Sunday, June 11
The Dakota Column broke camp along the Powder at 0500hrs, making for the Yellowstone over rough country. Terry, having crossed it twice, detailed Custer to locate a suitable path for the more cumbersome wagon train. This he accomplished, and the column arrived at the Yellowstone at 1815hrs. The Powder River Depot set up by the docked Far West included a sutler’s tent, which allowed the soldiers (having been paid on the march and with no opportunity to spend it) to splurge on canned goods, extra clothing and equipment, and alcohol¹.
The steamer Far West
Reno’s scout had moved today through light rain, making a total march of 26 miles, crossing and re-crossing the river several times during the expedition. As they made their own camp for the evening Dr. James DeWolf, attached to the scout, reported that as camp was made they observed a column of smoke in the distance.
The Montana Column continued to struggle through the muddy terrain as they set out today, encountering swollen creeks that posed a similar difficulty to the river itself in crossing. Eventually the column was forced to halt early and make camp as the rain increased yet again, rendering movement nearly impossible.
Today the Wyoming Column broke camp and began to move back toward the Bighorn Mountains, setting up camp seventeen miles away at the confluence of the branches of Goose Creek in modern-day Sheridan, Wyoming. Another storm rolled in today at the new camp, but was quickly cleared, with Crook’s men settling in once again to wait for their Crow scouts. The arrival of mail in the evening from Fort Fetterman served to improve morale as well as bring updates from Terry and Gibbon.
1. Dakota Column - TERRY/CUSTER - Powder River Depot
2. Wyoming Column - CROOK -Goose Creek
3. Montana Column - GIBBON - Yellowstone River
4. Sioux Encampment - SITTING BULL - Rosebud Creek
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Weinell, p.82