LITTLE POWDER RIVER
David.Gettman October 7th, 2008
During the time the negotiations with the Indians were going on, the troops were being prepared for a winter campaign. Provisions were made for special clothing for the troops to overcome the intense cold of this northern climate. The cavalrymen’s feet were protected by lamb’s wool socks over which were drawn heavy stockings extended to the knees. Indian moccasins of buckskin, and cork soles, being warmer and lighter, were generally worn. An outer boot of buffalo hide fastened by buckles, and extending the whole length of the leg, was placed over the moccasins. For underwear they used merino and perforated buckskin, and over this was placed a heavy blue flannel shirt, and then a blouse made of blanket or Norway kid. The overcoat was buffalo, bearskin, or beaver, and occasionally one of wool lined canvas. The head was protected by a cap of heavy cloth with fur border, constructed so as to protect the ears and face from the cold blasts. The hands were covered by woolen gloves and gauntlets of beaver or muskrat.
A winter campaign was being decided upon, General Crook, who commanded the Department of the Platte, was placed in command of the southern force, which assembled at Fort Fetterman. A column under General Terry was to ascend the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, but owing to the severe weather, this force never got started until May. General Crook’s force consisted of Companies A, B, E, I, and K, Second Cavalry, five companies of the Third Cavalry, two companies of the Fourth Infantry, a party of half-breed scouts, and a wagon and pack train. This force started March 1, following the old Bozeman Trail to Fort Reno.
The first night out of the post the Indians stampeded the herd of cattle, which headed back to the fort. From this time on the Indians constantly made themselves known by observation and harassing. Scouting parties were sent out under Frank Gruard to search for the camp of Crazy Horse. On March 7, General Crook decided to leave his wagon train behind and push on by night marches. After several days travel to the north the column finally came to the general vicinity of the Indian camp. On the evening of March 16, the scouts sighted two Indians from the hostile band. General Crook ordered the column to halt and bivouac as a ruse to make the hostiles believe he had no intention of following them. Colonel J. J. Reynolds, Third Cavalry, was ordered to take Companies A, B, E, I, and K, Second Cavalry, and four companies of the Third Cavalry and search for the Sioux camp in the direction the Indian hunters had gone. This force left the column at 5:00 p.m. and took up the trail in bitterly cold weather. The command marched all night over slippery and uneven ground, causing great strain upon the strength of the horses. At halts it was necessary for the officers to walk along the column shaking men in order to prevent them from trying to sleep, as it was feared they could not awaken again. Continue Reading »
