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 OPENING GAPS
WEEKDAY, WEEKEND, AND REVERSAL PATTERNS
COMPUTER-BASED PATTERN RECOGNITION
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE METHODS
NOTES
CHAPTER 16: Day Trading
IMPACT OF TRANSACTION COSTS
SLIPPAGE AND LIQUIDITY
KEY ELEMENTS OF DAY TRADING
TRADING USING PRICE PATTERNS
INTRADAY BREAKOUT SYSTEMS
HIGH-FREQUENCY TRADING
INTRADAY VOLUME PATTERNS
INTRADAY PRICE SHOCKS
NOTES
CHAPTER 17: Adaptive Techniques
ADAPTIVE TREND CALCULATIONS
ADAPTIVE VARIATIONS
OTHER ADAPTIVE MOMENTUM CALCULATIONS
ADAPTIVE INTRADAY BREAKOUT SYSTEM
AN ADAPTIVE PROCESS
NOTES
CHAPTER 18: Price Distribution Systems
ACCURACY IS IN THE DATA
USE OF PRICE DISTRIBUTIONS AND PATTERNS TO
ANTICIPATE MOVES
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SHAPE OF THE
DISTRIBUTION
A PURCHASER'S INVENTORY MODEL
A PRODUCER'S SELLING MODEL
STEIDLMAYER'S MARKET PROFILE
A FAST VERSION OF MARKET PROFILE
NOTES

7
CHAPTER 19: Multiple Time Frames
TUNING TWO TIME FRAMES TO WORK TOGETHER
DISPLAYING TWO OR THREE TIME FRAMES
ELDER'S TRIPLE SCREEN TRADING SYSTEM
ROBERT KRAUSZ'S MULTIPLE TIME FRAMES
MARTIN PRING'S KST SYSTEM
NOTES
CHAPTER 20: Advanced Techniques
MEASURING VOLATILITY
THE PRICE-VOLATILITY RELATIONSHIP
USING VOLATILITY FOR TRADING
LIQUIDITY
TRENDS AND PRICE NOISE
TRENDS AND INTEREST RATE CARRY
FUZZY LOGIC
EXPERT SYSTEMS
GAME THEORY
FRACTALS, CHAOS, AND ENTROPY
GENETIC ALGORITHMS
NEURAL NETWORKS
MACHINE LEARNING AND ARTIFICIAL
INTELLIGENCE
REPLICATION OF HEDGE FUNDS
NOTES
CHAPTER 21: System Testing
EXPECTATIONS
SELECTING THE TEST DATA
TESTING INTEGRITY
IDENTIFYING THE PARAMETERS
SEARCHING FOR THE BEST RESULT
TOO LARGE TO TEST EVERYTHING
VISUALIZING AND INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
THE IMPACT OF COSTS

8
 REFINING THE STRATEGY RULES
ARRIVING AT VALID TEST RESULTS
COMPARING THE RESULTS OF TWO TREND
SYSTEMS
RETESTING TO STAY CURRENT
PROFITING FROM THE WORST RESULTS
TESTING ACROSS A WIDE RANGE OF MARKETS
PRICE SHOCKS
ANATOMY OF AN OPTIMIZATION
SUMMARIZING ROBUSTNESS
NOTES
CHAPTER 22: Adding Reality
SOME COMPUTER BASICS
THE ABUSE OF POWER
FINAL STEPS BEFORE LAUNCH
EXTREME EVENTS
GAMBLING TECHNIQUES: THE THEORY OF RUNS
SELECTIVE TRADING
SYSTEM TRADE-OFFS
SILVER AND AMAZON: TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
SIMILARITY OF SYSTEMATIC TRADING SIGNALS
NOTES
CHAPTER 23: Risk Control
MISTAKING LUCK FOR SKILL
RISK AVERSION
LIQUIDITY
MEASURING RETURN AND RISK
POSITION SIZING
INDIVIDUAL TRADE RISK
KAUFMAN ON STOPS AND PROFIT-TAKING
ENTERING A POSITION
LEVERAGE
COMPOUNDING A POSITION

9
 SELECTING THE BEST MARKETS
PROBABILITY OF SUCCESS AND RUIN
MANAGING EQUITY RISK
IDEAL LEVERAGE USING OPTIMAL f
COMPARING EXPECTED AND ACTUAL RESULTS
NOTES
CHAPTER 24: Diversification and Portfolio Allocation
DIVERSIFICATION
TYPES OF PORTFOLIO MODELS
CLASSIC PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION CALCULATIONS
FINDING OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION USING
EXCEL'S SOLVER
KAUFMAN'S GENETIC ALGORITHM SOLUTION TO
PORTFOLIO ALLOCATION (GASP)
VOLATILITY STABILIZATION
NOTES
ABOUT THE COMPANION WEBSITE
INDEX
END USER LICENSE AGREEMENT

List of Tables
Chapter 1
TABLE 1.1 These price changes, reflecting the patterns in
Figure 1.4, s...
Chapter 2
TABLE 2.1 Weighting an average.
TABLE 2.2 Values of t corresponding to the upper tail
probabilit.
TABLE 2.3 Calculation of returns and NAVs from daily
profits and losses.
TABLE 2.4 Marginal probability.
TABLE 2.5 Transition Matrix

10
 TABLE 2.6a Counting the occurrences of up and down
days.
TABLE 2.6b Starting transition matrix.
Chapter 3
TABLE 3.1 Percentage of time gaps are closed within 1
week, based on a...
TABLE 3.2 Average upward gaps, pullbacks, and close for
275 active stocks.
TABLE 3.3 Average downward gaps, pullbacks, and close
for 275 active stocks.
Chapter 5
TABLE 5.1 Point-and-figure box sizes.
TABLE 5.2 The box size with the best performance of the
point-and-figur...
TABLE 5.3 Breakout test results using data from 2000
through November 2017.
Chapter 6
TABLE 6.1 Calculations for the Walmart best fit.
TABLE 6.2 Output from Excel's regression function.
TABLE 6.3 Calculations for the corn-soybean regression.
TABLE 6.4 Excel solution for the corn-soybean
regression.
TABLE 6.5 Spreadsheet for ABX-gold regression.
TABLE 6.6 ABX = f(gold) solution for 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-
order polynomials.
TABLE 6.7 Spreadsheet setup for linear, logarithmic, and
exponential regre.
TABLE 6.8 Spreadsheet for the curvilinear (2nd-order)
solution.
TABLE 6.9 Wheat prices and set-up for Solver solution.
TABLE 6.10 Ranking of pharmaceutical companies.
Chapter 7

11
 TABLE 7.1 General Electric analysis of regression error
based on a 20-day...
TABLE 7.2 The standard deviation of errors for different
“days ahead” forecasts....
TABLE 7.3 Comparison of exponential smoothing values.
TABLE 7.4 Comparison of exponential smoothing
residual impact.
TABLE 7.5 Equating standard moving averages to
exponential smoothing.
TABLE 7.6 Equating exponential smoothing to standard
moving averages.
TABLE 7.7 Comparison of exponential smoothing
techniques applied to Microsoft.
Chapter 8
TABLE 8.1 Frequency distribution for a sample of five
diverse markets, sho...
TABLE 8.2 Comparison of entry methods for 10 years of
Amazon (AMZN). Signa...
TABLE 8.3 Comparison of entries on the close, next
open, and next close. ...
TABLE 8.4 Performance statistics for NASDAQ futures,
1998–June 2018.
TABLE 8.5 Results of using a moving average of the
highs and lows, compa..
TABLE 8.6 MPTDI Variables for gold.
TABLE 8.7 Summary of futures market results.
TABLE 8.8 Summary of stock market results.
TABLE 8.9 Summary of system net profits for stocks.
TABLE 8.10 Average results of the three trend strategies
for four sample...
TABLE 8.11 Comparison of a 120-day single moving
average with a 100- and...

