The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapter
Administering Justice explained
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 r
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Conflict and Coexistence with Native Americans
The chapter details military pursuits of hostile bands, the abandonment of an elderly squaw, and the use of Pawnee scouts as allies.
Violence and Survival
Skirmishes, killings, and the harsh realities of frontier life are depicted, including Cody's killing of two Indians and the recovery of his horse.
Self-Invention and Celebrity
Cody's appointment as justice of the peace and his naming of his son after Kit Carson reflect his growing public persona and self-fashioning.
Characters to notice
- Buffalo Bill
Narrator and protagonist; serves as chief of scouts, becomes justice of the peace, and participates in skirmishes.
- Major Frank North
Leads the Pawnee scouts in the chase of hostile Indians.
- Major W. H. Brown
Proposes naming Cody's son Kit Carson; accompanies Cody on a drinking spree.
- General Emory
Appoints Cody as justice of the peace to handle civilian offenses near the post.
- Powder Face
Cody's favorite horse, stolen by Indians and later recovered during a skirmish.
- General E. A. Carr
Receives captured war bonnets from Cody to present to General Augur's daughters.
- Thomas Duncan
Commands an expedition to the Republican River country; known for his jovial nature and fondness for hunting.
- John Y. Nelson
Scout with a Sioux wife; recognizes the old squaw left behind by the fleeing Indians.
Key passages
“General, you compliment me rather too highly, for I don’t know any more about law than a government mule does about bookkeeping.”
Cody modestly tells General Emory that he knows nothing about law, comparing his ignorance to that of a mule.
Cody's self-deprecating humor when offered the position of justice of the peace.
“I had no blank forms, and had not yet received the statutes of Nebraska to copy from, so I asked the man: 'Where is the'”
When asked for a writ of replevin, Cody admits he lacks the proper legal forms and statutes.
Illustrates the informal and improvised nature of frontier justice.
“We were feeling rather tired and hungry, as we had started out on the trail thirty-six hours before without a breakfast or taking any food with us; but not a murmur or complaint was heard among the men.”
Despite extreme fatigue and hunger after a 36-hour pursuit, the men did not complain.
Highlights the endurance and stoicism expected of frontier soldiers and scouts.
“This man is a character in his way; he has a Sioux squaw for a wife, and consequently a half-breed family. John is a good fellow, though as a liar he has but few equals and no superior.”
Cody describes John Y. Nelson as a unique individual with a Sioux wife and a reputation for tall tales.
Cody's candid and often humorous portrayal of his fellow scouts.
