We} picked them up, that is, their internals, and did not know the soldiers they belonged to. So you see, the cavalryman got an infantryman's guts, and an infantryman got a cavalryman's guts.
The quote reflects the chaotic and brutal nature of battle during the Indian Wars. It emphasizes how soldiers were often left unidentifiable after the conflict, leading to a mix-up of their remains. This symbolizes the harsh reality of war, where the individual identity of soldiers is overshadowed by the violence they endure.
Moreover, the description points to the randomness of death in warfare, where a cavalryman might end up with the remains of an infantryman, highlighting the interconnectedness of all soldiers regardless of their roles. This poignant observation underscores the tragedy of war, revealing that every soldier, no matter their division, faces the same fate in the end.
