purchased a large stock of goods. With this freight, he returned to
Kansas, where he had left his caravan, into which, on his arrival, he
transferred his merchandise. He then started on his return trip to
New Mexico. In order that his animals might take advantage of the fine
grass to be found there, he chose the route, known to all traders on
the plains, as well as to the reader, as the road by Bent's Fort. He
was progressing on his journey quite happily, when unfortunately, at
a point that is located about fifteen miles above the fording of the
Arkansas, he fell in with a village of Cheyenne Indians who were just
at that time violently hostile towards the whites and were waiting an
opportunity to wreak their vengeance on them. This state of feeling
had been brought about only a few days previous, and was due to an
officer who was attached to a command of recruits that some ten days
before Kit Carson's arrival had passed by. He had flogged a warrior
for some liberty which the fellow had taken while he was in the camp
of the soldiers. These Cheyennes are very fond of dress and show; but,
as a body, they are as noble and athletic looking men as tread this
earth. Singular though the contrast may appear, a greater set of
rascals never went unhung; yet, they are Indians, and, as such, they
ought to command sympathy and forbearance.

The young men who belong to the Cheyenne nation, are fond of dress,
and when arrayed in full costume one of them is a picture to look
upon; when thus gilded no man could be prouder. These Indians wear
their hair in a long cue à la Chinese style. They take great pleasure
in ornamenting this cue with innumerable pieces of silver, which are
made from half dollar pieces, and are beat out in the shape of small
shields. With their blue, or red blankets, long ribbons of different
colored flannel, fancy leggins and bead decorations, and finally (as
I once saw one) with a red cotton umbrella, they represent the very