^^'^ >" '-t.. '-^v- v^'' vOO^ ,0& V^ .V v-- ".- v*~ vOO. o> 'ci-. ^^^ ^^ .roba- bility of a peaeeful occupation through the agency of the Laramie council. Northwest of Fort Laramie, one hundred and sixty-seven miles distant, was Fort Reno, for- merlj' Fort Connor, named after General Coji- nor, who marched to Tongue River in 18G5, and returned safely, after meeting ample opposition to discourasre a farther advance. This was to be moved about forty miles west, to be rebuilt for a four-company j)ost, and two additional forts were to be constructed — one on or near the Big Horn River, and the second on or near the Upper Yellowstone. To this duty the 2d Battalion of the Ifctli U. S. Infanti'y liad been assigned, under the command of Colonel Carrington of that regiment, who was also designated as l)i-- trict Commander, with headrown and Linnell, Michel, Thomas, Dr. Brashure, Talliot, the veteran officer, and a host of others devoted REMINISCENCES OF RANCHINQ. 57 their time to the well-being of all who lingered at their doors; but it was after Kearney waa passed, that the glory of legitimate ranching began. McLean and the genial Sydenham, our Fort Kearney Postmaster; Gallagher; Pat Mal- lalley; Dan Smith; Gihnan, a man of business, straightforward and worthy, and Coles, were a few who ministered to our comfort on the way to McPherson. Then came Fitchies, Burkes, Morrows, Bakers, Browns, Beauvais, and Valen tines, all accommodating and excellent. We stop to speak of Jack Morrow, the prince of ranchemen, and the king of good fellows. He is a rancheman indeed ! Fortune has showered her favors about his life's journey and prosperity dwelleth within his walls. Keen in business, generous, and ^^ hail fellow," his career, on the South Platte, has become temporarily restricted; but, with his indomitable spirit, no sooner did that Union Pacific Railroad shoot by his ranche, on the northern shore, than he moved ranche and all across its quicksands and waters, and went on his usual course as if nothing new had come along. A two-story frame, one of the best on the Plains, went down, over, and up again, as if the genii of Aladdin's lamp had been assigned to special duty in his behalf, and Jack was him- self again. But ranchemen are westward bound. Soon, they will be known no more forever! The 58 ABSARAKA. Pacific will stop them on this continent, and fur- ther than that, the future historian must write of their struggles and their triumphs. It would be just like Jack Morrow to go to Alaska, run a ferry across Behring Straits, and open a ranche for Americans and Russians who choose that route of travel from America to Europe. A tribute to the memory of ranchmen and a record of their styles and methods on the Plains is simple justice to the history of the nineteenth century. Already they are not as they were! Nebraska, one of the latest and one of the best of new States when its development shall ripen, has entertained and profited some of their best, as well as those not so ambitious or genteel. From Fort Leavenworth to Fort Kearney, from Kearney to McPherson, from McPherson to Sedgewick, nearly all ranches have been abandoned, or the occupants only linger for the protection of their lives and property. They have had their comforts and discomforts, and amoner them we met some of the best and bravest and the biggest hearted men of any race or people. To some, who have never tarried at a rauche, it will not come amiss to introduce a few sam- ples which our experience impressed upon the memory. Ranches alike provide for man and beast, and are arranged for their special care and pro- REMINISCENCES OF RANCHING. 59 tection. A large yard is surrounded by a stock- ade paling, with stabling, feed troughs, and hay- ricks, with here and there loop-holes for the rifle. In places of imminent peril from Indian attacks, such as Valentine's, Baker's, or Lewis's, the wall of the upper stories and every angle of house or stable has its outlets for tiring upon an ap- proaching foe. The log or adobe house, which provides for the master as well as the corral pro- vides for his beast, is often small; but, like an eastern omnibus or street car, is unlimited in accommodations for all who seek its shelter. Let the readers of this narrative enter with us into a few sample ranches of our actual and literal experience, for illustration of their social capacity and tilings as they ivere, and let them envy the life of ail officer's wife on the Plains. Just at dark, one bitter ISTovember afternoon in 1865, when drifting snows obscured all advance, we '■'■struck a ranche." It had but one story, was long' and narrow, and was divided into three apartments, each having a front window and door. Two Acheson coaches, respectively bound east and west, with the California and Salt Lake City mails, were in front, looking as if the}^ had stood there for six months, through accumulating snow ; and yet they were only waiting for their drivers and forlorn passengers to thaw and feed, and for the stock to do the same. Room number one, as well as room 7iwiiber two, had a substantial earth floor. 60 ABSARAKA. Tlie former, about ten by twelve feet square, had quite a })laiii plank counter, and upon shelves behind could be seen the names of Mr. Drake, Mr. Kelly, Loo Cabin, Bourbon, and others, equally euphonious, designed to represent certain bottled products, which for a considerable sum of money were susceptible of transfer on proper de- mand. Some were labeled Gin, which never saw juniper ; some were labeled Rye, which never knew that cereal ; and some were simply labeled Whisky, which were modest high wines and water, with very little of the water, — at least, so said those gentlemen wdio tried experiments of analysis for scientific purposes. Nutmegs, pep- permint, navy tobacco, clay pipes, salaratus, bak- ing powder, bologna, and ready-made clothing, with rows of canned fruits, furnished a large part of the invoice of the shelves; while black snake whips, tin cups, camp kettles, and frying-pans hung in profusion overhead. This room was well patronized, and in a half frozen state we rushed for its brilliant candlelight, waiting for fur- ther notice of our future disposition. Being in- troduced to room number two, we found passen- gers, stage drivers and the teamsters of a passing train, apparently surfeited with supplies drawn from room number one, and hudtlled about a table, where two big platters of bacon and cab- bage, with tin cups smoking with cottee, were l)eing disposed of as sup}>er. The conversation REMLVISCEyOES OF RANCIirNG. 61 of the party (for the wife of the host had been sent to the States) related mainly to a recent In- dian depredation on the Little Blue, and what each one would have done if he had been there at the eventful crisis. The language had a med- ley of positive terms, whichin New England would be called pro/a?ze; and the prospect ahead drove us to inquiries as to the shelter of room number three. But, finding that ourself and children and Mrs. Neil and daughter could not agreeably share its board floor with ten or twelve characters whose social habitudes seemed only adapted to room number one, we threw ourselves upon the courtesy of Adjutant Phisterer and Quartermaster Brown, who soon had the snow shoveled aside, our tents pitched, a piece of the corral carefully chopped for the camp stove, and all arrangements made for hot coffee, and a good wrapping up, either to sleep or freeze. We slept, and survived! Another ranche was approached, when the storm compelled a full day's stop. The mules could not, or would not go on, and the drivers could neither see nor drive. The upsetting of our ambulance, and being borne by strong men a half mile through drifts is still painfully remem- bered, as well as the wonderful fact that while our head was nearly broken, our basket of eggs accomplished the upset without injury. Fortu- nately a ranche with its usual palisade and sta- 6 62 ABSARAKA. bling was near. Tlic kind lady proprietress gave us her own family room; oidy reserving one-half for herself, her husband, and children, by the in- terposition of a small suspended comfort, while ample ventilation was insured between the un- chinked logs, where no comfort was. To our jests, and especially the whimsicalities of Quarter- master Brown, an inveterate punster, always full of good cheer, who hazarded the rather profane jest that, "in his opinion, it would be hard work for the Angel Gabriel to make his trumpet reach that country," — the old lady replied : " Well, you are the jolliest set of folks I ever saw out here : — don't see how in mercy you can laugh, and go on so !" "When Mrs. Neil asked if there were In- dians about, another, with more heroism, replied that "sAe had heard so much about Indians, and been half scared out of her senses so many times, that she had jest about made up her mind that she wouldn't believe nothing more, until she was skulped!" Mrs, Neil, with quick discernment, took a lounge near the fireplace, while the colonel and Lieutenants Phisterer and Brown took to a shed near by : but during the night the Cali- fornia coach came down, and its half-frozen [>as- senijers rushed for the fire. The louiisxo was the first object of seizure ; alas, for Mrs. Neil, who was only relieved from her discomfort, by loss of rest, and the banishment of strangers, until she was able to escape, and share with us the tamily REMINISCENCES OF RANCHING. 63 room, -par excellence,, of the house. Our bill was four doUars each ! A third rauche had its front store-room and its kitchen. Voices of men, who were ranged on the earth, like rows of pins, disturbed sleep, and the kitchen stove nearly burned our blankets, while its steaming incense no less shocked our senses; but we actually slept, — everybody was good uatured, and some fresh pork and new eggs for breakfast, with a cup of our own coffee, sent us on our way rejoicing. Louis' ranche, near the present Sydney Station, is quite a fort, and the outhouses and stables are advanced like bastions, so that enfilading fire can be had in all directions. Such were some of the ranches of 1865. 64 ABSARAKA. CHAPTER VII. UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD TO LARAMIE — COURT-HOUSE ROCK CHIMNEY ROCK — FORTIFICATION ROCK — SCOTT'S BLUFFS — WONDERFUL FISHING — VISIT OF STANDING ELK. On the sixth dii}^ of June we continued our raarcli. The first day was a severe and trying one, and will always be disagreeable to emigrants with loaded trains until Yankee skill shall per- fect what has already been begun in the search after water. The ridge or divide which is first crossed is fully twenty-eight miles to the first water or timber. On the summit there is evi- dence of Anglo Saxon pluck, which was evidently designed to be the accompaniment of a future central ranche. About midway between Lodge Pole Creek and Mud Springs, a well had been begun, nearly twenty feet across and two hun- dred feet deep, without reaching water. The road across the divide is smooth and broad; but our first trip was in the hottest part of June, with the mercury at 101° above zero, and the infantry suffered intensely. Buffalo gnats flitted wick- edly about, attacking neck and ears and every other accessible or exposed part of the body, and MUD SPRINGS. 65 a sirocco-like wind drove the dust in our way as if determined either to petrify or melt us. The command halted for ten minutes every hour, and officers and men alike put handker- chiefs on the head and neck to secure all the pro- tection possible; yet there was no alternative but to undergo and go on. The ambulances soon filled with the lame and sun-struck, and every vacant space in the wagons Avas similarly occu- pied. No trees relieved the dismal monoton}^, and every halt brought into requisition the ser- vices of our patient surgeons. The tedious day at length spent itself, and we encamped at 31ad Springs, jnst in time to receive the full benefit of a thunder-storm and small tornado, which grap- pled sternly with our canvas, and for a time threatened to unroof as well as drown us. At Mud Springs are both wood and water, but nei- ther are abundant. In midsummer, the dry sandy bed of the stream shows only here and there a few small pools; but the shovel will soon start it, and any train will find a full supply by patient labor for an hour. It is always possible to procure buffalo chips enough to boil coffee and supply fuel for a camp oven, so that scarcity of timber in the immediate vicinity of water is not a serious embarrassment until snows cover the ground. Most trains wisely take some wood from camp to camp, and a little more perma- nency to this indispensable station on the route 6* 66 ABSARAKA. will insure supplies for sale to trains. A few log-cabins that have been the quarters of a mail guard and relay of mules, with a sergeant's party in charge, duly represent the dignity of the United States; but no one will voluntarily re- main longer than to secure rest from the fatigue of the long journey of the previous day. The march of June 7th was only ten miles to Pumpkin Creek, which flows past Court-house Rock. This stream is ever flowing, and abund- ance of timber can be found in the cauou near by. The rock itself is mainly composed of sand, hard pan, and clay, so that it is easily chopped with the hatchet, and thus steps are made for those who have the nerve and patience to climb to its top, nearly six hundred feet above the water of the creek. A few of our party accomplished the feat, Adj utant Phisterer taking the lead. The ascent is quite easy, but peculiar. The notches receive the toes and about half the foot, and the hands grasp the gaps above to support the body and keep its gravity within the line of danger. The return trip is not so pleasant, as the heels take the place of the toes and the back rests upon the bluff itself, just as the body was inclined for- ward during the ascent. The view from the summit is very fine; and far ott'to the northwest looms up the equally singular proportions of Chimney Rock. Centuries of exposure have evidently wrought their changes upon the groat COURT-HOUSE ROCK. 6Y face of Court-house Kock, and constant waste is now so rapidly changing its proportions that, even in 1867, it had lost some of that boldness of detinition which in 1866, and for years before, had made it such a noted landmark to the trav- eler. The old road and the telegraph route detlect to the right about six miles before reaching the rock : but the present route saves nearly five miles of distance and is more readily made, al- though somewhat more rolling and sandy. ^■^'^1 _. . . _\,sv¥^',-^-~---^ ' COURT-HOUSE ROCK-FROM THE EAST. The above sketch of Court-house Rock will preserve its outline and present character ; but, 68 ABSARAKA. like all other odd and wild tliini^s in that region, it will soon become the prey ot" innovation and the mastery of Time. The mounted infantry pitched their tents in the basin of the canon, a short distance from the beautiful grove of cottonwood that lies at the very base of the rock, and the novel scenery made an afternoon pass pleasantly. Twelve miles farther on we find Brown's ranche on the North Platte, and five miles more brings the traveler to Chimney Rock. While substan- CIIIMNEY ROCK-FROM THE EAST. tially the same in material as Court-house Kock, it derives its name from a singular shaft which SCOTT'S BLUFFS. 69 springs from the apex of a true cone, and is nearly three hundred and eighty feet high. It stands ahout live hundred feet from the hhiif of which it was once a portion, and close to the level at which the cone leaves the general sur- face of the plain there is a stratum of true lime- stone, six feet in depth, interspersed with fossils indicating its origin, and closely resembling that of the quarries of Central Ohio. Chimney Eock is fast gathering about it the debris of waste, and will soon lose the bold outline and marked sym- metry of its present proportions. It is now much more beautiful than when Fremont visited it, and is worn to such a fine delineation that it seems that the first summer's storm or winter's blast must topple it from its base and destroy it utterly. Fifteen miles farther on we passed Terry's ranche, opposite Fortification Rocks, and ap- proached Scott's Blufis. These are also of mixed clay and sand, plentifully supplied with fossils, and throw a spur across the Platte basin so as to compel the traveler to leave the river and make a long detour to the south, or to pass through the blufis themselves. This passage is by a tor- tuous gorge where wagons can seldom pass each other ; and at times the drifting snows or sands almost obscure the high walls and battlements that rise several hundred feet on either side. Cedar-trees climb to their very summit and crop 70 ABSARAKA. out in every canon ; and although these seem to the unpracticed eye like little shrubs clinging to the clitts, the enterprising visitor who climbs to their nestling-place finds them to be full-grown trees of large diameter and proportionate height. Fortification Rocks were so named in 18G6 ; and at sunset the terraces and bastions, the pin- nacles and turrets are quite a good embodiment of one's natural idea of old-time fortifications on a grand and comprehensive scale. Almost immediately after leaving the Bluffs, and at the foot of the descent, after the gorge is passed, we find Fort Mitchell. This is a sub- post of Laramie of peculiar style and compact- ness. The walls of the quarters are also the out- lines of the fort itself, and the four sides of the rectangle are respectively the quarters of officers, soldiers, and horses, and the warehouse of sup- plies, Windows open into the little court or parade-ground ; and bed-rooms, as well as all other apartments, are loop-holed for defense. June 12th. AVe marched twenty-one miles to Cold Spring or Cold Creek, which is a beautiful stream, thirty feet wide, emptying into the south channel of the North Platte. As the Ottawa and St. Lawrence, or the Mis- souri and Mississippi retain their distinctive char- acteristics for many miles after their nominal union, so when Cold Creek strikes the south arm of the North Platte, it does not mingle with its WONDERFUL FISHING. 71 muddy current, but each occupies its own half of the swollen stream, and so runs on its race. A novel incident, valuable to mention for the information of other travelers, occurred shortly before sunset, which resulted in a bountiful sup- ply of tine fresh iish for all who desired them. Sergeant Barnes took up the idea that he would Iish at the junction of the two streams, and actu- ally hooked a line mountain pike. The news soon spread, and the soldiers gathered from all directions. For want of proper tackle a seine was extemporized. Gunny sacks were sewn to- gether, mule shoes were fastened to the bottom for dead weight, and quartermaster's hay forks were borrowed to guide th-e net. Then a strong party waded in neck deep, and with one end of this seine held tirmly to shore, made a half circle with the remainder, brins-ino; it all back to land. To the great amazement of spectators and actors, just where the eddies, at the meeting of the two rivers, struggled to keep by themselves, there was a fine school of pike. A few hauls soon landed over a hundred, varying in weight from one to four pounds. Their hard white meat was excellent, and made amends for the ridiculous stupidity of the Iish and the simplicity of their method of capture. They evidently were unac- customed to visits from the white man, or could not see his approach through the turbid waters of their neighbor Platte until too late for escape. 72 ABSARAKA. Up to this time we liad invariably found suffi- cient grass for all stock, and the Platte was always at hand for water. The next day the troops forded this beautiful creek about half a mile from its mouth, and after eighteen mile's march we encamped above Jules Coffee's ranchc, four miles east of Laramie. Here two of our best sergeants were drowned, being carried away by the current while bathing. Just about sunset, "Standing Elk" — a iine spe- cimen of the Brule Sioux, and who, in company with "Spotted Tail," "Two Strike," and "Swift Bear," again visited us at McPherson in 1867 — called to pay his respects, receive a present of to- bacco, and have a talk. He asked us where we were going, and was very frankly told the destina- tion of the command. He then told us that "a treaty was being talked about at Laramie with a greatmany Indians, some of whom belonged inthe country to which we were going; but that the fighting men of those bands had not come in, and would not; but that we would have to tight them, as they would not sell their hunting-grounds to the white men for a road." He exhibited all indi- cations of sincere friendship, and said that he and Spotted Tail would sign the treaty and would always be "friends." His pledge, thus given for both, and renewed at Fort McPherson in Juno, 1867, and often afterward, was fully redeemed, and our first interview with the Indians of tlu' FORT LARAMIE COUNCIL. "JS J!^orthwest was both the assurance of the friend- ship of some, and the bitter animosity and opposi- ' tion of many. It was proof that the careful march- intj^, guarding of trains, and precautions against annoyance or intercourse with Indians had been judicious, and was equally suggestive of like pru- dence as the expedition advanced. Thus far, with the exception of Little Dog's rifle, which had been duly returned, not an Indian had suf- fered from injury at the hands of the command, and those who had visited the various camps had been kindly treated, and parted as friends. CHAPTER VIII. FOr.T LARAMIE COUNCIL OF 1866 — ITS KEStlLTS FORESHADOWED — THE ABORIGINES IN THE MART OF TRADE — HOW THE IN- DIANS DID AND DID NOT. Fort Laramie was the center of important in- terests to the people of the West in June, 18G6, and subsequent events show how important were tlie negotiations then begun, and how disastrous and costly have been the consequences of that' false security as to the animus and purposes of the Indians of the Northwest which pervaded the country until the beginning of the year 1867. The Peace Commission was in session. It was 7 74 ABSARAKA. accredited from the higliest sources and had in charge great interests. Tlie proposed general peace with the Sioux, the Arrapahoes, and tlie Chej'cnnes, and their anticipated surrender of the right of way to Virginia City, by Powder l\un and along the Big Horn mountains — our ver}' route — were matters of personal interest, independent of the ditticulties that would he in the way of successfully building new forts and fighting Indians with a command that was barely sutiicient to do its expected work on the basis of a permanent and reliable peace. General Cooke had closed a published circular with the emphatic and cheering assurance that "there must be peace," and from leaving Fort Kearney all pains had been taken to avoid col- lision with Indian hunting parties who were on their way to Laramie, or who were moving to and fro in anticipation of such a visit when the council was really ready. Our trains were habitually formed in a hollow square or corral, uponi caching camping grounds, to insure the safety of stock at night, while pickets and mounted parties carefully guarded all animals on herd as soon as they were turned loose. The strictest discipline was enforced, and nothing was left undone that the energy and am- bition of the oliicers could accomj)lish to instruct new recruits and prepare them for the labor and possible conflicts that the future might uniold. FORT LARAMIE COUNCIL. 75 ITo bartering with Indians was permitted un- der any circumstances; but all Indians who really wished an interview had the privilege of visiting headquarters, and there received kind attention and some little gifts, like tobacco or old gar- ments, -but never arms, powder, or whisky. Oar camp near Laramie was therefore located close enough for business, but far enough away to prevent the mingling of the troops and Indians for any purposes — thus avoiding the possibilit}'^ of collisions growing out of trades in furs, beads, and other articles, in which the Indian is gener- ally the unlucky one, and often exhibits his disappointment by becoming revengeful and wicked. The next day, June 14th, wagons were sent to the fort for one hundred thousand rounds of riiie ammunition, and to perfect the arrangement for supplies for the upper posts to be built in the new district. Unfortunately there happened to be at the fort not a single thousand rounds for infantry arms such as are used in the army ; so it was as- sumed that we should have a happy journey, a happy peace, and a happy future. Twenty-six wagons of additional provisions were ready, with the single drawback that drivers had to be fur- nished from the command; but this nice economy had the efrect, practica'l^^ to put tha.; number of soldiers hors dc combat, in case of any trouble re- quiring soldiers, and tlius disposed of some of the 76 ABSARAKA. best of our men. Major ]3ridger told us tliat ho» had seen keii;s of i>owdor distributed to the In- dians and carried away on their ponies; but this gave no concern, as there was none for us. The next day came shopping, which busied our little coterie of ladies, and it certainly had claims to novelty in its associations and incidents. The long counter of Messrs. Bullock and Ward was a scene of seeming confusion not sur- passed in any popular, overcrowded store of Omaha itself. Indians, dressed and half dressed and undressed ; squaws, dressed to the same de- gree of completeness as their noble lords; pa- pooses, absolutely nude, slightly not nude, or wrapped in calico, buckskin, or furs, mingled with soldiers of the garrison, teamstei's, emi- grants, speculators, half breeds, and interpret- ers. Here, cups of rice, sugar, cottee, or flour were being emptied into the looped-up skirts or blanket of a squaw; and iherey some tall Avarrior was grimacing delightfully as he grasped and sucked his long sticks of peppermint candy. Bright shawls, red squaw cloth, brilliant calicoes, and flashing ribbons passed over the same counter with knives and tobacco, brass nails and glass beads, and that endless catalogue of articles which belonor to the loLritimute border traliic. The room was redolent of cheese and herring, and " heap of smoke;" while the debris of mouncliod crackers lying loose under foot furnished both ABORIGINES IN THE MART OF TRADE. 77 nutriment and employment for little bits of In- dians too big to ride on mamma's back, and too little to reach the good things on counter or shelves. The '■^Washta-la!" {^'■very good^') mingled with ^^ Wan-nee-cliee!''' a verj' signiticant ''-no good,'" whether predicated of person or thing; and the whole scene was a lovely episode, illustrating the habits of the noble red man in the mart of trade. Of course, all these Indians were thinking sharply, and many gave words to thought, so that an unsophisticated stranger might well doubt whether Bedlam or Babel were the better proto- type of the tongues in use. The Cheyenne sup- plemented his words with active and expressive gestures, while the Sioux amply used his tongue as well as arms and lingers. To all, however, whether white man, half- breed, or Indian, Mr. Bullock, a Virginia gentle- man of the old school, to whose hospitality and delicate courtesy we were even more indebted in 1867, gave kind and patient attention, and his clerks seemed equally ready and capable, talking Sioux, Cheyenne, or English just as each case came to hand. Outside everything was characteristic of the existing state of aft'airs, not to say prophetic of the future; and literal truth, in all its details, would furnish unrivaled scenes for stereoscopic views of Indian character and characteristics. 1* 78 ABSARAKA. The council chamber was of course the first object of interest to us ladies after the shopping had been completed; and while the gentlemen were busy at quartermaster and commissary de- tails, the ladies visited it. Pine boards had been arranged as benches in front of one set of quar- ters, and over these boards were once fresh ever- greens. There was a unique and perfect sim- plicity in the arrangement, and such considerate abandon of all state and ceremony tliat no Indian need feel that he was kept at an awful distance, or must approach the agents of the Great Father with solemn awe or grave obeisance. Under the eaves of all buildings, by doorsteps and porches, and generally everywhere, were twos, threes, or larger groups of hungry, masti- cating Indians of all sizes, sexes and conditions, covered with every conceivable degree of super- ficial clothing or adornment, with the special ele- ment of cleanliness just as critically wanting as is usual among the Indians of the Northwest. During a long journey we had anticipated with more or less pleasure an attendance upon some of the deliberations, and it was understood that the colonel had, without success, requested au- thority to remain at Laramie during the treaty, in order to become acquainted with the Indians and learn both their disposition and decision as to the new route we wei*e to travel and occupy. But he hurried everybody up, kept his men to END OF THE COUNCIL. 79 the camp, and our stay was cut down to the ac- tual necessities of a marching command. Be- sides this, it seemed that during the little time we did stop some Indians had been sent for other Indians, and the Indians who actually held pos- session of the route in dispute were not on hand when they were wanted. "The Man afraid of his Horses" and "Red Cloud " made no secret of their opposition, and the latter, with all his fighting men, withdrew from all association with the treaty-makers, and in a very few days quite decidedly developed his hate and his schemes of mischief. There beine: nothinsi: to see therefore but loaf- ing Indians, and great work to be done in prep- aration for winter and securing defensive posi- tions before the rising war-cloud should break, we were all as eager to move on as the colonel was persistent in hurrying us forward. Some of the chiefs, however, were seen by the officers, and when they knew that the command was going to the Powder River country in advance of any treaty agreement, they gave unequivocal demon- strations of their dislike. One pleasant intima- tion was given that "in two moons the command would not have a hoof left," Another with great impressiveness thus explained his crude ideas : "Great Father sends us presents and wants new road, but white chief goes with soldiers to steal 80 ABSARAKA. road before Indian say yes or no !" Some of us called this good logic. Just as the troops left, one of the commission- ers came to our ambulance and advised that very little dependence should be placed upon the re- sult of the deliberations so far as the new road was concerned, for a messenger sent out to tiie Indians had been whipped and sent back with contempt. This was the conviction of all of us; still the ladies kept up good heart, and as they could not well go back, concluded to go on, but a2:reed to limit their riding on horseback to the vicinity of the train. On the 17th of Juno, though it was the Sab- bath, we passed Laramie, and camped at the Nine Mile ranche, on the Platte. We bade fare- well to Laramie with great composure and no regrets. Its !N^orth Platte and Laramie Rivers, its Laramie Peak, nearly sixty miles distant, and its adventitious charms as the locality of the Laramie treaty sum up all its attractions. As at elegantly built Leavenworth, so at Laramie, water is hauled from the rivers, and a respect- able lire would be ignorant of water in about a minute after it began. This post was neglected, as were all frontier stations, during the war; being occupied by changing garrisons, whose jnck-knivcs and bayo- nets, so useful in their i)roper sphere, had pretty much used up the pine and plaster wherever FORT LARAMIE. 