179

Wild Bill's friend, and Buffalo Bill's
chum, the noted

CAPT. JACK CRAWFORD,

The man who is famous throughout the
Black Hills, and who killed three horses
under him in riding from the scene of
conflict to the nearest station, carrying
dispatches for the New York Herald and
beating all other couriers by five hours-
a feat for which he immediately received
a check for $222 75.

The reporter approached, introduced
himself, and after the usual commonplace
expressions which follow a self introduction,
he was invited into Captain
Jack's room, and the duo started up
stairs. Arrived there, business was at
once entered upon, and the Captain
closely questioned concerning his future
doings. In an affable, pleasant, and gentlemanly
manner, showing that a life on
the plains cannot wipe out native courtesy,
Mr. Crawford responded From his
words and actions the reporter was led
to infer that he is restless, that he is
satiated with the dull drama of life as
enacted in cities, and that he longs to be
back on the boundless prairie, where
roam his kindred spirits and his chosen
friends, and where he is.

IN HIS ELEMENT.

He first contradicted the common rumor
that himself and Buffalo Bill have
been "called by official requisition to the
front," for they are not bound by any
military orders, and can offer their services
or refuse them as they see fit. The
news from Idaho had incited a desire in
him to be in the place for which Nature
had fitted him, and he telegraphed last
night to General McDowell, asking him
for a position as scout where the conflict
is being waged on the Salmon river.
Late last night he received an answer
signed "Kelton, Assistant Adjutant General,"
saying that application should be
made to General Howard. Accordingly
a telegram was sent to that official this
morning, and no answer has yet been received.

The Captain said that if he did not receive
an answer granting his petition, he
intends to start.

FOR THE BLACK HILLS

Where, according to latest advices, the
Indians have risen; where he knows
every inch of country from boundary to
boundary, and where he feels perfectly at
home. He stated that neither himself
nor Buffalo Bill knew much about the
Salmon river country or the Nez Perces
Indians, but had no doubt that they
could make things lively if they once got
up there.

The conversation dragging somewhat,
all needed information having been obtained,
the Captain disclosed his various