Cloud Chaser hoped their paths did not cross while he was at the fort, as Red Cloud knew him to be Rising Bear’s son from parleys last summer and autumn, so the chief could unintentionally expose him to the soldiers.
Cloud Chaser knew his way around the site from a visit there in May of last year before he traveled to the trading post called Fort Pierre, now truly a fort, and then made contact with his family and people. As he attempted to earn their trust and acceptance, he had visited this fort several more times during the summer and fall to gather information about the enemy. As he got closer to the setting, he smelled bread being prepared in the bakery, animal droppings from the stables and stock corral, and that indescribable but noticeable scent that only plains grass, dust, and the late summer air seemingly possessed.
He saw men unloading wagons, soldiers checking or repairing their gear, men tending the stock, a few standing guard, and the brilliant sun reflecting off windows and the river’s surface. He heard saws as those tools sliced through wood at the lumber shed, the combined voices and intermingled laughter of many of the post’s inhabitants, horses neighing and cows mooing, the shrill cries of a hawk overhead, the American flag popping in a strong breeze, the smithy’s hammer as he shod army horses, and the prairie wind whistling past his ears. He felt calm yet tense, assured yet skeptical, ready for and yet dreading the hazardous challenge ahead. No, his keen mind refuted, not dreading the challenge, but dreading what he would discover and how it would affect his and his loved ones’ lives.
He reined in his horse and dismounted at the sutler’s store, having decided to make his first stop where he could renew a past acquaintance with its owner and perhaps glean important information. He stroked the sorrel’s neck to reassure Red in the strange setting and to let him know it was all right to drink from the water trough. He strolled into the store, approached the long wooden counter, smiled, and said, “Been a long time, Ben, way last year. Do you remember me? I’m Chase Martin.”
The sulter grinned and nodded. “Sure do, Chase. Where you been since you passed through here last summer? Git any trappin’ done?”
Cloud Chaser casually leaned against the counter, removed his hat, and cocked one booted ankle over the other. “Nope. Just been riding around the territory doing odd jobs here and there, enough to keep me supplied with grub and ammo. I figured I’d better stop by and see what’s happening, ‘cause it sounds like there’s gonna be trouble in these parts again. I heard the army’s getting ready for a big fight with them Lakotas over that Grattan mess last year. Is that what you’ve heard?”
“Lord come Sunday, I done heard plenty about it, and none of it sits straight with me. From what they’re spoutin’, Old Harney should be here soon and bringin’ more troops than a woman can shake dirt from a rug. It’s all them soldiers talk about these days. Half of ‘em is ready and champin’ at the bit for a fight; the other half is sceared pissless to face them Indians on their huntin’ grounds. If you ask me, Harney ain’t got no idear what he’s about to come up against. Them Indians ain’t gonna run and hide from him and his boys and they ain’t gonna surrender their land without a fight. He’s plain and simple crazy to order them out of their territory. Lord come Sunday, the army signed it over to them in that treaty. Now, they want to shove ‘em out of it? Crazy, just plain crazy. He’ll have us in an all-out bloody war before winter drops its first snowflake. He’ll probably take ever’ spare man here with him on his wild hunt. Atop no emeegrant travel come winter, I’ll be doin’ good just to survive half starvin’ with so little bidness.”
To delude the sutler and learn all he could from the talkative man, Cloud Chaser smiled and said, “Sounds as if you have it reasoned out right to me. In my way of thinking, there’s no guessing what the Lakotas and their allies will do if Harney challenges them to war. It could even draw some of their enemies into a conflict that size. You can bet your store some of those Pawnee and Crow bands will try to take advantage of the situation while the Lakotas have their eyes looking elsewhere, or if they offer to scout for the army so the soldiers can destroy or weaken the Sioux for them.”
As Cloud Chaser shifted his position, he said, “Yep, Harney can stir up a hornet’s nest if he isn’t careful. He could have whites fighting Indians, and Indians fighting Indians again, and have this territory in an uproar. I don’t know how much Harney knows about Indians in these parts, but by now they’ve finished their buffalo hunts and are getting ready to settle in somewhere for the winter. They’ll be well supplied with food and may be eager for a diversion. You know how warriors like to practice their fighting skills and take on big challenges, and they haven’t been given many chances to kick up dust since they were ordered not to raid longtime enemies.”
