Service As A Scout
Originally assigned to the infantry, he was later transferred to Custer’s Seventh U.S. Cavalry. He scouted for Lt. Charles Varnum’s column in the days preceding the battle. On June 25, 1876, he accompanied Varnum and Custer to the Crow’s Nest, a natural rock formation overlooking the Little Bighorn valley, to assess the situation. The Crow scouts, including White Man Runs Him, Goes Ahead, Curley, Hairy Moccasin and others, advised Custer to wait for reinforcements. Custer refused their advice, however, and prepared to attack.
Convinced they were about to die in battle, the scouts took off their uniforms and donned Crow war clothing. When Custer demanded to know why, they responded that they wished to die as warriors rather than soldiers. Custer was angered by what he perceived as fatalism and relieved them from further service about an hour before engaging in the final battle. White Man Runs Him retired to a ridge along with Goes Ahead, Hairy Moccasin, and Strikes That Bear to join Maj. Marcus Reno. They were engaged briefly in battle but would survive the engagement. He then joined Col. John Gibbon's column.
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