Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1842-07-19

| ing our movements for several days and
wanted 10 ascertain Wh6ther we came for
peace or war. They were answered
that our intensions were peaceful-that
WeSwere travelling sowards Santa Fe
WIN goods--had large force and many
wagons coming up-that we were any.
ioas to find the best .rout ind ore that Of
fered the most water. ... p. 8,
These Questions were answered in
sulky manner, SO much so that Capt.
Caldwell remarked 10 his men in English
shat these men lpoked ugls and fghty.
and they must all keep an eye upon their
rifles and be ready to rake them down up
on the least warning. "-Than Capt. C. or
"Old Paint" as he is Familiarity called,there
never was a better Indian fighter in Tex
as, or one that knows more about their
ways" He asked Them what tribe they
belonged 10, and on being answered that
were Wakoes, the Indinas also stated that
there had been some two hundred Gu.
manches living with them for some time,
but that they had left for the Western
prairies short time previous. In addition
they said that they themselves lived some
ways off, and were lhet out on hunting
expedition. Capt. C. asked them if they
would wait until our 'big chief came up
as he was anxious to see them and have a
talk. They said that they would return
at night, and after some farther parley
galloped off across the prairie. One or
two spies were sent out when they disap.
peared 10 report their movements They
returned in an hour and said that they had
discovered large village some five miles
distant In. northern direction, situated on
/ the banks of a stream, and from the gen.
eral appearance of the country about, we,
should be compelled to pass with our
Wagons directly through the town.
would here mention; that the Indians with
whom the conversation was held, were,
stout, fine looking men. many of them
we'll dressed, and all mounted upon
fine horses. Nearly all of them were
well armed with rifles, and they had;
every appearance of being troublesome
customers to deal with.
After short consultation it was de-
Etermined to send fifty men ahead, with.
flag Of truce, and efdeaxeF. to come
to an amicable understanding with
these Indians. This party accom-
panied, and we all held ourselves in
readiness in. case they should make an
attack: The advance guard under
Gen. Mcleod followed at convent.
ent distance, ready to support should
hostilities ensue. :.
When within couple of miles of
their village beautiful spectacle sud.
denly presented itself. Before US was
large and romantic valley through
which river meandered along, with
Just trees enough to relieve the eye
without concealing any ofthe beauties.
On the banks Of the stream the village
was situated. and all around were the
corn fields and melon patches of the
inhabitants. In the distance, on the
other side, the prairie rose gently with
out tree or bush to destroy the uni
formity Of the rich carpeting of green
with which it was covered.
| Suddenly party was seen dashing
off to the southwest, accompanied by
a large drove Of horses. We were not
| near enough TO distinguish them, but it
was thought The Indians were sending
off their women, CT ildren and horses.
Soon another detachment, although
not so large, as the first, were seen
scampering off in the same direction,
and before we had fairly entered tho
outskirts ofthe town a third party was
discovered riding off across the prairies
in a northern course. What this all
meant we could not understand, but
it was evident enough there was a great
excitement in place which had prob
ably been for years a stranger to any
, commotion of the kind.
Mr.. Van Ness and the Mexican Car
los were sent ahead with white Gag
! while the main party kept slowly but
steadily on. When we reached the
river, the village being in bend on
the opposite side, solitary Indian
was seen setting off at full speed-the
; last of his. tribe that remained. A
small party Of US crossed, the river and
entered their deserted town.-Every
! thing bore the appearance ofan unex-
pected and hasly departure. Fires
were still burning. and pots in which
pumpkins and isquashes were being
boiled were found Just as they bad left
: them. Deer and antelope skins, sew
, ed up and full ofcorn, were left in their
E haste, and everything betokeaed the
S unexpectedness Of our approach and
! the suddenness of their fight.
We soon recrossed the river, whef,
:. we fovnd the command had arrived
: and encamped Tor the night pear I
: corn field. Orders were given not .tc
Il touch any thing belonging TO the In.
5 dams, and at the same time strong
e position was chosen and every prepa
ration made to guard againssa nigh
surprise from such uncertain neigh
bors. ~,
= Unrealized Anticipafions-- Descriptiio,
Fl 9ftde Wdkoe Village Their House
---Apdltmentst orthe Young Wame,
A NJ