One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd

Covering July through September 1875, this section chronicles the Northern Cheyenne band’s travels through the Great Plains. May adapts to the nomadic lifestyle and develops a bond with a young boy named Horse Boy. She notes that their movements follow the rhythms of the buffalo and the changing seasons. The other women also adjust: Phemie begins hunting with the men, Gretchen reconciles with her husband, and Sara flourishes. In contrast, Narcissa resists integration into Cheyenne culture.

While camped at the Tongue River, a party of Crow warriors attacks, abducting May and several others. In the Crow camp, Sara stabs an attacker while resisting assault and is killed in the struggle. The other women are violated, though May protects Little Wolf’s daughter, Pretty Walker. A Cheyenne rescue party led by Chief Little Wolf attacks the Crow camp and frees the women. The recovery is chaotic and bloody.

Back in their own camp, Sara is mourned with both Christian prayers and Cheyenne burial rites. Separately, Reverend Hare is discovered molesting a Cheyenne boy; he is beaten and exiled. The large band separates into smaller groups for the winter. May’s group travels to Fort Laramie, where they face hostility from the fort’s inhabitants.