I must say good-bye. A few days more and we shall be at home, for we start north at five o'clock in the morning. . . .
Though we shall so soon be at home, I must send a few lines by the scout who takes the official despatches. I cannot tell you how busy I have been, and how hard and constantly I have worked to try and make the expedition successful. I have attempted to be several other things besides commanding-officer—particularly guide—since the expedition started.
Now that we have been in and through the Black Hills, I have the satisfaction of knowing that the whole undertaking has proved a success, exceeding the expectations of the most sanguine. I think that my superior officers will be surprised and gratified at the extent and thoroughness of our explorations. . . .
The photographer who accompanied us has obtained a complete set of magnificent stereoscopic views of Black Hills scenery, so I will not attempt to allude to this lovely country until I can review it with you by aid of the photographs. I send you one that will show you that at last I have killed a grisly after a most exciting hunt and contest. . . . Colonel Ludlow, Bloody Knife, and Private Noonan are with me in the group, as we constituted the hunting-party. The bear measured eight feet. I have his claws.
The scouts are on their ponies waiting for the mail, and I must hasten. . . .
It would have been such a treat to have had you see all that we have seen this summer, and shared the enjoyment of this beautiful land. But, never mind, you shall come next summer, for we all hope to return again. . . .
No Indians have been seen lately, but I intend to be careful until the end of the trip. . . .
LETTERS FROM THE YELLOWSTONE, 1876.
Extracts from Letters written on the Second Expedition to the Yellowstone, during the Summer of 1876.
Forty-six Miles from Fort Lincoln,
May 20th, 1876—9.15 p.m.
. . . It has just been decided to send scouts back to Lincoln. They leave here at daylight, and will remain there thirty-six hours,
