I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North, and I found him and his officers perfect gentlemen, and we were all good friends from the very start.  The Pawnee scouts had made quite a reputation for themselves, as they had performed brave and valuable services in fighting against the Sioux, whose bitter enemies they were; being thoroughly acquainted with the Republican and Beaver country, I was glad that they were to be with the expedition, and my expectation of the aid they would render was not disappointed.

During our stay at Fort McPherson I made the acquaintance of Lieutenant George P. Belden, known as “The White Chief.”  I found him to be an intelligent, dashing fellow, a splendid rider, and an excellent shot.

While we were at this post, General Augur and several of his officers, and also Thomas Duncan, Brevet Brigadier and Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Cavalry, paid us a visit for the purpose of reviewing the command.  The regiment turned out in fine style and showed themselves to be well-drilled soldiers, thoroughly understanding military tactics.  The Pawnee scouts were also reviewed and it was very amusing to see them in their full regulation uniform.  They had been furnished a regular cavalry uniform and on this parade some of them had their heavy overcoats on, others their large black hats, with all the brass accoutrements attached; some of them were minus pantaloons and only wore a breech-clout.  Others wore regulation pantaloons but no shirts, and were bareheaded; others again had the seat of their pantaloons cut out, leaving only leggings; some of them wore brass spurs, though without boots or moccasins; but for all this they seemed to understand the drill remarkably well for Indians.  The commands, of course, were given to them in their own language by Major North, who could talk it as well as any full-blooded Pawnee.  The Indians were well mounted and felt proud and elated because they had been made United States soldiers.  Major North had for years complete power over these Indians and could do more with them than any man living.  That evening after the parade was over the officers and quite a number of ladies visited a grand Indian dance given by the Pawnees, and of all the Indians I have ever seen, their dances excel those of any other tribe.

Next day the command started; when encamped, several days after, on the Republican River near the mouth of the Beaver, we heard the whoops of the Indians, followed by shots in the vicinity of the mule herd, which had been taken down to water.  One of the herders came dashing into camp with an arrow sticking into him.  My horse was close at hand, and, mounting him bareback, I at once dashed off after the mule herd, which had been stampeded.  I supposed that certainly I would be the first man on the ground, but I was mistaken, however, for the Pawnee Indians, unlike regular soldiers, had not waited to receive orders from their officers, but had jumped on their