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FORT NIOBRARA.
The journey itself, however, was not to be dreaded, although it was so undesired.

It was entirely by rail across New Mexico and Kansas, to St.Joseph, then up the Missouri River and then across the state to the westward.

Finally, after four or five days, we reached the small frontier town of Valentine, in the very northwest corner of the bleak and desolate state of Nebraska.

The post of Niobrara was four miles away, on the Niobrara (swift water) River.
Some officers of the Ninth Cavalry met us at the station with the post ambulances.