George Yates George Yates George Wilhelmus Mancius Yates (February 26, 1843 – June 25, 1876) was an officer in the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment. He was killed in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Yates was born in Albany, New York. He met Custer in Monroe, Michigan, and they became close personal friends. During the American Civil War, Yates was a second lieutenant in the 4th Michigan Infantry. Custer helped him secure a position on General Alfred Pleasonton's staff for Yates. Yates earned several brevet promotions in rank for his actions during the war. He fought at the First Battle of Manassas,
Battle of Slim Buttes June 17, 1876, beat off the Indian attack, driving the Sioux northward as contemplated in Sheridan's plan. From that point of view it was regarded as a victory. Crook had seriously wounded men to care for, His supplies of food and ammunition were used up. Therefore, he fell back to Goose Creek to reorganize." Custer's 7th Cavalry regiment was a major component of General Terry's column. Custer ascended the Little Big Horn in search of an Indian village and attacked on June 26, 1876. "No one had any idea that all of the Indians would be found in one spot