Cheyenne Autumn by Mari Sandoz, although underpinned by thorough research and enriched by comprehensive annotations, maps, and indices, is an epic novel that breathes life into historical events through fictional techniques. It encapsulates the daunting journey of the Northern Cheyenne tribe in 1878-1879, as they endeavored to return from Indian Territory to their homeland in the Yellowstone region. Promises made to them by General Miles in 1877 were swiftly broken, leaving them no choice but to abandon their plight-ridden settlement and journey northward.

The Forced Relocation

In the spring of 1877, the Cheyenne surrendered to General Miles with assurances of fair treatment and an agency in the north. However, these vows were forgotten as they were coerced into relocating to the Indian Territory, a significant distance south. Here, they were told they could return north if the conditions were unsatisfactory. Faced with starvation due to withheld provisions, the Northern Cheyenne had little choice but to comply. Reuniting with their Southern kin near Fort Reno, they battled hunger and malaria without the promised aid. Finally, leaders Dull Knife and Little Wolf resolved to guide their people back to their Yellowstone homeland.

The Desperate Escape

On September 9, 1878, under the cover of night, the Cheyenne embarked on their journey, quietly slipping past military sentries. Pursued by cavalry from Fort Reno and Fort Dodge, the tribe was protected by the Dog Soldiers, who defended the rear and ensured the safety of the stragglers as they traversed settled lands. Despite their disadvantage, they successfully repelled an attack at Turkey Springs by ambushing soldiers, allowing the tribe to continue on their way.

Survival and Retaliation

Throughout their arduous trek, the Cheyenne subsisted on buffalo, wild game, and occasionally the carcasses of fallen horses. The scarcity of meat for their three hundred members was a constant struggle. Young warriors sourced new mounts by breaking wild horses and raiding ranches. In Kansas, they faced relentless harassment, spurring the Cheyenne to retaliate against settler communities. In dire need of arms and ammunition, they scavenged after skirmishes or seized supplies through raids. Constantly on the move, the tribe avoided detection by sticking to hidden paths, while newspapers sensationalized their numbers and deeds, inflaming anti-Indian sentiment.

Confrontations and Losses

Upon entering Kansas, the Cheyenne swiftly made for the Arkansas River valley, crossing it on September 23. Colonel Lewis, boasting of his intention to "wipe out those murdering redskins," was met with cunning resistance at Punished Woman Creek. Although an overeager warrior foiled Little Wolf's ambush by firing prematurely, the Cheyenne managed to inflict enough damage to force the soldiers into retreat.

Memories of Past Atrocities

Approaching the site of the 1875 massacre at Sappa, memories of past brutalities stirred anger among the Cheyenne. Recalling their relatives' slaughter, they began to raid settlements, seeking weapons and horses to bolster their defenses. Pressing on northward, they traversed over five hundred miles, crossed railroads, and evaded multiple cavalry forces, heading toward the Republican River and into the Nebraska Territory.

The Division and Capture

As they neared the Platte River, they encountered soldiers from Generals Crook and Miles, with Mauck's troops trailing them. The path to Sioux allies at Red Cloud's and Spotted Tail's agencies was barred, sparking a disagreement between Dull Knife and Little Wolf. Unable to reconcile their differences, the Cheyenne factions parted ways at White Tail Creek, with Little Wolf continuing north and Dull Knife heading toward Red Cloud's agency.

Winter's Cruel Arrival

Winter descended early, marked by a fierce blizzard on October 23. Dull Knife's group found themselves pursued and eventually surrounded at Chadron Creek, where they surrendered some...