The New York Herald Newspaper, January 17, 1879, Page 3

THE CHRYENNE OUTBREAK Further Details of the Camp Robinson Affair, BLUNDERS OF THE MILITARY -Sad Scenes Among the Captives—The Squaws and Children. SUFFERING IN SILENCE. A Chilé’s Rag Doll Mado from a Blood Stained Blanket, THE PRISON AFTER THE FLIGHT. ‘Red Cloud’s.Chiefs Demand the Captured Women—Trouble Feared. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Camp Ropinsoy, Neb., Jan. 16, 1879. ‘There is asettling down here from the extraordi- nary condition of things brought about by the sud- den onslaught of the Cheyenne Indian prisoners upon the troops and their subsequent escape. The order of the day now is investigation, and Lieuten- ant Schuyler, of General Crook’s staff, has been busy all day in examining where the blame lies for the out- break and subsequent successful escape of the sup- posed helpless and unarmed savages. REVIEW OF THE OUTBREAK. For the purpose of obtaining the most reliable in- formation on these points I have sought out the best attainable sources of information, with the follow- ing results:—The Cheyenne outbreak originated in a positive and unalterable determination of the cap- tives not to go back to the Indian Territory, and this though at the expense of their own Jives and that of their families, Since their capture and con- finement here, extending over a period of more than ten weeks, the question of their ulti- mate disposition has been agitated by the authorities at Washington, both civil and military. The Gover- nor of Kansas is understood to have made a demand that they be sent to Fort Leavenworth in order that those guilty of murders in that State might be iden- tified and punished. Until recently but one or two companies were at this post, and it was not thought advisable to attempt the removal ordered by the War Department and acquiesced in by the Secretary of the Interior until a stronger force could be had. MORE DETAILS OF THE OUTBREAK. Other companies of the Third cavalry were ordered here until they numbered five in all, and in the early part of last week it was determined to take decisive steps. Captain H. W. Wessells notified Wild Hog, one of their principal warriors, of the decision of the au- thorities, and was asked whether he would prepare, with his people, to go with the military escort. Old ‘Crow accompanied him from the barracks to the ad- jutant’s office. Wild Hog refused to make the re- quired preparations, and, after a desperate resistance, was there put.in irons, as was Old Crow, and moved off to the old site of aformer camp, half @ mile away where some dozen of his people afterward joined - him. Meantime Dull Knife, with whom a parley had taken place, but who would not’ leave the barracks, * said that he would not come out, and that it was the * voice of all his people to die where they were rather than submit to the orders to go South. COLD AND HUNGER AS ALLIES, Thereupon Captain Wessells considered, as he says, all the surroundings of the situation and privately resolved that rather than lose the lives of his men, which would inevitably follow an attack upon the Indians, he would try to reduce them to submission by withholding their supplics of food and fuel. This, he considered, was tne cheapest way to make them yield but the experiment was a failure. Though nothing was given to feed or warm them for five days the defiant savages still held out. Captain Wessells, moved by asenseof humanity, asked to have the women and children sent out to him to be fed and then to be re- turned, but this also was indignantly rejected by the unconquered redskins. Meantime they were making the preparations, heretofore recounted in these despatches, behind the small earthworks thrown up inside the barracks. DETERMINATION OF THE INDIANS. It had been frequently said to the officers that the Cheyennes had resolved to do all sorts of desperate things rather than be taken south again. They would cut themselves to pieces, murder one another, and, in fact, die where they were before acceding to the measure. These things were reported by the interpreter and visiting Indian friends who had unwisely been allowed free access to them. The good words of counsel given them by Rod Cloud and his fellow Sioux chiefs were in vain, and had heen forgotten or dismissed with the contempt which has character:zed the haughty Cheyennes throughout. CAPTAIN WESSELLS’ BLUNDERS, On the day of the outbreak and before it Captain ‘Wessel's was informed that the Indians had doter- mined to make an attempt at escapo and would break out at night. This was reported to him by Lieutenant Chase, who had received the information direct from Will Hog, then o captive in his charge. The interpreter, James Rowland, was a witness to the statement, and says also that so strongly was he convinced of the truth of Wild Hog's information and tho certainty of its reliability that he at once moved out of his quarters in the end of the barracks for safety, Here was the first mis- take of the commanding officer, Captain Wes- golls, from which resulted all the dread- ful scenes which followed, and which has been relieved since only by the gallant things done by him in the way of persistent pursuit and soldierly endurance. Not only was this clear and emphatic warning of Wild Hog ignored as an idle threat of the Cheyennes and regarded as a repetition of those often made before, but there appears to have been an ab- sonce of even that ordinary precantion necessary with #0 reckloss and dissatisfied a set of prisoners. A comparatively insignificant guard was placed over them; each relief had seven posts, and the threo details gave o total of twenty-one men to guard more than a hundred infuriated saveges, exasperated and made desperate by hunger until they were little different from wild beasts ready to spring from their cages whenever opportunity afforded. 1t came at Jast, and at ten o'clock, just asthe “all is well” was NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1879—TRIPLE SHEET. sonnded on the night air by the sentry, the fearful outbreak took place, and every one in the camp was completely taken by surprise. 