# I Return to the Plains explained — The Life of Buffalo Bill

> Chapter companion for The Life of Buffalo Bill by William F. Cody.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Violence and Survival

The chapter depicts a brutal duel and scalping, emphasizing the violent realities of frontier warfare and survival.

### Masculinity and the Frontier Hero

Buffalo Bill's heroic duel and the poem by Jack Crawford reinforce the ideal of the brave, skilled frontiersman.

### Conflict and Coexistence with Native Americans

The chapter focuses on military conflict with Cheyenne warriors and the aftermath of Custer's defeat.

## Character check-ins

### Buffalo Bill

Returns to the Plains to join the Sioux War, serves as guide and chief of scouts for the Fifth Cavalry, and kills a Cheyenne chief in a duel.

### General E. A. Carr

Old commander of the Fifth Cavalry who secures Buffalo Bill as his guide and chief of scouts.

### General Merritt

Takes command of the Fifth Cavalry and leads the operation to intercept Cheyenne warriors at War-Bonnet Creek.

### General Philip H. Sheridan

Met at Fort Laramie en route to Red Cloud Agency; Buffalo Bill accompanies him briefly.

### General Forsyth

Accompanies General Sheridan to Red Cloud Agency.

### General Custer

His massacre at Little Big Horn is reported; Buffalo Bill claims the first scalp for Custer.

### Jack Crawford

Brings dispatches from Fort Fetterman and a gift of whiskey; described as a teetotal scout.

### General Crook

Anxious to have Buffalo Bill accompany his command; the Fifth Cavalry is ordered to join him.

## Key lines

> I was anxious to take part in the Sioux war which was then breaking out.

Buffalo Bill was eager to join the Sioux War that was starting.

_Shows his motivation to return to military action._

> The first scalp for Custer.

He claimed the first scalp in revenge for Custer.

_Highlights the symbolic revenge for Custer's death._

> Jack Crawford is the only man I have ever known that could have brought that bottle of whiskey through without accident befalling it, for he is one of the very few teetotal scouts I ever met.

Jack Crawford was unique among scouts for being a teetotaler, which allowed him to safely deliver a bottle of whiskey.

_Illustrates Jack Crawford's character and the rarity of teetotal scouts._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters/xxx-i-return-to-the-plains
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_buffalo_bill_se/chapters