GENERAL GEORGE A. CUSTER.



equally determined that there shall be no advantage taken, bnt
that the two sides shall be armed alike; proving, too, in this
manner the wonderful liberality of our government, which not
only is able to furnish its soldiers with the latest improved
style of breech-loaders to defend it and themselves, but is equally
able and willing to give the same pattern of arms to their com-
mon foe. The only difference is, that the soldier, if he loses
his weapon, is charged double price for it; while to avoid mak-
ing any charge against the Indian, his weapons are given him
without conditions attached. In the line of battle before us
there were several hundred Indians, while further to the rear
and at different distances were other organized bodies acting
apparently as reserves. Still further were small detachments
who seemed to perform the duty of couriers, and were held in
readiness to convey messages to the village. The ground
beyond was favorable for an extended view, allowing the eye
to sweep the plain for several miles. As far as the eye could
reach, small groups or individuals could be seen in the direction
of the village; these were evidently parties of observation,
whose sole object was to learn the result of our meeting with
the main body and hasten with the news to the village.
   For a few moments appearances seemed to foreshadow any-
thing but a peaceful issue. The infantry was in the advance,
followed closely by the artillery, while my command, the cav-
alry, was marching on the flank. General Hancock, who was
riding with his staff at the head of the column, coming sud-
denly in view of the wild fantastic battle array, which extended
far to our right and left and not more than half a mile in our
front, hastily sent orders to the infantry, artillery, and cavalry
to form line of battle, evidently determined that if war was
intended we should be prepared. The cavalry, being the last
to form on the right, came into line on a gallop, and, without
waiting to align the ranks carefully, the command was given to
" draw sabre." As the bright blades flashed from their scabbards
into the morning sunlight, and the infantry brought their mus-



351.