The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1848-11-18
Indian Assault -Perils fthe Plains,

Indian Assault t-Penls fthe Plains,
General Elliott Lee, who, in a recent
journey over the plains. was attacked
by Indians. wounded and supposed 10
be dead, has written a letter 10 the ST.
Louis Union, in which he describes his
escape, which, under the circumstances,
was most remarkable one. He says:
"On the 18Th Of July party Of Us,
fourteen in number, were attacked By
about one hundred and fifty Indians, on
the head waters Of Red River, and near
the Ratoan mountains. We had been
encamped about one hour, and Just in
the act Of eating our dinner, when we
were alarmed by the yels Of the lndi-
ans, while they were in the act Of run.
ming off our animals, which were g:a.
zing short distance from US. As they
passed US, we fired on them; but they
were so far off that our shots had no
effect. In about twenty minutes they
all returned, surrounded our camp, and
set fire TO the grass all around US, with
the view Of driving US from our position,
which we were inclined 10 keep, with
a view Of saving our baggage, or por-
ton Of it. But in this we were. foiled.
We, however, defended ourselves for
about four hours, firing at the enemy
every opportunity we had. Our posi-
ton not being good one, they had the
decided advantage Of US. We defended
ourselves until five Of our party were
slightly wounded, and one killed. We
now determined to retreat TO the noun
,ains, as the last and only alternative.
On retreating, received two shots ~
one in the left thigh, the ball passing
through the thigh, though fortunately
not breaking the bone; the other on the
middle finger Of the left hand. Charles
Town, who was ahead Of me, received
a shot in one Of his legs, which broke
it. He, Of course fell, and not being
able to walk, was left to the mercy Of
the Indians. That is the las, saw of
him. There was a Spaniard sho,
in the kidneys, before we left camp, who
also was left. Our number now con-
sisted Of eleven, eight Of US wounded,
all Of whom succeeded in making our
escape. Night came on; we ,avelIed
until we came TO water, when we hud-
died ourselves as near together as posi-
BILE, for the purpose Of resting and try
ing to sleep. Having los, everything
save what we had on our backs, we
suffered much from coId,. and could not
sleep. The next day we moved offup
the mountain. where we cached our.
selves until night, being afraid to travel
in the day time. On the night Of the
9Olh we put out for Taos, distant about
eighty miles. Those Of the party that
were wounded were slightly so, and
generally in the arms and body, with
the exception Of myself and one man,
whose ankle was slightly injured. My
wound being in the thigh, rendered it
very difficult for me 10 walk. Conse.
quenlly the party had TO wait for me
to come up, frequently. We had trav.
elled but short distance, when they
left me. ! hailed them, but could re-
ceive no answer; so ] was left within
two miles Of the battle ground, and in
sight Of the fires Of the Indian village.
| determined not to give up, but pursu.
ed my journey, keeping near The water
course, until ! struck the Bents's Fort
road Lending to Santa Fe. lHg
On the third day out, | fortunately
came to an Indian camp, which, from
appearances, must have been deserted
bui a very short time. Their fires were
still burning, and part Of antelope was
left on the ground, which | helped my
self 10, not having eaten any thing for
four days. filled my shot pouch with
meat. and again pursued my journey +,
travelling day and nigh. in the best way
I possibly could, for was very lame,
and could not make more than a mile
an hour. Sometimes | crawled, and
in fact got along any way and eve.
ry way could. The seventh day !
came TO fresh wagon tracks, and great
ly to my astonishment, for had no ex-
pecta.ion that any Of the traders would
, think OF leaving the Santa Fe road
This so much elated me that | spurred
up, and in short time came in sight Of
the train, consisting Of four wagons, a
company ofminers, the Messrs. Jack
son, and Mr.. Thomas o. Boggs, who
had left the main road with a view OF
going to Taos. So soon rs they discov.
cred me, they senta horse and q man
to me, who aided me to the train, when
| received every attention that was in
their power to bestow on me.
am happy to say to you that | am,