25th Bicycle Corps

Lt. Moss and the men on their "wheels"

2010-05-01T09:21:00.049-06:00

[73.0031],U.M. Collection, F.M Ingalls, Archives & Special Collections, Mansfield Library, University of Montana- used by permission- unauthorized use is prohibited

In 1897, 20 soldiers, an army surgeon and a reporter led by Lt. James A. Moss, rode bicycles from Fort Missoula in Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. The trip was made as an experiment to see whether the bicycle could serve a useful purpose in the Army. 1890s America was also experiencing a bicycle-craze due to the recent invention of the "safety bicycle" (a bicycle with wheels of equal size and chain driven). Accounts make it clear that Moss had a romantic streak, and enjoyed the outdoors, as well as what he referred to as "the poetry of cycling".

The 41-day journey to St. Louis was 1,900 miles and took the men through Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska and Missouri. In the 1890s, the Army was segregated, with most black units (a.k.a "Buffalo Soldiers") serving in the isolated outposts in the West. Fort Missoula, at that time, was home to the 25th Infantry, a black regiment. Moss was a Southerner and recent graduate of West Point. He was only twenty-five years old. He and some of the '97 riders had done trips before. In the summer of 1896, eight of them rode first to the Mission Mountains, north of Missoula and then Yellowstone Park. For the St. Louis trip, Moss picked a path that mostly followed the railroads -- the Northern Pacific to Billings and then various arms of the Burlington the rest of the way.

Fortunately, Eddie Boos, a nineteen-year-old, rode along with the Corps to St. Louis and wired lengthy reports to the local Missoula paper, as well as newspapers all over the United States. Combining his accounts with those of Lt. Moss, we get a fairly detailed picture of the trip. Sadly, no accounts from the soldiers, themselves, are known to exist. We only know them through Boos and Moss's somewhat stereotyped descriptions. Nevertheless, what comes through is a group of highly dedicated, tough, resilient, men who at the end of a long, hard ride still had a keen sense of humor and enjoyment of life*. A year after the trip they proved their mettle as soldiers, securing key victories during the Spanish-American War. Boos tells us that the Corps was escorted by hundreds as they drew closer to the finish of their journey and were welcomed by over 10,000 upon reaching their goal in Forest Park in St. Louis.

On this blog you will find primary sources, including newspaper accounts, Lt. Moss's reports and links to 1890s maps. It is my hope that those familiar with this story will find this site a useful research tool. I invite you to help me add to the available body of information if you know of anything I've missed. For those new to the story, perhaps this site will spark further interest.

* "At the battle of San Juan, when numbers of the American bicycle corps were wounded, they would simply say, "I've got a puncture."

- Courage and Comfort, James Britton Cranfill pg. 284

I've Got a Puncture

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from Courage and Comfort, James Britton Cranfill, 1906, The Southwestern Company

Wildflowers Boos reported seeing

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Camas prairie wildflower

Purple coneflower - This is probably the flower Boos described as being like the Montana Arnica, but with pink petals, according to Earl Jensen [Greybull, WY], local wildflower expert.

Montana Arnica

1897 Calendar

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Modern route

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View Larger Map

Map by Lt. Moss (click on map for larger view}

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Epilouge - After the Trip

1997-07-25T11:59:00.009-06:00

"THE RIDE OF THE ARMY BICYCLE CORPS
EVERETT W. PATTISON

The enthusiasm of the wheelmen of St. Louis over the wonderful trip of the bicycle corps of the 25th United States Infantry has not yet had time to cool. That bicycle ride of 2,000 miles from Fort Missoula to this city, over mountains, streams and deserts, marks an epoch in wheeling. In the first period, the wheel was a toy; in the second period, wheeling was looked upon as a sport; the third period has arried when the world must acknowledge the wheel to be a practical, all-around machine.
Great credit is due to Lieutenant Moss for planning and carrying into execution this ride. He is himself firmly convinced that the bicycle will fill a place in military tactics which has heretofore been unfilled. No troop of cavalry could by any possibility do what this bicycle corps has done, making an average of over fifty-five miles a day during the riding days,--an average of only a little under fifty miles a day, counting all the days, those given to rest as well as those spent in the saddle.
The wheels which the private soldiers rode were specially constructed for the purpose. But Lieutenant Moss rode an ordinary roadster, -- just such a one as thousands of riders are using every day in this country. These men carried no only their rifles, but all their equipments and camp equipage. In fact they rode in heavy marching order. They encountered mud and sand, rain and snow, heat, winds, rocks, mountains, gumbo soil (that which there is none worse in the world when it rains) and roads strewn with prickly cactus. Yet they covered one day over seventy miles, and on several days they rode more than sixty miles.
Perhaps the most remarkable circumstance is the fine condition of the wheels at the trip's end. There was, necessarily, break downs and punctures. But when the men finally pitched their tents in our beautiful Forest Park no one would have surmised that their wheels had been subjected to such a tremendous test. They bore comparison well with the average wheel ridden by those who flocked to gaze on the corps.
Lieutenant Moss and his men have been greatly pleased with the reception they have received here. Not only was the Lieutenant given a luncheon by the Good Streets Committee of the L.A.W., but the private soldiers were well taken care of. On several occassions the corps has given a public exhibition of its drill and peculiar evolutions, much to the admiration of the host of spectators."

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 7, 1897 No. 89,367

-Vol. XXVI L.A.W. Bulletin and Good Roads, July--December 1897

22oo Miles
On Wheels.
--------------------
LONG-DISTANCE RIDE OF TWENTY-FIFTH
UNITED STATES
INFANTRY BICYCLE CORPS
---------------------
FROM MONTANA TO ST. LOUIS
---------------------
Over Snow-Capped Mountains and
Across Vast Stretches of
Akali Desert
---------------------
TRIP MADE IN FORTY-ONE DAYS
----------------------
Riders Endured Hunger and Thirst,
Snow, Rain and Scorching Sun
----------------------

Twenty-two men on bicycles, grimy, rain-soaked, weather-beaten and tattered, rode up to the cottage in Forest Park at 6:45 o'clock last night. A hundred odd cyclists cheered them as they dismounted.
Henry V. Lucas, president of the Associated Cycling Clubs of St. Louis, stepped out and grasped the hand of the sun-browned young man who led the corps of riders. he called for three cheers and a tiger and they were heartily given.
That was the end of the 2,200-mile ride of the Twenty-fifth Regiment, U.S.A., bicycle corps, from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis--the greatest feat in the history of the latest development in the science of warfare.
The little band of enthusiastic spectators knew that every grimy rider was a hero who had endured adventure beyond the wildest flights of imaginative romanticists.
They had crossed from the furthermost corner of the States to the heart of the Mississippi Valley. For forty-one days they had ridden an average of 53 1/2 miles a day. They had slept under the stars. Rain and snow had pelted them. The sun scorched them until they fell exhausted in the road.
Negroes though they were the cyclists of St. Louis who could appreciate their feat were glad to welcome them with honor and make them their guests.

--------------

The corps will rest in St. Louis for a week at least, until orders are received from the War Department for their return to their post in the far Northwest.
Today and Monday they will be in camp on the hill just south of the cottage in Forest Park. The public will have ample chance to see what men look like after a 2,200 mile bicycle ride.
This morning, under escort of the Associated Cycling Clubs of St. Louis, the corps will parade through Forest Park, east on Lindell boulevard to Grand Avenue, south to West Pine boulevard, thence west to Spring avenue, back to Lindell boulevard and return to camp.
The parade will form at the cottage at 10:30 o'clock sharp. A detachment of mounted police, the Branch Guards Bicycle Corps, the Associated Cycling Clubs and Good Streets Committee will be in line.
In the afternoon the corps will give an exhibition drill on the Y.M.C.A. grounds in the park. Monday they will remain in camp and Tuesday they will wheel to Jefferson Barracks.
Once at the military reservation they will doff their picturesque tatters. In new uniforms all traces of the trip will be at an end.
Lieutenant Moss, Lieut. Kennedy, the surgeon and Mr. Edward Boos, a civilian who accompanied the corps in the capacity of official reporter, will be the objects of great social attention while in the city. They have been tendered the courtesies of the University Club and Mr. Henry V. Lucas will be their social mentor, which means they will have an enjoyable time in every possible way.
Rain and mud made the closing hours of the memorable ride an echo of the first two weeks.
On Sunday, June 14, the corps set out from Fort Missoula, one of Uncle Sam's miliarty posts in the northwest corner of far-off Montana. The start was made at daybreak in a blinding rainstorm. The rain kept up for two weeks, but the corps pushed on, riding the railroad ties where the ballast would permit, and walking where the roads were impassable.
When they struck a stream they forded it, rider and wheel alike indifferent to water. At Mullan's Divide, in the Rocky Mountains, the corps pushed their wheels through six inches of snow.
The men paid heavily for their rapid riding and Surgeon Kennedy had three cases of heat prostration on his hands.
William L. Sachtleben, the globe girding cyclist; William Chase and William Sanderson of St. Louis rode out to St. Charles to pilot the corps into the city.
At 1 o'clock the start was made. The corps rode the Wabash track into Bonfils (sp?) and then took a half hour's walk through the slush to the St. Charles Rock road. They had an easy spin then into the city.
The corps entered St. Louis at Wellston and rode to Rinkle's, where Henry Lucas and a big delegation of local wheelmen awaited them.
Among the party were George Durant, Cliff Allen, Will Nisket, T. Henry Kent, Ed Simmons, Julius Toy, Harry Crow, C.C. Branch Guards Bicycle Corps un-uniformed.
The brigade moved east on Easton avenue to Union boulevard and cut across the park. It was met at the entrance by Sergt. Callens (sp?) and four mounted aides.
The blue-coats cleared the roads as the troop rode swiftly over the gravel road-ways.
There was a running fire of cheers from the throng of pleasure-seekers that was caught up by the waiting crowd at the cottage as the procession was seen moving across the bridge at the foot of the hill.
The loyal cyclists made a detour and lined up along the cottage to let the corps pass in review as it ended its memorable journey.
Lieut. Moss, with Lieut. Kennedy and Mr. Boos, rode five wheel lengths in front of the corps that followed after in platoons of fours.
The men wore their faded blue coats, their rifles were slung across their shoulders and their bayonet scabbards clanked against their wheel frames.
They moved swiftly up the hill as perfect in formation as a troop of cavalry. When the word "Halt" came they dismounted and their faces were illuminated with broad grins. The end of their adventures had come.
A moment later they moved up the hill, walking their wheels. They aligned in review. Lieut. Moss said: "Our trip is ended. I thank you for your fortitude. You will now rest wheels and fall in for mess."
The cycles were banked against the trees and while the officers were receiving the congratulations of friends, Bugler Johnson blew the "mess call." The men fell in and marched to the Cottage Annex, where thy sat down to a hearty supper of beefsteak, tomatoes, bread and butter, milk and coffee.
The men will not have to look after their own food while they are the guests of the A.C.C.
After supper the men built camp fires on the hill where Park Commissioner Ridgely had provided fuel and water. All evening they were the center of attraction for a throng of visitors.
At 10 o'clock the shelter tents were up, the blankets were spread and the men turned in for a well-deserved rest.

-----------------------

The ride of Lieut. Moss and his men is a feat of world-wide interest. Military cycling has been the rage in Germany and France, but nothing approaching this 2,200-mile journey has been accomplished.
The conditions under which it was made mark it as a unique test of the bicycle's fitness in warfare.
No condition of weather, no topographical obstacle was wanting. "We endured every possible condition of warfare, but being shot at," is the way Lieut. Moss puts it.
"The trip has proved beyond peradventure my contention that the bicycle has a place in modern warfare. In every kind of weather, over all sorts of roads, we averaged fifty miles a day. At the end of the journey we are all in good physical condition.
"Seventeen tires and half a dozen broken frames is the sum of our damage. The practical result of the trip shows that an army bicycle corps can travel twice as fast as cavalry or infantry under any conditions, and at one-third the cost and effort."

- Sunday Morning - St. Louis Post-Dispatch, July 25, 1897

“Just before leaving Fort Missoula and again three days after reaching St. Louis, the soldiers were weighed and measured. Sixteen gained in chest expansion; the greatest individual gain being 3 ins. And the smallest 1/8, the average being 1.16 ins; three neither gained or lost. Four increased in right biceps measurements—maximum increase 3/4 in; minimum 1/4 in: nine lost – maximum loss 1 1/2 ins; minimum 1/4 in; five neither increased nor decreased. Ten gained in right leg measurements: maximum gain 1 in; minimum 1/8 in—four lost. Maximum loss 1 in; minimum 1/4; five neither lost nor gained. Fourteen gained in weight: maximum gain 9 lbs; minimum 2 lbs –five lost; maximum loss 6 lbs; minimum 1 lb."

- J.A. Moss, Report to the Adjutant

"MILITARY CYCLING. – A Detailed Report to be Made by Lieut. J.M. Moss. [BY ASSOCIATED PRESS WIRE] ST. LOUIS, Aug. 15 -- Lieutenant J.M. Moss and the members of the bicycle corps, Twenty-fifth Regiment, U.S.A., will leave Jefferson Barracks tomorrow and return by rail to their regiment at Fort Missoula, Mont. When Lieut. Moss reaches Fort Missoula, his first duty will be to prepare a detailed report of the trip and forward it to the War Department.
The report to be furnished the War Department will contain a more minute description of the journey than has reached the general public, the quantity of rations carried; the details of their consumption and distribution, the weight of accoutrements and the detailed manner of their shifting, the arragement of the pair problem, so that the entire command was never delayed in progress, the physical capacity of the men to cover certain distances in certain times, the effects of hunger and thirst, the adaptability of the wheel to topographical and meteorological conditions –all these conditions will be discussed in detail from the standpoint of a military expert."

- Los Angeles Times, Aug. 16, 1897

"The place the bicycle will have in military affairs and plans is a question now engaging the attention of officers of the United States army. A test has just been made by a trip of twenty-three regular troops on wheels from Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, 1900 miles, the average per day being fifty-two and two-thirds miles. Lieutenant Moss, who had command of the expedition, reports as follows:
The trip has proven beyond peradventure the contention that the bicycle has a place in modern warfare. In every kind of weather, on all sorts of roads, we averaged fifty miles a day. At the end of the journey we are all in good physical condition. Seventeen tires and a half dozen broken frames is the sum of our damage. The practical result of the trip shows that an army bicycle corps can travel twice as fast as cavalry or infantry under any conditions and at one-third the cost and effort."

- Galveston Daily News Wednesday, July 28, 1897

"A dispatch from St. Louis tells of the arrival in that city of the troopers of the Twenty-fifth infantry, who started from Ft. Missoula, Minn.,[sic] and passed through Lincoln on bicycles. The trip of 2,000 miles was made in forty days, thirty-five of which were actually spent on the road. The dispatch says:
The first twelve days of the trip were rainy and disagreeable, but good time was made, nevertheless. It was during these days that the main divide of the Rocky mountains was crossed as well as the greater part of Montana. There were a few pleasant days while the corps was in Montana and excellent runs were made. In crossing the Crow Indian reservation heavy rains fell and the corps was stuck in gumbo much of the time. All the way across Wyoming rain hampered the progress of the company and many hardships arose from lack of good water.
The southwestern corner of South Dakota was crossed, two days being occupied in that state. The sandy roads were awful and the prairie beside the road was a field of prickly pears making travel on the whole very careful and tiresome work. A stretch of good buy hilly road was struck afer leaving Edgemont, and the run from that to the Nebraska line was made in short order.
As soon as Nebraska was reached new troubles confronted the corps in the shape of sand hills and heat. From the state line in Alliance the roads were fair, being only sandy patches, but after Alliance was reached and for a distance of nearly 200 miles the sand in the roads was eight and ten inches deep. The road was given up and the railroad was used, the men riding as much as possible, but walking the greater part of the time. While in this desolate country there was no good water to drink and a number of the men were taken sick. After four days of suffering the sand hills were passed. The corps passed through Grand Island, Lincoln, and Table Rock, in Nebraska, and out of that state into Missouri on July 17, at Rulo. As a whole the roads through Nebraska were good, but far from being level, short steep hills being continually encountered.
The first camp was made at Napier, St. Joseph, Hamilton, Macon, Louisiana and St. Peters being camping places for the other nights. The roads across Missouri were bad and hilly and with the exception of a few gravel roads were the worst on the entire trip. When away from the railroad the people were inhospitable; in one instance water sufficient for cooking was refused and no reliable information regarding the roads could be gained. The heat for the last three days of the trip was severe and hard on the men.
The distance on the trip was 1,900 miles, the average per day being fifty two and two-thirds miles. After leaving the Nebraska sand hills the average was over sixty miles per day.
The bicycles stood the trip remarkably well, but few accidents of a serious nature having occurred, those that did occur being through carelessness. According to Lieutenant Moss the trip was a success froma military standpoint.
In an interview Lieutenant Moss said: “The trip has proved beyond peradventure my contention that the bicycle has a place in modern warfare. In every kind of weather, over all sorts of roads, we averaged fifty miles a day. At the end of the journey we are all in good physical condition. Seventeen tires and half a dozen broken frames are the sum of our damage. The practical result of our trip shows that an army bicycle corps can travel twice as fast as cavalry or infantry, under any conditions and at one-third the cost. I am not sure whether we will return on our wheels or not, but will know as soon as orders are received from Washington.”

- The Evening News[Lincoln, NE] pg. 8, July 26, 1897

" Of Interest to Wheelmen. Washington, Sept. 21 – The war department has made public the report of James A. Moss, Twenty-fifth infantry, who commanded the bicycle corps which made the long journey from Fort Missoua, Mon. to St. Louis last summer. The document is filled with information of the greatest value to bicyclists who contemplate making long trips awheel. Every ounce of foot eaten every days events mishaps and experiences are set down with military exactness yet in a style that makes the subject entertaining reading for wheelmen."

- The Times Democrat [Lima, Ohio] July 21, 1897

"The bicycle corps fo the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry recently rode from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, Mo, a distance of 1,900 miles. The commander of the corps has reported to the War Department that the trip required thirty-four days of actual travel, at an average rate of 6.3 miles per hour. A large part of the trip was made under trying conditions, over mountains, and on sandy or muddy roads, with an occassional fording of streams; the men leving meanwhile on the regulation field and travel ration. The health of the command was excellent, and none of the soldiers were disabled; the commander thinks that the practicability of the bicycle as a means of military transportation is demonstrated."

- Alton Evening Telegraph [Alton, Illinois] pg. 2 October 23, 1897

Missoula, under command of Lieutenant Moss, and the wheel has proved to be of practical utility --

"Bicycles for the Army – Experimental Ride Begun from Missoula to Jefferson Barracks. – Fort Missoula, Mont., June 14 – Twenty-four men started Saturday on a ride of nearly 2,500 miles to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., which will be reached in about six weeks. Whether bicycles will be used in the army depends on the result of the experiments, including cooking utensils and shelter tents, are carried on the wheels. Each member of the party wears the regulation field service uniform with the exception of bicycle shoes. Ten of the men carry their Kreg-Jorgensen rifles slung to their machines under the left leg and parallel to the top tubing of the frame. The rest of the party carry pistols. Each is supplied with 75 rounds of ammunition."

- Clinton Mirror [Clinton, Iowa] pg. 2 June 19. 1897

"SOLDIER CYCLISTS RETURN – Journey of 2,380 Miles from Fort Missoula to St. Louis on Wheels St. Louis, Mo., Aug. 18 – The center of attraction at the union station Monday night was the company of colored soldiers of the Twenty-fifth United States infantry, who recently made the journey on wheels from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, a distance of 2,380 [sic] miles, in thirty-five days. Nineteen men constitute the coterie, led by Lieutenant Moss and Sergeant Sanders. Among the number are Private Richard Rout, John Finly (sic), Cook, Martin, Williams, Dingemon and Crockter. They were forty days in making the journey, five of which they spent in resting at various points along the route. They stopped one day each at Ellison, Mont., Fort Harrison, Mont., Fort Custer, Mont., and Broken Bow, Neb. They arrived in St. Louis, wheeling into the city through Forest park, on July 24. After a day or two spent in rest and in viewing the city, they proceeded to Jefferson barracks, where they remained until Monday. Private Rout told a Globe-Democrat reporter that they regarded their trip as a great success. He stated that they had encountered numerous obstacles on the way. On July [sic] 17 they met a tremendous snow storm while crossing the main divide of the Rocky Mountains, near Ellison, Mont., at a distance of more than 4,000 feet about the sea level. Their greatest difficulty was experienced in passing through the sand hills of Nebraska. They had to walk through 185 miles of sand, pushing their bicycles before them, the thermometer registering 110 degrees in the shade. While they had enjoyed the venture, said Private Rout, they were glad to be on the return trip and going by rail instead of traversing the route again in the manner in which they had come. They left Monday night on the 8:45 Burlington train and will proceed to Billings, Mont., and there take the Northern Pacific road to Montana City. Thence they will march a four days’ journey to their post."

- Daily Iowa Capital [Des Moines, IA] pg. 3 August 18, 1897

The party of colored soldiers of the Twenty fifth United States infantry, who made the bicycle trip from Fort Missoula to St. Louis, 2, 380 miles, passed through Kansas City on their return [train] trip yesterday. They reported that every one of the twenty-three men composing the expedition had gained in weight and had been generally benefited in health during the trip in, and they started back with full confidence in the bicycle as an appliance for the promotion of health. To these soldiers of the United States army belongs the credit of having given the most thorough long distance test of the bicycle as a mode of conveyance. They carried with them their arms, shelter tents and knapsacks, the full marching equipment. They made the long distance in less time than it could be covered by cavalry troops marching at the customary rate. They crossed one range of mountains through deep snow. There seems to be no reason why a brigade of bicyclers could not be moved through a country possessing any sort of roads as easily as this squad traversed the 2,380 miles, and were then ready to try it over

- The Leavenworth Herald (Leavenworth, KS) Saturday, August 21, 1897; Issue 28; col B

"While the strength of this Corps was increased later to twenty and it proved valuable as scouts and couriers in regimental maneuvers, it did not continue, and during the usual peace inertia between wars, no similar organization took form. The extent of our country, its lack of network roads, its large supply of horses--all these were factors discouraging bicycle corps while the reverse in Europe encourages them."

- Buffalo Soldier Regiment, John Nankivell pg. 62

[an article all the way from New Zealand!]
Miscellaneous
"An interesting experiment in the practical use of the bicycle from the military point of view has just been made in the United States. A company of twenty three men of the 25th United States Infantry Bicycle Corps, successfully completed a ride of 1,900 miles from Fort Missouri [sic - that should be Missoula], Montana, to St. Louis. The journey was made in every kind of weather, over all sorts of roads, and lasted forty days. The average speed was fifty miles a day, and the men were in excellent physical condition at the end of the ride. The damage amounted to seventeen tyres and half-a-dozen frames, but these were easily repaired. The practical result of the trip is said to have shown that "an army bicycle corps can travel twice as fast as cavalry or infantry under any conditions and at one-third the cost and effort."

Inangahua Times, Volume XXII, Issue 1360, 3 November 1897, pg. 4

"...On February 7, 1898, Lieutenant Moss requested permission from the adjutant general to organize another bicycle corps that spring for the purpose of making a trip from Fort Missoula to San Francisco. [File No. 70545, RG 94, NA] Moss's commanding officer, Col. Andrew S. Burt, added an interesting endorsement to the proposal. In a personal letter to George Meiklejohn, the assistant secretary of war, he suggested that the proposed trip would call favorable attention to "colored soldiers" as they passed through the country. He added:
It is well known there is prejudice against the colored man and when he appears in uniform it is like shaking a red flag against a bull. It is a wise policy to educate the people to become familiar with the colored man as a soldier...Is it not better--is it not fairer to the colored soldier as well as to the people that the masses should be familiarized with the sight of a 'n**ger' in uniform? The expedition proposed by Lieutenant Moss would be a fine educator. The one he made last year to St. Louis (think of it--a 'n**ger' soldier in 'secesh' Missouri!!) had a very happy effect. The men by their behavior won the respect of everybody.
[File No. 2166, RG, NA. Col. Burt added in a postscript: "We don't use that word 'n**ger' here. Why I have used it above is to more clearly illustrate my meaning."]
By this time, war with Spain seemed imminent and further bicycle tests were judged unnecessary. Later that year Lieutant Moss was transferred to the Twenty-fourth Infantry and saw duty in Cuba. In October of 1898 he proposed the organization of a bicycle company of one hundred soldiers who would patrol Havana once it was occupied by American troops. After pointing out the advantages of speed and mobility in courier service, he noted that "in case of riots or other disturbances of any kind, a number of cyclists, armed with rifles and rapid fire guns (such guns have been mounted on tandems and tricycles and tested with the greatest success) could be moved to the seat of disturbance with inconceivable rapidity." He estimated that the cost of equipping a corps of one hundred men would be between four and eight thousand dollars. He concluded his proposal by noting that "After three years of practical and theoretical work, I have compiled plans for the organization of a cycling service and the specifications for a military bicycle, all of which are at the disposal of the War Department." Lieutenant Moss's proposal was rejected.

- Buffalo Soldiers in the West: a Black soldiers anthology [pg. 253-254] Bruce A. Glasrud, Michael N. Searles

Day 41 - St. Peter, MO to St. Louis, MO

1997-07-24T12:01:00.000-06:00

from http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/history/early.html

Distance travelled: 36 miles
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: rain
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles –15m/ Tires – 0m/ Lunch – 0h/ Other – 5h 45m
Actual travel time: 7h
Rate per hour: 5.1 mph

- Lt. James A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of Trip

Places & times mentioned: St. Peter (5:30 AM); St. Charles (1:30 PM) St. Louis (5:30 PM)

“Our last camp was made three miles from St. Peter and the next morning, July 24, at 5:30, we mounted our wheels and started for the goal—St. Louis. We had but thirty miles to go but Providence was very unkind to us, and before the command had travelled five miles, a heavy rain was upon us.
At 1:30 p.m. the Missouri River was crossed again at St. Charles, twenty miles from St. Louis. Rolling our wheels in the broiling sun, through the muddy river bottom and then a mile or two on a rough railroad track, we finally struck the Rock Road. About 4:30 we got our first view of St. Louis, and an hour later, entered the city—and thus it came to pass that the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry Bicycle Corps made the greatest march known of in military history.

