, not fifty yards away, set up a howl, and then I heard some Indians engaged in conversation. They were guarding the horses and had been sleeping. Hearing my horses retreating footsteps towards the hills, and thus becoming aware that there had been an enemy in their camp, they mounted their steeds and started for me. I urged my horse to his full speed, taking the chances of his falling into holes and guiding him up the creek bottom. The Indians followed me as fast as they could by the noise I made, but I soon distanced them and then crossed the creek. When I had traveled several miles in a straight course, as I supposed, I took out my compass and by the light of a match saw that I was bearing two points to the east of north. At once changing my course to the direct route, I pushed rapidly on through the darkness towards Smoky Hill River. At about three o'clock in the morning I began traveling more cautiously, as I was afraid of running into another band of Indians. Occasionally I scared up a herd of buffaloes or antelopes or coyotes or deer, which would frighten my horse for a moment, but with the exception of these slight alarms, I got along all right. After crossing Smoky Hill River, I felt comparatively safe as this was the last dream I had to cross. Riding onto the northward, I struck the old Santa Fe Trail, ten miles from Fort Hays, just at break of day. My horse did not seem much fatigued and being anxious to make good time and get as near the post as possible before it was fairly daylight as there might be bands of Indians camped along Big Creek, I urged him forward as fast as he could go. As I had not lost any Indians, I was not now anxious to make their acquaintance, and shortly after Reveley rode into the post. I proceeded directly to General Sheridan's headquarters and was meant at the door by Colonel Moore, aid to camp, on General Sheridan's staff, who asked me on what business I had come. I have dispatches for General Sheridan, and my instructions from Captain Parker, commanding Fort Larnard, are that they shall be delivered to the General as soon as possible, said I. Colonel Moore invited me into one of the offices, and said he would hand the dispatches to the General as soon as he got up. I preferred to give the dispatches to General Sheridan myself, and at once was my reply. The General, who was sleeping in the same building, hearing our voices, called out. Send the man in with the dispatches. I was ushered into the General's presence, and as we had met before he recognized me and said, Hello Cody, is that you? Yes, sir. I have some dispatches here for you, from Captain Parker, said I, as I handed the package over to him. He hurriedly read them, and said they were important, and then he asked me all about General Hazen and where he had gone, and about the breaking out of the Kiwas and Comanches. I gave him all the information that I possessed, and related the events and adventures of the previous day and night. Bill said he, You must have had a pretty lively ride. You certainly had a close call when you ran into the Indians on Walnut Creek. That was a good joke you played on Old Satana. I suppose you're pretty tired after your long journey. I am rather weary, General, that's a fact, as I have been in the saddle since yesterday morning, was my reply. But my horse is more tired than I am, and needs attention full as much if not more, I added. Thereupon the General called in orderly and gave instructions to have my animal well taken care of, and then he said, Cody, come in and have some breakfast with me. No thank you, General, said I. Hay City is only a mile from here, and I prefer riding over there, as I know about everyone in the town, and I want to see some of my friends. Very well, do as you please, and come to the post afterwards as I want to see you, said he. Bidding him good morning and telling him that I would return in a few hours, I rode over to Hay City, and at the Prairie House I met many of my old friends who were of course all glad to see me. I took some refreshments and a two-hours nap, and afterward returned to Fort Hayes as I was requested. As I rode up to the headquarters, I noted several scouts in a little group, evidently engaged in conversation on some important matter. Upon inquiry I learned that General Sheridan had informed them that he was desirous of sending a dispatch to Fort Dodge, a distance of 95 miles. The Indians had recently killed two or three men while they were carrying dispatches between Fort Hayes and Fort Dodge, and on this account none of the scouts seemed at all anxious to volunteer, although a reward of several hundred dollars was offered to anyone who would carry the dispatches. They had learned of my experiences on the previous day and asked me if I did not think it would be a dangerous trip. I gave it as my opinion that a man might possibly go through without seeing an Indian, but that the chances were ten to one that he would have an exceedingly lively run and a hard time before he reached his destination, if he ever got there at all. Leaving the scouts to decide among themselves as to who was to go, I reported to General Sheridan, who also informed me that he wished someone to carry dispatches to Fort Dodge. While we were talking, his chiefs of scouts, Dick Parr, entered and stated that none of the scouts had yet volunteered. Upon hearing this, I got my brave up a little and said, General, if there is no one ready to volunteer, I'll carry your dispatches myself. I had not thought of asking you to do this duty, Cody, as you are already pretty hard-worked. But it is really important that these dispatches should go through, said the General. Well, if you don't get a courier by four o'clock this afternoon, I'll be ready for business at that time. All I want is a fresh horse, said I. Meantime, I'll take a little more rest. It was not much of a rest, however, that I got, where I went over to Hayes City again and had a time with the boys. I came back to the post at the appointed hour, and finding that no one had volunteered, I reported to General Sheridan. He had selected an excellent horse for me, and on handing me the dispatch, as he said, you can start as soon as you wish, the sooner the better, and good luck go with you, my boy. In about an hour afterwards I was on the road, and just before dark I crossed Smoky Hill River. I had not yet urged my horse much, as I was saving his strength for the latter end of the route, and for any run that I might have to make in case the wild boys should jump me. So far I had not seen a sign of Indians, and as evening came on I felt comparatively safe. I had no adventures worth relating during the night, and just before daylight I found myself approaching Saw Log Crossing on the Pawnee Fork, having then ridden about seventy miles. A company of colored cavalry commanded by Major Cox was stationed at this point, and I approached their camp cautiously, for fear that the pickets would fire upon me, as the dark soldiers were liable to shoot first and cry halt afterwards. When within hearing distance I yelled out at the top of my voice, and was answered by one of the pickets. I told him not to shoot, as I was a scout from Fort Hayes, and then calling the Sergeant of the Guard, I went up to the vedette of the post, who readily recognized me. I entered the camp and proceeded to the tent of Major Cox, to whom I handed a letter from General Sheridan, requesting him to give me a fresh horse. He had once complied with the request. After I had slept an hour and had eaten a lunch, I again jumped into the cell, and before sunrise I was once more on the road. It was twenty-five miles to Fort Dodge, and I arrived there between nine and ten o'clock, without having seen a single Indian. After delivering the dispatches to the commanding officer, I met Johnny Austin, Chief of Scouts at this post, who was an old friend of mine. Upon his invitation, I took a nap at his house, and when I awoke, rush for business once more, he informed me that the Indians had been all around the post for the past two or three days, running off cattle and horses, and occasionally killing a stray man. It was a wonder to him that I had met with none of the Redskins on the way there. The Indians, he said, were also very thick on the Arkansas River, between Fort Dodge and Fort Larnad, and making considerable trouble. Fort Dodge was located sixty-five miles west of Fort Larnad, the latter post being on the Pawnee Fork, about five miles from its junction with the Arkansas River. The commanding officer at Fort Dodge was anxious to send some dispatches to Fort Larnad, but the Scouts, like those at Fort Hayes, were rather backward about volunteering, as it was considered a very dangerous undertaking to make the trip. As Fort Larnad was my post, and as I wanted to go there anyhow, I said to Austin that I would carry the dispatches, and if any of the boys wished to go along, I would like to have them for company's sake. Austin reported my offer to the commanding officer, who sent for me, and said he would be happy to have me take his dispatches, if I could stand the trip on top of all that I had already done. All I want is a good fresh horse, sir, said I. I am sorry to say that we haven't a decent horse here, but we have a reliable and honest government mule, if that will do you, said the officer. Trot out your mule, said I. That's good enough for me. I am ready at any time, sir. The mule was forthcoming, and at dark I pulled out for Fort Larnad, and proceeded uninterruptedly to Coon Creek, thirty miles out from Dodge. I had left the main wagon road some distance to the south, and had traveled parallel with it, thinking this to be a safer course, as the Indians might be lying in wait on the main road for dispatch-bearers and scouts. At Coon Creek I dismounted and led the mule by the bridle down to the water, where I took a drink using my hat for a dipper. While I was engaged in getting the water, the mule jerk loose and struck out down the creek. I followed him in hopes that he would catch his foot in the bridle rain and stop, but this he seemed to have no idea of doing. He was making straight for the wagon road, and I did not know what minute he might run into a band of Indians. He finally got on the road, but instead of going back toward Fort Dodge, as I naturally expected he would do, he turned eastward toward Fort Larnad, and kept up a little jog trot just ahead of me, but would not let me come up to him, although I tried it again and again. I had my gun in my hand, and several times I was strongly tempted to shoot him, and would probably have done so had it not been for fear of bringing Indians down upon me, and besides he was carrying the saddle for me. So I trudged on after the obstinate critter, and if there ever was a government mule that deserved and received a good round cruising it was that one. I had neglected the precaution of tying one end of my lariat to his bit and the other to my belt, as I had done a few nights before, and I blamed myself for this gross piece of negligence. Mile after mile I kept on after that mule, and every once in a while I indulged in strong language respecting the whole mule fraternity. From Coon Creek to Fort Larnad it was thirty-five miles, and I finally concluded that my prospects were good for hoofing the whole distance. We, that is to say the confounded mule and myself, were making pretty good time. There was nothing to hold the mule, and I was all the time trying to catch him, which urged him on. I made every step count, for I wanted to reach Fort Larnad before daylight, in order to avoid if possible the Indians, to whom it would have been pie to have caught me there on foot. The mule stuck to the road and kept on for Larnad, and I did the same thing. Just as day was beginning to break, we, that is the mule and myself, found ourselves on a hill looking down into the valley of the Pawnee Fork in which Fort Larnad was located, only four miles away, and when the morning gun belched forth we were within a half-mile of the post. Now, said I, Mr. Mule, it is my turn. And raising my gun to my shoulder, in dead earnest this time, I blazed away, hitting the animal in the hip. Throwing a second