Hugh Pendexter

“ In the old days an Indian boy commenced his bow-and-arrow practise at the age of nine. Even after firearms were common on the Plains he could not expect to obtain one until able to buy, or take from some victim. As a rule a warrior did not come into possession of rifle or revolver until about twenty-five years of age. Long association with the bow made him fond of it even after he owned the white man’s weapons. ”

“ In the earliest encounters between the Plains Indians and United States troops it was a common practise for Indians, retreating in haste, to cling to their bows and arrows even though they threw aside their guns. ”

“ Often times a double thickness of hide was used, and such a shield could resist a rifle bullet unless the lead hit it squarely. As it was carried on the left side, and was continually moving back and forth, a bullet was quite sure to glance off. With the advent of firearms, especially the repeating and breech-loading models, the Plains Indian strained every energy in trade and cunning to secure rifle or revolver, or both. In the later campaigns the troops found the red men were as well armed as they, and in some instances better armed. ”