4 COMPLESE SURPRISE. For the moment consternation seized the well dis- ciplined troops, officers gs well as men. Nor was this unnatural. The warning had been unheeded, the companies near by had gone to ved as usual, un- dressed and unbooted, as if nothing extraordinary was expected to occur, and before they could arouse themselves from the deep sleep of the soldier and put on their clothing much time was lest and -considerable headway given to the dash- ing and hurrying redskins, who were already doing the work of slaughter and, death, Had the warning of Wild Hog been regarded, or had even one company been continually kept on the qui vive, while the Choyennes were awaiting, in their ter- rible obstinate mood, the ultimate disposition to be made of them, not an Indian could have escaped, and it is very doubtful if any such rash attempt would have been made. Again the officer of the day, Lieutenant Simpson, who was at the adjutant’s office adjoining, and whose duty more especially it was to see that the safety and security of the camp was assured, was not impressed with the necessity of strengthening the guard or forestalling by closo investigation the bloody émeute which surprised him just after he left his house to visit the guard, WARNINGS THAT WERE REEDED. Others there were who were not so careless of the warnings which had been given. The surgeons at the post hospitals were engaged in preparing their stretchers and surgical imploments, and it is also reported that it was well known that the Indians had made war clubs out of the timber of the barracks and were seen tearing up the floor. I am also informed that an officer stated that the win- dow sashes were fixed so as to be thrown down, and yet the same carelessness seemed to control those in command, AFFAIRS AT CAMP ROBINSON, While the greatest uncertainty exists as to the whereabouts of the nineteen Cheyentle braves who, with some thirty squaws and children, made good their escape out of the terrible series of fights that followed the flight from the prison house, the im- mediate condition of things at this camp deserves attention. There isa lull here forthe present after the bloody events of the past few days. The best attention is paid to the wounded, both Indians and soldiers. Among the wretched captives the scenes are very moving. They are kept huddled together in along, narrow apartment near the barracks that was their former prison, They are there of all ages. All this met my eye as I entered. HEARTRENDING CONTRASTS. Near the door lay a squaw of sixty years in the throes of death, insensible and pierced in seven dif- ferent places with bullets, while within five feet of the expiring woman a female child seven years old was combing and carefully plaiting the hair of her infant orphaned sister and singing in a thoughtful hum some Indian lullaby strain. SUFFERING IN SILENCE. On down along the narrow aisle-like space the frightfully wounded men and women, old and young, crouched or recline] without » word or groan, but staring at each other in speechless melancholy and mourning over their dead and stricken people. Thus they lay in grim silence, with hair hanging down in dishevelled locks and unkempt, as is the Indian fashion during hours of grief. Gazing at their bronzed features and their mute agony one could not help recalling the children of Egypt smitten with grief when every household mourned for the death of its first born. THE PRINCESSES. _ At the eastern extremity of the apartment sat the remaining daughter of the old and’ principal chief, Dull Knife, who, as well as her grown sister, who was one of the killed, has been known among officers, soldiers and visitors as the Princess on account of her beauty and aristocratic lineage. By her side was a little girl, who, like herself, was remarkable for soft, gazelle eyes and bright, sunny-hued features, ‘The little one had made a doll out of an old blood- stained blanket and was tenderly nursingit in her arms, swaying to and fro with it as if endeavoring to put it to sleep. Ses MOTHER s¥D CmED. Just beyond her a mother who had been very seriously wounded was holding in consolation the hand of her twelve-year-old daughter, who was brought in from the Hills, more than two miles dis- tant, with an infant strapped to her back, which she had been directed to care for during the hazardous and rapid midnight flight. THE FALSE CHARGE OF BUTCHERY. The saving and sparing of this wretched people must speak for itself in strong and convincing tones of the tenderness of the officers and soldiers and in ref- utation of the false and malicious charge that women, children and infants were shot down by them in cold blood. Of course many were wounded, but in the night and during a necessary fire to check the fngi- tive Cheyerine warriors it could not be helped, and it is regretted by none more than themselves that it was unavoidable. BIG READ’S STORY. An interview wae held in the presence of your cor- respondent by Lieutenant Chace with the principal and only*Indian able to talk, named Big Head. When asked what was the plan of the chiefs for the escape of the imprisoned Cheyennes he replied that there was none agreed upon, but that some of the young warriors had determined to make the attempt, and the rest followed. When it was undertaken many were, he said, in bed or asleep, and when the excitement commenced men, women and children just jumped out of the windows after them. He was further asked where the escaped Cheyennes were going, and, with true Indian tact and evasion, he re, plied he did not know. THE SCENE OF THE ESCAPE, The appearance of the barracks lately occupied by the reckless prisoners attests a different state of facts from those asserted by Big Head. At the western- moet end the boards of the floor were torn up. A capital breastwork of earth had been taken from underneath the building and thrown up in lunette form, evidently to defend against an attack through the windows, of which there are three. To the left of this position the door is barricaded by ahuge wood stove placed against it. Itis supposed that when the flooring was torn up the women and children were to be placed for safety during the fighting between the beams and in the excavations mole in the ground. Everything Isy in wild sion. Barbaric accoutrements lay tossed about here and there, among them the saddles made out of decr and elk bones, with fastenings of buffalo and deer hide. O}d bows and arrows, torn garments, and a hundred things of use in savage tife, but thrown aside as superfiuous, attest