12
 TABLE 8.12 Results of a 2-trend system using futures,
1991–2017.
TABLE 8.13 Adding a short-term trend to the 2-trend
crossover system.
Chapter 9
TABLE 9.1 Excel example of 10-day stochastic for
Hewlett-Packard (HPQ).
TABLE 9.2 A/D Oscillator and trading signals, soybeans,
January 25,...
TABLE 9.3 TSI calculations using two 20-day smoothing
periods.
TABLE 9.4 Equations for velocity and acceleration.
Chapter 10
TABLE 10.1 Average monthly cash wheat prices.
TABLE 10.2 Monthly returns based on wheat cash prices.
Average and m...
TABLE 10.3 (Top) Back-adjusted wheat futures prices,
1978–1985....
TABLE 10.4 Original cash wheat prices (top) and returns
adjusted by...
TABLE 10.5 Wheat prices expressed as link relatives.
TABLE 10.6 Calculations for the moving average method.
TABLE 10.7 Weather-related events in the southern and
northern hemispheres.
TABLE 10.8 Corn cash prices with seasonal buy and sell
signals.
TABLE 10.9 Results of Bernstein's study, ending 1985.
TABLE 10.10 Seasonal calendar.
TABLE 10.11 Merrill's holiday results.
TABLE 10.12 The January barometer patterns, 1938–
1989.
Chapter 11

13
 TABLE 11.1 Dates of the peaks and valleys in Figure 11.2.
TABLE 11.2 Dates of the combined observed and
estimated peaks and valleys.
TABLE 11.3 Election year analysis for years in which the
stock market...
TABLE 11.4 Corn setup for Solver solution.
Chapter 12
TABLE 12.1 Calculating On-Balance Volume.
TABLE 12.2 Interpreting On-Balance Volume.
Chapter 13
TABLE 13.1 Major crossrates as of March 14, 2018.
TABLE 13.2 Gold prices and delivery months, implied
yield, and total days.
TABLE 13.3 Key values of crossrates and yields, March
31, 2009.
Chapter 14
TABLE 14.1 Results of upward breakout of U.S. bonds
futures (left) and...
TABLE 14.2 Results of downward breakout of U.S. bonds
(left) and S&P...
TABLE 14.3 Size and position of the planets and Earth's
moon.
TABLE 14.4 Solar eclipses, 2010–2020.
TABLE 14.5 Lunar eclipses, 2011–2020.
TABLE 14.6 Dates on which Jupiter and Saturn go
retrograde (R) and direct (D)....
TABLE 14.7 New moon and full moon occurrences,
2018–2021.
Chapter 15
TABLE 15.1 Merrill's hourly stock market patterns.
TABLE 15.2 Time pattern for 30-year bond futures,
1998–2017.

14
 TABLE 15.3 S&P time intervals for the three periods
shown in Figure 15.4.
TABLE 15.4 Detail for crude oil time patterns.
TABLE 15.5 Results of the gap test using emini S&P
prices from 8:30...
TABLE 15.6 Summary of S&P gap test results.
TABLE 15.7 U.S. 30-year bond futures, 1999–2017.
TABLE 15.8 Crude oil futures, September 2014–April
2017.
TABLE 15.9 Euro currency futures, April 2001–April
2017.
TABLE 15.10 Amazon (AMZN) gap analysis, 2000–April
2018.
TABLE 15.11 General Electric (GE) gap analysis, 2000–
April 2018.
TABLE 15.12 Micron (MU) gap analysis, 2000–April
2018.
TABLE 15.13 Boeing (BA) gap analysis, 2000–April 2018.
TABLE 15.14 Tesla (TSLA) gap analysis, 2000–April
2018.
TABLE 15.15 Average upward gaps, pullbacks, and close
for 275 liquid stocks.
TABLE 15.16 Average downward gaps, pullbacks, and
close for 275 liquid stocks.
TABLE 15.17 Selected stocks, data from 2012–2017.
TABLE 15.18 Weekend results conditioned on the
previous week's patterns.
TABLE 15.19 Reversal patterns showing the results of
2000–2011 on...
TABLE 15.20 Taylor's book, November 1975 Soybeans
Chapter 16
TABLE 16.1 Price ranges for S&P futures.

15
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 TABLE 16.2 Average high-low range of selected stocks, by
year.
TABLE 16.3 Average dollar range of selected futures
markets, by year.
TABLE 16.4 Opening range breakout, % profitable trades.
Chapter 17
TABLE 17.1 Comparative returns of four adaptive
systems applied to f...
Chapter 18
TABLE 18.1 Volatility distribution for SPY.
TABLE 18.2 Probability of annualized volatility using a
frequency distribution.
Chapter 20
TABLE 20.1 VIX ETFs and ETNs, daily volume greater
than 5,000, as of May 2018.
TABLE 20.2 Predicting the trading range of the S&P 500.
TABLE 20.3 Frequency of price moves following a known
pattern, including...
TABLE 20.4 Frequency of price moves following the
completeness of the ch...
TABLE 20.5 Conditional probabilities of a price change
given the complet...
TABLE 20.6 Functional description of the genes in
chromosomes 1 and 2.
TABLE 20.7 Two training cases (initial state).
TABLE 20.8 Two training cases (after mutated weighting
factors).
Chapter 21
TABLE 21.1 Optimization report for a simple moving
average test of QQQ,...
TABLE 21.2 Statistics for the moving average and linear
regression strategies.
TABLE 21.3 Reversing a losing strategy.

