Part 5: Chief of Scouts- Chapter 27, 28 and 29 Summary and Analysis

Chapter 27, "Ambush" On December 21st, Bridger feels the cold weather in his bones. A small party of Cheyenne Indians approach to talk. Jim suspects the Indians are scouting out the fort to see if their gathering forces can storm it. Jim shows the Indians the large repeating howitzers and the strong fortifications and that it cannot be taken. The visitors report to the enemy the advice of Jim "Big Throat" Bridger and the enemy decides to lure the men out of the fort. The wood train bringing in wood to the fort is attacked only three miles away. Captain Fetterman requests to lead a relief mission to the circled wagons. A party of 78 soldiers and cavalry and 2 civilian men go out, and Captain Brown joins them at the last minute. Col...