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Show CHAPTER II. FROM FORT KEARNEY TO FORT MACPHERSON. WE reached Fort Kearney on the I3th of May. It is one of the oldest posts on the plains, and is situated on the South side of the Platte River, about 200 miles from its mouth. The Platte possesses many of the features of the Missouri, of which it is an important tributary, but is an unnavigable stream, though through its bed flows an immense body of water. It is in places from a mile to a mile and a half in width, and its current as rapid as that of the great stream into which it empties. The term " Forts," as applied to military posts on the frontier, has caused a very general misconception of their real character. It is the popular opinion, where it has not been corrected, that these forts are works of masonry, or at least extensive earth- works, after the style of our permanent fortifications in the States, or the more elaborate temporary works constructed so extensively in some localities, during the late war. But such is not the case. Fort Kearney> like nearly all the posts I have visited, is without any work of defense not even a stockade. It consists simply of a number of two story frame buildings, arranged in the usual way around a parade ground, which is the centre of the post, furnishing quarters for the officers and men. There are also additional buildings as store- houses, stables, sutler's stores, & c. There are posts, however, in more dangerous localities, where the quarters are surrounded by a stockade, and others where slight earth- works exist, but such are ex ceptions to the rule. |
