The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-06-05
CAPTAIN e. s. GODFREY.
A Survivor of the Famous Custer
Massacre and Wounded Knee
Creek In Town.

In the smoking room of the Preble House
yesterday morning gentleman was seated
who would at once attract the attention Of
anyone, even the most eausual observer. A
man, rather above the medium height, with
dark and piercing eyes and mustache Of un-
usual length, he would call for second
look from anyone. The gentleman was
Captain E. S. GodfIey, Of the famous Seventh
United States Cavalry, the regiment which
1t is said has done more Indian fighting than
all others combined-the regiment that has
been made famous by the price Of the life OF
the gallant general, George A. Custer.
The writer knew the Captain back In the
seventies when he had occasion to be on the
frontier and was thrown into personal con-
tact with the subject Of this article. He
has been connected with the regiment ever
since its formation, soon after the close of
the War Of the Rebellion.
At the battle of the Little Big Horn
Capt. Godfrey was first lieutenant Of Troop
l., the captain being Thomas Custer, brother
of the lamented general. He went through
that famous fight without getting wounded,
but at the battle Of Bear Pan Mountain In
1877 with the famous Chief Joseph Of the
Nez Perces his company was almost an
initiated, the captain and second lieutenant
being killed, and he received wound in the
leg that has caused him more or less trouble
ever since.
Soon after the close Of the Indian war of
1877 he was detailed as one of the instruc-
tors at West Point, and later as member Of
the board Of tactics.
An 81 L. n
not be spared from the field when there was
signs of an uprising among the Indians and
accordingly he was ordered to the front last
autumn in charge Of Troop ID, OF the Fight.
Ing Seventh, and was In 1t to the finish, but
with his usual good luck came ou alive al
though many Of the brave boys lost their
lives, and among them his friend and com
panion, Capt. Wallace. The following con-
versation took place in regard to the fight
and the manner of the noted officers death.
As this Is the first instance of one of the sur
viyors Of that battle being in the East our
readers will no doubt be pleased to learn
something authentic about IT.
Captain, there have been conflicting ac-
counts concerning the fight at Wounded
Knee Creek, and also concerning the death
of the principal officer who was killed, will
you favor us with short account of the
affair for publication"
Certainly, II you think it will be of in
terest. On the night of the 2Sth Of Decem-
Der my company was the guest Of the COM
paDy that Capt. Wallacs commanded, and l
Of course shared his privileges. The morn
ing Of the Goth, the commanding officer had
ordered that the Indians be disarmed, and
the troops were drawn up In line and the
hostiles were ordered to bring out their
arms and ammunition. A few old guns only
were brought out, and Capt. Wallace told
them that they were doing wrong In thus
concealing the arms.
capt. Varnum and Capt. Wallace then
went into several of the tepees or tents In
search of others, the former met the latter
coming out with his hat full of cartridges In
passing each other they shook hands, they
had been classmates at West Point and loved
each other dearly. Capt. Wallace then took
his position in the rear of his troop.
"The willy old medicine man, Big Foot,
came to the door Of his tepee and told his
men not to be afraid of the soldiers as no
harm could come to them as long as they
wore the goose shirt" aud after getting
them excited he took up handful of dirt
and threw it into the air, making three parts
Of 1t, or three throws suppose you might
say he then blew his whistle.
II was riding along in the rear Of my
troop thinking about writing Capt. Wallace
an official letter of thanks for entertaining
myself and company, when, one, two, three
shots In quick succession and then volley.
The troops were then ordered to fire, but
many Of them had been killed. The battle
was over in short time but the greater part
Of the troop commanded by Capt. Wallace
had been killed."
"Then the Indians fred the first shots, and
not the soldiers?"
"Yes, sir, the Indians began firing first"
"What was the cause Of Capt. Wallaee's
death, have heard he was killed with
war club?"
HE received three bullet wounds, one
through the heart, and two across the FORE
head forming a cross. The blood on the
forehead might have given the impression Of
club wound, but when it was washed 1t
was found to be as l have stated"
"Were the indications such as to lead one
to believe that he did his share Of the fight
ing?"
"Yes, all Of the chambers Of his revolver,
which was grasped in his hand. were empty"
Il am glad in having had this talk with
you Captain, because some are under the ina
preston that the soldiers were to blame In
the matter"
81 am glad Of chance to refute such
statements through the columns Of the
PRESS"
oocavayad GRnnn