He then describes her origins — the Gros Ventre birth, the Crow capture at approximately age ten, the adoptive father who recognized and encouraged her unusual interests.

He notes that she quickly showed aptitude for hunting and warrior activities, that she was physically capable and “fearless in everything,” and that she had by early adulthood developed skills that allowed her to “rival any of the young men in all their amusements and occupations.”

He describes the pivotal engagement — the confrontation with Blackfoot raiders — in which she first established warrior status by riding out alone when no male warrior stepped forward.

He notes that this single act of demonstrated courage immediately elevated her standing.