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A PRACTICAL "ALL-ROUND SHOT."
In contradistinction to the many so-called "fancy shots" that have for years been before the public, "BUFFALO BILL" is what may be termed a "practical marksman," and where that is, a man of deadly aim in any emergency, with any weapon--a small Derringer, a Colt's, a shotgun, a carbine, a blunders, or a file--at any foe, red or white; at any game--chicken, rabbit, antelope, deer, buffalo, bear, or elk; at the swiftest bird or soaring eagle; on foot, in any position; on horseback, at any speed. To be such a marksman is only the result of years of necessity for exercising the faculties of instantaneous measurement of distance, the acuteness of vision--in fact, an eagle eye and iron nerves--to think quick, to resolve, to fire, to kill. As a hunter, these gifts have rendered him famous and gained him plaudits from admiring officers, noblemen, sportsmen, and competitors in the chase, and compelled the respect and fear of his implacable Indian foes. That he exists today is the result of the training that enables a man in the most startling exigency to command himself, and to meet the circumstances face to face, whatever they may be, and achieve, by cool precision, deserved victory in the field, and embellish history with deeds of heroism. MR. CODY will give an exhibition of his ability by shooting objects thrown in the air while galloping at full speed, executing difficulties that would receive commendation if accomplished on foot, and which can only be fully appreciated by those who have attempted the feat while experiencing a rapid pace when occupying "a seat in the saddle."
CODY SAVES "WILD BILL."
After a very long march, full of hardships and suffering, Gen. Penrose's camp was found on the Palodora in a most distracted condition. Gen. Carr's arrival was none too soon, as the famished men were sustaining life on the last carcasses of their draught animals. In a few weeks, Black Kettle's depredations necessitated a pursuit. . . . The consolidated command discovered the Indians on the Cimarron, and a terrific battle ensued. . . .In this fight "Buffalo Bill" and "Wild Bill" did almost th3e work of regiment; braver men never went into action, both fighting as though they were invulnerable. In the fury and rout which followed the first charge, "WILD BILL' gave chase to Black Kettle, head chief of the Cheyennes, overtook and engaged the fleeing red warrior, stabbing him to death. But the accomplishment of this heroic action would have cost him his own life, had not "BUFFALO BILL" ridden with impetuous daring into the very midst of fully fifty Indians, who had surrounded "WILD BILL," intent on either his capture or death. The two daring and intrepid scouts plunged furiously into
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the midst of the Indians, each with a revolver in either hand, and literally carved their way through the surging mass of redskins, leaving a furrow of dead Indians in their wake. Such fighting, such riding, and such marvelous intrepidity combined, were doubtless never equaled, and if but this act alone were credited to the valor of "WILD BILL" and "BUFFALO BILL," their names would deserve inscription on Fame's enduring monument.--Buell's History.
LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM PROMINENT MILITARY MEN.
FROM AN OLD COMMANDER,
[CODY]
5th Avenue Hotel, New York, June 29th, 1889.
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 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 Cowboys. Such things did occur in our days, and may never again.
As near as I can estimate there were in 1865 about nine and a half of millions 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 description, cruelty, and murder, yet they have been replaced by twice as many neat cattle. At that date, there were about 165,000 Pawnees, Sioux, Cheyennes, 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 the presence of the Queen, the beautiful Princess of Wales, the Prince, and British public, are marks of favor which reflect back on America sparks of light which illuminate many a house and cabin in the land where once you guided me honestly and faithfully is 1865-6 from Fort Riley to Kearney in Kansas and Nebraska. Sincerely your friend, W. T. SHERMAN.
WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL'S OFFICE,
WASHINGTON, August 10, 1886.
To whom it may concern:
MR. WILLIAM F. CODY was employed as Chief 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, Adjutant-General.
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STATE OF NEBRASKA.
To all whom these presents shall come, GREETING:
Know Ye, that I, JOHN M. THAVER, Governor of the State of Nebraska, reposing special trust and confidence in the integrity, patriotism, and ability of the HON. WILLIAM F. CODY, on behalf and in the name of the State, do hereby appoint and commission him as Aide-de-Camp of my Staff, with the rank of Colonel, and do authorize and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to the law.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State.
GRAND SEAL OF THE STATE OF NEBRASKA March 1st, 1867.
Done at Lincoln this 8th day of March, A. D., 1867,
JOHN M. THAYER.
By the Governor,
G. L. LAUR, Secretary of State.
The following letter received with a photograph of the hero of the "March to the Sea," Gen. W. T. Sherman:
NEW YORK, December 25, 1886
To COL. WM. F. CODY:--With the best compliments of one who, in 1866, was guided by him up the Republican, then occupied by the Cheyennes and Arapahoes as their ancestral hunting-grounds, now transformed into farms and cattle-ranches, in better harmony with modern civilization, and with his best wishes that he succeed in his honorable efforts to represent the scenes of that day to a generation then unborn. W. T. SHERMAN, General.
