New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-09-18

arriving at tho mouth Of the Big Horn River on Satur-
day June "a Gen. Gibbons entire command was
erred across the Yellowstone, aud, taking fYe days
ratons marched that evening to T9cSs Creek Inc ne
fantry. aud, following the course OF tne bs
Life Rig Mofn at midnight. On the morning OF the
26t the cavalry stil prassei ON III advance OF me IN
fantry following the course of tho Little Big Horn
River ScOuiB were kept out in advance, and reports
came in that two Crows VINO lad Joined clusters com,
that he and his troops had bean pieces the
Little Biz Horn. The soldiers dscredtcd the story anu
aithough failing meet with the promised scouts from
Ten Caster pressed until evening, and encamped by
their arms after marcn OF 30 miles. ,,,,
pls,n tree miles ong which the trace0 Indan
encumpmen; abandoned In haste, and ana3g the Little
soldiers belonging Clusters command. Proceeding fur
er troops saw the evidence Of g sS he
destroyed Later in the day seven an % o. S es.
ter command were discovered ntsnGAea On .o fsS
blum Of the ridge at the end OF the PLAIN on tne ts'
bank Of tho river under Major Reno and CAPT beneph
neld a full account OF the disaster was obtained
CUsIER's TERRIBLE DEFEAT.
Gen Custer had tTayersed the banks OF the Rosebud
soutbynrd for many miles, turned westward toward tho
Little Big Horn River, and carly on the morning OF June
o. while marching northward along the rivers banks
came upon large Indian village, situated In beautiful
meadow oyershadowed east and west by high bluffs
Approaching from tine south. the east side OF the
Lite Big Horn Gen. Custer divided his command into
roo columns to attack the village from three different
poiuts One division consisting OF three companies
under Capt f. W. Benteen, crossed the liver, ma ched
west and attempted ascend the bluffs bounding the
wegt with intention Of passing along ridge ana e
scpndlng into the village further down the
valley Another division, composed of three
companies uud L command OF Major Reno, also crossed
lie river and proceeding north close to ITS banks, soon
entered the meadow. Leaving one company to protect
tbe naeks Gen Custer passed northwsrd with the hye
remanipa compauies-Yatcs's, KeOgh's, Thomas Gus
ter'a Smiths, and CanOun's. He marched for three
miles In rayine running parallel with the bluffs Oh the
east aide of tho Little Big HOrn and reached break ~
the bluffs where Iadan trail toward the river id
Gated ford. suddenly, before It was reached the In
dsns appeared OH the trail behind them ana on
their left Hank cutting of retreat In the he'll, a
reetion OF Ron0s force. Apparently Gen. Custer
nerceIyed that bis little band was outnuInbered anu
aetrm ned 10 retreat in the direction OF Gen Terry
iniantry then marching up che Ltto Big Horn Ia THIS
retreat Gen Custer led Companies e ana into oae on
to naralle raynes opening 20 the northeast wDlle to
other rayDe furtbest the river, furnished he on
retreat Tor Companies f. aud L. AT the head OF tbis
nnner rayIne a stand was made by Company H. the men
Ming deplOyod as skirmi5hers. Companies anu
nassed I the ravine. Midway In the lower gully sahu
vas made and Is mcn were E1lled Two compahles
then fought their way in the direction OF mgDeI
rro,ud and were cut 10 pieces. Straggicfs nom
e dive compaues Joined Cen Custer ana MS pr9thets
W he crest Of little HILL and here the last stand was
made The only survivor from the fyo companies was
r.nv scout ne crossed the rivor dashed Into the VII
age and seizng horse made his escape froh us nv