Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-03-23
Clusters Last Battle.

The story of the massacre of Gen.
Custer and his command, as told by
Red Horse" the Minneconjous' chief,
is of thrilling interest. The narrative, as
interpreted to Col. Wood, commanding
post at Cheyenne Agency, Oak, has
been received at Gen. Sheridan's head
quarters. The details of the fierce
struggle, even as told in the unskillful
story of the Indian, add fresh strength
to the conflicting emotions, so universally
felt, of grief for the brave Generals
death and pride in the manner of it.
There is some solace for the sacrifice in
the fact that the United States soldiers
sold their lives so as to kill nearly man
for man, Notwithstanding they were ou.-
numbered twenty to one. Red Horse,
with other chiefs, recently came into
Col. Woods post and surrendered. His
story is as follows:
On Greasy Grass Creek was the main
camp of the hostiles at the time. / was
one of the head councilmen in that camp
My lodge was situated in the center of
the camp. The Uncpapas, Yanktonnais
and Santees were camped northeast of
me, on the right, facing the battlefield.
The Minneconjous, Sans Arcs, Two Ket-
ties and Brules formed the center. On
the left 10 the west were the Ogallalas
and Cheyennes. On the morning of the
attack myself and several women were
out about a mile from camp gathering
wild turnips, when one of the women
called nv attention to cloud of dust
rising in the neighborhood of the camp.
discovered that the troops were making
an attack. We ran for the camp, and l
was sent for at once to come to the coun-
Gil lodge. | found many of the council
men already there when ! arrived. We
had no time to consult one another as to
what action we should take. We gave
directions Immediately for every Indian
to get his horse and arms, for the women
and children to mount their horses and
get out of the way, and for the young
men to go and meet the troops.
Among the latter was an officer who
rode horse with four white feet. The
Indians have fought great many tribes
of people and very brave ones, too, but
they all say that this man was the brav-
est man they had ever met. l don't
know whether this man was Gen. Custer
or not. Some say he was. saw this
man in the fight several times, but did
not see his body. 1t is said he was
killed by Santee, who still holds his
horse. This officer wore large brimmed
hat and buckskin coat. He alone saved
his command number of times by turn
ing on his horse in the retreat. In speak
ing of him the Indians call him The
man who rode the horse with four white
feet There were two men of his de-
scription, looking very much alike, both
having long yellowish hair, lit is be-
lieved that Gen. Clusters hair was cut
comparatively short at the time of his
death
Some time before this fight we were
camped on the Rosebud, but we moved,
crossed over and struck tributary of
Greasy Grass Creek, following it down to
its mouth. An Indian started to go to
Red Cloud Agency that day, and, when
a few miles from camp he discovered the
dust rising. He turned back and re.
ported that large herd of buffalo was
approaching. the camp. The day was
very warm, and short time after he re,
ported the camp was attacked by troops
who had followed our trail down the
tributary and crossed Greasy Grass
Creek little above where we did, and
above the mouth of this tributary. They
attacked the upper end of the camp
where the Uncpapas were, and the
troops set fire to the lodges.
All the warriors then rallied and at
tackled the command in overwhelm
ing force, and drove them in confusion
across the creek, They forced then
over a place below where they first
crossed. The creek was very high anC
swift, and several of the troops wer,
drowned. After driving this party bacl
the Indians corraled them on the top o.
a high hill, and held them there unit
they saw that the women and children
were in danger of being taken prisoner
by another party of troops which jus
then made its appearance below. Thu
word passed among the Indians like
whirlwind, and they all started to attacl
this new party, leaving the troops on tn,
hill. From this hill to the point wher,
the troops were seen below ii was opeI
ground all the way, with the exception
of the small tributary spoke of before
As soon as we had finished this fight W,
all went back to massacre the troops OF
the hill. After skirmishing arounC
awhile we saw the walking soldiers com
ing. These new troops making thei
appearance was the saving of the others
The attack was made on the cam
about noon. The troops were divided
one party charging right into camp, w
drove them across the creek. When W
attacked the whole party we swarme
down on them and drove them in confu
sion. No prisoners were taken. Al
were killed; none left alive even for
few minutes, These troopers used yer
few of their cartridOes / took 81 ON