16
 TABLE 21.4 Results of moving average optimizations on
futures, 1990–2017.
TABLE 21.5 Crossover tests, nearest futures, 1990–2017.
TABLE 21.6 Testing on 2007–2011 and projecting on
2012–2017.
TABLE 21.7 Test 1: Optimizing crude oil, January 2,
1990–August 3, 1990.*
TABLE 21.8 Test 2: Optimizing crude oil, January 2,
1990–January 16, 1991.*
TABLE 21.9 Test 3: Optimizing crude oil, January 2,
1990–March 28, 1991.
Chapter 22
TABLE 22.1 Summary of price shocks.
TABLE 22.2 Simulated runs.
TABLE 22.3 Frequency of up and down runs for selected
markets, 3/17/1998...
TABLE 22.4 Percent of trading days systems holding the
same positions.
TABLE 22.5 SPY Moving average correlations, 1998–
June 2018.
TABLE 22.6 SPY Similarity of positions using different
moving average c...
TABLE 22.7 Correlations for four trend methods using a
20-day calculati...
TABLE 22.8 Correlations for four trend methods using
an 80-day calculat...
Chapter 23
TABLE 23.1 A spreadsheet to calculate the Sharpe ratio.
TABLE 23.2 VaR calculations on a spreadsheet.
TABLE 23.3 Position sizing in futures.
TABLE 23.4 Position sizing for stocks using ATR.
TABLE 23.5 Stock allocation using annualized volatility.

17
 TABLE 23.6 Position sizing using price.
TABLE 23.7 Stop-loss test of 30-year bonds, 2000-2011,
applied to a movi...
TABLE 23.8 Results of averaging into a new position
based on an 80-day m...
TABLE 23.9 Size of pullback and best delay for each
market when waiting ...
TABLE 23.10 Results of timing the entry using an 8-day
RSI, an 80-day mo...
TABLE 23.11 Building a position on new high profits.
TABLE 23.12 Adding on new highs, long-only.
TABLE 23.13 Averaging down, 1998–2008.
TABLE 23.14 Averaging down, 2009–2018.
TABLE 23.15 Examples of risk of ruin with unequal wins
and losses.
TABLE 23.16 Probability of a loss after N trades, relative
to a system ...
TABLE 23.17 The probability of a specific number of
losses.
TABLE 23.18 Distribution of χ2.
TABLE 23.19 Results from Analysis of Runs
Chapter 24
TABLE 24.1 Portfolio evaluation of stocks and bonds
using a spreadsheet.
TABLE 24.2 Solver Setup.
TABLE 24.3 Returns expressed as NAVs.
TABLE 24.4 Generating random numbers to create
weighting factors.
TABLE 24.5 Normalized weighting factors for each
portfolio in the pool.
TABLE 24.6 Evaluating portfolio return and risk.
TABLE 24.7 Example of volatility stabilization.

18
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1.1 Crude oil prices weekly chart with July 2008
in the center (top);...
FIGURE 1.2 Basic measurement of noise using the
efficiency ratio (also calle...
FIGURE 1.3 Three different price patterns all begin and
end at the same poin...
FIGURE 1.4 By changing the net price move we can
distinguish between noise a...
FIGURE 1.5 Relative change in maturity of world
markets by region
FIGURE 1.6 Ranking of Asian Equity Index Markets,
2005–2010.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2.1 The Law of Averages. The normal cases
overwhelm the unusual ones....
FIGURE 2.2 Wheat prices, 1978–2017.
FIGURE 2.3 Wheat frequency distribution showing a tail
to the right.
FIGURE 2.4 Normal distribution showing the percentage
area included within o...
FIGURE 2.5 Gold cash prices.
FIGURE 2.6 Gold cash frequency distribution.
FIGURE 2.7 Skewness. Nearly all price distributions are
positively skewed, s...
FIGURE 2.8 Changing distribution at different price
levels. A, B, and C are ...
FIGURE 2.9 Kurtosis. A positive kurtosis is when the
peak of the distributio...
FIGURE 2.10 Measuring 10% from each end of the
frequency distribution. The d...

19
 FIGURE 2.11 Probability network.
FIGURE 2.12a Shift in demand.
FIGURE 2.12b Demand curve, including extremes.
FIGURE 2.13 Demand elasticity. (a) Relatively elastic. (b)
Relatively inelas...
FIGURE 2.14 Supply-price relationship. (a) Shift in
supply. (b) Supply curve...
FIGURE 2.15 The three cases of elasticity of supply.
FIGURE 2.16 Equilibrium with shifting supply.
FIGURE 2.17 Cash wheat with the PPI and dollar index
(DX), from 1978 through...
FIGURE 2.18 Wheat prices adjusted for PPI and Dollar
Index (DX).
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3.1 Dow Theory has been adapted to use the
current versions of the ma...
FIGURE 3.2 Bull and bear market signals are traditional
breakout signals, bu...
FIGURE 3.3 NASDAQ from April 1998 through June
2002. A clear example of a bu...
FIGURE 3.4 Secondary trends and reactions. A reaction
is a smaller swing in ...
FIGURE 3.5 Dow Theory applied to the S&P. Most of
Dow's principles apply to ...
FIGURE 3.6 The trend is easier to see after it has
occurred. While the upwar...
FIGURE 3.7 Upward and downward trendlines applied to
Intel, November 2002 th...
FIGURE 3.8 Horizontal support and resistance lines
shown on bond futures pri...
FIGURE 3.9 Basic sell and buy signals using trendlines.
FIGURE 3.10 Trading rules for horizontal support and
resistance lines.

