Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 August 1874 — From the Black Hills Expedition. [ARTICLE]

From the Black Hills Expedition.

The following telegram was received on the 27th from Gen. Custer, commanding tlie expedition to the Black Hills country: Prospect Valley. I Long. 103 d. 46nt. West, Lat. 45d. 29m. North, j Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of Dakota, St. Paul, Minn.: Sir —This expedition reached this point yesterday, having marched since leaving Fort Lincoln 227 j miles. We are mw 17.0 miles in a direct line from Lincoln and within five miles of the Little Missouri, and within about twelve miles of the Montana boundary—our bearing from Fort Lincoln being south sixty-two degrees west. After the second day from Lincoln we marched over a beautiful country. The grazing was excellent and abundant. Wood sufficient for our wants, and water in great abundance every ten miles. When we struck the tributaries of Grand River we entered a less desirable portion of the country, nearly all the streams flowing into Grand River being more or less impregnated with alkali, rendering the crossings difficult. We found a plentiful supply of grass, wood and water, however, even along this portion of our route. Upon leaving the head-waters of Grand River we ascended the plateau separating the water-shed of the Little Missouri from that running into the Missouri, and found a country of surpassing beauty and richness [of soil. The pasturage could not be finer, timber is abundant and water both good and plentiful. As an evidence oftheTJliaracter oftliecountry, we have marched, since leaving Fort Lincoln, on an average, over seventeen miles per day, one day making thirty-two miles —yet our mules-and beef-cattle have constantly improved in condition, the beef-cattle depending entirely Upon the excellent grazing we have marched over. The health of my command is something remarkable —not a man being on the sick report. Every one seems not only in good health, but in excellent spirits. Between the forks of Grand River we discovered a cave tor which the Indians attach great importance. The cave extends about 400 feet underground, beyond which point it was not practicable to explore it. Its walls and roof are covered with rude carvings and drawings cut into the solid rock, apparently the work of Indians, although probably by a different tribe than either of those now roaming in this region. Near the cave was found a white man’s skull, apparently perforated by a bullet. It had been exposed to the atmosphere for several years, as no white men except those belonging to this expedition are known to have passed anywhere near the locality. The discovery of the skull was regarded with universal interest. The cave was found to contain numerous articles of Indian equipments, which had been thrown into the cave by the Indians as offerings to the Great "Spirit. I liave named the cave Ludlow’s Cave, in honor of the engineering officer of the expedition.

Our march thus far has been made without molestation upon the part of the Indians. We discovered no signs indicating the recent presence of Indians until day before yesterday, when Capt. McDougal, Seventh Cavalry, who was on the flank, discovered a small body of about twenty Indians watching our movements. The Indians scampered off as soon as discovered. Yesterday the same, or a similar-sized, party made its appearance, and was seen by ' Capt. Moylan Connelly, rear guard, along our line of march. Soon after several signals of smoke were sent up, which our Indian guides interpret as conveyipg information to the main body of our presence and movements. As 1 sent a pacific message to all the tribes infesting this region before the expedition moved, and expressed a desire to maintain friendly relations with them, the signals observed by us may have simply been made to enable the villages to avoid us. Our Indian guides think differently, however, and believe the Indians me. n war. Should this be the case, they will be the party to fire the first shot. Indians have been seen near camp to-day. I do not know whether I will be able to communicate with you again before the return of the expedition or not.

G. A. CUSTER,

Brevet Maj.-Gen. U. S. A., Commander of Expedition.