“uhhhh…”
Fritz lifted his head. His back ached. He was lucky he hadn’t stabbed himself in the eye with his pencil when he fell asleep. Fortunately, he hadn’t drooled all over his journal.
“You need some coffee,” Scarlet said, handing him the cup. Fritz took a sip and read what he’d written.
Scarlet noticed his pain. She slipped behind him on the cot, rubbing his back. “How far did you get?”
“Far enough to realize that I’m not going to tow the company line,” he replied.
He began to write again. “The command was halted in the Rosebud Valley, near abundant water and forage, in consideration of the horse’s condition. The valley, though fertile, was surrounded on all sides by high ground, providing excellent cover and concealment to the enemy. The order was given to unsaddle only after two hours on the march, again in consideration for the horses. While the regulars boiled water for coffee, the Crow and Shoshone scouts reconnoitered the ridgeline to the north.
I Company, as well as the remaining companies of the Second Cavalry, deployed pickets to the north. The Indian scouts made contact with the enemy, who pursued them in force towards the encampment. If not for the quick thinking and fast actions of the scouts, the command would have been decimated. The scouts bought the command valuable time, which was used to re-saddle horses, which should never have been unsaddled in enemy territory to begin with. The Infantry Companies deployed as skirmishers, supported on the right flank by companies of the Second Cavalry, ours included. We advanced by fire and maneuver, taking and holding key terrain to the north. While the Second kept the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors at bay, the Third Cavalry conducted a mounted charge, pushing the Indians further back along the ridgelines.
Once the enemy broke contact to our front, the Third Cavalry was withdrawn from the lines and moved back to the Kobold House. The enemy immediately reassumed their prior fighting positions, pouring fire to our front. I Company expended the majority of its ammunition in keeping these attackers at bay, until it too was withdrawn from the lines, in support of the Third Cavalry. The combined forces of the Second and Third Cavalry proceeded further into the Rosebud Valley, where they were ambushed by a small party armed with repeating rifles. This party was neutralized, and the command continued on its mission, with the intent of striking the Indian village that was presumed to be in the vicinity. Prior to locating said village, the General’s Adjutant met the command, and advised them to climb out of the valley and attack the rear of the enemy force. The attack was successful; however, I was thrown from my horse during the charge and lost consciousness. Commendations recommended to 1stSgt Scott Crisp, Trumpeter Sergeant David Powell and Sgt D. H. Johann for their bearing and demeanor in the face of a well-organized foe. I am,
Very Respectfully,
Your Most Obedient Servant
Frederick H. King”
Scarlet read over his shoulder as she worked the knots out of his neck. “People aren’t going to like that,” she said.
“I don’t care,” Fritz replied. “It’s the truth. Ummmm…that feels good.”
“Would you like me to continue?” Scarlet whispered in his ear, nibbling on the lobe.
Fritz turned to kiss her lips. “Yes.”