[MARTIAL MONK]

Custer had no knowledge of Black Kettle's meeting with Hazen at Fort Cobb or even who was in the village on the Washita. He followed the trail of a war party and it lead into this village. Kansas had demanded that the Indian raids be stopped. The Governor of Kansas had resigned to lead a volunteer cavalry unit and this unit was right on Custer's heels.

The Indians, especially Black Kettle, had learned the art of playing the Whites off against each other. There was no doubt that his camp was a refuge (on the Washita and Sand Creek) for the murderers and rapists. Black Kettle could not have delivered peace even if he truly wanted it. He did not want peace, he just did not want to be attacked.

[drzz]

MARTIAL MONK, you are just right ! Congratulations ! I’ve posted Clara Blinn’s letter on my website
http://www.custerwest.org