the record in the War
Department reads--he was to use his own discretion and initiative. He was
compelled to follow this course--for he marched over a wild and trackless
waste, far distant from his base of supplies and absolutely without means
of communication with headquarters, and without ability to ascertain the
movements of any military force in the field. It is fair to state that
the ranking General in charge of this campaign against the Indians reposed
this confidence in General Custer, otherwise, knowing the Indian as a
fighter, knowing the character of the desolated wastes of country to
traverse--the difficulties to be encountered in the simple movement of
troops--the annihilation of any body of troops, when once they reached the
unmapped plains cut in twain by gorges and piled high with impassable
buttes, he would have stultified himself had not orders been given
allowing discretion at the moment of emergency. Custer was strong enough,
brave enough, and sufficiently masterful to see and seize the situation.
His tactics were the tactics he had previously and many times employed,
and always with brilliant success. On this June day he would have led the
daring "Seventh" to victory and routed, if not conquered, the great Indian
camp. He was defeated and slain with his entire command. They fell at
their posts in battle formation. Why? The entire group of Indian
warriors participating in this grim battle all testify that had Reno
pushed his charge when first he attacked the Indian camp that they would
have fled in confusion, for the attack was unexpected. The Indian always
expected a night attack. They further testify that after Reno made his
attack with a portion of his men, thus depleting his effective fighting
force by one half and in desperation made his bungling retreat, had he
later come to the aid of Custer with the added reinforcements of Benteen,
French, and Weir, who begged him to hear the appeal of Custer's rapid
volleys, Custer would have broken the Indian camp. Reno remained on the
hill until every gun was silent. Reno failed. Custer was slain. This
conclusion is the voice of the Indian.

THE LAST GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL

Kabibonok Ka, the North Wind, came marching out of the caverns and snows
of the north, whipping and driving blinding gusts of rain and sleet.
Nee-ba-naw baigs, the Water Spirits, unsealed their fountains, and the
turbulent waters of the Little Big Horn River rushed