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LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM PROMINENT MILITARY MEN FROM AN OLD COMMANDER. [COPY.] 5th Avenue Hote, New York, June 29, 1887

Hon. WM. F. CODY, London, England

Dear CODY :-In common with all your countrymen, I want to let you know that I am not only gratified, but proud of your management and general behavior; so far as I can make out you have been modest, graceful and dignified in all you have done to illustrate the history of civilization on this Continent during the past century.

I am especially pleased with the graceful and pretty compliment paid you by the Princess of Wales, who rode in the Deadwood Coach while it was attacked by the Indians and rescued by the cow-boys. Such things did occur in our day, and may never again.

As near as I can estimate there were in 1865 about nine and a half million of buffaloes on the plains between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains; all are now gone-- killed for their meat, their skins and bones.

This seems like desecration, cruelty, and murder, yet they have been replaced by twice as many neat cattle. At that date there were about 165,000 Pawnees, Sioux, Cheyenne, Kiowas, and Arapahoes, who depended on these buffaloes for their yearly food. They, too are gone, and have been replaced by twice or thrice as many white men and women, who have made the earth to blossom as the rose, and who can be counted, taxed, and governed by the laws of nature and civilization. This change has been salutary, and will go on to the end. You have caught one epoch of the world's history; have illustrated it in the very heart of the modern world-- London, and I want you to feel that on this side the water we appreciate it. This drama must end; days years and centuries follow fast, even the drama of civilization must have an end.

All I am to accomplish on this sheet of paper is to assure you that I fully recognize your work and that that presence of the Queen, the beautiful Princess of Wales, the Prince and British public, are marks of favor which reflect back on American sparks of light which illuminate many a house and cabin in the land where once you guided me honestly and faithfully in 1865-'6 from Fort Riley to Kearney in Kansas and Nebraska. Sincerely your friend,
W. T. SHERMAN.

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WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,

To whom it may concern: WASHINGTON, AUGUST 10, 1886

MR. WILLIAM F. CODY was employed as Cheif of Scouts under Generals SHERIDAN, CUSTER, CROOK, MILES, CARR, and others, in their campaigns against hostile Indians on our frontier, and as such rendered very valuable and distinguished service.
S. W. Drum, Adj- Gen.

LOS ANGELES, CAL., January 7, 1887.

CoL WM F. CODY: DEAR SIR,-- Having visited your great exhibition in St. Louis and New York City, I desire to congratulate you on the success of your enterprise, I was much interested in the various life-like representations of Western scenery, as well as the fine exhibition of skilled marksmanship and magnificent horsemanship. You not only represent the many interesting features of frontier life, but also the difficulties and dangers that have been encountered by the adventurous and fearless pioneers of civilization. The wild Indian life as it was a few years ago will soon be a thing of the past, but you appear to have selected & good class of Indians to represent the race of people, and I regard your exhibition as not only very interesting but practically instructive. Your services on the frontier were exceedingly valuable. With best wishes for your success, believe me very truly yours,
NELSON A. MILES, Brigadier- General, U.S.A.

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"HE IS KING OF THEM ALL."

HEADQUARTERS MOUNTED RECRUITING SERVICE,
ST. LOUIS, MO., MAY 7,1885.

MAJOR JOHN M. BURKE: DEAR SIR,- I take pleasure in saying that in an experience of about thirty years on the plains and in the mountains, I have seen a great many guides, scouts, trailers and hunters, and Buffalo Bill (W. F. Cody) is king of them all. He has been with me in seven Indian fights, and his services have been invaluable. Very respectfully yours,
EUGENE A. CARR, Brevet Major-General, U.S.A.

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