“Word around here is Old Harney has tangled with Indians afore. He took on Apaches and Navahos durin’ the Mexican fracus, and Seminoles and some others over Florida way some years back. I’m a-guessin’ he’s fairly good at goin’ against their tricks and skills. Leastwise that’s what his boys think.”
Cloud Chaser found that news disturbing. Yet, he reasoned, “I haven’t been down Florida or Mexico ways, but from what I’ve learned about those places and ruckuses, they’re nothing like this area or the Lakotas.”
“You could have the right of it, Chase, and I guess we’ll know soon.”
“I’m afraid so, Ben, but I’m dreading it. I kinda like this territory, so I hate to see it spoiled and dangerous to travel ‘cause of a misunderstanding over a dumb cow. From what I’ve heard, there’s been little trouble around here since last year, so Harney would be smart to leave them be, especially this late in the year. Sounds reckless to provoke them so close to winter on ground they know well and he doesn’t.” He saw the older man nod in agreement, then scowl before the sulter revealed why.
“They surely ain’t helpin’ themselves prevent it. A band of ‘em rode right up to the quartermaster’s corral and made off with fifty or more horses just yesterday. You can bet the last coin in your pocket that ain’t gonna sit straight with Old Harney when he gits here.”
“I didn’t notice any heavy guard when I rode in. That seems a mite strange since there was a raid yesterday.” He could not help wondering if that theft was committed by Spotted Tail’s and/or Little Thunder’s depleted bands either in retaliation for the Blue Water Creek massacre or to obtain horses to use for escape and for hunting to replace their lost meat and hides. Both chiefs had promised Sitting Bull last autumn they wouldn’t make any more raids after the Grattan incident unless they were provoked, so yesterday’s theft—he reasoned—must have been the result of Harney’s challenge. “Did anybody recognize any of the raiders?”
“Nope, it happened too fast and it was almost dark when they struck. Major Hoffman has a troop out lookin’ for tracks now, but it ain’t likely they’ll git them horses back. I’m a-bettin’ them Indians are long gone from around here, and Hoffman don’t want his boys ridin’ too far away. He has lookouts posted, but they’re stayin’ hid. And he’s got his boys on alert while they do their duties so they can act fast if another raid is attempted. That’s why I ain’t busy today. Lord take Sunday, it’s as quiet as a snowfall in here.”
With soldiers scouring the area for renegade Indians, Cloud Chaser was glad War Eagle and his companions weren’t already waiting for him nearby. He also was glad that Ben wasn’t busy so they could have this enlightening exchange. “The more we talk, Ben, the worse it sounds to me.”
“That ain’t the all of it, Chase. Mr. Cummin’, he’s the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, he spoke hot and heavy against punishin’ all Sioux for what them renegade Brules did. Cummin’ said Capt’n Garnett—you might recall he was in charge here durin’ the Grattan fiasco—anyways, Garnett claimed the massacre wasn’t—let me think how he said it… I believe it was ‘the result of premeditation on the part of the Indians.’ But a few of the others talked stronger, so Cummin’ lost the vote. Those other men said too much had happened since that bloody eve
nt: robberies of fur companies and mail carriers, stages and way stations attacked, army horses and mules stolen, payrolls stolen, homesteaders attacked, and settlers and soldiers have been kilt. The renegades convinced them-in-power no peace is possible.”
Cloud Chaser’s mind refuted, It would be if the American government did right by the Indian and stopped trying to steal their lands and punish all Lakotas for the misdeeds of a few! Yet, he assumed that was unlikely. “What about Agent Twiss? Which side of the battle line is he standing on?”
“Twiss sent messages to all of the tribes and warned ‘em the area designated as Lakota territory would be Harney’s target for reprisals, so all friendlies should move across the Platte River until this fracus is settled. Anybody who stays put is gonna be marked as a hostile and be attacked. Last month, Twiss told the Secretary of the Interior ‘the Sioux difficulties have been magnified by false and malicious reports. There is not, as I can find, within this agency, a hostile Indian. On the contrary, all are friendly.’ You think Harney and them-in-power are gonna believe that bunch of words and call off their plans? That’s about as likely as it bein’ hot here in January. I guess Twiss forgot about them raids and deaths since The Grattan Massacre the Army knows about. Even if most of ‘em happened last year right after that sorry fight, the horse stealin’ yesterday will prove him wrong and show Harney them Indians are still kickin’ up their heels and doin’ mischief.”