81 those appendages were ornamental or useful; while the parade-ground was as barren and ignorant of sod as the great highway to Salt Lake City itself. General Dandy, the post quartermaster, with his good taste and skill, had, in 1866, originated a perfect plan to secure an exhaustless supply of water, at reasonable cost, and should his successor carry his plans into effect, much can be done to redeem the for- lornuess of the station. Laramie has been a protitable place for traders, and not a few ranchemen and citizens have squaw wives, and a large Indian traffic; but with some exceptions, it was to us the most inhospitable and barren post on our trip. It was then a four- company post, but was reinforced during the. autumn, thus giving rise to the report of General Sanborn, special Indian Commissioner, afterward published, that, "in 1866, at Fort Laramie, when all was peace, there were twelve companies of regular troops; while at Fort Philip Kearney, where all was war, only four companies were allowed.'' Fortunately, this garrison proved ample for the defense of Fort Laramie, aiid the post was still safe on our return in 1867. 82 AJiSARAKA. CHAPTER IX. LAKAMIE TO RENO — CAMP PniSTERER CANON — LARAMIE PEAK WILD FLORA — PUMPKIN BUTTES. On tlic 18tli of June, at three o'clock a.m., the bugle call started us from "Nine Mile ranche," and we were at last directly en route for our new home, passing the Dry Branch of Warm Spring, Bitter Cottonwood Creek, and, after a march of sixteen miles, camped on "Little Bitter Cotton- wood," where there was an ample supply of tim- ber, water, and grass. June 19th. After eighteen miles of advance we came to the most remarkable defile through which the Phitte urges its way in its passage from the Rocky Mountains. The river, which along the line of the march from Laramie had coursed through a prairie-like bottom, here sud- denly makes a short curve of half a circle to the right, then, after passing for a few hundred I'eet between precipitous clitls, suddenly turns to the left by another short curve, nearly resuming the direction of its original northwestern course, and again running through the prairie as before it sought its peculiar hiding-place. The eastern face of this gorge is perpendicular, and noarlv four hundred feet in height. On CAMP PIIISTERER CANON. 83 either side of the entrance are conical summits, of even greater elevation, which stand like sturdy sentinels, but having many natural terraces, on which are placed long lirfes of cedars as true and uniform in method as if the subject of sj'stem- atic arrangement. The one on the right is ba- saltic, and as truly significant of its volcanic origin as are the Palisades of the Hudson, or East and West Rocks, near New Haven, Con- necticut; and no part of the great wall which hems in the Niagara River, below the falls, has more stern and pri'son-like proportions. One or two of the ladies, with Adjutant Phisterer and Dr. Horton, went around the first curve, quite within the gorge, to hunt for agates and try the efl:ect of pistol shots, the echoes of which were startling and many times repeated. The deep, dark waters are closely pent in and shaded by these confines, so as never to enjoy the sunlight; but all of us enjoyed the sublimity and grandeur of this wonderful natural curiosity. Old Major Bridger, in his peculiarly quaint and sensible way, dropped the sentiment: "Better not go fur. There is Injuns enough lying under wolf skins, or skulking on them clitis, I warrant! They follow ye always. They've seen ye, every day, and when ye don't see any of 'em about, is just the time to look out for their devilment." The experience of the next morning confirmed his suspicions. 84 ABSARAKA. As this wa8 tlje last camp before the final cross- ing of the Platte and entrance upon the territory of the Mountain District, it was named Camp Phisterer, in honor of Adjutant Plasterer, who selected the site, and was most conspicuous in all that contributed to the i)leasure or jtrogress of the march. -li 'flilfi! Ilt-pf CAMP PHISTERER CANON, North Platte River, D. T. June 20th. Wina miles of travel brouirht us dians had, on the lu'cvious morning, made a descent upon the stock of Mr. Mills, the [iro- prietor of the Ferry ranclie, although his wile was a Sioux, and, besides his half-breed children, CROSSING THE NOliTII PLATTE. 85 an Indian lived with him in his employ. Tiiis Indian had promptly pursued and recovered part of the stock, which they undoubtedly supposed belonged to emigrants. This Indian said that the marauders were "Bad Faces," of Red Cloud's band, and that we would certainly have trouble if men or animals were permitted to stray from the command. Major Bridger and Mr. Brannan were of the same opinion ; and both claimed, as they had at Laramie, that w^e were advancing directly in the face of hostilities; and Major Bridger went so fiir as to afiirm that the presents which were made to Indians at Laramie were given to positive enemies, or to those who had no influence at all over the warlike bands of the Big Horn and Powder River country. Our next movement was to cross the I^orth Platte. The beef herd was forced into the deep, swift current, and compelled to swim, and as a hundred men on the south bank kept them from returning, all were safely drifted across. The train and command crossed in the ferry- boat, which ingeniously works its own way to and fro by such adjustment of cables and pulleys, and such adaptations to the current, that the round trip was made in about eleven minutes. The niarcli of June 22d Avas sixteen miles, finding wood, water, and grass in abundance. The march of the 23d was fifteen miles, with am[>le supplies of all kinds at our camp on the 8 86 ABSARAKA Kortli Phitte, near the inoiitli of Sage Creek. In the iiiorniiiir we turned northward tVoni the EAST VIEW OF NORTH PLATTE, 4 MILES EAST OF MOUTH OF SAG E C R r i: K. The road has crossed the ridge of sand hills, reachiiiy poiiU nearly opposite Fort Fetterman. Platte, passhig over the red buttes and lofty sand hills and rocky ridges which rise at least tive hundred feet above the valley, and these proved in a few places to be very difficult for the more heavily loaded wagons. Occasionally the wind- ings of the river are seen far beneath, and when the road has coin})leted its circuit, and I'c-tui iiing descends to the river, the [)ant)ranui is exceed- ingly beautiful. The river can be traced backward for miles in idl its course, bordei'cd on tlu' north by the blutl's FRENCH PETE. 87 just crossed, and on the south by the nearly level plains, which, with slight modification, extend as far west as Platte bridge, at Fort Caspar. Near this point a new fort is being erected, with the certainty that Fort Caspar will soon be aban- doned or treated as an immaterial position on the route. Just before reaching the basin, where the Fort Reno road turns northward, following Sage Creek, and the northern Mormon road passes- westA^ard toward Salt Lake City, we found an extemporized shed of boards, where Louis Gaz- zons (French Pete), with his Sioux wife and half-breed children, were opening their merchan- dise to catch travel over the new route. Here the inevitable displa}' of canned fruits, liquors, tobacco, beads, cutlery, crackers, and cheese were modestly conspicuous, and the good-hearted trader decidedly congratulated himself that he had the first stock of goods on the route to the land of game and gold. Little did he anticipate the doom that awaited him. Mrs. Dr. Ilorton was the recipient of a young antelope from Louis, and for months after we were well settled at Phil Kearney, this antelope, a spotted fawn, and two colts of Captain Ten Eyck, had each even- ing a spirited scamper on the parade-ground, until Indians stole the ponies and the antelope poisoned himself by the substitution of fresh paint for his usual treat of sweet milk. 88 ABSARAKA. French Pete will bo remembered as the first citizen kilK'il during that campaign, and especi- ally as his long cour.se of trade and intimacy with the Indians seemed to promise, at least tor himself and family, some considerable favor if not entire immunity at their hands. June 24th. Marched fourteen miles; camped at the head of Sage Creek; found water, but used sage brush and buffalo chips for fuel. Tufts of buftalo grass were scattered between the sage brush and cactus, so that the herds found forage without any consid'erable departure from the camp. June 25th. Marched fifteen miles, and camped on the South Fork of the Cheyenne, where there is p)lenty of grass and timber; but the great body of the water, in extremely dry weather, passes under the sand and needs slight digging to start it to the surface and secure an abundant supply. At the middle of this day's march, just at the summit of the divide, there is the best view of Laramie Peak, showing its peculiar formation, where cone after cone rises gradual 1}' until a central shoot overtops them all. June 26th. Was enlivened by a successful at- tempt to open a shorter route to AVind River, avoiding llunn)hre3''s old camp; and after a march of twenty miles we found wood, grass, and water, besides realizing a gain of over five miles in the jreneral line of travel. BIG HORN MOUNTAINS. 89 June 27th. Marched twenty-one miles, to the Dry Branch of Powder River, finding wood, LARAMIE PEAK— FROM TUE NORTH, 5900 /ee< above sea level. grass, and water, thongh the grass was largely intermingled with the inevitable sage brush and cactus. Early in the morning we obtained our first view of the Big Horn Mountains, at a distance of eighty miles, and it was indeed magnificent. The sun so shone as to fiill with tuU blaze upon the southern and southeastern sides as they rose toward Cloud Peak, which is nine thousand feet above the level of the sea, and the whole range so closely blended with the sky as to leave it in doubt whether all was not a mass of bright cloud ; 8* 90 ABSARAKA. while many, even with the aid of a glass, in- sisted that they wei-e immense gleaming sand hills, with no snow at all. hi halt" an hour the air itself was invigorated by the currents from the snow banks; and even at that distance shawls became necessary, the ambulance side curtains were closed, and it seemed as if a November day was to succeed the summer's morning. In front, and a little to the northeast, could be seen the four columns of Pumpkin Buttes, nearly twenty- three miles east of Fort Reno. These buttes are landmarks for the traveler from all directions, and nearly seven hundred feet high. East of them lie the Black Hills of Dakota, and the once talked of direct route from Sioux City to Reno and Virginia City, which has been referred to iu connection with the pani})hlet of Colonel Sawyer published by the government. July 28th. Passed Buffalo Springs, and down the Dry Fork of Powder River, sixteen miles, and over one divide, to Fort Reno. The road, from early morning, was in the very bed of the stream, which, but a few inches deep, was constantly crossed by the train, and being bordered by abrupt ledges of lignite, clay, and sand, is surely indicative of an abundance, if not a surfeit, of water during the thaws of spring; while, for nearly twelve miles, the traveler is hemmed in and confined to this narrow basin, subject to constant exposure antl annoyance from rOWDER RIVER 91 Indian attacks. The grass is poor, but wood and water are abundant. Many cottonwood-trees have been felled by travelers and Indians for the bark with which to feed both mules and horses; but this leaves a supply of dry wood equal to the increasing demand. Our lirst view of Fort Reno was most unpre- possessing; but, expecting it to be abandoned, its ugliness and barrenness did not so decidedl}' shock the sensibilities as if it had been gazed upon as a permanent home, or even a transient dwelling-place. We passed through more than a mile of river bottom, densely studded with large Cottonwood trees, and after fording Powder River, encamped just south of the fort, glad to have ac- complished more than fiv^e hundred miles of our journey with such substantial success. Before long, some enterprising post com- mander will recommend the final demolition of the fort, or shrewd emigrants will avoid it, by carrying out the feasible project for a short cut- off under the Big Horn Mountains, which was partially inaugurated in 1866, and which affords abundant supplies of grass, as well as an equal amount of timber with the present location. So we were finally at Powder River. "We had known some such hot days as are never found in the Eastern or Middle States ; had drank water that had small virtue beyond its name and moist- ure; had used sage brush and butt'alo chips for 92 ABSARAKA. variety of fuel ; but, so far, were all right and even liist seeing the country. The cactus, which annoys a horse as much as it does the pedestrian, had partly compensated for its thongs and sting by the beauty of its blossoms; and the prolitic sage brush had imparted odor as well as fuel, and thus regaled the sense while it heated our coffee. The wild tulip, larlcspur, sweet pea, convol- vulus, and a vine, closely resembling the Mexican plant, were among the flora that were abundant, and these, with others, were duly pressed for fu- ture care and admiration The Indian jiotato and wild onion were gathered constantly by the men, and both are valuable when antiscorbutics are scarce and salt pork most abundant. The march which brought us to Reno closed up all possibility of meeting any resident traders ; and indeed, with the exception of the fort itself, there was then not a resident white man betweei> Bridger's Ferry and Bozemau City, Montana. We were about to pass the last log-cabin, and realize practically the experience of pioneers and test our own capacity for building, keeping house, and living in the land of Absaraka! Single trains of emigrants had passed through the country. Bozcy*^ man had made one trip and had succeeded ad- mirably in the selection of his route, and our sterling friend Bridger had a head full of maps and trails and ideas, all of the utmost value to the objects of the expedition. So we stopped at Keno, to prepare for the next, and final advance! FORT RENO. 93 CHAPTER X. FORT RENO — INDIAN RAID — FORT LARAMIE TREATY TESTED — FOURTH OF JULY IN ABSARAKA — ORGANIZATION OF MOUNT- AIN DISTRICT — ONWARD MOVEMENT — MORE RATTLESNAKES — MERCURY ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN DEGREES ABOVE ZERO — WHAT IT DID. Fort Reno was first located in 1865, under the name of Fort Connor. Absolute sterility excludes all elements of veg- etable beauty or production. The single redeem- ing feature is the fact that the river bottom for miles in either direction is abundantly supplied with timber, so that emigrants will always find the material for fuel or building; but the same old sage brush and cactus persistently monopolize the soil for miles, and Powder River itself, flow- ing from the south side of the Big Horn Mount- ains, is muddy and so strongly alkaline as to be prejudicial to both man and beast. In June, 1866, Fort Reno was an open post, except that the warehouses and stables had a rough stockade. Ofiicers' and men's quarters, gnard house and magazine, were on the open plain. Being nearly one hundred and forty feet above the river, the water was brought up in wagons, and no eftective effort had been made to 04 ABSARAKA. seek for better water than tluit of the river, al- though, after our sccoiul day in camp, a spring of clear water was discovered, b}' the enterprise of the mounted command, immediately under the blutf. Subsequently it was decided to retain the post as part of the district command. New build- ings were erected, the parade was inclosed, suita- ble bastions and bk)ck-houses were built, and a substantial stone magazine was completed under the immediate direction of Captain Proctor. At the date of our arrival the garrison con- sisted of two companies of the 5th United States Volunteers, who were simply waiting to be re- lieved before proceeding eastward to be mustered out of service. A company of Winnebago In- dians had Ireen at tlie fort, and we passed them near Laramie on the 17tli of June. Many of them wished to go back with us, but there was no existing authority to employ them, and it was generally understood and distinctly atiirmed by. Major Bridger that some of the Sioux at Lara- mie expressly demanded, as a condition of their own consent to peace, that these Indians should leave the country. If this be true, it was sharp in the Sioux, for the service lost its best scouts, and no depredations had taken place about Reno while it was known that they were there. Upon the first alarm these Winnebagoes would spring to their ponies, with ritle and lariat, regardless of rations or clothing, and, with one good CAMP AT FORT L'EXO. 95 whoop, disappear in pursuit. Being cleaclty ene- mies of the Sioux, it is not to be wondered that the latter should wish them out of the coun- try ; but until peace could be absohitely realized, it would hav-e been no prejudice to that line of operations, as events transpired, to have had a few soldiers who knew the Indian styles of war- fare, and were up to their tricks. Nevertheless, the Winnebagoes departed, and their substitutes were not provided. So, as we began to live in Absaraka, we began to learu contemporaneous history. Our camp at Fort Reno was adapted to the lo- cation. The mounted infantry were at the base of the hill, for ready access to water. Brevet Major Haymond's command was on the river's bank above, just over a sliglit rise, but out of sight from the fort. Headquarters tents were near the flag-staff, which had been located with view to some future expansion of the post for the accommodation of twelve companies. After a night's rest, everybodj^ seemed busy. Three emigrant trains were in the river bottom waiting for the colonel's instructions as to their advance westward ; and we were quite surprised to find that the lady travelers with those trains had no fear of Indians, and did not believe there were any bad Indians on the route. One train cap- tain told us ladies we never would see an Indian unless he came to beg for sugar, flour, or tobacco. 96 absai:aka. This was all very gratifying, as this captain Lad been many years on the Plains, and said "he couldn't be scared with a continental." About ten o'clock the ladies went to the sut- ler's store of Messrs. Smith and Leighton to do some shopping. Suddenly a breathless messen- ger rushed in with the cr}' of^^Indians," and said, as intelligibly as he could, that the sutlers' horses and mules were all gone. Sure enough, upon a-oiiiii: to the door, the horses and mules were galloping up the hills across the river, while a party of Indians were following, throwing out flankers to keep the stock in the desired direc- tion, and evidently bending their course toward the Pumpkin Buttes. No doubt they had been eager observers of our progress, just as Major Bridger said, and no less watched the emigrants. Probably they supposed the sniiill headquarters camp, with its large corral of wagons, was that of emi<2:rants. At all events, they crossed the river through the timber, taking advantage of a deep ravine, and struck the herd suddenly without loss to themselves, yet passing two or three of our herds, which were under guard, without ven- turing an attack. At this unexpected message all became ac- tivity. The colonel was entering the door as the messenger srave the alarm. The butrle brouii^ht the mounted men to the saddle and Brevet Major Ilaymoud and Lieutenant Adair led eighty men INDFAN RAID. 97 in pursuit. It was excessively provoking to see the coolness of those Indians as they favored their ponies in bad places and seemed to calcu- late exactly how long they could take things easy and when they must hurry; but they had not long to tarr}^, and soon were pressing their plunder at the top of their speed. Before the return of the party the next day, they had ridden nearly seventy miles, passing along the Pumpkin Buttes, but failed to recap- ture any of the stolen stock. But they brought in an Indian pony which the Indians abandoned when closely pressed; and this same pony was loaded with favors recently procured at Laramie. Among the variety were navy tobacco, brown sugar, a cavalry stable frock, calico dress-patterns, and other articles, which from their style and condition showed that they had not long since been taken from shelves or packages. Indeed, the opinion expressed by everybody was afterward confirmed from Laramie, and it was thus early understood that the Indians who received presents at that post had immediately violated their obligations and commenced a new career of robbery and war. Ten days were spent at Reno in arrangements to distribute the battalion, in reloading wagons, and relieving the companies of the 5th U. S. Volunteers. The mercury rose to 113° in the shade; wagon tires began to break or fall off» 98 AliSARAKA. and there was no cluircoal (so Afr, Brown said) for welding and putting them in order. The warehouse was full of old supplies, and these had to he invoiced and distrihuted, while the quantity was twice or three times a complement for all the wagons of the command. Business was hurried, and it was decided to leave Captain Proctor and Lieutenant Kirthind with one company to guard the stores in depot until trains could he sent back for them and the fort could be dismantled. Meanwhile the Fourth of July came in its proper annual course, and the usual salute was tired, under the charge of Major Henry Almstedt, paymaster, an old artillery officer, and a welcome visitor at all times, especially just then, when a few things more were to be bought before launch- ing out in that wilderness, where, except Messrs. Beal and Hughes, our sutlers, there was nothing of civilization to be had. At length, on the morning of July 9th, at 4 o'clock, the command started. Its organization was a matter of interest to us ladies, as there were but three wives of olHcers left after the parting at Lodge Pole Creek, and new partings were to be anticipated, to complete the constant series which began at Fort Sedgwick. Brevet Major Ilaymond, with two companies, had been assigned to the post on the Upper Yel- lowstone; Brevet Lieutenant-(\>Ionel Kinnov, A LITTLE SCARE. 99 with two companies, Lad been assigned to the post on the Big Horn River; and Captain Ten Ejck had been given command of the post at district headquarters, new Fort Reno, to which the change of post was to be made. By a mail received before starting, we learned from the officers that the order for a battalion of the 13th U. S Infantry, to operate from Fort Reno east- ward, had been countermanded, and thus we had no rivals to compete for the honors of opening, protecting, and defending the new route and ter- ritory of Absaraka. The news gave us women a little scare, which the officers did not condescend to notice; but they, no doubt, were all laboring under the infatuation that the second battalion, with its fresh recruits, could do perfectly what un- der ordinary circumstances would have required two or three regiments to accomplish. An order was posted at the sutler's store, tell- ing emigrants how to corral their trains, how to deal with or not deal with Indians, and how to procure authority for proceeding beyond the post ; and it is a singular fact that every reported disaster to emigrant or other train during 1866 would have been avoided, had the terms of that order been reasonably complied with. We started westward July 9th, 1866. The twenty-six miles to Crazy Woman's Fork, in the blazing sun, was a severe trial. It was fully night before camp was well established, and 100 ABSARAKA. the next morning revealed the fact that half of our transportation was disabled, although in- spected daily and repaired according to all the means at hand. Craz3" Woman's Fork has been described in general terms. The stream, just at the crossing, makes a sliarp turn, giving two separate fords, but having quite a steep ledge or bank on the east side as the traveler enters its basin, but on the west gradually rising to the summit of the divide be- tween its waters and those of Clear Creek. Inspection was made, timber was cut, a char- coal pit was fashioned and tired, and every avail- able blacksmith was put at work. One means of repair was resorted to which was supposed to be as novel as it was eftective. Gunny sacks were cut in strips and thoroughly soaked in water. These strips were tacked on 80 nicely that when secured with the heated tires they not only withstood the summer's use, but even in the winter of 1867 some of those wagons were doing excellent service without ad- ditional repair. Of course this would only an- swer where tires were unbroken; neither could it be afforded that all the corn should be emp- tied, except as the expenditure of the journey should permit, and thus allow an accumulation of those empty. On the morning of the 12th, the companies that were to build "New Fort Kcno" marched ANOTHER INDICATION OF INDIANS. 101 with headquarters to select and occupy its site. The four companies destined for the more dis- tant posts were left to perfect repairs and follow as soon as possible. Our first camp was at Clear Fork, just at noon, and its perfect beauty and completeness of natural supplies have been an- ticipated in the general description of this portion of Absaraka. Little episodes, of course, occurred here, as they did elsewhere. With Mrs. Ilorton and Mrs. Bisbee the splendid sunset was watched with real pleasure. Our camp chairs were near the tents on the banks of the creek. A chance interruption of our meditations led to the agree- able information that we were sitting just over three valuable rattlesnakes, which an orderly was kind enough to find and mangle to death. We sat no more by the brink of Clear Fork, but dreamed of rattlesnakes until the bugle sounded the reveille the next day. On Friday the l-3th we had our next indication of Indians. A few were seen upon a high hill to the left ; and after passing Rock Creek, close under a commanding ridge, our attention was called to two small pieces of cracker-box planted by the roadside, on which were notes in pencil, stating that two trains had been attacked on the previous Tuesday and Friday, and that some of the stock of each had been driven ofl:'. These were trains that were in advance of our expected arrival, but gained greater distance 9* 102 ABSARAKA. than they expected, through our detention at Crazy Woman's Fork. At 11 o'clock A.M., July 13th, we had passed Lake Smedt and were in camp on 13ig Piney Fork, just east of the crossing of the Virginia City road, and about four miles from the Big Horn Mountains. At last, we had the prospect of finding a home, and Cloud Peak seemed to look down upon us with a cheerful face as the sunlight made his features glow and glisten. CHAPTER XL RECONNOISSANCES — INDIAN MESSENGERS — "WARNINGS — LOCA- TION OF FOllT PIIILIl' KEARNEY — CONDUCT OF THE TROOPS, AND ITS CAUSE. The headquarters camp of the expedition of 1866 was organized on the 13th of July of that year with special care, and greatly to the annoy- ance of teamsters, as the colonel had the corral formed three times until it was sufficiently com- pact and trim to suit him. At 1 o'clock he was off with a small party to visit the surroundings as far back as the mount- ains, and seven miles westward, to determine the most eligible site for tlie post. A beautiful phv teau had been passed just before the command RECONNOISSANCES 103 halted, which seemed particularly inviting; but as Major Biidger and Mr. Brannan had both urged that the valleys of Goose Creek and Tongue River should be first visited, no decision was an- nounced. On the morning of July 14th, at 5 o'clock, Colonel Carrington, Adjutant Phisterer, Quarter- master Brown, Captain Ten Eyck, Guide Bran- nan, and Jack Stead, interpreter, with a mounted escort, left for a reconnoissance of the region of country which had such an exalted and wide- spread reputation as being the richest, loveliest, and grandest of all the lands of Absaraka, viz., Tongue River valley. Brevet Captain Adair was ofiicer of the day, and all was unusually quiet in camp until nearly 9 o'clock, when it was found that some men had deserted to seek the gold mines of Montana. A detail started in pursuit. They returned before noon with the tidings that they had been stopped by a band of Indians, were refused permission to go on, and were instructed to return at once with a message to the white chief, that he must take his soldiers out of the country. This party had met that same traveling ranclie of Louis Gazzons about seven miles out, and a young man in his employ as teamster, who had been discharged by Lieutenant Brown at Fort Reno, had been impressed by the Indians to see 104 ABSARAKA. that their message was correctly delivered and an answer returned. Tills lad brought peremptory orders for the white men to decide for peace or war, and if they wanted peace, to return at once to Powder River, They promised not to trouble the old post, but declared that they would not let sol- diers go over the road which had never been given to the whites, neither would they let them stay and build forts. These Indians were re- ported to be Ogillalla Sioux, under Red Cloud as their principal leader, and they had been nego- tiating for several days with certain bands of Cheycnnes, with whom Louis Gazzons was trad- ing, to induce them to join on the war-path and obstruct the road and all travel upon it. French Pete had already traded for a great many skins, and was preparing to visit the camp to sell as many as he could to the officers and men of the* command. The absence of the colonel induced Mr. Adair to detain the messenger in the guard tent, and shortly after an Indian messenger approached, but (piickly retreated when he found that he was not promptly joined by the white man sent in advance. A demand had also been made that the white chief, in company with Jack Stead, whom they knew at Laramie, and whose wife was a Cheyenne scpiaw, should go and visit their village and settle the question of peace or war. INDIANS ALARMED. 