cartridge into the gun, I let him have another shot, and I continued to pour lead into him until I had him completely laid out. Like the great majority of government mules, he was a tough one to kill, and he clung to life with all the tenaciousness of his obstinate nature. He was, without doubt, the toughest and meanest mule I ever saw, and he died hard. The troops, hearing the reports of the gun, came rushing out to see what was the matter. They found that the mule had passed in his chips, and when they learned the cause they all agreed that I had served him just right. Taking the saddle and bridle from the dead body, I proceeded into the post and delivered the dispatches to Captain Parker. I then went over to Dick Curtis's house, which was headquarters for the scouts, and there put in several hours of solid sleep. During the day, General Hazen returned from Fort Harker, and he also had some important dispatches to send to General Sheridan. I was feeling quite elated over my big ride, and seeing that I was getting the best of the other scouts in regard to making a record, I volunteered to carry General Hazen's dispatches to Fort Hayes. The General accepted my services, although he thought it was unnecessary for me to kill myself. I told him that I had business at Fort Hayes and wished to go there anyway, and it would make no difference to the other scouts, for none of them appeared willing to undertake the trip. Accordingly, that night I left Fort Larnard on an excellent horse, and next morning at daylight found myself once more in General Sheridan's headquarters at Fort Hayes. The General was surprised to see me, and still more so when I told him of the time I had made in riding to Fort Dodge, and that I had taken dispatches from Fort Dodge to Fort Larnard, and when, in addition to this, I mentioned my journey of the night previous, General Sheridan thought my ride from post to post, taken as a whole, was a remarkable one, and said he did not know of its equal. I can safely say that I have never heard of its being beaten in a country infested with hostile Indians. To recapitulate, I had ridden from Fort Larnard to Fort Zera, a distance of sixty-five miles and back in twelve hours, including the time when I was taken across the Arkansas by the Indians. In the succeeding twelve hours I had gone from Fort Larnard to Fort Hayes, a distance of sixty-five miles. In the next twenty-four hours I had gone from Fort Hayes to Fort Dodge, a distance of ninety-five miles. The following night I had traveled from Fort Dodge, thirty miles on muleback, and thirty-five miles on foot to Fort Larnard, and the next night, sixty-five miles more to Fort Hayes. All together I had ridden and walked three hundred and fifty-five miles in fifty-eight riding hours, or an average of over six miles an hour. Of course this may not be regarded as very fast riding, but taking into consideration the fact that it was mostly done in the night and over a wild country with no roads to follow, and that I had to be continually on the lookout for Indians, it was thought at the time to be a big ride, as well as a most dangerous one. The Life of Honourable William F. Cody by William F. Cody Chapter 17 An Appointment General Sheridan highly complimented me for what I had done, and informed me that I need not report back to General Hayeson, as he had more important work for me to do. He told me that the Fifth Calvary, one of the finest regiments in the army, was on its way to the Department of the Missouri, and that he was going to send it on an expedition against the Dog Soldier Indians, who were infesting the Republican River region. Cody continued he, I have decided to appoint you as guide and chief of scouts with the command. How does that suit you? First rate, General, and I thank you for the honor, I replied, as gracefully as I knew how. The Dog Soldier Indians were a band of Cheyennes and unruly turbulent members of other tribes who would not enter into any treaty or keep a treaty if they made one, and who had always refused to go upon a reservation. They were a war-like body of well-built, daring, and restless braves, and were determined to hold possession of the country in the vicinity of the Republican and Solomon Rivers. They were called Dog Soldiers because they were principally Cheyennes, a name derived from the French Cheyenne, a dog. After my conversation with the General, I went over to Hayes City, where I met some of General Forsyte's scouts who had just returned from one of the severest battles ever fought with the Indians. As it will not be out of place in this connection, I will here give a brief history of that memorable event. The Indians had become quite troublesome, and General Sheridan had selected General George A. Forsyte to go out on an expedition and punish them for their recent depredations. There was a scarcity of troops at Fort Hayes at that time, so General Forsyte recruited a company or frontiersmen who could move rapidly as they were to carry no luggage and were to travel without the ordinary transportation. Thirty of these frontiersmen came from Fort Harker and twenty from Fort Hayes. It was certainly a small body of men, but nearly every one of them was an experienced hunter, guide, scout, and Indian fighter, and they could fight the Redskins in their own way. In four days they were prepared to take the field, and on the morning of the 29th of August, 1868, they rode out of Fort Hayes to meet the Indians. Lieutenant F. H. Beecher of the Third Infantry, Nephew of Henry Ward Beecher, was second in command. Brevet Major General W. H. H. McCall, who had been in the Volunteer Army, acted as First Sergeant. Dr. John Mowers of Hayes City, who had been a Volunteer Army Surgeon, was the Surgeon of the Expedition, and Sharp Grover was the Chief Guide. Resting at Fort Wallace, they started September 10th for the town of Sheridan, 13 miles distant, where a band of Indians had attacked a train, killed two teamsters, and stolen some cattle. Arriving at Sheridan, they easily found the Indian Trail and followed it for some distance. On the eighth day out of Fort Wallace, the command went into camp late in the afternoon, on the Ericary, which was then not more than eight or nine feet wide at that point, and only two or three inches deep. It was evident to the men that they were not far from the Indians, and it was decided that the next day they would find them and give them a fight. Early next morning, September 19th, a cry of Indians startled the command. Every man jumped for his horse. A half-dozen redskins, yelling and whooping and making a hideous racket and firing their guns, rode up and attempted to stampede the horses, several of which, together with the four packmills, were so frightened that they broke loose and got away. The Indians then rode off, followed by a few shots. In a minute afterwards, hundreds of Indian warriors, it was estimated that there were nearly one thousand, came galloping down upon the command from every quarter, completely hemming them in. Acting under the order of General Forsythe, the men retreated to a small island, tied their horses in a circle to the bushes, and then throwing themselves upon the ground, they began the defense by firing at the approaching enemy, who came pretty close and gave them a raking fire. The besieged scouts, at the first opportunity, threw up a small breastwork with their knives. The firing, however, continued back and forth, and early in the fight Forsythe was twice seriously wounded, once in the right thigh and once in the left leg. Dr. Mowers was also wounded in the head and soon died. Two other men had been killed and several wounded. All the horses of the command were killed by nine o'clock in the morning. Shortly afterwards, over three hundred dog-soldier Indians commanded by old Roman noes charged down upon the little band of heroes, giving them volley after volley, but finally the scouts, at a favorable opportunity, returned their fire with telling effect. Roman noes and medicine-men were killed, and fell from their horses when within less than one rod of the scouts, who thereupon sent up a triumphant shout. The charging braves now weakened, and in a few moments they were driven back. It was a brilliant charge, and most nobly and bravely repulsed. The scouts had again suffered severely, having several men wounded, among the number being Lieutenant Beecher, who died that night. The Indians, too, had had quite a number killed, several of whom had fallen close to the earthworks. The dismounted Indian warriors still continued firing, but as the scouts had thrown up their entrenchments sufficiently to protect themselves by closely hugging the ground, little or no damage was done. A second charge was made by the mounted Indians about two o'clock in the afternoon, and they were again repulsed with a severe loss. Darkness finally came on, and then ensued a cessation of hostilities. Two of the scouts had been killed, four fatally wounded, and fourteen others were wounded more or less severely. There were just twenty-eight able-bodied men left out of the fifty. The supplies had run out, and as Dr. Mowers had been mortally wounded, and the medical stores captured, the wounded men could not be properly cared for. Although they were entirely surrounded, and 110 miles from the nearest post, the men did not despair. They had an abundance of ammunition, plenty of water underground only a short distance, and for food they had their horses and mules. At night two of the scouts, Tridot and Stillwell, stole through the lines of the Indians and started swiftly for Fort Wallace to obtain relief. It was a dangerous undertaking, but they were brave and experienced scouts. Stillwell was only nineteen or twenty years old, but he was, in every sense of the word, a thoroughbred frontiersman. During the night the besieged scouts threw up their breast-works considerably higher and piled the dead animals on top. They dug down to water and also stored away a lot of horse and mule meat in the sand to keep it fresh as long as possible. The Indians renewed their firing next morning and kept it up all day, doing but little injury, however, as the scouts were now well entrenched, but many an Indian was sent to his happy hunting ground. Night came again, and the prospects were indeed gloomy. An attempt was made by two more of the scouts to creep through the Indian lines, but they were detected by the enemy and had to return to their comrades. The next morning the Indians renewed hostilities as usual. Their women and children began to disappear about noon, and then the Indians tried to draw the scouts out by displaying a white flag for a truce. They appeared to want to have a talk with General Forsythe, but as their treachery was well known, the scouts did not fall into this trap. The Indians had apparently become tired of fighting, especially as they found that they had a most stubborn foe to deal with. Night once more threw its mantle over the scene, and under the cover of the darkness, Donovan and Plylee, two of the best scouts, stealthily made their way out of camp and started for Fort Wallace with a dispatch from General Forsythe, who gave a brief summary of the situation and stated that if necessary, he could hold out for six days longer. When the day dawned again, only a small number of warriors could be seen, and they probably remained to watch the scouts and keep them corralled. The uninjured men attended to the wounded as well as they could under the adverse circumstances, but from want of proper treatment, evidences of gangrene appeared in some of the wounds on the sixth day. The mule and horse meat became totally unfit for use, but they had nothing else to eat and had to eat it or starve. Under these trying circumstances, the General told the men that any that wished to go might do so and take their chances, but they all resolved to remain and die together if need be. Relief came at last. Tridot and Stillwell had safely reached Fort Wallace, and on the morning of the 25th of September, Colonel Carpenter and a detachment of cavalry arrived with supplies. This assistance to the besieged and starving scouts came like a vessel to ship wrecked men