The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1841-09-21

committed when il was discovered, and in We
ny few moments more, Kurker and his fifty mer
were IN close pursuit of the Indians Knowing
| that the thieves would endeavor 10 escape oyei
the mountains, by ascending ravine thai
opened into the valley neaf the spot where the
robbery was committed, Kurker led his men
quickly around by-path, up the mountain side
and as the gray light Of morning spread over the
valley, the pursuers found themselves upon an
emlnence commanding the rayine up which the
Indians were hurrying, mounted upon the stolen
| horses.
| The marauders numbered about hundred
and twenty, more than doubling the force of the
pursuing party but although these vagabonds
held the Sprniards in great contempt, they are
the yllest towards when opposed by the Ameri-
cans. Cunning as they We're they did not dis
cover their danger until fifty American rifles were
levelled, each with deadly aim at separate
victim
The first cry OF alarm from the Indians was
the signal TO fire, and as the early sunbeam
penetrated the ravlne, echo started suddenly
from the slumber, bounded suddenly from
cliff to cliff and away among the distant crags
like the spirit of fear running from death and
danger. Twenty Indians fell from their horses
at that fire, some with single frighlfnl yell ex-
plring on the instant while others with clench-
ed teeth, and the desperate energy of departing
life, chung to the reins, and were dragged about
and trod upon by the alarmed horses. The In
| dams ride like devils, and without pausing an
instant, they turned and fed towards the valley.
Some that were wounded fell from the frghten-
ed animals while they were in full speed down
the ravine Kurker and his men followed with
| out reoading their rifles, and chased the Indians
until they emerged from the ravine, and took
| refuge within the walls of the Ranch
| This town, called the Ranch, lies at the base
/ nd 10 h,r n
swift stream that rushes from the ravine we have
| mentioned 1t contains about three hundred
| houses, and these are built compacty together,
| forming wall and enclosing large square, in
the centre of which stands the church Into
this square the Indians rushed and endeavored
to force their way into the church. having been
taught TO believe that the sacred roof is proec-
ton against all danger But Kurkers men fetno
disposition TO let the sayages off so easily, and
reloading their rifles they resumed the attack
within the walls Of the town. 1t was still early
in the morning, and the inhabitants spraqg from
| their beds in the widest confusion and alarm -
First was heard the thronging Of the Indians
into the town--their murmurs Of fear and terror
then the shouts of the pursuers; children scream
ed within the dwellings, and there was a rapid
closing and barring of doors and windows
Then came the report Of fire arms, followed by
the most fendish screams and yels from the
|
of the Americans as wild and savage as the
dreadful war-whoop of the Indian. The men
seemed delirious with the excitement, and to be-
come inspired with the savage nature Of Their
enemies. One man, after discharging his rifle
and pistols, rushed mady among the Indians
with his knife and actually succeeded in taking
a scalp before he was killed. The fight lasted
but half an hour, when the Indians begged for
mercy, and were suffered to depart.
Kurthers men are mostly robust, daring fel.
lows, from Kentucky and Missouri; wagoners
spectators, who yielded to the seductons of the
Monte Bank, and were ruined men Of rough
yet chivalrous and romantic natures, who love
the wild life they are leading Their pay from
Kurker is dollar day and half the booty, Sc
that their interest, as well as their love Of ex
element, leads them 10 make battle whenever
opportunity occurs In this battle forty Indians
were killed, and of Kurker's party but one Anne,
rican and one haf-breed. The stolen horses
were recovered, and all the other animals in the
possession of the Indians were taken as booty,
Kurker himself is as brave as lion, and man
Of great enterprise as well as skill in this kind
of warfare. Having but just commenced opera.
tons, his force is small, but men were thronging
to join him every day, and he will soon be al
the head of powerful army-N 0. Picayune