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

REACH ST. LOUIS--- --- The 25th Infantry Bicycle corps reached St. Louis yesterday and their entry was witnessed by 40,000 people. The news comes through Col. A.S. Burt, who was notified by wire by Lieutenant Moss in command of the corps. On June 14, the corps left Fort Missoula, making the trip over mountain roads, cactus beds and wagon roads in 32 days. It was a grand ride and beset with many difficulties, from the incessant rains along the route. Few accidents were reported, and those of no consequence. There were no delays made for pleasure and the boys pedaled hard to make a good record and have accomplished it. The whole world was watching the result and the bicycle in the army of the United States will hinge upon Lieutenant Moss’ report of the trip.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian

“When they neared Saint Louis on July 24, 1897, the end was finally in sight. The Honorable H.V. Lucas, head of the Associated Cycling Clubs reception committee, along with W.C. Simmons, F. Durant, C.C. Hildebrand, Clif Allen, and Wm. W. Nisbet rode out to meet them. These greeters did not arrive by themselves but were joined by a crowd of 1,000 cyclists, who wheeled out to escort the corps into town, where they received a grand welcome.
Upon reaching the city by way of Easton Avenue, they were met by Sergeant Collins and a squad of mounted police, who led the way down Union Avenue to Forest Park, that great expanse of green in the center of St. Louis. More people stopped to greet them and learn about their journey.
The St. Louis Globe-Democrat reported:
There was quite a crowd of pleasure seekers and wheelmen at the Cottage in Forest Park to greet the soldiers. As the mounted police rode up the hill, followed by the local wheelmen and then the travel-stained soldiers, three hearty cheers of welcome were given by the crowd at the Cottage. The soldiers dismounted, and after a few minutes conversation between Mr. Lucas and Lieut. Moss the latter ordered his men to camp on a hill beneath the oaks just south of the Cottage, which had been selected by the wheelmen’s committee as a most suitable spot. Lieut. Moss and Dr. Kennedy took supper at the Cottage with Henry V. Lucas and other local wheelmen. The troops enjoyed a meal of rich, juicy beefsteaks, and other substantial articles of food at a long table in the bicycle shed, and they seemed to appreciate the repast after a day’s hot travel with nothing but hardtack and bacon and coffee to supply the inner man.
As the soldiers rode up the hill at the Cottage and dismounted they bore in their looks the evidence of forty odd days of severe travel over mountain and desert for a run of almost 2,000 miles. They wore blue jackets…..[get the rest of this later
- Sorenson, Iron Riders pg. 64

website with info about The Cottage: http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/history/early.html

Day 40 - Louisiana, MO to St. Peters, MO

1997-07-23T12:01:00.012-06:00

Distance travelled: 61 miles
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –30m/Tires – 1h/Lunch – 6h/Other – 2h 50m
Actual travel time: 8h 20m
Rate per hour: 7.3

- Lt. James A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of Trip

Places & times mentioned: West Quincy is not mentioned by it makes the mileage figures work; Louisiana, MO [2 AM]; Eolia, MO [4:30 AM] ; Troy [left at noon]; St. Peters, MO

“In order to reach St. Louis when we were expected, it was necessary to make the ride between Louisiana and Eolia between 2 and 4:30 o’clock in the morning.”

-Lt. Moss, LA Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

"The best riding on the trip was from Louisiana to Eolia in Pike County."

- St. Louis Star [St. Louis, MO], July 25, 1897

"After their arrival [at Louisiana, MO] the bugle sounded “fall in” Corporal Haynes announced that when repairs were done the men could sleep until 2 p.m.[sic- that should be 2 a.m.!... Read on to see how the men rode in the middle of the night. - MH], when the start for St. Louis would be made.

The men fell out and went about their tasks. Lieut. Moss moved among them and his keen, quick eye noted every imperfection in their machines. He called them sharply to account for negligence. Private Sam Johnson was so busy entertaining visitors until midnight that he neglected to repair a broken axle. He was ordered to have his wheel ready and join his comrades by train at St. Charles. When he gets to Jefferson Barracks he will spend three days in the guard-house for his negligence.

An hour after midnight the sleeping wheelmen were awakened. Coffee was made, blankets were packed and guns shouldered. Just as the moon rose above the brush on the eastern shore of the river, the bugler sounded and the corps began the last day of their eventful journey.

They took the turnpike. After a twenty-five mile coast to Eolia they will breakfast and then push on to Troy. Thence the route will be to Old Monroe and from there to St. Charles and then over the St. Charles rock road into St. Louis."

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch [St. Louis, MO] July 23, 1897

[I could not find any mention of the Bicycle Corps in the Troy paper. I looked very carefully]

"According to Lieut. Moss’ schedule, he was to reach St. Charles, which is 22 miles from St. Louis, by wagon road, at 3 p.m. Saturday.

A representative of “The St. Louis Star,” on a wheel, was there to meet him. The only authoritative information to be had at that hour was to the effect that the corps had left Troy, 35 miles north, at noon, and would reach St. Charles at sundown. The heat became oppressive and the Lieutenant called a halt to recuperate the men shortly after leaving Troy.

At 5 o’clock the march was resumed and despite every effort to push the men along only ten miles had been covered when darkness overtook them. It was a black night and an impending storm decided Lieut. Moss to make camp, which was done midway between St. Peter and St. Paul [near modern-day O’Fallon?]."

- St. Louis Star [St. Louis, MO], July 25, 1897

“Our last camp was made three miles from St. Peter, and the next morning, July 24, at 5:30, we mounted our wheels and started for the goal – St. Louis.”

- Lt. Moss, LA Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Day 39 - West Quincy?, MO to Louisiana, MO

1997-07-22T12:03:00.025-06:00

Distance travelled: 45
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles –0m/ Tires – 0m/ Lunch – 0h/ Other – 3h 45m
Actual travel time: 6h
Rate per hour: 7.5

- Lt. James A. Moss Report to the Adjutant General Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: West Quincy, MO (not mentioned anywhere -- but riding to this place makes the mileage claims work); Hannibal [Bridges, Scott and Findley were here at 4 PM]; Louisiana, MO [arrived in the afternoon-"towards 4 o'clock"]

Soldiers on Wheels.

"James A. Moss, Second Lieutenant of Company F; 25^th United States colored infantry with twenty-three men, including James M. Kennedy, the surgeon, all on bicycles arrived here [Louisiana, MO] last Thursday afternoon from Fort Missoula, Mont., enroute to St. Louis, where they were due at about 9 o’clock Saturday morning [July 25]. The Lieutenant reported hard travel since their departure, June 14, making about sixty miles a day since leaving the sand hills, and of thirty-eight days’ time consumed in travel, they had about ninety hours of rest and meals. All were in good spirits, and as this is the first experimental bicycle trip made by a United States army corps, the officer in command was greatly enthused with the success so far attained. Lieut. Moss is a bright fellow, and a classmate of Lieut. Lang, whose matrimonial troubles have recently been ventilated in the Globe Democrat.

Lieutenant Moss and Edward H. Boos official reporter of the bicycle corps made the NEWS a pleasant visit during their brief stay in Louisiana."

-Pike County News [Louisiana, MO], Thursday, July 29, 1897

-------------------------------------------------------------

Louisiana items…

A lA lot of dirty, worn-out negro soldiers arrived here [Louisiana, MO] last Thursday. They were testing the bicycle as a means of travel. They had traveled from Missoula, Montana, a distance of 2,300 [sic – it wasn’t that far] miles on bicycles. The [sic] had been on the road since the 14^th of June and had averaged 70 [sic-not that many] miles a day, through snow, mud, hot sand and all kinds of weather. The negros [sic] seemed to think the bike the proper thing for such trips, but you could hardly convince a white man of this fact. Each of these soldiers carried luggage—tent, gun, etc., that weighed almost 100 lbs.

- Bowling Green Times [Bowling Green, MO], July 29, 1897

[I could find nothing in the Bowling Green paper to indicate the Corps rode through their town]

----------------------------------------

"In the blinding heat of midday they pedaled into Louisiana, Mo., Thursday down the dusty Frankfort road. They wore blue jeans jackets, brown canvass trousers, brown leggings and the soft gray army hat. Their blue short coats were strapped with their blankets across their handle bars. Across their shoulders hung the heavy rifle and around their waists the ammunition belts carrying fifty rounds of shot. The bayonet ____ the clanked against the wheel frames and the canteen hung like a medallion before the luggage on the handle bars.

Once upon a time the colored mentioned existed in their uniforms. Snow, rain, sun, dust and perspiration hae reduced their outfits to neutral tints. Their leggings are gray. So are their gloves. The trousers especially reinforced are ragged and streaked with marks of dust and rain. All semblance of color has left their shirts, their natty blue coats couldn’t be sold for dust rags in a second-hand clothing store.

For all their woe-begone appearance the men are full of life. Their faces are drawn but their eyes are fine, their step is marvelously elastic, the hardship has made them hard as rocks and the excitement of the trip, as well as the attention they have received along the route, has put them in the best of spirits. The men came into Louisiana in straggling shape. Bugler Elias Johnson broke his frame Wednesday at Macon City and arrived Thursday by train. Later in the day Privates Sam Johnson and L.B. Dingman of Company F came in carrying broken wheels. Corporal Haynes of Company F smashed his front axle and came along to do the repairs.

Lieutenant Moss and Surgeon Kennedy came in ahead of the corps and made straight for the office of the Pike County Press to get hold of a L.A.W. map.

The Lieutanant was anxious to have Louisiana before night fall if he could get the proper information about roads up Old Monroe. Louisiana wheelmen were vague about the _______ over twenty-five miles out of town and the Lieutenant concluded to rest for a while.

Towards 4 o’clock the main body of the corps wheeled into town. Their arrival was the signal for preparations for a meal. Commissary stores had been awaiting their arrival at Louisiana and there was fresh hard tack, bacon and beans for dinner.

The corps carries its cooking utensils and provisions in diamond-shaped pouches fitted into the wheel frame. The commissary stores are then packed in these so that as little room as possible is wasted. Every man has a tin cup and plate, knife, fork and spoon in his luggage.

The stores carried are hard bread, ship-biscuit, canned beef, bacon, beans, sugar, coffee, salt, pepper and flour. These are the regular marching army rations.

While supper was being cooked the work of repairing the dismantled wheels went on. The men exhibited utter indifference to the sun. They cooked in a hollow by the river bank and ate off a big log, where the sun beat down on them. The repairers bent to their work, cementing tires, adjusting new frames and bearings in a heat that made the onlookers dizzy. Repairing was not finished at nightfall and the work went on until midnight, under the depot electric lights. When a man had his wheel in shape he curled up on the station platform and went to sleep. Lieut. Moss spent the night near his men. He found a blanket and a waiting room bench comfortable but Surgeon Kennedy spent his night in Louisiana in a hotel.

At 6:30 o’clock the last of the corps wheeled into Louisiana. They were Private Findley, Bridges and Scott. The former is the crack rider and boss repairer of the corps. His home is in St. Joseph, Mo., and he laid over there two days but easily caught up. At Hannibal, he found Bridges and Scott awaiting him with broken wheels. He fixed them up, then led them a merry chase into Louisiana to catch up. The thirty-six miles were covered inside of two and one-half hours.

After their arrival the bugle sounded “fall in” Corporal Haynes announced that when repairs were done the men could sleep until 2 p.m.[sic- that should be 2 a.m.!... Read on to see how the men rode in the middle of the night. - MH], when the start for St. Louis would be made.

- St. Louis Post-Dispatch [St. Louis, MO] July 23, 1897

---------------------------------------------

“Will Reach St. Louis Saturday. St. Louis July 23. -- Lieutenant Moss, in command of the United States army bicycle corps, which left Fort Missoula, Mont., a couple weeks ago, arrived at Louisiana, Mo., some 75 miles above here on the Mississippi river and will reach [sic] this city Saturday morning.”

-The Evening News [Lincoln, NE], Friday July 23, 1897

----------------------------------------------

Corp laid off 1/3rd day at Louisiana, MO on July 22

- J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant

It seems like they didn’t travel this day but Moss claims they went 45 miles! I can’t figure out how to reconcile the different reports. All other towns jibe with the newspaper accounts.

Eolia to St. Peter is about 41 miles

THEORY:
On Day 38 the Corps travelled from Macon to somewhere past Monroe (West Quincy railroad junction)

On Day 39 the Corps road from somewhere past Monroe (West Quincy railroad junction) to Louisiana
West Quincy railroad junction to Louisiana is 39.03 Google miles

Day 38 - Macon, MO to West Quincy, MO?

1997-07-21T12:04:00.001-06:00

Distance travelled: 63
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles –30m/ Tires – 0m/ Lunch – 2h/Other – 3h 30m
Actual travel time: 10h
Rate per hour: 6.3

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Place & times mentioned: Macon, MO; (West Quincy is not mentioned but was along the path of the railroad and fits the mileage figures stated.)

“Soldier ‘Cyclists at Macon. Macon, Mo., July 22--Under command of Lieutenant James A. Moss, a company of 23 soldiers, who left Missoula. Mon., July 14 on a test of the bicycle for army purposes, camped here last night on their way to St. Louis. The company expect to reach St. Louis by Saturday morning.”

-The Evening News [Lincoln, Nebraska] July 22, 1897

THEORY:
The Evening News says the Corps camped at Monroe this night or somewhere beyond it. Monroe is on Moss’s travel map. However, Macon to Monroe is only 40.5 Google miles….Moss reported they rode 63 miles this day. Going past Monroe, it is 63 Google miles to the place just south of West Quincy, MO where the railroad tracks take an abrupt turnabout and head south. The 63 mile point is .64 (little over a half mile) miles south of that junction

"Twenty-three colored soldiers of the regular army who left Missoula, Mont., on June 14 to ride eastward on bicycles as a test of their fitness for army service have reached Macon, Mo."

- Morning Herald-Despatch [Decataur , Illinois] Thursday, July 22, 1897

"Uncle Sam’s Bicycle Soldiers
A part of a colored regiment of the U. S. Army passed through the northern limit of the city last night. They were mounted on bicycles, each man carrying his blanket, repeating rifle, tent, etc. They are officered by Lieutenant J. A. Moss, a white man. The regiment was formerly stationed at Fort Missoula, Montana, but Lieutenant Moss desired to test the efficacy of the bicycle in long distances, so he chose this method of going through the country. The party was headed for Jefferson Barracks where they will report and thence to Chicago. They have encountered bad weather and roads, but have stood the trip remarkably well. They pronounce the bicycle a success as a means of army transportation. They have averaged 70 miles per day. There are few if any, horses could keep this up for such a length of time as have these men."

- Monroe City News, July 22, 1897, Pg. 1, Col. 3

[this story e-mailed to me by Nancy Stone Monroe City Historical Society]

Day 37 - Laclede, MO to Macon, MO

1997-07-20T12:05:00.001-06:00

Distance travelled: 49.5
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Afternoon rain
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –0m/ Tires – 20m/ Lunch – 0h/ Other – 2h
Actual travel time: 8h 30m
Rate per hour: 5.8

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Laclede [5:30 am]; Brookfield (AM); Macon, MO

Days Corp laid off: July 20 1/3rd day at Macon, MO

“BICYCLE CORPS IN THE RAIN. Macon, Mo., July 20. – A wet and chilled crowd was the Twenty-fifth bicycle corps as it came into this place this afternoon. They left LaClede at 5:30 am., and not withstanding their efforts to outrun an approaching storm for 45 miles the rain finally caught them and they were completely drenched. Efforts will be made to reach St. Louis Friday evening.”

- Idaho Daily Statesman Wednesday July 21, 1897

• I think they laid over in Macon because of the drenching they got. The distance reportedly travelled does not jibe with the Google distance.
• No lunch was taken. Why? They were trying to outrun the rain.
• Only 39.18 GoogleEarth miles from Laclede to Macon Missouri

“ The Bicycle Soldiers. The Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle corps camped at Laclede Monday evening and passed through Brookfield Tuesday morning. The company numbered twenty—Lieut. James A. Moss, Surgeon J.M. Kennedy and eighteen privates. They left Fort Missoula, Montana, June 24 [sic – they left the 14th] to ride to St. Louis and back for the purpose of testing the bicycle as a means of moving troops. Complete moving outfits, including tents, cooking utensils, etc. all carried on the wheels, each man carrying sixty-seven pounds on his bike. They have made an average of fifty miles a day over the entire route. The first twelve days out it snowed two days and rained ten, nevertheless they made their daily average of fifty miles, and one day covered seventy-two.
Henry V. Lucas, of St. Louis, met the company at Laclede, and arranged with the officers to reach St. Louis this morning [article published in Brookfield Gazette July 24, 1897] where the local wheelmen will meet the soldiers and give a big parade this morning. The corps will remain in St. Louis about two weeks before starting on their return trip. The privates were all colored men and the two commissioned officers were white. They looked rather “seedy” as they had been on the roads in dust, rain and snow for thirty-five days, but said they all felt much better than they looked.”

- Brookfield Gazette [Brookfield, MO] July 24, 1897

“General Miles has interested himself in the bicycle for army use and has for years maintained that the cycle would come into valuable miliary use, “ said he. “messengers in many state camps now ride wheels instead of horses, and there are already bicycle corps attached to the military of various commonwealths. We have had long distance relay rides, where dispatches have been carried, and the results have been not only satisfactory, but truly astonishing. There is now being made the greatest and strongest test ever attempted with the silent steed. By order of General Miles, a squad of twenty colored infantry men of the Twenty-fifth regiment, U.S.A. under command of Lieutenant James A. Moss, is on the road awheel, attempting the journey from Fort Missoula, on the western slop of the Rocky Mountains, to St. Louis, a distance of about 2000 miles. The soldiers will have to cross the main divide of the Rocky Mountains and do the rest of the journey where improved roads are unknown. Of course, very careful preparations were made for the trip. The result is awaited by military circles in St. Louis, and everywhere for that matter, because in a great measure the advisability of having a bicycle corps in the regular army will be determined by the success or failure of this experiment. “

- Galveston Daily News [Galveston, TX] pg. 8 July 20, 1897

Day 36 - Hamilton, MO to Laclede, MO

1997-07-19T12:06:00.004-06:00

Distance travelled: 60.1
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles –1m/ Tires – 0/ Lunch – 3h/Other – 2h 30m
Actual travel time: 8h 30m
Rate per hour: 7.1

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Hamilton, MO; Laclede, MO [camp]

"The Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle corps camped at Laclede Monday evening…"

- Brookfield Gazette [Brookfield, MO] July 24, 1897

Day 35 - St. Joseph, MO to Hamilton, MO

1997-07-18T12:07:00.002-06:00

Distance travelled: 60
Winds: Slight back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles –20m/Tires – 30m/Lunch – 4h/Other – 2h 20m
Actual travel time: 7h 50m
Rate per hour: 7.7

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Place & times mentioned: St. Joseph, MO; Hamilton, MO [camp]

“Somewhat of a stir was created Sunday afternoon in town when a detachment of the United States regular army came through on bicycles. United States regulars seldom visit Hamilton and a sight of a number of them fully armed and equipped would have been sufficient in itself to cause a commotion. To see them mounted on wheels was, however, an unusually strange sight.”

- The Farmers’ Advocate [Hamilton, MO?]

Day 34 - Napier, MO to St. Joseph, MO

1997-07-17T12:08:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 41.5
Winds: Slight head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –0m/ Tires – 0/ Lunch – 0h/ Other – 2h xm
Actual travel time: 6h
Rate per hour: 6.9 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Napier, MO; Mound City; St. Joseph, Missouri

[The following report appeared in the Daily Missoulian on July 17, claiming the corps had made it to St. Louis. Right beside this article is another, stating "Nebraska Is Reached". The corps did not reach St. Louis until after this paper was published. The sub-heading reports the Corps reached "the Mound City" a nickname for St. Louis. There is also a Mound City near Napier, on the side of Missouri opposite St. Louis. The corp left very near Mound City on July 17. Perhaps, Col. Burt misunderstood Lt. Moss -- but where did he come up with "their entry was witnessed by 40,000 people"?! ]

"REACH ST. LOUIS
--------------------
The Bicycle Corps Get to the Mound
City Yesterday, July 16
--------------------

The 25th Infantry Bicycle corps reached St. Louis yesterday, and their entry was witnessed by 40,000 people. The news came through Col. A.S. Burt, who was notified by wire by Lieutenant Moss in command of the corps. On June 14, the corps left Fort Missoula, making the trip over mountain roads, cactus beds and wagon roads in 33 days. It was a grand ride and beset with many difficulties, from the incessant rains along the route. Few accidents were reported, and those of no consequence. There were no delays made for pleasure and the boys pedaled hard to make a good record and have accomplished it. the whole world was watching the result and the bicycle is in the army of the United States will hinge upon Lieutenant Moss' report of the trip."

- Daily Missoulian Reach St. Louis, July 17, 1897

“The corps pass through Grand Island, Lincoln and Table Rock in Nebraska and out of that state into Missouri on July 17 [sic], at Rulo. As a whole, the roads through Nebraska are good but far from being level, short, steep hills being continually encountered.
The first camp was made at Napier, St. Joseph, Hamilton, Macon, Louisiana and St. Peters being camping places for the other nights. The roads across Missouri were bad and hilly and with the exception of a few gravel roads, were the worst on the entire trip. When away from the railroad the people were inhospitable. In one instance water sufficient for cooking being refused, and no reliable information regarding the roads could be gained. The heat for the last three days of the trip was severe and hard on the men.”

- Kansas City Journal Monday July 26 1897

"St. Joseph, Mo.,
July 17th, 1897

Gen’l. Samuel Breck
War Department, Washington D.C.

Sir: -
I have the honor to inform you the Bicycle Corps reached this place [St. Joseph] at 1 o’clock this afternoon.
The ride from Alliance, Neb., to Anselmo, Neb., a distance of 170 miles through the sand hills was unusually hard and trying. One day the thermometer registered 110 in the shade. Myself and a number of the soldiers were sick from the affects of alkali water, but under the circumstances the Corps held out exceedingly well. Since leaving the sand hills we have covered 405.8 miles in 6 1/2 days of actual travelling.
We expect to reach St. Louis next Saturday evening or the following morning.

Very respectfully,

James A. Moss,

2nd Lieut. 25 “ U.S. Inf.,

Commanding Bicycle Corps

2 543 Rec’d HQA Jul 20 1897

reproduced at the National Archives

AGO RG 94 2166

“Of the twenty soldiers who left Fort Missoula, nineteen reached St. Louis in good health. Pvt. Eugene Jones, Co. “H”, who claimed to be ill and unable to ride, was sent back to Fort Missoula from St. Joe, Mo. I have every reason to believe this soldier was merely feigning illness, thinking I would sent him the rest of the way to St. Louis by rail. As he had given me trouble on several occasions I thought it would be best for the public service to send him back to his station.”

- Lt. Moss, Report to Adjutant General [pg. 5] September 1, 1897

Days Corp laid off: July 17 1/3rd day at St. Joe, MO

Day 33 - Table Rock, NE to Napier, MO

1997-07-16T12:09:00.007-06:00

Distance travelled: 63Winds: slightly head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –o/ Tires – 0/ Lunch – 3h/Other – 1h
Actual travel time: 10h 45m
Rate per hour: 6.1- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Table Rock [departure 5 a.m.]; Humboldt [8 a.m.]; Verdon [10:30 a.m.]; Salem; Falls City; Rulo [ferried across Missouri at 6:30 p.m.

The bicycle corps of Uncle Sam’s regulars, who are riding from Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, on bicycles camped on the old camp meeting grounds east of town last night. The corps consists of twenty colored soldiers, under command of Second Lieutenant James A Moss. Surgeon J. M. Kennedy and Edward H Boos, a reporter for the St. Louis Globe Democrat, are accompanying the corps. They arrived in town about 8:30 o’clock and rode immediately to their camping ground. The wheels were all of the same make but eight different kinds of tires and both wood and steel rims are used. All chains are enclosed in oilcloth gear cases. Extra rims were carried ready for use in case of emergency. Other parts and repairs are distributed among the men. Each wheel weighs thirty-one pounds. Including gun, cartridges, canteen, parts of tents and disjointed ten poles and all equipments, each wheel weighs seventy pounds. This weight varies with the kind of rations carried, uncooked being heavier than cooked rations. The various articles are attached to every possible part of the wheels. The object of the trip is to test the practicability of the wheel for army purposes. They make an average of fifty miles a day. Out in Montana, during a heavy storm the boys only made nine miles one day, walking through mud almost knee deep. The corps left at 5 o’clock this morning and will reach Rulo today, and keep down the north bank of the river to St. Louis.

- Table Rock Argus [Table Rock, NE] July 17, 1897

[The Table Rock reporter appears to have lifted much of his story from the July 15 story which appeared in the Nebraska State Journal]

Bicycle Warriors

The bicycle corps of regular army soldiers arrived in Humboldt this morning about eight o’clock but went on through to Verdon their next stopping place. The corps consisted of twenty colored soldiers from several companies of infantry stationed at Ft. Missoula, Montana under command of Second Lieutenant James A. Moss, Twenty-fifth regiment. Surgeon J.M. Kennedy and Edward H. Boos, a young newspaper man, are members of the corps.

Two members of the company stopped in this city at the Filson house and procured refreshments while the main body pushed on. Their presence attracted quite a crowd which spent the time while they were eating in careful examination of their wheels and a general discussion of bicycles in general. One gentleman of this city would have the crowd understand that he was a walking encyclopedia when it came to bicycles and clearly remembered when the safety [safety bicycle] was used over thirty years ago. This made the ears stand out on some of the boys who were some “huckleberries” themselves on bicycles, but the tone carried conviction that the “safety” bicycle had been in use over a decade.

The wheels used were all of the same make, but eight different kinds of tires and both wood and steel rims are used. All chains are enclosed in oilcloth gear cases. Extra rims were carried ready for use in case of emergency. Other parts and repairs are distributed among the men. Each wheel weighs thirty-one pounds. Including gun, cartidges, canteen, parts of tents and disjointed tent poles and all equipments, each wheel weighs seventy pounds. This weight varies with the kind of rations carried, uncooked being heavier than cooked rations. The various articles are attached to every possible part of the wheels.

The soldiers are not gaudy in uniform. They wear blue cotton shirts, brown canvas trousers and leggings. Their hats are the white felt slouch of cavalrymen. Blue jackets are rolled up on the handlebars.

