Changes

[[File:7th_Cavalry.jpg|thumbnail|250px|left|7th U.S. Cavalry]]

Unquestionably, the American Civil War forever altered the United States. After the four years of the “brothers’ war,” the cultural, economic, political, social, and regional fabric of the United States was drastically altered under the premise of Reconstruction. What is often forgotten; however, are the changes that affected the U.S. military after the guns were stacked at Appomattox Courthouse. Priorities changed from a civil war, primarily fought in the eastern U.S., to open warfare against the Native Americans who lived on the vast expanses of the western United States. In order to affect a formidable frontier military presence, the U.S. military needed to enhance its cavalry.

== Movements of the 7th ==

Due to the breach of treaties with Native Americans, tribal leaders and war chiefs became increasingly agitated and fell into the government’s trap of war. Indian raids increased due to necessity between August and November 1868. Accordingly, Sherman sent a message to General Sheridan that the Cheyenne and Arapaho wanted war. Pioneers were becoming increasingly fearful and as a result military actions were ordered without hesitation. While Indian tribes were settling into their winter camps along the Washita River in November 1868, the 7th Cavalry began to move in the direction of the river and a man called Black Kettle.

By the beginning of October 1868, the 7th Cavalry was camped along Bluff’s Creek and received a new burst of energy when George Custer returned to lead his troops on the 6th of the month. That same evening, they were attacked by an Indian band forcing them to return to Medicine Lodge Creek then back to the north bank of the Arkansas River. Orders continued to pour in from command as Sheridan’s winter campaign was beginning to take shape. The General rightfully posited that a successful winter campaign carried out by his forces would prove to be a strong and permanent solution to the so-called Indian problem. If the U.S. forces were able to destroy enough tribal supplies and livestock, the natural elements of winter would force the tribal leaders, along with all of their family members, into a state of surrender. The winters in the region were not conducive to supporting life without access to ample food and warm clothing; additionally, the destruction of Indian weapons and ammunition would render the tribal position untenable.

Early in November, eleven cavalry troops, which was the entire 7th with the exception of L Troop, crossed the Arkansas river and headed south in the direction of the Wichita Mountains. Of these nearly 800 men, forty were selected as sharpshooters and taken to form an entirely new company.

All of these men joined with the infantry companies and supply wagon under General Sully and together made their way to Camp Supply. Upon their arrival, General Sheridan entered the camp and issued further orders. He assessed the supply situation and arrived at the conclusion that with General Sully and the remaining infantrymen, supplies were inadequate. He therefore, released Sully and his soldiers from the mission. The men of the 7th Cavalry were instructed to carry what they could, ideally thirty days-worth of supplies, and the men disembarked from Supply on November 23, 1868.<ref>Gibson, quoted in Chandler, 14.</ref>The horsemen of the 7th left Camp Supply not knowing if they were going out on a mission of peace or to make war.

The night prior to leaving camp it had snowed heavily and the flakes continued as they departed on their mission. As the snow was a natural way to hide the tracks of the Indians, the party was led by Osage scouts as they were far better equipped to discover a hidden trail due to years of experience. That first night they camped at Wolf Creek and several nights hence were sleeping on the northern bank of the Canadian River. From this site, Custer ordered Major Joel Elliott to take three companies of men and relocate the trail they had lost in the heavy snow. Elliott succeeded and sent word to Custer that he was pursuing the trail. Custer then ordered the remainder of his men to pack only the barest of necessities before they detached from the supply wagon and left camp in order to link up with Major Elliott. Custer located the Major at approximately nine o’clock that night. He allowed his men one hour rest before they continued on into the dark night.

== The Battle of the Washita ==

As they proceeded, the trail grew fresher and the 7th was able to move more stealthily. At last they discovered the tribal camps in a valley and planned to carry out Sheridan’s plan and attack from all sides at dawn. Custer ordered Major Elliott to proceed with Troops G, H, and M to the left and rear position of the Indian camp. Colonel William Thompson positioned himself with Troops B and F to the right and then was tasked with linking to Major Elliott. Colonel Meyers took Troops E and I into the woods to await the order to attack while Lieutenant Colonel Cook formed the center column composed of the Osage scouts, Troops A, C, D, and K, and the sharpshooters. Ultimately, this column was to be led by Custer.

== Custer's Actions ==

A great deal of controversy has stemmed from this action in that these non-combatants were used by Custer as human shields and as bargaining chips for the release of white hostages being held by Indians. As is common with all families, the South Plains tribes were fiercely loyal to their bands and refused to fire on innocent hostages from their families. Custer intermingled the women and children hostages with his men and went so far as to perch them on horseback so as to protect his own troops.<ref>Jerome A. Greene, ''Washita, The Southern Cheyenne and the U.S. Army: Campaigns and Commanders Series,'' vol. 3 (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2004),183-84.</ref>Had the hostages not been taken, “Custer probably could not have pulled off this tactical coup had he not had in his possession the fifty-some women and children captives…doubtlessly it occurred to Custer that the family-oriented [Cheyenne] warriors would not attack the Seventh with the women and children marching in [the middle of his column].”<ref>Larry Sklenar, ''To Hell with Honor: Custer and the Little Bighorn'' (Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 2000), 35.</ref>

The casualty statistics have never been accurately pinpointed, however; the most consistent numbers claim that 103 Indians were killed and 53 taken hostage. The 7th Cavalry suffered twenty-one killed, including Major Elliot, and fourteen wounded, including T.W. Custer.<ref>Gibson, quoted in Chandler, 21.</ref> The following decade proved to be even more bloody and destructive as the vile Indian Wars continued in the American West.

==References==