d to explore the country around McPherson, the result
being a determination to make his future home in the Platte Valley.

Shortly after reaching the fort, the scouts' division of the Fifth
Cavalry was reinforced by Major Frank North and three companies of the
celebrated Pawnee scouts. These became the most interesting and amusing
objects in camp, partly on account of their race, but mainly because
of the bizarre dress fashions they affected. My brother, in his
autobiography, describes the appearance presented by these scouts during
a review of the command by Brigadier-General Duncan.

The regiment made a fine showing, the men being well drilled and
thoroughly versed in tactics. The Pawnees also showed up well on drill,
but their full dress uniforms were calculated to excite even the army
horses to laughter. Regular cavalry suits had been furnished them, but
no two of the Pawnees seemed to agree as to the correct manner in which
the various articles should be worn. As they lined up for dress parade,
some of them wore heavy overcoats, others discarded even pantaloons,
content with a breech-clout. Some wore large black hats, with brass
accouterments, others were bareheaded. Many wore the pantaloons, but
declined the shirts, while a few of the more original cut the seats from
the pantaloons, leaving only leggings. Half of them were without boots
or moccasins, but wore the clinking spurs with manifest pride.

They were a quaint and curious lot, but drilled remarkably well for
Indians, and obeyed orders. They were devoted to their white chief,
Major North, who spoke Pawnee like a native, and they were very proud
of their position in the United States army. Good soldiers they made,
too--hard riders, crack shots, and desperate fighters.

At the close of the parade and review referred to, the officers and the
ladies attended an Indian dance, given by the Pawnees, which climaxed a
rather exciting day.

The following morning an expedition moved back to the Republican River,
to curb the high spirits of a band of Sioux, who had grown boldly
troublesome. This was the sort of service the Pawnees welcomed, as they
and the Sioux were hereditary enemies.

At the journey's end, camp was made at the mouth of the Beaver, and the
Sioux were heard from within the hour. A party of them raided the mules
that had been taken to the river, and the alarm was given by a herder,
who dashed into camp with an arrow sticking in his shoulder.

Wi