New York, December 28, 1886.
COL. WM. F. CODY: DEAR SIR,--Recalling the many facts that came to me while I was Adjutant-General of the Division of the Missouri, under General Sheridan, bearing upon your efficiency, fidelity, and daring as a guide and scout over the country west of the Missouri River and east of the Rocky Mountains, I take pleasure in observing your success in depicting in the East the early life of the West. Very truly yours, JAMES B. FRY,
Assistant Adjutant-General, Brevet Major-General, U. S. A
HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE UNITED STATES,
WASHINGTON, D. C. January 7, 1887.
COL. WM. F. CODY was a scout and served in my command on the Western frontier for many years. He was always ready for duty, and was a cool, brave man, with unimpeachable character. I take pleasure in commending him for the many services he has rendered to the Army, whose respect he enjoys for his manly qualities. P. H. SHERIDAN, Lieutenant-General.
LOS ANGELES, CAL., January 7, 1878.
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 a good class of Indians to represent that 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.
"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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UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY,
WEST POINT, N. Y., January 11, 1887.
I have known W. F. CODY (Buffalo Bill) for many years. He is a Western man of the best type, combining those qualities of enterprise, daring, good sense, and physical endurance which made him the superior of any scout I ever knew. He was cool and capable when surrounded by dangers, and his reports were always free from exaggeration. He is a gentleman in that better sense of the word which implies character, and he may be depended on under all circumstances, I wish him success.
W. MERRITT, Brevet Major-General, U. S. A.,
Late Major-General Volunteers.
BUFFALO BILL GUIDING GENERAL SHERIDAN'S RELIEF TRAIN IN WINTER, 1868.
OMAHA, NEB. January 7. 1887.
HON. WM. F. CODY: DEAR SIR--I take great pleasure in testifying to the very efficient service rendered by you "as a scout," in the campaign against the Sioux Indians, during the realistic performance of the kind I have ever seen.
Very sincerely, your obedient servant,
GEORGE CROOK, Brigadier General U. S. A.
WASHINGTON, D. C. February 8. 1887.
MR. CODY was chief guide and hunter to my command, when I commanded the District of North Platte, and he performed all his duties with marked excellence.
W. H. EMORY, Major General U. S. A.
HEADQUARTERS 7TH CAVALRY, FORT MEAD, DAKOTA TERRITORY,
February 14, 1887.
MR DEAR SIR,--Your army career on the frontier and your present enterprise of depicting scenes in the Far West, are so enthusiastically approved and commended by the American people and the most prominent men of the U. S. Army, that there is nothing left for me to say. I feel sure your new departure will be a success.
With best wishes, I remain, yours truly,
JAMES W. FORSYTH, Colonel 7th Cavalry.
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JERSEY CITY, 405 BERGEN AVE, February 7, 1887.
HON. WM. F. CODY: MY DEAR SIR,--I fully and with pleasure endorse you as the "Buffalo Bill," U. S. Scout, serving with the troops operating against hostile Indians in 1868, on you secured renown by your services as a scout and successful hunter. Your sojourn on the frontier at a time when it was a wild and sparsely settled section of the Continent, fully enables you to portray that in which I have personally participated--the Pioneer, Indian Fighter, and Frontiersman. Wishing you every success, I remain, very respectfully yours,
H. C. BANKHEAD, Brigadier-General, U. S. A.
HOTEL RICHMOND, WASHINGTON, D. C. January 9, 1887.
W. F. CODY (Buffalo Bill) was with me in the early days, when I commanded a Battalion of the 5th Cavalry, operating against the hostile Sioux. He filled every position, and met every emergency with so much bravery, competence, and intelligence as to command the general admiration and respect of the officers, and become chief of Scouts of the Department. All his successes have been conducted on the most honorable principles.
W. B. ROYALL, Colonel 4th Cavalry, U. S. A.
HEADQUARTERS 1ST CAVALRY, FORT CUSTER, M. T.
I often recall your valuable services to the Government, as well as to myself, in years long gone by, especially during the Sioux difficulties, when you were attached to my command as Chief of Scouts. Your indomitable perseverance, incomprehensible instinct in discovering the trails of Indians, particularly at night, no matter how dark or stormy, your physical powers of endurance in following the enemy until overtaken, and your unflinching courage, as exhibited on all occasions, won not only my own esteem and admiration but that of the whole command. With my best wishes for your success, I remain your old friend,
N. A. M. DUDLEY, Colonel 1st Cavalry, Brevet Brigadier-General, U. S. A.
TALLAHASSEE, FLA., January 17, 1887.
HON. WILLIAM F. CODY:--I take great pleasure in recommending you to the public, as a man who has a high reputation in the army as a Scout. No one has ever shown more bravery on the Western plains than yourself. I wish you success in your proposed visit to Great Britain. Your obedient servant, JNO. H. KING, Brevet Major-General U. S. A.
"SPRING THAWS REVEAL SAD GUIDING."--Dodge.