105 Shortly after 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and after an absence of thirteen hours, the colonel's party came in, having found two brush tepahs (tepees or lodges), where there were signs of re- cent occupation by Indians; but as the detach- ment had crossed buttes and ridges nearer the mountains for the purpose of testing Major Bridger's recommendation that a new and shorte'r road should be opened to Tongue River valley, they met neither Cheyenne nor Sioux. After due examination, the prisoner was sent back, in company with Jack, to invite the prin- cipal chief and some of his braves to come into camp, when the sun was overhead, after two sleeps (at noon of Monday the 17th), and prom- ising that they should be kindly entertained and allowed to depart in safety. Jack returned the following night and reported that the Indians, having been alarmed by the protracted absence of their messenger, had moved off to Tongue River, nearly thirty miles, under apprehensions of an attack, but he followed their trail, delivered his message, and secured their pledge to make the proposed visit. The reconnaissance of the day had settled the location of the fort, as Tongue River valley was not only more remote from 'pine timber, too far from Powder River, and less advantageous as a position, but its selection would have left to the Indians the control of the trails about Piney's 106 ABSARAKA. and Peno, and thus given them tlie very gate to Tongue River valley itself; while the abundance of grass, pure water, choice timber, and wild grain in the immediate vicinity of the site se- lected, left no necessity for those elements to be sought elsewhere. According!}', early next morning, July 15th, although Sunda}', the camp, which had been tem- porarily on the low ground where the underbrush of the creek and dense cottonwood might afford shelter to an enemy, was abandoned, and the plateau before referred to was occupied. Very early in the morning, the colonel and Captain Ten Eyck, with the pioneer party, had staked out the dimensions of the future post, according to plans and drawings matured at old Fort Kearney in the spring ; while, to secure at the very outset a handsome and permanent parade-ground, the long train of wagons was re- peatedly driven about the designated rectangle, four hundred feet square, and officers, teamsters, and soldiers, alike were forbidden to cross, ex- cept by designated avenues, while a mowing machine soon cut the grass and gave the start to the present beautiful lawn of the Fort Phil Kearney Plaza. The tents were pitched along the streets ap- ])ropriate to the respective building sites of of- licers' and soldiers' quarters, warehouses, sutler's store, band quarters, and guard-house; w.hile the A VISIT FROM GRASSHOPPERS. 107 established general and picket guards, with the artillery parked on the parade, soon imparted form, comeliness, and system to the whole. By 12 o'clock a stranger miglit have supposed the camp to have been a Hxture for weeks. We had one episode while moving: Black George ran in, in great haste, to tell missis that it was snowing, sure; while other reports were, that the grass of Peno valley had been tired by the Indians, and the smoke was already sweep- ing down upon us. All proved to be a compli- mentary visit from grasshoppers as large as locusts, and for a time it seemed as if wagon- covers and tents were all to be eaten up in just about live- minutes. In vain w^ere turkeys and chickens let loose against the destroyers : tl>e whole camp hummed with the rustle of their wings as they tiled themselves on the blades of grass and became familiar generally. A kind wind from the mountains came along in the af- ternoon, and they left as suddenly as they ar- rived. The scout of Friday afternoon had determined available points tor ready acquisition of building timber, and, while Engineer J. B. Gregory was soon at work trying to put in shape and opera- tion a horse-power saw-mill until the steam mills should arrive, the whole garrison was broken into details for ditching, chopping, hauling, hew- ing, and such other varied duty as loomed up 108 ADSARAKA. like a vast burden, to be overcome before winter should overtake us, Neither was the undertaking a light one, as the district headquarters would at once become a partial depot, and supplies for a whole 3't;ar had been estimated for, before the command left old Kearney. Subsequent events confirmed the wisdom of this immediate and incessant labor; for when cold weather actually developed its power there were no surplus quarters, and the eventual, con- stant hostilities no less demonstrated the value of the defense and the whole arrangement of the post. Thus, Monday morning was as busy in progress as Sunday had been necessarily occupied in loca- tion and occupation of the site. It was deemed wise also to secure something like shape and a tenable position before the e.x- pected interview with the Indians, so as to give our visitors as good an impression as possible of our purposes and determination to remain. As the diagram and miip furnished illustrate the plan and surroundings of Fort I'hilip Kearney 80 far as completed on the 1st of January, 18C7, no further comment need be made than to say that, with all the prophecies and liabilities that the soldiers would desert for gold leads or dig- gings, it was found that their almost universal CONDUCT OF THE TROOPS. 109 impulse was cheerfully to take hold of every duty and put the work through. The fact that gold color had been found in the creek the very first day, perhaps combined with doubt as to the safety of deserting, only to run the gantlet of hostile tribes, may have stimu- lated labor; but never did a command apply themselves more diligently to real hard work and exacting guard duty, nor did men ever ex- hibit more ready obedience and willing self- sacrifice, in order to carry out the plans requiring their co-operation in execution. To be sure, there was little kicking and cufiing and cursing administered, after the theory of some, that this is the acme of all discipline, and that soldiers are like cattle, to be worked by the whip and the yell; and instances of such dis- cipline were publicly reprimanded and corrected, but no work, however tedious, no exposure, how- ever protracted, no order, however sudden or urgent, failed to find willing and spirited re- sponse. Obedience was unquestioning and im- mediate; justice was equal and certain, and it was well understood that the colonel hated the })opular theory of oaths and blows, while none the less positive in the enforcement of law. Fort Philip Kearney will be a monument of the spirit and skill of companies A, C, H, and E, 2d Bat- talion, 18th U. S. Infantry, now the 27th Regi- ment; and its own soldiers need not fear th-'*" . 10 110 ABSARAKA. any rivals will do more or bettor work, or do it under more adverse eireumstauces than was their mission in the summer and fall of the }"ear of grace 18G6. CHAPTER XII. ARRIVAL OF INDIANS — THE CHEYKNNES IN COUNCIL — BLACK HORSE, THE RABBIT THAT JUMPS, RED SLKEVE, DULL KNIFE, AND OTHERS HAVE MUCH TALK AND "HEAP OF SMOKE." At twelve o'clock, June IGtli, a few Indians appeared on the hills, and after showing a white flag and receiving assurance of welcome, about forty, including the S(|uaws of chiefs and war- riors, approached the camp and bivouacked on the level ground iu front. Meanwhile, hos- pital tents had been arranged for this first inter- view with the inhabitants of Absaraka. A table covered with the national flag was placed across one tent, chairs were placed be- hitid and at the ends for officers of the garrison, while other seats were placed in front for visitors. Trunks were o})ened, epaulettes and dress hats were overhauled, so that whatever a full dress and a little ceremony could ilo by way of reaching the peculiar taste of the Indian for dig- THE CIIEYENNES IN COUNCIL. \\\ nity and finery, was done. The band of tlie lyth played without, as the principal chiefs were brought across the parade-ground to the tents and introduced to their seats by Mr. Adair. The Cheyennes came in full state, with their best varieties of costume, ornament, and arms ; though there was occasionally a departure from even the Indian originality in apparel. One very tall warrior, with richly wrought moccasins and a fancy breech-cloth, had no other covering for his person than a large gay umbrella, .which, as his pony galloped briskly up, had far more of the grotesque and ludicrous in its associations than it had of the warlike and fearful. Some were bare to the waist, others had only the limbs bare. Some wore elaborate necklaces of grizzly bears' claws, shells, and continuous rings, bead-adorned moccasins, leggings, tobacco pouches, medicine bags, and knife scabbards, as well as armlets, earrings, and medals. The larger silver medals included, one each, of the administrations and bore the medallion heads and names of Jefferson, Madison, and Jackson. These medals had evidently belonged to their fathers who had visited- Washington, or had been the trophies of the field or trade. Those who claimed pre-eminence among the land were "Black Horse," "Red Arm," "Little Moon," "Pretty Bear," "The Rabbit that Jumps," " The Wolf that Lies Down," " The 112 ABSARAKA. Man that Stands alone on tlie Ground," and "Dull Knife." As these were tlie Indians who had sent the message of the 14th, or were in their company, the question of their inclination and temper was one of no little interest to all. The formal assurance of the Laramie Peace Commission before its adjournment, that satisfac- tory peace had been made with the Ogillalla and Brule Sioux, and that the Arrapahocs and Chey- ennes had only to come in for their presents, in- spired some hope that possibly the reception of this first band encountered, might result in sub- stantial advantage beyond the mere range of the band itself. As the front of the canvas was open, the ladies gathered in the headquarters tent close by, parted its folds and enjoyed a dress-circle view of the whole performance. As pipes passed and the inevitable ^^how," the rising up, and the shaking of hands were interludes between all solemn de- clarations, as well as the prelude to a new speech, or the approval of something good that had been said, the scene seemed just about as intelligible as a rapidly-acted pantomime would be to a per- fect stranger to the stage. The red-sandstone pipe had its frequent re- plenishing before a single "how" indicated that either visitor wislied to make himself heard. The scene was peculiar. JAMES BRIDGER'S STORIES. 113 In front of them all, and to the left of the table, sitting on a low seat, with elbows on his knees and chin buried in his hands, sat the noted James Bridger, whose forty-four years upon the frontier had made him as keen and suspicious of Indians as any Indian himself could be of an- other. The old man, already somewhat bowed by age, after long residence among the Crows as a friend and favorite chief, and liaving incurred the bitter hatred of the Cheyennes and Sioux alike, knew full well that his scalp (" Big Throat's") would be the proudest trophy they could bear to their solemn feasts; and there he sat, or crouched, as watchful as though old times had come again, and he was once more to mingle in the fight, or renew the ordeal of liis many hair-breadth escapes and spirited adventures. Many stories are told of his past history, and he is charged with many of his own manufacture. He is said to have seen a diamond in the Kocky Mountains, by the Hght of which he traveled thirty miles one stormy night, and to have in- formed some inquisitive travelers that Scott's Blufts, nearly four hundred feet high, now stand where there was a deep valley when he first visited that country. When inquired of as to these statements, he quietly intimated that there was no harm in foohng people who pumped him for information and w^ould not even say " thank yc." Once lie was wealthy, and his silver oper- 10* 114 ABSARAKA. ations in Colorado might have been very hu-ra- tive; but he was the victim of inispL^ced confi- dence, and was always restless when not on the plains. To ns, he was invariably straightforward, truthful, and reliable. His sagacity, knowledge of woodcraft, and knowledge of the Indian was wonderful, and his heart was warm and his feel- ings tender wherever he confided or made a friend. An instance of this will close the sketch of one who will soon pass away, the last of the first pioneers of the Rocky Mountains. He cannot read, but enjoys reading. He was charmed by Shakspeare ; but doubted the Bible story of Samson's tying foxes by the tails, and with firebrands burning the wheat of the Phil- istines. At last he sent for a good copy of Shakspeare's plays, and would hear them read until midnight wdth unfeigned pleasure. The murder of the two princes in the Tower startled him to indignation. He desired it to be read a second and a third time. Upon positive convic- tion that the text was properly read to him, he burned the whole set, convinced that "Shak- speare must have had a bad heart and been as de — h mean as a Sioux, to have, written such scoundrelism as that." But to return to the council. Near Major Bridger stood Jack Stead, the in- terpreter. Born in England, early a runaway sailor boy, afterward a seaman upon the Peacock THE INDIAN ADVOCATE. 115 when it was wrecked near the mouth of Colum- bia River; then traversing the Roeliy Mountains as one of the first messengers to report the Mor- mon preparations to resist the United States, and the renewal of Indian hostilities, the same year; with hair and eyes black as an Indian's, and a face nearly as tawny from hardship and exposure ; a good shot, and skilled in woodcraft; with a Cheyenne wife; fond of big stories and much whisky; but a foir interpreter when mastered and held to duty; and watchful as Bridger him- self to take care of his scalp, — Jack Stead was the first to break the silence and announce that Black Horse wanted to talk. Adjutant Phisterer, called by the Indians " Ro- man, or Crooked Nose," acted as recorder of the council, keeping full notes of the conference; and few were the diaries or letters home that did not embody the history of our first visit from Indians, and repeat some of their expressions of purpose or desire. Neither did the Indian advocate appear to dis- advantage, as the exponent of his rights and wants. Erect and earnest, he cast off" the but- falo robe that had been gathered about his shoulders and in his folded arms, and while it now hung loosely from his girdle, stepped half- way toward the table and began. With fire in his eye, and such spirit in his ges- ture as if he were striking a blow for his life or 116 ABSARAKA. the life of hia nation ; with cadence changeful, now rising in tone, so as to sound far and wide over the ijarrison, and ai^ain sinkinij: so as to seem as if he were communing with his own spirit rather than feeling for a response from the mind of another, the Cheyenne chief stood there to re- present liis people, to question the plans of the white chief, and solemnly advise him of the issue that was forced upon the red man. It was an occasion when all idea of the red man as the mere wild beast to be slaughtered, quickly vanished in a prompt sympathy with his condition, and no less inspired an earnest purpose, so far as possible, to harmonize the intrusion upon his grand hunt- ing domain with his best possible well-being in the future. Other chiefs folowed "Black Horse," in ha- rangues of varied length and vigor; and all agreed that they preferred to accept protection and be- come the friends of the whites. The}- came to represent one hundred and seventy-six lodges, and had been hunting on Goose Creek and Tongue liiver, when they met Red Cloud ; but said that one hundred and twenty-live of their young men were absent with "Bob Tail," having gone to the Arkansas on the war-[)ath and hunt. They had quarreled with another band of Chcyennes, who lived near the Black Hills east of PowjJer liiver; and said there was a third band south of the Republican hostile to the whites. Two of THE INDIA XS HAVE MUCH TALK. 117 the chiefs had with them Camanche wives whom they had married in excursions to the south. They gave the history of a portion of our march, and stated correctly, what Red Cloud had assured them, that half of the white soldiers were left back at Crazy Woman's Fork. They said that Red Cloud told them, the morning before the messenger was sent to the camp, that white sol- diers from Laramie would be at Piney Fork be- fore the sun was overhead in the heavens ; that the white chief sent soldiers from Reno after In- dians who stole horses and mules; but the white soldiers did not get them back. They also stated that the Sioux were having a sun-dance, insisting that the Cheyennes must make common cause with them and drive the white man back to Powder River ; that some of Red Cloud's men had already gone back to inter- rupt travel on the road ; that they had left their squaws in the village with thirty of their old men, and were afraid the Sioux would rob them in their absence if they should stay too long in the white man's camp ; but that if they could have provisions, they would make a strong peace, and let a hundred of their young men, whose re- turn would be in two days, go with the white sol- diers against the Sioux. Before the council broke np. Brevet Major Ilaymond arrived with his four companies and 118 ABSARAKA. went into camp iiortliwcst of tho fort near the river crossing. The Indians became very restless as the after- noon progressed, and at last bade good by; re- ceiving papers indicative of their good behavior, and entering into an ascreement to leave the line of road and go npon or sonth of the n[)i)er plateau of the Big Horn Mountains. They afterward visited Fort Caspar, behaving well, and no doubt observed their obligations as best they could. The presents given consisted of some second- hand clothing of the officers, twenty pounds of tobacco, a dinner of army rations, and enough flour, bacon, sugar and coft'ee to give them a meal in their village and convince the absent of their kind treatment. They left with apparently cor- dial good feeling, and the understanding that they were not to approach emigrant trains even to beg; but might go to Laramie, or other mili- tary posts when hungry, as long as they remained the friends of the whites. There is no evidence that any of these chiefs have violated their pledges. SAD REPORTS. 119 CHAPTER XIII. MASSACRE OF LOUIS GAZZONS' PARTY — INDIAN RAID AND GRKAT LOSS OF MULES — THE CIIEYENNES AGAIN — FORTY HOSTILE DEMONSTRATIONS OF THE " PEACP^ABLB TRIBES" — THE LARAMIE TREATY INCIDENTALLY TESTED — MASSACRE OF LIEUTENANT DANIELS — A FIGHTING PARSON. At five o'clock a.m., July 17th, the herds of Brevet Major ITaymond were surprised, the In- dians crawUng within the picket, and with great sagacity starting Wagonmaster Hill's bell mare first, so as to secure all in company. Major Hay- mond, with one orderlj^, started in pursuit, as we afterward learned, although no information was given at the post until two hours after. He left orders, we heard, for the mounted men to sad- dle and follow. The party thus pursuing in haste was ultimately surrounded by several hundred Indians, and when a messenger was sent in with rc[)ort of the condition of aftairs, two companies of infantry and fifty mounted men, with ammu- nition, rations, wagons, and ambulances, were at once started to the relief. But very soon sad reports came from Peno vahey, only a few miles over Lodge Trail Ridge. The casualties of the command had been two men killed and three wounded; and, more pain- 120 ABSARAKA. fill tlian all, was the report of the massacre on the road of Louin Gazzons and most of his party. Brevet Major Ilaymond, finding the Indians so numerous and the ground impracticable for the use of his men, while the Indians were not only perfectly at home, but speciall^^ watchful of strag- glers and fully versed in that style of warfare, fell back toward the post. Ou the retreat he came up with the wagons of French Pete, which had already started for camp. About the plun- dered wagons lay the mutilated remains of his party, with the exception that his wife, a Sioux woman, with her five children, had been able to hide in the brush until the arrival of the troops furnished an escort to headquarters. 8ix men lay dead and mulilated upon the road. Such was the first lesson to the expedition of the kind of peace to be expected for the future. Henry Arrison, of St Louis, partner of Gazzons, was among the number. The cattle, wagons, and goods that the Indians had not broken open, for want of time, were brought to the post and taken charge of by Mr. John W. Ilugus, administra- tor, on behalf of the widow, creditors, and friends of the deceased. The Sioux wife of (Jlazzons said that the Chey- ennes had traded largely anIock-houses are at two diagonal corners, and massive gates of i»!ank with small wickets, all having substantial locks, are on three fronts, and on the fourth or southern FORT PHILIP KEARNEY. \m r 1,^\ Si ^2 ^ ID in Id fc; -H H- □ ID □l<] □ D a I 1 I 1 I II 1 .; ■SmiiH/no ANarty were with those who had killed Oberly and Wasscr. This rumor spread through the garrison. Added to the fact that many officers and citizens had doubts whether some of the band of "Black Horse" were not among our active enemies, this devel- oped a spirit of vengeance that soon made itself demonstrative. It seemed too bad, when no man could go out of the stockade unarmed, and any negligence insured the most horrible death and torture, that any red man should be sheltered and fed by the garrison, its commander, or Colonel Carriugton, the district commander. About 9 o'clock Chaplain White called and said that the men talked about killing the Chey- ennes; and soon after a soldier opened the door and said that "the men were killing the Indians." The colonel started at once, with revolver in hand, and three reports, soon after heard, showed that some issue had been made. As a matter of fact, nearly ninety men had quietly armed, and in the darkness of the night formed themselves oppo- site the Indians, cocked their pieces, all ready to fire, when a guard arrived and they w-ere ordered back to post. Anxious not to be recognized when the guard arrived and tliey w^ere ordered back, they disobeyed Captain Ten Eyck and rushed for the east gate ; but the colonel's shots, CROQUET INTRODUCED INTO ABSARAKA. 163 after hesitation to obey his order to halt, stopped the party. So far as the light could determine, they were found to be some of the best men of the garrison. They quickly realized the disgrace that would have fallen upon the post and regiment had they perpetrated the massacre, and for many reasons were restored to their barracks with only admo- nition and caution as to future conduct. In fact, the next day these same Indians had a conference, and in the judgment of everybody vindicated their good faith, by such information of their own movements and those of the Sioux, as fully comported with advices from other sources. Old " White Head" also came, with a few braves, and had a talk with some of the oflScers ; but the band, after the risk of the night before, and having been instructed to keep off the road (as soldiers could no longer discriminate when they met Indians on the road, or about the work- ing parties), left us and returned no more. Other days were as full of changing adven- tures as this. Few were without their share of less painful incidents. A game of croquet was planned, and while the ladies could neither ride nor walk beyond the gates, some amusement was attempted between Indian alarms; the even- ing found its recreation in the authors' game, a quiet quadrille, good music, conversation, and 164 ABSARAKA. other varieties, besides the needle and cook- book. It may be added, before this last reference to the Cheyennes, that when they were passed by the Sioux whom Captain Brown chased from Pilot Hill, the Sioux contemptuously struck them and cried "Coo!" as they did in July, when unable to induce the same party to en- gage in war against the whites and the occu- pation of the road. CHAPTER XIX. NJGHT SCKNES — CELESTIAL AND TERRESTRIAL VISITORS — AURORA — LIJXAR RAINBOW — METEORITES — INDIANS ALL IN THEIR WAR-PAINT. The nights in Absaraka were peculiarly beau- tiful when cloudless. The rarity of the atmos- phere gave full play to the star-beams, and it seemed as if there were twice as many as in any firmament elsewhere. Their first appearance was often mistaken for Indian signal tires, as they rose above the horizon, like the sun or moon, having orbs as marked and light as brilliant as when they attained the zenith. In the glory of the full moon the snow-clad mountains shone as silver ; while the deep roar NIGHT SCENES. 165 of the cascades of Big Piuey Fork was hardly less grateful to the wakeful soul than its lullaby was soothing to the weary. From sunset until morning, this melody in- creased in power, as if making most of its time when man was not too busy to notice or enjoy, or as if seeking to comfort and quiet him after his day of toil. Each mid-day's thaw upon the mount- ains in summer would reach the great gates of exit just at that grateful hour when the undis- turbed slumber is sweetest and soundest, and all natural harmonies intensify the blessing of morn- ing sleep. Now and then the aurora borealis put forth its pyrotechnic energies in a profuse variety of merry dances, vaulting streamers, and gorgeous coronas; and then, again, the lunar rainbow, with its strangely unreal tints and novelties, would banish sleep and bring us all to a patient attention to its claims, and thorough admiration of its wonderful characteristics. August and JSTovember contributed their aero- lites and proper share of meteors, and the blazing sky-path of these eccentric visitors shone fresh and clear after the celestial traveler had exploded itself, or had been otherwise disposed of under the laws of its being or the programme of the meteorologist and astronomer. Other nights were such as ^neas knew when the gods were angry, or Odin permitted when the storm-king 1G6 ABSARAKA. wa8 riding in state or in vengeance. Then^ every mountain gorge had its own blast, and every gulch, ravine, and valley had its fitful and unruly current. Tent-flies took the proportions and direction of inflated balloons, and the snapping and flapping was suggestive of sky for the roof- ins: and all out-doors for the inclosure of the habitation we dwelt in. Such winds do justice to the theory and mis- sion of winds. They blow as winds can only blow when in real earnest: and it is inflexibly certain that the classical ^olus of early times who used to cave and lock up the winds he was familiar with, never gained jurisdiction over the winds of Absaraka ; or the whole history of his career and successes is simply a myth, or poetic lioiion of by-gone days. In early school hours, when Madame M s thought Latin was a Bjiccial accomplishment as a basis of good Eng- lish, we received the history and adventures of ^olus with as much faith as anybody did, and if compelled, at last, to question any alleged cir- cumstances connected witJa his career, it is a matter of reluctant conviction, and not of captious skepticism as to the history of the past. Other night scenes than those portrayed by Nature were frequently contributed by the native inhabitants of the land. While the garrison were in tents few ladies slept soundly ; and oflicers and men alike threw FALSE ALARMS. 167 themselves down for repose as if expecting each moment a summons to duty. Beyond the general guard lines, the pickets were thrown out in several directions to watch for the approach of Indians ; and as each relief went out it changed its station, so that enemies who knew the former position of the detail could not know its place two hours afterward. Scarcely had the post been located, when these night visitations became fre- quent. On one occasion brisk firing was heard on all sides, and the entire garrison was under arms, while Lieutenant Adair's whole company was sent out to support the pickets and ward off attack. IS^umerous fancies often blended with the real facts, and false alarms alternated with the genu- ine. Thus, wonderful reports would come in of the flight of arrows that innocently whizzed past the men on duty; and yet the closest scrutiny by lantern or morning light would fail to discover the projectiles themselves. Sometimes a mule, straying from corral or parting his halter, became the victim of that constant vigilance which was the price of our lives and liberty; or sneaking wolves would be mistaken for sneaking Indians, whose habit of borrowing wolf-skins and wolf- cries to deceive us compelled instant attention to whatever had show of life. At other times crawling Indians would actually draw near enough to attempt a shot at the tents or sentries; 168 ABSARAKA. and at all times, dawn of day was the only sure indication that an enemy was not close at hand. One sign, however, became a fair one. When wolves were loudest and nearest, the Indians seldom were near; and the old trappers claimed to distinguish between the genuine wolf-howl and the Indian imitation by the fact that the former produced no echo. Either the natural or the imitated was ugly enough, and sufficiently abundant for that style of music. With completion of the stockade the guard was reduced, and some sense of security pre- vailed. Until then, it is certain that any con- siderable body of Indians, with a proper leader, could have dashed through the camp and per- formed substantial mischief. But while the stockade kept Indians out, it did not keep them away. Still they ventured their shots at the sentries, fired arrows into the beef cattle close outside, and tried all possible measures to de- coy and capture any who were imprudent and careless. About nine o'clock one evening, a volley near the front gate aroused the garrison. Close to the stockade, and just at the foot of the natural slope which sarrounds it, a small corral of wagons belonging to the sutler inclosed a group of teamsters engaged at cards. The first indica- tion of the presence of Indians was a volley fired under" the wagon beds, which wounded three, A SKIRMISH. 