20
Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
exceeding fondness for him who had risked all to claim her as his
own.
After my return to the main camp I met Black Eagle, and
informed him that his daughter and her husband had been
companions of our march. “Yes. Why did you not kill him?” was his
reply, which upon inquiry he explained by saying that if some person
had kindly put an end to the life of his son-in-law, it would have
benefited him to the value of several ponies; his difficulty seeming to
be in overcoming the loss of the ponies which should have been paid
for his daughter’s hand. I afterwards learned, however, that the
haughty chief became reconciled to the wilful lovers, and invited
them to return to his lodge, an invitation they were not tardy in
accepting.
We pitched our camp at the point agreed upon between Neva
and myself, and prepared to await the return of his party. Neva had
been informed that our delay could not extend beyond three days, as
our store of provisions and forage was almost exhausted, and this
fact alone would force us to retrace our steps. I had hoped that
during the time we were to spend in camp, hunting parties might be
able to bring in a sufficient amount of game to satisfy our wants; but
although parties were despatched in all directions, not an animal or
bird could be found. So barren was the country as to offer no
inducements that would attract game of any species.
Our last ounce of meat had been eaten, and the men, after one
day’s deprivation of this essential part of their rations, were almost
ravenous. Our horses had several days since eaten their last ration
of grain, and the grass was so sparse and indifferent as to furnish
insufficient diet to sustain life. Resort was had to cottonwood bark, to
obtain which we cut down large numbers of the trees, and fed our
horses upon the young bark of the branches. Knowing that in answer
to my second request supplies of provisions both for men and horses
must be on their way and probably near to us, I determined to begin
our return march one day sooner than I had expected when Neva
and his companions left us, as they would be able on finding our
camp to follow our trail and overtake us.
 We moved only a few miles, but even this short distance was
sufficient to demonstrate how weak and famished our horses had
become, one of them dying from starvation before we reached camp,
the first day of our return march. This circumstance, however, was
turned to our advantage. Much has been said and written in praise of
the savoriness of horseflesh as a diet. Our necessities compelled us
to put this question to practical test, and the animal had scarcely
fallen, unable to rise again, when it was decided to prepare his
carcass for food. That evening the men treated themselves to a
bountiful repast made up of roasts, steaks, and broils, all from the
flesh of the poor animal, whose death was attributable to starvation
alone. Judging, however, from the jolly laughter which rang through
camp at supper time, the introduction of this new article of diet met
with a cordial reception.
Soon after finishing our supper, we discovered in the distance
and following in our trail a horseman. We at once concluded that this
must be Neva, a fact rendered conclusive by the aid of a field-glass.
Various were the surmises indulged in by the different members of
our party as to the success of Neva’s mission. What had become of
his companions, particularly young Brewster? These and many other
inquiries suggested themselves as we watched his approach. We
could almost read the answer on Neva’s face when he reached us
as to the success of his search for the Cheyennes. Disappointment,
hunger, and fatigue were plainly marked in his features as he
dismounted and shook hands with us. Knowing that one of the
characteristics of the Indian is to talk but little until the wants of the
inner man have been fully attended to, I at once ordered him a steak.
One of the party, however, fearing that if he knew the exact character
of the diet offered him he might from some superstitious cause
decline it, suggested that Neva be asked if he would like a nice
buffalo steak, a deception which seemed somewhat justifiable under
the circumstances. To this Neva returned a hearty affirmative, when
one of the men placed before him a raw steak, whose dimensions
would have amply gratified the appetites of an ordinary family of half
a dozen. Having held the steak over the blazing fire until sufficiently
done to suit his taste, Neva seated himself on the ground near by
and began helping himself liberally to the dripping morsel. After he
had indulged for some time in this pleasing entertainment, and
having made no remark, one of the officers inquired of him if he was
hungry.
“Yes,” was his reply, but added in his very indifferent English,
“Poor buffano, poor buffano.” None of us ever informed him of the
little deception which had been practised upon him.
His account of his journey was brief. He had travelled nearly due
west, accompanied by Brewster and the two young Arapahoes, and
had discovered a trail of the Cheyenne village some two weeks old,
leading still further to the west, and under circumstances which
induced him to believe the village had moved far away. Under these
circumstances there was no course left to him but to return. The
Arapahoes decided to follow on and join the Cheyenne village. Neva
and young Brewster began their return together, but the latter, being
unable to travel as fast as Neva, fell behind. Neva, anxious to keep
his promise and rejoin us at the time and place indicated, pushed
forward as rapidly as possible. Young Brewster, however, manfully
struggled along, and reached our camp a few hours after Neva’s
arrival.
The next morning we set out on our homeward or return march.
During the night one of our horses strayed away from camp, and as
one of the men thought he could find it before we made our start in
the morning, he left camp with that purpose. Failing to rejoin us at
the proper time, I sent parties in search of him, but they returned
unsuccessful. We were compelled by our necessities to move
without further delay. Weeks and months elapsed, and no tidings of
the lost trooper reached us, when one day, while encamped near
Fort Hays, Kansas, hundreds of miles from the locality of which I am
now writing, who should step up to my tent but the man who was lost
from us in northwestern Texas. He had become bewildered after
losing sight of our camp, took the wrong direction, and was never
able thereafter during his wanderings to determine his course.
Fortunately he took a southerly route, and after nearly two months of
solitary roaming over the plains of northern Texas, he arrived at a
military post south of Red river in Texas, and by way of Galveston,
the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, rejoined his
regiment in Kansas.
As we gained the crest of the hill from which we obtained a view
of the white tents which formed our camp, there was no one of our
little party who did not enjoy a deep feeling of gratitude and
thankfulness that our long and trying journey was about to end under
happier auspices than many might have supposed when we began
it. We had found the Arapahoes, and succeeded in placing them on
their reservation, where, from that date to the present time, they
have remained, never engaging as a tribe in making war or
committing depredations on the whites, so far as my knowledge
extends.
We did not succeed so well with the Cheyennes, but we
established facts regarding their location, disposition, and intentions
as to peace, which were of invaluable service to us in determining
future operations looking to the establishment of peace with them.
Our arrival in camp created a sensation among our comrades,
who had seen us depart upon what they might well have considered
an errand of questionable prudence. Leaving my companions of the
march to answer the many queries of those who had not
accompanied us, I galloped across the narrow plain which separated
General Sheridan’s tents from my camp, and was soon greeted by
the General and staff in terms of hearty welcome. Repairing to the
General’s tent, I soon recounted the principal incidents of my
expedition, with most of which the reader has been already made
acquainted. I found that the Arapahoes had kept their promise, made
to me while I was in their village, and that the village was then
located near our main camp. It might be proper here to remark that,
although a period of several years has elapsed since the Arapahoes
were induced to accept the offer of peace made to them, and
promised to relinquish in the future their predatory mode of life, yet to
this day, so far as I know, they as a tribe have remained at peace
with the white men.
This remark may not, and probably does not, apply to particular
individuals of the tribe, but it is due to the tribe to state that their
conduct, since the events related in the preceding chapter, has been