“That’s a shame, a real shame,” Cloud Chaser muttered as two soldiers entered the store and began looking around for wanted items. “I best be going. I need to get my horse reshod over at the fur company’s smithy. I’ll be here a day or two, so I’ll be back for supplies before I ride out. Good seeing and talking to you again.”
As he left, Cloud Chaser concluded that Ben was right: it wouldn’t matter to Harney and the army that most of the charges against the “Sioux” had taken place last year after Grattan’s unprovoked and lethal assault on the Brules and that recently no attacks had occurred at posts, homesteads, or companies; nor had any stages or wagon trains been attacked. No raids, his keen mind corrected, except for yesterday’s theft, which may have been in retaliation for Harney’s lethal and cruel assault on the Brules downriver. It also wouldn’t matter that some bands—like Red Cloud’s—were camped near Fort Laramie to assert their peaceful intentions, and for protection against the army’s unjustified retribution on them. He was aware that a few of the smaller bands were still hunting on the vast stretch of grasslands, but most were scouting for or setting up their winter camps at prechosen sites.
At least, Cloud Chaser sighed in relief, his wife and son had Bent Bow and Wind Dancer to hunt for and defend them during his necessary absence from home. For now, they were safe, since General “The Butcher” Harney was far from their location. He could not envision—nor did he even want to try to imagine—his existence without them to share his life, but he knew beyond any doubt it would be a dark and cold one if his beloved Dawn and Casmu were lost to him forever, just as his father had suffered agony when Winona was lost to him for two years. He also knew with absolute certainty that he would fight Harney and any number of soldiers or other foes, even to his own death, in order to protect them from harm.
Cloud Chaser looked upward and sighted an eagle after a large shadow traveled across the ground before him. The majestic bird made him think of his younger brother. He hoped the impending conflict would not cause problems for Caroline, as a few among them like Two Feathers might blame all whites for it and try to create hostility and rejection toward her. With good luck and hard work, perhaps she was earning acceptance and respect from more Red Shields during their absence, as the genial and obedient female already had made friends with many members of their band. He assumed that little would please War Eagle more than for Caroline to become attainable to him. Knowing what it was like to win the woman one loved and desired, he hoped War Eagle was victorious in that enormous challenge.
He could not help wondering if his brother’s party had found the surviving Brules by today, and he prayed they were safe and alive. For now, he needed to get his horse shod to support his false identity and story. Besides, his mount was not an Indian pony and truly did need to have its iron shoes changed. That duty had not been done since last year, but the cherished animal had been neither trained nor used for swift and surefooted buffalo hunting, only for riding. After that responsibility was handled, he would seek a secluded spot at the bluff’s base and near the river to camp for the night where his horse could graze and drink, and he could keep an eye out for Red Cloud. He worried that if he bumped into that well-known chief and Red Cloud showed recognition of him, it would damage his pretense. He had to keep alert to make certain their paths did not cross there…
Almost two days later, Cloud Chaser observed in neartrepidation as General Harney and his massive force of men and wagons approached that setting. It looked as if soldiers stretched out in multimen lines into the vast forever. He realized his heart was thudding, he was staring wide-eyed, and he was breathing fast at he watched the galloping throng cover the distance between them and their destination. He had to admit, this was the closest to panic he had ever come, and that reaction shocked and dismayed him. He had seen this group of bluecoats in Blue Water Canyon and camped at its mouth, but they had been scattered out in those places and had not looked as countless and formidable as they did riding as one unit. Watching them in this manner revealed their imposing size and power. He did not want to imagine that horde swooping down on his people’s camp and using their new long-range rifles and canons, which could take down warriors before the Red Shields could get close enough to fire arrows or fling lances or swing war clubs. Even with the Great Spirit’s help, he worried, how could they battle and defeat such a large and mighty swarm of murderous beings?
