Custer had become greatly concerned$--$both for the safety of Kidder and his small command and for the intelligence of the orders Kidder was carrying to him. He telegraphed Fort Sedgwick advising the commandant that no contact had been made with Kidder and requesting that a copy of the orders carried be procured for him. The reply transmitted orders from General Sherman directing Custer to march his command "across the country from the Platte $[$River$]$ to the Smoky Hill River, striking the latter at Fort Wallace."

Frost, Lawrence A$.$ The Court$-$Martial of General George Armstrong Custer. Norman: U of Oklahoma P$,1968.$ Print. $69.$

Integrated smoothly.

Not integrated smoothly.