The Fairmont West Virginian. (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1904-1914, 1909-06-25
OF
CUSTER N.AISSACRE
THlRTNTHREE YEARS SINCE GEN,
ERAL CUSTER FELL AT
BATTLE OF LITTLE
BIG HORN.

NDOlOu shSbOClhIeQ ET61Ssl
WASHINGTON, June 25,-Army Of
ficials are recalling that to-day is the
thrty-third anniversary of the passing
Of one of the most intrepid soldiers
who ever wore the uniform of Uncle
Sam, for it was on. June 20. 1876. that
General George A. Custer, with his en-.
tire command, was slain by the war
ring reds in tue famous battle Of tie
Little Big Horn.
In 1876 the United States srmy was
confronted with the responsibility of
ending the most formidable revolt Of
the Indians with which the country
has ever had to cope. Sitting Bull and
Crazy Horse had formed contaler-
acy supported by fighting strength of
six thousand braves. General sheri-
dan planned an elaborate campaign
against them. 1t was mis- intention to
crush the rebellion with three de.
taehments consisting of approximately
$500 men each. under the command
of Generals Crook, Terry and Glib
bon.
General Custer had a regiment of
six hundred cavalry, which was at.
tached to the command of General
Terry.
General Crook on June II, 1875,
while feeling his way down the Yellow
stone. encountered Crazy Horse and
put him to flight after an indeclsIve
battle. Crazy Horse Joined Sitting
Bull at the Little Big Horn. It was
the plan that the various Getaca-
ments should move IN common against
the Indsins. The Seventh cavalry, I'M
der General Custer, was despatched
by General Terry to turn the Indians
eastward should they try to escape.
The programme was that the forces of
General Terry we're to meet General
Clusters regiment on June &c at the
junction of the little and the Big
Horn. General Custer and ais COM
mand rode all night and thus qrrlv-
cd at the rendezvous ahead Of time.
The Indians, six thousand strong,
were camped in the coflnlike valley.
General Custer decided to attack at
once. and with his usual impetuosity
he proceeded. He divided his com
mand into three details, and, taking
five companions went on with the at
tack. 1t is generally believed that he
had no idea Of the great number of
the Indians. The commands of Major
Reno and Captain Benteen were order
ed to attack from different points, and
Custer himself rode into the center OF
the foe. He and his entire command
were massacred, for not a man surviv-
ed to tell the story of the fight.
Major Reno and Captain Benteen
effected a reunion and held out until
the arrival of endorsements. The In.
dians retreated and the bodies of Cen.
eral Custer and his troopers we're
found on the field. The bodies we're
all more or less mutilated by the saw
ages. except that OF Custer, Of whom
the Indians stood in awe and whom
they regarded as a kind of demigod.
To them he was "The Big Chief" and
"Chief Long HAIR" and none dared
to touch him where he lay in death.
Clusters luck" was a proverb
emong the Indians, as it had been in
the civil war, and they could scarcely
believe that he mad been killed. The
battle of the Little Big Horn was fol-
lowed by the subiugation Of the Sioux
and the restoration of peace.
Shortly after. he gained the com.
mand of a brigade in the Civil War
General Custer obtained a brief fur
Tough and went to Monroe, where lie
married Miss Elizabeth Bacon. His
bride returned with him and when
ever possible she was ais companion.