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where that expression's full meaning is understood, he is looked upon as a marvellous "all-round shot." That is, a man of deadly aim in any emergency, with any weapon--a small Derringer, a Colt's a shot-gun, a carbine, a blunderbuss, or a rifle--at any foe, red or white; at any game--chicken, jack-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, 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 to-day 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 still gives 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 harships and suffering, Gen. Pearose'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 the work of a regiment; braver men never went into an 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 the midst of the Indians, each with a revolver in either hand, and literally carved their way through the surging mass of red skins, leaving a furrow of dead Indians in their wake. Such fighting, such riding, and such marvellous intrepidity combined, were doubtless never equalled, and if but this act alone were credited to the valor of "WILD BILL" and "BUFFALO BILL" their names would deserve an inscription on Fame's endearing monument.--Buell's History.

15

LETTERS OF COMMENDATION FROM PROMINENT MILIRARY MEN.

FROM AN OLD COMMANDER.

[COPY]

5th Avenue Hotel, 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 days, and may never again. As near as I can estimate there were in 1865 about nine and a-half 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 desecration, cruelty, and murder, yet they have been replaced by twice as many meat 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 his side of 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 in 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, 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 a goof 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.

"HE IS THE KING OF THEM ALL."

HEADQUARTERS IS 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.