Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-11-27
cOPyRlohI 1872 bY 40. nrcluso 8 %

overcoat, stepped forward and laid
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. l was
sent back with an Usage guide to
bring you this report"
And the guider
He gave out on the Cimarron and
l came on alone"
And Custer? Did he strike Black
Ksttle?"
I'VE found hts camp on the evening
OF the 26th, aud attacked at daybreak
the next morning. There were more
Indians with him than we expected to
find-betwesn 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 a number OF white prisoners.
including some women and children.
There was a sharp fight, and we lost
quite a few men; left too early to
learn how many"
And the commands 1t in any
danger?"
Il 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"
TIE 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"
Yes, 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 Santants
led the others"
"A fend, that last. But, Sergeant
you are exhausted. I win talk with
| you tomorrow. The officer of the day
will assign you quarters"
Hamlin, still clingfng to the chat,
with one hand. lifted the other in ga
lutte.
General Sheridan" he said, striy
ing to control his voice, Genera
Clusters last words to me were tina
/ was to tell you who am. l do no
know what he meant, but he said 20,
would have news for me-"
indeed" in surprise, stiffening II
his chair.
Yes, sir-my name is Hamlin."
"Hamlinl Hamlin!" the Genera
repeated the word. Il have no recol
lection--why. yes. by Cad! You wer,
a Confederate colonel"
Fourth Texas Infantry"
That's it! / have ID now; 70,
were court-martialed after the anal
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, an,
the door behind, leading into the othe
room, instantly opened to admit tn
orderly. In the dim light Of the sir
gle lamp Hamlin saw the shori
stocky figure of a soldier, bearded
and Immediately clean. Even as tn
fellows gloved hand came sharply u
to his cap visor, Sheridan snappe
out:
| Orderly, see II you recognize thi
man"
Erect, the very Improvisation Q
military discipline, the soldier crosse
the room. and stared into the unsha'
en- face OF the Sergeant suddenl
his eyes frightened, and he wheele
about as IL on a pivot, again bringin
his gloved hand up in salute.
"Eet vas Colonel Hamlin. ] tink va,
he said in strong German accent
know heem." .r
The Sergeant gripped his arm
bringing his face about once more.
you are Shultz-Sergeant-Majc
Shultx!" he cried. What ever b
came OF your What is 1t you know
wait a minute, Hamlin," sal
Sheridan quickly, rising to his fee
II can explain this much better tina
that Dutchman. He means we
enough, but his tongue twists.
seems Custer met you once In tn