Post by joewiggs on May 2, 2010 18:29:12 GMT -5
Locating War parties of hostiles could be a very dangerous assignment. While seeking the enemy, the troopers could be ambushed or meet an overwhelming body of warriors. Ten Six Cavalrymen, commanded by Lieutenant John J. Pershing (you've heard of him) were on a night scout in Sioux country, just before the battle of Wounded Knee - December, 1890.
Private Louis Elbert wrote, "as we came out on a flat, we ran into some Indians skinning a beef-we did not expect to see them, nor they us, we got away as fast as possible. A few miinutes later, I looked back and the whole flat seemed alive with Indians."
The Sixth did not engage the Sioux who opted to not pursue as they chose the option of not engaing a large force of troopers. Had Custer not been so successful in suprising the Big Horn village he too may have survived!
Private Louis Elbert wrote, "as we came out on a flat, we ran into some Indians skinning a beef-we did not expect to see them, nor they us, we got away as fast as possible. A few miinutes later, I looked back and the whole flat seemed alive with Indians."
The Sixth did not engage the Sioux who opted to not pursue as they chose the option of not engaing a large force of troopers. Had Custer not been so successful in suprising the Big Horn village he too may have survived!