On June 25, 1876, George Armstrong Custer had a good look at the Sioux camp from up on Crow’s Nest above the Valley of the Little Bighorn. Chief of Scouts Varnum had reported that it looked like the Indians were packing up and moving. This was the worst possible news Custer could have heard. Also, Sioux scouts had been seen riding toward the river. Surly these Sioux scouts would give the alarm.
Custer had planned to rest his column all that day. But now, things had changed. It appeared that the Sioux were attempting to slip away. There was no more reason to keep their presents a secret. He had his bugler sound Officer’s Call. When his officers were assembled, Custer announced that “the largest Indian camp on the North American continent is ahead and I am going to attack it.” Each man was to carry one hundred rounds of ammunition. He then split up his column. “Captain Frederick Benteen would take command of three troops, Major Reno another three. One troop would remain with the ammunition train.” Custer kept five troops for himself. In total, there were 612 officers and men.
Custer and his men marched toward the Little Bighorn where Crazy Horse and 3,000 warriors were waiting for them.
Custer’s Crow scouts prepared themselves for battle. Goes Ahead tied breath feathers in his braid. White Man Runs Him painted sacred white clay stripes down his face. Half Yellow Face carried the pipe for the Crows and made a tobacco offering to the four winds.
When Custer observed his scouts’ ceremony he came over and ask why they were doing this. Half Yellow Face, being interpreted by half-breed scout Mitch Bouyer, answered:
Because you and I are going home today, by a trail that is strange to all of us.
Sometime later, Custer brought his command to a halt. He ordered “Reno to swing out to the left, cross the Little Horn, and attack the upper end of the Sioux Village.” It was still believed that the Sioux were trying to escape so Custer elected to send his left wing south to stop the Sioux if they went that way.
Custer told White Swan and Half Yellow Face to go over to the ridge and see what was happening in the Sioux camp. They started to do as directed but followed Reno instead and that was the last that was seen of them.
Go To Page: 1 2
