Year: 1872

The Night Surprise.

 After the departure of the two detach- ments, which left us almost in opposite directions, our camp settled down to the dull and unexciting monotony of waiting patiently for the time when we should welcome our comrades back again, and to listen to such items of news as they might bring to us.

 Little did we imagine that the msne- tony of idleness was so soon and so abruptly to be broken. That night our pickets were posted as usual; the horses and mules, after being allowed to graze in the evening, brought in and securely tethered close to our tents, and the 'Fsta- ble qua ds" of the different troops had been assigned to their station for the night At half past eight the bugler at headquarters sounded the signal for "taps," and before the last note had died away every light, in obedience to this command. disappeared, and nothing remained to the eye, except here and there faint glimpse of a white tent, to indicate the presence of our camp.

 It was just that uncertain period be- tween darkness and daylight on the following morning, and was lying in my tent deep in the enjoyment of that perfect repose which only camp life offers, when the sharp clear crack of a carbine near by brought me to my feet. I knew in an instant that the shot came from the picket posted not far from the my brother, Colonel Custer, who on that oS whose duties required him to be particu- larly on the alert, rushed past my tent, halting only long enough to show his face through the opening and shout, "They are here"

 Now did not inquire who were refer red to, or how many were included in the word they," nor did my informant seem to think it necessary to explain. ''They' referred to Indians, knew full well. Had doubted, the brisk fusilade which opened the next moment, and the wild war-hoop, were convincing evidences that in truth 's they were here"

 Ordinarily I must confess to having sufficient regard for the customs and courtesies of life to endeavor to appear in society suitably and appropriately dressed. But when the alarm of |" In dians" was given, and in such startling manner as to show they were almost in our midst, the question was not What shall wear?" but " What shall I do? :" It has become so common-in fact, al- most law-to describe the costumes worn upon memorable occasions, that I may be pardoned if indulge in & des- cription which will endeaver to, make as brief as the costume itself. A modern Jenkins, if desiring to tell the truth, would probably express himself as fol- lows: General Custer on this occasion appeared in 8 beautiful crimson robe (red flannel robe de nuit), very becoming to his complexion. His hair was worn au aaotuel, and permitted to fall careless ly over his shoulders. In his hand he carried gracefully handsome Spencer | rifle. It is unnecessary to add that he became the observed of all observers. :" My orderly, as was his custom, on my retiring had securely tied. all the fasten- ing to my tents, and it was usually the work of several Tminutes ,toSundo this unnecessary labor. I had no time to throw away in this manner. Leaping from my bed, I grasped my trusty Spen- cer, which was always at my side whether waking or sleeping, and with a single dash burst open the tent, and hatless as well as shoeless, ran to the point where the attack seemed to be concen- 1 trated. ... .e.. sa

 It was sufficiently light to see our en- emies and be seen. The first shot had brought every man of my command from his tent, armed and equipped for battle. The Indians, numbering hundreds, were all round the camp, evidently intending 1 fifty of their best mounted warriors had by taking advantage of ravine, con- trived to approach quite close before be- this party to dash through our camp, stampede all our horses, which were to be caught up by the parties surrounding us, and then finish us at their leisure. The picket, however, discovered, the approach of this party, and by firing gave timely warning, thus frustrating their hopes of success upon efecting a surprise.

 My men opened on them such brisk fire from their carbines that they were glad to withdraw beyond range. The picket who gave the alarm was shot down at his post by the Indians, the entire party galloping over his body. and being prevented from scalping him only by the fire from his comrades, who dashed out and recovered him. He was found to be badly though not mortally wounded by rifle ball through the body.

 The Indians, seeing that their attempt to suprise us and to stampede our horses had failed, then withdrew to point but little over m1le from us, where they congregated, and seemed to hold confer. ence with each other. We did not feal any further attack at this time. They were satisfied with this attempt, and would await another opportunity General Custer.