We went into camp on the bank of the South Fork of the Solomon River and called the place Camp Sam Johnson.

We were now but forty-five miles from Fort Hays, the point at which General Sheridan and his guests expected to strike the Kansas Pacific Railway, and thence return home.

That evening I volunteered to ride to Fort Hays and meet the party next day, bringing with me all the letters that might be at the post.

Taking the best horse in the command I started out, expecting to make the trip in about four hours.
The next morning the command got an early start and traveled thirty miles to Saline River, where they made their last camp on the plains.

As some of the party were attacking a herd of buffaloes, I rode in from Fort Hays and got into the middle of the herd, and killed a buffalo or two before the hunters observed me.