greatly to their credit, as well as to the peace and comfort of the
settlers of the frontier; results wholly due to the Washita campaign
and the subsequent events with which the reader of these articles is
familiar.
The conduct of the Cheyennes, however, in declining our
proffers of peace, left the Indian question in that section of country
still unsettled; but this only rendered new plans necessary, plans
which were quickly determined upon. Other events of great public
importance rendered General Sheridan’s presence necessary
elsewhere at an early day.
It was therefore decided that he, accompanied by his escort of
scouts under Lieutenant Pepoon, should proceed northward to
Camp Supply, while I, with the Seventh Regulars and the Nineteenth
Kansas Cavalry, and my Osage scouts, a force numbering about
fifteen hundred men, should move westward in quest of the
recalcitrant Cheyennes, and administer to them such treatment as
their past conduct might merit and existing circumstances
demanded. Satanta and Lone Wolf were still prisoners in our hands,
a portion of their tribe having failed thus far to comply with the terms
of the agreement by which they were to settle down peaceably on
their reservation. As the greater portion of the tribe, however, was
then encamped near us, and as both Satanta and Lone Wolf were
loud in their protestations of peace, it was decided to release them.
Accordingly, after conference with General Sheridan, I went to the
lodge in which I kept the two chiefs closely guarded as prisoners,
and informed them of the decision which had been arrived at in their
behalf, the only response being a most hearty and emphatic “How”
from the two robust chieftains.
General Sheridan had up to this time declined all their requests
for an interview, but now deemed it best to see them and speak a
few words of warning and caution as to their future conduct. No
peace commissioners were ever entertained by promises of good
behavior, peaceable intentions, and regrets for past offences, which
smacked of greater earnestness and sincerity than those
volunteered by Lone Wolf and Satanta when informed that they were
free to rejoin their people. According to their voluntary
representations, their love for their white brothers was unbounded;
their desire for peace, their hatred of war, ungovernable; and nothing
would satisfy them in future but to be permitted to lead their people
“the white man’s road,” by cultivating the soil, building schoolhouses
and churches, and forever eschewing a predatory or warlike life.
Alas, the instability of human resolutions—particularly of the
human in an Indian! and the resolutions are expressed—not formed
—simply to obtain a certain advantage, or, as is most usually the
case, to tickle the fanciful imagination of some thoroughly well-
meaning but utterly impractical peace commissioner, whose
favorable influence is believed by the Indian to be all-potent in
securing fresh invoices of new blankets, breech-loading arms, and
provisions. Neither blankets, breech-loading arms, nor an
unnecessary amount of provisions were distributed by the military
among the adherents of Satanta and Lone Wolf.
Scarcely one year had elapsed, however, before Satanta
defiantly informed the General of the Army, then on a visit to Fort Sill,
that he had just returned from an expedition to Texas, during which
he and his party had murdered and robbed several white men. It was
this confession which led to Satanta’s trial, conviction, and sentence
to death by the civil authorities of Texas. Through the intercession of
the General Government, the Executive of Texas was induced to
commute the punishment of Satanta from hanging to imprisonment
for life, a step which all familiar with Indians and Indian management
knew would result sooner or later in his release, and that of his
confederate, Big Tree.
Importuned constantly by the tender-hearted representations of
the peace commissioners, who could not be induced to look upon
Satanta and Big Tree as murderers, the Governor of Texas very
unwisely yielded to their persistent appeals, and upon the strength of
promises solemnly made by the peace commissioners, according to
which not only Satanta and Big Tree were to abstain from acts of
bloodshed and murder in the future, but their entire tribe was also to
remain at peace and within their reservation limits, the two chiefs
who had unfortunately escaped the halter were again turned loose to
engage in acts of hostility against the whites; an opportunity they and
their treacherous people have not been slow to improve from that
day to this.
The winter of 1868–’69 was rapidly terminating, acting as a
forcible reminder to us that if we hoped to operate in the field with
any advantage over the Cheyennes, the movement must be made
before the spring grass should make its appearance for the benefit of
the Indian ponies. Accordingly, as soon as our arrangements were
perfected, our camp at the present site of Fort Sill, Indian Territory,
was broken up, and General Sheridan, accompanied by his staff and
escort, set out for Camp Supply in the north, while my command
faced westward and began its search for the Cheyennes, passing
along the southern base of the Witchita mountains, on the afternoon
of inauguration day, at old Camp Radziminsky, a station which had
been occupied by our troops prior to the war between the Northern
and Southern States, and whose name, no doubt, will recall pleasant
reminiscences to many who afterwards wore the blue or the gray.
On the morning of the first day after leaving the Witchita
mountains behind us, no little excitement was created throughout the
command by the discovery of a column of smoke directly on our
course, and apparently about fifteen or twenty miles in front of us.
That Indians had originated the fire was beyond a doubt, as we all
knew that beyond us, in the direction of the smoke, the country was
inhabited by no human beings save hostile Indians. I at once
decided to push on with the command to the point from which the
smoke was ascending, and discover if possible some trace of the
Indians. Be it understood that neither I nor any members of my
command supposed for one moment that when we arrived at the
desired point we would find the Indians there awaiting our arrival, but
we did hope to discover their trail. Of the many experienced
frontiermen embraced in the command, including of course
California Joe, there were none who judged the distance which
separated us from the smoke as greater than could be easily passed
over by us before three or four o’clock that afternoon.
It was evidently not a signal smoke—ascending from a single
point and regulated by human control—but appeared from our
standpoint more like a fire communicated to the prairie grass from an
abandoned or neglected camp fire. Pushing on as rapidly as our
horses could travel, we were again reminded from time to time of the
deceptive character of the plains as regards distances. When three
o’clock arrived, and we had been marching steadily for nine hours,
the dense and changing columns of deep gray smoke, which had
been our guiding point all day, seemed as far distant as when our
march began in the morning. Except to water our animals, and once
to enable the men to prepare a cup of coffee, no halts were made
from six o’clock in the morning until we finally reached the desired
locality—not at three or four o’clock in the afternoon, but at two
o’clock that night.
Our surmises proved correct. The fire had evidently been
communicated to the dry winter grass from some Indian camp fire.
The Indians of course had gone; but where? As this was a question
that could not be solved until daylight, and as all of us were glad
enough of an opportunity to get a few hours’ repose, the troops
bivouacked in promiscuous order as they arrived.
Only those who have enjoyed similar experiences know how
brief the preparation required for sleep. As for myself, as soon as the
necessary directions had been given relating to the command, I
unsaddled my horse, arranged my saddle for my pillow, tethered my
horse within easy reach, and in less time than has been required to
write these few lines, I was enjoying one of those slumbers which
only come as the reward of a day of earnest activity in the saddle.
As soon as it was light enough for our purpose, we were in the
saddle and searching in all directions for the trail left by the Indians
who had fired the prairie. Our Osage scouts were not long in making
the desired discovery. The trail led westward, following the general
course of a small valley in which it was first discovered. The party
was evidently a small one, numbering not more than fifteen persons,
but the direction in which they were moving led me to hope that by
following them carefully and with due caution to prevent discovery of
our pursuit, we might be led to the main village.
 All that day our Osage scouts clung to the trail with the
pertinacity of sleuth hounds. The course led us up and across
