The day we left Supply we, had another dose of sleet and snow, but nevertheless we made good time, and by night-fall reached Bluff Creek.

In twenty-four hours more we made Fort Dodge, and on the 6th of March arrived at Fort Hays.

Just south of the Smoky Hill River, a little before we got to the post, a courier heading for Fort Dodge passed us at a rapid gait.

Suspecting that he had despatches for me, I directed my outrider to overtake him and find out.

The courier soon turned back, and riding up to my ambulance handed me a telegram notifying me that General Grant, on the day of his inauguration, March 4, 1869, had appointed me Lieutenant-General of the Army.