Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-01-21
THE SCOUTS STORY
CONTINUATION OF THE RENO INYES-
TIG4TION.
Scout Girard Continues His story of Gus
ter's Last Charge-Important Correction
of Previous Testimony to Reno's Advan-
tage-Custer's Orders to Reno, Etc.
Especial Telegram to the Globe. |


CHICAGO, Jan. 20.-At the Reno inquiry to-
day during the reading of Saturdays testi-
mony, Girard, the scout, made an important
correction, saying that from letters now In his
possession, which he did not have last Satur
day, he had ascertained that it was 10 minutes
after 2, instead of 10 minutes after o'clock.
when Reno's command left the Der on their
retreat across the river. The significance of
this charge is that it relieves Major Reno of
explaining an hours delay in going to Clusters
relief. The examination of this witness was
then continued. Reno's position was about
four miles from the point where Custer was
found. Clusters order to Reno when the two
separated was, "Major Reno. you will advance
and try and overtake the Indians and when Won
do SO charge them.' Reno turned away
and after he had gone but ten feet. Custer said,
And take the scouts with you" This order
was given, G:rard SAID, direct from Custer to
Reno. 1t will be remembered that Lieut., Wal
lace testified that the order was brought to
Reno by the regimental quartermaster, Lieut.
Cook. The witness said it was not an act of
cowardice for Reno's troops to have moved out
OF the timber when they did. His Judgment
was, however, that for safety's sake they ought
to have remained in the timber.
Western Associated Press.
CHICAGO Jan. 2O.-In the Reno inquiry to-
day Maj. Reno and his counsel asked leave to
six in all, namely: J. Scott Paine and Sergeant
Delesey, of Co. &C." Seventh cavalry. The
latter was present on the battlefield under
Reno at the time Of the massacre. The court
reserved decision.
The scout, P F. Girard, continued his testi-
mony, and was cross-examned by Recorder
Lee The principal point made was Custer
gave Reno the following order when standing
within few feet of hinl-''Major Reno. YOU
will advance and try to overtake the Indians.
and when you do, charge them. Take the
scouts with YOU" This contradicts the testi-
mony of Lieut. Wallace. that the order was de-
hvered by Col. Crook. When the advance was
made and the Indians began to troop up to
meet Reno, the latter checked his horse and
his command did the same. Witness then rode
off to tell Custer about the approach of the
Indians. Witness was closely questioned on
this point, and after telling Col. Crook, whom
he met, to bear the news to Custer, he
rode back to Reno's command and
advanced with them. but in
skirmish line was formed and the horses were
IN the timber in charge of the householder.
The men advanced at and the fighting be.
gan about ten minutes later. The retreat be-
gan with the order, Men to their horses, the
Indians are in our rear" One of the captains
gave the order, and in minute the men were
on their way across the river.
Glrard made a correction in his testimony as
to the time when the command began the re-
treat. Saturday he said ten minutes after 1.
He now said ten minutes after 2. This ex-
planned Reno's delay of an hour in getting to
Custer. Girard was sharply Intercepted con-
corning this change of testimony, and said he
had yesterday refreshed his memory by reading
old correspondence on the point. He believed
his memory had not failed him on other points.
1t was not an act of cowardice for Reno's troops
to move out of the timber, but he believed they
would have been safer to remain.
Court here adjourned, it being announced
that Major Reno might summon the two wit
nesses he desired.