drifting and starving on a raft in mid-ocean. It was with the survivors of this terrible fight that I spent the few days at Hayes City prior to the arrival of the fifth cavalry. On the third day of October, the fifth cavalry arrived at Fort Hayes, and I at once began making the acquaintance of the different officers of the regiment. I was introduced by General Sheridan to Colonel William Royal, who was in command of the regiment. He was a gallant officer and an agreeable and pleasant gentleman. He is now stationed at Omaha as Inspector General in the Department of the Platt. I also became acquainted with Major W. H. Brown, Major Walker, Captain Sweetman, quartermaster E. M. Hayes, and in fact all the officers of the regiment. General Sheridan being anxious to punish the Indians who had lately fought General Forsythe did not give the regiment much of a rest, and accordingly on the fifth of October it began its march for the Beaver Creek country. The first night we camped on the south fork of Big Creek, four miles west of Hayes City. By this time I had become pretty well acquainted with Major Brown and Captain Sweetman, who invited me to mess with them on this expedition, and a jolly mess we had. There were other scouts in the command besides myself, and I particularly remembered Tom Renahan, Hank Fields, and a character called Nosy on account of his long nose. On the morning of the sixth, we pulled out to the north, and during the day I was very favorably struck with the appearance of the regiment. It was a beautiful command, and when strung out on the prairie with a train of seventy-five, six mule wagons, ambulances, and pack meals, I felt very proud of my position as guide and chief of scouts of such a warlike expedition. Just as we were about to go into camp on the Saline River that night, we ran on to a band of about fifteen Indians, who, seeing us, dashed across the creek, followed by some bullets which we sent after them. But as the small band proved to be a scouting party, we pursued them only a mile or two when our attention was directed to a herd of buffaloes, they being very plenty, and we succeeded in killing ten or fifteen for the command. The next day we marched thirty miles, and late in the afternoon we went into camp on the south fork of the Solomon. At this encampment, Colonel Royal asked me to go out and kill some buffaloes for the boys. All right, Colonel, send along a wagon or two to bring in the meat, I said. I am not in the habit of sending out my wagons until I know that there is something to be hauled in. Kill your buffalo first, and then I'll send out the wagons, was the Colonel's reply. I said no more, but went out on a hunt, and after a short absence returned and asked the Colonel to send his wagons over the hill for the half-dozen buffaloes I had killed. The following afternoon he again requested me to go out and get some fresh buffalo meat. I didn't ask him for any wagons this time, but rode out some distance, and coming up with a small herd, I managed to get seven of them headed straight for the encampment, and instead of shooting them just then, I ran them at full speed right into the camp, and then killed them all, one after the other, in rapid succession. Colonel Royal witnessed the whole proceeding, which puzzled him somewhat, as he could see no reason why I had not killed them on the prairie. He came up rather angrily and demanded an explanation. I can't allow any such business as this Cody, said he. What do you mean by it? I didn't care about asking for any wagons this time, Colonel, so I thought I would make the buffaloes for their own transportation, was my reply. The Colonel saw the point in a moment, and had no more to say on the subject. No Indians had been seen in the vicinity during the day, and Colonel Royal, having carefully posted his pickets, supposed everything was serene for the night. But before morning we were aroused from our slumbers by hearing shots fired, and immediately afterwards one of the mounted pickets came galloping into camp, saying that there were Indians close at hand. The companies all fell into line and were soon prepared and anxious to give the Redskins battle. But as the men were yet new in the Indian country, a great many of them were considerably excited. No Indians, however, made their appearance. And upon going to the picket post where the picket said he had seen them, none could be found nor could any traces of them be discovered. The Sentinel, who was an Irishman, insisted that there certainly had been Redskins there. But you must be mistaken, said Colonel Royal. Upon me soul, Colonel, I'm not. It sure as me names Pat Maloney. One of them red devils hit me on the head with a club, so he did, said Pat. And so, when morning came, the mystery was further investigated and was easily solved. Elk tracks were found in the vicinity, and it was undoubtedly a herd of elks that had frightened Pat. As he had turned to run, he had gone under a limb of a tree against which he had his head, and supposed he had been struck by a club in the hands of an Indian. It was hard to convince Pat, however, of the truth. A three days uninteresting march brought us to Beaver Creek, where we camped and from which point scouting parties were sent out in different directions. Neither of these parties discovering Indians, they all returned to camp about the same time, finding it in a state of great excitement, it having been attacked a few hours previous by a party of Indians who had succeeded in killing two men and in making off with 60 horses belonging to Company H. That evening, the command started on the trail of these Indian horse thieves, Major Brown with two companies and three days rations pushing ahead in advance of the main command. Being unsuccessful, however, in overtaking the Indians and getting nearly out of provisions, it being our 18th day out, the entire command marched towards the nearest railroad point and camped on the Saline River, distant three miles from Buffalo Tank. While waiting for supplies, we received a new commanding officer, Brevet Major General E. A. Carr, who was the senior major of the regiment and who ranked Colonel Royal. He brought with him the now celebrated foresight scouts who were commanded by Lieutenant Pappan, a regular army officer. It was also while waiting in this camp that Major Brown received a new lieutenant to fill a vacancy in his company. On the day that this officer was to arrive, Major Brown had his private ambulance brought out and invited me to accompany him to the railroad station to meet his lieutenant, whose name was A. B. Bach. He proved to be a fine gentleman and a brave dashing officer. On the way to the depot, Major Brown had said, now, Cody, when we come back, we'll give Bach a lively ride and shake him up a little. Major Brown was a jolly good fellow, but sometimes he would get a little off, and as this was one of his off days, he was bound to amuse himself in some original and mischievous way. Reaching the depot, just as the train came in, we easily found the lieutenant and, giving him the back seat and the ambulance, we were soon headed for camp. Pretty soon, Major Brown took the range from his driver and at once began whipping the mules. After getting them into a lively gallop, he pulled out his revolver and fired several shots. The road was terribly rough and the night was so dark that we could hardly see where we were going. It was a wonderful piece of luck that we were not tipped over and our necks broken. Finally, Bach said, good humorably, is this the way you break in all your lieutenant's major? Oh, no, I don't do this as a regular thing, but it's the way we frequently ride in this country, said the Major. Just keep your seat, Mr. Bach, and we'll take you through on time. The Major appropriated the reply of the old California stage driver, Hank Monk, to Horace Greeley. We were now rattling down a steep hill at full speed, and just as we reached the bottom, the front wheel struck a deep ditch over which the mules had jumped. We were all brought up standing by the sudden stoppage of the ambulance. Major Brown and myself were nearly pitched out on the wheels while the lieutenant came flying headlong from the back seat to the front of the vehicle. Take a back seat, Lieutenant Cooley, said Major Brown. Major, I have just left that seat, said Bach. We soon lifted the wagon out of the ditch and then resumed our drive, running into camp under full headway and creating considerable amusement. Everyone recognized the ambulance and knew at once that Major Brown and I were out on a lark, and therefore there was not much said about our exploit. Hulting with a grand flourish in front of his tent, Major Brown jumped out in his most gallant style and politely asked his lieutenant in. A very pleasant evening was spent there, quite a number of the officers calling to make the acquaintance of the new officer who entertained the visitors with an amusing account of the ride from the depot. Next morning at an early hour the command started out on a hunt for Indians. General Carr having a pretty good idea where he would be most likely to find them, directed me to guide him by the nearest route to Elephant Rock on Beaver Creek. Upon arriving at the south fork of the beaver on the second day's march, we discovered a large fresh Indian trail which we hurlily followed for a distance of eight miles when suddenly we saw on the bluffs ahead of us quite a large number of Indians. General Carr ordered Lieutenant Popon Scouts and Company M to the front. This company was commanded by Lieutenant Shunoski, a Frenchman by birth and a reckless daredevil by nature who was anxious to have a hair lifting match. Having advanced his company nearly a mile ahead of the main command, about 400 Indians suddenly charged down upon him and gave him a lively little fight until he was supported by our full force. The Indians kept increasing in numbers all the while until it was estimated that we were fighting from 800 to 1000 of them. The engagement became quite general and several were killed and wounded on each side. The Indians were evidently fighting to give their families and village a chance to get away. We had undoubtedly surprised them with a larger force than they had expected to see in that part of the country. We fought them until dark all the time driving them before us. At night they annoyed us considerably by firing down into our camp from the higher hills and several times the command was ordered out to dislodge them from their position and drive them back. After having returned from one of these little sallies, Major Brown, Captain Sweetman, Lieutenant Bach, and myself were taking supper together when, WANG, came a bullet into Lieutenant Bach's plate, breaking a hole through it. The bullet came from the gun of one of the Indians who had returned to the high bluff overlooking our camp. Major Brown declared it was a crack shot because it broke the plate. We finished our supper without having any more such close calls. At daylight next morning we struck out on the trail and soon came to the spot where the Indians had camped the day before. We could see that their village was a very large one consisting of about 500 lodges and we pushed forward rapidly from this point on the trail which ran back toward Prairie Dog Creek. About two o'clock in the afternoon we came in sight of the retreating village and soon the warriors turned back to give us battle. They set fire to the prairie grass in front of us and on all sides in order to delay us as much as possible. We kept up a running fight for the remainder of the afternoon and the Indians repeatedly attempted to lead us off the track of their flying village but their trail was easily followed as they were continually dropping teepee poles, camp kettles, robes, furs, and all heavy articles belonging to them. They were evidently scattering and it finally became difficult for us to keep on the main trail. When darkness set in we went into camp it being useless to try to follow the Indians after nightfall. Next morning we were again on the trail which led north and back towards the Beaver Creek which streamed it crossed within a few miles of the spot where