Diary of Lieutenant Gustavus C. Doane, 1876-1877

File — Box: 1, Volume: 4

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Gustavus Doane, a lieutenant in the Second Cavalry, participated in the difficult task of transporting Reno's and Benteen's wounded to the steamboat "Far West" on the Bighorn River. His diary, however, is not a journal of the Indian Wars; it is instead an account of his expedition up the Yellowstone and to the Snake River country. Doane was a noted explorer of the Yellowstone region, and had surveyed the area in 1870. From 11 October 1876 to 4 January 1877, the period of time encompassed in the diary, Doane took extensive notes on the region through which he travelled, recording geologic formations and other natural phenomena. His hardships are also noted; Doane was plagued not only by severe winter weather and lack of food but also by superiors who disapproved of his making the expedition.

Dates

1876-1877

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.