The Diaries of John Gregory Bourke Volume 1: November 20, 1872--July 28, 1876

Chapter 11 • The March North

216 March 1st. The command moved off in fine style this morning, officers and men in good spirits and horses champing on their bits as if eager for the journey. The snow storm of last night has ceased and upon the serene sky not a trace of cloud could be seen. The weather promised to be all we could desire; perhaps if it were a little bit more severe our purpose would be better served. Last night, Genl. Crook and General Reynolds had a council with the company commanders and gave them to understand what would be required of them. Much enthusiasm is manifested especially among the younger officers, partly from the hope of distinction that may be gained, partly from a desire to explore unknown country and perhaps a desire to escape from the restraints of Garrison life. The chief obstacle to campaigning at this season of the year in Northern Wyoming is the absence of forage; in the valleys and river bottoms when snow has not fallen, nutritious grasses may be found the whole year round. On the hills, prairie fires burn it off, cold winds deaden it or snow and ice cover it up from the horses. Consequently, our 80 wagons are given up to carrying grain, even the ambulances being heavily laden with it and the pack mules likewise carry it as their principal burden. Whenever good grazing can be found, no Chapter 11 ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ The March North THE MARCH NORTH 217 grain will be issued; at most only half to three quarters rations will be fed. Next in importance comes the apparel of officers and men; when it is understood that during the storms of Polar wind which howl across these plains, the mercury congeals in the bulb and frequently remains solidified for weeks at a time, while the minimum thermometer indicates -25º F., -40º F, and even, as I was assured, on one occasion at Fort Sanders last winter -51º F, the precautions taken to guard against such Hyperborean vicissitudes will not be considered Sybaritic. For cavalry, great care is demanded to protect feet, knees, wrists and ears. Commencing with the feet, first a pair of close fitting lamb’swool socks is put on, then one of same size as those worn by women, so as to come over the knees. Indian moccasins of buckskin reaching well up the leg are preferable to boots, being warmer and lighter. Cork soles should be used with them. Then comes the overboot, of buffalo-skin, hair side inward, reaching well up the thigh, and opening down the side and fastened by buckles or brass buttons like a pair of Mexican breeches. They should be soled, heeled and boxed with good leather, well tanned. Some prefer to wear leggings to buffalo skin, legs separate, strapped to pistol belt, and to use the clumsy buffalo overshoe of the Q.M. Department. This is a mode of attire more readily taken off during the warm parts of the day, and for that reason, worthy of recommendation, but open to the objections that difficulty is generally experienced in getting the clumsy, awkward shoe into the stirrup. All people agree in denouncing as pernicious the practice of wearing tight foot-gear which by impeding the circulation assures the freezing of the lower extremities. For under clothing, first put on a good suit of lamb’s wool or merino, then one of buckskin perforated to permit the escape of exhalations. Over this a heavy suit, the heavier the better. Finally a loose dark overshirt of thick texture or a heavy blanket blouse, made of a mission blanket , double-breasted; large buttons, well sewed on. If cold winds prevail, nothing will afford the body complete protection except a coat of beaver or buffalo skin, reaching to the knees or below and made loose at the elbows. For the head, a cap, loosely fitting over the cranium, of dark cloth, with leather visor to protect the eyes, and a border two inches to three in breadth, of beaver fur to turn down, when required, over the ears. Fur collars are provided for the 218 THE GREAT SIOUX WAR: 1876–1877 throat and may be of any good skin; a very good one, I bought in Omaha, is of plucked beaver, lined with brown silk, about 5 to 6 inches in breadth and fastened in front with a button and loop. It has the advantages...