Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1823-08-15
FROM THE WEST.

RONl II w E.O
We have hcen politely favored with the
following extract OF letter from Council
Bluffs, which contains some very interesting
information, and which has the advantage OF
being perfectly authentic, as it is from an off,
Ger in the army, To his relative in this city.
Fort .4ttiRSon, Council Bluffs,
2Ofh June, 1898.
"Ihe reason of my now writing is this, ge-
neral Ashley, Lieutenant Go, ernor ufthe Stat.
al Missouri, and at the head of the Missouri
Eur Company, passed this place with Two
boats, and crew of one hundred men, on the
LIST OF May last, on IA trading expedition t, The
Rocky mountains. On his arrival at the an
cara village, situated about six hundred miles
above this place, hc was attacked by six hun
ureu Warriors ci that nation, and defeated with
the loss of fourteen men killed and twelve
wounded. After the action the General DIES
cendeu the river about one hundred miles,
ana fortified one of the boats, and despatched
the other with the wounded TO this place.
where She arrived yesterday the captaiu Of
tht boat brought IL requisiii.n from the Gene
raj for assistance from the u. >. troops sta
TONED at this post. Col. Leavenworth, as in
uu,y bound, complied with the requisition
anu we start tomorrow with six companies
under the direction eff the colonel, for the pur-
pose OF reducing the town, said To- contain
three thousand souls. The ArIcaras have
built around their town strong row uf pick
els, and thick mud walls not of sufficient
strength however TO resist our cannon, the
country around them being well situated for
thr operation OF artillery. A battle is una, old
aoie as the Yong Ara, or grey eyes, the Chief
OF the Aricaras, is determined not Ia allow a
white man Ia pass their village if he can pre-
vent II, and is a most blood thirsty savage
AL " hoo mir ,I.
ding business ON the river, and the late mas sa.
ere, as II may be called, will no duubt make
them place greater confidence in their skill in
me art OF war than they really possess. Mai
Henry and Mr.. lmmel, both brlnnging TO the
UT company, are, II Is supposed on their way
u"wn he river from the mountains, and should
they reach the Aricaras before us. | fear they
Ill be cut of as they are unacqnainted with
the hostile disposition of the Indians towards
Them TINS instance of treachery and barba-
rity In the Arlcuras has excited so general a
hatred of them, that believe should we BIZ
successful, they will receive no quarter.
have been assigned ~ the comIiand of a
SIX pound gun, intended TO commence the ac-
tIon In the front, assisted by band of OiO's,
while the infantry with the other large guns
pour upon them from the right and left--if we
gam hill which is on the right of their town,
their death peal is rung. Atany rate it is i'm
possible the expedition should fail, AS the Ara
cafas are at war with almost every tribe around
then, ID consequence of their friendship for
the whites; as the Aricaras are good marks
men, II Is impossible we should all tscape, as
they are all armed With long British muskeis
or rifles. 90 our way up expect we shall
be joined by about 100 warriors of the Siouy
nation, who are az war with them. and are
well acquainted with their mode Of fighting
Should be fortunate enough to return. | shall
transmit detailed account of our proceedings
anu nope 10 give brilliant character TO ouc
expedition. 1t is supposed by some, thai
Socks, Foxes, or Pannees, will attack the fort
IN our absfnce, Ifthey can learn ih. number
oil troops leaving it !; but think their fears
are groundless, as they are acquainted with th.
strength of the garrison, where 100 soldier.
can keep out as many thousand Indians.
Our cantonment is at present a scene ol
hustle and confusion making preparations fDl
the war, and never did see soiiiers more an
mated at the thoughts ofconqutst, than a.,
the troops at this post.
am at present in perfect health, with the
exception of slight agne now and then, hui
IL Is oi no consideration. Should it be drcrrrd
that my bones should lie in the wilds of Mis-
sour, II shall not bc in dishunor
Farewell, and remember me To all iouuirina
friends and relatives, though from cirrunI
stances expect they have forgotten me.''
Colonel Leayenw ortiz, who wax detached
by order of Gen. Atkinson, 10 punish IN. I'm.
dIans, took with him detachment nf oO4 re.
guitars, 500 Sioux Indians, aud Q pieces o
aF''ilery' " T. Nut .4dD.