The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1883-10-24
"REMINISCENCES.
''Muggins" Taylor-a Sketch
Relating to The Custer
Massacre.
ssNy Lud" Sidney Pagett, and Mis-
Adventures.
"MUGGINS TAYLOR"

ICLE that you have determinedt TO publish
from time to time "reminiscences Of the
old settlers, and herewith l send you an
account of Clusters massacre, as told to
me by "Muggins" Taylor, who was at
that time scout for Gen. Terry. His
story as remember it was as follows:
"On the 18th of June, 1876, Gen. Terry
sent for me with instructions to come to
his tent at once. was soon after in his
presence, and was, unceremoniously in
formed that was to 60 ahead, alone, and
find Custer, who was supposed to be
about thirty miles beyond. The general
said he was aware that it was perilious
undertaking and told me to be very eau
tiOus. He then handed me dispatch
for Gen. Custer. Il at first refused to go,
but afterwards found that there was no
one willing to risk the danger, and at the
earnest solicitation of the general l
mounted, and after shaking hands with
my comrades, rode off on gallop.
started about o'clock in the morn
ing and rode until about noon, when l
saw a company, of what l supposed to be
soldiers, drawn up in marching order,
with the this battle flag, which I had
often seen before. 1 had along my route
seen numerous Indian signs, but no In
dians. Putting spurs to my horse rode
fast toward the soldiers, and as l ap.
preached was somewhat surprised to see
the leader ride in front of the first rank
and make detail of seven men, who
lost no time in riding toward me, giving
volumn to that unmistakable war-hoop,
which l knew could only come from
blood thirsty Sioux. I at once turned
my horse and rode toward the foot hills,
hoping to be able to escape and by a
circuitous route return to Terry.
On came the devilish demons, whose
feet ponies soon brought them within
gun shot, and for few minutes was
the moving target for the seven, return
ing the fire as best could. Upon gain
ing ridge discovered the Indian camp
and knowing it to be occupied by the
squaws and children l rode between the
teepes and my pursuers. This stragetie
move probably saved my life, as the reds
ceased firing and for awhile were lost to
my view. While riding, loading my gun
and turning to look for the Indians my
horse gave a sudden jump sideways,
nearly unseating me. I looked to see
the cause and found that I was in the
midst of large number of dead men,
lying on their faces, sight that I never
recall without shudder. Seeing that
the pursuers were not in sight l checked
my horse and looked at the nearest body
which l decided was Gen. Custer; hastily
tore off my shirt and placed it over the
dead mans face. Up to this time I had
not felt my danger, but with my soul
filled with horror, at the least move of a
bird or sage brush, my heart would leap
to my mouth apparently, each hair stand
ing on it's end. After riding this way for
mile or so l became more calm, but
still kept strict lookout for Indians.
Soon after reached the foot of hill and
dismounted to lead up my horse, who
was covered with sweat and almost pros
trated. Before starting up I glanced up
to the summit and was scared almost
specchless by the sight of two swarthy
faces peering over the hill, apparently
watching my every movement. My old
gun was instantly to my shoulder and
one of the Indians covered. Then in a
trembling voice I told him to drop his
weapon and come to- me, intending to
kill him if his companion made move.
Instead of advancing, an unseen half
breed came to the edge, and asked me
what wanted l answered l wanted
him to lay down his gun and come to
me, and to make the others leave their
guns and come down the half way, or l
would blow his head off. He at once
acuuiesced and informed me.that he was
scouting for Reno. / was still scared and
doubtful, and asked him where Reno
was. He replied that he was camped a
mile or SO away. / then told him to
mount his horse, which was tied short
distance away, and mounting another, ]
told him to lead the way and if he turn
cd his head that would shoot him dead.
He rode fast and as l had mounted a
fresh horse belonging to one of the In
dams, kept short distance behind,
soon reaching Reno's camp.
1 at once proceeded to Reao's tent, and
according to instructions gave him the
dispatch. After reading it he turned and
with naughty air, asked me why had
not delivered it to Custer. then asked
him if it was possible that he did moi
know that Custer was killed, together
1 with his command, and as said it gave
him a look that he will remember until
his dying day. He hastily replied thai
lied and told me to go to Custer al
once, handing me back the dispatch.
thereupon threw it on the ground and
walked off.
Upon Terry's arrival l was at once sem
to Bozeman, the nearest telegraph station
where arrived in three days, and sem
the sorrowful news to the surprised
world"
W. II. Taylor, or "Muggins," as he wa
better known, has gone to his long home
having met his death at Coulson, on th'
e Yellowstone, last year, while making al
arrest. There are few men in Montan'
tnat have had as varied a history or a
many peculiarities as "Muggins." On
of his strange customs was to go wlthou
a coat in mid winter. Often have W
J. seen him in the coolest weather witt
nothing on his body but thin flanne
shirt. This was in latter years. Peopl
who knew him in his palmly days il
Salt Lake, say that his dress was tn
finest seen on the streets. He was at on
time quite wealthy, but in latter year
followed scouting, hunting and trappin
for living
The name of "Muggins' was gwen hir
IN Col;fnrnio nv the Snaniards when &