the wildness and desperation of the bold stroke for liberty, the whole scene resembling what might bo the scene on a ship's deck when everything is left just before the final hour of wreck and hopeless- ness. Under the planks had been concealed the Indians’ rifles, of the most improved patterns, calibres forty-four and fifty, which were not taken from them when captured or wero smuggled in afterward by squaws or visiting Sioux, who brought them from where they had been concesled before surrendering to Captain Johnson a few months ago. THE ROSTER OF THE BRAVES. The officers claim that twenty-one braves were killed. Dr. C. V. Pettys, assistant surgeon, United States Army; eays he saw fourteen dead. Thero were forty-nine bucks in all. Four are now at Captain Vroom's camp, Hog, Old Crow, Left Hand and Poreupine. There are five here in the guard house— namely, Big Head, Noisy Walker, Blacksmith, the Sioux and Stub Foot. These nino, with the twenty- one killed and the ninotcen out, account for the original total of warriors. THE PRISONERS CARED Fon, The prisoners are well cared for and fod. Captain Wessels gave orders in the hearing of your corre spondent that Dr. Mosely, United States Army, post surgeon, should extend to the Indians the kindness and carotul treatment due to prisoners in their sitna- tion, PEARS OF THR WHITE Women, The Indios of the post are discussing the advisa- bility of leaving here, and seem to be very apprehen- sive of further trouble and danger from tho Indians, A LARGE FORCE OF SOLDIERS NEEDED, As to the safety of this garrison as well as Camp Sheridan, while there is not likely to be an immediate attack upon either, there is no doubt that it is impor, tant to hold a strong military force at either or both on account of the nearness of tho Sioux and the pos- sibility that they may lend assistance to the escaped Cheyennes, or undertake offensive operations in be- half of the prisoners. Asmail force of troops will leave them and the white settlers, cattle men and cm- ployés at the mercy of a band of Indians, which can be collected within a radius of sixty miles to strike this place, massacre those resisting, if inferior in numbers, and reduce it to ashes. This is evidently the pivotal point for future operations, even if no more than a force for observation is to be estab- lished. It is patent to every one that, if warlike pro- ceedings are to begin in the spring, which every one here now thinks most likely, this is the plece for a large force, and it should be sent at once to save future regret. It can be safely put down that an Indian war is most probabie in the spring on the Nebraska frontier, and the field of operations will be in this vicinity. THE SIOUX DEMAND THE CAPTURED WOMEN. On Monday # cbuncil was held at Pine Ridge Agency, in which the Sioux Indians under Red Cloud, through their chiefs, made a demand that the Sioux women now wounded and captive be delivered to them to be taken care of, for the reason that their | male relatives had all been killed by the troops. This is regarded as ominous and the Wear Department should take notice of it. All the prisoners, wounded or not, should be removed from here forthwith. ‘TROUBLE AHEAD. Companies B and D, of the Third cavalry, were ordered here from Fort Laramie to-day, Those who understand the situation say that as a wise precan- tion, if nothing more, at least a full regiment should be stationed here for some time tocome. It may prevent great bloodshed and loss of life, as well as destruction of government property and that of the frontier people. The present indications are that there is going to be considerable trouble in this vicin- ity before long unless prompt measures be taken to guard against an outbreak. Everything is now at the mercy of a large and warlike nation—the neigh- boring Sioux. IN PURSUIT. To-day Captain Wessels started out in obedi- ence to General Crook's orders, following Captain Lawson, who left yesterday to overtake the Indians more than twenty miles distant at least what results will be accom- plished none can tell, but no great, confidence in success is felt. The two companies which have been ordered from Fort Laramie to intercept the impoverished and nasked band of nineteen flying bucks are reported to-night at Silver Springs, somo ten miles north of Raw Hide, toward Hall Creek. ‘They are in communication with Fort Laramie by couriers and with this place by telegraph. They will strike across the country to New Road and reach Bluff Station to-morrow night. RESPONSIBILITY OF THE BLUNDER AT FORT ROBINSON AS PLACED BY GENERAL CROOK— THE KANSAS MURDERS ADMITTED BY WILD HOG AND OTHER CHIEFS. {BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Omana, Neb. Jan. 16, 1879. General Crook has not received the report of the commanding officer, Captain Wesscls, at Camp Robin- son, but says the blunder in a military sense was in the failure of Captain Wessels to barricade the build- ingin which the Cheyennes were imprisoned, so as to make their escape impossible. General Crook saves that the Ive companies of cavalry ought to have recaptured the Indians who escaped, and that not sufficient rations were issued to the troops in pur suit. This compelled a return to Camp Robinson and caused delay. He thinks, however, that the In- dians will be recaptured. General Crook fixes the responsibility upon Cap- tain Wessels, to whose discretion, as senior officer at the garrison, the details had to be entrusted in exe- cuting the orders of General Sheridan. PURSUIT OF THE CHEYENNES, Specials from Camp Robinson state that another company left to-day in pursuit of the Cheyennes still out, of whom it is learned that nineteen are braves, having most of the arms with which the band loft camp. THE KANSAS OUINAGES, At an interview of tho officers with Wild Hog, Crow, Left Hand and others now at Camp Robinson tho Indians admit that all the young men, including those in their party, were engaged in the Kansas out- ‘rages, though the old men endeavored to restrain them, This has not been admitted before. Twelve, at least, of these men were engaged in the Kansas murders. They insist that the guns then used were taken apart and concealed in their clothing when they were placed in barracks last fall. They state that the Indians now out are endeavoring to join Little Wolf, whom they believe to be in the vicinity of Powder River. There are no indications of trouble at Red Cloud. GENERAL SHERMAN ON THE OUTBREAK AT FORT ROBINSON—THE CONDUCT OF THE MILITARY APPROVED—SECRETARY SCHURZ RETICENT. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Wasurxertor, Jan. 16, 1879. General Sherman said to-night that the War De- partment had no other information concerning tho recent outbreak among the Cheyennes than had al- ready appeared in the Henatp. The General had just finished his dinner and was going to get ready for the Henry memorial exercises at the Capitol. “You have read the details of the story of the mas- sacre of the Cheyennes then, General?” asked your correspondent, . “Massacre! massacre!” repeated General Sherman, “why do you call ita massacre? A number of in- subordinate, cunning, treacherous Indians, who had no more regard for the lives of our officers and sol- diers than if they had been dogs, attempted to escapo from the custody of our troops and used violence to carry on their rebellious act. They were treated just as they deserved to be, ani it is folly to attempt to extenuate such acrime by soft sounding words. ‘THE SITUATION AT FORT ROBINSON. “But, General, may there not have been aggravating surroundings which led to the attempt of the Chey- ennes to free themselves ?"" “That question is ezsily answered. The orders ‘were to remove the Cheyennes from Fort Sill to the Indian Territory. They resisted, revolted and fled. It was aduty imposed upon General Crook to sco that the order was executed. Insubordination in the army is always fatal to military discipline. Shall a lot of Indians, then, be permitted to do what we would not tolerate for an instant among our own race? No,no, The rascals were determined to re- sist, cost what it might, and as this government is not yet prepared to yield to the dictation of any num- ber of Indians, the measures enforced were just pro- cisely what the exigencies of the occasion demanded.” XO JOBBERY sUsPRCTED, “You do not suspect, then, that there was anything like jobbery on the part of the Indian agent that pro voked them to act as they did?" “Nothing of the kind, The Cheyennes were ordered to the Indian Territory from Fort Sill, and they were in charge of the military to be transferred. They were not inclined to go and the usual precaution was taken, as was supposed, to make them harmless, That precaution was not thoroughly taken, and the result is @ conflict between the Indians and our troops in the enforcement of military order.” Secretary Schurz declined to speak on the matter, THE MAJOR RENO INQUIRY. THE CROSS-EXAMINATION OF LIEUTENANT WAT- LACR—‘'t REMEMBER NOTHING OF A SINGLE ACT OF COWARDICE ON THE PART OF MAJOR RENO”"--THE MEETING WITH GENERAL TERRY DESCRIBED. (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) « Cmrcaao, Jan, 16, 1879, The Major Reno investigation was reconvened hero this morning. Tho miraculous manifestations of memory on the part of the reporters who have sup- plied almost a verbatim report of the investigation, though allowed to take no notes, induced Mr. Gilbert to suggest to tho Court, this mofning, in a most courteous and deferential manner that the press had published very full reports of the proceedings which were in the main correct, but which, owing to the method to which the representatives of the press necessarily bad to resort to securing these facts several errors crept in, some of which were to be deprecated, both in relation to the witness and the officer on trial. As these reports got to the public far in advance of anything the Court l might eventually have to report, were read with in. terest and were the basis of opinion, he thought it would be advisable if the Court would afford the representatives of the press greater facilities for pro- curing an accurate report. Colonel King took the matter under consideration and then said:—During the rest of the proceedings the reporters will be allowed to take notes, Immediately after this order was given the notebooks saw the light of day, and the cross-examination of Lieutenant Wallace, who testified yesterday, was begun. Lieutenant Wallace said in substance that when the division of the command was made Colonel Benteen took D, 1 and K companies and moved off to the left. Disappearing over a hill, he did not sce him again until after Reno’s retreat. Reno took A,G and M companies, numbering about 110 to 115 men, and moved forward, at the order of Custer, to charge the Indiaus, being the understanding, at least of the witness, that he (Custer) would support him (Reno). He knew of no arrangement for the reuniting of the commands, Custer had ©, F, I and L companies, numbering about 225 men. He moved down the right of the river, and Keno having crossed over moved down the left, witness rode to the lett of Reno, Lieutenant Hodgeson, who was killcd, being between them. If there had been any orders to Reno from Custer other than to move forward and charge the Indians wherever found, wit- ness would be likely to have heard them. He did not know of any one being sent back to Custer by Reno after he had crossed the river. He knew of two mep, named Mclilargey and Mitchell, who were killed, ‘The soldiers were armed with carbines and revolvers, no sabres. The revolvers were loaded. I did not know how many additional rounds the men had; for the carbines they had fifty rounds on their bodies and the same number in their saddlebags. Custer’s adjutant and Captain Kehoe started with Reno, Witness did not know when they turned back, but they must have done so, as their bodies were found with Custer’s, Witness’ company (G) had twenty new recruits in it, many of whom had never been on horseback until they started on that campaiga. He had a good deal of trouble kee] ing them straight when they dismounted and forme the skirmish line; a fourth of the men were detaile as horse holders, and took the animals into the woods. Up to this time he had seen about two hun- dred Indians; but there was a large cloud of dust ahead indicating a much larger body of Indians, who were mounted and apparently on the “jump.” THE SKIAMISH LINE, "+ Mr. Gilbert asked Lieutenant Wallace to point out the position of the skirmish line in respect to the Indiun village, and he replied that he couldn’t do it on Lieutenant Maguire's map, as it was not accurate. There were about seventy-five