One morning, in the spring of 1870, a band of horse-stealing Indians raided four ranches near the mouth of Fremont Creek, on the North Platte.

After scooping up horses from these ranches they proceeded to the Fort McPherson herd, which was grazing above the Post, and took about forty Government animals.

Among these was my favorite little pony, Powder Face.
When the alarm was given, "Boots and Saddles" was sounded.

I always kept one of my best horses by me, and was ready for any surprise.

The horse that I saddled that day was Buckskin Joe.
As I galloped for the herd, I saw the Indians kill two of the herders.
Then, circling all the horses toward the west, they disappeared over a range of hills.