CHAPTER 30

James Gordon Bennett convinces Custer to testify at the hearing on Belknap's corruption, by promising to support Custer for President if Tilden's nomination is stalled. Belknap orders Custer to report to General Terry in St. Paul, Minnesota, to get him out of the way. There Custer learns of Terry and Sheridan's planned move against Sitting Bull. Belknap resigns, so Custer's testimony won't be required, and that is the end of Custer's presidential prospects. But Custer can't give up the hope; he and Libbie notify the press of the coming expedition. Success will get Custer in the headlines again, and from there, who knows?