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Show 88 TALES OF THE COLORADO PIONEERS. regiment," said a pioneer, "and it was funny. You see, to fight the Indians it was necessary to be mounted, but how to do it was a perplexing question, for horses were scarce in the country. The Ford Brothers had brought in, one thousand California bronchos. They made a proposition to the Quartermaster to furnish horses, which was accepted. Ford employed professional horse trainers, and after a few days of choking and throwing, the horses, tired and exhausted, but not tamed, were reported ready for use. " The soldiers went out on the prairie for their evening drill, and the prancing steeds were led, four abreast, and placed in position. The commanding officer rode up and down the line, and viewed his soldiers. " He thought he had never looked upon a fairer sight, and straightening himself with stately grace he gave the command to mount. The attempt to execute this maneuver startled the horses out of their senses; some of them stood straight up in the air on their heels, and quickly reversed the position; some stuck their heads down, clumped their feet together, and elevated their backs with such" force that the men were sent skyward, and the horses passed all the jack-rabbits on the way, in their efforts to get out of the country. But the Third Regiment was afterwards mounted, and the exploits of that fine body of men deserve the gratitude of every citizen in Colorado. " On the 29th - of November Governor Evans issued a proclamation of war against the Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Sioux, and all who were on the war-path. Shortly after, the hundred days men, under the command of Col. Chiy-j'ngton, fought the battle of Sand Creek, which is consid- |