Page 556

accurate summary of the testimony which describes the movements of Major
Reno's command from the time it was detached from the main column by Geno
Custergs orders, until its relief by the arrival of Gen. Terry in person,
after the two days engagement with the Indians under Sitting Bull, I concur
with the Court in its exoneration of Raj-or Reno from the charges of cowardice
which have been brought against him, and in its conclusion that no further
action is required.
    The object of Gen. Custer in detaching M4aJor Reno is showm to have been
to attack the Indians simultaneously on opposite sides of their encampment
or village. Their number appears to have been far greater than Geno Custer
imagined, and very far in excess of the force under his commando On Major
Reno arriving within striking distance, he appears to have attacked at once,
but being met by oveerwhelming numbers, was coupelled to fall rapidly back
and intrench himself on the summit of a hill a short distance from the battle
field0  This hill was four and a half miles by measurement from the point
at which Gen. Custer lost his life., Faint firing from the direction of
Custer's command was heard by some, but not by all, of Mlajor Reno~s detach-
ment. But the testimony makes it quite clear that no one belonging to that
detachment imagined the possibility of the destruction of Genl. Custer'
troops; nor, had this idea suggested itself, does it seem to have been at
any time within their power, fighting as they Were for life under the
attack of a body of Indians vastly outnwnbering them,n to go to his assistanceo
The common feeling was at the time one of anger with Gen. Custer for sending
them into so dangerous a position and apparentl, abandoning them to their
fate0  The suspicion or accusation that Gen. Custer owed his death and
the destruction of his command to the 'ailure of Major Reno, through in-
competency or cowardice, to go to his relief, is considered as set at rest
by the testimony taken before the present Court0
    It is respectfully recommended that the conclusions of the Court be
approvedo
                                (Signed) WV. Ao W=
                                      Judge Advocate General
                      ACTION OF THEk GENLiRAL OF Tileh ARMY
    Headquarters of the Arrgy w'ashington, D.C., March 5th, 1879a The
findings of the Court of Inquiry in the case of ?:ajor Reno are approved
and
the proceedings are respectfully forwarded to the Hlon. Secretary of War0
                                             Wc To Sherman,
                                                 General.
                                FINAL APPROVAL
    The proceedings and findings are approved by order of the President0
                                            Geo W. MxcCrary,
                                              Secy, of Ilar
March 5, 1879.
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