The Corps is on the way to St. Louis. The start was made one month ago Wednesday and the destination will probably be reached July 25. So far the average distance covered each day is fifty miles. The greatest distance made in one day was seventy miles and the lowest was nine miles. The nine mile trip was made in Montana during a heavy rain in gumbo mud. The men had to walk slowly and stop every few moments to dig the mud off their wheels. In the worst of the sand hill country in Nebraska they made thirty-eight miles a day. The men have not been pushed so that its impossible to tell how far they can go in a day. Nearly all are men who have had considerable experience in wheeling. One man, however, had never ridden a wheel until two days before the start. He is now one of the best in the party. The experienced wheelmen keep up a little better, but so far the inexperienced men have kept pace with the others.

The object of the trip is to test the practibility of the wheel for army service. Lieutenant Moss has had a corps in command for several months and some long trips have been made. At the fort he drills the men on their wheels. He has a drill suitable for movements on the bicycle, but the drill has not yet been made official by the war department. A part of the exercise is fence jumping. The speed with which men can ride at a fence, come to a stop and lift seventy pounds over the obstruction and then start again, is said to be equal to tests made by cavalrymen. No drills are given on the road, but exhibitions will be given every day after St. Louis is reached.

The men take the railroad track in country where roads are bad. They ride in single file. Every other man carries a tent. The others carry an equal weight in blankets or other equipments. Some carry big frying pans which are made in the shape of frame satchels, two locking together, fastened in the frame of the wheel. Two men carry big camp cans in which coffee is made. The reporter carries a flag and a camera. He also rode a different make of wheel [a Sterling – MH]. Rations are sent by the war department to stations along the way and the men call for the packages. The route is mapped out in advance and once determined on is not changed because of shipment of rations. The regular rations are issued, no extras being allowed.

The corps will cross the Missouri river at Rulo which was their destination on leaving this city. They will follow along the north bank of the Missouri river as closely as possible until the reach St. Louis.

- The Humboldt Leader [Humboldt, NE] Friday, July 16, 1897

[This article seems to be copied in parts from an article which appeared in the Nebraska State Journal on July 15. I wonder if Boos supplied many of the details over the wire. The Filson house where two of the men (I’m guessing Boos and Kennedy) “procured refreshments” was quite possibly a saloon. The June 5, 1897 edition of the Humboldt Standard (Humboldt had two newspapers!) tells us: T.T. FESSLER HOTEL

Came to this city on the first of April, 1896, and started a boarding house. His trade increased so rapidly that he found it necessary to seek larger quarters. He is now located in the old Filson house, has made it an up-to-date house and is able to accommodate a large number with board and rooms.]

Twenty-two colored soldiers together with the officer in command and an associated press reporter, both white men, passed through this place on bicycles last Friday. The detachment is on its way from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis. The trip was undertaken to test the bicycles for transferring soldiers from one post to another. Nearly all of them arrived here about 10:30 o’clock and rested until after eleven o’clock when they continued on their way. The rest of the men were pretty badley [sic] scattered out, the last one, who was quite sick, not arriving until evening. They have been on the road a little over a month and expect to reach St. Louis by August 1st.

- The Verdon Vedette [Verdon, NE] July 23, 1897

click on the image to see a larger view

[The Falls City Journal has an etching of six of the soldiers on their bicycles. Strangely, there is no article anywhere in this issue to explain the picture—only a captain “Uncle Sam’s Bicycle Cavalry” above the piece]

- Falls City Journal [Falls City, NE] Friday, July 23, 1897

The twenty-one colored soldiers that started from Ft. Missoula, Montana, on June 15, under command of Second Lieutenant James Moss, of the Twenty-fifth regiment, Surgeon J. M. Kennedy and Edward H. Boos, a young newspaper man, crossed the Missouri river on Ferryman Graham’s boat here at different intervals between 4 o’clock last Friday afternoon and 12 o’clock Sunday forenoon. None of them stopped here any length of time, as they desire and expect to reach St. Louis, Mo., their designation [sic], by July 25. They are mounted on bicycles weighing only thirty-one pounds. The men wear blue cotton shirts, brown canvas trousers with leggings and wear the regulation white slouch hats. Their blue jackets, parts of tents and disjointed tent poles, blankets, water canteens, cooking utensils etc., are strapped to the machines making them weigh on an average of seventy pounds each. They are all of one make, but eight different kinds of tires and both wood and steel rims are used. A distance of a little over 1500 miles had been reeled off when they got here, the average distance covered being fifty miles per day. Seventy miles was the greatest distance they had traveled in any one day and nine miles the least. Out in the sand hill part of Nebraska they report having gone on an average of thirty-eight miles per day. The object of the trip is to test the practibility [sic] of the wheel for army use. Despite the hot weather all had enjoyed good health until they reached Salem [S of Verdon and W of Falls City] where some had to lay over on account of being afflicted with cramps, which accounts for the straggling way in which they passed Rulo

- The Rulo Reporter [Rulo, NE] July 23, 1897

Rulo Bridge, 1890 - http://bridgehunter.com/category/location/ne/
This bridge is shown in the sketch at the top of the post.

“Finally, about 6:30 pm, July 16, we were ferried across the Missouri River at Rulo, Neb. , and landed on Missouri soil with a we’re-on-the-last heat feeling. Camp was made that night at Napier, where we drew a fresh supply of rations. The corps followed the river bottom for a number of miles and then started “across the country” – across the land of corn. Morning, noon and evening we were riding surrounded by the waving corn fields of historic Missouri.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel Nov. 21, 1897

“The Bicycle Corps Get to the Mound City Yesterday, July 16”

- Headline for The Daily Missoulian July 17, 1897

[They got to Napier, MO which is very close to Mound City, MO according to Moss's report]

Day 32 - Firth, NE to Table Rock, NE

1997-07-15T12:10:00.006-06:00

Distance travelled: 60 miles
Winds: Slight head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –30m/Tires – 15m/Lunch – 5h/Other – 30m
Actual travel time: 8h 15m
Rate per hour: 7.4 mph

- Lt. James A. Moss Report to the Adjutant General Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Firth, NE [6 AM]; Adams [morning]; Sterling [forenoon]; Tecumseh, NE [noon; Table Rock [8 pm]

“Firth [Nebraska] --The United States colored troops of the Twenty-fifth regiment came into town [Firth] Wednesday evening about 8 o’clock and camped on the south side of town. They were on bicycles and came from Mt. [sic] Missoula, Mont., on their way to St. Louis, under command of Lieutenant Moss. The trip is an experiment, demonstrating the feasibility of using bicycles in the service of moving troops. In the eastern part of Montana they were caught in a snow storm, and had to walk and carry their bicycles and trappings, weighing 118 pounds, for a number of miles. While passing through the sand hills in the western part of the state they had the same experience, being able to ride only eighteen miles out of 100. They left town at 6 o’clock Thursday morning, following the B. & M. track.”

-Nebraska State Journal Monday July 19, 1897

The 22 soldiers and one reporter who started from Fort Missoula, in Montana, west of the Rocky Mountain range, on June 14, passed through Adams yesterday morning, July 15, on their way to St. Louis. They looked like they would be good for an all summer ride. On Wednesday evening they had made 1,000 miles of their trip and camped at Firth. The trip of these soldiers from Fort Missoula to St. Louis is to determine what can be done in the way of moving troops over the country on bicycles, and the route which has been selected over the mountains and through the sand hills is certainly a good test. On the first part of the trip over the mountains, they encountered heavy storms of rains and snow, swollen streams, and muddy roads. When they passed through here the roads were good. The wheels are the Spalding [sic] military bicycle of the 1897 pattern. They carried their guns, rations and equipments for camping. One of them who stopped in town to repair his wheel said that he had worked at chopping wood, harvesting and other heavy labor but the bicycle trips beats everything to give a man an appetite.

- The Adams Globe [Adams, NE] July 16, 1897

The bicycle corps of the regular army soldiers passed through Sterling last Thursday forenoon. The corps consisted of twenty colored soldiers from several companies of infantry stationed at Ft. Missoula, Mont. They were under the command of Second Lieutenant James A. Moss, S. M. [sic – should be J.M.] Kennedy, Surgeon and accompanied by Edward H. Boos, a young newspaper man. They were on their way to St. Louis and the object of trip is test the practicality of the wheel for army service.

- The Sterling Eagle [Sterling, NE] July 22, 1897

Soldiers On Wheels

The twenty soldiers from Ft. Missoula, Montana, who are on their way to St. Louis by bicycle, arrived in Tecumseh, Thursday noon, and remained here for two or three hours. The trip is being made by direction of the army department for the purpose of testing the efficiency of the bicycle for long distance marches. The men have been on the road about one month. They expect to reach St. Louis one week from tomorrow. The distance from Ft. Missoula to St. Louis is about 2,000 miles. The men are all colored but two or three and are under command of Leiutenant [sic] James A. Moss of the Twenty-fifth infantry, U.S.A.

- The Tecumseh Chieftan [Tecumseh, NE] July 17, 1897

“LATE STATE NEWS. The twenty soldiers from the Twenty- fifth infantry, under command of Second Lieut. J. A. Moss, who are making the trip from Fort MISSOULA to St. Louis on bicycles, arrived at Tecumseh at 1 o'clock yesterday, and went into camp on the court house lawn. They left there [Tecumseh] last night for Humboldt.

- The Evening News [Lincoln Nebraska] July 16, 1897

“Bicycle Corps at Table Rock. Table Rock, Neb., July 16. – The 25th United States infantry bicycle corps reached here at 8 o’clock last evening [July 15] after a hard day’s run, covering 60 miles. From here the run will be made to Rulo, where the corps will cross the Missouri river into Missouri.”

- The Evening News [Lincoln Nebraska] July 16, 1897

“Bicycle Corps Leaves Table Rock. TABLE ROCK, Neb., July 18 – (Special) – The bicycle corps of regular army soldiers, en route from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, arrived here a little after 8 o’clock last evening. They went into camp on the historical camp ground of Table Rock, immediately. The corporal, lieutenant and correspondant, who had preceded them, have everything in readiness. Their repairs had been shipped here, and were awaiting them. They left here at an early hour this morning. A large crowd had assembled last night to await their entrance. They were saluted with loud and lusty cheers.”

- The Nebraska State Journal [Lincoln, Nebraska] July 17, 1897

Day 31 - Germantown, NE to Firth (near Lincoln), NE (NEEDS WORK)

1997-07-14T12:11:00.001-06:00

Distance travelled:50 miles
Winds: slight head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles – 30m/Tires – 0/Lunch – 6h 30m /Other – 1h 30m
Actual travel time: 6h 50m
Rate per hour: 7.3 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Germantown [left 5:10 a.m.]; Lincoln [9:30 a.m-left 4:30 p.m.]; Firth [camped 8 p.m.]

SOLDIERS IN TOWN –
Experimenters With the Bicycle for the Army Reach Lincoln.

The detachment of bicycle soldiers from the Twenty-fifth infantry, who are making the trip from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis to test the efficiency of the bicycle for making long trips successfully, arrived in Lincoln in Lincoln at 9:30 a.m. today. They camped at Germantown last night leaving there at 5:10 this morning. They were met at Germantown by Major Fechet, who accompanied them to the city. They will leave at 4:30 this afternoon for St. Joe. They left Fort Missoula on the 14th of June, and have had a pleasant time, although all admit to being pretty tired. The experiment has so far convinced the commandant, Lieut. Moss, that the bicycle has a future in the army. They are encamped on the capitol grounds. They carry with them tents, poles and other paraphernalia used by cavalrymen on march. There are representatives of Companies A, B, F and G of the Twenty-fifth infantry, Lieut. Moss being of Company G. The men carry extra tires and rims, and each man rides a different make of wheel.

- Evening News [Lincoln, NE], Wednesday, July 14, 1897

“From Germantown [called Garland today] to Lincoln the roads were exceedingly bad and hilly the greater part of the way and were only good when within five miles of Lincoln. At West Lincoln the command was met by Major Fichet of the U.S. cavalry, acting on the governor’s staff, and who made arrangements for our camp on the statehouse grounds. The procession headed by Major Fichet and followed by the corps, passed through the city and reached the state house grounds by 9:30, where a temporary camp was made, it being the intention to leave Lincoln that same evening. Before the corps had been in camp 20 minutes the grounds were covered with interested sightseers, and it was almost impossible for the men to get around on regular routine duty. At 5 o’clock assembly was sounded and the corps formed into line in the street and started out of the city on their way to Table Rock, which was reached a day later.
Ever since leaving Broken Bow the corps has been averaging over 60 miles per day and this over hilly country and only fair roads.”

E.H. Boos, Official Reporter 25th U.S. Inf. Bicycle Corps

Missoulian The Sand Abundant July 31, 1897

SOLDIERS IN TOWN

------------------

Experimenters With the Bicycle for Army Reach Lincoln

The detachment of bicycle soldiers from the Twenty-fifth infantry, who are making the trip from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis to test the efficiency of the bicycle for making long trips successfully, arrived in Lincoln at 9:30 a.m. today. They camped at Germantown last night, leaving there at 5:10 this morning. They were met at Germantown by Major Fechet, who accompanied them to the city. They will leave at 4:30 this afternoon for St. Joe. They left Fort Missoula on the 14^th of June, and have had a pleasant time, although all admit to being pretty tired. The experiment has so far convinced the commandant, Lieut. Moss, that the bicycle has a future in the army. They are encamped on the capitol grounds. They carry with them tents, poles and other paraphernalia used by cavalrymen on march. There are representatives of Companies A, B, F and G of the Twenty-fifth Infantry. Lieut. Moss being of Company G. The men carry extra tires and rims, and each man rides a different make of wheel.

- The Evening News [Lincoln, NE] July 14, 1897

[All of the men rode Spaulding bicycles except Boos, who rode a Sterling- MH]

______________________________________

WARRIORS ON CHARGERS OF STEEL

--------------------

Regular Army Bicycle Corps Takes a Short Rest at Lincoln

-------------------

Twenty Colored Wheelmen in Command

of Lieutenant Moss Making a

Test of the Bicycle

The bicycle corps of regular army soldiers arrived in Lincoln yesterday forenoon and remained until 5 p.m. The corps consisted of twenty colored soldiers from several companies of infantry stationed at Ft. Missoula, Mont., under command of Second Lieutenant James A. Moss, Twenty-fifth regiment. Surgeon J. M. Kennedy and Edward H. Boos, a young newspaper man , are members of the corps. The soldiers camped last night at Germantown, twenty miles from Lincoln. They started early yesterday morning and reached Lincoln about 10 o’clock. The men camped on the south side of the capitol lawn while the officers busied themselves about town, getting wheels repaired and hunting for information regarding roads southeast of Lincoln. [p]

The men attracted many people to their camp, especially cyclists, male and female. They were surrounded all the time by persons anxious to ascertain how they stood the trip, the time made and other details. The soldiers reclined on the grass after dinner and tried to get some rest, but the crowd of visitors made rest almost out of the question. Some tired fellows slept, however, with people tramping all around and over them. No tents were put dup. The wheels loaded with equipments were leaned up against one another or against trees. The wheels were all of the same make but eight different kinds of tires and both wood and steel rims are used. All chains are enclosed in oilcloth gear cases. Extra rims were carried ready for use in case of emergency. Other parts and repairs are distributed among the men. Each wheel weighs thirty-one pounds, including gun, cartridges, canteen, parts of tents and disjoined tent poles and all equipments, each wheel weighs seventy pounds. This weight varies with the kind of rations carried, uncooked being heavier than cooked rations. The various articles are attached to every possible part of the wheels. [p]

The corps is on the way to St. Louis. The start was made one month ago yesterday and the destination will probably be reached July 25. So far the average distance covered each day is fifty miles. The greatest distance made in one day was seventy miles and the lowest was nine miles. The nine mile trip was made in Montana during a heavy rain in gumbo mud. The men had to walk slowly and stop every few moments to dig the mud off their wheels. In the worst of the sand hill country in Nebraska they made thirty-eight miles a day. The men have not been pushed so that it is impossible to tell how far they can go in a day. Nearly all are men who have had considerable experience wheeling. One man, however, had never ridden a wheel until two days before the start. He is now one of the best in the party. The experienced wheelmen keep up a little better, but so far the inexperienced men have kept pace with the others. [p]

The object of the trip is to test the practicability of the wheel for army service. Lieutenant Moss has had a corps in command for several months and some long trips have been made. At the fort he drills the men on their wheels. He as a drill suitable for movements on the bicycle, but the drill has not yet been made official by the war department. A part of the exercise is fence jumping. The speed with which men can ride at a fence, come to a stop and lift seventy pounds over the obstruction and then start again, is said to be equal to tests made by cavalrymen. No drills are given on the road, but exhibitions will be given every day after St. Louis is reached. [p]

The men take the railroad track in country where roads are bad. They ride in single file. Every other man carries a tent. The others carry an equal weight in blankets, or other equipments. Some carry big frying pans which are made in the shape of frame satchels, two locking together, fastened in the frame of the wheel. Two men carry big camp cans in which coffee is made. The reporter carries a flag and a camera. He also rode a different make of wheel. Rations are sent by the war department to stations along the way and the men call for the packages. The route is mapped out in advance and once determined on is not changed because of shipment of rations. The regular rations are issued no extras being allowed. [p]

Quite a crowd watched the men start last evening and several cameras were there to be leveled at the file, but the sun was obdurate and refused to shine. The route to be taken includes Roca, Hickman, Firth, Adams, Table Rock and Rulo. At the latter point the corps will cross the Missouri river. They will follow along the north bank of the Missouri river as closely as possible until they reach St. Louis.

- Nebraska State Journal [Lincoln, NE] Thursday morning, July 15, 1897

[The writer says, “The speed with which men can ride at a fence, come to a stop and lift seventy pounds over the obstruction and then start again, is said to be equal to tests made by cavalrymen” cracks me up. I keep picturing cavalrymen lifting their horses over a 9 foot fence- MH]

“At 5 o’clock [PM, Wednesday 14 July] assembly was sounded and the corps formed into line in the street and started out of the city [Lincoln, NE] on their way to Table Rock, which was reached a day later…”

Humboldt Leader [Humboldt, NE] July 16, 1897

Firth. The United States colored troops of the Twenty-fifth regiment came into town [Firth] Wednesday evening about 8 o’clock and camped on the south side of town. They were on bicycles and came from Mt. [sic] Missoula, Mont., on their way to St. Louis, under command of Lieutenant Moss. The trip is an experiment, demonstrating the feasibility of using bicycles in the service of moving troops. In the eastern part of Montana they were caught in a snow storm, and had to walk and carry their bicycles and trappings, weighing 118 pounds, for a number of miles. While passing through the sand hills in the western part of the state they had the same experience, being able to ride only eighteen miles out of 100. They left town at 6 o’clock Thursday morning, following the B. & M. track.

- Nebraska State Journal Monday July 19, 1897

"The 22 soldiers and one reporter who started from Fort Missoula, in Montana, west of the Rocky Mountain range, on June 14, passed through Adams yesterday morning, July 15, on their way to St. Louis... On Wednesday evening [they]...camped at Firth"

- The Adams Globe [Adams, NE] July 16, 1897

Day 30 - Aurora, NE to Germantown (now called Garland), NE

1997-07-13T12:12:00.002-06:00

Distance travelled: 66.5 miles
Winds: Slight head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles – 0/Tires – 0/Lunch –3h 30m/Other – 2h 30m
Actual travel time: 8h
Rate per hour: 8.4 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Seward [6 p.m.]; Germantown [before sundown]

"A small detachment of the 25^th Inft. On their way from Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis passed through Seward last evening about 6 o’clock. The party numbered twenty-three and were traveling on bikes. They have only averaged fifty-two miles a day, the roads being so bad, but expect to do better."

- The Blue Valley Blade [Seward, NE] July 14, 1897

“Germantown was our next objective point and was reached before sundown on Wednesday evening [this doesn’t match up with everything else….must be a mistake], after traveling over good roads but over very hilly country. It is indeed a rarity to get a piece of level road for over a distance of two miles and we were much disappointed, as we expected to make hundred mile runs daily in these parts, but which is an impossibility on account of the number of steep grades.
At Germantown three days’ ration were drawn and camp for the night made...”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

[today the town called Germantown is called Garland. The name was changed when the US entered World War I. Private Raymond Garland was the first person from Germantown to give his life in that war. He died of pneumonia enroute to France. -Wikipedia]

*I think Boos meant to say Germantown was reached on Tuesday evening.

Aurora to Germantown = 55.53 GoogleEarth miles

“Bicycle Corps at Germantown – Germantown, July 14 – Before sundown last evening the Twenty-fifth United States infantry bicycle corps arrived. The corps has made the run from Ravenna, 132 miles, in two days. The roads were fair, with the exception of 20 miles of hilly country where bad roads and steep climbs were encountered. The total distance covered up to last night is 1,311 miles. “

- The Evening News, Lincoln NE, July 14, 1897

SOLDIERS IN TOWN – Experimenters With the Bicycle for the Army Reach Lincoln.

-Evening News [Lincoln, NE], The Wednesday, July 14, 1897

Day 29 - Ravenna, NE to Aurora, NE

1997-07-12T12:13:00.001-06:00

Distance travelled: 65.2 miles
Winds: slight head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles – 15m/ Tires – 0m/ Lunch –3h 45m/Other – 2h
Actual travel time: 10h
Rate per hour: 6.5 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Ravenna; Grand Island [left at 5 p.m.]; Aurora [camped]

“Monday morning, July 12 found the corps on the road at an early hour and well on their way before sun up. A number of roads leading from Ravenna to Grand Island were suggested and it was decided to take the main traveled one all the way through without regard to the advices which were given to us, no two of which agreed.
The road was sandy in places and exceedingly hilly for a distance 20 miles. About 10 miles out the corps stopped for some water at a farm house beside the road. The folks were Germans and were delighted to see us and insisted that the men should stop and have some milk and bread. Accordingly the squad was halted and gathered around swo[?] large cans of milk with their tin cups while the women passed large pieces of bread around to the men, and when the bread was all gone they brought out all the cakes and cookies in the house. It was useless to remonstrate. They insisted that every man should have all he wanted and when the corps left the place I dare say that not a crust remained in the bread box of the kind housewife. It is needless to say that a lasting impression was made on the minds of the men and many thanks were expressed as the corps started on its uphill climb. Finally the last hill was climbed and away below us stretched the valley of the Platte river. Good roads were now ahead for a few miles and a regular race was run for several miles until patches of sand were struck and where it was necessary to walk in places. The sand extended for about two miles when another stretch of good road was struck and continued until Grand Island was reached. A stop of a few hours was made at Grand Island and then the corps continued on its way to Aurora, 25 miles distant. The run was made in two and three-quarter hours, being the best time we have made for that distance up to that time. It was dark when Aurora was reached and before long a blazing fire and steaming pot showed that camp was made and that supper would soon be ready. Lieut. Moss bought a lot of fresh meat and bakers’ bread and a good supper was served that night.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

Twenty soldiers from Fort Missoula, Montana came in this afternoon awheel making the run from Ravenna this morning. The lieutenant of the company, J. A. Most [sic], was seen by the reporter and stated that the company was en route to St. Louis. It started from the Montana fort on the 14^th of last month and has made 1220 miles since that date. The men are al mounted on Spaulding’s military wheels a modification of the road wheel, the trip being a government experiment. The men made 62 miles yesterday, making the run from Broken Bow to Ravenna. This morning they made forty miles and expected to make Aurora this evening camping there for the night. The company will leave this city this evening at five o’clock.

- Grand Island Daily Independent [Grand Island, NE] July 12, 1897

A detachment of United States colored soldiers from Montana, under command of Lieut. Moss, enroute to St. Louis on bicycles, camped in this city, Monday night. The object of the trip is to test the value of a bicycle for military purposes.

- The Aurora Republican [Aurora, NE] July 16, 1897

Twenty-one colored soldiers, with two white officers, on their way from Montana to St. Louis, making a government test of bicycles in transporting troops, camped here Monday night. They were riding Spaulding wheels, furnished free of charge to the government. They carried an average of eighty pounds baggage, and are making fifty miles a day. A reporter of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat accompanied them. They carried guns, knapsacks, 50 rounds each of ammunition, and tents, blankets, extras for wheels. They used the Goodrich single-tube tandem tire. They rode in single file and make a very imposing appearance.

- The Aurora Sun [Aurora, NE] July 17, 1897

SOLDIERS ON WHEELS. – Bicycle Corps of Regulars Will Probably Reach Lincoln Today. James A. Moss, second lieutenant, Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, will probably arrive in Lincoln this evening in command of twenty-three soldiers, who are making a trip by wheel from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis. The soldiers are known as the bicycle corps. The object of the trip is to test the wheel as a means of covering great distances. Light camping equipment is carried. The corps reached Grand Island yesterday and will probably camp on the capitol lawn tonight.
Lieutenant Moss wrote from Broken Bow to Major E.G. Fechet, Sixth U.S. cavalry, special aid to the governor, that the corps reached that place July 9 after an exceedingly hard and trying trip through the sand hills. He decided to rest one day at Broken Bow. He said in the letter that he expected to reach Lincoln Tuesday evening.
J.G. Painter, captain of the company of Nebraska national guardsmen at Broken Bow, wrote that Lieutenant Moss reached Broken Bow at 7:30 p.m. with twenty-three men after covering a distance of 1,300 miles in twenty-five days. Captain Painter says of the corps:
“In their travel of 178 miles from Alliance, Neb., a distance of fifteen miles was ridden on their wheels, the balance of the distance they walked and led their wheels through the sand hill country. The intense heat and bad water told severly on the men and many became prostrate and they longed for that Eldorado, Broken Bow. The last thirty hours before they reached Broken Bow they were drenched with rain and they wheeled into town soaking wet. In anticipation of their coming the armory was put in shape to receive them, a good fire was built and they were put through the drying process, and gasoline stoves were provided for their cooking and straw for bedding, and with a good warm supper the men retired early for a well earned rest.”

- Nebraska State Journal, Tuesday morning, July 13, 1897

Day 28 - Broken Bow, NE to Ravenna, NE

1997-07-11T12:14:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 62.1 miles
Winds: head part of the day
Grades: Up and down
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: Very good
Delays: Bicycles – 1h 30m/Tires – 15/Lunch –4h 50m/Other – 1h
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 7.8mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Broken Bow; Mason City; Litchfield [noon]; Ravenna

A troop of twenty colored soldiers from the infantry branch of the standing army passed through town [Mason City] Sunday afternoon, on their way from Mt. [sic] Missoula, Mont. On their way to St. Louis, Mo. The trip is being made on bicycles for the purpose of determining the value of the wheel for long marches. The trip through western Nebraska was very hard on account of the excessively hot weather and poor water. The troop rested one day at Broken Bow. The troop is under command of James A. Moss second lieutenant Twenty-fifth infantry. They made the trip from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to Broken Bow, a distance of 1,300 miles in twenty-five days, and expected to reach Lincoln Tuesday night.

