95

ACADEMY OF MUSIC--BUFFALO BILL

The theater was crowded again last evening.
There was not a vacant seat in the house, and
the Buffalo Bill Combination can safely say
that the best business of the season has been
accorded to it; and the drama of "The Red
Right Hand" has proved a success, and at the
same time given the best of satisfaction to all
who have seen the play. Hon. W. F. Cody,
or "Buffalo Bill," is tho principal character
that invests the play. This title, or
nom de plume of Buffalo Bill, that
has been so conspicuously displayed by
the public in many glaring ways would
naturally convey the idea that Mr. Cody was
a person foreign to all ideas of civilization and
social life, whose contentment only could be
among red savages, or hunting down buffaloes
or wild game that inhabit the prairies of the far
West. Such is the common impression of
everyone who has never had the pleasure
of an interview with this histrionic scout.
An introduction to this gentleman, and the
salutation in a mild, pleasant voice, the cordial
shake of the hand, completely dispel all
thoughts of a frontiersman or Indian fighter,
and one finds himself in as pleasant and agreeable
society as could be desired. Calling, we
find him surrounded by at least a dozen
friends, patiently answering the catechism on
as many different subjects. Be appears fully
conversant on all topics of interest and debatable
matters of the day, and on polities be carefully
observed a neutral position, avoiding
any conversation that would draw out his
opinion on the Presidential question,
although having himself served
a term as member of the Legislature from Nebraska
(for which he wears the "Hon." to his
name). The value of Cody's services to the
Government in the Territories of the far
West, with its untold wealth, is great and has
been officially recognized by the heads of this
department at Washington, and creditably
compensated by valuable testimonials which he
carries with him. His last great achievement
was the killing of the hostile savage Yellow
Hand. one of the principal allies of Sitting
Bull, and who, in connection with this better
warrior, had probably devastated more property
and put to death more United
States soldiers than all of the
combined Indians on the frontier.
As Chief of Scouts, he is liable at any moment
to be called upon, and would promptly report
for duty should an invasion be made by the
redskins or they become troublesome again.
The time-tried associates of Mr. Cody, who
have become more endeared by the hardships
and trials of the tedious campaign, prevailed
upon Mr. Cody to take up a home in the East,
and forthwith a neat little cottage was procured
in one of the finest neighborhoods of the
beautiful city of Rochester, and when on furlough
from the scenes of active duty, or not
engaged in acting, Bill can be found in his
rose-thatched domicile, surrounded by a
mother, wife, and two little daughters.