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Ford's Opera House.

The Hon. William F. Cody appeared at Ford's
Opera House last night as Buffalo BIll in the Prairie
Waif, a new drama written especially for him by
Mr. John A. Stevens. The scene of the play is laid
in the far West, and is full of strong and sensational
situations, which, judging from the applause of the
audience, were fully appreciated. The play somewhat
resembled Mr. Cody's former drama, May Cody,
and calls for the introduction of the traditional
Irishman and Dutchman, likewise a charming
maiden in distress, who is rescued by Buffalo Bill
at a perilous moment, and who finally becomes his
willing bride. Mr. Cody always draws crowded
houses, for the reason that he is, in reality, a hero
in the history of our Indian border for ten years
past. As he appears on the stage in his buckskin
suit, wearing an overshadowing light slouch hat,
and armed with his trusty rifle and pistols, so he
appeared on the plains a few years ago as a government
guide, and scout for Generals Sheridan, Custer
and other federal commanders. When the Grand
Duke Alexis visited this country, a few years ago, it
was Buffalo Bill who pioneered him and Sheridan
and Custer to the plains in their buffalo hunts, and
it is to him that much that much of the credit for our victories
over hostile Indian tribes is due. One of his most
famous exploits was the killing of the celebrated
chief, Yellow Hand, about four or five years ago. He
was at that time acting as a guide for Gen. Custer.
The party encountered a force of hostile Indians,
and dismounting , fought their foes after their own
fashion--each man fighting "on his own hook."
Buffalo Bill took his chances with the soldiers, and
being an unerring shot, did great execution. His
horse was shot dead under him by Yellow Hand,
who had singled him out as his target. The gallant
scout, who had received several severe wounds,
used the dead body of his horse as a breastwork,
and as the savage chief, who was also wounded, was
advancing upon him, sent a well directed bullet
through his brain, and subsequently scalped him,
Indian fashion. Mr. Cody's exhibition of fancy
rifle shooting last night elicited loud applause, as
did the scalp and war dances of the Cheyenne Indian
chiefs who form a part of his company. The
Prairie Waif will be produced every night this
week, and also at the Saturday matinee.