- Mason City Transcript [Mason City, NE] July 15, 1897

The 25^th U.S. Infantry Bicycle Corps of Ft. Missoula, Mont., on a trial trip to St. Louis, in command of Lieut. Moss, stopped in Litchfield Sunday afternoon and took several hours to repair bicycles and escape riding in the heat of the day. The company numbered twenty-three, all colored except the lieutenant and surgeon. They were accompanied by Edward H. Boos, official reporter, who furnishes a detailed description of the trip to the Associated Press and several papers. Bicycles has been successfully introduced into the army for speedy action at short distance, but the object of this trip is to test the advantage of the use of wheels on long marches. The presence of the company in camp drew a large number of people curious to learn the details of this mode of travel. They are averaging about 60 miles a day without trouble, and left this place about 6 o’clock.

- Litchfield Monitor [Litchfield, NE] July 15, 1897

“Sunday morning broke bright and clear, the roads dried up to make fair riding and the corps pulled away before town was stirring. Though the roads was fair the continual up and down grade made traveling very hard. It was now for the first time that we had to follow section line roads, and it was greatly to our disadvantage to have to do so, as for every 50 miles of railroad distance we were compelled to travel from 60 to 70 miles. At Litchfield, which was reached shortly after noon the corps stopped for lunch and received rations and a surplus of extra wheel parts.
From Litchfield to Raven [sic - Ravenna] a very hilly road was before us, and it was hard work to make good enough time to bring us into the latter place before it was very dark, but which was done all right by the whole corps with the exception of two of its members who mistook the road and were wandering around the country half the night before reaching camp.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

Day 27 - Broken Bow, NE (day of rest)

1997-07-10T12:15:00.005-06:00

Days Corp laid off: July 9 [Moss's chart claims it was the 10th] – 1 day at Broken Bow, NE

Out of Sand Into Mud

BROKEN BOW, Neb., July 11-- The army bicycle corps arrived here last night, water soaked and tired. The run through the sandhills was completed without serious mishap and better wheeling is hoped for on the eastern runs. Heavy rain, however, is now falling and may seriously impede the progress of the corps.

- Falls City Journal, [Falls City, NE] Friday, July 17, 1897

Wheel Corps of the 25^th Infantry Spend a Day in Broken Bow.

The wheel corps of the 25^th infantry, enroute from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis, arrived in Broken Bow last Friday evening, just as a rain was beginning to fall, and took up quarters by invitation of the Holcomb Guards in Armory Hall. The troop consists of twenty colored soldiers from several different companies, under command of Second Lieutenant Jas. Moss, of the 25^th Infantry. Surgeon J.M. Kennedy and official correspondant , E. H. Boos accompany the party, the last three named being white. The corps had a hard trip through the sandhills of northwest Nebraska, as well as over the mountains of Wyoming and Montana. Lots of mud was also encountered, and on reaching this haven of good roads, the troopers concluded to rest up a day and overhaul their wheels. A certain make of wheel is used, fitted especially for the trip, a gear case of oil cloth being used to cover the chain. The wheels weigh thirty pounds each and equipments carried average about sixty pounds. Each carries an army rifle, slung across his back, 100 rounds of ammunition in his belt, a blanket, one-half tent and tent pole strapped in front of the handle bars and in the leather case between the frame, rations, cooking utensils and necessaries of all kinds. Several of the cases are of sheet iron, which when taken off and apart are two large pans, used for cooking in. One of the soldiers acts in the capacity of repair man and when a puncture or break occurs trades wheels and makes the repairs by the roadside, catching up with the squad as best he can, taking a train if too far in the rear. A supply of rims, handle bars, pedals and tires are carried along. Very few breaks or punctures have occurred, however, for so large a party and those have usually been from carelessness. The costumes worn are rather plain, blue cotton shirts, brown canvas pants, brown leggings, shoes, hats and blue coats, the latter being strapped with the handles. The marching is done in single file, and when compelled to walk long distances on account of mud or sand, they usually take the railroad track. While the greater number are experienced wheelmen, several are beginners, one soldier having had two days experience before starting. All are standing the trip well however, and one of the party stated that an average of fifty-six miles per day had been made. The trip is being made at the instance of the government, to demonstrate the feasibility of the bicycle for military use, and its advantages—if any—over horses. It will be a journey of 2,000 miles, over all kinds of roads, 1,300 miles having been passed over when this place was reached. All day Saturday was spent here by the company, leaving at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, greatly refreshed. They expect to reach St. Louis about July 25^th and do not yet know whether they will return awheel or on the train.

- Custer County Chief [Broken Bow, NE] July 16, 1897

"At Broken Bow [Friday night] just as the men reached their shelter the storm broke in all its fury, thoroughly drenching a couple of men who were unable to reach the camp in time. The Nebraska National Guard, under Capt. Painter, took the corps in charge on their arrival and quartered them in their barracks, where a gasoline stove was provided for cooking purposes and a quantity of hay for bedding. Saturday was a wet day, the roads were muddy, and as the men were very wet and the machines needed overhauling, it was decided to stop over and take a day for general overhauling."

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant, July 31, 1897

"SOLDIERS ON WHEELS. – Bicycle Corps of Regulars Will Probably Reach Lincoln Today. James A. Moss, second lieutenant, Twenty-fifth United States Infantry, will probably arrive in Lincoln this evening in command of twenty-three soldiers, who are making a trip by wheel from Ft. Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis. The soldiers are known as the bicycle corps. The object of the trip is to test the wheel as a means of covering great distances. Light camping equipment is carried. The corps reached Grand Island yesterday and will probably camp on the capitol lawn tonight.
Lieutenant Moss wrote from Broken Bow to Major E.G. Fechet, Sixth U.S. cavalry, special aid to the governor, that the corps reached that place July 9 after an exceedingly hard and trying trip through the sand hills. He decided to rest one day at Broken Bow. He said in the letter that he expected to reach Lincoln Tuesday evening.
J.G. Painter, captain of the company of Nebraska national guardsmen at Broken Bow, wrote that Lieutenant Moss reached Broken Bow at 7:30 p.m. with twenty-three men after covering a distance of 1,300 miles in twenty-five days. Captain Painter says of the corps:
“In their travel of 178 miles from Alliance, Neb., a distance of fifteen miles was ridden on their wheels, the balance of the distance they walked and led their wheels through the sand hill country. The intense heat and bad water told severly on the men and many became prostrate and they longed for that Eldorado, Broken Bow. The last thirty hours before they reached Broken Bow they were drenched with rain and they wheeled into town soaking wet. In anticipation of their coming the armory was put in shape to receive them, a good fire was built and they were put through the drying process, and gasoline stoves were provided for their cooking and straw for bedding, and with a good warm supper the men retired early for a well earned rest.”

- Nebraska State Journal, Tuesday morning, July 13, 1897

["In 1888 Sitting Bull rejected a new offer to sell Sioux land. The American government became increasingly frustrated by Sitting Bull's refusal to negotiate a deal and orders were given for his arrest. On 15th December, 1890, Sitting Bull was killed while being arrested..."

- http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WWsittingB.htm

"Major Fechet moved his command at night some thirty miles to the close proximity of Sitting Bull's camp, and sent his Indian police forward to arrest the great war chief. They proceeded to Sitting Bull's lodge and, entering it, informed him that he was a prisoner, and that he must go with them. He protested, but to no avail. They had proceeded but a few steps when he raised the war cry which aroused his followers, who rushed to his rescue. Then occurred a short, desperate Indian combat, in which Sitting Bull and quite a number of his immediate followers were killed, as well as five of the principal friendly Indian police who had made the arrest. The remainder, however, held their position until the prompt arrival of the troops, who dispersed the hostile Indians in every direction. It is a little singular that the last real encounter of this greatest of Indian chieftains should have been a tragedy in which he was to fall by the hands of men of his own race. He was the strongest type of the hostile Indian that this country has produced. His reputation had been made by courage, energy, and intense hostility to the white race in his early days. He had gradually risen to leadership until he became the great organizing or controlling spirit of the hostile element. None of the other Indians possessed such power to draw and mold the hearts of his people to one purpose, and his fall appeared to be the death-knell of the Indian supremacy in that western country."

- Nelson Miles, Personal Recollections and Observations (1896)

Day 26 - Halsey, NE to Broken Bow, NE (not finished)

1997-07-09T12:16:00.002-06:00

July 9, 1897

A bicycle corps of twenty-three soldiers of the regular army are expected to reach Broken Bow tonight. They are on a 2,000 mile wheel trip, under military orders, from Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis. The troopers have had a hard time walking over the sand hills of the northwest, and are said to be footsore and weary. Nearly two-thirds of the distance has been covered and from this point on the trip will be a dream, over good roads and a well settled country.

- Custer County Chief [Broken Bow, NE] July 9, 1897

[The last line… “from this point on the trip will be a dream, over good roads and a well settled country” really gets me since I know what they faced up ahead]

“Out of Sand into Mud. Broken Bow, Neb., July 10 – The army bicycle corps arrived here last night, water soaked and tired. The run through the sandhills was completed without serious mishap and better wheeling is hoped for on the eastern runs. Heavy rain, however, is now falling and may seriously impede the progress of the corps. “

- The Evening News, [Lincoln NE] July 10, 1897

the Lincoln Evening News was an evening edition
---- Have a hard time figuring out what is going on below
----- This isn’t broken up in the article but it must be in real life for the mileage to work out
-----Boos mentions getting the men up at 2 AM on July 7 – perhaps this is the morning he did it

"From Halsey to Anselmo the track was only fair and very little riding could be done. Between these two stations Lieut. Moss joined the corps again, after his several days’ illness. From Alsemo [sic] to Broken Bow the roads constantly improved and were quite fair when the latter place was reached. Between the last two mentioned places the rain was chasing the corps very hard and was sprinkling on them all the while. At Broken Bow just as the men reached their shelter the storm broke in all its fury, thoroughly drenching a couple of men who were unable to reach the camp in tie. The Nebraska National Guard, under Capt. Painter, took the corps in charge on their arrival and quartered them in their barracks, where a gasoline stove was provided for cooking purposes and a quantity of hay for bedding. Saturday was a wet day, the roads were muddy, and the men were very wet and the machines needed overhauling, it was decided to stop over and take a day for general overhauling.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

Senaca ‡ Halsey ‡ Anselmo ‡ Broken Bow

* I think the Corps must have spent the night in Halsey. “A short rest was taken at Halsey” would mean a short nights rest.
The distances work out for this to be true.
“The men were brought up at 2 o’clock the following morning by the writer [Boos], who was left in charge.”

GoogleEarth distances (following railroad line):
Senaca -> Thedford = 14.90 miles
Senaca -> Halsey = 32.11 miles
Senaca -> Dunning = 42.09 miles
Senaca -> Anselmo = 61.72 miles
Senaca -> Merna = 72.63 miles
Senaca -> Broken Bow = 81.38 miles

Halsey to Broken Bow = 49.27 miles

“On the afternoon of July 9 we got out of this barren, God-forsaken country, and for several hundred miles rode over rolling hills, passing a great many immense wheat fields.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Day 25 - Senaca, NE to Halsey, NE

1997-07-08T12:17:00.001-06:00

Distance travelled: 33 miles
Winds: morning slight head; afternoon slight back
Grades: down
Weather: rain
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –4h / Other – 2h
Actual travel time: 8h 20m
Rate per hour: 4 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places mentioned: Halsey

"At 5 o’clock the next morning the corps broke camp and at the advice of a number of bystanders the railroad track was deserted and the road, following a small river, was taken, but it took only a mile to satisfy us that the railroad was better and accordingly the track was regained at once. About this time a rain commenced to fall and gladdened the hearts of the men, as it meant cooler weather and perhaps as much as making the sand rideable, but the latter was never realized. For 21 miles the corps plodded along in the rain, riding now and then when the cinder ballast was encountered. A short rest was taken at Halsey.
--- This isn’t broken up in the article but it must be in real life for the mileage to work out---

I believe this took place the next day....
From Halsey to Anselmo the track was only fair and very little riding could be done. Between these two stations Lieut. Moss joined the corps again, after his several days’ illness. From Alsemo [sic] to Broken Bow the roads constantly improved and were quite fair when the latter place was reached. Between the last two mentioned places the rain was chasing the corps very hard and was sprinkling on them all the while. At Broken Bow just as the men reached their shelter the storm broke in all its fury, thoroughly drenching a couple of men who were unable to reach the camp in tie. The Nebraska National Guard, under Capt. Painter, took the corps in charge on their arrival and quartered them in their barracks, where a gasoline stove was provided for cooking purposes and a quantity of hay for bedding. Saturday was a wet day, the roads were muddy, and the men were very wet and the machines needed overhauling, it was decided to stop over and take a day for general overhauling.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

Day 24 - Whitman, NE to Senaca, NE

1997-07-07T12:18:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 37 miles
Winds: head
Grades: almost level
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 1h/ Lunch –3h / Other – 3h 30m
Actual travel time: 7h 15m
Rate per hour: 5.1 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

"THE SAND ABUNDANT
---------------
The Bicycle Corps Has Hard
Wheeling Over Roads in
Nebraska
---------------
AND OLD SOL WAS IN A FIERY HUMOR
---------------
Boys Meet a Hearty Reception at
Lincoln-- Sixty Miles a Day Is Averaged
--------------

Lincoln, Neb., July 28--The corps left Whitman the following morning, having been delayed an hour before starting for a few tire repairs.
The road was ballasted with nothing but sand, and we had to walk. Before it was very late the heat became intense and the men commenced to complain. At Weir, six miles out of camp, one of the men was allowed to stop and rest in the shade and before the next station was reached several other men were unable to proceed farther, so a stop of several hours was made, waiting for a cooler part of the day. At noon a wind was blowing in our faces which was as hot as the air from an oven, and quite unbearable, the thermometer running up to 108 in the shade. The extreme heat was sufficient to cause weakness among the corps and with the hot sand at our feet and the bright reflection, it was next to torture to try to progress.
At 5 o’clock the corps left their resting place and pushed on to Mullan, a distance of 11 miles, leaving behind four sick men who were unable to stand the work in the heat, which was still great. The men were brought up at 2 o’clock the following morning by the writer, who was left in charge. From Mullan to Senaca, a distance of 10 miles, the track was filled with cinders and afforded a fair riding surface. The 10 miles was covered in short time and camp was made.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian The Sand Abundant [Missoula, MT] July 31, 1897

“On July 7th the thermometer registered 110 degrees in the shade, and over half the Corps were sick, two soldiers having their feet badly blistered from the burning sand.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 6)

Day 23 - Ellsworth, NE to Whitman, NE

1997-07-06T12:19:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 41 miles
Winds: strong head
Grades: almost level
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –4h / Other – 3h 30m
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 5.5 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places mentioned: Ellsworth [5 a.m.]; Hyannis [arrived 12 nooon- left at 5 p.m.]; Whitman [arrived 8 p.m.]

Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

A THOUSAND MILES

-----------------------
Twenty-Fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps Reaches Alliance, Nebraska
-----------------------
Have Nine Hundred Miles More to Cover in
Order to Reach St. Louis, Missouri
---

Alliance, Neb., Jul. 6 –[Special to the Daily Missoulian]—The Twenty-fifth infantry bicycle corps left here this morning having arrived here yesterday [July 5], completing the first 1,000 miles of the journey, having to go 900 miles yet to reach St. Louis. After leaving the mountainous country the roads improved somewhat, but dust was encountered where mud was lacking. The heat is also growing in intensity and the remainder of the trip promises to be under a sweltering sun. The men are in good spirits and health, and though some of them seemed to be trained down pretty fine, they are strong and active and able to make forced marches if necessary. But few accidents have occurred and they of the most trivial nature easily remedied. The corps will go by easy stages through Kansas and Missouri unless some particular location wants to be reached, when rapid rides will be made, roads permitting.”

-E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian A Thousand Miles [Missoula, MT] July 7, 1897

A troop of twenty colored infantry arrived at Hyannis Tuesday noon on bicycles. They came from Ft. Missoula, Mont., and are bound for St. Louis. They are riding the “Spaulding” bicycle, a test to determine whether or not wheels would be preferable to horses for army work. It was extremely hot when the boys arrived here, and a very few were somewhat fatigued owing to alkali water which does not agree with them, but they were standing the heat mighty well. They took dinner here and resumed their journey in the evening.

- The Grant County Tribune [Hyannis, NE] July 9, 1897

“An early start was made on the morning of the 6th in order to get as far as possible before the heat became intense. The monotony of the track was only broken by the sight of a rabbit or other insignificant object until a rattlesnake glided between the doctor’s legs and into the grass to one side to be shot just as he was raising his ugly head to strike. Knowledge of the fact that rattlesnakes were in the vicinity set the men to watching and the snake stories told that day were numerous.
Hyannis was reached at noon by the greater part of the corps, a sick brigade coming up a little later. At this place we drew rations and stopped for lunch. We left Hyannis at 5 o’clock in two sections, one of well men under command of the writer and one of sick men under Dr. Kennedy: the former body reached Whitman at 8 o’clock and went into camp, and had supper in a short time. The latter squad arrived at 12 o’clock that night. A distance of 41 miles was covered after a very hard day’s work.

EDW H. Boos Official Reporter”

Daily Missoulian Received a Welcome, July 24, 1897

Cyclists Reach Whitman. Whitman, Neb., July 7. -- After 11 hours of hard work the 25th infantry bicycle corps arrived at this place at 8:30 last evening. They started at 5 a.m. from Ellsworth, and were in Hyannis by noon, a distance of 28 miles. A number of the men are sick from drinking alkali water on the road and this has caused considerable delay.’

-The Evening News [Lincoln, NE], Wednesday July 7, 1897

Day 22 - Alliance, NE to Ellsworth, NE

1997-07-05T12:20:00.004-06:00

Distance travelled: 32 miles
Winds: none
Grades: slightly up
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –6h / Other – 1h
Actual travel time: 7h 45m
Rate per hour: 4.1 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

"A THOUSAND MILES
---------------------------
TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY BICYCLE CORPS
REACHES ALLIANCE, NEBRASKA
---------------------------
Have Nine Hundred Miles More to
Cover in Order to Reach
St.Louis, Missouri
---------------------------

Alliance, Neb., Jul. 6 -- [Special to the Missoulian] -- The Twenty-fifth infantry bicycle corps left here this morning having arrived here yesterday, completing the first 1,000 miles of the journey, having to go 900 miles yet to reach St. Louis. After leaving the mountainous country the roads improved somewhat, but dust was encountered where mud was lacking. The heat is also growing in intensity and the remainder of the trip promises to be under a sweltering sun. The men are in good spirits and health, and though some of them seemed to be trained down pretty fine, they are strong and active and able to make forced marches if necessary. But few accidents have occurred and they of the most trivial nature easily remedied. The corps will go by easy stages through Kansas and Missouri unless some particular location wants to be reached, when rapid rides will be made, roads permitting."

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian A Thousand Miles, July 7, 1897

“On July 5th the thoughts of sand hill terrors and tortures were upon the minds of every member of the corps as we pedaled away from Alliance at 4:30 that morning. It was but a run of six mile on a good road before we were in the midst of what had been our dread ever since leaving home, the sand hills of Nebraska. The road suddenly changed from a hard smooth path to a soft shifting mass of sand. Wheeling was impossible, riding on the grass at one side was nearly as bad and the only recourse was to leave the road and work our way along on the railway track. A distance of a quarter of a mile brought us to the right of way where a five-foot barb wire fence confronted us. Here half of the men climbed over empty handed, leaving their machines on the other side, where the other half remained and passed them with their own wheels over. It took but a minute or two and in a short time the corps were marching along the track. The roadbed along through the hills is ballasted with sand and cinders and is very hard to ride on as it is not packed very tight. It was found that better time could be made walking, except where the ballast consisted of ciders, where fair riding was to be had.
We plodded along in the heat for nearly an hour when some of the men complained of being sick. Medicine was given and relief soon came. We proceeded on our way but had only gone a short distance when more sick complaints were heard and another stop was made for giving medicine. It was at this time that Lieut. Moss was taken with a severe attack of cholera morbus and was compelled to fall-out and send the corps ahead in command of Dr. Kennedy. The next we heard of our commanding officer he was sick in bed at Alliance, having been picked up by the crew of an engine and taken back. The progress of the corps was slower today than was necessary on account of numerous stops being made in order that the lieutenant might catch up, it being his expectation to do so when he left us.
The camp for lunch was made at Reno, where we stopped until 4 o’clock before taking the track again. From Reno we pushed on to Ellsworth and camped for the night. The first day of the sand hills was a hard one on the men, the bad water and extreme heat having a very bad effect on them. The distance covered was 31 miles and it is doubtful if any other day’s run on the trip was so hard on the entire corps.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Received A Welcome [Missoula, MT] July 24, 1897

“Between six and seven o’clock on the mornig of July 5th, we struck the sand hills of Nebraska. An hour or two later, when about 9 miles from [Moss was already past Alliance] Alliance, I was overcome from the effects of alkali water, and taken back to town. For the next four days the Corps was in command of Asst. Surgeon J.M.Kennedy. This part of the trip was a real nightmare. It was impossible to make any headway by following the wagon road in loose sand ankle-deep, and the Corps therefore followed the rail road track for 170 miles, before they got out of the sand. By almost superhuman efforts this distance was covered in 4 1/2 days, averaging 37.7 miles per day. The alkali water was abominable and the heat terrific.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 6)

“Breaking camp the next morning bright and early, 6:30 o’clock found us entering the “sand hills”—of which we had been hearing so much; of which so many people had been telling us blood-curdling stories. Indeed, our experience in these hills was the stuff of which nightmares are made! It was impossible to make any headway by following the wagon road in loose sand ankle deep, and we therefore followed the railroad track for 170 miles before getting out of the sand. By almost superhuman efforts this distance was covered in four and one half days, averaging 37.7 miles per day. The alkali water was abominable, and the heat terrific. On July 7 the thermometer registered 110 deg. In the shade, and fifteen soldiers were sick, two having their feet badly blistered from the burning sand.
One night, after an unusually hard day’s work, while we were all lying around the fire waiting for supper, one of the soldiers uttered the sentiments of the party when he said, with much feeling: ‘Oh Lord, if I only live through this, I’ll have something to talk about as long as I live!”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Day 21 - Belmont, NE to Alliance, NE

1997-07-04T12:21:00.006-06:00

Distance travelled: 50 miles
Winds: back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Rain and snow
Condition of roads: good
Delays: Bicycles – 30m/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –5.25 hr/ Other – 45m
Actual travel time: 6h 40m
Rate per hour: 7.5 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Marsland [7 a.m.]; Hemingford [4 p.m. - left at 4:30 p.m.]; Alliance [camp - 6:10 p.m]

“Six o’clock on the morning of July 4th found us on the road to Marsland, which was reached in an hour’s run; here a stop was made of over a half a day in honor of the nation’s birthday. Before leaving, rations for two days were received and distributed.
From Marsland to Alliance a great variety of roads was encountered, sandy, steep hills, rough and untravelled, and a stretch of 20 miles of the best road we had yet traveled over. The route lay across a meadow leaving Marsland and across a large hill to a table land where the road was nearly level. We reached Hemingford at 4 o’clock and stopped a half hour. Leaving the latter place, a surprise awaited us—an actually good road, better than promised, and almost level. The corps was pleased and made an effort to break all previous records; everyone flew. At the end of the first 35 minutes nine miles were behind us and at 6 o’clock the entire corps was at Alliance on their camping grounds, having covered 20 miles at a rate of four and a half minutes for each.
An extra good supper was prepared. Lieut. Moss purchased a quantity of fresh meat, baker’s bread and a stock of groceries and by 8 o’clock the men had their grand Fourth of July spread, eating the same in the presence of the entire town which had turned out to see the corps.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian Received a Welcome [Missoula, MT] July 24, 1897

A party of twenty colored soldiers from Fort Missaula [sic], Mon., camped near Alliance last Saturday night. They were accompanied by Lieutenant Morse [sic], a medical officer, and an associated press reporter. All were mounted upon bicycles, and each carried from forty to one hundred pounds, consisting of blankets, cooking utensils, guns, ammunition, half a tent, two days rations, repairs for the wheels, and all necessary and useful articles. St. Louis is their destination and the long journey is being made as a practical test to demonstrate the value of the bicycle in military operations. They rode Spaulding wheels, and there were eight different kinds of tires in use. The average miles per day at the time they reached here was forty-four, about eighty-five miles being the greatest distance covered in a single day. They start early each morning, resting several hours in the middle of the day, and riding late in the evening. The result of the experiment so far is said to be highly pleasing to the military authorities, and is being watched with great interest by the public in general.

- The Alliance Times [Alliance, NE] July 9, 1897

“The following night [the night following their visit to Crawford] we camped at Alliance, a thriving town of 4000 souls.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

"Alliance, Neb., July 5th, 1897
Gen. Samuel Breck,
U.S. Army, War Department, Washington, D.C.,

Sir: - I have the honor to inform you the Bicycle Corps reached this place [Alliance] at 6:10 P.M. yesterday, and went into camp—total distance traveled, per cyclometers reaing, 938.8 miles. The bicycles are standing the test very well, and we have been troubled very little with our tires, having had only about six punctures since Fort Missoula. Up to this morning the general health of the Corps was excellent. At present, however, ten soldiers and myself are suffering from the effects of alkali water. The soldiers seem to be but slightly affected, and I do not anticipate any delay or trouble on their account. I was myself completely overcome and unable to continue the trip. I have turned the command over to the Asst. Surgeon, 1 Lt. James M. Kennedy, and will join it again tomorrow.
Unless something now unforseen happens, we will reach St. Louis about July 20th.
Very respectfully,
James A. Moss
2” Lt. 25th Infantry
Commanding Bicycle Corps

-Reproduced at the National Archives [RG 94 AGO 2166]

FIRST THOUSAND MILES – Good Run Made by the Regular Army Wheelmen ALLIANCE, Neb., July 7 – The Twenty-fifth Infantry bicycle corps pulled into this place during the evening. Although six hours were consumed during the day, a distance of 49 miles was covered. Roads for 30 miles were the best yet experienced. With favorable winds, one run of nine miles was made in 35 minutes. The first 1,000 miles have been completed leaving 900 miles to reach St. Louis.