several different streams of beautiful, clear water; but to our great
disappointment, and to that of our horses as well, we discovered,
upon attempting to quench our thirst at different times, that every
stream was impregnated to the fullest degree with salt.
Later in the day this became a serious matter, and had we not
been on an Indian trail, I should have entertained earnest
apprehensions as to whether or not we were destined to find pure
water by continuing further in the direction we were then moving; but
I felt confident that the Indians we were pursuing were familiar with
the country, and would no doubt lead us, unintentionally of course, to
streams of fresh water.
One of the streams we crossed was so strongly impregnated
with salt that the edges near the banks were covered with a border
of pure white salt, resembling the borders of ice often seen along
rivulets in winter. This border was from one to three feet in width, and
sufficiently thick to support the weight of a horse. Fortunately the
Indian trail, as I had anticipated, led us to a refreshing spring of pure,
cold water near by. Here we halted to prepare a cup of coffee before
continuing the pursuit.
While halted at this point I observed a trooper approaching with
an armful of huge cakes of pure white salt, gathered from the salt
stream just described, and which flowed at the foot of the hill from
which also bubbled forth the spring of fresh water to which we were
indebted for the means of preparing our first meal on that day. Salt
was not an abundant article with us at that time, and the trooper
referred to, aware of this fact, had, in behalf of himself and
comrades, collected from the literal “salt of the earth” a quantity
ample for all present need. After conveying his valuable load to the
vicinity of the cook fire, he broke the cakes of salt into small particles
with an axe, and then passing the fragments through a coffee-mill,
he was in possession of table salt whose quality would have satisfied
a more exacting epicure than a hungry cavalryman.
 Finishing our meal, which not only was our breakfast for that day,
but a late dinner as well, we resumed the pursuit, observing before
doing so that the Indians had also made a brief halt at the same
point, and had built a fire and prepared their meal, as we had done
after them.
Crossing a high ridge, or divide, the trail led us down into a
beautiful open valley. After following up the course of the latter
several miles, the freshness of the trail indicated that the Indians had
passed over it that same day. As it was not our purpose to overtake
them, but to follow as closely as prudence would allow, I determined
to go into camp until the following morning. Soon after resuming the
pursuit next day rain began to fall, at first slowly, but later in the day
in copious showers. I knew the Indians would not travel in the rain if
they could avoid it, unless they knew they were pursued, and of this
fact I had reason to believe they were still ignorant, as evidences
found all along the trail indicated that they were moving very
leisurely.
To avoid placing ourselves in too close proximity to them, I
ordered a halt about noon, and began preparation for camping for
the night. Our wagons were still in rear. In the mean time the horses
were all unsaddled and picketed out in the usual manner to graze.
As was my usual custom upon halting for the night, I had directed
the Osage scouts, instead of halting and unsaddling, to advance in
the direction we were to follow next day, and examine the country for
a distance of a few miles. We had barely completed the unsaddling
of our horses and disposed of them over the grazing ground, when I
discovered the Osage scouts returning over the ridge in front of us
as fast as their ponies could carry them. Their story was soon told.
Disliking to travel in the rain, the Indians whom we were pursuing
had gone into camp also, and the Osage scouts had discovered
them not more than a mile from us, the ridge referred to preventing
the Indians from seeing us or being seen by us.
Quickly the words “Saddle up” flew from mouth to mouth, and in
a marvellously brief time officers and men were in the saddle and,
under the guidance of the Osage scouts, were moving stealthily to
surprise the Indian camp. Passing around a little spur of the dividing
ridge, there before us, at a distance of but a few hundred yards,
stood the half-erected lodges of the Indians, while scattered here
and there in the immediate vicinity were to be seen the Indian ponies
and pack animals, grazing in apparent unconsciousness of the close
proximity of an enemy. At a given signal the cavalry put spurs to their
steeds, drew their revolvers, and in a few moments were in
possession of the Indian camp, ponies and all—no, not all, for not a
single Indian could be discovered.
The troops were deployed at a gallop in all directions, but failed
to find the trace of an Indian. Our capture was apparently an empty
one. How the occupants of the Indian camp had first discovered our
presence and afterwards contrived to elude us was a mystery which
even puzzled our Osage scouts. This mystery was afterwards
explained, and in order to avoid detaining the reader, I will anticipate
sufficiently to state that in the course of subsequent events we came
face to face, under a flag of truce, with the late occupants of the
Indian camp, and learned from them that in this instance history had
reproduced itself. Rome was saved by the cackling of geese: the
Indians owed their safety to the barking of dogs—not the barking of
dogs belonging to their own camp, but to ours.
It seemed that during the haste and excitement attendant upon
the discovery of the close proximity of the Indian camp to ours, two
of our dogs, whether or not sharing in the bellicose humor of their
masters, engaged in a quarrel, the noise of which reached the quick
ears of the Indians nearly one mile distant. Comprehending the
situation at once, the Indians, realizing the danger of delay,
abandoned their camp and ponies and fled on foot, the better to
effect concealment and elude pursuit.
On the following day we resumed the march. There being no
longer any trail for us to follow, we continued in the same direction,
believing that the small party we had been pursuing had been
directing their course toward the location of the main village, which
was somewhere to the westward of us. Day after day we travelled in
this direction, hoping to discover some sign or trail which might give
us a clue to the whereabouts of the Cheyenne village. We had left
the Indian Territory far behind us, and had advanced into Texas well
toward the 102d meridian of longitude. Nearly all hope of discovering
the Indians had vanished from the minds of the officers and men,
when late in the afternoon the trail of a single lodge was discovered,
leading in a southwesterly direction. The trail was nearly if not quite
one month old; hence it did not give great encouragement. To the
surprise of most of the command, I changed the direction of our
march at once, and put the Osages on the trail, having decided to
follow it.
This may seem to the reader an ill-advised move, but the idea
under which the decision was made was, that the owner of the lodge
the trail of which we had discovered had probably been absent from
the main village in search of game, as is customary for small parties
of Indians at that season of the year. In the spring, however, the
entire tribe assembles at one point and determines its plans and
movements for the summer, whether relating to war or hunting.
There was a chance—a slight one, it is true—that the trail of the
single lodge just discovered might lead us to the rendezvous of the
tribe. I deemed it worthy of our attention, and a pursuit of a few days
at furthest would determine the matter.
Following our faithful Osages, who experienced no difficulty in
keeping the trail, we marched until near sundown, when we arrived
at the banks of a small stream upon which, and near a cool, bubbling
spring, we discovered the evidences of an Indian camp, which must
have not only included the lodge whose trail we had been following,
but about a dozen others. Here was a speedier confirmation of my
hopes than I had anticipated. Here I determined to encamp until
morning, and while the cavalry were unsaddling and pitching their
tents, I asked Mo-nah-see-tah to examine the Indian camp minutely
and to tell me how long a time had elapsed since its occupation by
the Indians, how many constituted the party, and the character and
probable indications of the latter.
No detective could have set about the proposed examination
with greater thoroughness than did this Indian girl. The ashes of the
camp fires were raked carefully away and examined with all the
scrutiny of a chemical analysis. Bits of cloth or fragments of the skins
of animals found within the limits of the camp were lifted from their
resting-places as tenderly as if they were articles of greatest value.
Here and there were to be seen the bones of deer or antelope which
