Chapter 17

Sheridan sends the captured squaws to Fort Hays, but keeps Mahwissa and Meotzi on hand in case their help is needed with the other Cheyenne. He insists Custer show him the Washita battlefield. There they find Elliott and his men, massacred. Grant is to be sworn in as President, and Sherman promoted to General of the Army. Sheridan hopes to get Sherman's old post, but the Washita slaughter of Cheyenne has stirred up trouble back east. Sheridan must be in Washington to defend himself; before he goes, he warns the rest of the Cheyenne to come in and surrender. Little Robe's band does surrender, on New Year's Eve, telling Sheridan the rest of the Cheyenne are on their way in. Sheridan believes he can safely leave for Washington.