Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1913-06-05

them on the table Sheridan placed
one hand upon them, but did not re-
move his gaze from Hamlin's face.
When did you leave?"
The evening of the 9th, sir. was
sent back with an Usage guide to
bring you this report"
and the guide?"
"He gave out on the Cimarron and
came on alone"
"And Custer? Did he strike Black
Kettle?"
1--WE found his camp on the evening
of the 26th, and attacked at daybreak
the next morning. There were more
Indians with him than we expected to
find-between two and three thou
sand, warriors from all the southern
tribes. Their tepees were set up for
ten miles along the Washita. We cap
tured Black Kettles village, and de-
stroyed it; took his pony herd and
released number of white prisoners
including some women and children
There was sharp fight, and we lost
quite few men; left too early to
learn how many"
"And the commands it in any
danger?"
II think not, sir. General Custer
was confident he could retire safely.
The Indians were thoroughly whipped,
and apparently had no chief under
whom they could rally"
The General opened the single sheet
of paper, and ran his eyes slowly
down the lines of writing. Hamlin,
feeling his head reel giddily, reached
out silently and grasped the back of
chair in support. Sheridan glanced
up.
General Custer reports Major Eli
oft as missing and several officers
badly wounded"
eyes, sir"
"What Indians were engaged, and
under what chiefs?"
mostly Cheyennes. although there
were bands of Arapahoes, Kiowas,
Comanches, and few Apaches. Lit
tie Rock was in command after Black
Kettle was killed-that is of the Chey-
ennes. Little Raven, and Santanta
led the Others"
ga f1end, that last. But, Sergeant,
you are exhausted. 1 will talk with
you tomorrow. The officer of the day
will assign you quarters
Hamlin, still clinging to the chair
with one hand, lifted the other in sa-
lutte.
General Sheridan" he said, striv-
ing to control his voice, General
Clusters last words to me were that
was to tell you who am. l do not
know what he meant, but he said you
would have news for me-"
'sIndeed!" in surprise, stiffening in
his chair.
eyes, sir-my name is Hamlin."
"Hamlin! Hamlin!" the General
repeated the word. 81 have no recol-
lection-why, yes. by Cad! You were
Confederate colonel"
Fourth Texas Infantry"
"That's it! I have it now; you
| were court-martialed after the affair
at Fishers Hill, and dismissed from
the service-disobedien of orders.
or something like that Wait a min
| ute"
He raped sharply on the table. and
the door behind, leading into the other
ROOM. instantly opened to admit the
orderly. In the dim light of the sim
gle lamp Hanlln saw the short.
stocky figure OF soldier, pearleu,
| and Immediately clean. Even as the
fellows gloved hand came sharply uL
to his cap visor, Sheridan snapped
! out:
Orderly, see if you recognize this
man"
Erect, the very impersonation OF
military discipline, the soldier crossed
the room. and stared into the unshav.
en- face of the Sergeant. Suddenly
| his eyes frightened, and he wheeled
about as if on pivot, again bringing
his gloved hand up in salute.
Get vas Colonel Hamlin, tink va.
! he said in strong German accent 81
know heem."
The Sergeant gripped his arm
| bringing his face about once more.
You are Shultz-Sergeant-M Major
Shultz!" he cried. What ever be
came of you? What is 1t you know?'
wait minute, Hamlin," said
Sheridan quickly, rising to his feet
Il can explain this much better than
that Dutchman. He means well
enough, but his tongue twists. II
seems Custer met you once in the
Shenandoah, and later heard of your
dismissal from the service. One night
| ljI1RREgs