The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for The Life of Buffalo Bill by William F. Cody.
Chapter 1
Dedication
The author dedicates the book to General Philip H. Sheridan.
Chapter 2
Introductory
The publisher introduces the life of Hon. William F. Cody, known as Buffalo Bill, presenting his autobiography as a truthful and valuable record of Western frontier history. The narrative covers Cody's early life in Kansas, his work as a pony express rider, stagecoach driver, bull-whacker, Union scout, buffalo hunter, and actor. A letter from General E. A. Carr attests to Cody's modesty, skill as a trailer and hunter, and invaluable service as a scout and guide during Indian campaigns. The chapter concludes with Cody's current success as an actor and landowner in Nebraska.
Chapter 3
The Life of Buffalo Bill
This chapter recounts the early life and adventures of William F. Cody, detailing his journey from a young boy in Iowa to becoming the legendary figure known as Buffalo Bill. It covers his family's move to Kansas, his first Indian fight, his time as a Pony Express rider, and his experiences as a scout and buffalo hunter, culminating in his stage debut.
Chapter 4
Childhood
This chapter recounts William F. Cody's early childhood, including the tragic death of his brother Samuel, his family's move from Iowa to Kansas in 1852, and memorable events along the journey such as a horse race with their new horse Little Gray and a stay at Mrs. Burns' home. It concludes with his father establishing a trading post in Kansas and giving Cody two ponies, marking his first venture into the frontier.
Chapter 5
Early Influences
Young Bill Cody encounters the emigrant wagon trains, soldiers at Fort Leavenworth, and his first Indians, while being deeply influenced by the daring horseman Horace Billings, who teaches him to ride and throw a lasso. The chapter also describes the family's move to a trading camp in Kansas and Cody's early fascination with frontier life.
Chapter 6
Boy Days in Kansas
In this chapter, young Bill Cody recounts his family's life in Kansas during the 1850s, including his interactions with Native American tribes, his father's political stance against slavery, the violent attack on his father by pro-slavery men, and the family's subsequent hardships. The chapter also covers Cody's early employment with Majors & Russell and his father's involvement in the Free State movement.
Chapter 7
Youthful Experiences
In this chapter, a young Bill Cody recounts his early adventures, including his first Indian fight at Plum Creek, where he kills an Indian at age eleven and gains notoriety as 'the youngest Indian slayer on the plains.' He also describes a schoolyard rivalry with Stephen Gobel over a girl, which ends with Cody stabbing Gobel with a small dagger and fleeing to join a freight train heading west.
Chapter 8
In Business
In the summer of 1857, young Billy Cody joins a freight train led by wagon master Lew Simpson for Russell, Majors & Waddell, heading to Salt Lake. Despite his mother's fears about the dangers of the plains and Simpson's reputation, Cody insists on going. The chapter describes the train's structure, a buffalo stampede that damages the wagons, and the beginning of Cody's deep friendship with Wild Bill Hickok after Hickok defends him from a bullying teamster.
Chapter 9
Hard Times
Cody recounts the harsh winter at Fort Bridger, where food shortages forced men to survive on quarter rations and eventually eat their own cattle and mules. In spring, he joins a train heading east, and during the journey, he, Simpson, and George Woods are attacked by forty Indians. Simpson's quick thinking—shooting their mules to form a barricade—saves them. After a prolonged siege, the rear train arrives and the Indians flee. Cody returns home to find his mother ill, visits with Wild Bill Hickok, and later takes on various jobs including trapping and freighting before heading back east.
Chapter 10
Accidents and Escapes
In November, after his mother's recovery, Cody and Dave Harrington embark on a trapping expedition up the Republican River. After a series of misfortunes—including a broken leg for Cody and the loss of an ox—Harrington leaves to get help. During his absence, a band of Sioux warriors led by Rain-in-the-Face discovers Cody but spares his life due to his youth. A severe snowstorm then traps Cody alone for weeks. Harrington eventually returns, and they make their way back to civilization. Tragically, Harrington dies of lung fever shortly after reaching Cody's home.
Chapter 11
Adventures on the Overland Road
Buffalo Bill returns to the plains as a Pony Express rider, enduring dangerous rides, Indian attacks, and a stock-recovery expedition led by Wild Bill Hickok. He earns Slade's respect, participates in a successful raid on an Indian camp, and enjoys a period of relative ease hunting in the foothills.
Chapter 12
Fast Driving
In the spring of 1861, driver Bob Scott, provoked by English passengers complaining about slow staging, deliberately drives a half-broken team of pony express horses at breakneck speed down a mountain grade, firing his revolver and throwing lamps at the horses. The runaway coach crashes into a stable, tearing off the top and breaking a passenger's arm. The terrified Englishmen refuse to continue with Scott, but he drives on alone, making his usual time to Fort Laramie.