169 and one of them fatally. A detail from the guard was soon on the spot, and the low ground was scouted as far as the creek; but the night being dark, no Indians were found. Another evening, just after taps, an alarm was given bj the sutler that his stock, which had been left on herd half a mile south of the fort, on the Little Pinej, was attacked; and besides his own men. Captain Brown, with forty infantry, moved out as skirmishers from that face of the fort toward the creek. Almost immediately a bright fire sprang up on the spur of Sullivant Hills, nearest the post on the west, around which the figures of Indians could be distinctly seen moving. The picket at the hay-ricks east of the fort, on Little Piney, fired two shots at horsemen on the creek, and there were other indications that several hostile parties were prey- ing about us. The night was very dark, and ob- jects could be seen but a short distance. The bright fire, made up of pine flambeaus or torches, alone furnished any show of a fair target, and received complimentary attention. A careful range was given to the field how- itzer, loaded with a twelve-pound spherical case shot, and three twelve-pound mountain howitzers were also loaded and trained in three other di- rections, where there was any probability of stirring up the skulkers. All were discharged at one word, and the first shell exploded directly 15 no ABSARAKA. over the fire, scattering its bullets and the In- dians as Avell, while the fire was instantly ex- tinguished and the night passed without further interruption. The stock were brought in safol}"^, with the report that the Indians abandoned their game as soon as the party on the hills was scat- tered. It evidently was a novel surprise, that at night, and at the distance of several hundred yards, the white soldiers could reach them with such plentiful volleys as a case shot distributes. The duties of the officer of the day at night were always exacting and full of incident; and indeed, while every day brought its probabilities of some Indian adventures near the fort or at the Pinery, every night had its special dangers, which unanticipated might involve great loss, if not the sacrifice of the post, its garrison, and stores. Repeated attempts were made to approach the large hay-ricks for the purpose of setting them on fire ; and while as a general rule large parties only appeared at the full of the moon, the forays of stealing and scalping bands were constantly harassing and probable. Such demonstrations were seldom early in the evening. Just at daybreak, when sleep is soundest, and the faintest glimmer of light dis- closes unprotected stock or exposed positions, was the favorite hour with the sharp red man. Two days after Captain Fetterman arrived, CATTLE DRIVEN OFF. \*l\ impressed with tlie opinion, to which he had often given language, that " a company of regu- lars could whip a thousand, and a regiment could whip the whole array of hostile tribes," he was permitted to make the experiment of lying in the Cottonwood thickets of Big Piney from two o'clock until ten o'clock in the morning, using hobbled mules for live bait to decoy the abo- rigines. A beautiful Sunday morning dawned, and no Indians were seen; and so close was the covert that the glass did not reveal the secreted party. About nine o'clock Mrs. Wheatley rode in front of the fort with Mr. Reid, passing it nearly a half mile, where her husband's cattle were feed- ing, and at least a mile from the expected skir- mish. The team soon came back upon the run, some Indians having dashed forth, driven off the cattle, and not capturing the wagon and pas- sengers because of a presented rifle, or the as- surance that the stock was theirs at all events, while a moment's delay would expose them to quick pursuit from the fort. The Indians may or may not have known the plan for their sur- prise ; but their sagacity and suspicion, their keen sight, and knowledge of woodcraft are seldom at loss; and while they were often foiled and disappointed, or repulsed with loss, they were always innocent of being surprised, and shrewdly made their own advances so covered 172 ABSARAKA. that they were near the desired object before their presence was known. So it was that nights in Absaraka, so cool and suggestive of sweetest sleep, were associated with wakefulness and danger; and at least one officer, whose responsibilities were as large as any, slept for weeks in succession without re- moval of garments, and nightly made his rounds to secure personal knowledge of the deportment of the guard and the condition of the post. Habit, however, soon accustomed those who were not immediately on duty to trust the vigi- lance of the guard, and to sleep by snatches that grateful sleep which elsewhere never could be beat. DOMESTIC LIFE. l-jg CHAPTER XX. DOMESTIC, SOCIAL, AKD RELIGIOUS LIFE, WITH THE EPISODES THEREIN OCCURKINO. Woman had a choice field in Absaraka for the exercise of many industrial pursuits, and fortu- nate were those who in earlier days had been advised that other rooms than the parlor have their uses, and other fingering than that of the piano must be employed in roasting and boiling, in frying and broiling, in baking and stewing. It was found that yeast was to be made before the bread could be extra, that the hands were to be servants when no other servants could be had; and it was discovered by some that the dish-cloth and wash-cloth, the broom and the duster were susceptible of as graceful manipula- tion as prinking irons, or the strings of lute and guitar. In fact, every morning brought its round of ante-breakfast labor, with that restor- ing process by which dishes once used are brought back to proper condition for future uses. Female servants were scarce, independ- ent, and disputant. The few taken with families had learned that their market value for washing 15* 174 ABSARAKA. was above everything reasonable in a household, and that a fortune was soon to be realized by selling villainous pics to soldiers at half a dollar or more for a pie. Ladies found themselves oblisrcd to turn mil- liners and dressmakers; and we know experi- mentally that our experience in fabricating boys' clothes alone was worth a good apprenticeship, if it should ever become necessary to rush to a trade for support. Frank Leslie's and Madame Demerest^s mag- azine became each a desideratum, and linsey- woolsey, delaines, and calico nowhere else under- went such endowment with fashionable shapes as in Absaraka. Darning and stitching, hem- ming and hemstitching, cutting and basting were as inevitable as the need of clothes to wear. The triplet ot "I never could, I never would, and I never will," became almost obsolete; and in their place was these other impulses, " I wouldn't, but I must and I will," or " I could, I can, and I do!'^ Unhappy were any who de- spised to begin, and, in the penalty of charcoal beefsteak, hot water soups, and dyspeptic bis- cuit, were driven to despair or disgust. 13ut any life on the plains is a good school, and its practical suggestions take all the starch and false pride as to work completely out of the unfortunate human creature who expects the spoon to be carried to the mouth by attendants, DOMESTIC LIFE. I75 and a metropolitan table to be spread by the hands of a striker. Primitive ways are to be learned; but the tent becomes neat and genteel, and the taste of its arrangement and adornment gives capital hints to the mind of the beauty of patience, and es- pecially confirms the sacred maxim, that content with godliness is great gain. The snapping of a tent-pole at midnight under three feet of snow; the blaze of the canvas, as the ambitious fire commissions the red-hot pipe to unroof your earthly tabernacle, at no small risk to bedding and trunks; the pretty little drifts that gracefully slip through the closely drawn entrance and sprinkle your bed, your furniture, and your wardrobe, all afibrd change and excitement, and not unseldom bring oc- casion to begin housekeeping anew. The frozen- up kettles, pots, and buckets demand recogni- tion; while the milk, the cream, and the butter are incentives to new branches of industry and skill. So when houses are used, one house will differ from another house in glory. The adobe, with its unplastered surface, and the dropping of dirt from the earth-covered roof, is one variety ; and the log-cabin is another variety; either of which involves much ingenuity, not to say genius, as the mind struggles to give them neatness and comfort. Yet either of these soon becomes 176 ABSARAKA. home; and its protection from summer's heat and winter's cold is often more grateful and com- plete than more pretending edifices of wood or brick. It is indeed not always easy to adapt a carpet to dirt floors, or the changing sizes of army haljitations ; nor is it pleasant to break up and begin housekeeping several times a year. Always there is sometliing you cannot carry w-ith you, something which must be sold or given awa}'. Always some favorite chair is broken and crockery mysteriously disappears, requiring new outlay at prices beyond reason, and trying the patience and temper by sound and certain tests. Custom familiarizes the different styles, shapes, and colors of plates and dishes, as they are re- plenished at different times and places ; but while the tin-cup and plate are splendid on the march, they do not come up to the ideal of comeliness and elegance in preparation for a re- ception or dinner-party given to strangers. When, after a successful trip of six hundred miles, our two cows were driven away one Sun- day afternoon by some very mean Indians, there ensued another of those episodes which distract the mind and mar all plans as to butter and cream for cake and for coffee. The wolves took our nice turkey hen just as she was ready to give us a brood of little turkeys; while half of our young chickens in that br^icing climate gaped themselves to death. Yet, v^\{\\ all these sacri- DOMESTIC LIFE. I'T'J fices and losses from repeated change, there were real eosey thues in tents, houses, or in cabins. The good nature and good sense of Uncle Samuel had furnished canned provisions, greatly to our personal comfort and pecuniary conveni- ence ; but fresh vegetables were most precious and rare. A few potatoes from Bozemau City, sent with the regards of Brevet Lieutenant-Colo- nel Kinney, were a great treat; and Major Alm- stedt, paymaster, was good enough to spare a half cabbage and eleven onions, through one of his trips, to astonish the palate, and minister to a craving for something novel from the United States. Ingenuity was tasked to invent new cookery for cove oysters and other savory pre- served edibles; and wild plums, gooseberries, currants, grapes, and cherries furnished a pre- serve basis quite palatable and natural. Wild meats would have been abundant ; but the stringent Indian game laws of that country treated all hunting by the white man as poach- ing, and the preserves were skillfully guarded, to cut off so far as possible every impulse to tres- pass. Evenings had their readings, their games, and quiet quadrilles. Music was a never-failing re- lief for body and mind ; and the interchange of patterns, books, and receipts kept up material for new industry and n-!W themes for deliberation or chit-chat: Sickness, though rare, brought . its 178 ABSARAKA. sympathies, and its little interchange of good things and dclicac-ies ; and with the occasional pressure of unsatistied longings there was devel- oped a peculiarly apt illustration of the idea that people really don't want much of anything, and the IScripture was confirmed that "a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of what a man possesseth." Change and frequent parting brought those peculiar separations that nowhere else are so tender as in army life on the frontier. Captain Raymond, Lieutenants Phisterer and D'Isay left us for recruiting service only two weeks after we reached our destination; and subsequently, Lieutenant Adair and Lieutenant Bisbee, wife and child. Others came, and quite a coterie shared in the round of evening sociables, which relieved the tension of continual excitement, and brought into being some features similar in kind to those of by-gone times at home. Nor was the Sabbath neglected. Each new building, that was available in turn, became our sanctuary, as there was not time to build exclu- sively for chapel purposes. The sutler's store, the commissary building, company headquarters, and the band pavilion of evergreens successively shared the honor. The string band accompanied the voices, and, far away from the church-going bell and the heaven-directing spires, the praise of God was sung and Divine help implored. Few SOCIAL LIFE. 179 are the sanctuaries in civilized states where the ^^ 3Iafjnificat," ^'■Gloria in Excelsis," '■'■There is a liyht in the windoio.," ''■Old Hundred,'' and '■'■Corona- tion'' were supported by a better orchestra or sung with more spirit. The o-arrison itself had its own occasional social gatherings ; and such was the general sobriet}", the patient obedience and thorough ab- sorption of the men in the plana of their com- mander, that drunkenness was rare and profanity less than usual. The stringent orders against verbal or personal abuse, the public reprimand administered on one occasion, and the governing principle that while obedience must be cheerful and immediate, the rights of the soldier as a man must be regarded, inspired the men with coulidence and new ambition to fultill their full measure of duty. 180 ABSARAICA. CHAPTER XXI. INDIAN ■WARFARE — THINGS A WOMAN CAN LEARN WUKN SHE HAS SEEN TIIEM TRIED. "When even a woman shares the contingencies of entering a new country with troops, she must learn something besides the lessons of house- wifery, endurance, and patience. When daj^s, weeks, and months pass with con- stantly recurring opportunities of seeing Indians in small and in large parties dashing at pickets, driving in wood parties, harassing water details, and, with dancing and j-elling, challenging the garrison to pursuit; when, now and then, one, two, or more casualties mark the issues of a da}', and these culminate, until at last five wagon- loads of bodies give evidence of the cunning barbarity and numbers of the foe ; when night alarms are common, and three men are shot within thirty yards of the gates; when the stock- ade becomes a prison-wall, and over its trunks are seen only the signs of precaution or active warfare; when the men are never idle, but all are daily engrossed in essential labor, with no signs of reinforcement or aid ; when the usual thanklt'ss task otOjicning a now country with its A WOMAN'S CONCLUSIONS 181 uncertainties and enmities, with resources ab- surdly deficient, meets onlj^ obloquy and abuse for the principal actors, she acquires somehoio, whether by instinct or observation, it matters not which, an idea that Indians will fight, and some- times do become quite wicked and dangerous. 8urely, their ways are not as our ways, and their ponies are not like our horses. Their commis- sariat and their forage are not in trains or on pack mules; their campaigns are not extensively advertised in advance, nor do they move by regu- lar stages or established routes. Yes, even a woman, after several hundred miles of journey alternately in the ambulance or side saddle, sometimes in corral expecting its aid for safety, and again in the winding defile, where the very place excites the keenest scrutiny and is suggestive of noble red men with the no- bility ignored, will see some peculiarities of In- dian warfare when Indians are really venomous, and will draw conclusions for friends to consider, even if they only elicit a smile at her timidity, simplicity, or weakness. James, the novelist, never compelled his soli- tary horseman to fight a Sioux, and, had the Knight of the Leopard, at the Diamond of the Desert, met more than one quiver of the darts of the Saracen, his adventures might have ended while his career was scarcely begun. Not unlike the Arab is the Indian of the Northwest. Iso- 16 182. ABSARAKA. lated, yetin communication tlirough the little mir- rors which flash the Bunlight and }»as8 hi.s KignaU lor miles; 8ei)aratc(l, yet hy the lance, pennon, iiiid flags combined, when oppoilnnity is invit- ing; dashing directly torward at a rnn, with the person crouched on the [)ony's neck, and wheel- ing only to throw himself out of sight and i»ass his arrows and bullets under the animal's neck before he returns for a fresh venture; fleeing everywhere, apparently at random, so that his pursuer must take choice of object of quest only to And his hot pursuit fruitless, with gathered uunibers in his line of retreat; shooting up and down red buttes, where the horse of the white man breaks down at once; running on foot, with the trotting pony just behind him seeking a rest from the burden of his master; imitating the cry of the wolf and the hoot of the owl, when it will hide his night visit, — these Indians are every- where, where you suppose they are not; and are certain to be nowhere, where you suppose them to be, sure. In ambush and decoy, splendid; in horseman- ship, 7>n/cd; in strategy, canning; in battle, /o lond of their choice hunting-grounds INDIAN WARFARE. 183 to yield willing possession to tlie stranger, — they wait and watch, and watch and wait, to gather the scal[)s of the nnwary and ignorant, and hear oft' their trophies to new feasts, new orgies, and new endeavor. So relnctant are they to attack a foe under cover, that during the year 18G6 — once hefore stated — not a train was lost or seriously emhar- rassed when in corral ; nor was any considerahle party assailed when it sought judicious and sub- stantial defense. Yet, daring and watchful, none better estimate the foe they contend with. When white men have delivered their fire, and the iiflcam of the ramrod has shown that the sino;le- shooting arm was in use, then follows the wild dash, with revolvers and arrows, so quick and BO spirited that their loss is as nothing, and swift i)onies take them safely away for renewal of attack. Circling and intermingling to con- fuse all aim, affecting retreat seemingly to break up their array, and by some ravine, gulch, canon, or thicket to appear on fresh and better vantage- ground, they approximate ubiquity, and fill the terse discription of the veteran Bridger, "Where there ain't no Injuns, you'll find 'em thickest." Good judges of numbers, and quick to esti- mate the strength and designs of an enemy; keen to maintain their scouts and secure due notice of reinforcements; rarely, though some- times, fighting in masses, but then with such in- 184 ABSARAKA. volved and concerted disorder as to insure their purpose, when the phm is to overwhehn alive and capture for the torture, — this same Indian must find in his final master a better-armed and well-disciplined foe, who has studied his country and Ills nature, and this before his peace-offerings will be abiding and honest, or his hunting-grounds shall become the peaceful path of the traveler. AYith all this, these same Indians have read the book of fate, and in the establishment of mutu- ally supporting and well-garrisoned strongholds they will be foiled as to protracted interruption of emigration and travel. When this end is reached, and the great route through Absaraka is occupied and guarded, the game will flee the range of the white man's rifle, and the desperate Indian must abandon his home, fight himself to death, or yield to the white man's mercy. Fired by the progress of the settler and the soldier; seeing as never before the last retreat of the bufflilo, the elk, and the deer invaded by a permanent intruder; looking at his rights as violated, and the promises of many agents as mifulfilled; taught by nature, if not by the white man, that he is the lawful tenant of the waste he roams over until he has bartered his right away, — he has some reason to exclaim, as Ked Cloud assured Black Horse, when the lat- ter, in July, 1866, said, " Let us take the white man's hand and what he gives us, rather than INDIAN WARFARE. 185 fight him longer and lose all," — the answer was: "White man lies and steals. My lodges were many, but now they are few. The white man wants all. The white man must fight, and the Indian will die where his ftithers died." Growing conscious of the white man's power, knowing how vain is an open field struggle, they avoid such determining issues, and waylay in detail, gradually enlarging their sphere of ac- tion, and thereby gathering in the young men and disaffected of other bands, until common cause may be had of all whose wrongs or temper inspire them to keep the war-path longer. The frequent change of dwelling-place in a great area of hunting-ground gives them pe- culiar aptitude for this warfare and peculiar im- munity from punishment. A single pony will bear and drag the lodge poles of a tepah, and the squaws will not only relieve the warriors of all menial details, but with the old men and boys are no despicable protectors of a village when the fighting men are in pursuit of game or scalps. Thus Indian fighting is no parade of cere- mony specifically described in regulations, nor an issue between fair and generous opponents. It is at all times destruction for the white man to fail, and his exposures, his perils, and even his successes, so much less heralded and esti- mated than in more artificial war with those of 16* 180 ABSARAKA. his own race, only bring bim the personal con- sciousness of duty done to balance wasting 3'ears, loss of social life, and a bare support. With all this, and the sometimes recurring feeling of bit- terness prompting the desire to exterminate his foe and thereby visit upon him some of tbe horrid scenes he has passed through, there comes the inevitable sentiment of pity, and even of sj-mpathy with the bold warrior in his great struggle ; and in a dash over the plains, or breathing the pure air of the mountains, the sense of freedom and independence brings such contrast with the machinery and formalities of much that is called civilized life, that it seems but natural that the red man in his pride and strength should bear aloft the spear-point, and with new resolve fight the way through to his final home in the Spirit land. THE INDIAN BOW AND ARROW. 187 CHAPTER XXII. INDIAN ARMS, HABITS, AND CUSTOMS — THE ARROW BEATS THE REVOLVER. Popular opinion has regarded the Indian bow and arrow as something primitive and well enough for the pursuit of game, but quite use- less in a contest with the white man. This idea would be excellent if the Indian warriors would calmly march up in line of battle and risk their masses so armed against others armed with the rifle. But the Indian comes as the hornet comes, in clouds or singly, yet never trying to sting until his ascendency is assured and his own exposure is slight. At iifty yards a well-shapen, iron-pointed ar- row is dangerous and very sure. A handful drawn from the quiver and discharged succes- sively will make a more rapid fire than that of the revolver, and at very short range will farther penetrate a piece of plank or timber than the ball of an ordinary Colt's navy pistol. The arrow-head varies in length and shape, and the shaft itself slightly changes, according to the tastes of diiierent bands or tribes ; and yet so constantly are arrows exchanged in gambling or 188 ABSARAKA. barter that the character of the arrow used does not invariably determine the tribe engaged. Such were many of tlie arrows taken from the bodies of Captains Fetterman, Brown, Lieuten- ant Grummond, and others, after the massacre of December, 18G0. All the peculiarities there found have been seen in the quivers of the Ivittckehas, Chowees, Petropowetaws, and other Pawnees, all of whom are friendly, and some of whom are now, as in the winter of 1865-G, in the employ of the United States. The head is often barbed, but not generally, and is from two to three and a half inches in length, made of iron, and ground to a double edge. The shaft, which is about twenty-five inches in length, is winged by three feathers of the eagle, sage-hen, or wild-goose, and from the sinew wrapping of the head to that which binds the feathers is deeply marked by three grooves or blood-seams, 80 that when the flesh of man or beast closes about the shaft, these seams act as conduits and gradually bleed the victim to death. These grooves are with some Indians straight, and with others are zigzag or winding from midway down to the feathers. The bows of Ogillalla and Brule Sioux, Arra- pahoes, Cheyennes, and most of the Indians east of the Rocky Mountains, are from thirt^'-two to forty inches long, of great elasticity and ten- sion, so that they easily drive an arrow through INDIAN ARMS. 189 a two-inch plank, and even through a man or biifliilo. The hatchet is generally that which is fur- nished by Indian agents or traders, often having the head and handle hollow and connected for use as a pipe ; and, when possible, the handle itself is profusely studded with brass nails such as once distinguished parlor sofas and chairs. Rifles, both English and American, abound. The "Hawkins" is a favorite, carrying what is called the "trade ball," and requiring a patch; but many of the old guides, trappers, and half- breeds still cling to their use as in the days of Pathfinder and other heroes of Cooper. The quiver and bow-case are made of deer- skin, bearskin, otter and other hides, or furs; and the armament of Ilawkeye, which now hangs before the writer, is elaborate with tassels and pendants from well-dressed beaver. The shield is worn by many of the leading braves, and is formed of several thicknesses of hide fastened through and through about the edge with sinew, and studded with brass nails, or ornamented with silver and other bright metal. The spear varies from five and a half to seven feet in length, having a head nearly eighteen inches long, with a small pennon; and the heel of the shaft is balanced with eagle feathers, while others are caught along the shaft, giving steadi- \ 100 ABSARAKA. ness to the flight, and suithig the diversified tastes of the owner. The riglit and left liair of the warrior or l)rave is hroiight before the ear, braided or twisted, and wrapped with strings or ribbons, and falling upon the breast; while a third braid, falling behind and below the scalp-lock or tuft, often is covered with a succession of silver medallions hammered from coin, gradually diminishing in size from four inches to one inch as the series approaches the ground. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and armlets are of brass, beads, bears' claws, or silver, but more generally of beautiful combinations of shells from the Pacific, seventy-five of which have been the price of a pony, and show the close relations of trade maintained between the tribes of the opposite slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Moccasins, leggings, breech-cloth, and a bufialo robe belted about the waist, leaving the breast bare, ia the sole dress of the majority. Others have jackets more or less fancifully decorated with small bullet buttons, and every article of dress that an American soldier uses is at once assumed when its possession is acquired. Trow- sers are, however, cut oft" at the liip, as their own style of protection is habitually preferred. Gifts of clothing are quickly put on ; and a jircsent of gentlemen's underclothes once given to a Pawnee was so quickly substituted for his original gar- INDIAN HABITS AND CUSTOMS. 191 ments as barely to allow escape from the room during the process. The women vary little in costume except in a wrapping something like a petticoat or skirt, but wear less paint. The hair-parting is, however, invariably painted vermilion when visiting or in full dress, and cheeks, chin, and arms have their share of brilliant tints. "Warriors, squaws, and children alike use the bow and arrow, but the women are peculiarly apt with knife and hatchet. The youngsters have a javelin exercise which is admirably fitted to prepare them for their future life. A small hoop is held by the thumb and forefinger of the right hand, while within the hand is the spear. The hoop is thrown forward on the ground, and the javelin is sent after and through the ring with great dexterity and success. This, with the cast of the hatchet and play of the knife, takes the place of the white boy's base- ball or marbles; and the blunt-headed arrow brings down birds and small game that would be spoiled by the keener shaft. The revolver is becoming quite common, and is used with more dexterity and skill than is the rifle. The following instance will illustrate a remarkable failure in rifie firing. Soon after Captain Fetterman arrived, he rode to the Pinery with Lieutenant Bisbee, Captain Ten Eyck, and one or two other oflicers who had just arrived, to see the locality. They descended to Pine Island 102 ABSARAKA. just after the last timT)er-wagon had come oui on the road, and in advance of their escort. They were received by a volley of from tifteen to twenty rifle shots, wliich were fired from a rest upon a fallen tree, at a distance of only fifty paces, as actually measured, without injury to anybody. A second volley equally failed to touch a man. A little bugle-boy brought word to the garrison that all were killed, for he saw the In- dians as they tired and the officers as they disap- peared. They were compelled to skirmish down the island before they could extricate themselves from the dilemma. A supporting party went out, but met them returning, and thus relieved the anxiety of the garrison. The Indians not only use mirrors and flags for signal purposes, but many carry with them good field and spy -glasses, some of English styles, pro- cured from Canada, and others are supplied by traders on the frontier. The domestic life of the Indian, with the bar- barity of the sun-dance and the filth of his home, have been often described ; but the plenitude of furs in the land of Absaraka have furnished pe- culiar facilities for adornment and somewhat bet- ter wardrobes than are usual nearer the Lower Missouri and IVIississippi waters. Their tepah (tepee, or lodge) is the model from which the Sibley tent was derived, and will accommodate several families; but nothing else on the face of DOMESTIC LIFE OF THE INDIAN. 