Thursday, June 22
Carrying fifteen days rations, the 7th Cavalry moved out south along the Rosebud supported by twelve pack mules per company with additional supplies and ammuniton¹. Formal written orders detailing those given the previous day were received by Custer from Terry, and the men marched out at midday. The mood was somber, with Custer himself appearing antsy, snapping at his friends in the column, and when camp was made along the Rosebud for the evening officer’s call was an affair of sniping with Colonel Benteen and others before asking for suggestions from his junior officers. This last act was considered most unlike Custer, and a dark mood that he did not expect to survive began to permeate the camp². Other officers and men began to ensure that their affairs were in order, confirming bequests to their comrades should they be killed in the coming battle.
The Rosebud country
Marching Through History
Gibbon’s command continued to move down the Yellowstone today, setting up camp along it once again as they approached the Bighorn. Heavy rain in the morning slowed their progress somewhat, but in general their force, unlike Custer’s was in good spirits as the day went on.
1. Powder River Depot
2. 7th Cavalry - Custer - Rosebud Creek
3. Montana Column - GIBBON - Yellowstone River
4. Sioux Encampment - SITTING BULL - Little Bighorn River
5. Wyoming Column - CROOK - Goose Creek
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Weinell, p.102
Robinson, p. 166