amuse myself
and have had many narow escapes from having both myself and pony washed
away to certain death, but as the pioneers of those days had plenty of
courage we overcame all obstacles and reached Virginia City in safety.

Mother died at Black Foot, Montana, 1866, where we buried her. I left
Montana in Spring of 1866, for Utah, arriving at Salt Lake city during
the summer. Remained in Utah until 1867, where my father died, then
went to Fort Bridger, Wyoming Territory, where we arrived May 1, 1868,
then went to Piedmont, Wyoming, with U.P. Railway. Joined General
Custer as a scout at Fort Russell, Wyoming, in 1870, and started for
Arizona for the Indian Campaign. Up to this time I had always worn the
costume of my sex. When I joined Custer I donned the uniform of a
soldier. It was a bit awkward at first but I soon got to be perfectly
at home in men's clothes.

Was in Arizona up to the winter of 1871 and during that time I had a
great many adventures with the Indians, for as a scout I had a great
many dangerous missions to perform and while I was in many close places
always succeeded in getting away safely for by this time I was
considered the most reckless and daring rider and one of the best shots
in the western country.

After that campaign I returned to Fort Sanders, Wyoming, remained there
until spring of 1872, when we were ordered out to the Muscle Shell or
Nursey Pursey Indian outbreak. In that war Generals Custer, Miles,
Terry and Crook were all engaged. This campaign lasted until fall of
1873.

It was during this campaign that I was christened Calamity Jane. It
was on Goose Creek, Wyoming, where the town of Sheridan is now located.
Capt. Egan was in command of the Post. We were ordered out to quell an
uprising of the Indians, and were out for several days, had numerous
skirmishes during which six of the soldiers were killed and several
severely wounded. When on returning to the Post we were ambushed about
a mile and a half from our destination. When fired upon Capt. Egan was
shot. I was riding in advance and on hearing the firing turned in my
saddle and saw the Captain reeling in his saddle as though about to
fall. I turned my horse and galloped back with all haste to his side
and got there in time to catch him as he was falling. I lifted him
onto my horse in front of me and succeeded in getting him safely to the
Fort. Capt. Egan on recovering, laughingly said: "I name you Calamity
Jan