The New York herald., 1876-07-08

~ oioooh nad, IN oDeulence 10 ORDERS from Geu-
Sral Terry, moved down the Yellowstone to meet
Am at the mouth of Powder River thus uncovering
the mouth OF the Rosebud but as soon us Terry
oarned how matters stood, he directed General
oibbon to order General Brsbin, with his cavalry,
back, to cover the Rosebud and to follow with the
main column OF infantry soon possible. Great
anxiety was felt lest the Indians had availed them
selves OF the opportunity to cross to the north
~bad lands" and harass the troops, or es-
sape to Fort Peck agency and become good
Indians for the time. On the I'd Of June General
aibbon reported to General Terry that the cavalry
had thoroughly secuted the Yellowstone the
mouth OF the Big Horn, and no Indians had crossed
it. 1t was now certain that they In the net
prepared for them, and the Powder, Tongue
Rosebud, Little Horn or Big Horn rivers General
FERRY at once commenced feeling for them.
COLONEL RENos SCOUTING PARTY.
Colonel Reno OF the Seventh cavalry, with six
Ompanes OF that regiment, was sent up Powder
River $50 miles to the mouth of Little Powder to
look for Indians and, If possible, to communicate
with General Crook, who it was thought, might
Powder Reno reached the mouth of
Little Powder in five days. but saw
no Indians and could hear nothing OF Crook He
was to have down the Tongue, but by some
mistake crossed to the Rosebud. He found at that
point, just above where he came on the Rosebud, a
very large Indian trail about nine days DID, and fol-
lowed 1t short distance. when he turned about
crossed over the divide to Tongue River and re-
ported to General Terry what he had seen. 1t was
now known no Indians Tongue River or
Powder River and the net had narrowed down to
Rosebud, Little Horn and Big Horn Rivers.
cusTER's MARCH
General Terry, who had been waiting with Custer
and the steamer Far West at the mouth of Tongue
River for Reno's report, as soon as he heard it
ordered Custer to march up the south bank to
point opposite General Gibbon who was encamped
on the north bank OF the Yellowstone.
Terry, on board the steamer Far West pushed up
the Yellowstone, keeping abreast of General Gus
ter's column.
TIKI JUNCTION WITH GIBBOS.
General Gibbon was found in camp at the mouth
the Rosebud quietly awaiting developments
consultation was had with Generals Gibbon and Gus
ter and then General Terry definitely fixed upon
THE PLAN OF ACTION.
II was believed the Indians were on the head OF
the Rosebud, or on the Little Horn, divide or
ridge only fifteen miles wide, separating the two
streams. 1t was announced by General Terry that
General Custer's column would strike the blow, and
General Gbbon and his men received the decision
without murmur.
THERE WAS GREAT RIVALRY
between the two columns, and each wanted to be in
1t the DEATH General Gibbons cavalry had been in
the field since the I'D OF last February, herdng and
watching these Indians and the infantry had been
IN the field the march since early last March.
They had come 10 regard the Yellowstone Indians as
their peculiar property, and have worked and waited
i've months until the Indians could be concentrated
and Generals Crook and Terry get into position
to prevent their escape. The Montana col
umn felt disappointed when they learned that
the great village, but General Terry's for
according the honor of the attack to General Custer
we're good ones. First, Custer had all cavalry and
could pursue II they attempted to escape, while
Gibbons column was half infantry and in rapid
marching In approaching the village, as well as in
pursuing the Indians after the fight, General Gibbons
cavalry and infantry must become separated and
the strength Of the column be weakened. Second,
General Clusters column nerically stronger
than Gibbons, and General Terry desired the
decided that Custers men were usual, to have
the post OF honor. and the officers and OF the
Montana column cheered them and bid them God
speed.
On June Il General Custer encampcd at the
mouth OF the Rosebud. ON the south bank OF the
nver and General Gibbon at once broke up his camp
on the north bank and marched up the Yellowstone.
On the next day. June %, at twelve o'clock Gus
YER announced himself ready to start, and drew out
ms COLUMN.
4 consisted OF the whole OF the Seventh United
states cavalry, twelve companies. having fourteen
pnacers. and blankets with one hundred and eighty
ave pack mules loaded with fifteen days ratons OF
bacon. sugar, coffee aud short forage. General Ter
" reviewed the column In the presence OF Gen
erals Cibbon and Brsbr.n. aud 1t was pro-
nounced by all In splendid condition The men
were In the best OF spirits, and mounted on the
finest horses that could be bought in the East
General Custer dressed In suit Of buckskin and
mounted a magnificent blooded mare, rode
every inch soldier. The last goodby was said the
oficers clustered around General Terry, their Idol
ized department commander for a nnal shake OF