men in the skirmish line and they were deployed about five yards apart. The Indians began to move around toward the ford where the troops had crossed, and at the same time a much larger number appeared in front. ‘The skirmish line moved forward, the men firing at will until the right came to the little stream in front of the Indian village, then there was # halt and they remained in that position, firing until the lett was obliged to fall back, then the centre line moved back. Major Reno toox @ compuny into the woods to reconnoitre. Lieutenant Melntosh, who was killed on the retreat, was with witness, who said he didn’t think the troops could have been better handled than they were. I saw no indications of cowardice or unsoldierly conduct on the part of Major Reno. Inthe burial of that day Major Reno gave the required orders. ‘The body of General Custer was found with several men about him, and around in that vicinity were twenty or thirty bodies. There were no indications of a pro- longed struggle. He did not think that General ‘Custer had time to make an_ efiective stand; nor was the ground adapted to it. He did not believe the struggl» had continued more than half an hour. The only indications of a pro- longed struggle that were found on the battle field were where Captain Calkonn and his men were found. In the opinion of the witness, the only thing that Major Reno could have done after his skirmish line was forced back was to retreat, as he did, If he had remained in the timber to which the Major first re- treated the troops would all have been killed. It was the duty of Major Reno, in the opinion of witness, to retreat to the opposite side ot the river, in order to save his men. It was not necessary for 9 commanding officer to wait until large number of his men had been killed before a re- treat was ordered. An officer sent out as Major Reno was had, witness considered, more or less liberty to make such changes as were deemed necessary. While in the timber or during the retreat Lieutenant Wal- lice testified that Mejor Reno showed no signs of fear and appeared perfectiy collected. When Benteen came up Major Reno rode torward to meet him. When Lieutenant Hudson was killed Major Reno, in company with others, rode down to where the body lay and took a ring from his finger. It was not necessary for the Major to thus expose himeelf, and the witness did not think he would have done so if he had been shaken with fear. At that time twenty-seven men had been killed, besides Dr. DeWo! et reeter. ‘The pack train came up about an hour © Colonel Benteen arrived. A com- any was ordered out to meet them. It was in the Rirection toward where General Custer was tound, A few preparations were made about this time to take the seven wounded men along with them in case the column was ordered to move. The column was soon ordered to advance, but the Officer in charge of the wounded sent word that he could not follow and they had to fall back. Major Reno led the command, Another reason why the column retreated was that heavy firing in the front prevented any advancing. They retired to the hill from which they had advanced, end where they remained on the afternoon of the 25th and the following day. DISPOSITION OF THE TROOPS. Tho disposition which Major Reno made of his troops the witness believed was as good as could have been effected. They had no rifle pits nor other protection, the men stretching themselves on the und from six o'clock till dark, About nine’ o'clock a continuous fire was kept up by the Indians, and witness said he never saw heavier tiring than then. During the night there was no firing. The men employed the time in making such rifle pits as they could with their spades and a few tin cups. On the morning of the 26th the firing again com- meneed, but it was at intervals, and it was in this way that it was kept up during the day. In the aftor- noon their position was changed somewhat, in order to escape the stench of the dead horses and men. In order to get water for the men they had to rush out at the mouth of a ravine and dish up what they could under a severe fire, About nine o'clock on the following morning, that is the 27th, a cloud of dust was seen rising in the distance, when it was learned that it was General Terry. Witness was sent out to meet him and direct him to where Major Reno and his troops weres Mr. Gilbert asked what conversation witness had with General Terry, and in reply he said that after explaining Major Reno's condition and position he asked General Terry where Custer was. He was told that the General and his men were killed, This was the first intimation Lieutenant Wal- lace had received of General Custer’: the opinion of th n with Major Reno that al Custer had been defoated and had retreated t General Terry and left them (Reno's men) to te Ys the following question :— Mr, Gilbert—Search your memory thro th and recall what you deem a cowardly action on the part of Major Reno, lace—I can remember nothing of ingle act of cowardice. Court then adjourned until to-morrow at eleven THE BATTLE OF THE LITTLE BIG HORN— REASONS WHY CONGRESS SHOULD INVESTI- GATE THE CONDUCT OF THE ACTORS IN IT, New York, Jan. 15, 1879, To tur Eprror oF thr Heraty:— I read with interest the despatch of your correspon- dent from Fort Lincoln, dated September 20, 1876, republished in the Hxna.p of Tuesday, the 14th inst., and, in view of the serious statements therein made public, am at a loss to understand why an official in- vestigation into the circumstances attending the massacre of the gallant Custer and his comrades has been so long delayed by the United States govern- ment. The subject is one well calculated to interest the American people, and the questions and doubts which it suggests aro such as call for an investigation the most thorough and complete. It seems to me inexplicable that honorable men could consent for one moment to lic under the weight of accusations so grave as those your correspondent formulates; yet more than two years have been al- lowed to pass by Major Reno and Captain Bentoen without any effort being made on their part to re- move the serious stain which must rest on their char- actors as soldiers if the allegations made, as alleged on tho strength of information furnished by their brother officers, bo not disproved, No morp grave charges could be