we had first discovered the Indians they having made nearly a complete circle in hopes of misleading us. Late in the afternoon we again saw them going over a hill far ahead of us and towards evening the main body of warriors came back and fought us once more but we continued to drive them until darkness set in when we camped for the night. The Indians soon scattered in every direction but we followed the main trail to the Republican River where we made a cutoff and then went north towards the Platte River. We found however that the Indians by traveling night and day had got a long start and the general concluded that it was useless to follow them any further as we had pushed them so hard and given them such a scare that they would leave the Republican country and go north across the Union Pacific Railroad. Most of the Indians as he had predicted did cross the Platte River near Ogallala on the Union Pacific and then continued northward. That night we returned to the Republican River and camped in a grove of cottonwoods which I named Car's Grove in honor of the commanding officer. The general told me that the next day's march would be towards the headwaters of the beaver and he asked me the distance. I replied that it was about 25 miles and he said we would make it the next day. Getting an early start in the morning we struck out across the prairie my position as guide being ahead of the advanced guard. About two o'clock general Car overtook me and asked how far I supposed it was to water. I thought it was about eight miles although we could see no sign or indication of any stream in our front. Papoon scouts say that you are going in the wrong direction said the general and in the way you are bearing it will be 15 miles before you can strike any of the branches of the beaver and that when you do you will find no water for the beavers are dry at this time of year at that point. General I think the scouts are mistaken said I. For the beaver has more water near its head than it has below and at the place where we will strike the stream we will find immense beaver dams large enough and strong enough to cross the whole command if you wish. Well Cody go ahead said he I'll leave it to you but remember that I don't want to dry camp. No danger of that said I and I wrote on leaving him to return to the command. As I had predicted we found water seven or eight miles further on where we came upon a beautiful little stream a tributary of the beaver hidden in the hills. We had no difficulty in selecting a good halting place and obtaining fresh spring water and excellent grass. The general upon learning from me that the stream which was only eight or nine miles long had no name took out his map and located it and named it Cody's Creek which name it still bears. We pulled out early next morning for the beaver and when we were approaching the stream I wrote on ahead of the advanced guard in order to find a crossing just as I turned a bend of the creek bang when a shot and down with my horse myself with him I disentangled myself and jumped behind the dead body. Looking in the direction once the shot had come I saw two Indians and at once turned my gun loose on them but in the excitement of the moment I missed my aim they fired two or three more shots and I returned to compliment wounding one of their horses. On the opposite side of the creek going over the hill I observed a few lodges moving rapidly away and also some mounted warriors who could see me and who kept blazing away with their guns. The two Indians who had fired at me and had killed my horse were retreating across the creek on a beaver dam. I sent a few shots after them to accelerate their speed and also fired at the ones on the other side of the stream. I was undecided as to whether it was best to run back to the command on foot or hold my position. I knew that within a few minutes the troops would come up and if they heard the firing they would come rapidly. The Indians, seeing that I was alone, turned and charged down the hill and were about to recross the creek to Corralmi when the advance guard of the command put in an appearance on the ridge and dashed forward to my rescue. The Redskins whirled and made off. When General Carr came up he ordered Company I to go in pursuit of the band. I accompanied Lieutenant Brady who commanded and we had a running fight with the Indians lasting several hours. We captured several head of their horses and most of their lodges. At night we returned to the command which by this time had crossed the creek on the Beaver Dam. We scouted for several days along the river and had two or three lively skirmishes. Finally our supplies began to run low and General Carr gave orders to return to Fort Wallace which we reached three days afterwards and where we remained several days. While the regiment was waiting here for orders I spent most of the time in hunting buffaloes and one day while I was out with a small party we were jumped by about 50 Indians. We had a severe fight of at least an hour when we succeeded in driving the enemy. They lost four of their warriors and probably concluded that we were a hard crowd. I had some excellent marksmen with me and they did some fine work sending the bullets thick and fast where they would do the most good. Two or three of our horses had been hit and one man had been wounded. We were ready and willing to stay with the Redskins as long as they wished but they finally gave it up however is a bad job and rode off. We finished our hunt and went back to the post loaded down with plenty of buffalo meat and received the compliments of the general for our little fight. End of Chapter 18 Chapter 19 of the life of Honorable William F. Cody This Lieber-Vox recording is in the public domain. Recording by Barry Eads The life of Honorable William F. Cody by William F. Cody Chapter 19 A Tough Time General Carr soon received orders from General Sheridan that he was to make a winter's campaign in the Canadian River Country and that we were to proceed to Fort Lion on the Arkansas River in Colorado and there fit out for the expedition. Leaving Fort Wallace in November 1868 we arrived at Fort Lion in the latter part of the month and outfitted for the coming expedition. General Penrose had left this post three weeks previously with a command of some 300 men he had taken no wagons with him and his supply train was composed only of pack mules. General Carr was ordered to follow with supplies on his trail and overtake him as soon as possible. I was particularly anxious to catch up with Penrose's command as my old friend Wild Bill was among his scouts. We followed the trail very easily for the first three days and then we were caught in freeze-out canyon by a fearful snowstorm which compelled us to go into camp for a day. The ground now being covered with snow we found that it would be almost impossible to follow Penrose's trail any further especially as he had left no sign to indicate the direction he was going. General Carr sent for me and said that as it was very important that we should not lose the trail he wished that I would take some scouts with me and while the command remained in camp push on as far as possible and see if I could not discover some traces of Penrose or where he had camped at any time. Accompanied by four men I started out in the blinding snowstorm taking a southerly direction. We rode 24 miles and upon reaching a tributary of the Simeron we scouted up and down the stream for a few miles and finally found one of Penrose's old camps. It was now late in the afternoon and as the command would come up the next day it was not necessary for all of us to return with the information to General Carr. So riding down into a sheltered place in a bend of the creek we built a fire and broiled some venison from a deer which we had shot during the day and after eating a substantial meal I left the four men there while I returned to bring up the troops. It was eleven o'clock at night when I got back to the camp. A light was still burning in the General's tent he having remained awake anxiously awaiting my return. He was glad to see me and was overjoyed at the information I brought for he had great fears concerning the safety of General Penrose. He roused up his cook and ordered him to get me a good hot supper all of which I greatly appreciated. I passed the night in the General's tent and next morning Rose refreshed and prepared for a big day's work. The command took up its march next day for the Cimarron and had a hard tramp of it on account of the snow having drifted to a great depth in many of the ravines and in some places the teamsters had to shovel their way through. We arrived at the Cimarron at sundown and went into a nice warm camp. Upon looking around next morning we found that Penrose having been unencumbered by wagons had kept on the west side of the Cimarron and the country was so rough that it was impossible for us to stay on his trail with our wagons. But knowing that he would certainly follow down the river General Carr concluded to take the best wagon route along the stream which I discovered to be on the east side. Before we could make any headway with our wagon train we had to leave the river and get out on the divide. We were very fortunate that day in finding a splendid road for some distance until we were all at once brought up standing on a high table land overlooking a beautiful winding creek that lay far below us in the valley. The question that troubled us was how were we to get the wagons down? We were now in the foothills of the Ratoon Mountains and the bluff we were on was very steep. Cody, we're in a nice fix now, said General Carr. Oh, that's nothing was my reply. But you can never take the train down, said he. Never mind the train, General. You say you are looking for a good camp. How does that beautiful spot down in the valley suit you? I asked him. That will do. I can easily descend with the cavalry. But how to get the wagons down there is a puzzler to me, said he. By the time you've located your camp your wagon shall be there, said I. All right, Cody, I'll leave it to you as you seem to want to be boss, replied he pleasantly. He at once ordered the command to dismount and led the horses down the mountainside. The wagon train was a mile in the rear and when it came up one of the drivers asked, how are we going down there? Run down, slide down, or fall down. Any way to get down, said I. We never can do it. It's too steep. The wagons will run over the mules, said another wagon master. I guess not. The mules have got to keep out of the way, was my reply. Telling Wilson, the chief wagon master, to bring on his mess wagon, which was at the head of the train, I said I would try the experiment at least. Wilson drove the team and wagon to the brink of the hill. And following my directions, he brought out some extra chains with which we locked both wheels on each side and then roughlocked them. We then started the wagon down the hill. The wheel horses, or rather the wheel mules, were good on the holdback and we got along finally until we nearly reached the bottom when the wagon crowded the mules so hard that they started on a run and galloped down into the valley and to the place where General Carr had located his camp. Three other wagons immediately followed in the same way and in half an hour every wagon was in camp without the least accident having occurred. It was indeed an exciting sight to see the six mule teams come straight down the mountain and finally break into a full run. At times it looked as if the wagons would turn a somersault and land on the mules. This proved to be a lucky march for us as far as gaming on Penrose was concerned. For the route he had taken on the west side of the stream turned out to be a bad one and we went with our immense wagon train as far in one day as Penrose had in seven. His command had marched onto a plateau or high table and so steep that not even a pat mule could descend it and he was obliged to retrace his steps a long ways thus losing three days time as we afterwards learned. While in this camp we had a lively turkey hunt. The trees along the banks of the stream were literally alive with wild turkeys and