-The Daily Huronite [Huron, South Dakota] Thursday, July 8, 1897

Day 20 - Rumford, SD to Belmont, NE

1997-07-03T12:22:00.006-06:00

Distance travelled: 50.1 miles [GoogleEarth = 30.71]
Winds: Slight back
Grades: up
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles –0/Tires – 0/Lunch – 6h/Other – 45m
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 6.7 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Rumsford SD [8 AM]; Nebraska state line; Crawford, NE [noon – 5 PM]; Belmont NE [camp 8 PM]

The Crawford Celebration

The celebration at Crawford on Saturday last was a grand success in every particular, the day was an ideal one for such an occasion—cool in the morning and evening and war in the middle of the day—and the crowd in attendance was much larger than anyone expected, at least from twelve to fifteen hundred out-of-town on-lookers witnessing and participating in the festivities and amusements provided.

Early in the morning, after the firing of the National salute, the Gate City band favored the people with several very excellent pieces of music, each of which was highly appreciated. This new organization is fast winning its way into popular favor, and is deserving of the patronage of our home people whenever its services can be utilized for public occasions.

Just before noon the bicycle corps of the Twenty-fifth infantry, which had left Edgemont at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon, arrived here and rode through town from the Northwestern to the B. & M. depot where they camped for dinner. The corps which left Missoula, Montana, near the British line, on the 14^th of June for St. Louis is composed of twenty-four men, and is accompanied by Dr. Kennedy, whom the Tribune had the pleasure of chatting with concerning the trip. Lieutenant Moss is in command of the outfit and this long-distance march is made for the purpose of testing the utility of the bicycle for army use. Each man carries his gun strapped to his back and sixty rounds of ammunition, besides his blankets, cooking utensils and accoutrements. A bicycle repairer with a kit of tools is also with the expedition, and the accidents the wheels have met with so far have kept him pretty busy. Lieutenant Moss’s wheel broke down several days before the men got here and he came on ahead. Three of the soldiers’ wheels also collapsed before they reached Crawford, all being repaired here by Ira Dietrick. They have had a pretty hard trip from Missoula, having found great difficulty in riding several days through the snows this side of the divide and through the gumbo country, and men and wheels look rather somewhat worn out. Dr. Kennedy says the men have enjoyed good health from the start and are all in excellent condition physically, while the experiment so far has proven a success, as they had covered a distance of about 1,000 miles in twenty days, an average of fifty miles a day, probably over far the worst part of the road. It was nearly 4 o’clock when the corps started down Second street at a lively gait, Professor Gungl’s Ninth cavalry band greeting them with the strains of Annie Laurie as only that band can play that piece while the thousands of spectators who lined the sidewalks on either side of the street rent the air with the wildest cheers to speed them on their journey. On the anniversary of the Custer massacre the corps camped on that famous battle-field. The result of this trial trip will be watched for with a great deal of interest both by the military and civilians.

All the races and contests of the day were pulled off according to program without an accident and in a very satisfactory matter. All premiums were paid in fall [sic- full] and a happier or more enthusiastic crowd never gathered anywhere to enjoy the ceremonies and festivities incident to the Nation’s great holiday celebration.

The dance at night at Firemen’s hall was not very largely attended by our people, although the boys had given their services without price in opening up the day’s program with several good selections. Only twelve dollars was cleared for the benefit of the band. This is hardly treating the boys right. If our people wish this splendid organization to grow better, or even to exist, it will be necessary to show a more liberal substantial appreciation of its merits.

- Crawford Tribune [Crawford, NE] July 9, 1897

“At 8 o’clock on the 3rd we left our camp and crossed the Nebraska state line shortly after. Very fair roads, although a trifle sandy, were met with and a good run was made until we got within two miles of Crawford where the sand was too deep for travel and we were compelled to walk. At Crawford a number of soldiers from Fort Robinson met the corps and entertained the boys during their stay of several hours.

E.H. Boos

Official Reporter 25th Inf. Bicycle Corps.”

Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached [mislabeled Marching On] July 17

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

__________________________________

"RECEIVED A WELCOME
---
Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps at Crawford, Nebraska on the Fourth
---
A Rest of Half a Day at Marsland
---
Through Sand and Over Railroad Track
Land of Rattlesnakes and Jack Rabbits
---

Whitman, Nebraska, July --. The Fourth of July celebration was at its height when the 25th U.S. Infantry Bicycle corps arrived at Crawford. The town was full of people and the corps was given a hearty welcome. A number of soldiers from Fort Robinson, four miles distant, were in town and took the men in charge while in their midst.
One day’s rations were received at Crawford and distributed among the men. At 5 o’clock [PM] assembly was sounded and in a few minutes the corps left the town, passing through the big crowds on the main street amid loud cheers. The run for the evening was for Belmont, which was reached about 8 o’clock. Camp for the night was made in a farmer’s yard, who kindly furnished hay for bedding and wood for fuel.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian Received a Welcome, [Missoula, MT] July 21, 1897

__________________________________

"the Twenty-fifth Infantry's experimental bicycle corps pedalled through town on their way from Montana to St. Louis. Thousands of curious spectators lined the street and the Ninth Cavalry played "Annie Laurie" as the black infantrymen rode by."

- Buffalo Soldiers, Braves and the Brass, Frank N. Schubert pg. 113

__________________________________

"Independence Day brought the most spectacular celebrations. Indian dances, horse races, parades, baseball matches, and even an appearance by "Blue Belle, the diving horse," all contributed to the carnival atmosphere. In some years troopers [from nearby Fort Robinson]added bareback wrestling and steeplechases to the programs. Giant tugs of war--'Tenth Cavalry Against the World'--also drew crowds of as many as four to five thousand into Crawford. During the 1897 celebration, the Twenty-fifth Infantry's experimental bicycle corps pedalled through town on their way from Montana to St. Louis. Thousands of curious spectators lined the street and the Ninth Cavalry band played " Annie Laurie" as the black infantrymen rode by.
Although the Crawford Tribune may have exaggerated a bit in calling one July 4th carnival 'four days of ecstacy," the Crawford festivities delighted most visitors, as well as local merchants..."

- Outpost of Sioux Wars, Frank N. Schubert, pg. 113

__________________________________

“VIEW III.—“The barren, God-forsaken sand hills of Nebraska, and, later on, her rolling hills and immense fields.” Early on the morning of July 3 we entered the State of Nebraska, and about noon were in Crawford. Here the corps had the pleasure of witnessing a typical western town celebration of the Fourth of July. (The next day, i.e., the Fourth being Sunday, the people of Crawford held their celebration on the 3d.) A large number of Indians were lounging around the streets, arrayed in all their “war paint,” while a good many officers and soldiers from Fort Robinson, three miles away, added a military appearance to the occasion. The games, races, etc:, took place in the main street of the town.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Day 19 - Clifton [near Newcastle], WY to Rumford, SD

1997-07-02T12:23:00.007-06:00

Distance travelled: 54.1 miles
Winds: Slight back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: Good
Delays: Bicycles –30m/Tires – 20m/Lunch – 3h 5m/Other – 1h
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 7.2 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Clifton WY [8 AM]; S & G station, SD; Edgemont [2 p.m.-4 p.m.]; Rumford; 5 miles beyond Rumford SD [close to NE border]

ARMY BICYCLE CORPS
-------------
Party Arrives at Edgemont, S.D., en Route to St. Louis.

Edgemont, S.D., July 2--The Twenty-fifth infantry corps en route from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, on bicycles arrived here at 2 o'clock this afternoon, having made thirty-seven miles since 9 o'clock. They resumed their journey in a few hours, and expect to make twenty miles before camping for the night. The weather is very hot and water scarce, the party not having found any good drinking water for the past four days.
The roads are sandy and dusty, necessitating much walking. The corps expect to cross the South Dakota line about noon tomorrow, which will be the third State traversed, and the prospect for better roads and better water is encouraging.

- St. Lake Semi-Weekly Tribune, (Salt Lake City, UT) Tuesday, July 6, 1897; pg. 14; Issue 36; col G

“Reveillie was late on the morning of July 2nd; the start was not made until 8 o’clock. The road extended over a great prickly pear prairie, was bad, and in many instances a path along side was taken, for twenty miles. We were riding over the cactus half the time but no punctures were reported. At S & G, the first station in Dakota we filled our canteens with some of the worst water we had yet used.
From the latter place to Edgemont the road, mostly sand, made very hard traveling. At Edgemont we stopped for lunch and departed soon after. Good roads, although hilly, were met, we were able to go at a good rate and were at Rumford, 16 miles from Edgemont before sundown.
For the first time on record we took a short cut and made a mile on the railroad distance.
An ignorant Swee [I think this is a typo and should say "Swede".... it does say Swede in the St. Louis article] section hand at Rumford advised us that the nearest camping place was at a ranch a mile and a half further on. We started out and traveled five miles before reaching the ranch. A madder set of men never lived than the bicycle corps when we finally did get a camp.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached,[mislabeled Marching On] July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

"Just before noon the bicycle corps of the Twenty-fifth infantry, which had left Edgemont at 4 o’clock Friday afternoon, arrived here and rode through town from the Northwestern to the B. & M. depot where they camped for dinner."

- Crawford Tribune [Crawford, NE] July 9, 1897

“At 9 o’clock a.m. July 2, we crossed the State line and entered South Dakota. The water in this State, like that is Wyoming, is very bad, and in Edgemont the drinking water is hauled from a spring several miles away and sold at 35 cents a barrel.

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Bicycle Corps at Fort Missoula. EDGEMONT, S.D. July 3 – The 25th infantry bicycle corps en route from Fort Missoula, Mont.,, to St. Louis, arrived here at 2 o’clock Friday afternoon, having made 31 miles since 9 a.m. The resumed their journey after a few hours’ rest.

-The Evening News [Lincoln, NE] pg. 3 July 3, 1897

Day 18 - Merino {Upton], WY to Clifton (near Newcastle), WY

1997-07-01T12:24:00.006-06:00

Distance travelled: 51.6 miles
Winds: Head
Grades: Mostly down
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: Fair
Delays: Bicycles –0/Tires – 0/Lunch – 4h/Other – 4h
Actual travel time: 8h 45m
Rate per hour: 6 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Merino [Upton] WY; Newcastle, WY [10 AM – 1 PM]; Newcastle salt lake; Clifton WY [camp 9 PM; south of Newcastle]

SOLDIERS ON WHEELS

Lieutenant James A. Moss, of the 25th U.S. Infantry Bicycle Corpos, arrived in the city at 10:00 o'clock yesterday with a company of twenty of Uncle Sam's "fighters on wheels."
The party consists of Lieutenant Moss, Dr. J.M. Kennedy, twenty soldiers and their official reporter, E.H. Boos. They started from Missoula, Montana, two weeks ago last Monday and have traveled a distance of 782 miles, making an average of 50 miles a day. This is a good showing taking into consideration the fact that teh boys have had very bad weather, muddy roads and a head wind to contend with for thirteen of the eighteen days out. The trip from Missoula to St. Louis, Mo., is being made for the purpose of testing the practicability of the use of the bicycle in the U.S. army and also to test the durability of the "Spaulding" wheels, which they are riding.

- The Newcastle Demorat [Newcastle, WY] Friday, July 2, 1897

" J.M. Kennedy, physician of the U.S. Army, with the 25th Infantry bicycle corps, stopped at the Antlers Wednesday night.....E.H. Boos, official reporter of the 25th U.S. Infantry Bicycle Corps, arrived in the city Wednesday evening and is stopping at the Antlers."

- The Newcastle Demorat [Newcastle, WY] Friday, July 2, 1897

[The fact that Kennedy and Boos were in Newcastle on Wednesday night but the Corps didn't get there until Thursday morning, leads me to believe they rode ahead on a train]

“July 1st was an ideal riding day, roads were better and but slightly up hill. A run of thirty miles into Newcastle, Wyo., was made before 10 o’clock in the morning. At 1 o’clock we started to the Newcastle salt lake, where the entire corps had a two hours’ swim. Feeling much refreshed the trip was resumed. The run from the lake to Clifton was made by 9 o’clock, camp was made and all hands went in for a good rest.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached[mislabeled Marching On] July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

Day 17 - Moorcroft, WY to Upton, WY

1997-06-30T12:25:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 22.5 miles
Winds: none
Grades: up
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: Very bad
Delays: Bicycles –0/Tires – 0/Lunch – 0/Other – 1h
Actual travel time: 4h 45m
Rate per hour: 4.7 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: just before Moorcroft WY [4 AM]; Moorcroft [6 AM untli 2 PM]; “Devil's Peak”/Devil's Tower; “Merino”/Upton WY

"Twenty-three colored soldiers passed through Moorcroft on bicycles one day last week enroute to St. Joseph, Missouri. They were from Fort Missoula, Mont., and are testing the wheels for army service."

- The Crook County Monitor [Sundance, WY] Wednesday, July 7, 1897

“Two hours or more after leaving Moorcroft we saw, about twenty miles to our left, Devil’s Peak, towering far above all else around. The peak itself, which resembles the frustrum of a cone, stands on a high mountain, and is almost solid rock. A few years ago some patriotic fellow drove a number of spikes in the side, and reaching the top, there planted the American flag. The story is told that a long, long time ago the devil used to sit on this high peak and survey the surroundings: hence its name.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

“I woke up about 4 o’clock and beheld about a mile off a small, red building—Moorcoft. My body had made no impression in the soft, muddy mountain side, and the shelter-tent was saturated with moisture. It took us almost an hour to travel this mile, through gumbo mud and water. The Corps laid over at Moorcroft until 2:15 that afternoon.”

- Lt. Moss, Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 6)

“The last day of June was marked for a short run; only twenty miles was made, the roads were poor and uphill. Camp was made at Merino and a good night’s sleep was taken.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached[mislabeled Marching On] July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

Day 16 - Arvada, WY to Moorcroft, WY

1997-06-29T12:26:00.007-06:00

Distance travelled: 50 miles
Winds: Slight back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Slight rain afternoon
Condition of roads: Bad
Delays: Bicycles –30m/Tires – 0/Lunch – 3h 15m/Other – 45m
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 6.7 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: somewhere past “Awado”/Arvada, WY [1 AM]; Powder River; Wild Horse Creek; Stopped to rest; Felix; Gillette [2 –5 PM]; almost to Moorcroft WY

"At 1 o’clock [at night] the corps moved out, crossed the Powder river which a few hours before was 12 feet higher than then, on the railroad bridge, and struck the wagon road near by. The traveling was fair for a mile or two until Wild Horse creek was struck. At this point the road runs along the creek bed and is bad at the best, but especially so after the big storm which was just passed. Gumbo mud and pools of water added to the difficulties and very slow time was made. Several times we were compelled to go around and once to surmount large drifts of hail fully eight feet high. This hard work was too much. It could not prove anything about a bicycle and was merely a test of physical endurance of which tests we had quite sufficient, so it was decided to take to the railroad track which was done at the first opportunity. We walked along in the semi-darkness more asleep than awake until we reached Felix where a stop was made to rest, clean machines and get breakfast. As it was impossible to roll our machines over the hard section more than half the time no correct distance was obtainable but our nights travel was estimated at 25 miles including what was ridden on the railroad track.
The lack of water also added to our trouble, no good water being had since leaving Sheridan.
From Felix to nowhere was our next day’s ride, the hardest yet experienced. After very little sleep the corps started for Gillette, 19 miles away. For 9 miles we rolled our wheels over the railroad track, subjecting them to the most critical test. The road was fairly passable from here on so we started to ride again. The alkali vapors, up hill, and lack of water made hard work of it and slow progress was made. Gillette was reached at 2 o’clock where we stopped for lunch. Many of the men were so tired that they fell asleep while eating.

Gillette Wyoming in 1904

The reports received here were encouraging enough to warrant resuming our march. Assembly was called and we were on our way by 5 o’clock in the afternoon. The roads were really good and for twenty miles good time was made and the prospects for a record breaking run was good. Suddenly the sky clouded and darkness was upon us before we knew it, a drizzling rain fell and the road became a mass of gumbo compelling us to walk all the time. Our destination was Moorcroft and all energies were put on to make that point until by some means one of the men broke a front axle and caused some delay in replacing it. Our way lay across a large hill; the writer was leading the way when suddenly a yawning abyss presented itself in our front, breaking the road in two. Only a few inches more and the whole corps would have gone over this cliff and met with some serious accidents. Fortunately, the right road was discovered in the nick of tie. About a mile from this point we struck the railroad track and tried to build a fire with which to warm ourselves; it was a dismal failure, not a sliver of dry wood being obtainable. The corps was getting pretty well scattered over the prairie by this time, many of the men having given out. Rather than stay where we were we pushed ahead, not knowing what adventures were before us. We plodded along until 2 o’clock in the morning, when the three leaders gave up the ghost and went into camp. We spread our tent on the wet ground and covered up with a single blanket. We had no fire and no supper but fell asleep without thinking of our troubles. We slept for two hours until frozen out and daylight came, when there, only a mile away, lay our objective point. We looked at our bicycles but hardly recognized them, the mud covered every part of the machine, not a spoke was to be seen, the wheels were simply discs of gumbo. We reached Moorcroft at 6 o’clock having been two hours going one mile, and being without sleep for the previous 45 hours.
By 9 o’clock the entire corps had gathered and a half-days rest was taken.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached [under Marching On on second page, July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

“On June 29th, after having ridden somewhat over twenty miles up an almost continuous grade, under a broiling sun, we stopped, about 2 P.M. at Gillette, Wyo for lunch. The next point along the route where water could be obtained, was Moorcroft, 30 miles away. Being told at Gillette that the road to Moorcroft was very good, and slightly down grade, I thought the run could be made easily in four hours; and at 4 o’clock we left Gillette. By 7 o’clock we had covered about sixteen miles, and were bounding along at an eight-mile gait, when all at once the clouds began to gather thick and fast, and almost immediately darkness was upon us. The road being
entirely unknown, we were compelled to decrease speed considerably, and a few minutes later, one of the soldiers broke his front axle.
As we had no extra ones he had to roll his bicycle the whole way to Moorcroft. I then turned the Corps over to the Acting First Sergeant, and taking with me one cook and two soldiers who had flour, bacon and coffee in their luggage cases, we started out ahead, intending to reach Moorcroft an hour or more before the command and have supper ready as soon as they arrived. We had not, however, ridden more than four miles before the intense darkness and the condition of the roads forced us to dismount and roll our wheels along. While almost feeling our way along a road wet and muddyfrom a rain of the previous day, we walked, and walked and walked, pushing our wheels before us.
About mid-night, we struck the B & M track. The night air was damp, chilly and penetrating, and we were cold, hungry and tired. The soldiers tried to make a fire, but could find no wood, and we then stopped for a rest. About half an hour later, the report of a rifle was heard: I had one of the soldiers discharge his piece in reply, and shortly afterwards three soldiers, who had pushed on ahead of the command and lost their way in the darkness, came up. We then resumed the march for Moorcroft—it was then about 1 o’clock. Almost exhausted from fatigue, we wearily walked along a mile or two further, when a soldier a few yards behind me exclaimed, “My God I can’t go any further” – and stopped: the rest of the party continuing. It now began to grow lighter, and I was so tired and sleepy that the horizon appeared like a clothes-line –I was really sleeping on my feet. At about 2 o’clock I was completely overcome from sheer exhaustion and laydown on the west mountain side, with a shelter-tent half under me, and a blanket over me.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5-6)

“TRIP OF THE BIKE CORPS. Gillette, Wyo., June 29 – Tired and muddy the Twenty-fifth infantry bicycle corps, Lieutenant Moss commanding, arrived here at 2:30 today en route for St. Louis. Wild Horse creek, near Arvada, was a mass of mud. Hailstones which fell Sunday were drifted seven and eight feet high. The weather was very hot and no good water could be obtained. The corps is making a forced ride to get out of the Bad Lands.”

- Idaho Daily Statesman Wednesday, June 30, 1897

“On June 29 we had about our hardest experience. After having ridden and walked somewhat over twenty miles up an almost continuous grade, under a broiling sun, the corps stopped about 2 p.m. at Gillette, Wyo., for lunch. The next point along the route where water could be obtained was Moorcroft, thirty miles away. Being told at Gillette that the road to Moorcroft was good, and slightly down grade, we naturally thought the run could easily be made in four hours, and at 4 o’clock left Gillette. By 6 o’clock the command had covered sixteen miles and were bounding along at an eight-mile gait, when, all at once, the clouds began to gather thick and fast, and almost immediately darkness was upon us. The road being entirely unknown, we decreased the speed considerably. A few minutes later one of the soldiers broke his front axle, and as we had no extra ones he had to roll his bicycle the whole way to Moorcroft. The corps was then turned over to the acting first sergeant, and taking with me one cook and two soldiers, who had flour, bacon and coffee in their luggage cases, we left the command, intending to reach Moorcroft an hour or more before they did, and have supper ready upon their arrival. We had not, however, ridden more than four miles before the intense darkness and the condition of the roads forced us to dismount and roll our wheels along, and while feeling our way over the road wet and muddy from a rain the previous day we walked and walked. About midnight our advance party struck the B. and M. track. The night air was damp, chilly and penetrating, and we were cold, hungry and tired. The soldiers wanted to make a fire, but as no wood could be found, and an effort to tear up a wagon crossing over the railroad track proved futile, we stopped for a rest—and incidentally a game of “freeze-out.” About half an hour later the report of a rifle was heard. One of the men discharged his piece in reply, and shortly afterward three soldiers, who had pushed on ahead of the command came up. The march to Moorcroft was then resumed—it was now 1 o’clock a.m. Almost exhausted from fatigue, we wearily walked a mile or two further, when a soldier a few yards behind me exclaimed: “My God, I can’t go any further!” and stopped, the rest of the party continuing. It now began to grow lighter, and we were so tired and sleepy that the horizon appeared like a clothes line just about to strike us above the eyes. Three or four times, within an interval of twenty minutes, I threw my hands out at this imaginary line—I was actually sleeping on my feet. About 2 o’clock the Associated Press reporter and myself, completely overcome from sheer exhaustion, lay down on the wet mountain side. We woke up about 4 o’clock and beheld scarcely a mile away, a small, red building—Moorcroft! Our bodies had made impressions in the soft, muddy mountain side, and the shelter tent was wet with moisture. It took the corps an hour to reach Moorcroft, through gumbo mud and water, and there we laid over until 2:15 o’clock that afternoon.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

Day 15 - Arno, WY to Arvada, WY

1997-06-28T12:27:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 50 miles
Winds: Forenoon head; Afternoon back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Slight rain afternoon
Condition of roads: Fair
Delays: Bicycles – 0/Tires – 0/Lunch –5h 15m/Other – 2h
Actual travel time: 6h 15m
Rate per hour: 8 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Arno WY [sunrise]; Clear Creek; camp at Arvada WY [8 PM]; some distance past “Awado”/Arvada

“Sunday morning, June 27, the corps left Parkman, a small town three or four miles from the Montana line. The ride for ten or fifteen miles was, indeed, novel, as we bounded along the mountains so high that we were actually in the clouds and could see the mist below. Noon found us at Sheridan, thirty miles from Parkman. The journey for the next 200 miles, through northeastern Wyoming and southwestern South Dakota, was very dreary—the landscape was a monotonous series of hills, with now and then an alkali flat, while the water was abominable. Yet the dreariness of the country possessed a weird kind of fascination.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

“At sunrise on the 28th the corps was on the road. Fair roads were encountered until noon when we stopped for lunch. Crossing Clear creek, the roads became worse and slow progress was made over the hills. One of the men fell and turned his ankle causing him to fall out of the ranks and follow on foot. The few log cabins and station at Awado [sic – ARVADA] were in sight at 8 o’clock and a few minutes later camp was made. Rations were awaiting us here and were issued after supper. The distance covered that day was a little under the average, delays being caused by waiting for our sick man to catch up.
Before going to bed that night one of the men discovered a few graves and heard that rattlesnakes were near the camp; that settled it; no sleeping around there that night so it was decided to push on our way during the night.”

-E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached, July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

"Infantry Bicycle Corps Lieutenant Moss and his Twenty-fifth Infantry bicycle corps passed through Sheridan, Wyo., Sunday. The corps is making good time in spite of bad roads and bad weather. The corps passed out of Montana Saturday evening at 7 o’clock after a hard ride across the Crow Indian reservation. The roads from Sheridan are fair, but will be bad further on."

- The Gazette [Cedar Falls, Iowa]

Day 14 - Parkman, WY to Arno [near Sheridan], WY

1997-06-27T12:28:00.014-06:00

Distance travelled: 46 miles
Winds: None
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: Bad
Delays: Bicycles – 1h 30m/Tires – 0/Lunch – 5h 30m /Other – 0
Actual travel time: 7h 30m
Rate per hour: 6.3 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Parkman WY; Dayton; Sheridan [lunch]; Arno WY [7 PM]

Sheridan, Wyoming in the 1890s - The Sheridan Inn was built by Buffalo Bill in 1883. Boos tells us that he, Moss and Kennedy ate lunch there. Boos tattles that Moss had "three pieces of pie." The Inn is the multi-gabled building to the right in the photo. It has recently been restored.

“Sunday morning, June 27, the corps left Parkman, a small town three or four miles from the Montana line. The ride for ten or fifteen miles was, indeed, novel, as we bounded along the mountains so high that we were actually in the clouds and could see the mist below. Noon found us at Sheridan, thirty miles from Parkman. The journey for the next 200 miles, through northeastern Wyoming and southwestern South Dakota, was very dreary—the landscape was a monotonous series of hills, with now and then an alkali flat, while the water was abominable. Yet the dreariness of the country possessed a weird kind of fascination.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 21, 1897

"The usefulness of the bicycle for moving troops is being tested by Lieut. Moss, of Fort Missoula, who in company with Lieut. Dr. Kennedy and Eddie Booth [sic- Eddie Boos], correspondant for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, left Ft. Missoula on June 13th [sic - they left the 14th] with one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen private soldiers for St. Louis. The wheels are built for the purpose having an extra number of spokes in the wheels, and otherwise strengthened. Each man is to carry 55 pounds and carbine. The frame contains a sheet iron box fitted in the diamond in which the provisions are stored, and each man carries a section of tent pole and his share of everything used in camp. The company arrived here last Sunday afternoon looking as fresh as if just out for a few hours run. The encountered a severe snow storm near Bozeman and had to walk across the divide from Ft. Ellis to the Yellowstone, a distance of 23 miles.
The wheelmen think they will have no trouble in making the run to St. Louis in six weeks, and if they continue the speed made so far they will have several days to spare.

