The Congress of Rough Riders by John Boyne

Author:John Boyne
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Transworld

Chapter Seven

Celebrity

One of the many myths of the American west is that is was an enclosed society, a series of states gradually shifting from Indian to white control, one which excluded the outside world almost entirely until the settlements had reached their end and the reservations were in existence. While there is some truth to that, there were also times when the land outside of America entered into their activities and played a surprising part. One such entry formed the last occasion when my great-grandfather and General Custer would be in alliance.

President Grant was beginning the last year of his first term and was again attempting to endear himself to the voters by presenting himself not just as an American leader, but also as one who embraced dignitaries from around the world. When he received a message early in 1872 that the Grand Duke Alexis Alexandrovitch, the son of the Russian Czar, wished to visit the prairie lands of the mid-west in order to hunt buffalo, Grant saw the perfect opportunity for a good public relations exercise. It would also be the catalyst that would lead Bill away from the prairie lifestyle for ever.

Custer and Bill were given the task of preparing a reception party for the Grand Duke and organising the hunting party which would take place over three days. The president made it clear in his briefing how important this exercise was and both men were intrigued by the task, being not a little overawed by the presence of such a dignitary within their ranks. It was agreed that the hunt would take place near the Red Willow, on the North Platte region of Nebraska, not far from where the Sioux tribe was located under the leadership of Spotted Tail. Buffalo roamed freely on the plains in that part of the country and the Sioux had been given permission by the government to hunt there during the winter months; it was agreed therefore that an emissary would be sent to Spotted Tail to seek permission to use the land – more out of courtesy than anything else – but also to invite the Indians to play a part in the visit, thus ensuring greater harmony between the two cultures. General Custer wanted to send a small troupe of enlisted men to speak to the Sioux, but to his surprise Bill volunteered for the job.

‘What worries me is that your reputation will precede you,’ he told him, mulling over the idea. ‘You’re well known for being part of the Republican movement which has moved a lot of their fellow tribes from their land. Don’t you think they might have some measure of hostility towards you?’

‘A lot of what they hear isn’t true anyway,’ countered Bill. ‘Spotted Tail will know that. He’ll be insulted if you send someone he hasn’t heard of. It must be an acknowledged leader or he will take offence. Be certain of it.’ Bill was referring to the dime novels which had been published over the previous year recounting the adventures of ‘Buffalo Bill’ on the prairies.

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