The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-23

where nearly three thousand men are assembled
with the view OF moving In the expedition.
THE COMPOSITION OF THE ARMY
Ten companies of the Seventh cavalry, under
Ten companies OF infantry-four OF the Eighth
regiment and six OF the Ninth regiment-under
Five companies OF the Tive nty-s econd infantry,
under command OF the Senior Captain-three
Four companies Of the Seventeenth infantry
two from Fort Rice, one from Fort Lincoln and one
from Camp Hancock-under Major r. Z. A. Crof-
ton, Seventeenth infantry
Seventy-1ve Indian scouts, some Of whom &C
companied last years Yellowstone expedition.
sufiicient to man two Rodman H rined guns. These
men are selected from the Seventeenth and
Twentysecond infantry.
The expedition win leave Fort Rice supplied
with sixty days. subsistence and forage. Subse-
supply OF the command, either from depot to be
established on the Yellowstone or from Fort Blu
lord Certain OF the small parts OF the subsistence
will be provided for ive OF every seven days the
expedition win be absent, estimating the whole
time at four months ana half The forage ration
will be reduced to five pounds OF oats per day for
each animal.
THE TRAIN OF WAGONS.
train Of 156 mule wagons has been provided by
the Quartermaster General Of the Army, while the
Department, from its various posts supplies
ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE MARCH.
The detachment OF Indian scouts detailed from
meet the train on its arrival at Fort Wadsworth,
and will escort IL to Fort Rice. The commanding
onlcer WIN employ seven guides anu lnterprete ea.
than i've ambuances Will be taken. The following
is the prescribed allowance OF clothing for the ell
listed men of the infantry portion OF the exped-
ton, to be carried in the knapsack one overcoat,
one Blanket, two shirts, two pair drawers, five
one poncho india rubber s blankeD. in
addition, one pair OF shoes per man
will be carried in bulk in the wagons. For the
n ND n H.
lowance will be taken in the saddle bags. Owing
to the limited amount Of transportation the bag
the least amount proper for such an expedition.
The ammunition allowance is fixed at 200 rounds
per man OF the cavalry and infantry, forty rounds
to be carried habitually in the cartridge boxes.
Six portable forges will be taken, and the requisite
shoeing tools and COAL Thlrty.hve hundred horse
and an ample supply OF mule shoes and nails viii
be transported In the wagon train. The command
Of this important expedition devolves upon
BREvET MAJOR GENERAL STANLEY,
Colonel of the Twenty-second infantry, skilled
and gallant officer who made brilliant record in
the war OF the rebellion. He was appointed rom
Ohio to West Point and graduated in 1852 Previous
to the war he was a cavalry officer. During the
rebellion he served in the West and distinguished
himself at the second battle OF Franklin where he
commanded an army corps. He has been on the
frontier for many years and is thoroughly.
the noble and the ignoble red man. The General
has wife and several children at Fort Sully, who
will look eagerly for his return with an unsullied
record caught glimpse of the gallant fellow as
he rode by my canvas-covered lodgings this morn
Ing. He is younger than he looks, Tor his face is
weather beaten and his hair grizzly. He has the
bearing OF a fine soldier. and, without doubt, will
conduct the expedition successfully.
CUSTER AND HIS CAVALRY.
The cavalry is under command of General Custer
one OF the best Indian fighters on the Plains. His
yellow locks will stream back towards the Orient
as he galops at the head OF his splendid column IN
the direction OF the setting sun. Custer IS only
Lieutenant Colonel OF the Seventh cavalry, the
expedition, but remains at ST. Paul, reglmental
headquarters. l hear that it was desired that
STANLEY should a. command the expedition choice nee
field, since he Is the senior officer. cannot say
whether this is a tact or surmise.
LIEUTENANT COLONEL FRED GRANT
will accompany the expedition, and, hear. has
already arrived, but have not seen him. IL is
understood that the young WARRIOR being DESTROYS
OF winning lanreIs in the field, was permitted by
General Sheridan to come into the SIOUX country
and take his chances of neshing his maiden sword
in the brain of some chiettain OF that renowned
nation. He will have no exact position, serving
more as looker-on here in Dakota than as an active
participant in the stirring scenes 1t was said in
the States that the young man was sent here In
order to give him taste Of service but the officers
with whom have conyersed, anticipating no en-
Officers and soldiers look upon the cx-
petition as glad relief from the mo-
notony Of garrison life. 1t is regarded more in
the light OF a prolonged picnic than as serious
adventure and such 1t WILL doubtless, be; for it
is altogether too formidable in numbers and equip
ment to be attacked by the Sioux, who, II inclined
to bloodshed would not have the courage to attack
any party more formidable than a squadron of
cavalry, ana then they must be taken III ambush
or at some other disadvantage. II the Presidents
son has provided himself with a few dozen of Ken
other shoulder-strappers aid in emptyng the bot
ties, he will be welcome as the flowers Of May, Tor
General Terry has prohibited ordinary mortals
from carrying drop o! the 'crathur.n
GENERAL RoSSER CHIEF.
1t is noteworthy tact that the Chief Engineer of
the Northern Pacific road Is General Rosser, who
served in the Confederate army during the war,
making considerable reputation as q cavalry officer
Of dash and iearessness. Now in civil capacity
he is receiving the protection of the military arm
OF the government he sought to overthrow. have
not yet made his acquaintance, though several OF
our officers wish me TO meet him, asSeveratng that
he is very worthy gentleman.
THE SCIENTISTS
are here in abundance, the government having
made provision for them. The number includes a
geologist, a botanst an astronomer, a photo
compelled to close this letter without having Sc
cured their names. They expect to revel III mead
ows green and pastures new
THE ONWARD MARCH
will commence about the 18th OF June, and before
this letter is IN type the most important peditlon
which has started under the military auspices OF
the United States since the rebellion was crushed
will have been put in motion. IL VIII not return
before the 10th OF October, possibly not before the
LIST OF November That the march will not lie OBJ
strncted by Indians is warranted by the formidable
character OF the column; mat there Will be no
meteorological impedments is certain from the
mildness OF the season; that there Will be lack
OF stores Is guaranteed by the establishment of
VIII be pleasant cxpedition,in which metropoli-
tan beau might delight to take part, is certified by
the presence OF Lieutenant Colonel Fred Grant.
DIRECTION OF THE COLUMN.
The column will head for the Yellowstone at its
junction with Powder River. II VIII then move
TOWARDS the settlements in Northwestern Mon
tana. The engineer in charge of the surveying
party will ascertain whether IL would be better to
run the line along the south bank oil the Yellow
stone strike directly across to the Musceshell,
a long, but unnavlgable stream, next IN Importance
TO the Yellowstone, and II my geography is not at
faut u tributary OF that stream. | hear that Gen
eral sheridan, who is a competent engineer and
has some knowledge Of the country, thinks that the
most desirable route for the road viii be on the
south bank Of the Yellowstone.
THE DISTANCE TO BE OVERCOME
Is some five hundred miles In straight line. or
probably seven hundred miles before the western
terminus OF the expedition VIII be reached. This,
OF course, Will be doubled by the return. The men
ana officers OF the command will enter upon their
long march In excellent spirits.
FLEETWOOD PARK.