New Orleans Republican., 1873-06-22
General StanIey's Expedition.

Some weeks ago it was announced that
the War Department had ordered column
of some 5000 troops across the country from
Fort Rice, in Dakota Territory. to operate
along the line of the Northern Pacific rail
road to render assistance, if necessary. to
the employees of the toad.
correspondent of the Chicago Post has
made arrangements to accompany the ex-
pedition and sends the following interesting
letter from Fort Rice. under date of the
fifth instant:
The military at this point ara in a state
of ferment tation. They are about to have
summer trip that will last them for some
time. The cavalry will mount their barbed
steeds, and. in conjunction with infantry
and artillery. will go on weary marches to
fright the souls OF the Sioux who, by the
way, are not reckoned fearful adver.
saries."
The Northern Pacific railroad. as you
know, has already made some noise in the
world. 1t is about to make more. The am
bilious line proposes to march straight
through the wild tribe lands OF this terri
tory and Montana, until it reaches the
western settlements of the latter. The
track is already laid from the famed
lake point of Duluth to Edmun-
ton on the Missouri. and the road pro-
poses to carry On the work as far
westward as may seem practicable. 1t
reaches the Missouri river some distance
above here opposite Fort Abraham Lincoln.
which is twenty-three miles distant. up
stream. The civil engineers have a whole
some horror of being scalped, and hate to
trust themselves in the tender keeping of
the Sioux family of Indians who, although
at peace with our government, are among
the most treacherous and least tractable
red people on this part of the American con-
tinent. To go with a small force would be
utter madness. Too large force would be
cumbrOus and nearly useless, so it has been
resolved to send with the surveying party
compact column, composed of all branches
of the service, which will acquire practical
knowledge from the exploration. and keep
the whOOplng warriors at respectful dis
tance from the surveyors.
This time last year preliminary survey
OF the country was made to considerable
distance, and small military force accom-
panied the explorers, under command of
General d. S. Stanley, Colonel of the Twen-
ty-second United States Infantry. This
officer is also chief commander of the col.
umn which is now in course of cOncenrra
tiOn at this point. The present expedition
is the largest that has been undertaken
since long before the war. The men are all
selected and will number, all told,
1900, and with teamsters. scientists, engin
eers, etc.. will make 5000. Custar will
the cavalry under the leader of
the expeditionary force. A battery of ar.
specially detailed, will supply the dread |
thundars of war. in case the abOrigines |
should, by untimely hostile demonstrations,
draw down upon themselves military retri. |
button.
General D. S. Stanley is widely known in |
army circles as dashing and heroic officer |
He is West Point graduate, and COM
pleted his military studies at the famous |
academy on the Hudson in 1852 Since that |
lime he has been, almost without intermis-
ZION, in active service. He knows all about
he Indians and the frontiers. He is nat
lrally adventurous. and, although his locks
Ire now becoming sprinkled with veteran |
gray, he has still the same fiery soul which |
'endered him famous in the Army of the
Cumberland, in the fights around Atlanta
md in that whirlwind battle of December,
1868, in which the ad-brained rebel,
Hood, dashed his army to pieces before
action Stanley, who is a native of the
Buckeye State, showed himself a
lashng soldier, being equally dis
inguished as cavalier and as an
Infantry officer. When the South sur
endered her broken sword Stanley was
rdered into his old camping grounds
mong the redskins, and has rendered sig
al service to the government on many i'm
Ortant occasions, while dealing with the
ouble-faced and double-tongued warriors
f the plains.
Under such a leader you may be sure that
he soldiers feel perfectly confident and are
repaired to face any amount Of toll and
ny number of Sioux. The boys all look
Dlly, and, like most soldiers. are glad to
xchange the comparatively dull routine of
arrison lite tor the stirring associations OF
march through the picturesque wilds of
hese immense Territories.
The men are made up from the detach.
lents OF almost every regiment stationed
1 the forts on the Missouri or in its vicinity.
Ieneral Stanley's own regiment, the
weDty second Infantry. is of the column.
nd Custer S cavalry reg nent, the Seventh.
ill ride with the expedition.
Tue hOrsemen are elated at having for
leir chief the glorious boy who. at the
the age of twenty-four. played such a
Oble part with Sheridan against Early in
alley. The blonde locks of Custer, fair.
aired Murat. tioated. like the oriamme of
allant Henry. in every blazing engagement
eside Phil Sheridan. He crowned his
[ory by his impetuous conduct at Five
Orks. where he shone like youthful
ars. His soldiers adore him. He has |
le mildness OF a churchman. com.
med with the iron soul of warrior.
liots at the Capitol did their best to
et him into disrepute after his bril-.
ant exploit in the Piegan matter. but
le executive had too much good sense to
9rsecute gallant officer for the pleasure ;
a few fanatics. General Custar, should
)portunity offer in this affair. will prove
gain that his good sword is keen and
usty as ever. His force is splendidiy ap.
,inted. They carry with them nothing
lpertluOns. and leave behind them nothing
scessary for the long ride which is before {
em. Several scientists and many young
fcers will accompany the column for the 4
Ike of knowledge or from adventurous de. ,
re. The savans will. no doubt, detail in l
'aphic prose their experiences on the way, :
I'd enlighten the average citizen on the
ndition OF affairs where the noble red q
an holds undisputed sway. The appren. {
&c generals will find out what it Is to | i
arch over 1000 miles and endure the pri r
1tlons consequent on campaign OF this :,
nd. T
Among the distinguished persons who {
Ill ride with Stanley and Custar i, Lieu.
nant Colonel Fred Grant, who has been
tailed by Lieutenant General Sheridan a
ON headquarters in your city. Fred may, I
rhaps. have a good chance to win his 1
urs and ride his steed. tetlock high. in the !,
ood of Indian braves. That this is the S
Jung gentleman's wish. nobody who knows a
N can doubt. He inherits much of the 9
actical common sense of his father, and a
n not endure the idea of long wearing a t
oodless sword. Bat Fred Grant is by no 9
cans the greenhOrn in warl:ke arts that t
me hostile editors have given him credit f
r. The boy has often shared with mis- t
ave father. during the arduous days OF t
e rebellion. the fatigues. not to say the f
ngers, Of the foughten field. Fred has a
lelt powder. at least. and has heard the | q
QrY whistle of Snnfhern huliets u, III. | Y