New-York tribune., 1876-07-13

he pressed on As he approached the high bluffs sur
rounding the plain where the village was situated,
he divided his force. Reno, with three companies
Frenchs, bioyland's, and MclntosRs-was dl-
rected TO advance, ford the Little Big Horn,
and enter the southern end of the village Custer
himself with five companies s-Yatess, keOghs Tom
Clusters Smiths, and CalhOun's-marched around
the bluffs facing the village tho right bank OF the
stream. His plan of battle very simple While
Reno was attacking the village from the south, his
own force would assault the Indians on the flank
and in the rear 1t was shrewd plan, but he over
rated the endurance of his soldiers they were faint
and weary; they had been in the saddle 24 hours.
Reno advanced along the plain meeting with no
opposition until he reached little grove Here his
line was attacked. He Immediately deployed his
skirrnishers and dismounted. The horses were led
into the wood and the cavarymeD engaged the en-
emy. The Indians appeared in immense num-
bers. They attacked him fercely in front, and at
the same time turned his left flank and compelled
his force to retreat into the woods. The Indians fol-
lowed in hordes and drove the force before them to
the rIver The bluffs the opposite side were steep
and high but the water in the river was low. The
indians flushed with success, rushed upon our men
and hand-to-hand conflict ensued. Here Mcintosh
was shot Hodgs0n was shot midway in the stream,
and fell before he could reach the opposite bank. Dr.
De Wolf crossed in safety. but was killed on the
bluffs The rest of the command fought their way
up the nights. with the Indians in hot pursuit
Death seemed to stare every man in the face. when
suddenly Benteen came to the rescue.
Benteen with his three companies had gone to the
left, according to Clusters instructions. He soon
became convinced that further progress IN that
direction was impossible, and he turned back to
ioin the main body. As he neared the plain he re-
ceived Clusters last orier-to hurry mp the packs.
Satisfying himself that they approaching
safely under McDougal, he resumed his march.
Suddenly he caught sight of Reno'o men rushing mp
the bluffs with the Indians on all sides of them.
He dashed to the right, charged up the bluffs, drove
back tho Indians and saved his despairing comrades
from death. Tho Indians were kept at bay until
night fell and then the command began to intrench
itself on the top of the bluff.
THE DEATH OF CUSTER.
Meanwhile where was Custerf He had gone
around the bluffs and had attempted to ford the
river at the northern end of the village. The
Indians were masse1 in his front and on his TANKS,
The whole command dismounted and made deter
mined resistance, which checked momentarily the
onset of the Indians. Then Custer ordered retreat.
his force dividing in order to take advantage of two
ravines on the left flank The enemy had already
appeared in large force the right and closed the
door of escape in that direction AT the head OF the
upper ravine Cahouns company was apparently
thrown out as sknnishers to defend the entrance.
Here their bodies were found after the battle; the
skrmsh lines were clearly marked Ivy the rows OF
the slain with heaps of empty cartridge shells
Calhoun and CTittenden IN their places
in advance of the files. The Indians, bahled for
amoment immediately fanked the force on the lett,
rushed up another ravine which led into the main
one. and attac ed Keoghs company. That gallant
Irish officer fell surrounded by his soldiers Retreat
WAS cut of from this rayine, and the soldiers were
then killed off one by one. Meanwhile the soldiers
in the other ravine had been subjected to q severe
fire. The line Of retreat led through deep gully, at
the mouth of which 2S men were killed They
fought desperately, but the Indians had surrounded
them and there was no escape. Capt Smith fought
his way TO peak, where last stand was made,
They must have known that their hour had come.
Here wero Custer and his brother, Adjuiant Cook,
Capt Yates, Lieut. Riley, Capt. Smith, and a few
soldiers. Making ramparts of their fallen horses
they fought to the end. Here their bodies were
found Custer himself seemed to be sleeping his
attitude was natural, his expression sweet and Sc
rene.
There was only one suryivOr-a Crow scout. lie
crossed the river dashed into the village, seized
horse. covered himself with a Sioux blanket, and
escaped. From his account, 1T is safe TO estimate
the force of Indians at 5000 warriors and their
loss in battle at many hundreds.
FLIGHT OF THE INDIANS
Bepteen and Reno strengthened their position
during the night and awaited the attack of the
Indians It was made at daybreak, and was re-
sumcd at intervals during the day. IN the evening
Gjbboa's column appeared in the distance and the
Indians retreatcd in great haste, abandoning the
village and large quantity Of provisions aud
ammunition. Two days were spent by the troops on
the battlefield. The dead buried, and horse
utters were constructed for the transportation OF
the wounded to the supply steamer. The troops
were in 10 condition TO follow the Indians and
retreat was ordered the mouth Of the Big Horn,
after the ammunition and stores III the village had
been destroyed.
Our loss is Is officers killed. missing, 2J7 en-
listed men killed. citizens killed and - soldiers
wounded Below is the list of the officers killed and
missing:
Breve; MajorGen. G. a. Custer, Lentenani-colonel
B.eyei I1eut.-Col Myes ". Keogh, Captain 7th Cav
airy. -., ,,.,-
Brcvet LeutCoi Thomas ". Custer Captain 7tl Cav
.Broyet Lieut. Col william W. CoOL, Adutant 7th Cav
Miior Agernon T. Smith, First Lieutenant 7th Cavalry.
Lieut.. James Calioun Fist Lieutenant 7tb Cavalry.
First LieuI. Porter, FIrst L!eul- -nant 9TH Cavalry
Fist I.ent Donald Mcintosh 7th Cavalry.
second Lieut. Riley, 7th Cavalry.
Second Lieut.. benjamin Il nodsson. 7th Cavalry.
soconi Lent james @ sfursis. 7th Cavalry.
Assistant Surgeon LOid u. s. Army.
Acting Assistant Surgeon J. NJ Dc Vol, U. ;. army
MISSING.
Second Lieut. II. 81. H.trl1nston.
CIVILIANS KILLED.
Boston Custer, brother OF Gen. Custer.
Mr. Reel. nephew Of Gen. Custer.
Mara Ke lOgg. Thc Hciuid correspondent
Charles Reynolds Chlei scout
Isaiah, coiOred scout
Lieut. Varnum had narrow escape; one bail
went through his trousers and another nearly spent,
struck him on the foot. Col. p w. Benteen was also
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