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 Pease Bottom warriors, while their wounded on the opposite bank of the river may increase this number." United States Army, Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, 7th United States Cavalry Regiment, Commanding. Battle of Pease Bottom The Battle of Pease Bottom, also called the Battle of the Bighorn River was a conflict between the United States Army and the Sioux on August 11, 1873 along the Yellowstone River opposite the mouth of the Bighorn River near present-day Custer, Montana. This was former Crow Indian country altered into U.S. territory on May 7, 1868. The main combatants were units of the 7th U.S. Cavalry