by our English cousins, and had been
the recipient of many social favors, but no amount of foreign flattery
could change him one hair from an "American of the Americans," and he
experienced a thrill of delight as he again stepped foot upon his native
land. Shortly afterward he was much pleased by a letter from William T.
Sherman--so greatly prized that it was framed, and now hangs on the wall
of his Nebraska home. Following is a copy:

"FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, NEW YORK.

"COLONEL WM. F. CODY:

"_Dear Sir_: In common with all your countrymen, I want to let you know
that I am not only gratified but proud of your management and success.
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
compliment paid you by the Prince of Wales, who rode with you in the
Deadwood coach while it was attacked by Indians and rescued by cowboys.
Such things did occur in our days, but they never will again.

"As nearly as I can estimate, there were in 1865 about nine and one-half
million of buffaloes on the plains between the Missouri River and the
Rocky Mountains; all are now gone, killed for their meat, their skins,
and their bones. This seems like desecration, cruelty, and murder, yet
they have been replaced by twice as many cattle. At that date there were
about 165,000 Pawnees, Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes, who depended
upon these buffaloes for their yearly food. They, too, have gone, but
they have been replaced by twice or thrice as many white men and women,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 this country's history, and have illustrated it in the very heart of
the modern world--London, and I want you to feel that on this 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 aim to accomplish on this
sheet of paper is to assure you that I fully recognize your work. The
presence of the Queen, the beautiful Princess of Wales, the Prince,
and the 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 hon