after unsettling the horses between two or three hundred soldiers surrounded a grove of timber and had a grand turkey roundup killing four or five hundred of the birds with guns, clubs, and stones. Of course we had turkey in every style after this hunt roast turkey, boiled turkey, fried turkey, turkey on toast, and so on and we appropriately called this place Camp Turkey. From this point on for several days we had no trouble in following Penrose's trail which led us in a south easterly direction towards the Canadian River. No Indians were seen nor any signs of them found. One day while riding in advance of the command down San Francisco Creek I heard someone calling my name from a little bunch of willow brush on the opposite bank and upon looking closely at the spot I saw a negro. Sakes alive Massa Bill am that you? asked the man whom I recognized as one of the colored soldiers of the 10th Cavalry. I next heard him say to someone in the brush come on out here does Massa Buffalo Bill. Then he sang out, Massa Bill you got any hod tack? Nary a hard tack but the wagons will be along presently and then you can get all you want said I. That's the best news I heard for 16 long days Massa Bill said he. Where's your command? Where's General Penrose? I asked. I don't know said the darky. We got lost and we's been a starving ever since. By this time two other negroes had emerged from their place of concealment. They had deserted Penrose's command which was out of rations and nearly in a starving condition and we're trying to make their way back to Fort Lyon. General Carr concluded from what they could tell him that General Penrose was somewhere on Polydora Creek but we could not learn anything definite from the Star of Mokes for they knew not where they were themselves. Having learned that General Penrose's troops were in such bad shape General Carr ordered Major Brown to start off the next morning with two companies of Calvary and 50 pack meals loaded with provisions and to make all possible speed to reach and relieve the suffering soldiers. I accompanied this detachment and on the third day out we found the half famished soldiers camped on the Polydora. The camp presented a pitiful sight indeed. For over two weeks the men had had only quarter rations and were now nearly starved to death. Over 200 horses and mules were lying dead having died from fatigue and starvation. General Penrose having feared that General Carr would not find him had sent back a company of the 7th Calvary to Fort Lyon for supplies but no word as yet had been heard from them. The rations which Major Brown brought to the command came none too soon and were the means of saving many a life. About the first man I saw after reaching the camp was my old true and tried friend Wild Bill. That night we had a jolly reunion around the campfires. General Carr upon arriving with his force took command of all the troops he being the senior officer and ranking General Penrose. After selecting a good camp he unloaded the wagons and sent them back to Fort Lyon for fresh supplies. He then picked out 500 of the best men and horses and taking his pack train with him he started south for the Canadian river distant about 40 miles leaving the rest of the troops at the supply camp. I was ordered to accompany this expedition. We struck the south fork of the Canadian river or Rio Colorado at a point a few miles above the old adobe walls which at one time had composed a fort and was the place where Kit Carson once had a big Indian fight. We were now within 12 miles of a new supply depot called Camp Evans which had been established for the third cavalry and Evans's expedition from New Mexico. The scouts who had brought in this information also reported that they expected the arrival at Camp Evans of a bull train from New Mexico with a large quantity of beer for the soldiers. This news was pie for Wild Bill and myself and we determined to lie low for that beer outfit. That very evening it came along and the beer that was destined for the soldiers at Camp Evans never reached its destination. It went straight down the thirsty throats of General Carr's command. It appears that the Mexicans living near Fort Union had manufactured the beer and were taking it through to Camp Evans to sell to the troops but it struck a lively market without going so far. It was sold to our boys in plank cups and as the weather was very cold we warmed the beer by putting the ends of our picket pins heated red-hot into the cups. The result was one of the biggest beer jollifications I ever had the misfortune to attend. One evening General Carr summoned me to his tent and said he wished to send some scouts with dispatches to Camp Supply which were to be forwarded from there to Sheridan. He ordered me to call the scouts together at once at his headquarters and select the men who were to go. I asked him if I should not go myself but he replied that he wished me to remain with the command as he could not spare me. The distance to Camp Supply was about 200 miles and owing to the very cold weather it was anything but a pleasant trip. Consequently, none of the scouts were anxious to undertake it. It was finally settled, however, that Wild Bill, a half-breed called Little Geary and three other scouts should carry the dispatches and they accordingly took their departure next day with instructions to return to the command as soon as possible. For several days we scouted along the Canadian River but found no signs of Indians. General Carr then went back to his camp and soon afterwards our wagon train came in from Fort Lyon with a fresh load of provisions. Our animals being in poor condition we remained in different camps along San Francisco Creek and the North Fork of the Canadian until Wild Bill and his scouts returned from Camp Supply. Among the scouts of Penrose's command were 15 Mexicans and between them and the American scouts there had existed a feud. When General Carr took command of the expedition, uniting it with his own, and I was made chief of all the scouts, this feud grew more intense and the Mexicans often threatened to clean us out but they postponed the undertaking from time to time until one day while we were all at the Suttler's Store the long expected fight took place and resulted in the Mexicans getting severely beaten. General Carr, upon hearing of the row, sent for Wild Bill and myself, he having concluded from the various statements which had been made to him that we were the instigators of the affair but after listening to what we had to say he thought that the Mexicans were as much to blame as we were. It is not to be denied that Wild Bill and myself had been partaking too freely of Tanglefoot that evening and General Carr said to me, Cody, there are plenty of antelopes in the country and you can do some hunting for the camp while we stay here. All right General, I'll do it. After that I put in my time hunting and with splendid success killing from 15 to 20 antelopes a day which kept the men well supplied with fresh meat. At length our horses and mules having become sufficiently recruited to travel we returned to Fort Lyon arriving there in March 1869 where the command was to rest and recruit for 30 days before proceeding to the Department of the Platt whether it had been ordered. End of Chapter 19 Chapter 20 of the Life of Honorable William F. Cody This LibriVox recording is in the public domain Recording by Barry Eads The Life of Honorable William F. Cody by William F. Cody Chapter 20 An Exciting Chase General Carr at my request kindly granted me one month's leave of absence to visit my family in St. Louis and ordered Captain Hayes, our quartermaster, to let me ride my mule and horse to Sheridan distant 140 miles where I was to take the cars. I was instructed to leave the animals in the quartermaster's corral at Fort Wallace until I should come back. But instead of doing this I put them both in the care of my old friend Perry the hotelkeeper at Sheridan. After a 20 days absence in St. Louis pleasantly spent with my family I returned to Sheridan and there learned that my mule and horse had been seized by the government. It seems that the quartermaster's agent at Sheridan had reported to General Bankhead commanding Fort Wallace and to Captain Lafferre, the quartermaster, that I had left the country and had sold a government horse and mule to Mr. Perry and of course Captain Lafferre took possession of the animals and threatened to have Perry arrested for buying government property. Perry explained to him the facts in the case and said that I would return in a few days but the captain would pay no attention to his statements. I immediately went over to the office of the quartermaster's agent and had Perry point him out to me. I at once laid whole of him and in a short time had treated him to just such a thrashing as his contemptible lie deserved. He then mounted a horse, rode to Fort Wallace and reported me to General Bankhead and Captain Lafferre and obtained a guard to return with and protect him. The next morning I secured a horse from Perry and proceeding to Fort Wallace demanded my horse and mule from General Bankhead on the ground that they were quartermaster Hayes' property and belonged to General Carr's command and that I had obtained permission to ride them to share it in and back. General Bankhead, in a gruff manner, ordered me out of his office and off the reservation saying that if I didn't take a hurry departure he would have me forcibly put out. I told him to do it and be hanged. I might have used a stronger expression and upon second thought I believe I did. I next interviewed Captain Lafferre and demanded of him also the horse and mule as I was responsible for them to quartermaster Hayes. Captain Lafferre intimated that I was a liar and that I had disposed of the animals. Hot words ensued between us and he too ordered me to leave the post. I replied that General Bankhead had commanded me to do the same thing but that I had not yet gone and that I did not propose to obey any orders of an inferior officer. Seeing that it was of no use to make any further effort to get possession of the animals I rode back to Sheridan and just as I reached there I met the quartermaster's agent coming out from supper with his head tied up. It occurred to me that he had not received more than one half the punishment justly do him and that now would be a good time to give him the balance so I carried the idea into immediate execution. After finishing the job in good style I informed him that he could not stay in that town while I remained there and convinced him that Sheridan was not large enough to hold us both at the same time. He accordingly left the place and again went to Fort Wallace this time reporting to General Bankhead that I had driven him away and had threatened to kill him. That night while sleeping at the Perry House I was awakened by a tap on the shoulder and upon looking up I was considerably surprised to see the room filled with armed negroes who had their guns all pointed at me. The first words I heard came from the sergeant who said, Now look here, Master Bill. If you make some move we'll bow you off to farm, show. Just then Captain Ezekiel entered and ordered the soldiers to stand back. Captain, what does this mean? I asked. I am sorry, Bill, but I have been ordered by General Bankhead to arrest you and bring you to Fort Wallace, said he. That's all right, said I, but you could have made the arrest alone without having brought the whole 38th Infantry with you. I know that Bill replied to Captain, but as you've not been in a very good humor for the last day or two, I didn't know how you would act. I hastily dressed and accompanied Captain Ezekiel to Fort Wallace, arriving there at two o'clock in the morning. Bill, I am really sorry, said Captain Ezekiel as we alighted, but I have orders to place you in the guardhouse and I must perform my duty. Very well, Captain, I don't blame you a bit, said I, and into the guardhouse I went as a prisoner for the first and only time in my life. The Sergeant of the Guard, who was an old friend of mine, belonging to Captain Graham's company, which was stationed there at the time, did not put me into a