two o'clock in the afternoon
The actors in the great tragedy have passed beyond either the praise or the blame of earth . With moistened eyes and swelling hearts , we vainly strive to imagine the whole scene . This , at least , we know : no bolder , nobler deed of arms was ever done . It was shortly after two o'clock in the afternoon when that compact column of cavalrymen moved silently forward down the concealing _ coulée _ toward the more open ground beyond . Custer 's plan was surprise , the sudden smiting of that village in the valley from the rear by the quick charge of his horsemen . From man to man the whispered purpose travelled down the ranks , the eager troopers greeting the welcome message with kindling eyes . It was the old way of the Seventh , and they knew it well .