In another part of this issue we publish a portrait of
An opportunity arose when President Andrew Johnson appointed General Green Clay Smith, of Kentucky, to the Governorship of Montana, vice General Thomas Francis Maher. This extensive State was at that time little more than a name. The approach to it was marked by many dangers. Railway communication extended only as far as Hannibal, Missouri, and boats ascended the Missouri river with difficulty. Hostile Indians crowded the banks and menaced travellers. Nebraska city was also the depôt or halting-place for settlers or others prior to crossing the great plains. In order to convey General Smith to Montana an expedition was formed, and it was at this spot that
The services of these two heroes are matters of American history. Young Burke, having got so far west, soon became acquainted with these pioneers, and, being of an ardent temperament, he was suddenly imbued with a desire to imitate their habits and deeds of daring. Major North had been appointed guide to General Clay Smith, but the outbreak of the great Sioux war impeded their progress, and the troops and they were obliged to join the main body to wage war against the Indians. Colonel Cody was chief of scouts to the army, and for some time Burke careered about the western horizon in quest of fortune. Subsequently he became attached to Buffalo Bill in the capacity of attendant and adviser, and the connection then formed has never been broken. In company with Colonel Cody, he has travelled over thousands of miles of territory; indeed he has penetrated wilds and inspected sections of country that many other eastern adventurers cannot boast of.
Having seen the red man in all his varying phases, and realised the vast resources of a trackless western country, we do not wonder that he should have been a factor in the enterprise of exhibiting to the white man the elements of a primeval land. By his association with the western scouts, Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill,
Such distinguished chiefs—known by repute throughout the American continent—as Red Cloud and Man-afraid-of-his-Horses, are now reckoned amongst the Major's best friends. Owing to his accurate knowledge of Indian affairs, Major Burke has been consulted by United States officials, and he was personally known to Presidents Johnson, Grant, Garfield, Arthur, and Cleveland. The leading United States generals—
The country is being rapidly "settled up," and the Wild West has, it is admitted, been of such educational value that people in the Eastern States have ceased to believe in the "Indian bogie." Whites and Indians are now on such good terms that they regard each other as neighbours, and this confidence has been inspired by the exhibition which Mr. Burke manages in conjunction with Messrs. Cody and
Notwithstanding the flight of time, Major Burke's devotion to the "Chief"—Buffalo Bill—seems as strong as ever. He is a hero worshipper, who believes fixedly in all things he states, and his conversation on American topics—whether it be political, social, geographical, agricultural, mineral, or climatic—is sound, entertaining, and exhaustive; indeed it would be difficult to find a man so admirably fitted to his position, having so complete a grasp of details and generalities, and being withal so genial and so thorough. Honest, sincere, and generous, he is a friend to all the world.
When he was leaving London to come to Manchester, Lieut. Dan Godfrey, the musician, sent him his photograph, on which was inscribed the words, "Sorry you leave us, Johnny dear." To the kind and good-hearted Major all who know him are unable to do less than echo Godfrey's parting words to an American and English favourite.