The Life of Buffalo Bill · Chapter
Sightseeing explained
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.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Self-Invention and Celebrity
Cody's awkward stage debut and the public's demand for the 'real' Buffalo Bill highlight his transformation into a celebrity figure.
The American West as a Land of Opportunity
Cody's journey East and his reception by wealthy and influential people illustrate how his Western exploits opened doors in Eastern society.
Characters to notice
- Buffalo Bill
Narrates his first stage appearance and his experiences in New York and Chicago.
- Ned Buntline
Accompanies Cody to Philadelphia and Westchester; dramatizes a story about Cody for the stage.
- General Philip H. Sheridan
Extends Cody's leave of absence and later hosts him in Chicago.
- General Ord
Offers Cody a commission in the regular army during a ride to Fort McPherson.
- General Anson Stager
Provides Cody with railroad passes and plans his route to New York.
- Lawrence Jerome
Attends the Union Club and chides Cody for missing Bennett's dinner.
- Mr. Freleigh
Manager of the Bowery Theater who insists Cody go on stage and later offers him $500 a week to perform.
- Joe Smith
Not mentioned in excerpts; placeholder removed.
Key passages
“I looked up, then down, then on each side, and everywhere I saw a sea of human faces, and thousands of eyes all staring at me.”
Cody felt overwhelmed by the crowd staring at him from every direction.
Describes his first stage fright.
“I never felt more relieved in my life than when I got out of the view of that immense crowd.”
He was extremely relieved to escape the audience's gaze.
Highlights his discomfort with public attention.
“I had struck the best camp I had ever seen, and if he didn’t have any objections I would like to have my leave of absence extended about ten days.”
Cody told General Sheridan he was enjoying New York so much that he wanted to extend his leave.
Shows his enjoyment of city life.
“I became so embarrassed that it was more difficult for me to face the throng of beautiful ladies, than it would have been to confront a hundred hostile Indians.”
Cody found facing a crowd of women more intimidating than fighting Indians.
Contrasts his frontier bravery with social awkwardness.
