Year: 1876

company that column, and that would. in all
probability, reach the mouth OF the Little Big Horn
on the Goth inst The steamer reached General
Gibbons troops near the mouth OF the Big Horn
in the afternoon all his and animals
the Yellowstone.


GIBBONS MARCH TO SUPPORT CUSTER.


At five O'Clock the column, consisting OF five
the Second cavalry and battery of Gatiing guns
marched out TO and across Tullock's Creek. Start
ing soon after five O'Clock in the morning Of the 25th
the infantry made march of twenty-five miles
the most difficult country which have ever seen
in order that scouts might be sent into the valley
OF the Little Big Horn. The cavalry, with the bat
terry, was then pushed on thirteen or fourteen miles
further, reaching camp at midnight.


SCOUTING FOR SIOUX.


The scouts were sent out at half-past four on the
morning of the 26th. The scouts discovered Indians
who were at first supposed to be Sioux, but when
taken they proved to be Crows, who had been with
General Custer. They brought the


FIRST INTELLIGENCE OF THE BATTLE.


Their story was not credited. 1t was supposed
that some lighting perhaps severe lighting, had
taken place, but it was not believed that disaster
could have overtaken so large force as twelve
companies OF cavalry The infantry which had
broken camp very early soon came up, and the
whole column entered and moved up the valley Of
the Little Big Horn.


During the afternoon efforts were made to send
scouts through to what was supposed to be General
Custer's position, and to obtain information of the
condition OF affairs, but those who were sent out
were driven back by parties Of Indians who, in in
creasing numbers, were seen lowering in General
Gibbons 'front.'


HALT IN DARKNESS.


At twenty minutes before nine O'Clock in the even
ing the infantry had marched between twenty
and thirty miles. The men were very weary, and
daylight was fading. The column was, therefore,
halted for the night at point about eleven miles in
a straight line above the mouth Of the stream. THIS
morning the movement was resumed, and after a
march OF nine miles Major Reno's entrenched
position was reached. The withdrawal Of the In
dams from around Reno's command and from the
the valley was undoubtedly caused by the appear
ance of General Gibbons troops


STRENGTH OF THE sAvAGEs.


Major Reno and Captain Benteen, both Of whom
are officers Of great experience, accustomed to see
large masses Of mounted men, estimated the num-
Der of Indians engaged at not less than 25oO Other
officers think that the number was greater than
this. The village in the valley was about three miles
In length and about mile In width. Besides the
lodges proper great number Of temporary brush
wood shelters were found in 1t, indicating that
many men beside its proper Inhabitants had
gathered together there. Major Reno IS very conf
dent that there were number OF


WHITE MEN FIGHTING WITH rHE INDIANS.


1t is believed that the loss of the Indians was
large. l have yet received no official reports
in regard to the battle, but what is here
stated is gathered from the ofhcers who were on
the ground then, and from those who have been
over it since. ALFRED II. TERRY,


Bngadier General