The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1823-10-03
NORTH WESTERN INDIANS.


TO do, W. hear II was the intention of c.
LeaYenwcrth, regardless of this addition IL
their strength, to pursue them even theic
.Nft Int
Fort Tandenburg, .Hnndan and
GrosUentres Villages. June Is, 1898.
DEAR SIR: 1t becomes my unpleasant
duty to inform YOU of the defeat of our
party by the Backtoot Indians, and of the
dire consequences Of the same.
After penetrating To the Three Forks Of
the Missouri early in the spring, although
we found that country almost entirely trapt
ont by the Indians, we succeeded, by the
greatest perseverance, in taking about =
packs of Beaver. On the 18th of May ha
wing reached the upper Three Forks of
Jefferson river, and finding no Beaver in
that quarter, we commenced Il retrogade
march for the Yellow Stone.
On the second day, we fell in with A
party of 80 Blackfoot Indians. They
came up boldly and smoked and remained
with Us during that night, making every
profession of friendship; and in the NOR.
Mug after making them presents of such
articles as we could spare, they parted
with US apparently well satisfied, having
first invited us to come and establish at the
mouth OF the Maria river, as they said they
had been informed was our ntenton.-
They were IN possession of every informa.
ton in regard to the boats being at the
mouth of the Yellow Stone, and of their
determination to ascend the Missouri to
the Fails. This information must have
been derived from the British traders, who
have, most probably, instigated them To
commit this outrage, and by them no doubt
from some faithful correspondent at ST.
Louis. We did not suffer ourselves, how.
lever, TO be luled into false ideas of securi.
ty by their friendly professions, but com.
menced a direct and precipitate retreat
from the country, keeping out strict guard
every night. and using every possible yigi.
lance at all times. This party OF SO had
returned to their village, which was very
close, and recruited TO the number of be-
tween three and fouI hundred men these
had intercepted us on the Ye'tow Stone
where they arrived two days before us
they lay in ambush for us on the side of a
steep Hill, the base of which was ashcd
by the river along which we had 10 pursue
the intricate windags of Pllialor Track
among rocks, trees, sc. by means of which
they had secretcd themselves. At this
place the men wt"c Of course much scat,
tered for a considerable distance, rs two
horses could not pass abreast. At this I'm
fortunate moment, and under circumstan.
ces so disadvantageous, they rushed upon
us with their whole force, pouring down
from every quarter. Messrs. Immi and
Jones fell early IN The engagement. A
conflict thus unequal could not long he
maintained. The result was the loss of
five other men killed, four wounded, the
entire loss of all horses and edupagp,
traps, and every thing. The balance Of
the party succeeded in escaping, by making
a raft and crossing the Yellow Stone. This
took place on the 3lst of May, Just below
) the mountains on the Yellow Stone Not
knowing to what extent the loss Of the
: horses, traps, &c. might affect any future
plan of operation, came with all possible
: expedition TO this place TO acqnaint you
with the circumstance. left Mr. keene
, and the party near mouth of Pryors Fork,
/, making skin canoes to bring down the falls
hunt Four of Mr.. IIenrv's men have al
SO been killed near the falls. 1t appears
from information derived from thr Black
feet themselves, that the British have two
trading houses in their country on the 4.
Indians we learned that they have several
ON the South Fork of the Columbia
something decisive should be done. Be
lleVe ME to be your sincere friend
VIM. GORDON.
From the foregoing letter you will per-
celVe that the commerce Of the Missouri
under existing circumstances, however
valuable, is truly precarious. This our
second adventure to the mountains had
surpassed my most sanguine expectations;
success had been complete aud my views
fulfilled IN every respect. Mr. Immell and
Mr.. Jones had conducted these EXPEDITIONS
with the greatest skill and ability, and
! proved themselves worthy of my conf
dence. The loss of property is severely
felt. lei ii is little compared to the loss
! of those valuable men to whom | stand
! lodebted Tor the accomplishment of my
VieWs.-ln consequence of their late de-
/ parture last summer from Council Bluffs.
IL became necessary fer them to conine
Their operations last Fail to the Yellow
| stone and lis tributary waters, and winter
at The mouth OF the Big Horn. The party
originally consisted of forty-lhrce persons,
including themselves and Messrs. Gordon
and heemle, two young gentlemen attach
ed to the expedition, and to whom am |
much indebted for their activity IN bringing
Oh tie remainder oftha party, and sccurpG +
me property WHICH h,.t, been left ON the +
m onoS ., at the time the expeditions
Snn;o" 10 ~ 'he three forks early IN the
91Prlns' The party had been reduced to /
, ua',! a part Of tie men having deserted |
t tbea W,lln1frlEG post at the Biz Horn, with
tion, 'E,ey penetrated the country, as men.
NV IN Mr. Gordon's letter. am hap
|" say their defeat is not to be attlibut-
ea TO negligence, mistaken confidence OF