Historical Details

Hat Creek Dateline: 1876/09/24

Courtesy of The Lusk Herald, 04/11/1990


Wagon Train of Supplies Arrives at Hat Creek
by Ed Cook, Contributing Writer

The troops here were glad to see the wagon train of supplies from Fort Laramie arrive today. Most of the mail, clothing, baggage, rations and feed was for the Big Horn and Yellowstone expedition members who have been working their way back through the Black Hills after a disastrous summer campaign. The paymaster from Fort Laramie, Maj. William Arthur is with the train and paid the members of the 23rd Infantry here today.

Lieutenant Taylor has received orders from General Crook indicating that Camp Hat Creek will remain open all fall and winter. In preparation for this stay supplies of clothing, tools, food and hay are being laid in. Fort Laramie has been getting in fresh supplies of winter uniforms and clothing, tools, food and hay are being laid in. Fort Laramie has been getting in fresh supplies of winter uniforms and clothing such as buffalo overshoes, seal skin gauntlets and caps, and woolen mittens. These supplies will make the winter's stay much more comfortable.

Oct. 24 - First Sgt. Thomas McClane of the 23rd Infantry has been granted permission to return to the company's permanent barracks in Omaha to retrieve the company's property and and personal clothing that will be needed for the winter.

Nov. 30 - More supplies to help Camp Hat Creek get ready for winter came in today. Heating and cooking stoves for here and Camp Collier were included. Also doors and window sashes, which will help make the quarters here a lot tighter as winter blows in.

Dec. 5 - Capt. Richard I. Eskridge arrived today, he had managed to avoid summer field service with his company but now had been ordered to return. Eskridge also brought unofficial news that Company H of the 23rd Infantry would soon be relieved from duty in Wyoming Territory under the Department of the Platte and join the rest of the 23rd Infantry to garrison posts in Indian Territory under General Pope's Department of the Missouri.

(Information source: Fort Laramie in 1876, by Paul Hedren.)

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