The enterprise. [volume] (Harlem, Mont.) 1899-1926, 1909-03-17


ously inclined they might send for government
record, which, though only five lines long, con-
tains in it the nub of the story of one of the most
gallant feats ever performed by an officer of the
United States army.
The glory reaped from the achievement consists
of little bronze medal voted to the soldier by
congress, the consciousness of duty we'll done and
five lines in the department record which few
people ever see John B. Babcock went into the
army at the outbreak of the civil en-
listed man. He attracted attention by his gallant
ry as volunteer, and the year 1868 found him
first lieutenant of the Fifth Regular cavalry.
In the spring of the fourth year of peace after the
civil war-that is to say peace between white men
the Kowas, the Arapahoes and the Cheyennes made
western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern
Colorado section of what John Hay might have
called "gut-edged hell" Lieut.. Babcock, in the
absence of his captain, was ordered to the command
of troop of cavalry and to take the field
With his trooper followers Babcock was far IN
advance of the main command on the frontier OF
Nebraska. They reached the bank of Spring creek
on the morning of May 16, 1859. While there
band of 25O of the best warriors of the plains ap
peared in front of the cavalry troops though the
savages had come from the ground. Lieut.. Babcock
caught sight of the reds in time to give him mo-
ment or two for preparation. He would not run
and he could not attack, for he was completely sur
rounded and the savages outnumbered his force
more than six to one
Babcock gave quick order and with his men
dashed for bit of high ground, plateau-like
formation with it's fiat surface occupying little
more than an acre. The instant he reached the
place selected he ordered his troopers to dismount
and to intrench themselves we'll as they could.
The men lost no time in throwing up earth enough
to give them slight protection from the bull
lets which were pouring In.
Babcock would not get off his horse, although his
men begged him to do so, and they were kept
from dragging their commanding officer to the
To, nf vito In.
stilled discipline and by Babcock's peremptory COM
mands to leave him alone
The Indians advanced within range and protect
ed themselves in the holows of the prairie. They
sent voey after volley up the incline to the hilltop
and man after behind the poor earthwork
protection was stricken. Babcock continued his
ride up and down the line His blouse was cut
twice by bullets but his men did not know it.
Boys, they can't hit thing said Babcock.
"Theyve been shooting at me and no bullet has
come nearer than the north pole. Give it to 'em.
Hold 'em off and relief will be here in no time"
The shots from the Spencers and Henrys of the
savages, or from most of them, ceased hitting the
extemporized earthworks The men lying prone
knew that nearly all the projectiles were passing
over their heads and they knew also that every
painted warrior antagonist turning loose at
the figure of the commanding officer riding back
and forth on his horse indifferently as If there
were not an Indian on the frontier
No one in that troop ever knew why Babcock
was not killed. The Indians said afterwards that
he had some "big medicine" with him that turned
away the bullets Finally shot cut Babcock's
boot and wounded his horse. He turned the animal
about quickly so that its other flank toward
the men, to whom he serenely said: ''Those fellows
can't hit barn door,"
The commanding officer continued to ride up and
down the line and the bullets continued to cut
the air all about him.
Suddenly every savage head showed at once
The troopers slammed in volley that claimed
some victims. The showing heads were followed by
showing bodies and in another instant the warriors
were erect and running to the far rear for their
ponies. They made off, leaving their dead and
wounded behind them Far over the plains, Lieut.
Babcock, from his horse, saw the main column ad
vancing. Relief was in sight
The enlisted men told the story of Babcock's
bravery, and congress gave him medal of honor.
Later the officer, who ia now living in retirement
distinguished himself swice in action against the
Apaches at Tonic Creek and at the Four Peaks in
Arizona. There he won the hrevet rank of lieu
tenant-colone to add 10 the honor conferred by hs
congressional medal Vt bronze.