[From Grand Island (Neb.) Independent. Distributed by Associated Press]

     (14) In 1874, North Platte, Nebraska, had, and has to the day, enterprising citizens; and in the year mentioned Otto Uhlig, a merchant, conceived the idea of bidding for the hauling of government supplies from North Platte to the Red Cloud and Spotted Tail Agencies.

     The transportation for years had been carried on from Cheyenne by Jim May, sometimes with mules an again with ox teams, and as all supplies were shipped from Omaha to Cheyenne, passing through North Platte, 291 miles nearer Omaha, there was a big saving in freight, and Uhlig presenting a satisfactory bid, the contract was awarded to him.

     On his bond for the performance of the contract appeared the following names: M. C. Keith, grandfather of Keith Neville, former Governor of Nebraska; Guy C. Barton, later president of the Omaha Smelter; Beach I. Hinman, a well-known lawyer; Major Lester Walker, retired, formerly of the 5th Cavalry; T. C. Patterson, T. J. Foley and A. S. Senter --the two latter known as Foley and Senter, were engaged in the mercantile business.

     Unfortunately, Uhlig was unable to furnish equipment, and by agreement with Uhlig and the bondsmen Foley and Senter assumed the contract.

     The enterprise was new to North Platte; no one had (15) to be explored. The wise heads got together and advised the purchase of oxen as a medium of transportation.

     At that time Ogalalla was at the end of the Texas trail, and was the biggest and last market for the sale of Texas cattle. It was decided to purchase 400 head of four-year-old steers and to buy all the available native oxen in the vicinity, to be used as "wheelers." The Texas steers were driven to North Platte and penned in Keith & Barton's corral. Then the circus began.

     The wild steers were roped, snubbed to posts, two heads tied together, placed in the yoke, and then turned loose in the corral. Later all were driven across the North Platte River with their yokes on. There was no wagon bridge, and in crossing the river many got under water; the yokes mixed and turned, and as a result ten head were drowned. On the north side 38 loaded wagons, including trailers, awaited the steers; these were placed eight to ten yoke to a wagon, which was the regulation number.

     After a few days' rest and with much persuasion and bullwhacker language, the outfit set forth under the command of Hank Clifford, of Medicine Creek, a guide and government wagon boss. Next in authority was John Y. Nelson, long afterward with Buffalo Bill, as the crack bull whip cracker of America.

          In time the cavalcade moved on, crossing the South Loup and the Dismal, where they rested, for the trip so far was a continuous drive over ridges and sand hills. In some places the sand reached the hubs.

     In continuing, the scarcity of water became alarming, and couriers were sent out to guide and to find water for the thirsty cattle. One time an early morning drive became necessary, as the scout reported water 30 miles away. As the day advanced, the heat became oppressive, and the suffering of the cattle was great. (16) In time came that a lake was not far off and could be seen from the hill that was being approached. So the party drove on, climbing the hill, and the oxen, sniffing water, made great speed. At the top of the hill the lake was visible. The cattle did not wait for orders, but stampeded for the lake, and in their rush some broke wagon tongues, loosened themselves from the wagons and rushed into the lake, while others hauled their loaded wagons with them into deep water. Bullwhacker language had no effect, whips and arguments were unavailing. They drank and lay down to their hearts' content, and it took several days to clean up the "mess." In commemoration of that day the lake has been named Foley Lake.

     On arrival at the agencies it was agreed that the road from North Platte was impracticable and had to be abandoned. About this time Jim Kerr of Beatrice, a practical cow man who was foreman for John Bratt & Co., took charge of the outfit, and at the agency heard Turkey Feather, a Sioux chief, make the statement that there was a good trail to Sidney. This was taken up, found to be correct, and the freight destined for North Platte was forwarded to Sidney, 123 miles west of North Platte, or 102 miles east of Cheyenne.

     On the last trip from the agencies, at the crossing known as Sidney Crossing, where the Sidney bridge now stands, the entire outfit was caught in a blizzard of such fury that the cattle could not be held. They wandered about that winter, shifting for themselves. In the spring a number of them were found alive with yokes still on, while others disappeared, no doubt having perished or been taken up as mavericks.

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