New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-08-29
THE NEW GOLD COUNTRY.

ON THE DEAD IIsr-PAssING FROM THE HILLS
TO THE PLArN-FoRTY-sN DAYS WITHOUT
NEWSPAPER OR A LETTER.
(rRox THE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT or THE TRIBUNE.
BLACK HILLS EXPEDITION, BEAR BUTTE, ID. T.,
Aug. 15.-The departure within q few hours OF an
Indian scout for Fort Lincoln leaves me time only
to summarize the events and results connected with
the expedition since our camp at Harneys Peak.
Within SIX miles OF this peak, in beautiful park,
the impedimenta of the expedition-did Cesar have
such wagon train i-halted and remained in camp
for five days. only removing for change Of grass.
Using this point a. a center, several de'acbments
were sent out to tho periphery of the hills Har-
neys Peak the object of one of these scouts. 1t
not especially peaksh in aspect but is the culmi-
mating point of high granite range which rises
over 1900 feet above the valley below and 1900 feet
above the level of the sea. Seen from the distance,
the cap of the peak looks much like little L-shaped
country church. All through this granite section Of
the hills, the scenery is marked by the fancful pc
culiar, almost grotesque forms which these ridges
exhibit. In range the formation suggested
row of organ-pipes, andwas so named Castle Creek
was also named from the Tudor.like shapes which
rose above it. The outlook from Harney's Peak 10
extended as well grand. 1t is the most command
ing peak in the Black Hills, and affords panoramic
view of the country for miles around. The party
and escort. which was commanded by Lieut.. Var
mum, spent a whole day in making the trip, not
reaching camp, indeed, until half-past twelve at
night. Their prolonged absence excited some
alarm in camp, and signal fires were built for their
guidance They returned in safety. having simply
overstayed the afternoon to enjoy the opportunity
which the Peak afforded. On the I'd Of August an
other detachment, consisting OF COL Harts and
Major Hae's companies of 18th Cavalry. with Lieut..
Godfrey 9TH Cavalry, as engineer took three days
the Bad Lands the southeast of the Black Hills.
They were accompanied by Prof. Winchell, geolo-
gist and our paeontologist Mr.. Irnnell, who hoped
to find some tertiary fossils the Bad Lands. limo
proved insufficient for even casual exploration OF
this section and they obliged to come homo
without bringing back any bones more ancient than
those they took with them.
THE REGION ON THE SOUTHWESTERN BOUNDARY
OF THE HILLS.
Still another reconnaissance simultaneous with
Col. Harris was made by Gen. Custer from the same
camp. AT the head of five companies 18th Cavalry,
viz, NJ Company. Capt. French +. Company, Capt.
Yates A. Company Capt. Moylan; L. Company,
Col. Custer +. Company, Capt. McDougall. and ac-
companied by Gen. Forsyth and Col Grant, and
taking likewise three days rations, he proceeded in
a southwest direction to explore the country to the
South Fork of the Cheyenne River. After hard
was reached at 10 o'clock at night Returning by
another route camp was reached about noon on the
third day. the detachment having marched round
hundred miles. In making the reconnaissance we
passed through some of the finest portions Of the
Black Hill scenery, a noticeable feature of which
was the prominence of an isolated butte of granite,
rising from an elevated pine-clad ridge and lifting
its lofty head far above the taes tree tops so as to
be seen for miles. We named it Turks Head, from
its top-heavy turban-like summit.
The country on the southern border Of the Hills
we found to be counterpart of that bounding the
northern and western portions. As we advanced
south we gradually left the granite range and sue
cessively came into the micaceous. limestone anc
sandstone formations, which had introduced us to
the Hills at the north. The red arenaceous gypsum
bearing belt renewed itself, and then the akali and
cactus wastes of the Plains. The whole section OF
the Hills seems be engrthed by the same geoogi-
cal formation The Hills themselves are an oasis in
the midst of a vast desert.
Though in the course of our march we dipped deep
into Wyoming, and were within 40 miles OF Red
Clouds Agency, yet saw no signs of Indians save
here aud there the relics Of an old camp.
ONE STAB LEAVES.
On our return to tho permanent camp One STAB,
the old Sioux chief, whom as related III a previous
letter we came upon suddenly in Floral Valley, and
who had formed part OF the generals council ever
since was released from duty and sent on his way
rejoicing. He could have been sent OFF when near
the South Fork but the Rees who were with u.s. his
mortal enemies were on the watch for his departure
and would have overtaken and killed him. Aslt
was the Rees were deceived by his return, and ho
was sent off without exciting Suspicion
Leaving the Park near Harneys Peak we marched
northward. recovering our old trail some 10 or ID
into tia oil
made a new trail. which, though calling for some
extra pioneer work, was shorter and more direct
route. Passing one or two of our old camps. We
fund that much of the grass had been bunt oil
through the careessness of soldiers and teansters
in leaving fires burning when starting out on the
march. A renewed order by Gen. Custer requires
| every campfire to be put out before starting any
co,,nanv failing in this 10 be permanently detailed
to pioneer duty.
An incident of the next days march wac the Kill
ing of a grizzly bear by Gen. Custer assisted DIV
Bloody Knife and Col Ludlow. His bea'smp was
discovered on the side OF bill about % yaFds away
A shot in the thigh from Gen. Clusters Remington
caused him to halt, wheel about. ana take an attl'
tude defiant TO the whole expedition. AnOlher suo'
from Gen. Custer and three more contributed oy
the Generals companions put an end to ms career
and he consented to be photographed about ID mih'
utes afterward.
EMERGING F1oM THE HILLS.
Though we reached point within twenty miles
of Bear Butte the high hills in this direction for
Laae a massage out upon the plain, and We were
compelled TO find passage further south. In this
the General was at last successful, and we were all
the aladder for the effort because OF succession o,
short marches and delightful camps waich tins
course Afforded Such green wales, such tall friendly
pines, devoid of .underbrush, casting the'r long
shadows on the grass which stretches beneath them
like a new-mown lawn; such lovely yistas, such
casesated walls of granite shedding pure, cool shv
streams: such beauty and picturesquen ss we had