made against a soldier than those your cor- respondent made publicly in 1876. In his despatch he states that Reno abandoned the post in the attack intrusted to him, and thereby set the whole force of the enemy free to fall on Custer's immediate com- mand; that when the com; of himself, Benteon and Captain McDougal were con- he remained inact was being — massacred This latter statement is evidently cor- monstrous as it must seem, from ynce of Lieutenant Maguire, published in your columns in Wednesday" inent by Lieutenant de Rudio that a few minutes only elapsed from the time he saw Custer and his division pass before Reno’s retreat to the bluff began. Now it must be evident that a terrible blunder, if nothipg worse, was made in not following Custer's trail a8 soon as Benteen’s and fheno's «die visions formed a junction. Yet your corre. spondent states, on the authority of Colonel eir, that no offort was made to join Custer though the sounds of for “a space of time cs two. Rowrs-7 may your correspondent ask why the mass of horse- men remained idie on the hill while tueir comrades were being slaughtered four miles away. The merest tyro m military matters knows that the duty of an officer commanding bodies of troops is “marcher aut sons du canon"’—that is, to march in the direction of the firing—and that, in all regular armies, a neglect to do so involves (he court martialling of the off officer. Reno's duty was clear. He shoul have "advanced to’ the help of his com- mander, and his failure to do so exposes him to the charge of incompetency or cowardice. That lis troops could have reached the battle field in time to aid Custer is proved conclusively by the fact stated by your correspondent that Boston Custer, after leaving Benteen’s division some seven miles from the battle field, was able to jo his com- mander and die with him, tenant Maguire is also conclusive on this point, for cavalry could easily have ridden over the four miles intervening between Reno's position on the hilt and the spot where Custer fell in half an hour. Even worn ont cavalry horses would have been equal to such an effort. ‘A body of infantry marching rapidly could cover the distance in one hour. The statement that Captain Benteen received the order to “hurry up" and_ yet walked bis horses until he formed a junction with Reno is also very serious and cuils for ‘explanation from Captain Benteen. In reading over carefully your correspondent’s despatch itis impossible not to divine that behind the statement he makes there lurks a mystery—a terrible mystery, which the government is bound to clear up. Tean- not imagine that any responsible person would dare to make the statement your correspon lent gave to the public unless he felt very sure of his facts, and that he would be in a position, if called upon, to make good his assertions. In view of all the cir- cumstances. made public by the HERALD something more thin an investigation of Major Reno's conduct is itnperatively called for, and that something is a thorough investigation into the whole circum. stanees of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, I would therefore respectfully suggest, as an humble American citizen, that the Herat employ its great influence to induce and if need be to compel such a thorough investigation into this whole #ad_ business as must forever set at rest all doubts as to the re- sponsibilities of the actors in that appalling tragedy— the massacre of Custer and his brave companions in the Battle of the Little Big Horn. AMERICAN CITIZEN. THE BULLION CLUB. AN ENJOYABLE REUNION OF THE MEMBERS ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR FIRST PUBLIC DIN- NER—SECRETARY SHERMAN RESPONDS BY LET- TER TO THE TOAST ‘‘RESUMPTION.” The Bullion Club gave thesr first public dinner last evening at their building, No. 19 West Twenty-fourth street. ‘This association was formed on November 1, 1878, and has for its object the promotion of the develop- ment of Anférican gold and silver mining on the basis of a legitimate industry, and securing for New York that share of business connected with the in- dustry which is due it as the commercial metrop- olis of the country, so far as the same can be promoted and secured by social discus- sion, the interchange of educated thought and the recorded results of intelligent investigation. ‘The initiation is $25, and each member has to pay an annual fee of $25. ‘The officers of the club are John McGinnis, Jr., president, and R. C. Stone, secretary. In the absenco of the President Mr. D. G. Croly pre- sided. On-his right sat Chief Justice Charles P. Daly, Brayton Ives, president of the Stock Exchange; General C. P. Fiske, J. W. Simonton, gen- eral agent of the Associated Press; William RB. Garrison, president of the Metropolitan “L” Railroad; George B. Satterlee, president of the American Mining Exchange, and William Mitchell, chairman of the issue, and the state. | firing were distinctly heard at VW Stock Exchange. On his left were General Horace Porter, Commissioner of Charities and Correction Isaac H. Bailey, General C, T. Christensen, cashier of the Nevada Bunk of San Francisco; W. 'T. Hatch, the banker, and James Francis, of the firm of Trask & Francis, The menu was excellent, and after the repast Mr. Croly, the chairman, read an address which the President of the club had intended to deliver were he not kept away by sickness. ‘THE TOASTS, The toasts were next in order. They were as fol- low: 1. “The Bonanzas; may every member of the Bull- ion Club find one.” Responded to by General Chris- tensen, of the Bank ot Nevada. 2. “Our New York Banks; may they be thecashiers of the world.” Responded to by Mr. Brayton Ives, president of the Stock Exchange. 