94

ACADEMY OF MUSIC--BUFFALO BILL.

The Buffalo Bill Combinations commenced
the week in the new Western drama, written
for Hon. W. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) by
Colonel Prentiss Ingraham, founded on the
late Indian war and entitled "The Red Right
Hand or Buffalo Bill's First Scalp of Custer."
One of the largest audiences of the
season was present, the entire house being
filled. The story fo the play is connected
with the scenes enacted in the Black Hills
troubles by which the brave General
Custer lost his life, and through it
is depicted the peculiar life of the
scouts who are attached to the army,
during Indian warfare; and while it may give
and exaggerated idea of what they can do,
with the immense amount of daring, bloodshed
and scalping, it gives some indication of
what is done, and what dangers these scouts
are subjected to, who must be possessed of
more than ordinary courage and endurance,
as well as quick perception and alertness. Mr.
Cody (Buffalo Bill) and Mr. Crawford (Captain
Jack) were both in the troubles in
the Black Hills, and other occasions
of the Indian warfare, and are personally conversant
with the movements and tactics of the
savages, and are competent to give a vivid representation
of their warfare. In dramas of
this character this is much of blood and
slaughter, and the "Red Right Hand" is as
gory as the best of them, more Indians being
laid out cold than Custer, Crook, and Terry
ever killed in all their campaigns. Strange as
it may seem, there is a love story, in
fact two or three love stories, running
through the drama, which adds interest to
the whole. The company is quite large
and talented the comedians, both male and female,
being remarkably good. The play was
received with the greatest enthusiasm by the
large audience, and a large attendance at the
four remaining performance is assured. The
matinee announced for Wednesday afternoon
has been changed to Thursday, the anniversary
of Washington's birthday.