Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-01-17
CUSTER'S CHARGE,
ANOTHER DAY OF THE RENO COUR1
OF INQUIRY.
for Reno-Testimony Decidedly Favora-
bic to the Accused-Hls Conduct Brave
and Praiseworthy aud the Salvation of
His Command.
Especial Telegram to the Globe.

CHICAGO, Jan. l6.-Lieut. G.. D. Wallace,
Seventh cavalry, who was examined yesterday
In the Reno inquiry, was placed upon the wit.
ness stand again to-day and cross-examined.
more complete story of the battle with the
Indians than had been before elected from
this or any other witness was brought out in
detail by Major Reno's counsel. In the opinion
OF Lieut.. Wallace, and basing that opinion
upon his experience and knowledge as soldier,
Major Reno did the best thing that could have
been done in retreating before the savages. To
have renamed there longer in the woods where
his skirmish line rested would have been to
court death for the entire three companies,
rot man could have got out alive had they
remained there longer. Neither there nor later,
when they bad entrenched themselves on the
hill. did the witness see any signs Of weakness
or fear on the part of Major Reno. On the
contrary, he displayed
COURAGE AND FoRT1TuDE.
The command of Reno, officers and men, ex-
pected Custer would support it, and there was
good deal Of feeling manifested over what
was supposed to his direction of the commands
of Rem" and Benteen. 1t is thought that he
might have engaged the Indians, been re-
pulsed, and then instead of retreating. as he
should have pushed forward to join Terry.
The witness described the battle ground and
the positions of Clusters men very infinitely.
ter: Witness thought there must have been
9CO0 Indians engaged in the fight.
Western Associated Press
CH1o.Go, Jan. l6.-The Reno court of inquiry
to-day decided that reporters might take notes.
Lieut.. Wallace was cross-examined by Major
Reno's counsel, MIR. Gilbert The testimony
was only development of that of yesterday.
He related how after the division of Clusters
commend Col. Benteen went to Me left of
Major Reno. crossed tle stream, and Gen. Gus
ter remained on the right bank; how the two
latter deIachments formed junction by Reno
recrossing about twelve miles below, and how
finally the battle foug bit. Some of Major
Reno's com nand had never ridden horse till
this campaign. The only ammunition in the
hands OF Rero's force was the supplies at their
saddles. 1t was used up in half an hour. In
his opinion it was wise act Of Major Reno to
retreat, and to have remained would have been
to imperil the lives of the whole body. Major
Reno's conduct was
BRAVE AND PRAIsEWORTHY.
During the retreat twenty five men were
killed and seven wounded, and the time con-
sumed about an hour. Arrived on top of the
hill Benteens force came up, bnt the pack
train three miles to the rear. Reno showed
no signs Of fear all the time but was conspicu-
ously brave and fearless. No communication
had been received from Custer, but trum pet
er stated he had gone back. The ammunition
was distributed, and Company d first met the
Indians several thousand strong in ravine of
fine advantages, where the men were properly
posted by Reno. He had about $50 men under
his command at the time.
BULLETS CAME LIKE HAIL
till dark-about three hours-when fortiica-
lions were thrown up. Firing RECOMMENDED
about a. NJ. on the 2eth. and continued until
10 o'clock. when it Stacked. here were pr"ba-
bly, 5000 Indian warriors in the village that
evening. it being two and half or three miles
long. They first knew of Clusters fate ON the
9th Thy discovered the line of battle per-
fectly evident from the dead horses and cnrpses.
The position was not we'll chosen for defense.
Around Custer was a whole pile of men. Th re
had apparently been an attempt at escape. The
fight probably did not last over hal an hour.
Custer had 325 men when be separated from
Reno.
The court decided this afternoon that it will
not investigate the conduct of Benteen. whose
name has been associated with> Reno in this
matter.
Adjourned.