had been obtained by the Indians as food. These Mo-nah-see-tah
examined carefully; then, shattering them between two stones, the
condition of the marrow seemed a point of particular importance to
her as tending to determine the length of time the bones had been
lying on the camp. After many minutes spent in this examination,
during which I accompanied her, a silent but far from disinterested
spectator, she, apparently like a judge who had been carefully
reviewing all the evidence, gave me her conclusions, communicating
with me, through the medium of the sign language, with a grace
characteristic of the Indian race, and which added to the interest of
her statements.
Briefly summed up her conclusions were as follows: twelve
lodges had encamped at that point, probably constituting the band of
some petty chief, the different members of which, like the one whose
trail we had that day discovered, had been separated for purposes of
hunting, but had been called together at that point preparatory to
joining the main village. The lodges had left this camp not to exceed
two weeks previous to that date, and in all probability had moved to
the rendezvous appointed for the main tribe, which would without
doubt be found by other small bands from time to time, until the
village would all be assembled at one point. Moving in this manner
and at this early season of the year, when grass was scarce and no
enemy known to be in the country, the Indians would make very
short moves each day, passing merely from one stream to another,
not accomplishing in one day a greater distance, probably, than the
cavalry would in two or three hours.
This intelligence, of course, was most gratifying, and for
encouragement was soon communicated to the individual members
of the command. The trail was found to lead almost in a northerly
direction, slightly inclining to the east. Perhaps no one of the
command experienced such a feeling of hope and anxious suspense
as the new discoveries gave rise to in the breast of young Brewster,
who now more than ever believed, and with reason too, that he was
soon to unravel or forever seal the fate of his lost sister, whose
discovery and release had been the governing impulses of his life for
months past.
With renewed interest the cavalry resumed the pursuit at daylight
the following morning. We had marched but a few miles before we
reached a second camping ground, which had been occupied not
only by those whose trail we were then following, but the number of
fires showed that the strength of the Indians had been increased by
about twenty-five lodges, thus verifying the correctness of the
surmises advanced by Mo-nah-see-tah.
Continuing our progress, we had the satisfaction of seeing still
further accessions to the trail, until it was evident that at least one
hundred lodges had united and passed in one body on the trail. As
we marched in one day over the distance passed over in three by
the Indians, and as the latter were moving unsuspicious of the
presence of an enemy in that section of the country, the trail was
becoming freshened as we advanced.
That night we encamped with every precaution calculated to
conceal our presence from the Indians. No fires were permitted until
after dark, and then but small ones, for fear the quick and watchful
eye of the Indian might detect the ascending columns of smoke. As
soon as the men had prepared their suppers the fires were put out.
In the morning breakfast was prepared before daylight, and the fires
at once smothered by heaping damp earth over them.
Resuming the pursuit as soon as it was sufficiently light to follow
the trail, we soon arrived at the camp vacated by the Indians the
previous day, the extent of which showed that from three to four
hundred lodges of Indians had occupied the ground. In many places
the decayed embers of the lodge fires were still glowing; while the
immense quantity of young cottonwood timber found cut and lying
throughout the camp stripped of its young bark, showed that the
Indian ponies were being mainly subsisted on cottonwood bark, the
spring grass not being sufficiently advanced to answer the purpose.
Nothing indicated that the Indians had departed in a precipitate
manner, or that they had discovered our approach. It was
reasonable, therefore, to suppose that we would come in contact
with them that day, if not actually reach the village.
All our plans were made accordingly. The Osages, as usual,
were kept in the advance, that their quick eyes might the sooner
discover the Indians should they appear in our front. In order to avail
myself of the earliest information, I, with Colonel Cook, accompanied
the Osages. Two of the latter kept in advance of all, and as they
neared a ridge or commanding piece of ground they would
cautiously approach the crest on foot and peer beyond, to ascertain
whether an enemy was in sight before exposing our party to
discovery. This proceeding, a customary one with Indians, did not
excite unusual attention upon the part of Colonel Cook and myself,
until once we saw Hard Rope, the head warrior, who was in
advance, slowly ascend a slight eminence in our front, and, after
casting one glimpse beyond, descend the hill and return to us as
rapidly as his pony could carry him. We almost anticipated his report,
so confident was everybody in the command that we were going to
overtake the village.
In a few words Hard Rope informed us that less than a mile
beyond the hill from which he had obtained a view, there was in plain
sight a large herd of Indian ponies grazing, being herded and driven
by a few Indian boys. As yet they had not seen us, but were liable to
discover the column of troops further to the rear. To judge of the
situation I dismounted, and, conducted by Hard Rope, advanced to
the crest of the hill in front and looked beyond; there I saw in plain
view the herd of ponies, numbering perhaps two hundred, and being
driven in the opposite direction toward what seemed the valley of a
stream, as I could see the tops of the forest trees which usually
border the water courses.
The ponies and their protectors soon disappeared from view, but
whether they had discovered us yet or not I was unable to
determine. Sending a messenger back as rapidly as his horse could
carry him, I directed the troops to push to the front, and to come
prepared for action. I knew the village must be near at hand,
probably in the vicinity of the trees seen in the distance. As the
country was perfectly open, free from either ravines or timber
capable of affording concealment to Indians, I took my orderly with
me and galloped in advance in the direction taken by the Indians,
leaving Colonel Cook to hasten and direct the troops as the latter
should arrive.
After advancing about half way to the bluff overlooking the valley
I saw about half a dozen Indian heads peering over the crest,
evidently watching my movements; this number was soon increased
to upwards of fifty. I was extremely anxious to satisfy myself as to the
tribe whose village was evidently near at hand. There was but little
doubt that it was the Cheyennes, for whom we had been searching.
If this should prove true, the two white girls whose discovery and
release from captivity had been one of the objects of the expedition,
must be held prisoners in the village which we were approaching;
and to effect their release unharmed then became my study, for I
remembered the fate of the white woman and child held captive by a
band of this same tribe at the battle of the Washita. I knew that the
first shot fired on either side would be the signal for the murder of the
two white girls. While knowing the Cheyennes to be deserving of
castigation, and feeling assured that they were almost in our power, I
did not dare to imperil the lives of the two white captives by making
an attack on the village, although never before or since have we
seen so favorable an opportunity for administering well-merited
punishment to one of the strongest and most troublesome of the
hostile tribes. Desiring to establish a truce with the Indians before the
troops should arrive, I began making signals inviting a conference.
This was done by simply riding in a circle, and occasionally
advancing toward the Indians on the bluff in a zigzag manner.
Immediately there appeared on the bluffs about twenty mounted
Indians; from this group three advanced toward me at a gallop, soon
followed by the others of the party. I cast my eyes behind me to see
if the troops were near, but the head of the column was still a mile or
more in rear. My orderly was near me, and I could see Colonel Cook
rapidly approaching about midway between the column and my
position.
Directing the orderly to remain stationary, I advanced toward the
Indians a few paces, and as soon as they were sufficiently near
made signs to them to halt, and then for but one of their number to
advance midway and meet me. This was assented to, and I
advanced with my revolver in my left hand, while my right hand was
