[113]. Such as Congressman Finerty’s graphic account in his book, “War-path and Bivouac;” Dr. Charles S. Eastman’s paper in the Chautauqua Magazine, Vol. XXXI., No. 4, 1900; and Mr. Hamlin Garland’s report of Two Moon’s account of the battle in McClure’s Magazine, Vol. XI., No. 5, September, 1898.—C. T. B.
[114]. General G. A. Forsyth writes me that he considers Colonel Godfrey one of the ablest officers in the United States Army—in which opinion I concur.—C. T. B.
[115]. These two authorities seem to differ as to just when the conversation took place. Andrews, apparently quoting Miles, says: “Just before Custer began his fatal ride.” Miles, quoting the mysterious and unknown affiant, says the conversation took place the night before, and at Custer’s tent. The difference is radical and, in view of Colonel Godfrey’s suggestion below, is material. Besides, the regiment marched away at noon on the 22d, and that is the date of the order; hence, Custer had no orders the night before. The regiment passed Generals Terry, Gibbon, and Custer in review as it marched away. When, then, was the precise hour at which this alleged conversation took place?—C. T. B.
[116]. I have it in my own library, of course, and have consulted it frequently.—C. T. B.
[117]. This is overdrawn. Custer had neither infantry, artillery nor wagons with him; Gibbon had cavalry, infantry and artillery, but no wagons, be it remembered.—C.T.B.
[118]. Report of Secretary of War, Vol. I., 1876, page 443. Italics in quotation above are mine.—C. T. B.
[119]. The reference is to the article in the Journal of the Military Service Institution mentioned above.—C. T. B.
[120]. I have had them before me constantly for the past six months, and have examined them most carefully again and again, verifying quotations, etc.—C. T. B.
[121]. If the orders were preposterous, or involved movements that were profitless and absurd, why did not Custer point out these patent absurdities to Terry and Gibbon before he started? There had been no change in conditions; the trail, the Indian position, and everything else were just as the orders predicted.—C. T. B.
[122]. The time of the arrival of Terry at the Little Big Horn is assumed to be June 26th. What authority there is for that assumption I do not now recall. It is not embodied in the “instructions.” We of the command knew nothing of it till after the battle; after Terry’s arrival, that is.—E. S. Godfrey.