103 the earth will furnish a more curious medley of contents than does a tepah where two or three families, of all ages and sizes, with all their worldly goods and hopes are huddled, piled, and crammed about its fire, and where the fitful wind and lazy squaws are combined in the effort to smoke buffalo tongues, strips of meat, and li)jim all together. The picture is complete, by way of contrast, if a kettle of boiling water over the fire has received a fat dog just after his throat felt the knife, and a white officer, on a pile of furs, is doing his best to show how gracefullj^ he can endure the honors and dinner specially designed for his presence. All this, too, while other offi- cers and ladies are cheerfully waiting outside in the glad consciousness of escape from the hospi- tality of a chief. Bells, triangles, and common horns have found their way among these Indians, and they eagerly adopt from the white man whatever makes noise or show. m 15)4 ABSARAKA. CHAPTER XXIII. MASSACRE OF LIEUTENANT BINGHAM — ACCOUNTS GIVEN BT OFFICEllS — EXTRACTS FROM JOURNAL. Fort Philip Kearney, December 6th, 18G6. I hardly know how to take up my sadly interrupted journal. This day, with its bright morning, brought its sweet promise of rest from Indian alarms, and throughout the garrison all work was pushed with vigor; but the evening adds another sad chapter to the history of our Irontier life. The garrison waited anxiously until nearly nine o'clock before the distant bugle-note indicated the return of parties which, since nine in the morning, have been in pursuit of Indians. It seems hardly possible that poor Bingham, the gentle, manly, and soldierly young otiicer, who has already won the esteem of everybody, has already, so soon after his arrival, i'allen a victim to his ardor and the craft of our foes. It seems that such a disaster has been necessary, to check the natural impulse of every one who comes here to chase Indians regardless of number or rules. Mr. Grummond and* Mr. Wands have given me the whole history, and it is of (Jod's MASSACRE OF LIEUT. BINGHAM. I95 mercy that any one escaped. Captain Fetterman has been in, and says "he has learned a lesson, and that this Indian war has become a hand-to- hand fight, requiring the utmost caution," and he wants no more such risks. When the Indians attacked the wood train in the morning. Captain Fetterman was sent with mounted infantry and a part of Lieutenant Bing- ham's cavalry to drive the Indians over Lodge Trail Ridge, while the colonel, with Lieutenant Grummond and about twenty-five or thirty mounted men, crossed Big Piney to intercept the party chased by Captain Fetterman. Nearly two hundred Indians were in front of Captain Fetterman, hotly engaging his part}^, when fif- teen of the cavalry, with Lieutenant Bingham, left him, for some reason unknown to everybody. The colonel's party pushed for the scene of ac- tion, and met the cavalry dismounted on one of the forks of Peno, but without Mr. Bingham. It seems that he had dashed westward after he saw the colonel's party galloping ch)wn the hills, and Mr. Grummond, by some sudden impulse, was led to leave his own party and join Mr. Bingham, both disappearing suddenly and nearly alone. The colonel's party followed down the valley, according to original plan, until the opening be- low showed a large force of Indians beyond, and fast gathering on the flanks. Only seven men 196 ABSAKAKA. and a 1)n£;;le-l)ov turned the point with liim, and Indians were constantly circling around to draw their tire. Private McGuire's horse went down with him, as he gratefully tells his story, and an Indian was crawling along to scalp him, when the party stopped for him and he was lifted up. The recall was sounded, and Corporal Baker hearing it rode over a hill from the north, re- porting that Lieutenant Bingham had certainly gone beyond the second hill, though just then there were at least eighty Indians in sight before that hill. Soon after Captain Fetterman came up, having crossed over to the other party after the defection of the cavalry, and a movement was made at once for the rescue of Lieutenant Bingham. Lieutenant Wands, who had super- seded Captain Brown as regimental quartermas- ter, was to have started with the colonel, but being delayed to exchange his horse, by mistake joined the other party. He had been grazed by a ball, and probably his coolness and his Henry rifle saved that detachment after Lieutenant Bingham left it, as the others fired revolvers, even at several hundred yards, and Lieutenant Bingham threw his away. The party rode but a few rods on the hill when suddenly a shout was heard: "For God's sake, come down quick," and through a gulch where the road was visible seven Indians were seen with their spear-heads close upon the backs of FUNERAL CEREMONIES. 197 four of our men, one of whom was Lieutenant Grummond. Mr. Wands thinks, from the formation of the ground, that had they passed that ravine a mo- ment sooner or later, they would have seen no- thing of Mr. Grummond's party until they should have found their bodies on return. A few moments later the body of Lieutenant Bingham was found, and that of Sergeant Bowers, who was still living, though his skull was cleft through with a'hatchet. He had killed three Indians with his revolver before he was overpowered. Private Donovan, always so brave, was with the party. They had been sur- rounded by thirty Indians while Lieutenants Grummond and Bingham were pursuing a dis- mounted Indian and cutting at him with sabers. An ambulance was sent for, and Captain Ar- nold went out with forty men to reinforce the party. The remains of Lieutenant Bingham are in hospital, to be cared for and prepared for burial. :(: :)c :t= N< 4= ^ December 9th, 1866. Lieutenant Bingham and Sergeant Bowers were buried to-day. Lieu- tenant Grummond conducted the masonic ser- vices, assisted by Mr. Weston, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Beckwith and others, while Chaplain White con- ducted the religious portion. 17* 198 ADSARAKA. Thug our cemetery fills up with only the vic- tims of violence! Everything in nature is so beautiful, and the climate is so restoring and healthful, that one could look upon such frontier life with something like complacency were it not for these savages, or even if the long and anx- iously expected reinforcements could be seen or heard from. Sometimes it seems as if nobody cared if we had help or not. Sergeant Bowers was such a favorite with Captain Brown that he placed his own corps- badge upon the breast of the remains; and the men feel especially vindictive and anxious for revenge, as Bowers had so often led the hay par- ties and successfully skirmished in defense of their work. The officers feel more than ever the necessity of conipleting all necessary work and preparing for winter, and many believe that we may shortly expect, as the Crows indicated, the return of In- dians in still larger force, to try and cut ofi* work and supplies, if they do not dare to come near the fort and attempt its capture by surprise. After the funeral. Lieutenant Grummond came in to speak of the services at the grave, which were very impressive, and again expressed his gratitude for his preservation. The lesson will not be lost, and shows what madness it is to follow these Indians very far with insufficient force, and what great peril may come to the post and whole OUR MAIL EXPECTED. 199 line of road by rash impulses and disregard of the special work that presses so hard. We think now that we shall not soon hear from Fort C. F. Smith, as Lieutenant Bingham had just returned from that post, having an es- cort of twenty-five men; and Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Kinney, who has just made us a week's visit, thinks it unsafe to undertake the trip with less than an escort of fifty good men. Our mail is overdue, and no doubt the courier and mail party are detained as guides to troops. The sentries understand they are not to fire at messengers coming from the east, and we shall soon have letters and papers after a long inter- mission. Perhaps the news of our difficulties has by this time been received, and nearly six months of trial may be succeeded by six months of triumph. We learn, as did Crusoe, how much can be done during comparative isolation from a civilized world. 200 ABSARAKA. CHAPTER XXIV. FETTERMAN'S massacre — ITS LESSONS. December, 21st, 1866, was to us the saddest day of the year. Though suow covered the mountaius, and there was every indication of the return of severe weather, the morning was quite pleasant. Men only wore blouses at their work, and the train, although much later than usual, went to the Pinery with a strong guard, so that the teamsters, choppers, and escort, all armed, numbered not far from ninety men. The children ran in about 11 o'clock, shouting "Indians!" and the pickets on Pilot Ilill could be distinctly seen giving the signal of " many In- dians," on the line of the wood road; and news was also furnished that the train was in corral only a short distance from the garrison. The officers and all the ladies were soon watch- ing for other usual demonstrations, while a de- tail was being organized to relieve the train. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Fetterman, then walking back and forth before his quarters, near where the colonel was giving his instructions, asked and obtained permission to go with the detachment. FETTERMAN'S MASSACRE. 201 Lieutenant Grummond, also at his own re- quest, took a part of Company C, 2d United States Cavalry, — making the whole force just seventy-eight officers and men. Captain Brown, unknown to the officers of the garrison, as well as citizens Wheatley and Fisher, both experi- enced frontiersmen and good shots, also joined the party. It was just at the time when a few more trains of saw-logs would furnish ample lumber material to complete the office building and a fifth com- pany quarters, already well under progress. The orders were given in front of Lieutenant Grummond's house, next the colonel's, and those who were present heard them repeated with dis- tinctness and special urgency. Lieutenant Wands was also instructed to repeat them. As if pecu- liarly impressed with some anticipations of rash- ness in the movement, the colonel, just after the command left, went across the parade-ground to a sentry platform, halted the mounted party, and gave additional orders, understood in the garri- son, and by those who heard them, to be the sub- stantial repetition of the former. The health of Mrs. Grummond was such that Lieutenant Wands and other friends urged him, for his family's sake, to be prudent, and avoid all rash movements and any pursuit that would draw them over Lodge Trail Ridge, and to report to Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Fetterman the orders 202 ABSARAKA. lie had received. These orders were, in so many words, "to relieve the train, and under no cir- cumstances to cross the ridge." Everybody knew why special emphasis was given to these orders. Only two days before, Brevet Major Powell had been sent out to relieve a train, and obeyed his orders literally, although, as he afterward said, he was sorely tempted to pursue, but be- came afterward convinced that certain destruc- tion would have been the result. Major. Powell was in fact assigned to command the relieving party on the 21st ; but when Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Fettcrman stepped forward and claimed it by seniority of rank, he was permitted to go and received his instructions. The day before, and succeeding that on which Major Powell had reported several hundred In- dians present, the colonel himself took charge of trains to the Pinery, spending the day in building a bridge over the creek and superintending the chopping parties and guard detail. All the indi- cations were that the numerous Indian villages on Tongue River would lose no chance to do mischief, and the garrison was insufficiently sup- plied with arms, even of old styles, for the men actually at the post. Before Captain Fetterman left, a few Indian pickets were seen on Lodge Trail Ridge, and a few were below the fort at the road crossing. Two or three case shot, FETTERMAN'S MASSACRE. 203 dropped near them, dismounted one and brought nearly thirty out of the brush. These at once disappeared. After the detachment had been gone a short time, finding that Captain Fetterman had left without a surgeon, the colonel sent Dr. nines, with one of his own orderlies, to join the train and report to Captain Fetterman ; Doctor nines started, but soon returned with the news that the train had safely pursued its route to the woods; that Captain Fetterman was on the ridge to the north, out of view, and that there was so many Indians in sight that he could not join the party. It was about noon, and a man rushed in to say that tiring was renewed. Every shot could be heard, and there was little doubt that a despe- rate tight was going on in the valley of Peno Creek beyond the ridge. The presence of Lieu- tenant Grummond with the party gave us new anxiety, and many heartfelt prayers were offered that he might return in safety. The colonel was on the " lookout," on headquarters build- ing, and gave his orders before coming down. It seemed long, but was hardly twelve minutes before Captain Ten Eyck, Lieutenant Matson, Dr. Ilines, and Dr. Ould, with a relieving party, were moving, on the run, for the scene of action. We had all watched Captain Fetterman until the curve of Sullivant Hills shut him off, and then he was on the southern slope of the ridge, ap- parently intending to cut off tlie retreat of the In- 204 ABSAIiAKA FORT I'UILIP KEARNEY AND SURROUNDINGS, FROM ORIGINAL SinVKVS. • IndicatPS Mock-hoiiscs in wnnds for working pnrtips. Uiittud liiiu, ron>l8 to I'iiiu Isliunl niiil Mniintnin. Broken lino, roiiil to A'irgiuia City, crudsiug narrow divide where iMHjies of Fet- tcrmiin'8 ciinunand wore found. C, eenietery at foot of Pilot Hill. Q Corral, on road to woods, where train was attacked Doccmher 21st, \S66. FETTERMAN'S MASSACRE. 205 cliaiis from the train. Wagons and ambulances were hurried up ; the whole garrison was on the alert; extra ammunition for both parties was started, and even the prisoners were put on duty to give the guard and all available men their perfect freedom for whatever might transpire. Couriers were sent to the woods to bring back the train and its guard, to secure its support, as well as from the fear that the diversion of Cap- tain Fetterman from his orders misrht still in- volve its destruction ; and shortly Captain Arnold came to report that the whole force of armed men left at the post, including guard and every- thing, was but one hundred and nineteen men. Until the wagons galloped out of the gate, we could see a solitary Indian on the highest part of Lodge Trail Ridge ; but he soon disappeared. All this time firing was increasing in intensity, and in little more than thirty minutes, — after one or two quick volleys, the rattle of file-firing, and a few scattering shots, — a perfect silence ensued. There were theji many anxious hearts, and waiting was perfectly terrible ! The movements of Cap- tain Ten Eyck were watched with intensest inter- est. The pickets could give no information, and a messenger sent upon Sullivant Hills could see neither Indians nor troops. It was just before Captain Ten Eyck's party reached the top of the hill across the Piney, north of the Virginia City road, that all firing ceased. Soon orderly Sam- 18 206 ABSAIIAKA. pie was seen to break away from the command and make for the fort, with hi.s force, on tlie run. lie brought the message that the valleys were full of Indians, and that several hundred were on the road below, yelling and challenging them to come down; but nothing could be seen of Fetter- man. As was afterward learned, this party was on the ver}' tield of carnage, and doubtless they were completing their robbery and butchery. It was after dark when Captain Ten Eyck re- turned, with forty-nine of the bodies, and made the terrible announcement that all were killed. To a woman whose house and heart received the widow as a sister, and whose office it was to advise her of the facts, the recital of the scenes of that day, even at this late period, is full of pain; but at the time, the Christian fortitude and holy calmness with which Mrs. Grummond looked upward to her Heavenly Father for wisdom and strength, inspired all with something of her same patience to know the worst and meet its issues. The body of Lieutenant Grummond had. not been rescued, and there was some faint hope that stragglers might 3'et come in and break the absolute gloom of the tragedy by some explana- tory and redeeming feature. At last the wood train came in, having seen nothing of Fetternian, not even having heard the tiring, or suspected any additional danger SEARCH FOR THE DEAD. 207 after repulsing their own immediate assailants. Imagination only can suggest how wide-sweep- ing would have been the massacre had any con- siderable portion of the hostile bands renewed the attack upon the train after the successful decoy of the others to inevitable destruction. With the next morning came a meeting of officers, with universal disinclination, generally expressed, to venture a search for the remaining dead. The safety of any small party seemed doubtful, and the post itself might be imper- iled by a large draft upon the garrison. But the colonel had made up his mind, and freely expressed his purpose "not to let the Indians have the conviction that the dead could not be rescued;" and besides this, the very men who had passed through the war without blanching began to form ideas of the numbers and bar- barity of the Indians, which threatened to take away one-half their real strength. So the colo- nel informed Mrs. Grummond that he should go in person, and would bring home her husband. Captain Ten Eyck, Lieutenant Matson, and Dr. Ould went with the party. Long after they left, and they left with the cheerful Godspeed of every woman and soldier of the garrison, on a holy mission, the pickets, which were distributed on the line of march, indicated their progress, and showed that neither the fort nor the de- tachment could be threatened without such 208 ABSARAKA. connection of signals as would advise both and secure co-operation whatever might ensue. Long after dark, the wagons and command re- turned with the remaining dead, slowly passing to the hospital and other buildings made ready for their reception. Lieutenant Grummond's body was found, and eventually accompanied us on our midwinter's march back over the plains. A careful roll-call of the garrison was had, and the body of every missing man wa^ found. Wheatley and Fisher were discovered near a pile of rocks, surrounded by expended cartridges, proving that their Henry rifles had done good ser- vice. All the bodies lay along or near a narrow divide over which the road ran, and to which no doubt the assailed party had retreated when overwhelming numbers bore down upon them. Captains Fetterman and Brown were at the point nearest the fort, each with a revolver shot in the left temple, and so scorched with powder as to leave no doubt that they shot each other when hope had fled. So ended lives that were full of pride and confldence in the morning. Captain Brown's repeated dashes, and especially his suc- cess on the 23d of September, had inspired him with perfectly reckless daring in pursuit of In- dians; and only the night before the massacre he made a call, wilh spur^ fastened in the but- ton-holes of his coat, leggings wrapped, and two LESSONS OF THE MASSACRE. 209 revolvers accessible, declaring, by way of ex- planation, that be was ready by day and night, and most have 07ie scalp before leaving for Lar- amie, to wluch place he had been ordered. He had inspired Captain Fetternian, who had been but a short time in the country, and already had great contempt for our adversaries, with the same mad determination to chase whenever they could, regardless of numbers; and together they planned an expedition of a week's trip to Tongue River valley, with a mixed party of ninety citizens and soldiers, to destroy the In- dian villages and clear out all enemies. Disap- proval of the plan did not change their belief in its feasibility and wisdom ; but here were eighty- one officers and men, and among them the vet- erans of a long war, utterly destroyed in their hands, only six or seven miles on the route to that same Tongue Eiver valley. This massacre proved the value and integrity of Major Bridger and his statements, and no less showed the wisdom of a settled policy not to pre- cipitate or undertake a general war while there was but a handful of men at the post; and the army had not yet received such increase as could promise any considerable support. A kind Providence spared many, and the line of road opened in the summer of 1866 was main- tained. Other regiments have strengthened the garrisons, and a year of changes finds the Indians 18* 210 ABSARAKA. Btill numerous and unpunisliod, Liitwith tlic line still nuiiiitaincd; while the fruits of the labor of 18G6 are yet to be valued when that country shall be occupied and sufficiently understood. If the line be abandoned by its garrisons, as is probable, to give better security for the Union Pacific Rail- road, and if its choice hunting-grounds be given to the Indians, who seem to have a right to them at present, it cannot be doubted that the work done will have its value, and Eastern Montana will ultimately perfect its communications with the Missouri through the field of so much strug- gle and duty. PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUNERAL. 211 CHAPTER XXV. THE FUNERAL, AND BURIAL OF FOURSCORE AND ONE VIC- TIMS OF THE MASSACRE — COLD AND SAD HOLIDAYS — EX- PEDITIONS ABANDONED — REINFORCEMENTS OF AUGUST YET BEHIND. The bodies of the dead were first deposited in the spare ward of the hospital, two hospital-tents, and a double cabin. Details from each company assisted in their care and recognition. Many gave their best uniforms, decently to clothe their comrades, — and the noblest traits of the soldier were touchingly developed as they carefully han- dled the mutilated fragments, drew out or cut ofi" the arrows, and decently composed all for the burial. A long line of pine cases, duly numbered, was arranged by companies along the officers' street, near the hospital, and as each body was placed in its plain receptacle, the number and name was taken, for the future reference of friends. The detail to dig a grave for this great entomb- ment was well armed, and accompanied by a guard; but so intense was the cold that constant relays were required, and the interment was not achieved until Wednesday after the fight. 212 ABSARAKA. Over tliG great pit, fifty feet long and seven feet deep, a mound was raised, and the dead were buried witli a sad and solemn stillness that will long leave its memory with those who had souls to estimate the circumstances and lessons of that dire calamity. As if Nature herself were shocked hy the enormity of the Indian torture there intiicted, and would still the passions of nil, or forbid their immediate indulgence, it so happened that from the very night of December 21st the winter be- came unmitigated in its severity, requiring guards to be changed at least half hourly, preventing out-of-door inspections of the guard, and driving officers, ladies, and men to beaver, buffalo, or wolf skins for protection from the cold. The relief, as they hastened to their regular distribution, presented no bad idea of Lapland or Siberian life. The tastes, workmanship, and capital of the wearers were variously illustrated in their personal wardrobes. A uniform cap being useless and hardly endurable, even with coat-cape fastened, hood-like, over the head, the soldiers had permission to suit themselves in respect of substantial comfort. Mittens that ended at the shoulder; buffalo boots and loggings nearly to the thigh; hats as tall as a Polander's, with bushy \\o\i taWs pendant ; and tippets, com- forts, coats, and vests of skins made an odd style of uniform under the existing Regulations for COLD AND SAD HO LTD AYS. 213 the better government of the Arm}' of the United States. There were, indeed, times when the smallest possible number of men were allowed to be exposed, and tliesc only while the corporal could return to the guard-house and fresh relief might promptly follow up the same routine of constant change. Some were frosted in crossing the parade, some on their sentry platforms ; and guard duty with keeping warm were the princi- pal work of all who had no part in hauling water, cutting wood, the care of stock, or the issue of supplies. The holidays were sad as they were cold. Lights were burned in all quarters, and one non- commissioned officer was always on duty in each building, so that in case of alarm there could not be an instant's delay in the use of the whole command. Each company knew its place and the distribution of the loop-holes; the gunners slept in tents near their guns, and all things were ripe for the destruction of assailants should any venture to attack. The constant and drifting snow-storms soon so lifted their crests by the west flank of the stock- ade that officers walked over its trunks, and when a trench ten feet wide was cleared, the next snow or wind would fill it, as only snow can snow and winds can blow in that suburb of Cloud Peak, the home of perpetual snow. The men themselves, who, at the October mus- 214 ABSARAKA. ter, looked forward to tlie liolidays and Decem- ber muster with glad anticipations, forbore all demonstrations usual to such a period, and sensibly felt the weight of the great loss in- curred. Of the sergeants who had distinguished them- selves in the previous war, or had actively oper- ated in the labors of 1866, nearly all of the most prominent had fallen: Lang, a martinet, trim, upright, and soldierly; BisscU, calm, mature, and carrying into his profession the sturdy habits of business which had marked his life in Chicago before a hasty indiscretion impelled him to the army; Smith, the pride of the mounted infantry; ^Morgan, and many others, deserve an enduring monument over their last resting-place no less than heroes of more exalted stations from more memorable battle-fields. The whole garrison shared the gloom. Cha- rades, tableaus, Shakspearian readings, the usual muster evening levee at the colonel's, and all the social reunions which had been anticipated as bringing something pleasant, and in the simili- tude of civilized life, were dropped as unseason- able and almost unholy. Present and exacting duty admitted no dalliance with pleasures that were at other times rational and refreshing; and a calm, sedate, but genial sympathy brought most to a closer fraternity, almost confirming the sacred proverb, "That it is better to go to the EXPEDITIONS ABANDONED. 215 house of mourning than to the house of feast- ing." But no calm review, no wealth of language can brinsr before the minds of strangers to those scenes any conception of the realities experienced; neither would a literal catalogue of mutilations and outrages upon the persons of the fallen bring within the range of any imagination the capa- city to present them as they were to the under- standing of others. The aggregate of wrongs to single individuals would sum up the shocking features of many battle-lields ; and the sura of all inflicted upon the entire party can have no precedent by which to estimate their horrors. Nor was the abandonment of the proper rec- reation of the holidays the sole result. Plans had been made looking to a short win- ter expedition, under the advice of General Cooke, that "three hundred infantry, with much suffer- ing, could perhaps do more in winter than three thousand cavalry in summer." The exact me- thod of doing this had not been settled upon, it is believed, though much talked of in social cir- cles, where the ladies had the privilege of listen- ing; and it was known that the colonel was de- termined, as soon as reinforced, to make such reconnoissances and outside movements as would test its practicability without risk to the post; but the destruction of Fetterman's command within a few miles of the post engendered doubts, 210 ABSARAKA. wliicli were freely expressed by the officers, wlie- ther tlie force that could be made available, even after a successful march and surprise, could en- tirely or signally destroy the villages of Red Cloud, with his warriors, hiskniving squaws, and shooting papooses. Underlying these facts was the general congratulation that a successful main- tenance of the post until spring should reopen the road to travel, would be a practical assurance to the Indian of the ultimate extinction of his hunting-grounds and the end of his supremacy in Absaraka. Others suggested that perhaps Red Cloud had concluded to keep himself vigor- ously awake, and try the surprise part himself, or so occupy himself as to consolidate all hostile bands into some comprehensive system of hos- tility to the post and the white man generally. Besides this, it was a matter of notoriety and fact that, while the officers were anxious for re- peating arms or breech-loaders, only old styles of rities were on the way, and also that ammuni- tion, not more than four or live mouths pre- viously started from Leavenworth, was resting itself at some place not disclosed to the white warriors of Absaraka. Then the reinforcements had not come ; and as the affiiir of the 21st, with the details of the same, had actually engrossed the time and energies of the whole garrison, the entire plan of destroying the Indians of the Northwest, while the mercury was motionless PREPARATION FOR CONTINGENCIES. 217 and the snow was all in motion, was temporarily dropped. True it was that the spirit which drove Fetter- man to hasty disobedience and certain destruc- tion, viz., a desire to settle accounts for some of the outrages perpetrated during our six months' sojourn, had somewhat decidedly inspired all the ladies, as well as the officers and men, with a longing to do something explosive and brilliant; but the ladies had so often been told not to dis- cuss military matters, and the tide of events hav- ing unfavorably settled the prospect of our hus- bands' gaining glory by miraculous adventures with Red Cloud, there was a quiet acquiescence in the condition of self-defense. A stranger might have almost thought we were besieged. The commanders of Forts C. F. Smith and Reno so construed their condition ; and the constant watchfulness, strict discipline, and ever- present preparation for all contingencies savored not a little of the same essence, as we passed the holidays of 1866-7 at Fort Philip Kearney, Ab- saraka. 19 218 ADSARAKA. CHAPTER XXVI. COMEDY OF ERRORS — ENTERPRISE OF THE PRESS TRANSAC- TIONS IN AUSARAKA MYSTERIOUSLY KNOWN TO THE PUB- LIC BEFORE TUEY HAD INFORMATION OF THE SAME. Has any military event in history, whether sacred or profane, immediately after its occur- rence called forth more elaborate and general explanation, and involved more contradictory and absurd criticism, all "founded upon fact," yet ignorant of that valuable article, than the massacre near Fort Phil Kearney, December 21st, 1866? Of course the public could not be expected to know, nor the press to announce, that the only means of communication between that post and Fort Laramie, the nearest mail and telegraph station, was through two hundred and thirty-live miles of hostile country and through couriers sent by the jtost commander himself. Neither could the great American people irail for information ; but they must know exactly and fully all the particulars for perusal while cotfee was cooling at the next morning's break- fast-table. It was, of course, to be expected that the Ilhis- ENTERPRISE OF THE PRESS. 