CHAPTER XXVII. — RETURN OF THE "WILD WEST" TO AMERICA.
WHEN the "Wild West" returned to America from its first venture across seas, the sail up the harbor was described by the New York World in the following words:
"The harbor probably has never witnessed a more picturesque
scene than that of yesterday, when the 'Persian Monarch'
steamed up from quarantine. Buffalo Bill stood on the
captain's bridge, his tall and striking figure clearly
outlined, and his long hair waving in the wind; the gayly
painted and blanketed Indians leaned over the ship's rail;
the flags of all nations fluttered from the masts and
connecting cables. The cowboy band played 'Yankee Doodle'
with a vim and enthusiasm which faintly indicated the joy
felt by everybody connected with the 'Wild West' over the
sight of home."
Will had been cordially welcomed by our English cousins, and had been the recipient of many social favors, but no amount of foreign flattery could change him one hair from an "American of the Americans," and he experienced a thrill of delight as he again stepped foot upon his native land. Shortly afterward he was much pleased by a letter from William T. Sherman—so greatly prized that it was framed, and now hangs on the wall of his Nebraska home. Following is a copy:
"FIFTH AVENUE HOTEL, NEW YORK. "COLONEL WM. F. CODY:
"Dear Sir: In common with all your countrymen, I want to let you know that I am not only gratified but proud of your management and success. So far as I can make out, you have been modest, graceful, and dignified in all you have done to illustrate the history of civilization on this continent during the past century. I am especially pleased with the compliment paid you by the Prince of Wales, who rode with you in the Deadwood coach while it was attacked by Indians and rescued by cowboys. Such things did occur in our days, but they never will again.
"As nearly as I can estimate, there were in 1865 about nine and one-half million of buffaloes on the plains between the Missouri River and the Rocky Mountains; all are now gone, killed for their meat, their skins, and their bones. This seems like desecration, cruelty, and murder, yet they have been replaced by twice as many cattle. At that date there were about 165,000 Pawnees, Sioux, Cheyennes, and Arapahoes, who depended upon these buffaloes for their yearly food. They, too, have gone, but they have been replaced by twice or thrice as many white men and women, who have made the earth to blossom as the rose, and who can be counted, taxed, and governed by the laws of nature and civilization. This change has been salutary, and will go on to the end. You have caught one epoch of this country's history, and have illustrated it in the very heart of the modern world—London, and I want you to feel that on this side of the water we appreciate it.
"This drama must end; days, years, and centuries follow fast; even the drama of civilization must have an end. All I aim to accomplish on this sheet of paper is to assure you that I fully recognize your work. The presence of the Queen, the beautiful Princess of Wales, the Prince, and the British public are marks of favor which reflect back on America sparks of light which illuminate many a house and cabin in the land where once you guided me honestly and faithfully, in 1865-66, from Fort Riley to Kearny, in Kansas and Nebraska.
"Sincerely your friend,
"W. T. SHERMAN."