28, September 1876 (+135)
To: General U. S. Scout
Headquarters Grand Army of the Frontier
Near Washington City
Copies to: (Bvt.) Col. Major Matt Lewis Chief of Staff,
(Bvt.) Col. Drydock Chief of Ordnance,
(Bvt. ) Col. Bull Schmidt Adjutant ,
and The ladies and gentlemen of the GAF at large
Sir:
I have the honor to submit my report following the event at Fort Hartsuff the weekend last. Grand Army of the Frontier members Col. Jerry Davenport, Department of the Missouri Commander and Lt. Col. Dale Beethe, Acting Division of Nebraska Commander and Terry Lane, Nebraska’s Official Hon. Col. Wm. F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody presented “The Timeline of American Military Firearms 1860-1990” at Fort Hartsuff September 24 and 25. We dressed in period uniforms, and used a collection of original and reproduction firearms to explain the development of the American military firearms starting with the muzzle loading firearms of the Civil War and culminating with the modern weapons used in Desert Storm. We presented an in depth look at the evolution of military firearms at 10:00, 2:00, and 4:00 each day. In addition we were on hand both days to speak with fort visitors and answer any questions that visitors might have about the firearms displayed. An estimated 500 people attended the event.