cell, but kindly allowed me to stay in his room and occupy his bed, and in a few minutes I was snoring away as if nothing unusual had occurred. Shortly after Reveley, Captain Graham called to see me. He thought it was a shame for me to be in the guardhouse and said that he would interview General Bankhead in my behalf as soon as he got up. The Captain had a nice breakfast prepared for me and then departed. At Guard Mount I was not sent for, contrary to my expectations, and thereupon I had word conveyed Captain Graham, who was Officer of the Day, that I wanted to see General Bankhead. The Captain informed me that the General absolutely refused to hold any conversation whatever with me. At this time there was no telegraph line between Fort Wallace and Fort Lyon, and therefore it was impossible for me to telegraph to General Carr, and I determined to send a dispatch direct to General Sheridan. I accordingly wrote out a long telegram informing him of my difficulty and had it taken to the telegraph office for transmission. But the operator, instead of sending it at once as he should have done, showed it to General Bankhead, who tore it up and instructed the operator not to pay any attention to what I might say as he was running that post. Thinking it very strange that I received no answer during the day, I went to the telegraph office, accompanied by a guard, and learned from the operator what he had done. See here, my young friend, said I, this is a public telegraph line, and I want my telegram sent, or there'll be trouble. I rewrote my dispatch and handed it to him, accompanied with the money to pay for the transmission, saying, as I did so, young man, I wish that telegram sent direct to Chicago. You know it is your duty to send it, and it must go. He knew very well that he was compelled to transmit the message, but before doing so, he called on General Bankhead and informed him of what I had said, and told him that he would certainly have to send it, for if he didn't, he might lose his position. The general, seeing that the telegram would have to go, summoned me to his headquarters, and the first thing he said after I got into his presence was, If I let you go, sir, will you leave the post at once and not bother my agent at Sheridan again? No, sir, I replied. I'll do nothing of the kind. I'll remain in the guard house until I receive an answer from General Sheridan. If I give you the horse and mule, will you proceed at once to Fort Lyon? No, sir. I have some bills to settle at Sheridan, and some other business to transact, replied I. Well, sir, will you at least agree not to interfere any further with the quartermaster's agent at Sheridan? I shall not bother him any more, sir, as I have had all I want from him, was my answer. General Bankhead thereupon sent for Captain LeFur, and ordered him to turn the horse and mule over to me. In a few minutes more, I was on my way to Sheridan, and after settling my business there, I proceeded to Fort Lyon, arriving two days afterwards. I related my adventures to General Carr, Major Brown, and other officers who were greatly amused thereby. I'm glad you've come, Bill, said General Carr, as I have been wanting you for the last two weeks. While we have been at this post, several valuable animals, as well as a large number of government horses and mules, have been stolen, and we think that the thieves are still in the vicinity of the fort. But as yet, we have been unable to discover their rendezvous. I have had a party out for the last few days in the neighborhood of Old Fort Lyon, and they have found fresh tracks down there, and seem to think that the stock has concealed somewhere in the timber along the Arkansas River. Bill Green, one of the scouts who has just come up from there, can perhaps tell you something more about the matter. Green, who had been summoned, said that he had discovered fresh trails before striking the heavy timber opposite Old Fort Lyon, but that in the tall grass he could not follow them. He had marked the place where he had last seen fresh mule tracks, so that he could find it again. Now, Cody, you're just the person we want, said the General. Very well. I'll get a fresh mount, and tomorrow I'll go down and see what I can discover, said I. You had better take two men besides Green in a packed mule with eight or ten days rations, suggested the General, so that if you find the trail, you can follow it up, as I am very anxious to get back this stolen property. The scoundrels have taken one of my private horses and also Lieutenant Forbush's favorite little black race mule. Next morning, I started out after the horse thieves, being accompanied by Green, Jack Farley, and another scout. The mule track, marked by Green, was easily found, and with very little difficulty, I followed it for about two miles into the timber and came upon a place where, as I could plainly see from numerous signs, quite a number of head of stock had been tied among the trees and kept for several days. This was evidently the spot where the thieves had been hiding their stolen stock until they had accumulated quite a herd. From this point it was difficult to trail them, as they had taken the stolen animals out of the timber one by one and in different directions, thus showing that they were experts at the business and experienced frontiersmen, for no Indian could have exhibited more cunning in covering up a trail than they did. I abandoned the idea of following their trail in this immediate locality, so calling my men together, I told them that we would ride out for about five miles and make a complete circuit about the place, and in this way, we would certainly find the trail on which they had moved out. While making the circuit, we discovered the tracks of twelve animals, four mules and eight horses, in the edge of some sand hills, and from this point we had no trouble in trailing them down the Arkansas River, which they had crossed at Sand Creek and then had gone up the ladder stream in the direction of Denver, to which place they were undoubtedly bound. When nearing Denver, their trail became so obscure that we at last lost it, but by inquiring of the settlers along the road which they had taken, we occasionally heard of them. When within four miles of Denver, this was on a Thursday, we learned that the horse thieves had passed there two days before. I came to the conclusion they would attempt to dispose of the animals in Denver and being aware that Saturday was the great auction day there, I thought it best to remain where we were at a hotel and not go into the city until that day. It certainly would not have been advisable for me to have gone into Denver meantime, because I was well known there, and if the thieves had learned of my presence in the city, they would at once have suspected my business. Early Saturday morning, we rode into town and stabled our horses at the Elephant Corral. I secured a room from Ed Chase, overlooking the Corral, and then took up my post of observation. I did not have long to wait for a man whom I readily recognized as one of our old packers rode into the Corral mounted upon Lieutenant Forbush's racing mule and leading another government mule, which I also identified. It had been recently branded, and over the U.S. was a plain DB. I waited for the man's companion to put in an appearance, but he did not come, and my conclusion was that he was secreted outside of the city with the rest of the animals. Presently, the black mule belonging to Forbush was put up at auction. Now, thought I, is the time to do my work. So walking through the crowd, who were bidding for the mule, I approached the man who had offered him for sale. He recognized me and endeavored to escape, but I seized him by the shoulder, saying, I guess, my friend, that you'll have to go with me. If you make any resistance, I'll shoot you on the spot. He was armed with a pair of pistols which I took away from him. Then informing the auctioneer that I was a United States detective and showing him, as well as an inquisitive officer, my commission as such, I told him to stop the sale as the mule was stolen property and that I had arrested the thief whose name was Williams. Farley and Green, who were near at hand, now came forward, and together we took the prisoner and the mules three miles down the Platte River. There, in a thick bunch of timber, we all dismounted and made preparations to hang Williams from a limb if he did not tell us where his partner was. At first he denied knowing anything about any partner or any other stock, but when he saw that we were in earnest and would hang him at the end of the given time, five minutes, unless he squealed, he told us that his pal was at an unoccupied house three miles further down the river. We immediately proceeded to the spot indicated and as we came within sight of the house we saw our stock grazing nearby. Just as we rode up to the door, another one of our old packers, whom I recognized as Bill Bevan's stepped to the front and I covered him instantly with my rifle before he could draw his revolver. I ordered him to throw up his hands and he obeyed the command. Green then disarmed him and brought him out. We looked through the house and found their saddles, packed saddles, blankets, overcoats, lariots, and two Henry rifles which we took possession of. The horses and mules we tied in a bunch and with the whole outfit we returned to Denver where we lodged Williams and Bevan's in jail in charge of my friend, Sheriff Edward Cook. The next day we took them out and tying each one on a mule we struck out on our return trip to Fort Lyon. At the hotel outside the city where we had stopped on Thursday and Friday we were joined by our man with the pack mule. That night we camped on Cherry Creek, 17 miles from Denver. The weather, it being in April, was cold and stormy but we found a warm and cozy camping place in a bend of the creek. We made our beds in a row with our feet towards the fire. The prisoners so far had appeared very docile and had made no attempt to escape and therefore I did not think it necessary to hobble them. We made them sleep on the inside and it was so arranged that some one of us should be on guard all the time. At about one o'clock in the night it began snowing while I was watching. Shortly before three o'clock Jack Farley who was then on guard and sitting on the foot of the bed with his back to the prisoners was kicked clear into the fire by Williams and the next moment Bevan's who had got hold of his shoes which I had thought were out of his reach sprang up and jumped over the fire and started on a run. I sent a shot after him as soon as I awoke sufficiently to comprehend what was taking place. Williams attempted to follow him and as he did so I whirled around and knocked him down with my revolver. Farley by this time had gathered himself out of the fire and Green had started after Bevan's firing at him on the run but the prisoner made his escape into the brush. In his flight unfortunately for him and luckily for us he dropped one of his shoes. Leaving Williams in the charge of Farley and Longdock as we called the man with the pack mule Green and myself struck out after Bevan's as fast as possible. We heard him breaking through the brush but knowing that it would be useless to follow him on foot we went back to the camp and saddled up two of the fastest horses and at daylight we struck out on his trail which was plainly visible in the snow. He had got an hour and a half the start of us. His tracks led us in the direction of the mountains and the South Platte River and as the country through which he was passing was covered with prickly pears we knew that he could not escape stepping on them with his one bare foot and hence we were likely to overtake him in a short time. We could see however from the long jumps that he was taking that he was making excellent time but we frequently noticed after we had gone some distance that the prickly pears and stones along his route were cutting his bare foot as nearly every track of it was spotted with blood. We had run our horses some 12 miles when we saw Bevan's crossing a ridge about two miles ahead. Urging our horses up to their utmost speed we reached