Hal was not unchained again, I assure you, until we got here, but poor
Cagey almost killed himself at every stopping place running up and
down with the dog to give him a little exercise.
It is really delightful to be in a tent once more, and I am
anticipating much pleasure in camping through a strange country. A
large wagon train of commissary stores will be with us, so we can
easily add to our supplies now and then. It is amazing to see the
really jolly mood everyone seems to be in. The officers are singing
and whistling, and we can often hear from the distance the boisterous
laughter of the men. And the wives! there is an expression of happy
content on the face of each one. We know, if the world does not, that
the part we are to take on this march is most important. We will see
that the tents are made comfortable and cheerful at every camp; that
the little dinner after the weary march, the early breakfast, and the
cold luncheon are each and all as dainty as camp cooking will permit.
Yes, we are sometimes called "camp followers," but we do not mind--it
probably originated with some envious old bachelor officer. We know
all about the comfort and cheer that goes with us, and then--we have
not been left behind!
RYAN'S JUNCTION, IDAHO TERRITORY,
October, 1877.
WE are snow-bound, and everyone seems to think we that we will be
compelled to remain here several days.
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