Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1938-07-02

paper which "splashed" the one word
Horrible" across the front page, fol-
lowed by q description OF the results
of Clusters contact with the Sioux ano
Cheyenne tribes.
1t was a graphic account OF the. dis
aster which overcame Custer and MS
soldiers. The people of the community
Of Fort Ieavenworth were shocked as
they read the details. The impression
was gained that the Yellowstone coun-
try was literally alive with the savage
Sioux, particularly, and that the Sioux
nation was terrorizing the countryside
1t came to be common in the east TO
describe the region IN which custer
met defeat as that dark and bloody
1t was with some feeling of trepida-
ton. If not perturbation, that the per-
sonnet of the Fifth infantry, upon re-
ceipt of the order, prepared themselves
for the long journey. The six companies
Of the Fifth infantry we're to reinforce
the troops under the command OF Gen.
Alfred H. Terry then in command OF
1t was not an inspiring prospect
which confronted Colonel Miles and
his command, yet he felt that he was
fortified because he had a wen drilled
and splendidly disciplined regiment.
Practically all of his soldiers we're men
cofonel's confidence In his command
was reciprocated by his Officers and
men. The colonel did not exercise the
least hesitancy in leading his command
up into the Yellowstone country.
Within q few days the troops were
ready for the long march. The com
mand entrained at Fort Leavenworth.
Many came to present bouquets and
offer words Of comfort and cheer A
sadness seemed to overcome the SOL
diers as they babe adieu to families
and friends. After forming into a pa
rade, the order to march came; the
band played the melody of 1.-THE Girl
I Left Behind Me-" and soon the COM
mand was enroute to Yankton, Dakota,
on the Missouri river.
Demonstrations were held In the
towns and villages through which the
train bearing the military forces
passed. Confidence in the success Of
the expedition into the practically UNI
known country Of the Yellowstone was
expressed.
AZ Yankton embarkation was made
on q Missouri river steamer. 1t was
rather slow progress against the down.
flow of the stream, yet the vessel
'ploughd its way along, past military
posts where the officers and their
ladies appeared TO signal their ges-
lures Of good cheer.
Miles RECORDS one instance WnSu Ole
of the officers signalled q single word, !
using a handkerchief The word was
success" One of the men aboard the |
steamer, to reflect appreciation and
confidence at the same time, signaled
back two short words, "You Bet"
Reaching Fort Abraham Lincoln, To-
Gated near the present site of Mandan, |
N. D., the Miles command found the |
inhabitants shrouded in the deepest |
gloom. There were evidences Of mourn !
ing on every hand. Many of those still |
at the fort had relatives--husbands and
brothers. nephews and collsins-who |
had persisted in the battle of the Little
Big Horn less than two months prev
ious. There were more than 30 widows
of officers and soldiers still domictled /
at the location.
decentralization took place at Fort
Abraham Lincoln. Personal belongings
not absolutely essential for a campaign
against the Indians were discarded.