219 trated Papers should act promptly and perspicu- ously, with all the embellishment and accuracy which wood engraving aiibrds, and do this so truly to life that it w^ould be at once recognized by all actors in its scenes; and it was equally certain and necessary that a "special artist," some "actual observer," or a "special corre- spondent," should furnish the editor's sanctum with the right material for his use in advance of the mails. There was certainly no difficulty as to historical precedents or illustrations of Indian warfare from which to combine a proper sketch, and accordingly the work was begun, even before the couriers had reached Laramie with details of the transaction itself. As there was no one to contradict, and no one who knew the truth, a large margin was left for the play of the fanc}^, and the imagination was drawn upon with great freedom and success. The people were of course greatly shocked by the tragedy, and were certain that somebody was terribly to blame. The Indians were supposed to be so quiet and peaceful that nobody asked whether the massacre was one of a series; but statesmen as well as editors, those who claimed to know all about Indian afl'airs, and those who never saw a live Indian out of a city show, de- vised theory upon theory, to the great delight of their own complacent souls and with all the wonderful wisdom of absolute ignorance. 220 ABSARAKA. It could not be expected, in the urgent demand for particulars, that truth and justice would be the essential features of the whole; and the seu- Bation had to be used just at the time, or some- body's paper or somebody's friend would supi)Ose that somebody else, who was regularly compen- sated to cater to the popular passion for the start- ling and novel, was ignorant of that of which he knew nothing. So it happened that numberless journals obtained, at last, the true version of that sad affair. Not to name those papers and thus arouse invid- ious distinctions where so many showed brilliant powers of imagination, a few choice selections will do honor to them all and injustice to none. Albany, a city set on a hill, Argus-eyed and sagacious, had a corresponding pre-eminence in the way of invention and preciseness of detail. It portrayed, as '■'■from- reliable information,'' the fear- ful climax, " when the last band of survivors were driven to the gates of the fort, knocking and screaming in vain for admission; when the last cartridge from revolver, carbine, and rifle was expended; when the sabers and butts of muskets were broken; and when, loaning against the gates, weary and bleeding and all resistance fruit- less, all fell in one heap of mangled humanity, unsupported and uncared for." This sketch closed its recital with the startling announce- ment that the commanding officer, whom it ENTERPRISE OF THE PRESS. 221 doomed to future obloquy, with two full compa- nies, was looking on, afraid either to fire or open the gates lest the garrison within should be mas- sacred by the infuriated savages and the post should be sacked ! Block-houses, of course, reserved their fire! Loop-holes shone with the glaring eyes of fright- ened soldiery, but not with the gleaming rifle! Four howitzers, which could have swept the slope and bottom land, were silent and innocent of harm to anybody! And yet, as a matter of fact, the fight was not within sight of the fort; and its capacity for de- fense or the support of any party near by was superior to the whole force of Indians in Tongue Eiver valley. One "Illustrated Paper" had a report "from the only eye-witness of the massacre." This person was said "to have been cut ofl:' from his party by Indians, and from a thicket only two hundred and fifty yards distant from the tight he saw the repeated charges of the cavalry, the dashing adventures of officers and men, and the last shot discharged by the last survivor through his own brain." And yet, as a matter of fact, the very person accredited with this narrow escape and these providential aids to a close observation, did not see a shot fired by the party, or any part of the conflict; but went out with Captain Ten Eyck's 19* 222 ABSARAKA. relieving party, after failing to find Fetterman'e party when firing was heard, and saw what Captain Ten Eyck saw of the fight, and that was — nothing. A second "Illustrated Paper" had an en- graving of the fight, and indicated in advance what should he done with the post commander. Others were hardly outdone by this. All had a convenient scapegoat for the whole afi^air. The gallantry and prowess of some were praised, while dereliction and cowardice were branded upon others. Even the metropolitan papers of New York and Washington could not possibly wait, but discharged their shafts, regardless of character or truth. Thus pamphlets, letters, editorials, and pictures expressed their theoi'ies or positive statements; so that beyond the opinion of Lieu- tenant-General Sherman accompanying a sol- dier's letter, published at Washington in a pam- phlet, with other documents sent to Congress upon the massacre, and a critique of the Cincin- nati Gazette upon the pamphlet itself (author un- known to us), no correct account of the tragedy has ever gained access to the people at large. To those who were present under the shadow of such a calamity, it seemed harsh and brutal that, more than two thousand miles away, there should be such quick and morbid ambition to citicise and abuse; and the ladies were not a STORIES OF CORRESPONDENTS. 223 whit behind the officers and men in thoroughly wishing that delegations from the eastern cities could spend some days in that country to try a few dashes after Indians, and take a turn at guard or picket duty, and live a time where newspapers are sometimes two months in com- ing, where bacon takes the place of sea-food, and desiccated materials put on the name and func- tion of vegetables. We had become perfectly accustomed and hardened to correspondents from the plains, whose warped or false representations discred- ited every good thing. Thus, for instance, three papers among those of the largest circulation in the country declared that the commanding offi- cer was constantly giving powder to his enemies, and that ladies threw packages of sugar and cof- fee over the stockade to the squaws. A tender- hearted, sympathetic, but temporary attache of the Indian Bureau knew just how the massacre occurred — viz., that the poor, hungry, starving women of the Sioux had come to beg, and their husbands had come to ask a little powder for hunting and to have an order revoked as to gifts of arms to Indians, and, being fired upon, they became desperate and took immediate ven- geance. This critic, whose narration had its place on the tables of members of Congress, said a wood train could not have more than six men with it, and could not possibly have been 224 ADSARAKA. attacked by three hundred Indians. lie did not know liow slowly six men would have built a post; nor that the timber trains sometimes num- bered ninety or more wagons, each drawn by six mules; that each team required a driver; that the work required choppers and loaders and a guard to protect them ; and that six men could not do this. Some supposed that the whole was caused by ignorance of the Indian tricks and habits, and of the surrounding country, notwitlistanding the fact that some of the officers not involved in the skirmish had spent the summer and fall in just such warfare and in reconnoissance of the coun- try for miles in all directions. Every conceivable hypothesis but the correct one was adopted, and everybody guessed, without seeming to think that possibly the authorities of the fort itself knew something of the atfair, and were old enough to make some official report of the matter. One said that the soldiers abused the squaws and the women of the country, although, except at the July meeting with the Cheyennes and the short stay of French Pete's rescued wife, there was never a squaw at the fort. At least three disappointed aspirants for civil berths became newsi)aper correspondents and traducers; but the sting of their falsehoods was innocuous, as their inducement was understood. SENATE CALLS FOR THE REPORT. 225 One and all gloried in abuse; and no wonder is it that the hard labor of 1866, its skirmishes and exposures, its chases and its losses, were never told, lest credit should inure to the pioneer expedition to Absaraka. The information supplied, and that manufac- tured, alike furnished some amusement to the garrison ; but, for the sake of many friends who were anxious to learn the truth, it would have been grateful to the feelings had the truth been made known, to accompany the false as its anti- dote. At last the United States Senate called for the report of the commanding officer, at the April session, 1866, and again at the July session ; and when it appears, some additional light may be furnished by which to confirm or disprove this comedy of errors. 226 ABSARAKA. CHAPTER XXVII. NKW tear's changes — MARCH TO FORT RENO — FORTY DE- GREES BELOW ZERO — HOW IT FELT AND WHAT IT DID. New Year's Day, 18G7, was witlioiit its an- ticipated festivities. All honor to the 27th In- fantry, — until then the 2d Battalion of the 18th Infantr}', and which on the last day of Decem- ber severed its relations with the old regiment, — that during the holiday week they accepted their sad lesson, and with manly self denial refrained from those indulgences which are so common at Christmas and the advent of a !N"ew Year. On ISTew Year's Day the Military Reservation was finally announced, in orders, giving to the burial-place of the victims of that great disaster a memorial character, honorable to the courage of the fallen. A few days after, Brevet Brigadier-General II. W. Wessels, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 18th, a soldier with laurels and a gentleman without blemish, arrived with two companies of cavalry and four companies of infantry, of which one com- pany wps to be left at Fort Reno, his former post. Orders came to remove headquarters to Fort Caspar, and ail preparation was duly made. General Dandy, Chief Quartermaster, with dis- MARCH TO FORT RENO. 227 cernment aud courtesy, fitted up army wagons for the women and children, ajid deserves due thanks for our earthly salvation, as that prepara- tion alone secured us a safe deliverance durinsf the trip that ensued. "After night cometh the morning," and at Crazy Woman's Fork, January 25th, 1867, the order of nature was regularly preserved. We left Fort Philip Kearney at half-past one p.m. of the 23d, just at the hour fixed. Packing had been done, wagons were loaded, houses had been evacuated for new-comers, and although the snow again began its fantastic drifting and plen- tiful resupply, the march had to be made, and the extinct road could hardly become more dis- tinct, but possibly even worse. By ten o'clock at night, by dint of shoveling and picking at proper intervals, nearly six miles had been attained, and the train corraled on a commanding summit to wait for the coming moon. Lieutenant Bowman had been detailed to com- mand the escort of twenty cavalry and forty in- fantry as far as Fort Reno, and discharged his trust with unwavering diligence and acceptance. At one o'clock a.m. the bugle sounded, and just at three o'clock our invaluable guide and scout, Captain Bailey, reported "that himself and moon were ready." The sky had cleared, the stars were brilliant, and the aurora borealis 228 ABSARAKA. fiiintly endeavored to show itself and cheer our onward way. It is picturesque so to traveh Napoleon, it is reported, traveled over snow, but left his family ; and the novelty of the movement of officers, their wives and children, and the usual families of band musicians, with their liberal allowance of future trumpeters, flutists, and drummers, gave this march a distinguishing feature not usually credited to that masterly winter trip of Napo- leon to Italy by the way of the Alps. The wheels creaked, the mules made their usual vocal sounds at the early disturbance of their feed, and everybody shrunk into clothing as closely as possible to evade the increasing cold. The thermometer hanging in our wagon al- lowed the mercury to do its share of shrinkage, and lingered about thirteen degrees below zero, with great apparent hesitation, if not positive re- luctance, at being kept out of the bulb. Stalk- ing in front, leading his pon}^ stamping through drifts and feeling his way, guide Bailey led ott" with inordinate self-possession, not to say cool- ness, and soon after daylight we were once more in camp at Clear Fork, Breakfast was soon over, the mules were fed, and the march pro- ceeded. It was the remark of Captain Arnold that it was ^^sduminrj cold," and before twenty- four hours more were passed it became clearly evident that he had the right idea, and that ex- INTENSE COLD. 229 pression will hereafter be to us not a provincial- ism of doubtful origin, but a Simon pure exponent of that style of cold. Of course for awhile there was a keen watch for Indians, since as they see everything and know everything, it was just possible that they might envy us our horses, mules, and scalps; but the country was covered with bufialo, who did not even pay us the compliment of being scared, and in fact for twenty-five miles they were never out of view. Their quiet labor in the snow, wal- lowing and trampling for grass, was also a posi- tive assurance, so said Bailey, that they had no red men in company. So we plowed, dug, and plodded on. Before night we were at Crazy "Woman's Fork. That any one of the party left it alive, and made the next march, now seems a wonder. The corral was formed in the grove at the bend of the stream, and wood was abundant after digging it out of the snow, but there a wood fire actually lost one- half its virtue. As fast as snow melted and rolled from the billets, which were heaped on as high as a man could reach, the same melted snow turned to ice, and each tire was soon girt about by constantly thickening ice. To stand fronted to the flame, then reversed, and to do this con- stantl}^ that fearfully long night, was the resort of almost everybody. Cooking was out of the question. Hatchets broke our bread, and water 20 230 ADSARAKA. was sulHcicntly warmed to tbaAv tlie cliunks. Slices were not attempted. Thanks to our little stoves, the ladies essayed the luxury of steeped^ not to say hot coffee, and with partial success. None of the special artists who portrayed the massacre accompanied us, but the picture of on entertainment given to Lieutenant Bowman, es- cort commander, and Ca[)tuin Arnold, is still before us. The general train formed a complete circle, with headquarters wagons in the center. By every tire were groups bending forward with outstretched hands to gather a little vital warmth. Hopeless of supper, most of the women and children closed themselves up in their wagons, and from each little stove-pipe the white smoke told all night how hopefully they were struggling to worry it through. Children were crying of cold, and men were multiplying expletives. Drivers loft their teams, and began to avow that they "never would drive another rod until it was warmer." All at once the colonel and a i>arty of officers approached our wagon and knocked. The door partly opened, and we know how it must have looked as a tin cup suddenly gleaming by the cam[)-fire was quickly dclivei-ed, and its recipient hastened to a blaze to imbibe its con- tents while yet unfrozen. Then another and an- other went out in the same careful way, and the door slammed again. Next, with the same cau- COLB COMFORT. 231 tion, were passed forth bread, witli pieces of the kist turkey of Fort Phil Kearney, which, having been chopped with the hatchet, had also been softened over the fire, after the coffee had been concocted. As the door opened, we suppose the view must have been about as follows: In the foreground, a lady sitting upon a pile of wood, with feet to the stove, though these were cov- ered with high buffalo boots, her head enveloped m a beaver hood, her form wrapped in linsey- woolsey and buftalo skins, and her hands stirring something like turkey knobs and bread chunks over the stove. In the background, in a perfect nest of wolf skins and beaver, two boys with caps, boots, and coats trimmed with the same material, and pushing themselves as close to that little sheet-iron arrangement as safety and culi- nary duties would permit; on the right and left a saber, shotgun, rifle, and revolver, with pend- ant pails and cooking utensils; at the extreme end, a thermometer, worn out and desolate. The iron itself seemed jealous of doing any radiation whatever, and some dry pine wood which had been brought with us burned out so cpiickly, and lost so much courage and efficiency by constant replenishing, that it really was not the fluilt of the stove, for it could not possibly be heated through between times. It never was red hot, and its very top would neither thaw nor toast bread, unless when a kettle let down within had 232 ABSARAKA. contact with tlic flame that Rtriiggled to do its best. Lieutenant Wands, with indomitable tact and energy, was everywhere, between the necessary warnings, encouraging drivers, cheering up sol- diers, keeping liimself alive, and doing good generally. Everybody had some adventure. Mules got mad and broke loose, dashing just where they pleased, as if bound to keep up cir- culation by constant exercise. Sometimes a party would be seen coming with a great log, struggling through snow nearly waist deep, and now and then some desperate character would throw himself down, determined to have a sleep if he froze to death. This was of course stopped, and with chattering teeth and aching limbs and benumbed feet, general stamp- ing was resorted to, to keep circulation busy after the manner of the mules. Mrs. "Wands and Mrs. Grummond had the same school of practice in keeping up fires, and little Bobby Wands had the same ambition to burn his buftalo boots as other little boys we know of. The convenient window in the wagon door, when the frost was scraped off, was a capital place for study of human nature under adverse circumstances; and it is morally certain that any one of those wagons, in the exact condition as then seen, would have been worth to P. T. FORTY BELOW ZERO! 233 Barnum the restorative equivalent of his loss in the great fire. At last the sentry called "one o'clock," and all through camp was reapted, "Good! it's one o'clock!" Some were for having reveille sounded at once; but guide Bailey, who had tried the ascent out of the bottom to the summit, east- ward, found that no exit could be had until day- light. It was no doubt a lovely place for In- dians, if they had been on that bluff, but they were not; and but for the shelter of the hill no living creature could have withstood the ex- posure. From one o'clock to three, each hour was called, and at three the thermometer gave out entirely. The mercury settled in the bulb, froze itself stiff, and treated that sheet-iron stove with outrageous contempt. Forty below zero! and the nis^ht drag-ged its hours so slowly! By four o'clock patience gave out also. Do or die was the impulse of all, and the slow work of getting frozen hands to put on frozen harness began, or rather such a thing was ordered to be done. Whether the teamsters thought the bugle summons was the thawing out of an old call, as once happened in the ex- perience of the celebrated traveler Baron Mun- chausen, or they were too nearly frozen to ap- preciate their import, is not certain ; but call after call failed to get them from their fires, 20* 234 ABSARAKA. nntil a verbal order, concise and to the point, promised all to be left behind, without wagon or rations, that were not ready to start punctually at six. With the dawn came the report of the sad work of the night. Assistant Surgeon Hines had the iingers of both hands frozen, and they were already quite black; while many teamsters and nearly half of the escort were more or less frozen, some of them requiring amputations as soon as we reached Fort Reno. With great difficulty, by the assistance of those comparatively uninjured, and the exercise of the positive authority of the officers, the train was at last ready. From the bottom land there was a sharp rise of nearly sixty feet to the bluff, and the first teams that tried it, even after the drifts had been shoveled away, repeatedly fell for want of foothold, and back came loaded wagons, dragging the kicking, tangled mules with them. Details of men took charjje of the wheels, whips on either side, and ropes ahead, gave additional impulse; and in three hours the entire train had successfully passed the first six- teenth of a mile out of twenty-six to be made to Reno. Just as the last wagons were buried in a deep cut, half a mile from the river, the alarm of "Indians" was given. A messenger came and reported that the rear was attacked. Teams ARRIVAL AT FORT RENO. 235 were put to the gallop, the train was closed up, half frozen men in the wagons took their arms, and Lieutenant Wauds, with a mounted party, dashed back to bring up the rear, and ascertain the facts. All proved a false alarm ; but an hour was lost. Fortunately the day was still and clear. The glare of the sun was at times blinding; but the gaggles, which on the plains are used both against snow-blindness and dust, enabled all to get along tolerably well. Buffalo kept us com- pany until within a few miles of Reno. Mes- sengers were sent on in advance, and at dusk we safely passed its gates, and received at the hands of Captain Proctor, Adjutant Kirtland, and other officers, not only quarters, but all creature comforts for the whole party. Such was the first sixty-five miles march returning from Absaraka. Such were three days of our second winter on the plains. If we claim no special credit for endurance, and have never questioned the necessity of such a march at such a season, certainly, like good wives, we followed wherever led, and we do not envy any officer's wife, of however long experience, her claim to have had a harder trip after such a summer. Perhaps some have. Ours was ample for us. It is now like a dream, when it comes to mind, that nearly one-half of more than fifty demon- strations of hostile Indians in the Mountain Dis- 236 ABSAJiAKA. triot were uiifler the very 03-03 of the ladies of the garrison and their children. The lesson is not forgotten, as we no less recall the Mercy that spared us. Nor does a single sentiment of com- plaint or reflection npon the Indians, the ?6Ya/Ae?', or anybody else, have its place in our recollec- tions of the past. It was our impulse and duty to go, and we went. Xo regrets are entertained; but sometimes it seems that we should have had more enjoyment and quiet had there been more men along, and that the Indians would have treated larger numbers with greater respect; and sometimes it seems very strange that that trip to Fort Caspar, just then, was such a matter of hfe or death to the nation, as to make it a question of life or death to us. FORT RENO TO FORT CASPAR. 237 CHAPTER XXVIII. FORT RENO TO FORT CASPAR — THENCE TO THE UNITED STATES — ^COURTESIES OF THE ROUTE — VISIT OF DIGNITARIES, MILI- TARY, CIVIL, AND INDIAN, AT M'PHERSON — MORE CHANGES. ITearly three days were spent at Reno chang- ing the infantry escort and providing for those who suffered. Lieutenant Jacobs, son of Dr. Jacobs, an old friend, at our birthplace, Danville, Kentucky, was its commander. Our days' marches were forced, as far as snow would permit, and were — 1st, Dry Fork of the Cheyenne ; 2d, Wind River ; 3d, Brown Springs, four miles east of the South Fork of the Chey- enne; 4th, the North Platte, near mouth of Sage Creek; 5th, Deer Creek Station, burned by In- dians in 1865; and 6th, to Caspar. Indians had kept out of sight, and the headquarters of the 18th were again approaching a home. Lieuten- ant Wands, guide Bailey, and others rode for- ward, to give notice of our speedy arrival ; when, all at once, we found our ambulance closed in by others, and upon looking out discovered the whole train on a trot, in column of six wagons front, and thus moving all in mass. The quick passing of an orderly was all that had been noticed, and without the sound of a bu^le or other warnino- 238 ABSAIiAKA. we found ourselves preparing for Indians, only six miles from Casfiar. A party of red men bad passed between tbe train and tbose wbo witli Lieutenant Wands bad gone in advance, and galloping close up to tbe telegrapb ofRce, bad run off tbe stock of tbe borses just after tbe officers bad dismounted at tbe fort. Tbe colonel, wbo was riding along a ridge some- wbat in advance, recognized a mounted party crossing tbe Platte to be Indians, closed u\) tbe train and moved on ; but pursuit was bopeless, as tbe Indians bad seen tbe escort turn tbe bill in full view, and were nearly across tbe Platte tbree miles distant wbcn discovered. Soon we were met by Brevet Major Norris, a friend of old times, witli bis company of tbe 2d Cavaby, and returned witb bim to post, wbcre he bad already anticipated our wants. Here also Brevet Major Morris, Captain Free- man and wife, and Lieutenant Carpenter, all old officers of tbe 18tb, competed in tbeir welcomes, witb otber officers previously unknown, to us all. Here also, to our great deligbt, we met Mrs. Potter and ber busband, tbe new adjutant of tbe regiment, wbo, after long service as acting as- sistant adjutant-general during tbe war, and as commandant of tbe District of Utab, wbile colonel of tbe Gtb U. S. Volunteers, bad been appointed to tbe 18tb Infantry and at once placed on tbe staff. Mrs. Potter and little Carroll bad AGAnV ON' THE WAV. 239 just arrived from Laramie upon advices of change of headquarters. The first thing done was to disencumber our- selves of bhinkets and furs. The next, was to open our eyes as Lieutenant Wands inquired where most would we prefer to go rather than remain at Caspar, the most l)arren and insignifi- cant post on the plains. The apparent joke as to preference was earnest of a welcome fact; for sure enough, General Augur, upon assuming command at Omaha, had changed the head- quarters station to McPherson, and thus we at once began to prepare ourselves to double our track to Sage Creek and extend our winter's march over the path of 18(36, and within ninety- seven miles of old Kearnc}'. Orders had mis- carried, or the trip to Caspar would have been spared us. The next day Captain Kellogg of the 18th, with his most estimable and lovely wife, arrived, and the associations of olden times were agreeably renewed. Good-bys quickly followed, and with Brevet Major Morris of the 18th in charge of the new escort wo were again on the way. The second day we reached the North Platte again, where Lieutenant Jacobs, who had now to return to Reno, bade his farewell, leaving pleasant memo- ries of his courtesies as a gentleman and efii- ciency in charge of the escort. 240 ADSARAKA. Before f5toppin_2:, on the sixth day of Fehruary, the colonel had the misfortune to be accidentally shot while riding rapidly to close up the train, by the discharge of liis revolver, which had been badly repaired at Caspar, the ball entering the scarpal space, grazing both femoral artery and sciatic nerve, following the bone around to the outside of the limb, where it lodged. Instead of returning to Caspar, he ordered the train crowded forward to Laramie, and at noon of Saturday, the ninth of February, the corral was formed in the Laramie Kiver bottom near the post. The whole-hearted Mr. Bullock threw open his house, and, with Surgeon Snell, heaped upon the party that remained for twelve days with the colonel every comfort and attention that home itself could have furnished. The second day heavy snow fell, and the last of headquarters did not reach Fort McPhcrson until March 2d> although Adjutant Potter and Quartermaster "VVands, with their families and part of the bag- gage, were sent a few days in advance. The trip from Laramie was without escort, none being at- tainable, although there had been an outrage perpetrated but a few days before between the post and Fort Mitchell; still, !io danger was ap- prehended. The ride of fifty-three miles to the latter post was made in one day ; and two or three days of rest passed delightfully, as Captain Hughes of the iSth, and Assistant Surgeon Cun- THE PLATTE CROSSED ON THE ICE. 241 ningham, nephew of Lieutenant-General Cun- ningham of the British army, were our excellent and willing entertainers. They had given the same cordial greeting to the advance train, and thus Reno, Caspar, and Mitchell had alike kept up that old army hospitality which was once its pride and is the essential and redeeming feature of its isolated social life. Scott's Bluffs, Fortification Rocks, Chimney Rock, and Court-house Rock, had a different language as they rose before us, cold and snow- clad; but even winter could impart no more gloom to their barren features; and the same cedars peeped through the snow that had dotted the sterile sides and caiions in the heat of summer. Captain Neil, Dr. Latham, Mr. Adams and wife, and young Janney, of Columbus, Ohio, were still at Sedgwick, but otherwise few old friends were met. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Dodge of the 30th Infantry, which was in camp across the river, and Lieutenant Bennett also called. The sight of a full regiment 'reminded us how constantly General Wessels and the upper garri- sons were watching daily for their arrival, and how long we had lived in the same expectancy. The Platte was crossed on the ice; but it would hardly have been the fair thing to have passed it without recognition, so our ambulance broke through a few times, and three or four 21 242 ABSARAKA. little scares were nnflergone for old acquaintance sake. From Fort Sedgwick to Fort McPherson the drifting sands of summer had been overshadowed hy the deep and drifting snows of winter; but with Valentine and Baker and Morrow to yield their best for our physical necessities, the journey soon came to an end. We had been to Absaraka and back again! All phases of life, all eccentricities of climate and temperature, all grades of exposure q,nd dan- ger, and intercourse with all styles of human nature had been experienced or encountered. Fort McPherson became home for a time. Here were some reminder's of old times, as the spring of 1867 brought Indian depredations to the very vicinity. Here, too, were Indian coun- cils, Indian visits, and Indian promises. Here, too, the Special Indian Commission spent a month in seeking interviews with the Ogillallas and Brule Sioux of the Republican, and taking the testimony of Colonel Carrington as to the facts concerning Fetternian's massacre. Ilere, too, a court of inquiry met to take tes- timony, and we had the pleasure of again meet- ing Captains Ilaymond and J^histerer, who left Fort Phil Kearney, August 1st, 1800, and had been summoned from Pittsburg and New York as witnesses respecting the affair of December 21st following their departure. FORT Mcpherson. 