3. “Resumption.” It was expected that Secretary Sherman would be present to respond to this toast, but, instead, Mr. James Francis read the followin letter from that gentleman, which was received wit! loud applause :— REASURY Derantwent, Jan. 8, 1879, R.C. Stone, Esq., Secretary Bullion Club, New York — DKAn Siu—Your glettor of the Sth i of invitation from the Bullion Clab to at their club house on Thursday evening, the 16th. inst, is received. T regret that my official duties will not permit. nre‘tn'per- son to respond to the toast you send me, and Leannot do so by letter in words. more expressive than the toast itself, “To Resumptio: er.” Irredeemable 1 lence, oF & cept ‘in dire. n money when it ig unable to ve prom Tknow that whon thi@ezal tenders were tirst issued, in February, 1852, ie . The doubt that prevented legal convinced that ont necessiti paper m Most of those who voted for it jastiBed their youe upon ground that the very existence of the country depended upon its ability coin into m fu table for money di emy and for food ni 1 to Maintain them at the front, We then provided for the sesite of legal tender United States notes as un ion's peril. It has alwa: large and a citizens should regard continuance of deomable money nent poliey of a nation so strong and pay overy dollar of its debts on demand, ater th i disappeared. e danger, the financial world, with trinsic vulne of solid coin, tion be perpetual. To wish otherwis for war danger and national peril, calamities a on like others may be subject, but against whieh the earnest aspiration of every patriot’ will be uttered. Very respect- fully yours, JOUN SHERMAN, Letters of regret were also read from General Hill- house, Assistant Treasurer of the United States; Pro- fessor F. V. Hayden, the head of the United States Geological Survey; M. de Zamacona, the Mexican Minister, and others. The fourth toast was:—“‘The New York Mining Ex- change. May its fancies decrease and its commis- sions increase.” Mr. George B. Satterlee. 5. the Press.” Mr. John Swinton, of the Sun. 6. ‘he Geographical Society. May it rend earth's surface to use” Chief Justice Charles P. Daly. 7. “Our National Surveys; their object, their Professor J. H. McChesney. investors in Mines.” General Horace Porter. 9. “Our Precious and Metal Mines. May they be treated honorably.” R. P. Rotheem. 10. “Our Mining Press. Let it give us plenty of facts and tew opinions.” General Thomas Jordan. 11, “Our Prospectors, the Fearless and Indomiitsble Pioneers. May they strike rich here and hereafter. Isaac H. Bailey. 12. “Our Precious Metal Mines. They have given usan empire, May they be always in royal pay.” General C. B. Fiske. 15. “Our Bullion Products. May it and that of the RC. rest of the world flow through New York. tone. 14. “Our Corresponding Members. May ne yen supply the club iustruotien, fair waening an pa § cheer.” W. D. Snow. 15, “The Miners and Metallurgists. By whose will the precious metals are wrested from the rocks, and constitute the best representation of labor’ per formed.” Professor W. P. Blake, of New Haven, The party did not treak up untilalate hour and every one left satisfied with the evening's enjoyment. IN MALE ATTIRE, “Will you tell me where I can get a place to sleep to-night?” said # pleasant-faced, neatly dressed young person in male attire to Officer Cody, of the steamboat squad, at pier No. 26, last evening when the ‘longshoremen working on the piers were as th re To resume is to recover from men.” 8, leaving for their homes; “I have just come from rett, Mass, this afternoon, and am in Teh of work.” The officer had some doubts as to the sex of his questioner, whose company he requested at the Twenty-seventh preciuct station house. ‘There tho stranger, said she ad adopted the habilimonts of a boy to enable her to secure work more readily. She «aid her name was Madge Rivas and her age fifteen years. Her parents were dead and she had been living with acquaint- ances in Everett, She was locked wp over night. A BAL MASQUE PROHIBITED. ‘There was a masked ball announced to take place at Turn Hall last evening, and a number of tho denizous of the neighborhood — went thero in all tho glory of costumes and ‘in all the mystery of dominoes But Captain McCullogh strictly prohibited the affair. He stationed himself and a number of officers at the entrance, and yallants and ladies fair had to mount the stairs and rotate in the mazy waltz with un- covered face ASSAULTED BY ROUGHS, Quenne, Jan, 16, 1879, Late last night a party of fifteon roughs hired cari- oles, and after driving through different parts of the city visited Alain’s tavern, in the suburbs, After ransacking the tavern they drove to Palais, where a dance was in progress in Mr, Tromblay’s rosidencs, | Boing retused admittance they broke in the door and | severely maltreated Mr, and man especially being badly cut about the head and poy baeeee Ons of bare deposition was taken at n. nemed this afternoo assailants, Paquet, The evidence of Lieu- | Mrs. Tremblay, the | AMUSEMENTS. TERRACE GARDEN—THE YORKVILLE MAENNER~ CHOR. A complimentary entertainment to the Yorkville Maennervher was given at Terrace Garden last night, in which this society of sixty members, Mr. George S. Weeks, Mr. 8. A. Walker, Mr, .L, Hasse, Mr. A. Lederhaus, Mr. Fraenkel and Miss Roemer, with a full orchestra, participated. The temperature ot the auditorium was scarceiy above the freezing point, but this did not chill the warmth of the genial audience assembled in the greeting extended to the performers. The male chorus gave three-part songs for the first time. One of these, ‘Der Guate Rath,” by T. Koshat, in the Swiss patois, proved « unique and pleasing composition. The chorus, under Chawles H. Hauschel, showed , albeit its exe cutio as somewhat rough. A vandeville in Ger- ana: ‘hsen in Preussen,” was received with espe- vial ‘avor, notwithstanding that the singing was more earnest than artistic. There were encores for the soloists, and abundant applause attended every num- ber rondered. Th: ide show” on the right of the Dull was quite as well patronized as the entertainment proper, snd the performers and their hearers eyi- dently enjoyed the offerings of the evening, in spite of the freezing temperature of the room. }OLETLO—BOOTH'S THEATRE. Magdalen, Gievanyn, x Duko of 3 2 Signor Pantaleo Mr. George A. Conly Signor Ferrario Signor Tagliapietca. “Rigoletto” was proe duced last night at Booth’s ‘Theatre. Notwithstands ing the inclemency of the weather it attracted an aus dience that fully entered into the spirit of the enter. tainment. ‘Che opera is full of beautiful numbers, and by reason of their familiarity in many house- holds almost every listener is a self-constituted critic, so that when applause is spontancous and general, as it was last evening, it isa fair inference that the artists personated their respective parts with credit, and thut the music of the composer was satis- factorily interpreted. Miss Litta appeared in a new character, and both sang and acted admirably. Her fine voice has not been heard to better advantage since her New York début. Signorita Galimberti, with her rich contralto, personated Magdalen, and showed that sheis as much ‘at home on the operstic as on the concert stage. The strong artistic effects of the evening, however, were made by Signor Pantaleoni, whose voice was in thorough accord with the ‘spirit of the music, and whose action was so emphatic that at tho end of the third act he and Litte were four or five times recalled before the curtain. Signor Lazarini as the Duke, Mr. George A. Conly as & bandit and Signor Tagliapietra each represented their parts artistically. Miss Lancaster as Giovanna like- wise deserves a word of favorable comment. Taken all in all the opera was a success, and Mr. Strakasch is entitled to credit for the happy manner of its presentation. