Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1879-02-07
BENrEEH AND RENO.
The Testimony ofthe Former Before h
Investigation
Chicago Inter Ocea II

lhe lcStl1nOhy OF the FORMER Before tine
investigation
Chicago Inter Ocean
Saturday the Reno investigation proceeded
by the examination of Colonel Frederick
William Benteen. On the morning of the
25th witness, who was third in command of
the forces, was with Reno and Custer at the
mouth of the Little Big Horn. While there
the scouts reported the proximity of the In.
dian village, ofwhich Custer expressed adoubt
having failed to have discovered any In
dams even with the use Of a glass. Witness
received orders from the General to take his
column of three companies which had been
appointed to him in the division, and go away
to the left to a line of bluffs. The chief trum-
peter brought him instructions that if he
found nothing at the frat line Of bluffs to
ride to the second. He afterward received
an order from the Sergeant Major to the ef:;
feet that he should 60 to the first valley, if
he found one, and if he found nothing the, E,
to go to the next valley and take everything
that he found in his way. He went off to the
left, as directed, several miles; but as he
found no Indians and no valleys, he con-
cluded that it was q mistake about there
being Indians in that direction, as the coun-
try had no facilities for them, He had
been ordered, also by General Custer, to send
an officer and some men ahead of his col
m to take bearings, etc. These reported
back, and stated that there was no change
in the country for miles ahead, and witness
thought it his duty to return to the main
column. He accordingly started back up
on his trail, and shortly afterward struck
the trail of Custer. He came 10 a tepee in
which he found a dead warrior. To: due
time he met an orderly with a command
regarding the disposition of the pack train.
Witness read the order, and directed the
orderly to take it to Captain McDOugal], as
he had nothing to do with. it himself.
Aflerward he met Truknpeter John Martin
with an order from Ad]utant Cook to hurry
up his command, as the Indiads were 10
sight, and warm work was anticipated, or
words to that effect. Subsequently witness
met somebody who told him there was no
use in hurryipg as the Indians were flying.
After a time, witness 200 yards in advance
of his command, saw Reno engaged with
the Indians. The latter were charging and
recharglng through the ranks of the men.
When he got nearer he concluded the
troops were being whipped, and pretty soon
the retreat commenced. Witness was of
the opinion that his discover of the In
dians o d,,thelr cognizance OF bis presence
were about simultaneous, and this had the
effect of checking the Indians in their pur-
suit. At their meeting witness asked Reno
where Custer was. and Reno replied that bel
did not know. Witness fixed the numh1r1
of Indians at 900 or / 900. He heard fri
down the river, but not in volleys. After
Benteen's command came up, Captain Weir
sailed out without orders, for bravado Is
witness thought. Major Reno was cool
and collected at the meeting, dough a lit
tie "blowed" from the exertion Of coming
up the hill.
Lieutenant Lee-Do you not think that
The command of Reno could have gone down
10 the direction in which you heard the
Witness Qaconically)-He could, but We
would all have been there pet. Laughter.
The command could not succssfally have