- The Sheridan Post [Sheridan, WY], pg. 8, Thursday, July 1, 1897

“CUSTER MASSACRE
--------------------
AN INTERESTING LETTER FROM
E.H. BOOS, REPORTER U.S.
BICYCLE CORPS
----------------------
ON the Custer Battle Field on the Twenty-first Anniversary of
That Event
---------------------

The following letter has been received by the relatives of Edwin H. Boos, which will prove of interest to his friends in Missoula:
We arrived here [Boos is writing from "Buffalo Bills" hotel, the Sheridan Inn, in Sheridan, Wyoming] shortly after 11 o’clock, a.m. traveling a distance of 28 miles thus far today, the first 13 miles were simply awful, on account of mud and rain, but the balance was mostly down hill and on a road as smooth as a pavement. Some of the soldiers’ wheels ran away and one of them was badly damaged, fortunately Lieut. Moss had a frame here and we will soon be fixed up. The weather looks bad and the chances are that we will not start this evening. Our average run up to date and including two days on which we did no riding at all is 41 miles per day or over 60 miles per day for days actually traveled. This is “Buffalo Bills" hotel. The Sheridan and it is pretty good.
The doctor, Lieutenant Moss, and myself ate dinner here, the first square meal we have had for some time. At Fort Custer had a good board but too dainty for our appetites. We will be out two weeks tonight and have one-third of our journey accomplished. The roads through the alkali districts of this state are as hard to travel over as are the sand hills of western Nebraska, but after that our way will be smoother sailing.

[At this point in his letter, Boos digresses, relating what happened days before]
June 25th was the 21st anniversary of the Custer massacre. By good fortune we were right on the historic spot at that time. I was never more interested in anything, and followed Custer’s line of march from where the first man fell to the place where Custer and his noble men made their last stand. It is too long a story to tell as a great deal is only supposition. The corps camped at the foot of the hill below the battle field and nearly all the boys took in a little of the sights. The relics have all been picked up, even the stone which marked the fall of Custer has been carried away until absolutely nothing remains. A wooden cross now marks the place where Custer and his noble men made their last stand. It is too long a story to tell, as a great deal is only supposition.
The corps camped a the foot of the hill below the battle field and nearly all the boys took in a little of the sights. The relics have all been picked up, even the stone which marked the fall of Custer has been carried away until absolutely nothing remains. A wooden cross now markes the place.

[Boos returns to telling about the trip out of Montana and to Sheridan, Wyoming]
Our road across the Crow reservation was a hard one, and we are glad we are over it, and out of the state of Montana as well. We have not had a whole day of good weather on our trip, rain is always sure to mar the day's run. You can reach me with letters and wire for a few days to Edgemont, S.D. and then at Crawford, Nebraska.
The flowers in this part of the country are much prettier and more varied than are to be seen at home. Red, pink and white wild roses are to be seen on all sides. A flower much like the Montana Arnica flower, having pink leaves, are to be seen in abundance. They are pretty and have a nice odor.
The enclosed bill of fare will give you an idea of what we filled up on.
Moss had three pieces of pie. Will have to get at my article now, so good bye, Your son and brother.

E.H. BOOS.

Official Reporter 25th, U.S. Infantry

Bicycle Corps.

- Daily Missoulian Custer Massacre June 29, 1897

[The Sheridan Inn, built by Buffalo Bill, where Moss, Boos and Dr. Kennedy ate lunch, is still standing and has recently undergone restoration work]

“Leaving Parkman the following day the prospect for good weather was anything but encouraging, nevertheless we started, taking a cutoff to Sheridan by way of Dayton. The roads were muddy and hard to travel on but a big shower was behind us and our efforts were doubled to stay to stay ahead of the rain; we were successful and after a hard half day’s work through mud, and up and down hill we reached Sheridan at noon. The last eight miles was over good, hard roads and mostly down hill, being by far the best road encountered on the trip.
Four o’clock again found the corps on the road, and at 7 o’clock the boys were in camp at Arno, having had fair roads. Nearly 60 miles were covered that day.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached[Missoula, MT] July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

“SOLDIERS AWHEEL. Sheridan, Wy., June 27 – Lieutenant Moss and his Twenty-fifth infantry bicycle corps pass through here this afternoon. The corps is making good time in spite of bad roads and bad weather. The corps passed out of Montana last night at 7 o-clock after a hard ride across the Crow Indian reservation”

- Idaho Daily Statesman, Monday June 28, 1897

Day 13 - Custer Battlefield, MT to Parkman, WY

1997-06-26T12:29:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 52.3 miles
Winds: Slight head
Grades: Up
Weather: Forenoon fair; Afterrnoon rain
Condition of roads: Bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/Tires – 0/Lunch – 3h 30m/Other – 20m
Actual travel time: 10h 25m
Rate per hour: 5 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Custer battlefield, MT [5 AM]; Little Horn river; Wyola [lunch- 12:30 – 4:30]; Parkman, WY [7 PM]

“The signal to advance was given the next morning at 5 o’clock . The first obstacle met with was the Little Horn river which is not bridged except by the railroad. We were compelled to either ford or go out of our way and walk on the bridge; the latter plan was adopted and we were soon on our way in earnest. Good roads and no wind was our lot and good time was made until the Little Horn river again presented itself. This time we had to ford. The men took off their leggings and rolled up their trousers and waded in with machines on their shoulders. After a little delay we were again on our way. The roads were getting poorer and many washed out places were met with and more hills. The Little Horn was crossed five times more , twice by fording and the weather was getting extremely hot.
The corps plodded along until noon when we reached Wyola , where we had lunch and a four hours rest.
We pulled out at 4:30, the weather as nice as possible, but before we were half a mile from the station a big storm blew up, lightning flashed on all sides, the cattle grazing near were stampeded and rain commenced to fall. A gallant run was made towards Parkman, Wyo. We were wet to the skin when the rain stopped. When we crossed the state line which is marked with a barbwire fence, the sun was shining and the rain had soaked in leaving a good road. We were glad to get out of Montana, where rain was our continual annoyance, and especially glad to get out of the Crow Indian reservation over which we had traveled since leaving Billings.
The corps pulled into Parkman at 7 o’clock and made camp for the night. On account of rain a dry shelter was looked for and resulted in our sleeping in a barn.”

-E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort, July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

“Our road across the crow reservation was a hard one, and we are glad we are over it and out of the state of Montana as well. We have not had a whole day of good weather on our trip, rain is always sure to mar the day’s run. You can reach me with letters and wire for a few days to Edgemont, S.D. and then at Crawford, Nebraska.
The flowers in this part of the country are much prettier and more varied than are to be seen at home. Red, pink and white wild roses are to be seen on all sides. A flower much like the Montana Arnica flower, having pink leaves, are to be seen in abundance. They are pretty and have a nice odor.
The enclosed bill of fare will give you an idea of what we filled up on. Moss had three pieces of pie. Will have to get at my article now, so good bye,
Your son and brother, E. H. Boos, Official reporter 25th, U.S. Infantry Bicycle Corps”

- Daily Missoulian June 29, 1897

“The ride from the Custer Battlefield to Sheridan, Wyo., about 90 miles, was one of the hardest of the whole trip. The great part of the time the roads were very rough and hilly, and we had to ford the Little Big Horn a number of times.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5)

“On June 26, bright and early, we started up the valley of the Little Big Horn. The traveling was very hard—the roads were rough and hilly, and we had to ford the river several times. As we road along we could plainly see in the far distance a line of blue outlined against the azure of the southern sky—the Black Hill Mountains [sic –those are the Big Horns!] About 7 o’clock in the evening we crossed the State line and entered Wyoming, shortly afterward going into camp for the night.
So far the country traversed had presented scenes of beauty, interest and grandeur. As we rode from mountain to mountain, from valley to valley, from river to river, passing by the wayside relics of bygone days, we could but feel a pang of regret at the advance of civilization—the old stage coaches have crumbled into ruins, the mountain teamsters and the buffaloes have disappeared: the Indians are passing away—the “wild and woolly West” is no more!

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

Day 12 - Ft. Custer [Hardin], MT to Custer Battlefield, MT

1997-06-25T12:30:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 15.5 miles
Winds: Head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Fair
Condition of roads: Good
Delays: Bicycles – 0/Tires – 0/Lunch –0/Other – 0
Actual travel time: 3h
Rate per hour: 5.2 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Fort Custer [Hardin], MT; Crow Agency; Custer Battlefield MT

“We stopped over at the post a day to draw rations, clothing, etc., At 5 o’clock Friday evening, June 25, we mounted our wheels again and with a stiff head wind, made the Crow Indian Agency, twelve miles away, in two and one-half hours.
As the evening shadows began to fall, there appeared amid the hills in the distance, a number of small, white tombstones—the silent resting place of Custer’s glorious band! Camp was pitched on the banks of the little Big Horn within a stone’s cast of a large wooden cross, on which is inscribed, “Here fell Custer.” Indeed, the surroundings of our little camp that night were replete with memories most sacred.
The whole corps walked over to this “Custer monument”—a large piece of pyramid-shaped granite, bearing the names of every member of Custer’s command. A small, white tombstone marks the place where every man fell, the remains of the enlisted men having been gathered together and interred under the monument, while the remains of all the officers, save one where removed from the field and buried in different parts of the country. While a cadet at West Point, Lieut. Crittenden had told his father that if he were ever killed on the field of battle, he wished to be buried where he fell—and Crittenden now sleeps on the side of the lonely mountain!
As we stood at the monument, trying to form some idea of the terrible sensation every man must have felt when he realized he had been trapped, and now stood face to face with grim death, the view was most inspiring. To the north [sic – that should be south] a prominent peak marks the location where Custer divided his command into three parts: to the far south could be seen the position occupied b Reno and his men, and at the very foot of the hill runs the Little Big Horn, on whose banks camped Sitting Bull and his warriors.
What a change has time wrought! On the 25th of June, 1876, Custer and his men were massacred on a field of which civilized man knew nothing; on the 25th of June, twenty-two soldiers of the regular army are on the same ground with bicycles! In the valley below, where savages and buffaloes were wont to roam, corn grows, wheat is planted, a railroad passes and civilization prevails!

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

NEBRASKA IS REACHED--The Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps Still Wheeling Away--From Fort Custer to Fort Robinson --Bad Roads, Head Winds, Alkali Water, Rattlesnakes and Many Other Pleasures

-----Fort Robinson, July –[Delayed in transmission.]—June 24th found the 25th Infantry Bicycle corps at Fort Custer, Mont., at which point a days rest was taken. At 4 o’clock on the evening of the 25th the corps again started on its long journey, having during their stay at Fort Custer discarded one half of their blankets carried up to that time. Crossing the big flat lying south of the fort, on a good road, except where several ravines are gouged in its surface we soon reached Crow Agency, eleven miles to our credit. A stop of a few minutes was made before the corps proceeded and advanced three miles further on where camp was pitched for the night. The site of our camp was on the flat at the foot of the hill on which Gen. Custer fought the famous battle and where the Indians pitched their lodges the day before the battle.
Before getting supper the men visited the celebrated battlefield and viewed the site of the massacre with interest. The writer went over Custer’s very line of march on his bicycle under the direction of Mr. A. N. Grover the custodian of the Custer National Cemetary. It is something of note that on the 21st anniversary day of Custer’s last battle, troops on bicycles were viewing the grounds from their silent steeds, around which are bones, the remains of cavalry horses, which fell with Custer and his 230 men.

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian Nebraska is Reached, July 17, 1897

[This article was also published in the St. Louis Daily Globe Democrat, July 18, 1897. The head line for that paper was THE MILITARY BICYCLISTS.----- They Find a Hard Road to Travel in Wyoming.]

The following letter has been received by the relatives of Edwin H. Boos, which will prove of interest to his friends in Missoula:
We arrived here shortly after 11 o’clock, a.m. traveling a distance of 28 miles thus far today, the first 13 miles were simply awful, on account of mud and rain, but the balance was mostly down hill and on a road as smooth as a pavement. Some of the soldiers’ wheels ran away and one of them was badly damaged, fortunately Lieut. Moss had a frame here and we will soon be fixed up. The weather looks bad and the chances are that we will not start this evening. Our average run up to date and including two days on which we did no riding at all is 41 miles per day or over 60 miles per day for days actually traveled. This is “Buffalo Bills" hotel. The Sheridan and it is pretty good. [I think he is talking about Sheridan here]
The doctor, Lieutenant Moss, and myself ate dinner here, the first square meal we have had for some time. At Fort Custer had a good board but too dainty for our appetites. We will be out two weeks tonight and have one-third of our journey accomplished. The roads through the alkali districts of this state are as hard to travel over as are the sand hills of western Nebraska, but after that our way will be smoother sailing.
June 25th was the 21st anniversary of the Custer massacre. By good fortune we were right on the historic spot at that time. I was never more interested in anything, and followed Custer’s line of march from where the first man fell to the place where Custer and his noble men made their last stand. It is too long a story to tell as a great deal is only supposition. The corps camped at the foot of the hill below the battle field and nearly all the boys took in a little of the sights. The relics have all been picked up, even the stone which marked the fall of Custer has been carried away until absolutely nothing remains. A wooden cross now marks the place where Custer and his noble men made their last stand. It is too long a story to tell, as a great deal is only supposition.
The corps camped a the foot of the hill below the battle field and nearly all the boys took in a little of the sights. The relics have all been picked up, even the stone which marked the fall of Custer has been carried away until absolutely nothing remains. A wooden cross now markes the place.
Our road across the Crow reservation was a hard one, and we are glad we are over it, and out of the state of Montana as well. We have not had a whole day of good weather on our trip, rain is always sure to mar the day's run. You can reach me with letters and wire for a few days to Edgemont, S.D. and then at Crawford, Nebraska.
The flowers in this part of the country are much prettier and more varied than are to be seen at home. Red, pink and white wild roses are to be seen on all sides. A flower much like the Montana Arnica flower, having pink leaves, are to be seen in abundance. They are pretty and have a nice odor.
The enclosed bill of fare will give you an idea of what we filled up on.
Moss had three pieces of pie. Will have to get at my article now, so good bye, Your son and brother.

E.H. BOOS.

Official Reporter 25th, U.S. Infantry

Bicycle Corps.

- Daily Missoulian Custer Massacre June 29, 1897

MILITARY BICYCLE CORPS. CROW AGENCY, Mont., June 25. – The Twenty-fifth infantry bicycle corps, Lieutenant Moss in command, is camped for the night a few miles south of this place. All are well and in good condition. Good roads are ahead for two hundred miles. The average has been nearly sixty miles per day to date.

-Nebraska State Journal [Lincoln, Neb.] pg. 1, June 26, 1897

Day 11 - Pryor Creek, MT to Ft. Custer [Hardin], MT

1997-06-24T12:31:00.002-06:00

Distance travelled: 42.2 miles
Winds: head
Grades: Mostly up
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 50m/Tires – 0/Lunch –0/Other – 0
Actual travel time: 8h
Rate per hour: 5.3 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Pryor Creek [past Billings]; Crow reservation; Spring Creek; Fort Custer [Hardin] MT

“June 24 we left the old cabin at 6:30 with our clothes still wet. The first six miles was over the wet gumbo mud, and we worked like beavers to get out of this section as soon possible. We were between two fires –hard roads, headwind and uphill on one hand and scanty rations with no means of getting any more on the other. We were on the Crow Indian reservation and far from a railroad. The corps finally got out of this bad country and had good wheeling for some distance, having to face a strong wind. We went down a gradual hill and crossed Spring creek; where we got good water, the first since leaving Billings. From here on a steady hill was to be climbed for three miles until we reached the railroad. A few slight accidents occurred but were permanently fixed on the road. At 10:30 we arrived at Fort Custer, after one of the hardest days we ever had. A distance of over 42 miles was covered today in spite of the opposing conditions. The corps was warmly welcomed at the fort and were comfortably quartered in the garrison. Our stay here will be of one days duration, after which we will head southward into Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, and Missouri.
The trip so far has resulted in very few accidents, considering the number in the corp, and all the accidents to this time have been caused by carelessness and were of little importance, most of them being permenantely repaired on the road. The men are in good condition and enjoy the trip. Not more than six punctures have been received.

EDW. H. Boos Official Reporter
Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort, July 10, 1897

“Fifteen minutes later Pryor Creek was forded, and a little later, we came upon a deserted Indian Cabin, in which the night was spent.
Our supply of rations being about exhausted, breakfast the next morning consisted of a cup of weak coffee, partially sweetened, and a small piece of burnt bread. At 6.40 o’clock the Corps started for Fort Custer, 42 miles away. On account of the gumbo mud, it took three hours to cover the first six miles. We then struck good roads, and although the grades were many and the wind against us, 3.30 o’clock that afternoon found us at the Fort. The country traveled over during the day was dreary, hilly and uninteresting, with scarcely a sign of civilization.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5)

“The next morning, soon after reveille, we were much amused at seeing “Cloud-in-the-face,” his squaw, one pappose, two other Indians and their squaws coming over the hill as fast as their legs would carry them, evidently fearing to be late for breakfast mess call—but as far as we know they are yet to break the fast of the previous night.
At a quarter of seven the corps started for Fort Custer, forty-two miles away. On account of gumbo mud we were three hours covering the first six miles. The command then struck good roads, and although the grades were many and the wind against us, 3:30 that afternoon found us at the fort.
The country traveled over during the day was dreary, hilly and uninteresting, with scarcely a sign of civilization.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

Day 10 - Columbus, MT to Pryor Creek (near Billings), MT

1997-06-23T12:32:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 50
Winds: Part of afternoon head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Afternoon rain
Condition of roads: Last few miles muddy
Delays: Bicycles – 30m/Tires – 0/Lunch –5h 15m/Other – 2h 5m
Actual travel time: 7h 10m
Rate per hour: 7

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: 4-5 miles past Columbus MT; Park City; Laurel; Billings [9:55 am – 4 pm?]; Crow reservation; Camp on Pryor Creek [past Billings- 8:15 pm]

“Our Wednesday morning start was made at 5:30 o’clock, the roads were good and a good run was promised for the day. Our way passed through the little towns of Park City and Laurel, both of which we passed through like a limited train. Some delays were caused by flooded roads on account of overflowing irrigation ditches. The country people in this part of Montana have little regard for a wheelman. Three old country women going to town held the whole road and kept their team going fast enough to prevent our passing but too slow for our usual gait. We asked for half the road and were laughed at—but we had a chance and took advantage of it by passing. The women were so surprised and astonished that they forgot about their horses, which took fright and ran off in the rough ground, giving the corps a wide berth. We reached Billings at 9:50 in the morning and stopped for rations and a few repairs. Our tin coffee pots had given out and new ones of galvanized iron were made for us; they are a little smaller and heavier and will wear better than the tin ones.
We left Billings 5:15, crossed the Yellowstone on the railroad bridge and started for Fort Custer. The country around here is barren and our way was uphill. We had hardly gone six miles when a rain came down on us, giving us a good drenching and much mud. Riding was out of the question and we had to foot it. After crossing a steep hill we were met with a big flat of sagebrush and clay. We were completely balked. The wheels would clog after several turns and for awhile we were walking with a knife in one hand, leading the wheel with the other, stopping every few feet to cut the clay off. This was slow business and we resorted to the old method of putting the machines on our shoulders and carrying them. We did this for over a mile where the road became fairly passable and we did a little riding. At dark we came to Pryor Creek which we forded and commenced to look for a place to camp. We found an old Indian camp of which we took possession and soon had a fire going in the stove which we found in the old shack. We were wet, cold and hungry, and a more jaded set of men never existed. We went to bed as quickly as possible and had a fair rest. The distance traveled that day was about 50 miles. Our cyclometers were chocked up with mud the last mile or two. The last mile took two hours of constant work.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort, July 10, 1897

THE SOLDIER WHEELMEN. They Arrive in Billings on Their Way to St. Louis -- Lieut. James A. Moss of Fort Missoula, accompanied by Surgeon Kennedy, Official Reporter E.H. Boos of the Missoulian and twenty colored soldiers arrived in Billings Wednesday forenoon on their bicycle march to St. Louis. They were 421 miles out on their trip on reaching this city and since leaving Helena have averaged sixty miles a day. The party left Fort Missoula on the morning of June 14 and has been marching ever since, its intention being to go to St. Louis and make the trip in six weeks , and then make a return trip, the purpose of which is to demonstrate the utility of the bicycle in practical warfare. Nothing daunted by the reverses of the weather that have been suffered thus far, Lieut. Moss believes that the trip will show that under ordinarily good conditions the bicycle corps of the army can do better traveling than cavalry over any ordinary country. The purpose of the trip, which is sanctioned by the war department and is being watched with a great deal of interest by the high officials at Washington, is to demonstrate beyond doubt by a long march that Lieut. Moss’ theory is correct. He has himself been for a long time an enthusiastic wheelman and has made many excursions awheel, but this is his first long journey on a bicycle with a company of men.
The soldiers carry their arms and camp equipment, the weight of which is divided so that it does not average more than sixty pounds to the man. The bicycles were especially constructed for the trip under the direction of Lieut. Moss and are provided with a leather knapsack that will carry two days’ rations and a large tin cylinder used to make coffee in and as a storing receptacle. The former is built between the wheels and the latter attached in front of the handle bars. Most of the party left Billings in the forenoon, but several of them remained until about 4 o’clock to have their wheels repaired by George Soule. A two days’ supply of rations was purchased here and the long march was resumed over the line of the Burlington. The men appear to be well satisfied with the trip and Lieut. Moss is confident that it will demonstrate the practicability of the bicycle in the regular army.

- Billings Gazette, June 25, 1897

“By 9:55 o’clock the next morning the bicycle corps was in Billings, having already traveled thirty-seven miles that day. Here we drew some rations, and then continued our journey a mile or two further, stopping for lunch on the banks of the Yellowstone River. At 5:15 p.m., with a strong head wind, we started across the Crow Indian reservation. Half an hour later as the command was leaving the valley of the Yellowstone and just about to enter the mountains, it began to rain, and continued incessantly until the following morning. As usual, the earth was a kind of clay gumbo, and we had an exceedingly hard time pushing and carrying our wheels up and down the sticky mountain sides. For miles we jogged along over sinuous, hilly, muddy trails, stopping every few minutes to scrape the caked mud off the choked wheels. Drenched to the skin and covered with mud, as we walked along our shoes would make a creaking noise, because of the water in them, and with much feeling some of the soldiers were humming, “Just Tell Them that You Saw Me.” [see comments below for lyrics]
About 8 o’clock the bark of a dog indicated that we were not the only human beings in these dreary, lonely, God-forsaken hills. Fifteen minutes later we forded Pryor Creek, and soon reached a deserted Indian cabin. As we approached the place we saw two white men sitting near a small fire in a partially-constructed log shed. One was middle-aged, while the other, with long, gray beard and flowing locks, had reached the ripe age of 65 or more. As he knelt near the fire cooking, with the smoke encircling him, he and his partner, ignorant of our approach, presented a weird picture. Going to where they were, we found the old man to be one of the old-timers,” who are now fast passing away. He and his friend were out prospecting, and had taken shelter in the shed for the night. They informed us that an Indian who lived in a tepee, a mile or so away, owned the shed and the shack, and had given them permission to use the former, whereupon we decided to use the latter, and explain matters to the Indian in the morning, should he make his appearance.
The corps had gotten strung out a mile or more in the mud, and a couple of shots way off in the woods indicated that some of the men were lost; for it was now as dark as Egypt’s night. One of our party answered the shots at once, and within fifteen minutes all were present.
As the soldiers were cooking supper and while the surgeon, the reporter and myself, were drying ourselves in the shed, “Cloud-in-the-face,” the sub-chief who owned the place, made his appearance. He seemed much pleased to see us, and told us we were welcome to use the shack that night, and then squatting near the fire, succeeded in smoking all the tobacco in the crowd. Although short on rations, we gave him a good supper and then waited for his Indian highness to take his leave—but still he squatted in silence. Finally with many grunts, he said: “Heap squaw; heap pappose [sic], heap poor; white money”—that is, he had several wives, many children, was very poor and wanted some of the white man’s money. One of the party who spoke the sign language asked him how much money he wanted, whereupon this “child of the forest,” not at all modest, replied, 25 cents apiece for the use of the shack. As we were twenty-three in the command, this would have amounted to more than the shack was worth, and we compromised on a box of cigarettes. He then bade us good night. The next morning, soon after reveille, we were much amused at seeing “Cloud-in-the-face,” his squaw, one pappose, two other Indians and their squaws coming over the hill as fast as their legs would carry them, evidently fearing to be late for breakfast mess call—but as far as we know they are yet to break the fast of the previous night.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

“On June 23rd, by 9.55 A.M., the Bicycle Corps had arrived at Billings, Mont., having already traveled 37 miles that day.
After getting our rations at the rail road depot, the Corps continued its journey a mile or so further, and then stopped for lunch on the banks of the Yellowstone River. At 5.15 P.M. we started across the Crow Indian Reservation, with a head-wind and up a stiff grade. About half an hour later, as the command was leaving the Valley of the Yellowstone and entering the mountains, it began to rain, and continued almost incessantly until the next morning. The soil was a kind of clay-gumbo, and we had an extremely hard time pushing and carrying our bicycles up and down those muddy, sticky mountain sides. Mile after mile we jogged along as best we could over sinuous hilly trails, stopping again and again to scrape off the caked mud from the choked wheels. About 8 O’ clock the lonely, God-forsaken hills. Fifteen minutes later Pryor Creek was forded, and a little later, we came upon a deserted Indian Cabin, in which the night was spent. “

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5)

Day 9 - Big Timber, MT to Columbus, MT

1997-06-22T12:33:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 58.1 miles
Winds: Slight back part of day
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Afternoon rain
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles – 2h 35m/Tires – 0/Lunch –3h 55m/Other – 45m
Actual travel time: 8h 35m
Rate per hour: 6.8 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Big Timber [5:15 am]; Columbus MT [6 pm]; 4 or 5 miles past Columbus MT [camp]

“Five o’clock a.m. the following day found the corps on the road again working against stones and grades. The heat soon became intense, and at 11:45 o’clock we stopped at a section-house on the Northern Pacific Railroad until 3:40 p.m.; to rest and have lunch.
The village of Columbus was passed at 6 o’clock, and four or five miles beyond we stopped an hour in some dense timber in order to get shelter from a heavy rain. Two hours later, with fifty-eight miles to our credit, the corps arrived at a ranch, and the night being damp and raw, we obtained permission from the proprietor of the place to sleep in a vacant sheep shed. The wood we could obtain was wet, and supper was not made ready until after 12 o’clock.
The cycling mechanic [Pvt. John Findley] was evidently bent on making a night of it, and of his own free will and accord staid up until reveille, tiring a buckled wheel.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