held aloft as a token that I was inclined to be friendly. The Indian met
me as agreed upon, and in response to my offer exchanged friendly
greetings, and shook hands. From him I learned that the village of
the entire Cheyenne tribe was located on the streams in front of us,
and that Medicine Arrow, the head chief of the Cheyennes, was in
the group of Indians then in view from where we stood. Little Robe,
with his band numbering about forty lodges, was a short distance
further down the stream. I asked the Indian to send for Medicine
Arrow, as I desired to talk with the head chief. Calling to one of his
companions, who had halted within hailing distance, the latter was
directed to convey to Medicine Arrow my message, to do which he
set off at a gallop.
At this juncture I perceived that the Indians, to the number of
twenty or more, had approached quite near, while some of the party
seemed disposed to advance to where I was. To this I had decided
objections, and so indicated to the Indian who was with me. He
complied with my wishes, and directed his companions to remain
where they were. As a precaution of safety, I took good care to keep
the person of the Indian between me and his friends. Medicine Arrow
soon came galloping up accompanied by a chief.
While engaged in shaking hands with him and his companions,
and exchanging the usual salutation, “How,” with the new arrivals, I
observed that the Indians who had been occupying a retired position
had joined the group, and I found myself in the midst of about twenty
chiefs and warriors. Medicine Arrow exhibited the most earnest
desire to learn from me the number of troops following me. Whether
this question was prompted by any contemplated act of treachery, in
case my followers were few in number, or not, I do not know. But if
treachery was thought of, the idea was abandoned when I informed
him that my followers numbered fifteen hundred men, the advance
guard being then in sight. Medicine Arrow then informed me that his
village was near by, and that the women and children would be
greatly excited and alarmed by the approach of so large a body of
troops. To give assurance to them he urged me to accompany him to
his village in advance of the troops, and by my presence satisfy his
people that no attack upon them would be made. This I consented to
do.
By this time Colonel Cook had again joined me, also Dr.
Lippincott. Leaving the doctor with directions for the troops, and
taking Colonel Cook with me, I started with Medicine Arrow and a
considerable party of his warriors to the village, Medicine Arrow
urging us to put our horses to the gallop. The reader may regard this
movement on my part as having been anything but prudent, and I
will admit that viewed in the ordinary light it might seem to partake
somewhat of a foolhardy errand. But I can assure them that no one
could be more thoroughly convinced of the treachery and
bloodthirsty disposition of the Indian than I am, nor would I ever trust
life in their hands except it was to their interest to preserve that life;
for no class of beings act so much from self-interest as the Indian,
and on this occasion I knew, before accepting the proposal of the
chief to enter his village, that he and every member of his band felt it
to be to their interest not only to protect me from harm, but treat me
with every consideration, as the near approach of the troops and the
formidable number of the latter would deter the Indians from any act
of hostility, knowing as they did that in case of an outbreak of any
kind it would be impossible for a great portion of the village,
particularly the women and children, to escape. I considered all this
before proceeding to the village.
As we were turning our horses’ heads in the direction of the
village, I caught sight of a familiar face in the group of Indians about
me; it was that of Mah-wis-sa, the squaw whom I had sent as peace
commissioner from our camp near Fort Sill, and who had failed to
return. She recognized me at once, and laughed when I uttered the
word “Mutah-ka,” referring to the hunting-knife I had loaned her as
she was about to depart on her errand of peace. A brisk gallop soon
brought us to the village, which was located beneath the trees on the
bank of a beautiful stream of clear running water. The name of the
latter I found to be the Sweetwater; it is one of the tributaries of Red
river, and is indicated on the map as crossing the 100th meridian not
far south of the Canadian river.
Medicine Arrow hurried me to his lodge, which was located
almost in the centre of the village, the latter being the most extensive
I had ever seen. As soon as I had entered the lodge I was invited to
a seat on one of the many buffalo robes spread on the ground about
the inner circumference of the lodge. By Medicine Arrow’s direction
the village crier, in a loud tone of voice, began calling the chiefs
together in council. No delay occurred in their assembling. One by
one they approached and entered the lodge, until fifteen of the
leading chiefs had taken their seats in the circle within the lodge in
the order of their rank. I was assigned the post of honor, being
seated on the right of Medicine Arrow, while on my immediate right
sat the medicine man of the tribe, an official scarcely second in
influence to the head chief.
The squaw of Medicine Arrow built a huge fire in the centre of
the lodge. As soon as all the chiefs had assembled, the ceremonies,
which were different from any I ever witnessed before or since,
began. The chiefs sat in silence while the medicine man drew forth
from a capacious buckskin tobacco pouch, profusely ornamented
with beads and porcupine quills, a large red clay pipe, with a stem
about the size of an ordinary walking-stick. From another buckskin
pouch which hung at his girdle he drew forth a handful of kinnikinic,
and placed it on a cloth spread on the ground before him; to this he
added, in various amounts, dried leaves and herbs, with which he
seemed well supplied. After thoroughly mixing these ingredients, he
proceeded with solemn ceremony to fill the pipe with the mixture,
muttering at times certain incantations, by which no doubt it was
intended to neutralize any power or proclivity for harm I may have
been supposed to possess.
To all of this I was a silent but far from disinterested spectator.
My interest perceptibly increased when the medicine man, who was
sitting close to me, extended his left hand and grasped my right,
pressing it strongly against his body over the region of his heart, at
the same time, and with complete devoutness of manner, engaging
in what seemed to me a petition or prayer to the Great Spirit; the
other chiefs from time to time ejaculating, in the most earnest
manner, their responses, the latter being made simultaneously. To
the Indians it was a most solemn occasion, and scarcely less
impressive to me, who could only judge of what was transpiring by
catching an occasional word, and by closely following their signs.
After the conclusion of the address or prayer by the medicine
man, the latter released my hand, which up to this time had been
tightly grasped in his, and taking the long clay pipe in both hands, it
likewise was apparently placed under an imaginary potent spell, by a
ceremony almost as long as that which I have just described. This
being ended, the medicine man, first pointing slowly with the stem of
the pipe to each of the four points of the compass, turned to me, and
without even so much as saying, “Smoke, sir?” placed the
mouthpiece of the long stem in my mouth, still holding the bowl of
the pipe in his hand.
Again taking my right hand in his left, the favor or protecting
influence of the Great Spirit was again invoked in the most earnest
and solemn manner, the other chiefs joining at regular intervals with
their responses. Finally, releasing my hand, the medicine man
lighted a match, and applying it to the pipe made signs to me to
smoke. A desire to conform as far as practicable to the wishes of the
Indians, and a curiosity to study a new and interesting phase of the
Indian character, prompted me to obey the direction of the medicine
man, and I accordingly began puffing away with as great a degree of
nonchalance as a man unaccustomed to smoking could well
assume. Now being, as I have just stated, one of that class which
does not number smoking among its accomplishments, I took the
first few whiffs with a degree of confidence which I felt justified in
assuming, as I imagined the smoking portion of the ceremony was to
be the same as usually observed among Indians so devoted to the
practice, in which each individual takes the pipe, enjoys half a dozen
whiffs, and passes it to his next neighbor on his left. That much I felt
equal to; but when, after blowing away the first half dozen puffs of
smoke from my face, the medicine man still retained his hold of the
pipe, with an evident desire that I should continue the enjoyment of
this Indian luxury, I proceeded more deliberately, although no such