Cloud Chaser focused his now narrowed gaze on the detested leader who rode at the front of the seemingly endless multitude. Harney’s white beard, mustache, and hair implied he was advanced in years. Yet, the encroacher appeared tall, sturdy, and vigilant; and Cloud Chaser knew from the massacre at Blue Water Creek that Harney was smart and had no qualms about the sex or age or how-to of the targets he slaughtered. He wished the raiding party had not stolen horses there yesterday, as it would only enrage the heartless beast when he learned of that daring incident, but that reckless event could not be recalled.
After the first line of soldiers reached a row of buildings that included the Post Trader’s Store, Magazine, and Bedlam Bachelor Officers’ Quarters, Cloud Chaser saw them veer left instead of riding to the enormous parade ground. From where he was camped and studying their commander in the forefront, he felt as if he was staring at the epitome of The Enemy, the embodiment of Evil, and perhaps the controller of the Lakotas’ fate. Those perceptions made him cringe in dread of discovering if they were accurate. He wished he could use the field glasses to see Harney’s expression and gaze up close, but exposing them might bring unwanted attention and suspicion.
Help us, Great Spirit, for we are as a fawn being chased by a grizzly. If we are to escape his sharp teeth and claws and not feed his large hunger for our lives and lands, You must guide us to the path of safety and wisdom. Remove this fear and doubt from my body, for I must trust in Your will.
Cloud Chaser saw the throng ride to a large open space to the rear of the scattered structures of the fort. After they dismounted, the men began setting up their tent encampment there. He saw Major Hoffman, whom he recognized from a past scouting visit, waste no time going to greet the new arrivals. He assumed Hoffman invited Harney to his office to talk away from the noise, dust, and sun’s glare, as the two men headed in that direction, a location Cloud Chaser remembered well. He had sneaked inside last year to take the fort’s three-page double of the Laramie Treaty and letters from or replicas of those to important people so he could copy them to read that information to his people. Afterward he had returned those items to what was then Lieutenant Fleming’s office,
who had been removed as commander ensuing the Grattan fiasco. He put aside those thoughts to observe again.
He saw groups of men tending horses, fetching water, and taking wagons toward the Laramie Mountains to cut and haul in wood for cook fires from an abundance of pine, spruce, and other trees growing there. He knew that somewhere in the crowd was Caroline’s brother. Yet, it was doubtful he would encounter David and, if a chance meeting occurred, it might not be wise or harmless to slip him a message about his sister. That was a decision to make at the time of the incident. Even so, he would prepare a note that revealed she was alive and safe and would contact him as soon as possible. For now, he must focus on carrying out his crucial reason for being there.
Shortly before dusk and after people appeared to be settling down following a long ride for the newcomers and a busy day for most there, Cloud Chaser walked his horse to the sutler’s store to see what he could learn. He left the sorrel at the hitching post and went inside to find the man alone.
Ben looked up from his closing tasks, grinned, and said, “Good to see you again, Chase. Lord come Sunday, this has been a wild day.”
“I saw all the commotion from my campsite near the river. I guess you weren’t talking too tall when you said Harney had a big force coming with him. Maybe they’ll stir up some business for you while they’re here.”
“I surely can use the sales, ‘cause they’re gonna be down low after Harney takes off on his ‘Sioux Campaign,’ that’s what he’s callin’ it.”
Cloud Chaser leaned against the counter. “What did you hear?”
“Plenty, but from the usuals around here. Seems Harney is keepin’ his boys close to their encampment. I guess he don’t want ‘em minglin’ with the friendlies around here and goin’ soft on Indians. He was sure hot in the temper about them stolen horses on Monday. Him and Major Hoffman and Agent Twiss, and some others rode over to Red Cloud’s camp this afternoon. Charlie and Jim told me he spouted them same orders we already know about. He told ‘em all friendlies should stay out of their territory and avoid any hostiles whilst he’s chasin’ ‘em down so they won’t git mistook for the enemy and git shot. He sent out braves from Red Cloud’s band to take his messages to their allies. He said the Brules—Oh, I guess you ain’t heard about the fracus down the road yet. Have you?”
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