Shortly after we reached Fort McPherson, which continued to be the headquarters of the Fifth Cavalry for some time.  We remained there for ten days, fitting out for a new expedition to the Republican river country, and were reinforced by three companies of the celebrated Pawnee Indian scouts, commanded by Major Frank North; his officers being Captain Lute North, brother of the Major, Captain Cushing, his brother-in-law, Captain Morse, and Lieutenants Beecher, Matthews and Kislandberry.  General Carr recommended at this time to General Augur, who was in command of the Department, that I be made chief of scouts in the Department of the Platte, and informed me that in this position I would receive higher wages than I had been getting in the Department of the Missouri.  This appointment I had not asked for.

I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North,[B] and I found him, and his officers, perfect gentlemen, and we were all good friends from the very start.  The Pawnee scouts had made quite a reputation for themselves as they had performed brave and valuable services, in fighting against the Sioux, whose bitter enemies they were; being thoroughly acquainted with the Republican and Beaver country, I was glad that they were to be with the expedition, and they did good service.

[Footnote B:  Major North is now my partner in a cattle ranch in Nebraska.]

During our stay at Fort McPherson I made the acquaintance of Lieutenant George P. Belden, known as the “White Chief,” whose life was written by Colonel Brisbin, U.S. army.  I found him to be an intelligent, dashing fellow, a splendid rider and an excellent shot.  An hour after our introduction he challenged me for a rifle match, the preliminaries of which were soon arranged.  We were to shoot ten shots each for fifty dollars, at two hundred yards, off hand.  Belden was to use a Henry rifle, while I was to shoot my old “Lucretia.”  This match I won and then Belden proposed to shoot a one hundred yard match, as I was shooting over his distance.  In this match Belden was victorious.  We were now even, and we stopped right there.

While we were at this post General Augur and several of his officers, and also Thomas Duncan, Brevet Brigadier and Lieutenant Colonel of the Fifth Cavalry, paid us a visit for the purpose of reviewing the command.  The regiment turned out in tine style and showed themselves to be well drilled soldiers, thoroughly understanding military tactics.  The Pawnee scouts were also reviewed and it was very amusing to see them in their full regulation uniform.  They had been furnished a regular cavalry uniform and on this parade some of them had their heavy overcoats on, others their large black hats, with all the brass accoutrements attached; some of them were minus pantaloons and only wore a breech clout.  Others wore regulation pantaloons but no shirts on and were bareheaded; others again had the seat of the pantaloons cut out, leaving only