CHAPTER II.
EARLY INFLUENCES.
General Harney was in command at Fort Leavenworth at the time of our visit, and a regiment of cavalry was stationed there.

They were having a dress parade when we rode up, and as this was the first time that I had ever seen any soldiers, I thought it was a grand sight.

I shall never forget it, especially the manoeuvres on horseback.
After witnessing the parade we resumed our journey.

On the way to my father's trading camp we had to cross over a high hill known as Salt Creek Hill, from the top of which we looked down upon the most beautiful valley I have ever seen.

It was about twelve miles long and five miles wide.