Page 45

CHAPTER III.
              THE MARCH ON THE PLATTE.
  The final order to move out on the expedition reached
Fort Russell, as I think I have already stated, on May 16th.
On the morning of the 17th, several troops of the 3d Cav-
alry, and, I think, one or two of the 2d Cavalry, under the
orders of Col. W. B. Royall, marched northward toward the
Platte. It was my desire to accompany this column, but
Captain Sutorius, Company E, of the 3d Cavalry, had to
wait, under orders, until the morning of the 19th. Captain
Wells, Troop E, of the 2d Cavalry, had orders to march
with Sutorius. As I messed with the latter, I was compelled
to wait also, and I occupied myself during the brief interval
in visiting Cheyenne. and taking final leave of my kind
friends in that city. I met there Mr. T. C. McMillan, now
a State senator, who was going out as correspondent for
another Chicago newspaper. Mr. McMillan was in feeble
health at the time, but he was determined not to be left
behind. He was fortunate in making messing arrangements
with Captain Sutorius, who was the soul of hospitality. As
McMillan had to purchase a horse and some outfit, we deter-
mined to follow, rather than accompany, the two troops
mentioned, who marched for Lodge Pole creek, eighteen
miles distant from Fort Russell, at daybreak. When McMil-
lan had made his purchases, we set out on horseback, accom-