Chapter 13
X: Questionable Proceedings
Cody recounts his return home to Leavenworth amid the outbreak of the Civil War, his involvement in a vigilante company raiding Missouri for horses under the guise of retaliation, and his mother's disapproval leading him to abandon the jayhawking. He then details Wild Bill Hickok's legendary exploits: the deadly duel with Dave Tutt over a watch, and the desperate hand-to-hand fight with the Jake McCandless gang at Rock Creek station. The chapter ends with Cody and Hickok losing everything on a horse race in St. Louis.
Chapter 14
A Soldier
Cody recounts his service as a scout and soldier during the Civil War, including his reunion with Wild Bill Hickok while both were disguised as Confederates, his protection of a Southern family from Union looters, his mother's death, his descent into dissipation, and his reluctant enlistment in the Seventh Kansas regiment.
Chapter 15
XII: A Wedding
Cody recounts his courtship and marriage to Louisa Frederici in St. Louis, followed by their steamboat journey to Kansas where he faces hostility from pro-slavery Missourians. The chapter also details his scouting work at Fort Hays, his first ride with General Custer, and a harrowing Indian fight led by Major Arms of the Tenth Cavalry, interspersed with the outbreak of cholera at the fort.
Chapter 16
A Millionaire
After returning to Fort Hays, Cody meets William Rose and becomes a partner in founding the town of Rome. The town flourishes briefly until Dr. W. E. Webb, an agent of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, starts a rival town called Hays City, causing a mass exodus. Cody and Rose lose their fortune. Later, while working on a railroad contract, Cody spots buffalo and, riding his horse Brigham bareback with no bridle, kills eleven buffalo with twelve shots, impressing a group of officers led by Captain Graham. That night, Indians raid their camp and steal horses; Cody reports to the fort, and Captain Graham's company of colored troops is ordered to pursue the thieves.
Chapter 17
XIV: Earning a Title
Cody recounts his time as a buffalo hunter for the Kansas Pacific Railroad, where he earned the nickname 'Buffalo Bill.' He describes dangerous encounters with Native Americans, including a siege with Scotty and a dramatic chase on his horse Brigham, as well as meeting the famed Kit Carson.
Chapter 18
Champion Buffalo Killer
Buffalo Bill Cody recounts his celebrated buffalo hunting match against Billy Comstock, a noted scout and guide, which he wins decisively, earning the title of champion buffalo hunter of the plains. The chapter also describes the raffle of his famous horse Brigham, Brigham's later racing victory, and Cody's return to scouting for the army amid a general Indian war.
Chapter 19
A Courier
Buffalo Bill recounts his dangerous solo courier missions across the Kansas plains, carrying dispatches between forts while evading Indian war parties. He describes riding through pitch darkness, surviving a horse fall, accidentally stumbling into an Indian horse camp, and a harrowing chase to Fort Larned where he is saved by an ambush. The chapter also details Satanta's angry confrontation at the fort and his subsequent attack with hundreds of warriors.
Chapter 20
An Appointment
General Sheridan appoints Cody as guide and chief of scouts for the Fifth Cavalry, which is to be sent against the Dog Soldier Indians in the Republican River region. Cody then recounts the harrowing story of General Forsyth's expedition and the Battle of Arickaree, where a small band of frontiersmen held off hundreds of Dog Soldiers for several days until relief arrived.
Chapter 21
Scouting
Cody serves as guide and chief of scouts for the Fifth Cavalry under General Carr and Colonel Royal. He leads the command to water, has a creek named after him, survives an ambush, and participates in skirmishes with Native Americans. He also demonstrates his buffalo hunting skills by driving a herd directly into camp.
Chapter 22
A Tough Time
General Carr's command undertakes a winter campaign in the Canadian River country, facing harsh weather and difficult terrain. Cody proves his resourcefulness by finding Penrose's trail, safely descending a steep bluff with the wagon train, and hunting antelope to supply the camp. A feud between American and Mexican scouts culminates in a fight, and Wild Bill and Cody are questioned by General Carr. The chapter also recounts a turkey hunt and the discovery of starving deserters from Penrose's command.
Chapter 23
An Exciting Chase
Buffalo Bill, acting as a U.S. detective, tracks down horse thieves who stole government mules and horses from Fort Lyon. With the help of scouts Bill Green and Jack Farley, he captures two thieves, Williams and Bill Bevins, in Denver. During the return trip, the prisoners attempt to escape, but Bevins is recaptured after a remarkable barefoot run through snow and prickly pears. The chapter highlights Cody's detective skills, frontier justice, and the relentless pursuit of lawbreakers in the West.
Chapter 24
A Military Expedition
The Fifth Cavalry moves to Fort McPherson, Nebraska, with Cody serving as a scout. The chapter details encounters with a large Indian village, a skirmish with Sioux buffalo hunters, and the integration of Pawnee scouts into the command. Cody also recounts a humorous incident where he and Major Brown accidentally buy only liquor instead of provisions, and a rifle match with Lieutenant Belden.