“Tuesday morning found us on the road before 5:15. We had to cross a very rocky section and some of the distance had to be walked. The curlews were plentiful around here and several shots were fired at them, bringing five of the birds into our pantry. The roads were improving and the corps started to make a record, but in going down a small hill one of the men broke the front axle of his wheel and caused an hours delay. The accident was caused by careless riding. As we left Big Timber behind the road became poorer on account of less travel. We soon found it to our advantage to ride on the railroad track, which at this point is in good condition and makes fair riding. We continued about a mile and a half until a section house and water tank was reached; here we stopped for lunch. The section people kindly allowed the cook to use their stove for preparing lunch, and a few extras were purchased from the folks around. We pulled away from the section house at 3:30, riding on the track and crossing the Yellowstone River on the railroad bridge. A fair road now was taken and soon intersected with the main county road, giving us good traveling until we reached Columbus at 6 p.m., where we halted for a few minutes for the purpose of making repairs. Leaving Columbus our road led up a long steep hill which we climbed on foot. The weather which had been pleasant, although warm, now began to get in it’s usual daily mood; the sky clouded and before the whole command reached the top of the hill a rain storm opened on us. The road was a downhill stretch for a few miles and we made a run for cover, reaching a bunch of trees before we were wet entirely. The friendly shelter of the trees was utilized until the rain subsided, when we took to the road and continued on our journey, traveling at a good gait although the road was slippery. In making a sharp turn in an unusually wet place the wheel of one of the men slipped resulting in the rear one doubling up necessitating his walking into camp. A farmhouse was reached at 9 o’clock and camp struck. Lt. Moss purchased some eggs and milk and we were prepared for a feast. The five curlews and a rabbit were fried in fine style, the eggs boiled, the milk used in our coffee, made a grand supper, although it was fully twelve o’clock when it was ready. In figuring up the days run we found that over 58 miles were to our credit. Findley our repairman stayed up all night replacing the wheel which had doubled up with a new rim, in order that there would be no delay in our start.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort, July 10, 1897

Day 8 - Chestnut [near Bozeman], MT to Big Timber, MT

1997-06-21T12:34:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 57.5 miles
Winds: none
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; Slight rain afternoon
Condition of roads: Good
Delays: Bicycles – 15m/Tires – 0/Lunch –3h 20m/Other – 2h 10m
Actual travel time: 8h 30m
Rate per hour: 6.8 mph

- Lt. James Moss Report to Adjutant General Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Chestnut [close to Bozeman]; Livingston; Big Timber [5:15 pm]; Boulder River, few miles past Big Timber, Montana [camp]

“The next morning at 6:40 o’clock we were on the summit of the mountain range between Bozeman and Livingston, our next ration station, which was made by 9:15 o’clock. Crossing the Yellowstone river and then riding for miles within plain view of its blue waters, we arrived at Big Timber shortly after 7 o’clock, and fifteen minutes later went into camp on the banks of the Boulder River. The cyclometer registered fifty-eight miles more than it did in the morning.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

“An early start was made Monday morning and after crossing the range of mountains separating the waters of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers and passing through a rocky canyon, we had a down hill road to Livingston, where we received rations for the next two days. Our stay at this place extended over an hour. The populace turned out en masse to look us over and inspect the bicycles. The road out of Livingston leads over a bridge at the foot of the main street, then east along the railroad and was in excellent condition. The grade slightly downhill and good progress was made. We ran along until 12:30 when we camped for lunch and rest. Leaving at 4 o’clock we had the same good roads and made good time up to within four miles of Big Timber, where the road and prairie was covered with large boulders, making the riding very rough and uncertain as well as slow. A few of the Big Timber wheelmen met us a short distance from that place and advised us about the road farther on. The corps reached Big Timber at 5:15 and stopped a few minutes. An enthusiastic old veteran insisted that the boys had to have a drink and accordingly called them all over to a neighboring bar. The corps left this thriving little town soon after, intending to push on some eight miles before going into camp. We had gone on about a mile when a great storm arose and we put back to the Boulder River which we had just crossed, and made camp for the night. Traveled 57 1/2 miles.

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort [Missoula, MT] July 10, 1897

Swaddles with Wheels.

Lieut. Moss, Dr. Kennedy and 20 colored soldiers of the Twenty-fifth infantry of Fort Missoula, passed through here on bicycles about 10 o'clock Monday morning en route to Billings, whence they will go southward along the route of the Burlington railway to their destination at St. Louis. Each soldier is riding a Spaulding bicycle, specially manufactured for the government to be used on this trial trip for the purpose of testing their practicability for future army use. The company is carrying with them their muskets and several rounds of cartridges, necessary provisions, cooking utensils, clothing, bedding and tents, the average weight to each man being about 55 pounds. If the weather permits, they will average about 45 miles a day and expect to reach St. Louis in six weeks. Edward Boos of Missoula is accompanying them as special correspondent.

- Livingston Herald, June 24, 1897

Day 7 - Recap, MT to Chestnut, MT

1997-06-20T12:35:00.003-06:00

Distance travelled: 60 miles
Winds: none
Grades: Mostly up
Weather: fair
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –2h / Other – 2h 10m
Actual travel time: 8h 50m
Rate per hour: 6.8 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: NP construction camp of Recap [6:30 am] ; Gallatin; Logan; Manhattan; Central Park [lunch]; Belgrade; Bozeman [5:45 pm]; old Fort Ellis; Rocky Canyon;
Chestnut [east of Bozeman] MT

“Early the following morning we broke camp, and, on account of a high bluff on one side and the Gallatin River* on the other, were compelled to follow the railroad track for five miles. New crossties had just been put in, and the spaces between them had not yet been filled. On either side of the track earth, rocks and old crossties were piled up, thus confining us to a kind of groove. Our wheels were so heavily loaded that we could not well carry them, and the constant jar resulting from rolling our bicycles over this torn-up track caused cramps in the hands and pains in the arms and shoulders. This part of the journey was extremely slow and tiresome.
What natural-born “cheerful liars” some men are was well illustrated by an incident that happened soon after we left camp. A clever-looking and apparently truthful fellow informed us that when we reached Gallatin, four miles away, we would find as good a road as any one could wish for. Upon reaching Gallatin, however, we found that the road referred to consisted of a blind trail, which led us through an old marshy field filled with myriads of vicious mosquitoes, and thence into the foothills beyond. Following this trail for hours we finally crossed the railroad bridge about half a mile west of Logan and entered the town a few minutes later.
Bozeman, the metropolis of the Gallatin Valley, was made by 6 o’clock that afternoon, and after laying in a supply of bread and fresh meat the corps continued its journey eastward. Old Fort Ellis, now a crumbling ruin of by-gone days, soon disappeared to our left, and we then began “pumping” our wheels up Rocky Canyon. , deep and picturesque. Two hours after leaving Bozeman, camp was made at Chestnut. Distance traveled during the day, fifty miles.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

*I think Moss must have meant the Missouri River. The Corps hadn't yet reached the three forks of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin River. Recap, where the Corps spent the night was more commonly spelled "Rekap". It was about 3.5 miles down from Clarkston, MT. (45° 59' 23.64" N 111° 26'37.49"W)

“ Sunday morning June 20th, we broke camp and left at 6:30. There being no road, we were compelled to take the railroad track again and had the same conditions to face. It was found easier to carry our machines than to push them and this plan was followed by most of the men. The command kept the track until the mosquitoes and heat, coupled with the hard work, compelled us to quit. We took a blind trail which led across a big swamp meadow and up a steep hill; once on the surface we were able to ride a little at intervals and made fair time, reaching Logan at ten a.m. after four hours of mud, hard work and torture, machines were inspected and not a loose bolt or nut was found, proving the machines able for the roughest usage.
We were now in the Gallatin valley, and fair roads were in front of us. A bad feature of almost every place where irrigation is in use is that the farmers flood the roads with waste water. We lost some time getting over such places and had many more similar places to cross. Our road passed through the little towns of Manhattan, Central Park and Belgrade. Halt for lunch was mde at Central park and the boys enjoyed a few minutes rest before pushing on. The road was full of ruts from here to within a mile of Bozeman; many of the boys took headers and several twisted handle bars were reported and a few delays were caused by minor accidents resulting from careless riding. The corps halted a short distance from Bozeman and marched in in a fine column. The citizens turned out and showed much interest.
Rations were a little low so a few loaves of bread were bought to help fill up the larder. The corps pushed on to Chestnut in the evening going into camp at that point. The distance covered this day was 50 miles and extended over rough roads and up grade."

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort [Missoula, MT] July 10, 1897

“ The night of the 19th was spent at Recap, Mont., a construction camp between the N.P.R.R. track and the Gallatin River, only a hundred yards or so from the railroad. Early the next morning we broke camp, and on acount of a high bluff on one sie and the river on the other, were compelled to follow the track five miles. New cross-ties had just been put in and the spaces between them had not yet been filled in. On either side, at the very ends of the cross-ties, earth, rocks and old ties were piled up. The constant jar of rolling on bicycles over this torn up track, benumbed our hands and gave us pains in the shoulders. This part of the journey was extremely slow and tiresome. Before reaching Gallatin (five miles from Recap) I had been informed we would strike a good, smooth road, at that point. The road referred to we found to be a blind trail which lea us through an old marshy field, where there were myriads of vicious mosquitoes, and thence into the foothills beyond. Following this trail for two hours or more we struck the railroad bridge just west of Logan, and entered the town a few minutes later. Bozeman, the metropolis of the Gallatin Valley was made by 5.45 that afternoon, and two hours later, 50 miles to our credit finished the day’s work.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5)

Day 6 - Fort Harrison [Helena], MT to Recap [near Three Forks], MT

1997-06-19T12:36:00.008-06:00

Distance travelled: 63.5 miles
Winds: Slight back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Forenoon fair; slight rain afternoon
Condition of roads: fair
Delays: Bicycles – 15m/Tires – 15m/Lunch –2h 30m/ Other – 45m
Actual travel time: 9h 5m
Rate per hour: 7 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Fort Harrison; Helena; Beaver Creek; Winston; New Bedford; Townsend; Toston; NP Construction Camp Recap MT

“….the corps laid over at Fort Harrison until the morning of the 19th, waiting for the weather to settle, when, with a fairly bright sky, we left the post and fifty minutes later were gliding through the streets of Montana’s capital. About noon, with thirty-seven miles to our credit we lunched at New Bedford, and seven hours later went into camp at Recap, a construction camp on the Northern Pacific.”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

Recap, where the Corps spent the night was more commonly spelled "Rekap". It was about 3.5 miles down from Clarkston, MT. (45° 59' 23.64" N 111° 26'37.49"W)

FROM FORT TO FORT--Fort Harrison Left and Fort Custer Gained After a Hard Struggle--Rains Descend and Made Mud
--Twenty-fifth Bicycle Corps Have a Hard Time of it Wheeling Through Montana. --Fort Custer, Mont., July --, 1897

The corps was quite well rested and freshed up after a day’s stay at Fort Harrison, and an early start was made on the morning of the nineteenth. The corps attracted much attention while going through Helena. The roads east of the latter place were rather rough after bad storms, but as we gained distance and the travel decreased, the condition improved and after about an hour we had comparatively good riding. We passed through east Helena and thence along a long hill, passing by a haunted house, the memory of which was distinctively marked on the minds of the ones that made the trip last year. The condition of the road was now getting worse and we encountered some hills, the boys always keeping a good line and attracting the attention of all the farmers and people along the line. When nearing Beaver Creek the road became impassable for bicycles and the order was given to keep to the railroad track. We tried this plan for several miles and were nearly jolted to pieces when the good roads again appeared and which we were glad to use. Our way was up a long hill, which was walked up pushing our machines. After reaching the summit of this hill good roads were met and we skimmed along the country at a good rate, crossing Beaver Creek on a good bridge. At 10:35 we reached the Winston, 26 1/2 miles from our starting point. The road from Winston east led down a long hill but on account of washouts and large boulders, we made but fair time and at noon we camped at New Bedford, 36 1/2 miles out, for our lunch. The weather was poor at this place and the command to start was given as soon as possible after lunch. We wheeled along a prairie covered with prickly pears and uphill roads for a few miles until we came in sight of the Missouri River, to whose banks we run and crossed over to Townsend, striking some very rough roads. The corps stopped at Townsend a few minutes giving the residents a chance to inspect our wheels and pass opinions, which were comical in some instances.
The weather up to this time was good, but now the clouds lowered and showed signs of rain. We made a forced march to Toston 13 1/2 miles further on over some desolate country. We reached Toston in good time, and as the rain had not commenced to fall so we concluded to push on a little further for the day. A number of citizens volunteered information and after listening to a number of stories about the poor conditions of the road by the way of Three Forks, we determined to take the railroad track, which cut off a few miles.* We marched on this track which was just being renewed and was without ballast for 20 miles pushing our tires over the ties, which were from six inches to two feet apart, subjecting them to most severe test. In the worst part we carried our heavily loaded machines on our shoulder. The mosquitoes were very bad and we hard a hard time. The hour was getting late and the men tired and hungry so we pitched camp at a temporary station called Recap. Our beds this night were hard and care had to be exercised not to rest on the many prickly pears. Distance covered that day was 73 1/2 miles, and was made under some of the most trying conditions. Although we passed through a country literally covered with cactus not a puncture was reported and no accidents.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian From Fort to Fort [Missoula, MT] July 10, 1897

*the road the Corps took took them through a canyon, carved by the Missouri River, which is about 20 miles long. I'm guessing "the road by the way of Three Forks" that the Corps decided not to take was closer to modern HWY 287 which joins Toston, MT to Three Forks, MT to the west of the canyon.

“The bicycle corps of the Twenty-fifth Infantry…is now between Helena and Bozeman”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian June 19, 1897

“ The night of the 19th was spent at Recap, Mont., a construction camp between the N.P.R.R. track and the Gallatin River*, only a hundred yards or so from the railroad.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 5)

* It seems to me that Moss must have meant the Missouri River, not the Gallatin. The Gallatin (along with the Jefferson and Madison) are further south, below, at Three Forks where they meet.

"MILITARY PURPOSES
Bicycle Trip by Soldiers to Determine
if the Wheel is Available as
a Transport
--------------------
ITS PRACTICABILITY IS TO BE TESTED
--------------------
Why Lieutenant Moss and Command
of the United States Army are
on Their Journey

The bicycle corps of the Twenty-fifth Infantry, U.S.A., which left Missoula Monday morning, June 14th, for St. Louis, Missouri, is now between Helena and Bozeman, and as the weather has improved will make better time than was made between Missoula and Helena, owing to the muddy condition of the roads. Why the trip was undertaken is fully explained in what follows:
Not many years ago the bicycle was looked upon as a mere toy, a kind of "dandy horse," and the riders were regarded as fit subjects for pity. That time, however, is a thing of the past; the bicycle of today is a very important factor in our social and commercial life, and bids fair to figure conspicuously in the warfare of the future. France, Austria, Switzerland, England, Germany and other European powers, have, of late years, devoted considerable attention to the bicycle as a machine for military purposes, resulting in its adoption as component parts of their armies."

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Military Purposes, June 19, 1897

"The bicycle corps of the regular army, which passed through here last Saturday, report that they were not obliged to do any walking, since leaving Missoula, until the arrived at Placer."

- The Winston Prospector [Winston, Montana] 24 June 1897

The following story was on the same page of the Winston Prospector. It has nothing to do with the Bicycle Corps but I thought it was funny.....

Of Course She Was to Blame.

There is only one time when a man freely and voluntarily admits that his wife is a "woman rights" advocate to the extent of having worn his clothes, and that is when he is trying to catch a train. To the absolute knowledge of your reporter, a Winston man, after the special express had been standing half an hour on the track, was seen hat on one side, one shirt sleeve unbuttoned, coat-tail horizontaly aflair in the breeze, caused by the concussion of air behind him, as he flung arms and legs in desperate effort to overtake the morning train which was just pulling out. His heart had been set on celebrating with the Union boys in Helena. The following is the conversation between himself and wife--considerably abbreviated:
Husband--Wife, where is my pants?
Wife--Hanging in the wardrobe, John.
Husband--Wife, what in the name of sense did you do with my collar button?
Wife--In the velvet case on the bureau, dear.
Husband--Where is my hat? You must have had my cuff-buttons or what could have become of them?
The wife left the care of the little one to assist his arm into his coat sleeve, and then sympathetically called from the window, "O, papa, its no use now, the train is going." After an hour or so slowly walking about the town, looking as though he would kick every dog that gave him a friendly glance, and knocking down anyone that dared to say good morning to him, he returned home and declared, "It's all your fault, wife."

Day 5 - Rest day at Fort Harrison, Montana

1997-06-18T12:37:00.004-06:00

Day of rest at Fort Harrison (Helena), Montana

“We remained at Harrison all day Friday drying our traps and waiting for the storm to settle.

RESUME OF THE TRIP FROM FORT
MISSOULA TO FORT HARRISON

The distance covered in these four days was 146 1/2 miles, all but 30 of which was made on wet or muddy roads. The wheels are in as good condition as when they left Fort Missoula, although they have been over the roughest road in the country. The wheels were in six or eight inches of water most of the way down the main divide.
The trip from Helena east will be made in better time, as the roads are down grade.

E.H. Boos,

Official Reporter 25th U.S. Inf. Bicycle Corps”

- Daily Missoulian July 3

Day 4 - Elliston, MT to Fort Harrison, MT

1997-06-17T12:38:00.004-06:00

Distance travelled: 24 miles
Winds: back
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Rain and snow
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –0/ Other – 30m
Actual travel time: 5h 50m
Rate per hour: 4.1 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Elliston MT 10am; Mullan Stage Road; McDonald’s Pass summit 12 noon; Broadwater natatorium; Fort Harrison MT 4:30 PM

“Bright and early the fourth day we started out to cross the main divide of the Rocky Mountains, although the rain had not entirely subsided. We plodded along, pushing our wheels for about three miles where our ascent began. We crossed what is known as McDonald’s pass, pushing our wheels up the steep mountain sides for nearly an hour over the washed out roads, when a gentle rain commenced to fall, but which increased as we progressed. Our line of march extended straight up for a mile—we were getting along as well as possible when a gale sprang up and a terrific snow storm set in. The snow was so thick that we could not see 20 feet in front of us, and the air very cold and icy. Our ears and finger tips were numb, but there was no alternative. We had to go on, and on we went. After a hard struggle, our wheels being almost a mass of slush, we reached the summit and commenced our descent on the east side of the main divide. The ascent was a great test for the machines and for physical endurance, but it was easy compared with the descent. It took about 10 miles to ascent and only three to descend, so the reader may have an idea of the pitch we had to travel. We walked all the way, the same rain and snow continuing, but going off faster. All the ravines were rushing torrents, and it took a long time and hard work to get down the worse part and we were not sorry when we saw the narrow valley before us leading out of the mountains. We had a chance to ride now and made good time. The soldiers had several runaways, some falls, the wheels many bad knocks, several slight accidents, but no breaks of importance. We walked a long distance through mud up to our shoe tops in places, carrying our wheels now, and pushing them. The familiar domes of the Broadwater natatorium finally came in sight and our hearts were made glad to know that we were near the end of our day’s journey.
The corps gathered itself together and marched into Fort Harrison, having covered 25 miles. A wetter, chilled or more fatigued body never stopped to rest.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Wheeling South [Missoula, MT] July 3, 1897

“Our rations being about to give out, the command started out again at 10 o’clock the next morning and in mud and water, for Fort Harrison, the next ration station. Three miles east of Elliston, leaving the N.P.R.R. to the left we took the old Mullan Stage Road, which is now little more than a mere trail full of ruts, stones and dilapidated corduroy bridges. Pushing our wheels up this muddy, slippery grade for several miles, was indeed, hard work. About noon the Corps reached the summit of the Main Divide of the Rocky Mountains, in an awful sleet storm, with two inches of snow on the ground. So cold was it that we would stop every now and then to strike our hands and rub our ears. The descent on the Atlantic slope was as difficult as the up-grade work on the Pacific side, as the slope is very steep and great exertion was necessary to prevent our bicycles from running away. The State [sic? – “Stage”?] Road is now virtually what may be called a “dry creek”, which flows quite freely in rainy weather. The snow and sleet were thawing rapidly, and for several miles we puddled along in water and slush up to our ankles. At 4:30 P.M Fort Harrison was reached.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 4-5)

“Here [Elliston] we delayed until 10 o’clock the next morning [June 17], trusting things would brighten up a little. The change, however, came not, but as our supply of rations was almost exhausted, we started out in the mud and water for Fort Harrison, the next ration station. Three miles east of Elliston station, the Northern Pacific Railroad to our left, the corps took the old Mulland stage road, now little more than a mere trail, full of gullies, stones and dilapidated corduroy bridges. We were now nearing the summit, and pushing our bicycles up a muddy, slippery grade was very hard work. About noon the command reached the summit of the Main Divide of the Rocky Mountains, in an awful sleet storm, with three inches of snow on the ground. So cold was it that every now and then the soldiers would stop to beat their hands and rub their ears. The descent on the Atlantic Slope was about as difficult as the ascent on the Pacific side, as the grade is very steep and much exertion was required to prevent our wheels from running away.

The old stage road has ben converted by nature into what may be called a “dry creek,” which flows swiftly as it rains. As we descended on the eastern side, the snow and sleet were thawing very rapidly, and we puddled along in running water and slush up to our ankles. At 4:30 p.m., wet, tired, hungry and cold, Fort Harrison, twenty-four miles from Elliston, was reached. From our experiences of the previous year, we had about come to the conclusion that the soldiers who made the trip through the National Park awheel had served their enlistment in cycling in mud and water, and were entitled to an “honorable discharge.” Consequently, the corps laid over at Fort Harrison until the morning of the 19th, waiting for the weather to settle…..”

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

Day 3 - Avon, MT to Elliston, MT

1997-06-16T12:39:00.004-06:00

Distance travelled: 9.4
Winds: Slight headwind
Grades: Slightly up
Weather: Rainy
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 0/ Tires – 0/ Lunch –0/ Other – 0
Actual travel time: 2h 50m
Rate per hour: 3.3 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Avon MT 10 AM; Elliston MT 1 PM

"The sight which presented itself before us on the third day was anything but a pleasant one. An inch of water covered the ground and not a road in sight. We started about 10 o’clock towards Elliston, taking the railroad track, walking now, and riding when the ballasting would permit. We followed the track for four and a half miles, having to get off twice for trains, one occasion being on very short notice. After leaving the track we took the country road and slewed and slipped in the mud for five miles, finally reaching Elliston at 1 o’clock, having ridden 10 miles in a solid rain; we were wet through and through and were bordering on the chills. As the storm showed no signs of abatement we concluded to stop here for the balance of the day and night, being sheltered in an old log house."

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Wheeling South[Missoula, MT] July 3, 1897

“The corps are at Avon today and will proceed to Helena across the main range of the Rocky Mountains by the way of Elliston, Ontario and Rimini or else via Elliston, Blossburg, Bald Butte and Marysville; more likely the latter route."
[the Corps didn’t follow either of these routes]

--ARRIVE AT AVON—Avon, Mont, June 16—The Twenty fifth Infantry Bcycle corps under command of Lieutenant Moss arrived here last evening at 8:15 o’clock and went into camp. As this was a supply station in the line of march was not taken up until 10 o’clock this morning, fresh rations being taken on and other matters attended to. The men are all fresh and vigorous and in good spirits. ”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian [Missoula, MT] Cross Blackfoot June 16, 1897

“On the night of June 14th [sic – this should be the 15th-16th] while in camp at Avon, Mont., it rained in torrents and the following morning it was still raining and threatening so that we waited in camp until 10.35, hoping the weather would clear up. The command then started out in a drizzle, and rolled our bicycles about 7 miles on the N.P. track, as the wagon road was almost impassable. At 1 P.M., muddy and drenched the Corps went into camp at Elliston, having traveled 9,2/5 [sic] miles.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 4)

"The following morning dawned rainy and threatening, so we waited until 10:30 o’clock hoping the weather would clear up. The command then started out in a drizzling rain, rollowing our wheels about seven miles on the Northern Pacific track, as the wagon road was almost impassable. At 1 o’clock that afternoon, muddy and drenches the corps went into camp at Elliston, having traveled nine and one-half miles."

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

Day 2 - Cottonwood, MT to Avon, MT

1997-06-15T12:40:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 58 miles
Winds: Forenoon back; Afternoon head
Grades: Up and down
Weather: Same [rainy]
Condition of roads: bad
Delays: Bicycles – 15m/ Tires – 12m/ Lunch –2h 40m/Other – 1h 25m
Actual travel time: 10h 18m
Rate per hour: 5.6 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Cottonwood 5:30; Ovando; Blackfoot river; Nevada valley; Helmville; Ophir (cave); Avon MT 8:15 PM

“Early the next morning the corps was on the road again. The atmosphere was damp, raw and penetrating, the fog being so heavy that we could not see 100 yards ahead. Ovando, eleven miles away, was reached at 7:30, and five hours later the command stopped three hours for lunch. At 3 o’clock we started out at a lively gait, in order to reach Avon, twenty-five miles to the southeast, before a prospective rain should overtake us. The country between where we stopped and Avon was a series of gumbo hills. On account of grades and badly cut up roads, we were compelled to walk a great part of the way. Soon after passing Washington Gulch we were caught in a shower, and at 8:30 p.m., about ten minutes after reaching Avon, it began to rain in torrents.

