He had come up from Ellsworth with an escort of only ten men, and wanted a guide to pilot him to Fort Larned, sixty-five miles distant.
When Custer learned that I was at the Post he asked that I be assigned to duty with him.

I reported to him at daylight the next day--none too early, as Custer, with his staff and orderlies, was already in the saddle.

When I was introduced to Custer he glanced disapprovingly at the mule I was riding.
"I am glad to meet you, Cody," he said.

"General Sherman has told me about you.

But I am in a hurry, and I am sorry to see you riding that mule." "General," I returned, "that is one of the best horses at the fort." "It isn't a horse at all," he said, "but if it's the best you've got we shall have to start." We rode side by side as we left the fort.