The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1876-09-29
CROOKS RECENT CAMPAIGN.
Wonderful Endurance of the Troops and
Dsuntless Courage Of Their
Commsndsr,
How Terry Caused the Failure Of the
Campaign

The recent campaign made by Gen.
Crook was, in many respects, N OF
the seyerest ever undertaken by troops
in this country. The march from the
base of the Big Horn mountains to the
Belle Fourche, on the northeastern side
of the Black Hills, was of over six hum
bred miles, and vas made in 80 days
marching time. Out of 36 days rain
fell 20 days, so that the clothing and
blankets of the men were wet day after
day and had to be slept in at night.
The ration consisted of only the four
essential parts, namely: bacon, hard
bread. coffee and sugar. A second
fifteen days supply of these was OBJ
tanned at the Yellowstone, and when
all was exhausted the worn-out cavalry
horses were slaughtered and issued to
the troops. Horses that had carried
their riders over many a weary march
and were entirely exhausted, would
drop out of the column, ard scarcely
give up the ghost before a dozen men
would be cutting them up and carrying
away the meat in their haversacks.
From Heart river to the north fork of
Grand river, about 100 miles, there was
not a particle of wood. Grass was the
only fuel; with this coffee could be
boiled, but it was very difficult to cook
meat, and many a ration was eaten
raw.
To General Crook belongs all the
credit of whatever has been accom-
plished during the summer, and it is not
too much to say that far nor would
have been done except for the junction
with Gen. Terry. Gen. Crooks COM
mand was on the trail of the main Indi-
an army and pushing his force rapidly,
with every prospect of soon overtaking
the Indians, whenhe was met by Terry.
The army of the latter was not equip
ped for the kind of work Gen. Crook
was doing. 1t was not stripped for a
fight, but was encountered with a train
of 225 wagons. Gen. Crook desired to
push the troops as rapidly as possible
over the trail after the Indians, and
take his chances on getting supplies.
This was not approved, and the whole
command was moved off the trail and
down to the Yellowstone. After the
loss of nine days by this move, Gen.
Crook was allowed to go forth and take
up the old trail. That any results what
ever were secured is due to this nov
It was made, too, in the face of oppo-
sition, and with short rations and a re
sort to horse meat staring him in the
face. Nevertheless, the trail showed
where the Indians had gone, and, like
a true soldier, Gen. Crook decided that
to be his direction too. His men were
ragged, and many Of the horses worn
out; but this did not deter him. Indeed,
throughout the whole campaign, he ex-
hibited those qualities Of good judg-
ment, even temper, decision of purpose
and thorough comprehension of duty,
which are the characteristics of the
best soldier.
While the work of subduing the Indi-
ans is left in such hands, there is little
to fear as to what the final result will
be. Without returning to his head
quarters for a single day, when Gen.
Crook reached Fort Laramie he began
the work of organizing another cam
paign, and will soon take the field
again. Let us hope it may be with the
fullest measure of success.