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

“Our first night in camp was a very cool one. At 4 o’clock in the morning reveille was sounded and all was activity in the camp. Roll call was disposed of and breakfast was served at 5 o’clock. Our wheels were packed and our second day’s start began. A heavy fog had settled down and the machines were wet from condensation. We had fair time and were soon in another mountain valley dotted with numerous lakes on which many ducks were resting. The corps moved along in good form, and good roads were before us. We were soon at Ovando and had a few minutes rest. The sun was shining bright, the wheels with their heavy, half water soaked packs, running perfectly, but the roads were getting rougher and slower time was made. After crossing a long table land we gradually descended to the Blackfoot river again, which we now crossed for the last time. Our course lay up the long hill with a a head wind confronting us. It was a long walk to the top. Our down hill road now led us into the Nevada valley and in a few minutes we were at Helmville and drew ourselves together for a short rest. The wind increased in velocity and together with a very bad and long hill, after leaving Helmville, we were completely tired out when we reached a point five miles from the later place where we camped for our lunch. The men were completely tired out from the hard work of the first half of the day and lay around in the shady places and slept. Suddenly the wind, which had been dead against us all day turned with increased fury at our backs.
We were soon under way, riding along finely until we reached a point in the road where the rocks were very thick, and riding was impossible. We pushed our way over this section and were soon on good roads again, with a good wind in our favor. We made good time on to Washington gulch, when the sky clouded and sprinkles of rain fell, but we had to push on, our way being up a long hill and over rough roads. We forced on, walking at a very good rate, running a race with the approaching storm. We trudged on to the top only to find our road leading on up another hill, and so on, for a couple of hours. When the final top was reached we were met with roads which, although down hill, were utterly unridable, and walking was our fate. We walked on and on, climbed a few hills and then started down the last hill for Avon, which we reached, after crossing a “gumbo” flat, about 8 o’clock. This last flat was something terrible and tired us more than our entire walking. We passed a few wagons stuck in the stuff, clear to the hubs. We reached Avon just as the storm broke and went into camp. At this point we drew rations. Supper was served at 10 o’clock and we retired. Our mileage for this, our second day out was 58 miles, a third of which was made on foot. So far our wheels have stood the ride remarkably well, not showing the slightest defect in spite of the unfavorable conditions.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Are Wheeling South[Missoula, MT] July 3, 1897

CROSS BLACKFOOT—TWENTY-FIFTH INFANTRY BICYCLE CORPS DO NOT FOLLOW HELLGATE ROUTE—Are Seen at Ovando by an Eastern Cycler from St. Paul—Corps at Avon Today—The 25th U.S. Infantry Bicycle corps enroute to St. Louis, under command of Lieut. J.A. Moss have been heard from. E. R. Kiliburn of Ovando came to town last night says he met them a few miles this side of Ovando at 5 o’clock yesterday morning. “Boos” the official reporter was in the lead fully a half mile and the rear was made up by Lieutenant Moss. The corps was in single file and scattered along the road a mile or more. All of the men looked fresh and were jogging along at good speed. The sight was a pleasing one and unexpected to the residents of that country who thought the corps would follow the Hellgate river from Bonner to Garrison and then to Avon, the first supply station…
Between Missoula and Avon the corps passed through Potomac, Ovando, Helmsville and Ophir; at the latter place there is a cave* of considerable interest that was discovered by Geo. E. Boos and others. The corps are at Avon today and will proceed to Helena across the main range of the Rocky Mountains by the way of Elliston, Ontario and Rimini or else via Elliston, Blossburg, Bald Butte and Marysville; more likely the latter route.

-------------------------
ARRIVE AT AVON
-------------------------

Avon, Mont, June 16—The Twenty fifth Infantry Bcycle corps under command of Lieutenant Moss arrived here last evening at 8:15 o’clock and went into camp. As this was a supply station in the line of march was not taken up until 10 o’clock this morning, fresh rations being taken on and other matters attended to. The men are all fresh and vigorous and in good spirits. ”

- E. H. Boos, Daily Missoulian Cross Blackfoot, June 16, 1897

Day 1 - Fort Missoula to Cottonwood, MT

1997-06-14T12:42:00.005-06:00

Distance travelled: 54.5 miles
Winds: no wind
Grades: mostly up
Weather: Forenoon good Afternoon rain
Condition of roads: Forenoon good Afternoon bad
Delays: Bicycles – o/ Tires – o / Lunch – 1h 25m/ Other – 3
Actual travel time: 10h 5m
Rate per hour: 5.4 mph

- Lt. J.A. Moss Report to the Adjutant Synopsis of the Trip

Places & times mentioned: Ft. Missoula MT -5:40; Missoula 6:05 am; Bonner; Big Blackfoot river; McNamara’s crossing; Camas prairie; Potomac 11:35 lunch; Sunset; Clearwater P.O. dusk; Cottonwood 8 PM

“Monday, June 14, 1897, at five-thirty in the morning, the Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps rolled out of Fort Missoula, heading east for St. Louis. No great ceremony sent off these ‘Iron Riders’; they rode out before the rest of the post woke up. From Moss’ handlebars fluttered the colors of the League of American Wheelmen, a plea for ‘deliverance from bad roads.’ ”

- Sorenson, Iron Riders pg. 52

THE ARMY A-WHEEL. – STORY OF THE TWENTY-FIFTH U.S. INFANTRY BICYCLE CORPS’ JOURNEY. – From Fort Missoula, Montana, to St. Louis – Through the Fertile Valleys and Across the Beautiful Rivers of Picturesque Montana, and Over the God-forsaken Sand-hills of Nebraska to the Big City on the Muddy Missouri. –[From a Special Contributor to The Times.] Last May, upon the recommendation of Gen. Nelson A. Miles, the Secretary of War gave the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry Bicycle Corps authority to make a trip from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, Mo., the object of the experiment being to test the practicability and the durability of the bicycle as a means of transportation for troops. The corps consisted of Assistant Surgeon J.M. Kennedy, one sergeant, two corporals and seventeen privates, commanded by myself. As thoroughness was to be a leading feature, the experiment was made under all possible conditions, except that of being under actual fire—the command made and broke camp in the rain, traveled through mud, water, sand, snow, over rocks and ruts; forded streams and crossed mountain ranges; suffered from heat, cold, hunger, the loss of sleep, the ill-effects of alkali water. Indeed the corps underwent all sorts of experiences; and as the journey progressed the climate, the scenery and the people were ever changing. Verily, the trip may be likened unto a grand panorama, consisting of four views, (1) The beautiful rivers, colossal mountains and fertile valleys of picturesque Montana. (2) the dreary, yet fascinating lands of Northwestern Wyoming and South Dakota. (3) The barren, God-forsaken sand-hills of Nebraska, and later on, her rolling hills and immense wheat fields. (4) The waving corn-fields of historic Missouri.
On June 17, 1897, as the report of the reveille gun was reverberating through the mountains surrounding Fort Missoula, the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry Bicycle Corps was bounding along in front of “The Officers’ Line” en route to St. Louis. Old Sol had just shown his beaming countenance above the peaks of the Bitter Root range, and casting his radiant smiles upon the cyclist boys in blue, seemed to promise them that this, their first day should indeed be one of sunshine.
Thirty minutes later, as we glided through the streets of Missoula, a crowd that had risen earlier than usual in order to bid the corps godspeed gave us a hearty cheer. Taking a northeasterly course, we followed the Hell Gate Canon as far as Bonner, a small town seven miles from Missoula, and then for twelve miles wended our way along the Big Blackfoot River. The bridge across the river at this point having washed away a few days previous, the command was ferried across, seven at a time, in a small boat, manned by two logmen. At 11:35 o’clock we stopped for lunch, at a ranch twenty-five miles from the fort, intending to resume our ride about 4 o’clock. About 12:30 o’clock, dark, threatening clouds began to gather in the west, and in a short time a heavy rain, accompanied with thunder, lightning and wind , was upon us. It was, however, of but short duration, and when it ceased we immediately packed our bicycles and started off as if pursued by an enemy many times our strength. The year before, myself and the eight soldiers who constituted the bicycle corps had been caught in a rainstorm in this same section of gumbo earth, and the way we had paper was still “verdant green” in our memories. For a while we fairly flew through the woods, but the rain was soon upon us again, and once more did we plod along in vicious gumbo mud, with water gently trickling down our backs—all wet, muddy and slushy, now rolling our wheels through weeds and underbrush on the roadside in order to avoid the mud, and then carrying them a few paces. Occasionally we would stop to scrape the mud off the tires with our meat knives or flat pieces of wood. No one but a person who has had the actual experience can appreciate the sensation of being caught with a bicycle in a rain in gumbo mud—words are inadequate to express it. All those indefinable feelings of “let-me-alone-and-I’ll-let-you-alone,” “I-was-born-unlucky-anyway,” and so on—all these undefinable feelings manifest themselves in all their glory. Indeed, should the recording angel even wink at anything mortal man does, says, feels or thinks, this is the time he should be magnanimous. A little after 3 o’clock the weather began to clear away, and we took an hour’s rest. Resuming our ride, or rather our march, over muddy, hilly roads, we passed Clearwater postoffice about dusk, and an hour later pitched camp at Cottonwood 54 1/2 miles from Fort Missoula.

- Lt. Moss, Los Angeles Times The Army A-Wheel, Nov. 7, 1897

“OFF FOR ST. LOUIS--Twenty-Fifth Infantry Bicycle Corps Takes Up Its Long March--Lieutenant Moss and Men Leave Missoula This Morning on a Long Wheeling Trip-- One of the most important journeys even taken out of Missoula was begun this morning when the Twenty-fifth Infantry, U.S.A. Bicycle Corps under the command of Lt. J.A. Moss left for St. Louis, Missouri. All of the men, twenty-three in number, will make the trip on bicycles. The corps is composed of Lt. Moss, Surgeon J.T. Kennedy and twenty colored privates, four from each company stationed at Fort Missoula, who will ride the Spaulding Army bicycle, especially manufactured for this trip, which will be made a test for the use of the bicycle in the United States army. Edward H. Boos of Missoula accompanied them as official reporter. He rides a twenty-five pound Sterling bicycle and will carry a thirty-one pound pace of blankets, tent, clothing, camera, notebooks, etc. He will send reports to some of the leading papers in the United States as well as to the Daily Missoulian. Missoula is his home address.
The route to St. Louis will be east along the Northern Pacific to Billings and thence along the Burlington to their destination. They will make about forty miles per day, weather permitting. Fourteen places along the route have been designated as supply stations as follows: Avon, Helena, Livingston, Billings, Ft. Custer, Montana; Lariat and Newcastle, Wyoming; Marshland, Mullan, Litchfield, Seward, Nebraska; Napier, Laclede, and Louisiana, Missouri.
The start was made from the post this morning at 5:40 o’clock when a salute was fired upon their departure. They arrived in Missoula at 6:05 o’clock A.M. and were cheered by many along the streets as they passed through town. They presented a pleasing picture and their progress will be watched with interest from one end of the nation to the other. At Fort Custer Boos will receive a new wheel from the Sterling bicycle company to take place of the one he now has.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian [Missoula, MT] Off for St. Louis June 14, 1897

“ARE WHEELING SOUTH
----------------------
Bicycle Corps Under Command
of Lieut. Moss of the 25th
Infantry:
---------------------
RUN FROM MISSOULA TO FORT HARRISON
---------------------
Plenty of Rain and Mud and the
Hardest Kind of Pumping
to Get There.
---------------------

Helena, Mont., July 1, 1897 -- As the sunrise gun was booming the break of day, 23 bicyclers glided out of Fort Missoula, with St. Louis, Mo. as their objective point. The party consisted of Lieut. Jas. A. Moss, commander; Dr. Jas. M. Kennedy, surgeon; one sergeant and 19 privates; and Edward H. Boos, official reporter, all mounted, with the exception of the latter, on Spaulding military bicycles, which are the regular 1897 road machines, with a few alterations. The average weight of the machine packed is 55 pounds, including rations. Each man carries a half tent, blanket and changes of clothing and his share of the rations, while extra parts and repairs are apportioned among the men.
The run from the fort to Missoula, a distance of four miles, was made in 20 minutes, the troop, as it approached the city on the bridge in double file, with its white packs and glistening wheels, making a beautiful showing.
The run from Missoula to Bonner, seven miles, was made in good time. Here [Bonner] the corps left the line of the Northern Pacific and headed up the Big Blackfoot river, expecting to meet good roads and avoid some very bad ones and steep grades, which would have been encountered if the railroad had been followed. We ran up this beautiful mountain river for several hours on excellent roads and easy grades until interrupted in our progress at McNamara’s crossing, the county bridge being washed out, but where we found a boat to ferry us across the water. At this point the river is very swift and careful navigation was necessary. The boat carried eight of us at a time, with our wheels, the portage occupying about 45 minutes.
All being safely landed we again started our way, leaving the Blackfoot behind and crossing the low range between this river and Camas prairie. As we reached the summit and saw the beautiful valley laying below us we were charmed, the meadows and low lands being covered with a sea of blue flowers, from which the valley takes its name.
We reached Potomac shortly after 11 o’clock and had a few minutes breathing spell. Pushing on we made a few miles more and stopped for lunch, our first meal out of the post. Now came the time for taking the rations from the cases on the wheels and preparing lunch. The boys were not acquainted with the distribution of the rations among the men and several laughable incidents occurred.
While lunch was in progress clouds came up and a few drops of rain fell, giving us warning of an approaching storm. Profiting by last year’s experience in this district, camp was broken immediately and a forced march started. While in the timber and only a few miles ahead of our lunching place the storm broke with all its fury, giving us our first bad weather, which stayed with us for several days. The soil in these woods is a black, clayey composition called “gumbo” and is the terror of any wheeled vehicle which may be unlucky enough to be forced to travel through it. In a short time our wheels were clogged with this mud and presented a sorry sight. To add to this the rain continued to pour down in sheets, drenching us completely and causing us much discomfort. At this time the gear cases covering the chain on the wheels were given a practical test and proved a great success, keeping the chains perfectly dry and free from mud. The weather continued bad and as we climbed a long hill, the hard work was telling on some. We progressed, however – “it is a long hill that has no end,” and we reached the top, after more plodding and slipping and pushing our wheels. The descent was fully as bad as the climb, we being compelled to walk in the mud, holding our machines back, often scraping the “gumbo” off our wheels. After a series of steep descents we reached the valley below and rested a half-hour; in the meantime old Sol sending his shining rays through the clouds and rejoicing on the prospect of clear weather again started on our journey, riding about a mile on a poor road and slippery mud. Here we came to a large irrigating ditch and had our first experience in carrying our wheels across a stream, with bad sand below our feet.
The town of Sunset was reached in due time and here again we were forced to dismount and climb a long hill afoot. Before reaching the summit a new rain began to fall. We found a fair road with a downgrade, made up some lost time and left the muddy hill behind. A long desolate flat now lay before us and a fair road with a good camping place some distance ahead. Good time was made and we soon rolled into Clearwater, crossing the river by that name on a good bridge. We stopped a half-hour here. Our road hence was very good, only enough rain having fallen in this section to pack it. We crossed the several little ranges of hills and again found ourselves on the banks of the Blackfoot. All were in good spirits, reaching the Cottonwood at about 8 o’clock, where we went into camp. The distance covered the first day was 54 1/2 miles, about eight of which was walked on account of the rain and bad roads...”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian Are Wheeling South July 3, 1897

“J. M. Youngman a wheelman from St. Paul who reached Missoula Monday night says he ate dinner with the corps at Potomac on Monday noon. He was greatly interested in them and considers their ride will far surpass his trip from St. Paul which had many drawbacks and was monotonous on account of his being alone.”

- E.H. Boos Daily Missoulian [Missoula, MT] Cross Blackfoot June 16, 1897

“The first day of the trip was a hard one. At 11.35 A.M we stopped for lunch at a ranch 28 miles from the Fort, intending to resume our ride about 5 o’clock. About 2.30 dark, threatening clouds began to gather I the west, and in a short time a heavy rain accompanied with thunder, lightening and wind was upon us. It was, however, of but short duration and when it ceased, we immediately packed our bicycles and rode off as rapidly as possible. The year before, myself and the eight soldiers who constituted the Bicycle Corps, had been caught in a similar ranstorm in this same section of gumbo earth, and the rememberance of it was still fresh in our minds. For a while we fairly flew through the woods, but the rain was soon upon us again; and for several miles we plodded along in this viscous, gumbo mud.
Wet and slushy, we rolled our wheels through weeds and underbrush on the road side in order to avoid the mud, and then would carry them a few paces and stop for second wind, as it were. Occasionally we would stop and scrape the mud off the tires with our meat knives, or flat pieces of wood. About 3 o’clock the weather began to clear away, and we stopped for an hour’s rest, after which the ride or rather the march was resumed over the muddy, hilly roads. We passed Clear Water Post Office about dusk and at 8 P.M. pitched camp at Cottonwood, 54 1/2 miles from Fort Missoula.”

- Lt. Moss Report to the Adjutant General (pg. 4)

“Our first night in camp was a very cool one.”

- E.H. Boos, Daily Missoulian [Missoula, MT] July 3, 1897

Before the Trip

1997-06-13T20:44:00.007-06:00

ARMY BICYCLE CORPS
-------------
Trip to Be Made from Fort Missoula to St. Louis.

Special to the Miner.
Missoula, Mont., May 19.--Lieut. J.A. Moss, Twenty-fifth infantry, Fort Missoula, who returned two days ago from Washington, D.C., will within thirty days make a trip to St. Louis, Mo., taking a bicycle corps with him, consisting of a surgeon and twenty men, four from each company stationed at Fort Missoula. The trip will be taken for the purpose of determining the advisability of the use of the bicycle in the United States army. Last year Lieut. Moss and a bicycle corps made a tour of Montana, visiting Fort Assinaboine, the National park, and other points of interest, carrying tents, blankets, grub, guns and ammunition to the extent of twenty-four pounds to each bicycle besides the riders. The Spaulding army bicycle with puncture proof tires will be used. The bicycles arrived from the east today and were taken to Fort Missoula, where preparations for the trip are now in progress.

The Butte Weekly Miner (Butte, MT) Thursday, May 20, 1897; Issue 20; col G

Military Bicycling
----------
Twenty-fifth Infantry Bicycle
Corps 3800 Mile Trip.
-----------
Fort Missoula to St. Louis
------------
Lieut. Moss, in Command, Describes the Organization and Accessories of the Detachment--The Training and Instructions--What the Soldiers Will Carry--Their Arms and Ammunition--Expect to Make the Trip in Six Weeks Each Way--The Party are all Colored Men.
---------------

Not many years ago the bicycle was looked upon as a mere toy, a kind of "dandy horse," and the riders were regarded as fit subjects for pity. That time, however, is a thing of the past; the bicycle of today is a very important factor in our social and commercial life, and bids fair to figure conspicuously in the warfare of the future. France, Austria, Switzerland, England, Germany and other European powers have, of late years, devoted considerable attention to the bicycle as a machine for military purposes, resulting in its adoption as component parts of their armies.
The bicycle has a number of advantages over the horse--it does not require much care, it needs no forage, it moves much faster over fair roads, it is not as conspicuous and can be hidden from sight more easily; it is noiseless and raises but little dust, and it is impossible to tell direction from its track. Furthermore, the fighting strength of a bicycle corps is not diminished by "horse-holders." Under favorable conditions the bicycle is invaluable for courier work, scouting duty, road patroling, rapid reconnoissance, et. A bicycle corps as an adjunct to infantry or cavalry could render excellent service where speed rather than number is required, such as taking possession of passes, bridges and strong places ahead of the command and holding them until reinforcements could be gotten from the main body. On the other hand, in rainy weather, over bad roads, etc., the horse is superior. The very thought of the bicycle doing away with the cavalry altogether is ludicrous. Each has

PECULIAR FUNCTIONS.

of its own--a particular field in which, under certain conditions, the one is superior to the other. The question therefore, which confronts us is: Should not a modern, up-to-date army have both, that it might avail itself of the advantages of the one or the other as the proper conditions present themselves?
During the last few years a number of experiments have been made in this country by officers, both of the regular Army and the National guard--nearly all of them, however, being tests of rapidity. With the exception of the work done last summer by the Twenty-fifth United States Infantry Bicycle corps, little or nothing has been done in testing the wheel as a means of transportation. Although equipped with ordinary roadsters taken from the general stock, carrying our cooking utensils in a crude way, not properly equipped with frame cases, luggage carriers, etc., and not having the advantage of experience, we made one trip of 800 miles at an average rate of six miles per hour. The greater part of the distance traveled was over some of the worst roads in the United States, through mud, water, rain, snow and sand; crossing and recrossing mountain ranges and fording streams; carrying our arms, ammunition, rations, tents, blankets, extra underwear, medicines, tools, repairing material, cooking utensils and extra bicycle parts.

THE PROPOSED TRIP

Upon the recommendation and approval of Gen. Miles, "the patron of military cycling," the Secretary of War has granted authority for the Twenty-fifth United States infantry bicycle corps to make a trip from Fort Missoula, Mont., to St. Louis, Mo., and return, a total distance of about 3000 miles.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CORPS.

The corps consists of one surgeon, one sergeant, two corporals, one trumpeter and sixteen privates, commanded by myself--total, 22. It is divided into two squads, with the corporals as chiefs of squad and the sergeant as acting first sergeant of the corps.
The heaviest man, stripped, tips the scales at 177, and the lightest at 125 1/2, the average weight being 148 1/2. The oldest soldier is 39 1/4 years of age and the youngest 24, the average age being 27.
The men, with the exception of three or four who have just learned to ride, are all cyclists of more or less experience. They have been selected on account of their knowledge of cycling and their reliability, from among the four companies at this post.

THE SURGEON

Dr. James M. Kennedy, the surgeon who will accompany the expedition, is a typical South Carolinian, who entered the service four years ago. He is 32 years of age, and being one of the finest young surgeons in the army, an enthusiastic wheelman and a fine speciman of manhood, he is in every way fitted to fill his new position.

- Salt Lake Semi-Weekly Tribune (Salt Lake City, UT) June 22, 1897; pg. 10; issue 32

[the article continues on and is a word-for-word copy of the article that follows below]

"THE TRAINING

We are not "training" in the ordinary acceptation of the term -- i.e., regulating the diet, abstinence from tobacco, etc. For several days in the morning and in the afternoon, we took walking exercises for an hour or more. For the last few days we have been making practice rides on our wheels, gradually increasing the distance from day to day, and starting out nearer to noon each succeeding day, in order to get accustomed to the heat.

THE INSTRUCTION

A number of lectures have been given the corps on the construction of bicycles, their care, the functions of various parts and their nomenclature. Indeed, the infantry cyclist should know as much about his bicycle as the cavalryman knows about his horse. Practical instruction is also being given in taking apart and assembling bicycles, repairing punctured tires, etc.

THE EQUIPMENT

The Corps is equipped with Spaulding military bicycles which have been especially made for the trip. The rims are of steel, the front wheels have 40 tandem spokes and the side forks and crown are extra heavy. The bicycles are all supplied with gear cases, luggage carriers, brakes and frame cases and weigh about 32 pounds (the heavy tires increase their weight considerably).
Particular attention has been given the subject of tires and the wheels are furnished with eight different kinds of so-called non-puncturable tires, several pair having been especially made for the expedition. Some of these tires weigh as much as six pounds per pair. The cooking utensils consist of three telescopic frame cases made of light sheet iron, and two tin coffee pots. By means of thumbscrews the metallic cases are secured in the diamond of the bicycles and are used as ration carriers during the day; when camp is made the rations are taken out, and each case being made of two seperate parts we have six cooking vessels. The coffee pots are cylindrical in shape, measuring eighteen inches in length and ten inches in diameter. They are strapped to the handle bars on the front of the bicycle and a blanket roll is carried in each.

WHAT THE SOLDIERS WILL CARRY

Every soldier will carry one blanket, one shelter tent half and poles, one handkerchief, one knife, fork, spoon, cup and tin plate, toilet paper, tooth brush and powder.
Every other man will take along one towel, one bicycle wiping cloth and one cake soap.
Each chief of squad will carry one comb, one brush, and one box matches.

MEDICINES, TOOLS, REPAIRING MATERIALS, ETC.

The surgeon will carry a supply of medicine, case of surgical instruments, bandages, etc., the Corps will carry a complete outfit of repairing tools, oil, tire and rim cement, chain lubricant, extra tires, rims, spokes, cones, axles, pedal cranks, etc.

ARMS AND AMMUNITION

Every soldier will carry a rifle, belt and fifty rounds of ammunition. The rifles will be slung across the back.

THE UNIFORM

The uniform will consist of knickerbocker canvas trousers of a dead grass color, blue gingham shirts, and the regulation blouse, campaign hat, leggings and shoes. The uniform is one of durability rather than one of looks.

THE SYSTEM OF PACKING

The blanket roll, which consists of one blanket, one shelter tent half and poles, one summer undershirt, one pair drawers, two pair socks, one handkerchief, tooth brush and powder, is carried in a luggage carrier in front of the handle bars. The roll weighs about ten pounds. The average weight of the bicycles, packed, will be about 55 pounds.
Bacon will be cut into small chunks and wrapped in cloth. The coffee, sugar and flower will be carried in rubber cloth bags about eighteen by five inches. All the rations will be carried in frame cases.

WHY ST. LOUIS WAS SELECTED AS THE OBJECTIVE

As the object of the trip is to test most thoroughly the bicycles as a means of transportation for troops, the route should be long and the geography of the country of such a nature as to afford all possible conditions. By selecting St. Louis as our objective, we have a long route with high and low altitudes; stoney roads of mountains; the hummoc earth roads of South Dakota; the sandy roads of Nebraska and the clay roads of Missouri. We are going to practically follow the Northern Pacific as far as Billings, Montana and the Burlington the rest of the way.

---------------------------

It is of course, impossible to state exactly or even within several days the time it will take to reach St. Louis. However, if we do not encounter any rainstorms and headwinds, we expect to reach St. Louis in six weeks. We will leave Fort Missoula about June 14th.
The soldiers who compose the Corps were selected from among 40 volunteers, and are bubbling over with enthusiasm. They are all colored men and about as fine a looking and well-disciplined lot as could be found anywhere in the United States Army. They take pride in the uniform, are respectful, obedient, and have implicit faith in their white officers. This last fact is well illustrated by an incident that happened last summer while we were going through Yellowstone Park on our bicycles. A member of the Corps upon whose face the map of Africa is most unquestionably stamped; was lazily sitting against a tree smoking his pipe and with one eye closed and the other half opened was amusing himself making smoke rings. A tourist who came strolling along asked him, "Where do you expect to go today?" To which he answered, "De Lawd only knows-- we're following de Lieutenant!"

- James A. Moss 2nd Lieutenant, 25th U.S. Infantry

Daily Missoulian Military Purposes, June 19, 1897

"A trying test of the durability of the bicycle is about to be made, which, if successful, will undoubtedly push up the stock a peg higher. By order of General Miles, Lieutenant James A. Moss, in command of twenty soldiers, will start about June 1 from Fort Missoula to ride on bicycles to St. Louis, nearly 2,000 miles across the roughest, rockiest country in the United States, for the trip means crossing the main divide of the Rocky mountains. Careful preparations are now being made for the trip. Lieutenant Moss' report to the war department will be used as a basis for deciding whether it would be advisable to form a bicycle corps as a feature of the army."

- Meridian Daily Republican [ Meridian, CT ] May 12, 1897