Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1848-01-06
Horrible Massacre of Indians
the Santa Fe Battalion.

FoRT MANN, Arkansas river Nov. %, \
We had quite a melee out here on thc "A
noon OF the 10th, the particulars Of which ar|
follows: About 3 o'clock in the afternoon, 81
of our men descriede party Of Indians con
down The heiPhic opposite the fort, on the d
side Of the river. Not knowing what their
tention might be, Capt. Peltzer, then in d
mand, ordered the troops to beat "to arms"
this time the Indians had crossed the river,
encampcd about mile below the fort II
we're over one hundred in number. Their d
and three others advanced towards us W il
white flag, when they were met by Capt. Il
ger, company c. and Lieut.. futile, companJ
and embraced in the warnest manner, Vi
| they all returned 10 the fort, alternately smol
the pipe Of peace, Capt. Peltzcr alone smoi
with them. Capt. Peltzer took them around
side the quarters, showing them one thing
another in the meantime firing off one Of
brass pieces. At the report, about sixty C
up-a council Of the officers had been hel,
decide upon some measures to be taken,
conclusion Of which was to take them all phi
ers. After strolling about outside for some 1
they induced them to enter the fort, which {
readily consented to, and seated themselves
circle inside. The guard was then ordere
] VI li- III Il IGW WIZ luu ItllulNtu ONLolut :
! they became alarmed at the movement, and
Of them who had been taken in by y. gm.ss
he approached the circle, hlrrangucd -
moments, when they all rushed simutaneo
Tor the gate. We were now ordered 10 fir
them those who had their guns loaded did
and the balance commenced loading and fiji
A number Of our men were outside Of the TO
the time, and without their guns, and in
hurry to reach these, they rushed into the
exposing themselves to the fire Of our own
aud it seems almost miraculous that not or
them was hurt.
The Indians were pursued some two II
from the tort when we returned Three
shot down the first volIey We lred--one XII
the othertwo wounded. Three were in CaI
Peltzers quarters at the time, one ofthem,
ever, enleavored to effect his escape by rus
out Of the room through the gate, and hat
tar succeeded as To sc! about fifty yards iron
fort, when he was shot down, Amid this
fusion and excitement, shot was fired by
Of the remaining Indians in the room, but wit
doing any damage. The guard then comm
ed firing in on then from the door and win
Of the room where they were concealed ;
the Indians to prevent being too plainly
commenced throwing on the fire such mate
as came in their way: such as officers clc
coats, uniforms, &c. to smother it, One 0fv
had encosed himself in an artilery-man's
form, hoping by this means 10 effect his csc
but to no effect; they were PERFECTLY rid
with balls, us also were the clothing and ef
Of the officers who occupied the quarters. Il
were in all four killed, two taken prisoners,
some fifteen or twenty wounded. They W,
party of Pawnees, supposed to be the same
his troubled our trains SO much the past sum
ltnight be well here to state that Capt. Ko
lowski and Lieut.. futile, who were oppose
bringing them into the tort, did not particpa
any of the proceedings, otherwise than ODE
positive orders Of Capt. Peltzer, who was
in command.
Cen Price, Major Beall, and Lieut.. Pr
and escort arrived here on the 10Th, and
received with military honors. They remo
here but few hours, being en- route for
Fe. Col. Gilprn with two mounted comp;
left here OH the 9th for the Big Timber, 0
one hundred miles from here.
Yours tlulv Me