243 Here, also, were visits from Generals Sherman, Augur, and Custar; and here, also, Spotted Tail, Standing Elk, Swift Bear, Two Strike, Pawnee Killer, The Whistler, Long Bull, The Man that walks under the Ground, Joe Smith, Sharp JSTose, and The White Antelope had talks, and gave pledges of friendship. Here, also, the courtesy of Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Mizner, of the 2d Cavalry, and his wife, and the officers of his command, and the sis- terly welcome of Mrs. Potter made our arrival pleasant and our stay delightful, crowning with something like the amenities of old-fashion times in the States, our return from Absaraka, Home of the Crows. But changes still occurred! Mr. Wands had been transferred to the 36th Infantry, and with his family soon returned westward again. Lieutenant Brent succeeded him as regimental quartermaster. Colonel Mizner took his turn to visit the Indian country farthet west, and his accomplished wife anticipated our own trip eastward a few weeks. As at the outset so at the close of our trip across the plains and back again, the same kind Provi- dence guided and guarded our footsteps, and more than ever brought home to the soul the sweet assurance of his presence Wherever we wander, Wherever we roam. 244 ABSARAKA. CHAPTER XXIX. IN MEMOKIAM. The dead of 1866, in the occupation of Absa- raka, were those who were worthy. Officers and men alike had done duty well, and the majority had an honorable record before they engaged a new enemy in a new country. Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel William J. Fet- TERMAN, son of Captain George Fetterman, de- ceased, an old army officer, was born in garrison, and was instinct with the ambition of a soldier. lie was appointed a lieutenant in the 18th United States Infantry in May, 1861, and joined the regimental headquarters almost immedi- ately. In the School of Instruction for officers, organized by the colonel of the regiment in July, 18G1, he was ambitious and proficient, and in his duties as recruiting officer in Ohio realized sub- stantial success, while, no less, commanding esteem by his refinement, gentlemanly manuere, and ada})tation to social life. After he accompanied the regiment to the field, and when the changes incident to the war had placed the field officers of the regiment on IN MEMORIAM. 245 detached duty, as generals of volunteers, Captain Fetterman commanded the detachment, and earned the reputation of being a brave soldier. His return to the regiment in November, 1866, had been sought, and no less looked for with glad anticipation, as officers were so few, and his social and professional character alike made him a favorite. As the senior officer serving with the 2d Bat- talion, just taking the new style of the 27th In- fantry, it was naturally expected that he would take command of it whenever the colonel should join the 1st Battalion, which was to retain the old number, but had its companies on the lower route. That he was impatient because Indians were not summarily punished, and permitted this feel- ing and contempt of the enemy to drive him to hopeless ruin, where a simple deference to the orders and known policy of his commander, and still higher authority would have brought no loss of life whatever, is matter of history ; yet, such was the esteem ehtertained for him by his colonel and many friends, that as the grave received his remains, and the battle-field evinced the vigor of his desperate defense, no bitter reflections min- gle with the necessity of rendering equal justice to the living. In the prime of manhood and the pride of a noble spirit, he reached forth for laurels that 21* 246 ABSARAKA. were beyond his reacli ; and with all the support that human ener<>;y and quick haste could fur- nish, the error could not be retrieved, and his brief Indian campaiijn and life closed together, when he had just reached his new field of labor, inex- perienced in. its methods and contingencies, and incurring the saddest penalty for neglect of the experience of others. In life he was a gentleman. In death he was mourned and honored. Captain Frederick II. Brown, enlisted in the 18th Infantry at Columbus, Ohio, was at once appointed a sergeant at regimental headquarters, and then quartermaster sergeant. Among the first appointments from the ranks, under the then existing law requiring the colonel to fill the vacancies of second lieutenant, Mr. Brown was second. He was almost immediately appointed regimental quartermaster and commissary, as his antecedent experience in the commission business at Toledo had peculiarly fitted him for such duty. This ofiice, in the field and out of it, he filled until promoted captain, late in 1866, when he received orders to join his company at Fort Laramie. lie had become so attached to the country about Fort Philip Kearney, and so enthused by his purpose to take the scalp of "Ked Cloud," that Indian skirmishing fastened itself upon his IN MEMORIAM. 247 nature with the hold of some constitutional dis- ease. With it all he felt a deep sense of neglect that the flood of brevets which rolled over the regi- ment omitted his name; and when one officer was breveted for services in the Atlanta cam- paign, although, during the whole period, that officer was at the IlTorth, and others had honors for similar erroneously designated services, he became impatient, eager, and reckless. His intimacy in the family of the writer brought forth frequent sketches of his history and disap- pointments ; and while he could cheerfully ac- cept and reason upon the circumstances of the command, and intellectually recognize the im- possibility of doing more than was being done to punish the savages, his restless spirit would hardly let him till up the measure of his neces- sary duty, so set was his purpose to do some service that would command the recognition of his six years' of connection with the 18th In- fantry. On the night before his death, already ad- verted to, when he called, equipped for imme- diate duty, and at a time of the evening when there was no show for service, he was peculiarly earnest in his regret that he must leave without " Red Cloud's " scalp. He asked for the colonel, and said " he wished they would hurry up rein- forcements. He was going to have one more 248 ADSARAKA. figlit if he liad to work night and day to finish liis papers." lie adverted to the colonel's re- fusal to permit himself and Captain Fettermau to go to Tongue River valley on a trip with the mounted men, and said " he knew it was im[)OS- sible, but he just felt that he could kill a dozen himself." Those who knew Captain Browm, or, as all the officers styled him, "Fred," know how he over- flowed with genial humor, and interested him- self in whatever imparted social life to the march, or garrison life. His relation of an In- dian skirmish on the 23d of September was fre- quent; and just before his death he made up its history, which he said "showed one good tight he had with the rascals." That his impulses led Brevet Lieutenant-Col- onel Fetterman to disobey orders on the 21st of December, at the sacrilice of the whole detach- ment, is not questioned ; and yet we have no heart for blame when the strength of his friend- ship, his pride in his regiment, his disappoint- ment as to honorable mention, and his brave but false estimate of the spirit of the Indian, chal- lenge 80 much of our regard as memory brings him back to us, as when we parted but a few hours before he left earth's scenes forever. He said " he would always keep a shot for himself;" and doubtless thereby saved himself from tor- ture. IN MEMORIAM. 249 Lieutenant Geokge W. Grummond, wlao fell in the same memorable slaughter, had achieved success in the war with the rebellion as captain and field officer of Michigan volunteers, and was understood to have been breveted brigadier- general of volunteers before he ceased his con- nection with the Army of the Cumberland. Our narrative has shown how narrow was his escape on the 6th of December; and the sketch of Fet- terman's massacre shows how closely he obeyed his orders to remain with Captain Fetterman. His ambition prompted him to volunteer to ac- company that party, and the fact that his remains were found with those of Sergeant Lang and a few others, more than a quarter of a mile in ad- vance of the other dead, indicates that he either was covering the retreat or was disabled and killed in a gallant defense. He had a soldier's spirit, and in social relations was genial and al- ready esteemed by all. He alone, of the fallen, left a widow to mourn his loss, and his remains returned with her to Tennessee, where they re- ceived their final burial. 250 ADSARAKA. CHAPTER XXX. OMAHA TO VIRGINIA CITY, MONTANA. The foregoing narrative has given the distances for the best day-by-day marches, and such facts as to wood, grass, and water as are of practical vahie along the route from the Union Pacific Railroad to Fort Philip Kearney. The westward-bound traveler will find at Omaha such extensive supplies of merchandise and outfit, at the establishments of "W, R. King & Co., Jewett & Ely, John M. McCormick & Co., Ilurfords, Lehmcn & Co., Stephens and Wilcox, C. F. Catlin, S. & A. B. Saunders, and fifty other grocery, hardware, dry goods, and stationery houses, that he will find himself not a whit at loss if he has reached that city without much antecedent outlay ; while the Union Pacific Rail- road regularly transports its burdens beyond the first spur of the Rocky Mountains, passing en route the wagon departure at Horse Shoe Creek, and again at Cheyenne, affording a comparatively easy route to Laramie and points beyond. To those who travel with their own wagons and substance, this narrative gives many hints ; OMAHA TO VIRGINIA CITY. 251 but the whole line from Leavenworth, or Ne- braska City, on the south side of the Platte, has been temporarily impaired by the Indian en- croachments, the westward tide of travel, and the natural laws of that advance. With no af- fectation of scientific research more than to col- lect such botanical, floral, and geological speci- mens as the circumstances of the march would permit and a natural taste for such study would prompt, our information from competent sources, in company, sets forth Southern and Middle Ne- braska as full of promise. The beautiful farm- ing lands back of Omaha will find their contest- ing claimants; while salt, building material, and indications of coal show that the State is capable of expansion and self-support with little extrinsic aid. Beyond Nebraska, and apart from the accom- modations of the Union Pacific Railroad, the ox and mule teams still hold supremacy, and for their benefit some further information is given. The trip of Major James Bridger and guide Henry Williams in 1866, who were sent forward by Colonel Carrington to visit the authorities of Montana and survey the route, or shorten it and open a new route, furnishes many facts additional to those contained in the report of Colonel Saw- yer, and their notes, somewhat abridged, are by permission freely used for our present purpose, with the confidence that these will alwavs be an 252 ADSARAKA. avenue for travel, tliouG;li iiiterrnpted in the set- tlement of Indian questions for a time. The following statement closely approximates the odometer measurement of General Ilazen in 1866, and while this is twenty miles less than Colonel Sawyer's route, the course of travel adopted by Major Bridger confirms his opinion that nearly thirty miles more can be saved as soon as the government or emigration can safely operate and improve the road : Fort Philip Kearnej' to Fort C. F. Smith 91 miles. Fort C. F. Smith to Clarke's Fork G3 " Clarke's Fork to Yellowstone Ferry 90 " Yellowstone Ferry to Bozeman City 51 " Bozeman City to Virginia City 70 " Total 3G5 miles. The first distance is divisible as follows: Fort Philip Kearney to Peno Creek Branch 5 miles. To North Bank of Peno Creek, with timber, grass, and water 7 " To Second Crossing of Peno Creek, with same sup- plies 6 " To Croosing of Goose Creek, with same supplies... 4 " To Brown's Fork of Tongue River, with same sup- plies 13 " To East Fork of Little Horn River, with same sup- plies 17 " To Grass Lodge Creek, with same supplies 15 " To Rotten Grass Creek, with same supplies IG " To Fort C. F. Smith, Bridger's Cut-ofl". 8 " Total 91 miles. OMAHA TO VIRGINIA CITY. 253 Between Tongue River and Little Horn River eight forks are crossed, the largest of which, " Colonel Kinney's Fork," is quite a stream of clear water, with nearly two feet of depth in the autumn. Between Little Horn and Big Horn Rivers are nine small streams of constant water. The Big Horn River is nearly three hundred and thirty yards wide, with from three to six feet of water, and is crossed by a substantial ferry. In 1866 Kirkendall's train lost a wagonraaster by attempting to ford it ; but it can be forded, with some little risk to stock and merchandise, at a low stage of water. It is unsafe for strangers, and the ferry is indispensable to general travel. Fort C. F. Smith, on the Big Horn River, was built by Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel ]^. C. Kin- ney, Captain of the 18th Infantry in 1866, and suffered less from Indian adventures on account of the vicinity of the friendly Crow Indians, and because it was west of the main hunting-ground of the Arrapahoes, Che3'ennes, and Sioux. It is the last residence of white men until the trav- eler reaches Bozeman City. Associated with Captain Kinney in the build- ing of Fort C. F. Smith, and with wonderful vigor and patience resisting the effect of wounds and apprehended heart disease, should be men- tioned Brevet Major Thomas B. Burrows. His 22 254 ABSARAKA. father is well known as the veteran friend of edu- cation in Pennsylvania. The second distance, before referred to, is di- visible as follows: From Fort C. F. Smith to Dubois Creek, a fork of Beauvais Fork of Big Horn River, N."W. by N.... 10 miles. This stream is about fifteen feet wide. Eoad good except the crossings of two small creeks, and distant from the mountains about seven miles. The timber is ash and box older. *• To North Fork of Dubois Creek, N.W. by N 10 miles. E.oad crosses small creeks and ravines, and is quite bad. The stream is narrow, and eight miles from the mountains. Grass good, and timber for fuel. To South Fork of Prior's River, N.W 8 miles. Eoad passes one long canon, cutting the divide between Big Horn and llocky Eangcs, crossing several creeks, and in places quite rough. Grass good. To Ice Wafer Sprii^g, N.W. by N 15 miles. At four miles is water in a small braiK'h. At five miles farther is Millard's Spring, with good gras3 and water. This spring rises and flows from a high, level prairie, four miles from the base of the mountains, forming a branch of Prior's Eiver, three foot wide and twelve inches deep. At six miles farther comes Ice Water Spring, with good grass, but no timber, although at Prior's Eiver, twp miles beyond, the timber is abundant. Eoad is in many places quite rocky. Ice Water Springs rise from a mound in the prairie, supplying ibur small streams which unite in a channel six feet wide and tiiree feet deep, flowing with great rapidity. OMAHA TO VIRGINIA CITY. 255 To Spring Creek, W.N.W 8 miles. Koad crosses Prior Eiver and its four miles of beautiful valley, thence up the valley of Spring Creek, or North Fork of Prior's Eiver. Here are many steep bluffs until the road attains the summit of the divide between Prior's Eiver and Clark's Fork. Grass excellent. Only suflScient timber for fuel. To Clark's Fork, nearly W 12 miles. The road is good, and all prairie except two dry creek-crossings, which are not decidedly bad. Clark's Fork is here nearly one hundred yards wide, with a rich valley and abundance of grass and timber. Total 63 miles. The third distance is divisible as follows : To Rocky Fork 7 miles. This stream is forty-five yards wide, about three feet deep, with good ford. Luxuriant timber and grass. Ten miles from the mountains. To Berdan's Creek — Branch of Eocky Fork 12 miles. Eocky Fork is crossed twice. Good camping- grounds are found every three miles. Grass and timber abundant. To South Fork of Rosebud 10 miles. Three miles up Berdan's Creek. Eoad rough until the main divide is reached, between this creek and the South Fork of Eosebud. Stream about fifteen feet wide and two feet deep, abounding in beaver dams. Grass good; but only sufficient timber for fuel. Eoad runs six miles from mountains. To Rosebud River Camj) 8 miles. Down South Fork of Eosebud one mile; thence crossing a divide of three miles. Eosebud is nearly twenty-five yards wide and two and one- 256 ABSARAKA. half feet deep. Cottonwood and willow timber is plentiful, and grass good. Thence down Eoscbud four miles to best camp. About ten miles from the mountains. To Stillwater, W.S.W G miles. Eoad crosses the main Kosebud and follows up Stillwater Fork of Rosebud. Road good, tim- ber hcixvy, and grass good. Stream is about sixty-five yards wide, three feet deep, and quite a rocky ford. About six miles from the mount- ains. To Emmil's Fork 18 miles. The road runs W.S.W. , to North Fork of the Stillwater. Grass and timber very heavy, and camping-grounds every three miles. One di- vide is crossed before reaching Emmil's Fork, which here empties into the Yellowstone River. Emmil's Fork, named from the massacre of Emmil's party, in 1822, is about twenty feet wide and eighteen inches deep. The Yellow- stone is here about one hundred and twenty yards wide and from three to five feet deep. The valley is from six to fifteen miles wide, and timber is very heavy. To Big Boulder Creek 17 miles. Eight miles up Yellowstone valley, crossing "Lower Cross Creek" at five miles, and "Up- per or Big Cross Creek" three miles beyond. Road, grass, and timber good ; thence the road is over level prairie nine miles, with abundance of grass and timber. To Yellowstone Ferry 12 miles. Eoad good. Timber is mostly on the north bank. The ferry is diagonally across the river, of nearly two hundred and seventy-five yards. Total 90 miles. OMAHA TO VIRGINIA CITY. 25 1 The fourth distance is divisible as follows: Yellowstone Ferry to Warm Spring, S.W 4^ miles. Up the Yellowstone Elver, after crossing, four and a half miles. Eoad here bears west toward the hills, becoming very heavy, and crossing a succession of small creeks and ravines. To Twenty-Jive Yard River lOj miles. Southwest five miles across the ridge to the Yel- lowstone. Eoad difficult, crossing sidling hills. Up the valley two miles to foot of " Big Hill." Across the ridge, with better road, 3| miles. This river derives its name from its width. Plenty of young timber, and grass good. To Beaver or Pass Creek 17 miles. Eoad runs S.W. by S. Eoad for ten miles very good, until leaving the river and entering the pass called Flat Head or Clarke's Pass. The last eight miles crosses a number of spring creeks, which flow from the snow range. No timber in this pass, except small pine and aspen. To Cold Spring Creek 10 miles. Up Beaver or Pass Creek. Eoad very rough. Grass good. Timber in abundance, of small varieties of pine and aspen. To Head-waters, Cold Spring Creek 5 miles. Eoad crosses the divide to the east Branch of Gal- latin Elver. Timber largely destroyed by fire several years ago. To Bozeman City 4 miles. Down the East Gallatin Eiver. Here is a success- ful flour-mill, and a small but thrifty village. Total 51 miles. The fifth distance is divisible as follows. Road adopted in 1866: 22* y58 ABSARAKA. To Madison River 33 miles. Southwest to West Gallatin River thirteen miles. Itoad runs across the valley, which is twelve miles, and nearly all occupied by farms, with abundance of grass, and well watered by small streams from the mountains. This river is about one hundred and fifty yards wide, and from two to two and one-half feet deep, very swift, with a heavy growth of cottonwood tim- ber. Thence, southwest by south, nearly twenty miles across the dividing ridge to the Madison Eiver. Road good; grass abundant; but little timber near the road. To Meadow Creek 21 miles. Road crosses Madison River. This river is nearly two hundred yards wide and three feet deep. Thence up the stream five miles, westward up a canon four miles, to main divide of Hot Spring valley. This spring boils up vigorously, and with temperature unpleasant to the hand. Near are the first quartz leads. The road is good, but rough. Thence south, across the divide, to Meadow Creek, twelve miles. To Virginia City — by cut-off. 16 miles. The usual road is twenty-two miles. Total 70 miles. Aggregate distances 365 miles. APPENDIX. The following extract, from Senate Document No. 13, 1867, furnishes that portion relating to the massacre near Fort Phil Kearney in 1866, being Report of the Special Commission sent to investigate the cause of that disaster. Disposition and Conduct of the Indians about Fort Phil Kearney, and the Causes of the same. The main object sought to be secured by the treaty of Laramie of July, a.d. 1866, was the opening of a new route to Montana from Fort Laramie, via Bridger's Ferry and the head- waters of the Powder, Tongue, and Big Horn Rivers. This country was occupied by the Ogallalla and Minnecon- joux bands of Sioux Indians and the northern Cheyenne and Arrapahoe tribes, and the mountain Crows. The region through which the road was to pass and does pass is the most attractive and valuable to Indians. It abounds with game, flocks of mountain sheep, droves of elk and deer, and herds of buffalo range through and live in this country, and the Indians with propriety call it their last best hunting-grounds. All these Indians were reluctant to allow the proposed road to pass through these hunting-grounds, C259) 2C,0 ABSARAK'A. l»ut all would reluctantly assent to this for so liberal an equiv- alent as the governinont was ready to give. The Indians were rccjuircd further to stipulate that the government should have the right to establish one or naore military posts on this road in their country. All the Indians occupying it refused thus to stipulate, and through the chiefs, headmen, and soldiers protested against the establishment of any military post oa their hunting-grounds along that road north of Fort Reno. While negotiations were going on with Red Cloud and their leading chiefs to induce them to yield to the govern- ment the right to peaceably establish these military posts, which right they persistently refused to yield, saying that it was asking too much of their people — asking all they had — for it would drive away all the game, Colonel H. B. Car- rington, 18th United States Infantry, with about seven hundred officers and men, arrived at Laramie, en route to their country to establish and occupy military posts along the Montana road, pursuant to General Orders No. 33, Head- quarters Department of the Missouri, March 10, 1866, Major- General Pope commanding. The destination and purpose of Colonel Carrington and his command were communicated to their chiefs. They eeenied to construe this as a determination on the part of the government to occupy their country by military posts, even without their consent or that of their people, and as soon as practicable withdrew from the council with their adherents, refusing to accept any presents from the commission, returned to their country, and with a strong force of warriors commenced a vigorous and relentless war against all whites who came into it, both citizens and soldiers. Quite a large number of Indians, who did not occupy the country along this road, were an.\ious to make a treaty and remain at peace. Some of this class had for a long time re- sided near Fort Laramie. Others (Brulfes) occupied the White Earth River valley and the Sand Hills south of that river. The commissioners created and appointed several of the APPENDIX. 261 leading warriors of these Indians chiefs, viz., Big Mouth, Spotted Tail, Swift Bear, and Two Strikes. A portion of these Indians have remained near Fort Laramie, and a por- tion of them on the Republican fork of the Kansas River, and have strictly complied with their treaty stipulations. The number of Sioux Indians who considered themselves bound by the treaty and have remained at peace is about two thousand, while the Minneconjoux and a portion of the Ogal- lalla and Brulfe bands, the northern Cheyennes and Arrapa- hoes, with a few Sans Arcs, numbering in the aggregate about six hundred lodges, remained in their old country and went to war under the auspices of their old chiefs. We therefore report that all the Sioux Indians occupying the country about Fort Phil Kearney have been in a state of war against the whites since the 20th day of June, a.d. 1866, and that they have waged and carried on this war for the purpose of defending their ancient possessions and the pos- sessions acquired by them from the Crow Indians by con- quest after bloody wars, from invasion and occupation by the whites. This war has been carried on by the Indians with most ex- traordinary vigor and unwonted success. During the time from July 26th, the day on which Lieutenant Wands's train was attacked, to the 21st day of December, on which Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Fetterman, with his command of eighty officers and men, was overpowered and massacred, they killed ninety-one enlisted men and five ofiicers of our army, and killed fifty-eight citizens and wounded twenty more, and cap- tured and drove away three hundred and six oxen and cows, three hundred and four mules, and one hundred and sixty-one horses. During this time they appeared in front of Fort Phil Kearney, making hostile demonstrations and committing hos- tile acts, fifty-one different times, and attacked nearly every train and person that attempted to pass over the Montana road. 2G2 ABSARAKA. Massacre of Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Felterman' s Parti/, and the Causes which led to it. General Orders No. 33, Fleadquarters Department of Mis- souri, dated March 10, 18G6, directed that two new military posts should be established on this new route to Montana — one "near the base of the Big Horn Mountain," the other " on or near the Upper Yellowstone" — and designated the 2d Battalion of the 18th Infantry to garrison the three posts on this route, and created the Mountain District, Department of the Platte, and directed the colonel of the regiment (Colonel H. B. Carrington) to take post at Fort Reno and command the district, which included all the troops and garrisons on this route. General Orders No. 7, Headquarters Department of the Platte, June 23, 1866, directed that the 2d Battalion 18th Infantry should take post as follows: Two companies at Fort Reno, on Powder River, two companies about eighty miles nearly south of Reno, on the waters of Powder or Tongue River, which post should be known as Fort Philip Kearney, and two companies at the crossing of the Big Horn River on the same road, and about seventy miles beyond Fort Philip Kearney, to be known as Fort C. F. Smith, and directed that the colonel of the regiment should take post at Fort Philip Kearney, and command the "mountain district." The orders above referred to were issued with the express understanding, apparently, that this road to Montana was to be opened through the Indian country by compact or treaty with the Indians occupying it, and not by conquest and the exercise of arbitrary power on the part of the government. Hence Colonel Carrington's instructions looked mainly to the duty of selecting and building the two new forts, Pliilip Kearney and C. F. Smith, and the comniaud assigned was only suflicieut for this purpose and properly garrisoning the posts. This command numbered in all about seven hundred APPENDIX 263 men, five hundred of whom were new recruits, and twelve officers, including district commander and staff. The com- manding officer, Colonel Carrington, could not and did not fiiil to see at once, that although his command was entirely sufficient to erect the new forts, build the barracks, ware- houses, and stables, and make preparations for winter, and properly garrison his posts, and could protect emigration from the small thieving parties of Indians, it was still entirely inadequate to carry on systematic and aggressive war against a most powerful tribe of Indians, fighting to maintain posses- sion and control of their own country, in addition to those other duties. This officer carried the orders above referred to into effect with promptness and zeal, organizing the mount- ain district June 28, 1866, establishing Fort Philip Kearney on the 15th of July, and Fort C. F. Smith on the 3d day of August, and as early as the 31st day of July informed Gen- eral P. St. George Cooke, the department commander, that the status of Indians in that country was one of war, and re- que'^ted reinforcements sent to him, and two days previously had telegraphed the adjutant-general of the army for Indian auxiliaries, and additional force of his own regiment. On the 9th of August, General Cooke, commanding de- partment of the Platte, informed Colonel Carrington that Lieutenant-General Sherman ordered the posts in his, Colo- nel Carrington's district, supported as much as possible, and announced a regiment coming from St. Louis. No auxiliaries were assigned, and no reinforcements came until November, when company C, 2d United States Cav- alry, reached Fort Kearney, sixty strong, armed with Spring- field rifles and Star carbines. In December, about ninety recruits joined the battalion in the mountain district, a portion of whom were assigned to a company stationed at Fort Phil Kearney. No other reinforcements were sent to the district. Approved requisitions for ammunition were not answered. The command at Fort C. F. Smith was reduced to ten rounds per man ; the command at Fort Phil Kearney 264 ABSARAKA. to forty-five rounds per man, and the command at Fort Reno to thirty rounds per man. Recruits could not practice any in firing. Little time could be allowed from fatigue duty for drill, and with but twelve officers and three posts little could have been done in drilling recruits, if time could have been allowed. The result of all this was that the troops were in no con- dition to fight successful battles with Indians or other foes, and this from no fault of Colonel Carrington ; and I am aston- ished at the zeal with which they fought, and the damage they inflicted, December 21st. The numerous demonstrations and attacks made by Indians prior to the 6th of December seemed to have been made for the sole purpose of capturing stock, picket posts, and small parties of soldiers who might venture beyond the cover of the garrison, and of annoying and checking the wood train constantly drawing material for the new forts. On the morning of December Gth the wood train was at- tacked, a common occurrence, about two miles from the fort, and forced to corral and defend itself. Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel Fettcrman, with a command of seventeen mounted infantry and thirty-five cavalry, moved out to relieve the wood train, and drive off the Indians, and Colonel Carrington, with twenty-five mounted infantry, moved out for the purpose of cutting off the Indians from retreat, and destroying them. On this day, at a point on Peno Creek, about five miles from the fort, the Indians, the second time after the fort was estab- lished, made a stand and strong resistance, and nearly sur- rounded Colonel Fetterman's party. The infantry obeyed orders and behaved well. The cavalry, with the exception of ten enlisted men, disobeyed the orders of Colonel Fetter- man, and fled with great precipitancy from this portion of the field. As the cavalry retreated, the Indians made a great display and every effort to create a panic with the infantry, but Colonel Fetterman, Lieutenant Wands, and Lieutenant Brown succeeded in keeping this small body of infantry cool- APPENDIX. 265 and by reserving their fire for proper range, rescued it from annihilation, and made a junction with Colonel Carrington's party, on the east side of Peno Creek. Lieutenant Bing- ham, after leaving Colonel Fetterman's party, with Lieu- tenant Grummond, a sergeant from Colonel Carrington's command, and two men from his own, without the knowledge or orders of any of his superiors, pursued into an ambuscade, more than two miles from the main party, a single Indian who was on foot just in front of their horses, and Lieutenant Bingham -and the sergeant were there killed. The results of this day's fighting, although not of a decidedly success- ful character to the Indians, were such as naturally to induce the belief on their part that by proper management and effort they could overpower and destroy any force that could be sent out from the fort to fight them, and no doubt at this time resolved to make the effort the first auspicious day, and postponed their proceedings from the new to the full moon. In the mean time everything was quiet about the fort, although they often appeared on the surrounding hills. On the morning of December 21st the picket at the signal station signaled to the fort that the wood train was attacked by Indians, and coralled, and the escort fighting. This was not far from 11 o'clock a.m., and the train was about two miles from the fort, and moving toward the timber. Almost immediately a few Indian pickets appeared on one or two of the surrounding heights, and a party of about twenty near the Big Piney, where the Montana road crosses the same, within howitzer range of the fort. Shells were thrown among them from the artillery in the fort, and they fled. The following detail, viz., fifty men and two officers from the four different infantry companies, and twenty-six cavalry- men and one office.', was made by Colonel Carrington. The entire force formed in good order and was placed under com- mand of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Fetterman, who received the following orders from Colonel Carrington : "Support the wood train, relieve it, and report to me. Do not engage or 23 266 ABSARAKA. pursue Indians at its expense ; under no circumstances par- sue over Lodge Trail Ridge." These instructions were re- peated by Colonel Carriugton in a loud voice, to the com- maod when in motion, and outside the fort, and again deliv- ered in substance through Lieutenant Wands, officer of the day, to Lieutenant Grummond, commanding cavalry detach- ment, who was requested to communicate them again to Colonel Fetterman. Colonel Fetterman moved out rapidly to the right of the wood road, for the purpose no doubt of cutting off the re- treat of the Indians then attacking the train. As he ad- vanced across the Piney, a few Indians appeared in his front and on his flanks, and continued flitting about hjra. beyond rifle range, till they disappeared beyond Lodge Trail Ilidgo. "VVhon he was on Lodge Trail Ridge, the picket signaled the fort that the Indians had retreated from the train ; the train had broken corral and moved on toward the timber. The train made the round trip, and was not again disturbed that day. » At about fifteen minutes before 12 o'clock Colonel Fetter- man's command had reached the crest of Lodge Trail Ridge, ■was deployed as skirmishers, and at a halt. Without regard to orders, for reasons that the silence of Colonel Fetterman now prevents us from giving, he, with the command, in a few moments disappeared, having cleared the ridge, still moving north. Firing at once commenced, and increased in rapidity till, in about fifteen minutes and at about 12 o'clock m., it was a continuous and rapid fire of musketry, plainly audible at the fort. Assistant Surgeon Hines, having been ordered to join Fetterman, found Indians on a part of Lodge Trail Ridge not visible from the fort, and could not reach the force there struggling to preserve its existence. As soon as the firing became rapid Colonel Carringtou ordered Captain Ten Eytk, with about seventy-si.\ men, being all the men for duty in the fort, anil two wagons with anunnnition, to join Colonel Fetterman immediately. He moved out and advanced rapidly APPENDIX. 2G7 toward the point from which the sound oF firing proceeded, but did not move by so short a route as he might have done. The sound of firing continued to be heard during his advance, diminishing in rapidity and number of shots till he reached a high summit overlooking the battle-field, at about a quarter before 1 o'clock, when one or two shots closed all sound of conflict. Whether he could have reached the scene of action by marching over the shortest route as rapidly as possible in time to have relieved Colonel Fetterman's command, I am unable to determine. Immediately after Captain Ten Eyck moved out, and by orders of Colonel Carrington issued at the same time as the orders detailing that officer to join Colonel Fetterman, the quartermaster's employees, convalescents, and all others in garrison, were armed and provided with ammunition, and held in readiness to reinforce the troops fighting, or defend the garrison. Captain Ten Eyck reported, as soon as he reached a sum- mit commanding a view of the battle-field, that the Peno valley was full of Indians ; that he could see nothing of Col- onel Fetterman's party, and requested that a howitzer should be sent to him. The howitzer was not sent. The Indians, who at first beckoned him to come down, now commenced retreating, and Captain Ten Eyck, advancing to a point where the Indians had been standing in a circle, found the dead naked bodies of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel Fetterman, Cap- tain Brown, and about sixty-five of the soldiersof their com- . mand. At this point there were no indications of a severe struggle. All the bodies lay in a space not exceeding thirty- five feet in diameter. No empty cartridge shells were about, and there were some full cartridges. A few American horses lay dead a short distance off, all with their heads toward the fort. This spot was by the roadside, and beyond the summit of a hill rising to the east of Peno Creek. The road, after "•ising this hill, follows this ridge along for about half or three- 2G8 ABSARAKA. quarters of a mile, and then descends abruptly to Peno Creek. At about half the distance from wiiere these bodies lay to the i)oint where the road coininences to descend to Peno Creek was the dead body of Lieutenant Gruniraond; and still farther on, at the point where the road commences to descend to Peno Creek, were the dead bodies of the three citizens and four or five of the old, long-tried and experienced soldiers. A great number of empty cartridge shells were on the ground at this point, and more than fifty lying on the ground about one of the dead citizens, who used a Henry rifle. Within a few hundred yards in front of this position ten Indian ponies lay dead, and there were sixty-five pools of dark and clotted blood. No Indian ponies or pools of blood were found at any other point. Our conclusion, therefore, is that the Indians were massed to resist Colonel Fetterman's advance along Peno Creek on both sides of the road; that Colonel Felterman formed his advanced lines on the summit of the hill overlooking the creek and valley, with a reserve near where the large number of dead bodies lay; that the Indians, in force of from fifteen to eighteen hundred warriors, attacked him vigorously in this position, and were success- fully resisled by him for half an hour or more; that the command then being short of ammunition, and seized with panic at this event and the great numerical superiority of the Indians, attempted to retreat toward the fort ; that the mountaineers and old soldiers, who had learned that a move- ment from Indians, in an engagement, was e{iuivalcnt to death, remained in their first position, and were killed there ; that im- mediately upon the commencement of the retreat the Indians charged upon and surrounded the party, who could not now be formed by their ofiicers, and were immediately killed. Only six men of the whole command were killed by balls, and two of these Lieutenant-Colonel Felterman and Captain Brown, no doubt inflicted this death upon tliemselves. or each other, by their own hands, for both were shot thruugh the left tem- ple, and powder burnt into ihc skin and flesh about the APPENDIX. 269 wound. These officers had also oftentimes asserted that they would not be taken alive by Indians. In the critical examination we have given this painful and horrible affair, we do not find, of the immediate participants^ any officer living deserving of censure; and even if evidence justifies it, it would ill become us to speak evil of or censure tliose dead who sacrificed life struggling to maintain the au- thority and power of the government and add new luster to our arras and fame. Of those who have been more remotely connected with the events that led to the massacre, we have endeavored to report so specifically as to enable yourself and the President, who have much official information that we cannot have, to de- termine where the censure must fall. The difficulty, "in a nutshell," was that the commanding officer of the district was furnished no more troops or supplies for this state of war than had been provided and furnished him for a state of pro- found peace. In regions where all was peace, as at Laramie in Novem- ber, twelve companies were stationed ; while in regions where all was war, as at Phil Kearney, there were only five com- panies allowed. 23* IX. SKETCH OP TQE EIQnTEENTU UNITED STATES INFANTRY. The 18tb Regiment United States Infantry has served on the plains since November, 1865. During'' the fall of that year, the 1st Battalion, under Captain and Brevet Lieutenant- Colonel R. B. ITull, occupied the lower line from Fort Leaven- worth to Forts Lyon, Obree, and Dodge, marching in the depth of winter, enduring great exposure, having at one time 85 men bitten by frost, and with reduced rations, being compelled to live for weeks on buffalo and other game of the country. The regiment was commenced in July, 1861, and the three battalions were filled in little more than a year. In November, 1865, the 2d Battalion, with headquarters under Colonel Henry B. Carrington, marched from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Kearney, Nebraska, where it wintered. In May, 186G, the regiment again united, was again dis- tributed on the frontier ; and built, rel)uilt, or repaired Forts McPherson, Sedgwick, Laramie, Caspar, Reno, Philip ^Tearney, C. F. Smith, Fetterman, Bridger, Morgan, Wardwell, Camp Douglass, and Fort Halleck, now Fort Saunders. Up to January 1st, 1866, the regiment had received into its ranks four thousand seven hundred and seventy-three men, of whom three thousand one hundred and ninety were born in the United States. Of these, two thousand four hundred and ninety-nine were enlisted in Ohio, and of these, one thousand and forty-two were enlisted at Columbus, in that State. Since 1866, seven hundred and ninety five recruits joined the regiment. (270) APPENDIX. 271 In 1867, the 1st, 2d, and 3d Battalions became, respect- ively, the 18th, 27th, and 36th Regiments, all of which con- tinue on the plains in 1868. The regiment lost in action, during the war, a total of nine hundred and sixty-eight olBcers and men, and has served in the States of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Missis- sippi, Alabama, West Virginia, Missouri, Kansas, and Ne- braska, and the Territories of Colorado, Dakota, Utah, and Montana. The regiment participated in the following battles, besides minor engagements: viz.: "Siege of Corinth," "Chaplin Hill," "Murfreesboro'," " Perryville," " Jonesboro'," " Hoov- er's Gap," "Chickamauga," "Siege of Chattanooga," 'Mis- sion Ridge," " Resaca," and the Atlanta campaign until the fall of that city. One company, under Captain Ten Eyck and Lieutenant Kirtland, en route to join the regiment, participated in the siege of Mumfordsville, and was there captured, at the surren- der of the post to overwhelming numbers, — General Bragg's entire army having laid siege to the post. The regiment was with Colonel Robert McCook at the battle of Mill Springs, to whom Colonel Carrington turned over the command of his brigade, consisting of the 9th and 35th Ohio, the 2d Minnesota, and 18th Infantry, under orders to return to Ohio to complete the regiment. At "Greysville, Ga.," "Tunnel Hill, Ga.," "New Hope Chapel," "Peach Tree Creek," " Kenesaw Mountain," and '• Smyrna Creek," it had spirited encounters with the enemy ; and before the cedars at " Stone River," lost in less than an hour two hundred and ninety-eight men, nearly half the force engaged. During the war it marched on foot 2447 miles ; by rail- road, 483 miles ; by water, 1948 miles, being a total of 4878 miles. The following is the list of ofBcers assigned to the regiment from its first organization, with the changes that have oc- 272 ABSARAKA. ciirred, and the present status of such as remain in the Army in 1868 : Henry B. Carrington, Colonel. May 14, 1861. Colonel 18th Infantry in 1868. *01iver L. Shepherd, Lieutenant-Colonel, May 14, 1861. Colonel 15th Infantry in 1868. *Charle3 S. Lovell, Lieutenant-Colonel, January 7, 1863. Colonel 14th Infantry in 1868. *Henry W. Wessells, Lieutenant-Colonel, February 16, 1865. Lieutenant-Colonel 18th Infantry in 1868. Frederick Townsend, Major, May 14, 1861. Lieutenant- Colonel 9th Infantry in 1868. *IIenry Burton, Major, May 14, 1861. Declined promotion from 3d Artillery. Edmund Underwood, Major, May 14, 1861. Retired in 1862. William A. Stokes, Major, September 7, 1861. Not con- firmed. *James N. Caldwell, Major, February 27, 1862. Retired in 1863. *W. T. H. Brooks, Major, March 12, 1862. Resigned July 14th, 1864. *James Van Voast, Major, December 29, 1863. Major 18th Infantry in 18o8. *Charles R. Wood, Major, April 20, 1864. Lieutenant- Colonel 33d Infantry in 1868. *William H. Lewis, Major, July 14, 1864. Major 36th In- fantry in 1868. *Henry Douglass, Captain, May 14, 1861. Major In- fantry in 1868. *Thomas M. Vincent,' Captain, May 14, 1861. Declined promotion from 2d Artillery. ^Alexander Chambers, Captain, May 14, 1861. Major Infantry in 1868. ^Alexander Piper, Captain, May 14, 1861. Declined pro- motion from 3d Artillery. APPENDIX. 273 Henry R. Mizner, Captain, May 14, 1861. Captain 36th Infantry in 1868. *Thomas C. Sullivan, Captain, May 14, 1861. Declined promotion from 1st Artillery. Jacob W. Eyster, Captain, May 14, 1861. Out of service Febriiary 15, 1865. William S. Thrustin, Captain, May 14, 1861. Resigned August 12, 1863. William M. McGlaughlin, Captain, May 14, 1861. De- clined appointment. Charles E. Dennison, Captain, May 14, 1861. Wounded at Stone River. Died January 15, 1863. *Platt J. Titus, Captain, May 14, 1861. Declined appoint- ment. Henry R. Belknap, Captain, May 14, 1861. Resigned May 30, 1863. Alvah H. Beremau, Captain, May 14, 1861. Resigned July 22, 1862. Moses M. Granger, Captain, May 14, 1861. Resigned May 30, 1862. David L. Wood, Captain, May 14, 1861. Wholly retired September 11, 1863. Patrick H. Breslin, Captain, May 14, 1861. Out of service November 25, 1862. *Lymun M. Kellogg, Captain, May 14, 1861. Captain 18th Infantry in 1868. Jacob Weidenkopf, Captain, August 5, 1861. Declined appointment. A. B. Thompson, Captain, August 5, 1861. Retired May 6, 1864. George W. Smith, Captain, August 5, 1861. Resigned in 1866. John A. Thompson, Captain, October 26, 1861. Wounded at Hoover's Gap. Died June HO, 1863. Henry llaymond. Captain, October 26, 1861. Captain 27th Infantry in 1868. 274 ABSARAKA. John n. Knight, Captain, August 20, 18G1. Captain 36th Infantry in 18G8. Philip 11. Forney, Captain, February 9, 1862. Transferred to 9th Infantry in 1866. Tenodor Ten Eycii, Captain, February 19, 18G2. Captain 18th Infantry in 18G8. Murk F. Leavenworth, Captain, February 19, 18G2. Re- signed April 27, 18G3. *Jauics W. Forsyth, First Lieutenant, March 15, 1861. Major 10th Cavalry in 1868. *William B. Hughes, First Lieutenant, April 1,1861. De- clined transfer from 9th Infantry. ^Francis J. Crilly, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. De- clined promotion from 7th Infantry. *Elisha E. Camp, First Lieutenant, May, 14, 1861. De- clined promotion from 9th Infantry. Robert B. Hull, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain 18th Infantry in 1868. William J. Fetterman, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain, killed in action with Indians near Fort Phil Kear- ney, December 21, 1866. Charles L. Kneass, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Cap- tain, killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862. Andrew D. Cash, Jr., First Lieutenant, May 14th, 1861. Died at Louisville, Ky., March 24. 1862. Ansel B. Denton, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Re- signed while Captain, September 9th, 1864. William II. H. Taylor, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Resigned September 12, 1863. Nathanial C. Kinney, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain, and resigned in 1867. Richard L. Morris, Jr., First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain 18th Infantry in 1868. Joseph L. Proctor, First Lieutenant, May 14, 18G1. Cap- tain 27lh Infantry in 1868. Anson Mills, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain I8lh Infantry in 1868. APPENDIX. 275 Andrew S. Burt, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain 27th Infantry in 1868. Thomas B. Burrows, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Cap- tain 27th Infantry in 1868. *Symmes Gardner, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Dropped November 13, 1863. Claudius Schmidt, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Re- signed June 30, 1862. Morgan L. Ogden, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Cap- tain 18th Infantry in 1868. Wm. W. Stevenson, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Died at Louisville, Ky , February 27, 1862. Thomas F. Brand, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Retired as Captain December 31, 1864. James P. W. Neil, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain 36th Infantry in 1868. Herman G. RadclifF, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Died at Murfreesboro', March 22, 1863. John W. Hamilton, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Not confirmed. William O'Brien, First Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Not confirmed. Robert Sutherland, First Lieutenant, August 5, 1861. Re- signed January 7, 1864. William J. Phelps, Second Lieutenant, October 24, 1861-. Declined appointment. Horace Brown, First Lieutenant, October 26, 1861. Re- signed July 28, 1864. Irwin J. Wallace, First Lieutenant, October 26, 1861. Died at Pittsburg, Pa., February 19, 1862. Charles L. Truman, First Lieutenant, March 6, 1862. Killed at Chickamauga, September 30, 1863. Charles O. Howard, Captain, May 12, 1862. Resigned in 1865. James Simons, Second Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. First Lieutenant, died January 14, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River. 270 ABSARAKA. James Powell, Seconrl Lieutenant, May 14, 1861. Captain 2TUi liifanty, ami retired in 1808. Wm. r. McCleery, Secoud Lieutenant, May 14, 18GI. Cap- tain 18lh Infantry in 1808. Daniel W, Benhara, Second Lieutenant, October 24, 1861. Captain 3Glh Infantry in 1868. Frederick Plasterer, Second Lieutenant. October 30, 1801. Captain 36th Infantry in 1868. Frederick 11. Brown, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1861. Captain, killed in action with Indians near Fort Phil Kearney, December 21, 1866. Henry B. Freeman, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 18G1. Captain 27th Infantry in 1868. Samuel J. Dick, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1861. Died at Nashville, December 24, 1864. James P. Calloway, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1861. Not confirmed. Thaddcus S. Kirtland, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1861. Captain 36th Infantry in 1868. Joseph McConnell, Second Lieutenant, October 30, 1861. First Lieutenant, died January 14, 1863, of wounds received at Stone River. James E. Mitchel, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1862. Died of disease. Gilbert S. Carpenter, Second Lieutenant, June 9, 1862. Captain 4.5tli Infantry in 1868. William II. Bisbee, Second Lieutenant, June 9, 1862. Cap- tain 27th Infantry in 1868. Merrill N. Hutchinson, Second Lieutenant, Jane 9, 1862. Retired as First Lieutenant. Ebenezer D. Harding, Second Lieutenant, June 9, 1862. Captain, and retired wholly. John F. Hitchcock, Second Lieutenant, Juno 0, 1862. Killed at Stone River, December 31, 1802. Augustus A. Meckling, Second Lieutenant, June 9, 1802. Resigned December 24, 18G2. APPENDIX. 21 7 Lucius F. Brown, Second Lieutenant, June 19, 1862. First Lieutenant, died October 12, 1863, of wounds received at Chicamauga. John J. Adair, Second Lieutenant, July 14, 1862. Captain, resigned in 1867. Henry G. Litchfield, Second Lieutenant, July 14, 1862. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. Alfred Townsend, Second Lieutenant, November 10, 1862. Eetired as First Lieutenant. Charles Whiteacre, Second Lieutenant, November 19, 1862 Dismissed. Wilbur F. Arnold, Second Lieutenant, November 21, 1862. Captain 41st Infantry in 1868, and deceased. Reuben F. Little, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Resigned in 1864. John J. Lind, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Re- signed October 12, 1864. Edgar N. Wilcox, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Captain 18th Infantry in 1868 Samuel C. Williamson, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Retired as First Lieutenant. James S. Ostrander, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Resigned September 30, 1864. Rufus 0. Gates, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Resigned June 5, 1865. George F. White, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Killed at Stone River before receiving his appointment. William H. Madeira, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Killed at Stone River, December 31, 1862. Frank T. Bennett, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Captain 42d Infantry in 1868. David D. N. Corderoy, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Died before receiving appointment. Orrin E. Davis, Second Lieutenant, February 19, 1863. Resigned October 12, 1864. 24 278 ABSARAKA. John Lane, Second Lieutenant, June 1. 18G3. Died Octo- ber 15, 1863, of wounds received at Chattanooga. Isaac D'Isny, Second Lieutenant, October 31, 18C3. Cap- tain '27lh Infantry in IBOii. John U. Gill, Second Lieutenant, October 31, 1863. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry. Resigned. Henry C. Pohlman, Second laeutenant, August 10, lb63. Died in Libby Prison in 1863. William W. Bell, Second Lieutenant, February 21. 186.5. First Lieutenant, killed near Fort Saunders, June 7, 1868. William A Stearns, Second Lieutenant, April 13, 186.5. Resigned in 1866. *Thomas L. Brent, Second and First Lieutenant, June 23, 1865. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry, and Quartermaster in 1868. *Wm. S. Staning, Second and First Lieutenant, June 23, 1865. First Lieutenant 3Gth Infantry in 1868. *Joseph K. Hyer, Second and First Lieutenant, June 23, 1865. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. E. F. Thompson, Second Lieutenant, December 14, 1865. Captain 27th Infantry in 1868. Henry II. Link, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. Oliver B. Liddell, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. Resigned in 1867. James H. Bradley, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Reuben N. Fenton, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. Captain 27lh Infantry in 1868. George W. Wood, Second Lieutenant, Fcbnuiry 23, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Alex. H. Wands, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. T. H. B. Counselman, Second Lieutenant, March 30, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. APPENDIX. 279 "Winfield S. Matson, Second Lieutenant, April 9, 1866. First Lieutenant 27th Lifantry in 18G8. Hugh G. Brown, Second lieutenant, May 2, 18G6. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. George W. Grummond, Second Lieutenant, May 7, 1866. Killed in action with Indians near Fort Phil Kearney, Decem- ber 21, 1866. Charles H. Warrens, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. First Lieutenant 27th Infantry in 1868. Oscar P. Ilendee, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry. Wholly retired. Alvan S. Galbreath, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. First Lieutenant Ibth Infantry in 1868. Jacob Paulus, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. First Lieutenant 27th Infantry in 1868. William F. Foulk, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. E. A. True, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. Declined appointment. E. R. P. Shurley, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. Se- cond Lieutenant 27th Infantry in 1868. William F. Davies, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. Transferred to 36th Infantry and cashiered. Jefferson P. Hibbets, Second Lieutenant, May 11, 1866. Declined appointment. Sauford C Kellogg, Second Lieutenant, May 15, 1866. First Lieutenant 18tb Infantry in 1868. Walter F. Ilalleck, Second Lieutenant, May 30, 1866. First Lieutenant 27th Infantry in 1868. Joshua W. Jacobs, Second Lieutenant, June 28, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. C. H. Brewer, Second Lieutenant, June 30, 1866. Re- signed 1867. James RcganJ Second Lieutenant, December 1, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Wra. H. Campion, Second Lieutenant, January 22, 1867. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. 280 ABSARAKA. Royal S. Carr, First Lieutenant, February 25, 18G7. Re- signed 18C7. Robert P. Hughes, First Lieutenant, July 28, 18G6. Cap- tain 18th Infantry in 1868. James Stewart, Captain, July 28, 1866. Captain 18th In- fantry in 18G8. Carroll IT. Potter, First Lieutenant, July 28, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry, and Adjutant, in 1868. Frederick F. Whitehead, First Lieutenant, July 28, 1866. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Henry M. Benson, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. First Lieutenant 36th Infantry in 1868. "William M. Knox, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. Died en route to join regiment. George M. Terapleton, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. Captain 27th Infantry in 1868. Prescott M. Skinner, Second Lieutenant, February 2^, 1866. Resigned 1867. Charles E. Dibble, Second Lieutenant, February 23, 1866. Resigned 1867. Henry E. Luther, Second Lieutenant, January 22, 1867. First Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. John A. Manley, Second Lieutenant, March 7, 1867. Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. William W. Daugherty, Second Lieutenant, March 7, 1867. Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Robert F. Bates, Second Lieutenant, March 7, 1867. Lieu- tenant 18th Infantry in 1868. George S. Hoyt, Second Lieutenant, June 18, 1867. Lieu- tenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Hiram H. Benner, Second Lieutenant, June 18, 1867. Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. John H. Todd, Second Lieutenant, August 22, 1867. Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. Frederick H. E. Ebstein, Second Lieutenant, September 13, 18G7. Lieutenant 18th Infantry in 1868. APPENDIX. 281 The following officers have filled staff positions in the regi- ment, viz., as Regimental Adjutant : First Lieutenant Charles L. Kneass; First Lieutenant James P. W. Neill ; First Lieutenant Frederick Phisterer ; First Lieutenant John J. Adair ; First Lieutenant William H. Bisbee ; First Lieutenant Carroll H Potter, Adjutant from date of joining regiment, and in 1868. The following have been Regimental Quartermasters : First Lieutenant James Simons ; First Lieutenant N. C. Kinney ; First Lieutenant Frederick H. Brown ; *First Lieu- tenant Thomas L. Brent. The foregoing summary is gathered, by permission, from Captain Phisterer's Regimental History, and the Supplement of Lieutenant Potter, and affords to those interested in the incidents of this volume a more complete idea of the ante- cedents of the regiment, which followed up an eventful war record with scarcely less active duty since its close. * Indicates graduates at West Point Military Academy. 24* 282 ABSARAKA. NOTE TO APPENDIX II. List of Men Killed in Action with Indians near Fort Philip Keai-ney, D. T., on the 2\st day of December^ 1866. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. G. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. lo. 10. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23! 24. 25. 20. 27. 28. 29. 30. Auijustus Lange Hugh Murphy Robert Li'nnon William Dulc Frederick Acherman... William Betzler Thomas Burke Henry Buchanan Georgo E. K. Goodall.. Michael Ilarlen Martin Kelley Patrick Shannon Cliarles N. Taylor Joseph D. Thomas David Thorey John Timson Albert II. "Walter John 51. AVeaver Maximilian Dehring.. Francis S. Gordon John AVoodrutl" Francis Raymond Patrick Rooney Gustave A. Bauer , iPatrick Gallagher Hinry E. Aarons Michael O'Gara 'Jacob Rosenberg 'Frank P. Sullivan iPatrick Smith Ra.vk. CoMP'y. 1st Sergt. A Sergt. Corporal. II K (1 Private.