Long marches in frequent rain-storms, with cold nights and heavy dews, made things very hard. The soldiers had little hope of success. There was only enough coffee for about five days. Bread and salt would last less than two days. No one knew how far it was to the Black Hills. Our Native American scouts, who knew the land, left to deliver messages. Under these bad conditions, the soldiers moved south on September 6. They marched 30 miles over rough land. They camped by bad water holes with no wood for fires. On September 7, they marched another 30 miles over similar land. The camp was just as bad. Many soldiers were sick or hurt. They had to use nine stretchers. Many horses were left behind. Men kept struggling into camp until 10 P.M. On this day, the men started killing abandoned horses for food. Sick and tired infantrymen were carried on mules. But only a few who needed help could be carried.
Dr. Bennett A. Clements, surgeon with Crook.
Muster roles and what they revealed for Co. K, 2nd Cav, on this day:
Analysis of Historic Occupancy
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