[85]. Not the Reno’s Creek referred to above, down which Reno marched to the Little Big Horn. This Reno’s Creek may be seen in the largest map between Reno’s final position and the Custer Hill, where the general’s battalion was overwhelmed.
[86]. It is believed that this man, who was named Curley, secreted himself in a ravine, before the fighting began, and stole away at nightfall.
[87]. Captain Keogh’s horse “Comanche,” badly wounded, was found on the field the second day after the battle. His life was saved, and for many years he was the particular pet of the regiment.
[88]. Killed with Custer.
[89]. 20th Infantry, attached to Custer’s command. Killed.
[90]. Killed with Reno.
[91]. It is possible that if Custer had kept the regiment together, he would have won the battle; but this is by no means certain, and authorities differ. I think he would have been forced eventually on the defensive.
CHAPTER SIX
One of the Last Men to See Custer Alive
Mr. Theodore W. Goldin, of Janesville, Wisconsin, formerly a trooper of the Seventh Cavalry, now Chairman of the Republican State Central Committee of Wisconsin, was the last, or perhaps the next to the last, man to see Custer alive. He has prepared an account of his personal experiences in the battle, which is one of the most interesting of the contributions that have been made to this volume. His description of the death of Hodgson is splendidly dramatic, as is his story of the brief conversations between Custer and Keogh, Reno and Weir, and Benteen and Wallace.
What a magnificent picture is that presented by Hodgson, determined to retreat no longer, facing about, drawing his revolver, and dying at last, face to the foe, weapon in hand! Mr. Goldin contradicts the popular impression, as repeated by Colonel Godfrey and others, that Reno threw away his pistols in his “charge.”