Before the scattered tribes could rally for a second attack, with flankers out, and skirmishers in advance, the cavalrymen rode straight down the valley toward the retreating hostiles.

It was a bold and desperate move, the commander's object being to impress upon the Indian chiefs the thought of his utter fearlessness, and to create the impression that the Seventh would never dare such a thing if they did not have a larger force behind.

With flags unfurled, and the band playing, the troopers swept on.

The very mad audacity of the movement struck terror into the hearts of the warriors, and they broke and fled.

As darkness fell the survivors of the Seventh rode alone, amid the silent desolation of the plains.
Halting a moment for rest under shelter of the river bank, Custer hastily wrote his report and sent for Hamlin.