the ridge just as he was descending the divide towards the South Platte which stream was very deep and swift at this point. It became evident that if he should cross it ahead of us he would have a good chance of making his escape. So pushing our steeds as fast as possible we rapidly gained on him and when within a hundred yards of him I cried to him to halt or I would shoot. Knowing I was a good shot he stopped and coolly sitting down waited till we came up. Bevan's you've given us a good run said I. Yes said he and if I had had 15 minutes more of a start and got across the Platte I would have laughed at the idea of your ever catching me. Bevan's run was the most remarkable feat of the kind ever known either of a white man or an Indian. A man who could run bare footed in the snow 18 miles through a prickly pear patch was certainly a tough one and that's the kind of a person Bill Bevan's was. Upon looking at his bleeding foot I really felt sorry for him. He asked me for my knife and I gave him my sharp pointed bowie with which he dug the prickly pear briars out of his foot. I considered him as game a man as I had ever met. Bevan's I have got to take you back said I but as you can't walk with that foot you can ride my horse and I'll foot it. We accordingly started back for our camp with Bevan's on my horse which was led either by green or myself as we alternately rode the other horse. We kept a close watch on Bevan's for we had ample proof that he needed watching. His wounded foot must have pained him terribly but not a word of complaint escaped him. On arriving at the camp we found Williams bound as we had left him and he seemed sorry that we had captured Bevan's. After breakfasting we resumed our journey and nothing worth of note again occurred until we reached the Arkansas River where we found a vacant cabin and at once took possession of it for the night. There was no likelihood of Bevan's again trying to escape for his foot had swollen to an enormous size and was useless. Believing that Williams could not escape from the cabin we unbound him. We then went to sleep leaving Long Dock on guard the cabin being comfortably warmed and well lighted by the fire. It was a dark stormy night so dark that you could hardly see your hand before you. At about 10 o'clock Williams asked Long Dock to allow him to step to the door for a moment. Long Dock who had his revolver in hand did not think it necessary to wake us up and believing that he could take care of the prisoner he granted his request. Williams there upon walked to the outer edge of the door while Long Dock revolver in hand was watching him from the inside. Suddenly Williams made a spring to the right and before Dock could even raise his revolver he had dodged around the house. Dock jumped after him and fired just as he turned a corner the report bringing us all to our feet and in an instant we knew what had happened. I at once covered Bevan's with my revolver but as I saw that he could hardly stir and was making no demonstration I lowered the weapon. Just then Dock came in swearing a blue streak and announced that Williams had escaped. There was nothing for us to do except to gather our horses close to the cabin and stand guard over them for the rest of the night. To prevent the possibility of Williams sneaking up and stealing one of them. That was the last I ever saw or heard of Williams. We finally got back to Fort Lion with Bevan's and General Carr to whom I immediately reported complimented us highly on the success of our trip notwithstanding we had lost one prisoner. The next day we took Bevan's to Boggs Ranch on Pickett Wire Creek and there turned him over to the civil authorities who put him in a log jail to await his trial. He never was tried however for he soon made his escape as I expected he would do. I heard no more of him until 1872 when I learned that he was skirmishing around on Laramie Plains at his old tricks. He sent word by the gentleman from whom I gained this information that if he ever met me again he would kill me on sight. He finally was arrested and convicted for robbery and was confined in the prison at Laramie City. Again he made his escape and soon afterwards he organized a desperate gang of outlaws who infested the country north of the Union Pacific Railroad and when the stages began to run between Cheyenne and Deadwood in the Black Hills they robbed the coaches and passengers frequently making large halls of plunder. They kept this up for some time till finally most of the gang were caught, tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiary for a number of years. Bill Bevan's and nearly all of his gang are now confined in the Nebraska State Prison to which they were transferred from Wyoming. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of the Life of Honorable William F. Cody This LibriVox recording is in the public domain recording by Barry Eads The Life of Honorable William F. Cody by William F. Cody Chapter 21 A Military Expedition A day or two after my return to Fort Lyon the Fifth Calvary was ordered to the Department of the Platt and took up their line of march for Fort McPherson, Nebraska. We laid over one day at Fort Wallace to get supplies and while there I had occasion to pass General Bankhead's headquarters. His orderly call to me and said the General wished to see me. As I entered the General's office he extended his hand and said I hope you have no hard feelings toward me Cody for having you arrested when you were here. I have just had a talk with General Carr and Quartermaster Hayes and they informed me that you had their permission to ride the horse and mule and if you had stated this fact to me there would have been no trouble about the matter whatever. That is all right General said I. I will think no more of it but I don't believe that your Quartermaster's agent will ever again circulate false stories about me. No said the General. He has not yet recovered from the beating that you gave him. From Fort Wallace we moved down to Sheridan where the command halted for us to lay in a supply of forage which was stored there. I was still messing with Major Brown with whom I went into the village to purchase a supply or provisions for our mess but unfortunately we were in too jolly a mood to fool away money on grub. We bought several articles however and put them into the ambulance and sent them back to the camp with our cook. The Major and myself did not return until reveling next morning. Soon afterwards the General sounded boots and saddles and presently the regiment was on its way to MacPherson. It was very late before we went into camp that night and we were tired and hungry. Just as Major Brown was having his tent put up his cook came to us and asked where the provisions were that we had bought the day before. Why did we not give them to you? Did you not bring them back to camp in the ambulance? Asked Major Brown. No sir it was only a five gallon demi-john of whiskey a five gallon demi-john of brandy and two cases of old Tomcat gin said to cook. The mischief I exclaimed didn't we spend any money on grub at all? No sir replied to cook. Well that will do for the present said Major Brown. It seems that our minds had evidently been running on a different subject than provisions while we were loitering in Sheridan and we found ourselves with a 250 mile march ahead of us without anything more inviting than ordinary army rations. At this juncture Captain Denny came up and the Major apologized for not being able to invite him to take supper with us but we did the next best thing and asked him to take a drink. He remarked that that was what he was looking for and when he learned of our being out of commissary supplies and that we had bought nothing except whiskey brandy and gin he said joyously boys as we have an abundance you can eat with us and we will drink with you. It was a satisfactory arrangement and from that time forward we traded our liquids for their solids. When the rest of the officers heard of what Brown and I had done they all sent us invitations to dine with them at any time. We returned to compliment by inviting them to drink with us whenever they were dry. Although I would not advise anybody to follow our example yet it is a fact that we got more provisions for our whiskey than the same money which we paid for the liquor would have bought. So after all it proved a very profitable investment. On reaching the north fork of the beaver and riding down the valley towards the stream I suddenly discovered a large fresh Indian trail. On examination I found it to be scattered all over the valley on both sides of the creek as if a very large village had recently passed down that way. Judging from the size of the trail I thought there could not be less than 400 lodges or between 2,500 and 3,000 warriors women and children in the band. I galloped back to the command distant about three miles and reported the news to General Carr who halted the regiment and after consulting a few minutes ordered me to select a ravine or as low ground as possible so that he could keep the troops out of sight until we could strike the creek. We went into camp on the beaver and the general ordered Lieutenant Ward to take 12 men and myself and follow up the trail for several miles and find out how fast the Indians were traveling. I was soon convinced by the many camps they had made that they were traveling slowly and hunting as they journeyed. We went down the beaver on this scout about 12 miles keeping our horses well concealed under the banks of the creek so as not to be discovered. At this point Lieutenant Ward and myself leaving our horses behind us crawled to the top of a high knoll where we could have a good view for some miles distant down the stream. We peeped over the summit of the hill and not over three miles away we could see a whole Indian village in plain sight and thousands of ponies grazing around on the prairie. Looking over to our left on the opposite side of the creek we observed two or three parties of Indians coming in loaded down with buffalo meat. This is no place for us Lieutenant said I. I think we have important business at the camp to attend to as soon as possible. I agree with you said he and the quicker we get there the better will be for us. We quickly descended the hill and joined the men below. Lieutenant Ward hurriedly wrote a note to General Carr and handing it to a corporal ordered him to make all possible haste back to the command and deliver the message. The man started off on a gallop and Lieutenant Ward said we will march slowly back until we meet the troops as I think the general will soon be here for he will start immediately upon receiving my note. In a few minutes we heard two or three shots in the direction in which our dispatch courier had gone and soon after we saw him come flying around the bend of the creek pursued by four or five Indians. The Lieutenant with his squad of soldiers and myself at once charged upon them when they turned and ran across the stream. This will not do said Lieutenant Ward. The whole Indian village will now know that soldiers are nearby. Lieutenant give me that note and I will take it to the general side. He gladly handed me the dispatch and spurring my horse I dashed up the creek. After having ridden a short distance I observed another party of Indians also going to the village with meat but instead of waiting for them to fire upon me I gave them a shot at long range. Seeing one man firing at them so boldly it surprised them and they did not know what to make of it. While they were thus considering I got between them and our camp. By this time they had recovered from their surprise and cutting their buffalo meat loose from their horses they came after me at the top of their speed but as their steeds were tired out it did not take me long to leave them far in the rear. I reached the command in less than an hour delivered the dispatched general car and informed him of what I had seen. He instantly had the bugler sound boots and saddles and all the troops with the exception of two companies which we left to guard the train were soon galloping in the direction of the Indian camp. We had ridden about three miles when