A company was detailed to collect all the Indian horses running loose over the country, and to burn the other Indian property.
The command being nearly out of rations I was sent to the nearest point, Old Fort Kearney, about sixty miles distant for supplies.
Shortly after we reached Fort McPherson, which continued to be the headquarters of the Fifth Cavalry for some time.

We remained there for ten days, fitting out for a new expedition to the Republican river country, and were reinforced by three companies of the celebrated Pawnee Indian scouts, commanded by Major Frank North; his officers being Captain Lute North, brother of the Major, Captain Cushing, his brother-in-law, Captain Morse, and Lieutenants Beecher, Matthews and Kislandberry.
General Carr recommended at this time to General Augur, who was in command of the Department, that I be made chief of scouts in the Department of the Platte, and informed me that in this position I would receive higher wages than I had been getting in the Department of the Missouri.

This appointment I had not asked for.
I made the acquaintance of Major Frank North,[B] and I found him, and his officers, perfect gentlemen, and we were all good friends from the very start.

The Pawnee scouts had made quite a reputation for themselves as they had performed brave and valuable services, in fighting against the Sioux, whose bitter enemies they were; being thoroughly acquainted with the Republican and Beaver country, I was glad that they were to be with the expedition, and they did good service.
[Footnote B: Major North is now my partner in a cattle ranch in Nebraska.] During our stay at Fort McPherson I made the acquaintance of Lieutenant George P.Belden, known as the "White Chief," whose life was written by Colonel Brisbin, U.S.army.

I found him to be an intelligent, dashing fellow, a splendid rider and an excellent shot.