New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1874-07-25
THE BLACK HILLS EXPEDITION.

THE COMMAND REACHES SOUTHERN DAKOTA IN
FOURTEEN DAYs-DEsCRIPTIoN OF THE COUNTRY
TRAVERsED- INDIANS WATCHING THE MOVE
MENTs OF THE PARTY-No HOSTILE DEMoNSrRA-
TONS YET MADE-THE PROSPECTS OF SUCCESS
FUL RESULT ENCOURAGING.
BISMARCK ID. T., July 24.-Aspecial dispatch dated
July Is. received by scouts from the Black Hills TX
petition, contains the following: 1.-The expedition
has been out ii days; has made 22S miles, and Is
now in Southern Dakota, IL miles from the Montana
line in lat 45o 20, long 1852 49, halt of one day
is made here near the Little Missouri Valley, to rest
the stock. The route pursued has been generally
southwest from Fort Lincoln, as far as the Grand
River, when q westerly course was taken to ana De-
yond Slim Butte. near this point. The expedition
slightly diverged to visit cave described by an
Indian guide very wonderful and it was found to
be without special interest. Within 80 miles of
Fort Lincoln, the command passed over some very
excellent grazing land The country then gets de-
Perforated and alkali swamps were encountered and
bad lands along the streams flowing into Grand
River: bat the expedition is now halted in a delight
full valley. with excellent grass and water, and the
prospect ahead is very good The skirts of the
Black Hills it is expected will be reached in three
days. The expedition will not go to Bear Butte bu5
will strike the Black Hills at point further west
more accessible to the wagon train.
Indians were seen for the first time three days ago
They were in small parties of ten or twenty. They
watch the movements of the expedition daily, but
make no demonstration and have not been molested
Large fires last night in the west, which
are supposed to be Indian Signatures. The health
of the command is good not single man being SICK.
The stock is in good condition; but one horse has
given out thus far. Antelope have been killed Ill
abundance Only two woodless camps have been
made, and water has been plentiful. One slight
ram has been encountered and httle difficulty has
been experienced in moving the train.
Mr. Grinnell of Yale College found his first fossil
of importance on the 18th. 1t was the bumerus
bone of an animal larger than an elephant 1t was
about four feet long and foot in diameter. Thus
far the prospects of successful expedition very
encouraging. Ii no annoyance is experienced from
Indians the reconnaissance will be easily completed
in the estimated time. The Indian guides say that
the Sioux have gone of to fight the Crows, and that
the command will not be troubled Others think
differently. Gen. Custer, III his official report to
Gen. Terry, says:
AS sent pacific messages 10 all the tribes investing
this region before the expedition moved and expressed
desire to have friendly relations with them, the sig
nails observed By may have simply been made to en-
able the villages avoid oar Indian guides think
differently however aud believe the Indians war
should this be true they will be party to fire the
first shot Indians have been near the camp to-
day In the Of the march ignite beds OF good
quality were discovered.
ADDITIONAL ACCOUNTS FROM TIE EXPEDITION
RAPID PROGRESS MADE.
A special to The Ga.ette from Fort Abraham
Lincoln, gives the following additional from Clusters
expedition:
Indian left the expedition in Prospect Vdllsy,
near the headquarters OF the Little Missouri, "a,
miles from Fort Abraham Lincoln, and about
five days march from their destination. The
expedition has been making rapid progress,
aud its march has been free from difficulties
aud interruption Of every character The weather has
been intensely hot the thermometer ranging from W 10
100 degrees constantly, without rain or hl3h
wind but the whole command is reported IN
excellent health aud discipline. The morning
the scents left not responded TO the sick call 80
far the expedition has sun red no losses either OF Ire
or properly, and accident OF any serious nature
Occasionally scouts have reported seeing smaI
bands OF Sioux lurking aOug the trail but no hostile IN
dcaons in quarter. Gen. Custer expects 10 make
his observations and explorations In Black Hills and
return by the LIST OF August.