we met Lieutenant Ward who was coming slowly towards us. He reported that he had run into a party of Indian buffalo hunters and had killed one of the number and had had one of his horses wounded. We immediately pushed forward and after marching about five miles came within sight of hundreds of mounted Indians advancing up the creek to meet us. They formed a complete line in front of us. General Carr being desirous of striking their village ordered the troops to charge break through their line and keep straight on. This movement would no doubt have been successfully accomplished had it not been for the rattle-brained and dare-double French Lieutenant Shanoski commanding Company B who, misunderstanding General Carr's orders, charged upon some Indians at the left while the rest of the command dashed through the enemy's line and was keeping straight on when it was observed that Shanoski and his company were surrounded by four or five hundred redskins. The general to save the company was obliged to sound a halt and charge back to the rescue. The company during this short fight had several men and quite a number of horses killed. All this took up valuable time and night was coming on. The Indians were fighting desperately to keep us from reaching their village which being informed by couriers of what was taking place was packing up and getting away. During that afternoon it was all we could do to hold our own in fighting the mounted warriors who were in our front and contesting every inch of the ground. The general had left word for our wagon train to follow up with its escort of two companies but as it had not made its appearance he entertained some fears that it had been surrounded and to prevent the possible loss of the supply train we had to go back and look for it. About nine o'clock that evening we found it and went into camp for the night. Next morning we passed down the creek and there was not an Indian to be seen. They had all disappeared and gone on with their village. Two miles further on we came to where a village had been located and here we found nearly everything belonging or pertaining to an Indian camp which had been left in the great hurry to get away. These articles were all gathered up and burned. We then pushed out on the trail as fast as possible it led us to the northeast towards the republican but as the Indians had a night the start of us we entertained but little hope of overtaking them that day. Upon reaching the republican in the afternoon the general called a halt and as the trail was running more to the east he concluded to send his wagon train on to Fort McPherson by the most direct route while he would follow on the trail of the Redskins. Next morning at daylight we again pulled out and were evidently gaining rapidly on the Indians for we could occasionally see them in the distance. About eleven o'clock that day while Major Babcock was ahead of the main command with his company and while we were crossing a deep ravine we were surprised by about three hundred warriors who commenced a lively fire upon us. Galloping out of the ravine onto the rough prairie the men dismounted and returned the fire. We soon succeeded in driving the enemy before us and were so close upon them at one time that they abandoned and threw away nearly all their lodges and camp equipages and everything that had any considerable weight. They left behind them their played out horses and for miles we could see Indian furniture strewn along in every direction. The trail became divided and the Indians scattered in small bodies all over the prairie. As night was approaching and our horses were about giving out a halt was called. A company was detailed to collect all the Indian horses running loose over the country and to burn the other Indian property. The command being nearly out of rations I was sent to the nearest point Old Fort Kearney about 60 miles distant for supplies. Shortly after we reached Fort McPherson which continued to be the headquarters of the Fifth Cavalry for some time. We remained there for ten days fitting out for a new expedition to the republican river country and were reinforced by three companies of the celebrated Pawnee Indian scouts commanded by Major Frank North. His officers being Captain Loot North, brother of the Major, Captain Cushing his brother-in-law, Captain Morris and Lieutenant Beecher, Matthews and Kislinbury. General Carr recommended at this time to General Auger who was in command of the department that I be made chief of scouts in the department of the Platt and informed me that in this position I would receive higher wages than I had been getting in the department of the Missouri. Disappointment I had not asked for. I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North. Major North is now my partner in a cattle ranch in Nebraska and I found him and his officers perfect gentlemen and we were all good friends from the very start. The Pawnee scouts had made quite a reputation for themselves as they had performed brave and valuable services in fighting against the Sioux whose bitter enemies they were. Being thoroughly acquainted with the Republican and Beaver country I was glad that they were to be with the expedition and they did good service. During our stay at Fort Nick Fiercen I made the acquaintance of Lieutenant George P. Belden known as the White Chief whose life was written by Colonel Brisbane, U.S. Army. I found him to be an intelligent dashing fellow, a splendid rider and an excellent shot. An hour after our introduction he challenged me for a rifle match the preliminaries of which were soon arranged. We were to shoot 10 shots each for $50 at 200 yards offhand. Belden was to use a Henry rifle while I was to shoot my old Lucretia. This match I won and then Belden proposed to shoot a 100 yard match as I was shooting over his distance. In this match Belden was victorious. We were now even and we stopped right there. While we were at this post General Auger and several of his officers and also Thomas Duncan, Brevet Brigadier and Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifth Calvary paid us a visit for the purpose of reviewing the command. The regiment turned out in fine style and showed themselves to be well-drilled soldiers thoroughly understanding military tactics. The Pawnee scouts were also reviewed and it was very amusing to see them in their full regulation uniform. They had been furnished a regular Calvary uniform and on this parade some of them had their heavy overcoats on others their large black hats with all the brass accoutrements attached. Some of them were minus pantaloons and only wore a breech clout. Others wore regulation pantaloons but no shirts on and were bareheaded. Others again had the seat of the pantaloons cut out leaving only leggings. Some of them wore brass burrs but had no boots or moccasins on. They seemed to understand the drill remarkably well for Indians. The commands of course were given to them in their own language by Major North who could talk it as well as any full-blooded Pawnee. The Indians were well mounted and felt proud and elated because they had been made United States soldiers. Major North has had four years complete power over these Indians and can do more with them than any man living. That evening after the parade was over the officers and quite a number of ladies visited a grand Indian dance given by the Pawnees. And of all the Indians I have seen their dances excel those of any other tribe. Next day the command started. When encamped several days after on the Republican river near the mouth of the beaver we heard the whoops of Indians followed by shots in the vicinity of the mule herd which had been taken down to water. One of the herders came dashing into camp with an arrow sticking into him. My horse was close at hand and mounting him bareback I at once dashed off after the mule herd which had been stampeded. I suppose certainly that I would be the first man on the ground. I was mistaken however for the Pawnee Indians unlike regular soldiers had not waited to receive orders from their officers but had jumped on their ponies without bridles or saddles and placing ropes in their mouths had dashed off in the direction once the shots had come and had got there ahead of me. It proved to be a party of about 50 Sioux who had endeavored to stampede our mules and it took them by surprise to see their inveterate enemies the Pawnees coming at full gallop towards them. They were not aware that the Pawnees were with the command and as they knew that it would take regular soldiers some time to turn out they thought they would have ample opportunity to secure the herd before the troops could give chase. We had a running fight of 15 miles and several of the enemy were killed. During this chase I was mounted on an excellent horse which Colonel Royal had picked out for me and for the first mile or two I was in advance of the Pawnees. Presently a Pawnee shot by me like an arrow and I could not help admiring the horse that he was riding. Seeing that he possessed rare running qualities I determined if possible to get possession of the animal in some way. It was a large buckskin or yellow horse and I took a careful view of him so that I would know him when I returned to camp. After the chase was over I rode up to Major North and inquired about the buckskin horse. Oh yes said the Major that is one of our favorite steeds. What chance is there to trade for him? I asked. It is a government horse said he and the Indian who is riding him is very much attached to the animal. I have fallen in love with the horse myself said I and I would like to know if you have any objections to my trading for him if I can arrange it satisfactorily with the Indian. He said none whatever and I will help you to do it you can give the Indian another horse in his place. A few days after this I persuaded the Indian by making him several presents to trade horses with me and in this way I became the owner of the buckskin steed not as my own property however but as a government horse that I could ride. I gave him the name of buckskin Joe and he proved to be a second bring him. That horse I rode on and off during the summers of 1869 1870 1871 and 1872 and he was the horse that the Grand Duke Alexis rode on his buffalo hunt. In the winter of 1872 after I had left Fort McPherson buckskin Joe was condemned and sold at public sale and was bought by Dave Perry at North Platt who in 1877 presented him to me and I still own him. He is now at my ranch on the Dismal River stone blind but I shall keep him until he dies. The command scouted several days up the beaver and prairie dog rivers occasionally having running fights with war parties of Indians but did not succeed in getting them into a general battle. At the end of 20 days we found ourselves back on the Republican. Hitherto the Pawnees had not taken much interest in me but while at this camp I gained their respect and admiration by showing them how I killed buffaloes. Although the Pawnees were excellent buffalo killers for Indians I have never seen one of them who could kill more than four or five in one run. A number of them generally surround the herd and then dash in upon them and in this way each one kills from one to four buffaloes. I had gone out in company with Major North and some of the officers and saw them make a surround. Twenty of the Pawnees circled a herd and succeeded in killing only thirty-two. While they were cutting up the animals another herd appeared in sight. The Indians were preparing to surround it when I asked Major North to keep them back and let me show them what I could do. He accordingly informed the Indians of my wish and they readily consented to let me have the opportunity. I had learned that Buckskin Joe was an excellent buffalo horse and felt confident that I would astonish the natives. Galloping in among the buffaloes I certainly did so by killing thirty-six in less than a half mile run. At nearly every shot I killed a buffalo stringing the dead animals out on the prairie not over fifty feet apart. This manner of killing was greatly admired by the Indians who called me a big chief and from that time on I stood high in their estimation.