Chapter 25
A Desperate Fight
General Carr's command pursues a Sioux war party after a skirmish, discovering evidence of a white captive. They launch a surprise attack on the village at Summit Springs, resulting in a decisive victory. Cody kills Chief Tall Bull and captures his famed horse. The chapter also introduces Ned Buntline and recounts a horse race with Cody's new mount.
Chapter 26
Administering Justice
Cody recounts a series of military campaigns and personal events in the late 1860s and early 1870s, including a chase of Pawnee Killer's band, the birth of his son Kit Carson, his appointment as a justice of the peace, a skirmish where he recaptures his horse Powder Face, and a fossil-hunting expedition with Professor Marsh.
Chapter 27
Hunting Expedition
Cody leads a hunting expedition with a party of distinguished guests, including Lawrence Jerome and others, across the plains. The chapter details successful buffalo hunts, a practical joke played on Mr. McCarthy using Pawnee Indians, the search for the remains of Mr. Royal Buck's father, and the departure of the Fifth Cavalry for Arizona. It also describes the naming of camps, a lavish dinner, and a mock court-martial of Lawrence Jerome.
Chapter 28
Hunting with a Grand Duke
Buffalo Bill recounts the elaborate preparations and execution of a grand buffalo hunt for Grand Duke Alexis of Russia in January 1872. Cody negotiates with Spotted Tail to bring Sioux warriors to the camp, and the hunt proceeds with the Duke killing his first buffalo with Cody's guidance. The chapter includes cultural exchanges, a flirtation between General Custer and Spotted Tail's daughter, and a thrilling stagecoach ride driven by Cody.
Chapter 29
Sightseeing
Buffalo Bill recounts his first trip to the East, including his embarrassing stage debut at the Bowery Theater, sightseeing in New York, and social engagements with prominent figures like James Gordon Bennett and August Belmont. He also visits relatives in Westchester, receives an offer of a commission from General Ord, and enjoys the hospitality of General Sheridan and others in Chicago.
Chapter 30
Honors
Upon returning to Fort McPherson, Buffalo Bill leads a charge against a small Indian war party, killing six and capturing stolen stock while receiving a scalp wound. He then guides hunting parties for the Earl of Dunraven and a Chicago group, amusingly dealing with the timid Mr. Milligan. Later, he guides an Omaha party, roping buffalo for their entertainment. The chapter concludes with Cody being elected to the Nebraska legislature, earning the title 'Honorable.'
Chapter 31
An Actor
Buffalo Bill recounts his decision to leave scouting and the Nebraska legislature to become an actor, joining Ned Buntline's theatrical production 'The Scouts of the Plains' alongside Texas Jack. Despite initial embarrassment and lack of preparation, the show becomes a financial success across the country, though Cody is disappointed by his modest profits. After the tour, he and Texas Jack return west for a hunt.
Chapter 32
Starring
Buffalo Bill and Texas Jack return to the stage after a hunting vacation, recruiting Wild Bill Hickok for their theatrical troupe. Wild Bill's stage antics and pranks cause both trouble and amusement. The chapter recounts a confrontation with roughs in Titusville, a scouting expedition with Colonel Mills, and the tragic death of Buffalo Bill's son Kit from scarlet fever. It also covers a hunting trip with English gentleman Thomas P. Medley and the eventual murder of Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood.
Chapter 33
I Return to the Plains
In the spring of 1876, Buffalo Bill returns to the Plains to join the Sioux War, serving as guide and chief of scouts for the Fifth Cavalry under General Carr and later General Merritt. He participates in a skirmish at War-Bonnet Creek, where he kills and scalps a Cheyenne chief, claiming the first scalp for Custer after the Little Big Horn massacre. The chapter also introduces Jack Crawford, a teetotal scout who brings dispatches and a gift of whiskey.
Chapter 34
Dangerous Work
Cody recounts his scouting expedition on the steamer Far West down the Yellowstone River with half-breed Louis Richard, under General Mills. After a false alarm of Indians, he rides dispatches through dangerous terrain, encounters Texas Jack, and undertakes multiple grueling rides for Generals Terry and Whistler. He later guides Terry's command, then departs to organize a new dramatic combination based on the Sioux war, touring successfully across the country.
Chapter 35
Conclusion
Buffalo Bill returns to North Platte and participates in a spring cattle roundup, then spends time with his family and visits relatives. He purchases a herd of cattle, secures Indian actors for his show, and navigates government interference to continue his theatrical tour. The chapter concludes with his plans to take his drama to England.
Chapter 36
Endnotes
The endnotes provide additional context on the fate of Billy Comstock, who was murdered by Indians in 1868, and mention Major North's partnership with Cody in a Nebraska cattle ranch, as well as other personal notes.
