The new era., 1909-04-01

his neighbors and if they curl
ously inclined they might send for a government
record. which, though only five lines long,
tains in it the nub of the story of of the most
gallant feats performed by 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 well done and
five lines in the department record which few
people ever John b. Babcock went into the
army at the outbreak of the civil
listed He attracted attention by his gallant
ry volunteer and the year lS6S found him a
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 kiowas. the Arapahoes and the Cheyennes made
western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern
Colorado a section of what John Hay might have
called 'gilt-edged hell" Lieut. Babcock, in the
absence of his captain ordered TO the command
of troop of cavalry and 10 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
the morning of May 16, 1863. While there a
band of $50 of the best warriors of the plains ap
peared in front of the cavalry troops as though the
savages had come from the ground. Lieut.. BabcocK
caught sight of the reds in time 10 give him mo
ment 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
Babcock gave a quick order and with his men
ii
formation with its fiat surface occupying little
more than an acre The instant he reached the
place selected he ordered his troopers to dismount
and to ntrench themselves well as they could.
The men lost time in throwing up earth enough
to give them some slight protection from the bull
lets which were pouring in.
Babcock would not get off his horse, although his
begged him to do So and they were kept
from dragging their commanding officer TO the
ground and to place of partial safety only by in
i1lo1 n nil md hv
mands to leave him alone.
The Indians advanced within range and project
ed themselves in the hollows of the prairie. They
volley 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 did not know it,
Boys they can't hit thing, said Babcock
They've been shooting at and no bullet has
come than the north pole. Give it to EN-
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 projecties 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 indiferently as If there
were not an Indian on the frontier.
No one in that troop 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 Babcocks
boot and wounded his horse He turned the animal
about quickly so that its other flank was toward
the men TO whom he sereney said Those fellows
cant hit a 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 once.
The troopers slammed in volley that claimed
some victims. The showing heads We're followed by
showing bodies and in another instant the warriors
We're erect and running to the far rear for their
ponies They made off, leaving their dead and
wounded behind them. Far the plains Lieut.
Babcock from his horse, the main column ad
vancng. Relief was in sight.
The enlisted told the story of Babcock
bravery and congress gave him a medal of honor
Later the officer who is living in retirement
distinguished himself twice in action against the
Apaches at Tono Creek and at the -Four Peaks in
Arizona There he the brevet rank of lieu
tenant-colonel add to the honor conferred by his
congressional medal of bronze.