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. The Foy sisters are drawing excellent audiences ag the Globe. It is not a generally known fact that Signor Pantae leoni, the baritone who is in such favor at Booth’s Theatre, was a member of the opera company im which Miss Cary made her début. If the artists are in good condition “Carmen” will be given to-night by the Strakosch Opera Company. “The Colleen Bawn” will be produced on Monday at the Grand Opera House with new scenery and ef fects. The engagement of Mr. Dion Boucicault hag proved one of the dramatic events of the season. He will appear as Myles na Coppaleen for the first time in several years, Miss Ada Dyas will play Ann Chute and Miss Rose Osborne Eily O'Connor. THE COUNT IN NEW ROCHELLE. The Count Joannes gave representations of various Shakespearean characters in the new Town Hall of New Rochelle last evening, supported by Miss Avonia Jones Fairbanks, A fair audience attended and some very comical tricks were played on the Count and the night was one of great hilarity among the boys of New Rochelle. The Count. ministered several severe rebukes to his audience and quit the stage for a time, but ultimately returned, the letting down of several curious objects on the stage hastened his final exit, but after the show he was treated to a splendid a at the Huguenot Hotel by some of the best citizens of the town and was ete of his eventful experience of the early evening. HELP FOR AN ACTOR'S FAMILY. Bnooxtyy, E. D., Jan, 15, 1879, To THe Eptror oF THE HERALD:— I have read an account (in the Herat of Tuesday) of the destitute condition of the family of W. E, Osborne, the old English actor, In New York usually if an actor of note dies the members of the profession generously come to the aid of their families and give them assistance, but thts gentleman being of a past generation, though a fine actor, no doubt is in danger of being forgotten. I propose, therefore, if some re- sponsible party or parties will come forward and pay for some good hall, and the advertisement necessary for one evening's entertainment, to give a dramatio reading at such place as may be designated by a com mittee, the proceeds to go to Mr. Osborne’s family. I hope that this idea will be the precursor of other sime ilar ones, ‘HARLES B, EDWARDS. CHARLES FECHTER'S SUIT. PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 1879. On Tuesday last a warrant was issued by Justice of of the Peace Pugh, of Doylestown, on an affidavit sworn to by Charles Fechter, the actor, charging Colonel, A. K.MeClure, editor of the Times, of this city, with having uttered a malicious libel against him. The warrant was bronght to this city and in- dorsed by Magistrate Smith, whose constable this afternoon waited upon Colonel McClure. The editor accompanied him to the magistrate's office and gave bonds in $600 to appear for trial at the February term of the Bucks County Court. SALE OF FINE BLOODED CATTLE, PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 1879, At the Bazaar on South Ninth street this morning Alfred M. Herkness & Co. dispose] of a large num- ber of Jersey and Guernsey cattle and Hampshire Down rams, imported by Edward P. P. Fowler, of r the Island of Jersey and Southampton, England, ‘The attendance was large and the bidding at ties quite spirited, but the prices realized were compara tively low. Among the collection of Jerseys offered and dis posed of was Rosette 2d, two years old, which was purchased by J. E. Ridgway, of this ¢ity, for $3003 Rebecca, one year old, bought by G. Volmer, of Gere mantown, for $235: Violet, two years old, by J. H. pores ot New York, for $215; Michot 2d, five years old, by Mrs. M. N. Rogers, of this city, for $200; Verichelez Pride, by Dundas Lippincott, of Philadel- hia, for $250;" Adoline, two years old, by J. E. Phittips, Baltimore, Md., for $200; Magdalene, ten months old, by Jumes Mooney, Philadelphia, for $205; Mabel, seven montbs old. H. Cushing, of N onths olde by Mignonne, ine Ridgway, Duchess, two are old, by Alfred Baker, of Atlanta, Ga., tor $300; tience, four years old, by William Bathett, of Lion- Cleopatra, three years old, by iT C of Philadelphia, for $31 ears old, for $160, to 8. There were also the Jere = Kent, of West ¢ sey bulls Ameer, eighteen months old, field, eleven months old; the former to es Youn; of Middletown, Pa., for $215, and the latter for say to 8. M. Burnham, of Connecticat. TROY AND BOSTON RAILROAD. EXPENSES AND EARNINGS DURING THE LASP YEAR, Aupany, N.Y., Jan, 16, 1879, The Troy and Boston Railroad Company have sen® the following report to the State Engineer :— Capital stock... «$2,000,000 Stock subscribed. » 1,045,603 Amount paid in, as by + 1,609,010 Amount now paid m. 1,609,010 Funded debt, as by last « 2,179,500 Floating debt by last report see BT1,976 Floating debt now...... : 436,02 Total amount now of funded and floating debt, after deducting amount due from station agents, &. sescececeees 2,615,528 Average rate per annum of interest on funded debt, 7 per cent. Total cost of road and equipment, by las TepOrt. .. eee esses coe 2,859,969 Number of passengers carri ‘S78 Number of tons of freight carried.. ve Maintenance expenses. . + 66,487 Passenger transportation 25.46 Freight transportatio: Expenses of repairs. Expenses of operating road Expenses of passenger transportation Expenses of freight transportatio Earnings from passonge Earnings from frei Karnings from other source Payments for transportation. ....