Fort Leavenworth was established in 1827 in response to an 1824 citizen’s petition to Congress asking for military protection for traders operating along the Santa Fe Trail. The 1827 establishment of Cantonment Leavenworth developed into an important post relating to Indian affairs. The Upper Missouri Indian Agency was located at Fort Leavenworth, with U. S. Indian Agent Major John Dougherty administering Indian Department policy to the tribes living in the expansive watershed above the confluence of the Kansas River with the Missouri River.

In December 1834, Dougherty proposed a plan to separate Indian Territory from white settlement. A line of military posts, Forts Snelling, Crawford, Leavenworth and Gibson, connected by a military road, were established on the eastern border of what would become known as the “Permanent Indian Frontier.” Thus, there would be peace on the plains and the Indian nations would be protected from encroachment by white settlers.

In that context, Colonel Henry Dodge led an expedition accompanied by Major Dougherty into Indian country along the Platte River. One hundred twenty-five U. S. Dragoons and their officers were to march as far west as the Rocky Mountains. Captain John Gantt, an Indian trader well-acquainted with Indian country, served as guide and interpreter.

The expedition left Fort Leavenworth May 29, 1835, traveling in a northwesterly direction over high rolling prairie “with frequent ravines skirted with timber.”

From Fort Leavenworth to the Big Nemahaw River, 57 miles to the northeast, the land was the domain of the Kickapoo nation. The expedition reached the Big Nemaha (presentday southeast Nebraska) late in the afternoon of June 1. The river was described as about 200 to 300 yards wide, deep and muddy with a rapid current. High banks and a high stage of water forced the company to encamp to organize a delayed crossing.

By June 3, they had fashioned a small boat made from beef hide which was used to carry the baggage over the swollen river. A small wagon box contributed by Captain Duncan was used to ferry goods across. The task was accomplished without loss of horses or damage to the baggage.

They were now on the Otto reservation. The next day they found the Little Nemaha also “swimming,” requiring another two-day delay. The stream was crossed on June 6. They found “a beautiful and fertile country, diversified with all the accidents of wood and plain, creeks and ravines.” A large herd of elk was seen but too far away to shoot them. All through the day the expedition was within view of the high banks of the Missouri River to the east.

Continuing over broken and hilly ground, their march slowed, making only 30 miles by June 9.

The Otto chiefs came from their village seven to eight miles distant to meet the dragoons as they approached. Jutan, the principal chief, was about 50 years of age, “tall, well made, with a fine and intelligent cast of countenance.”

The following day as the dragoons advanced toward the village, the Ottos rode out to meet them, “dressed in their gayest costume.” Reading the official journal for the expedition leaves the reader with a sense of being there, the scenes playing out before the reader’s eyes.

The Otto horsemen formed in a line and met the expedition at a full gallop. “They appeared rejoiced at our arrival, and manifested their joy by galloping around us and shaking every one by the hand they met.”

Colonel Dodge and Major Dougherty held council with the Ottos on June 11, telling them that the great father in Washington wanted them to be happy and to be at peace with their neighbors. Jutan replied that they were preparing a large field of corn and planned to raise cattle rather than depend on buffalo and other game. Dougherty distributed presents of blankets, knives, tobacco and other items that appeared to please them. In appreciation, they performed a “war dance” for the colonel.

Colonel Dodge’s journal was authored by his adjutant, Lt. Gaines P. Kingsbury. Kingsbury was in an obviously poetic mood: “The Otto village is situated on a high prairie ridge, about 2 miles from the river, and overlooks the surrounding county for many miles. In front lay the green level valley of the Platte — the broad river running through the middle and the valley terminated on the opposite side by hills covered with groves of timber. In rear nothing could be seen but an extension of the vast prairie until its smooth, undulating surface became almost blended with the distant horizon. To the right and left the river could be seen for many miles wending its course along through the valley, its broad shining surface here and there darkened by island groves of timber, the whole element combined forming the most beautiful landscape I had ever seen.”

The expedition resumed its march with Dodge and Dougherty continuing to “treat” the Omahas and Pawnees with similar results. Due to prior commitments in Missouri, Dougherty left the expedition following the councils with the four sub-tribes of Pawnee.

Kingsbury’s descriptions of the landscapes encountered on the expedition are indeed glorious. The year 1835 was a time to be hopeful that relations with the tribes that populated the plains would be peaceful and rewarding for everyone involved. The Rocky Mountains were yet several weeks away. We are fortunate to have Lt. Kingsbury’s account bearing witness to a time and culture, that in a few short decades, would be lost on The Way West.

“The Cowboy” Jim Gray can be reached at 220 21st Rd., Geneseo, KS 67444, (785) 531-2058 or kansascowboy@kans.com.