ROLLING PLAINS RAMBLINGS

By Morton Scott

December 1, 2005

Turkey Surprise

The year 1868 was an important one on the American frontier, particularly on the plains of Texas and the Indian Territory.

After the Civil War, settlers began expanding into areas which for centuries had been the domain of the Native Americans. Especially this was true in the homelands of the Comanches, Kiowas and the recently relocated Cheyennes and Arapahoes.

Confrontations between Indians and white settlers increased dramatically along the frontier. Major Phillip H, Sheridan decided the Indians needed to be forced onto the reservations. Sheridan was the commandant of the Army’s Military Division of the Missouri. His strategy was to attack the Indians when they least expected it, in the bitter cold of winter.

The campaign resulted in the establishment of two military camps and the victory of General George Armstrong Custer over the Black Kettle village of Cheyenne. The two camps were Camp Supply, later Fort Supply, in the northwestern Indian Territory and Fort Sill, in the Wichita mountains. Fort Sill is still an important military post now, 137 years later.

We are lucky to know a lot of first-hand information about this 1868 expedition. A writer, De B. Randolph Keim accompanied General Sheridan on this six-month campaign and wrote a book, “Sheridan’s Troopers on the Borders: a Winter Campaign on the Plains.” We know much more than the sparse military reports would tell us, many episodes which would have been otherwise lost.

One of these episodes is particularly pertinent, considering that Thanksgiving was last week.

“On the night of the fifteenth (Dec 15, 1868), upon the column going into camp in a heavy timber on the river, it was discovered that we were in the midst of a favorite roost of immense numbers of wild turkeys. The traces ere every where visible, and some lively sport was anticipated when the drovers returned from their rambles after food. Towards sunset, about fifty fine birds, headed as usual, by a noble cock, appeared on the bluff overlooking the camp. With an air of surprise at the intrusion, the flock gathered in full view, apparently holding an inspection, and resolving what to do. At this moment, another immense flock came floating down from another direction, and lit in the trees within the lines of the camp. In an instant, about fifth shots were fired, killing several.’

“As the daylight drew nearer to a close, the turkeys, having failed to look out for other accommodations, were bent upon taking possession of their customary haunts. The numbers also increased. It was now impossible to cast the eye any where along the heavens without getting a glimpse of turkeys sailing about in the air. One drove entered the camp, running amongst the tents and wagons. It was decidedly amazing to witness the scene which ensued. Soldiers, teamsters, and dogs joined in the pursuit. One moment dashing under a wagon, and the next amongst the horses and mules. In the early part of the race, the turkeys had the best, but, bewildered and headed off, soon became exhausted. A number were caught in this way.’

“While this exciting chase was going on, a party of soldiers occupied themselves with shooting at the birds as they settled in the trees, or as they approached the ground. During this fusillades, one of the volunteers, tying his horse to the pickets, was somewhat astounded to find the animal jerk away from him and instantly fall to the earth. A stray bullet had finished him. Considering all the firing and confusion, it was a matter of great surprise that on other casualty occurred.’

“That night there was a feast in camp. The fragments of turkey, boiling or roasting pervaded the atmosphere, with a grateful variation of the customary vapors of fat pork and fried bacon.”

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