Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1854-09-09
From the Plains.

We publish below, says the PittSbuFg
Union, an extract from letter OF an en-
igrart crossing the plains, directed to
gentleman in this city, III which the VIII
Ter speaks in most eungisiic terms OF the
oaIlsr, conduct. in a fight with Indians,
of young man aamcd Bradley Lee, who
formerly lived in This city:
FORT LARAMIE, jane 2Oth, 1854.
DEAR A.. The Indian depredaIions
on the Plains this season have been very
numerous. They have learned to sys-
,enaGze their attacks upon the emigrant
trains, and through considerable practice
have become very expert We have seen
all along our route thus far traces OF their
SAVAGE doinys. Several trains have been
robbed by them within my immediate
knowledge. Not long since they made a
furious attack upon small company
which they dispersed, killing four of the
men. Three Of these they burned the
other they stuck IN hole in the ground
his head. shoulders. and upper part OF the
body imhedded in the earth, and his legs
sticking up in the air, On this occasion
they got four hundred sheep for spolIs.
From another train they killed three men.
saw the remains from a number OF per-
sons whom they have killed. They have
declared that they will exact a tribute from
all whites crossing their country, from this
time forward.
We were not allowed 10 escape with
ont a small spurl with them ourselves.
About fifty miles from this point, when
crossing the Sioux Country, large body
OF Sioux and Shyans numbering probably
not less than SIX hundred, came down up
on US like a perfect tornado. We we're
taken so by surprise that the men were
dreadfulIy frightened and quite panic
got up. Had itnot been for The presence
of mind, prompt action, and energetic da-
ring OF one man, a dreadful slaughter
would most likely have prevailed. Many
would have been killed, and probably
some fifty wagons been destroyed. Bat
at The first sound of alarm, when there
seemed no head 10 direct Us, young mau
named Bradley Lee, mounted on horse
back. rode rapidly along the line, and
took command. He ordered the men to
seize their guns, 9elbehiud their wagons
and take sure aim. by lis language
and example he inspired the lmld and gave
fresh courage to the brave. The sharp
firing from the start kept the Indians of;
after a few vnljes, they were repused.
with the loss of two men on our side. !
was a couple Of hundred yards behind the
tain when the attack was made, having
charge of some loose cattle. Had it not
been for the heroic daring Of Lee, should
no, now be here to write these lines.
| was unarmcd, and in a momcn! Was
surrounded by six cf the Indians, who
were Just about taking my life, wien Lee
came to the rescue. lie had seen NY
danger, and called on some Of cur party
TO come with him. Bat they we're afraid
to leave The cover Of the wagons. Sill,
he came alone at full speed, shot down
five Of the savages with his revolver. and
killed lhe other with bis bowie knife, in
a hard grapple. They had fired show
er of arrows at him as he approached, but
missed him. Tie last one Killed put
ball through his clothes, wilhou! harm.
The Indians then fled. What number
were killed we could not tell, as they car
rcd Of most who fell.
The names Of the two men of our party
who were killed, were George Adams and
Daniel !Eontis. Bradley Lee, TO whom
we are in a great measure indebted for
our salvation, is a young man of about
twenIy-three or twcnty-(our years of age,
aud one ofthe most daring men ever
saw. He told me he was originally from
Bradford county, Pennsylvania, but had
made his home at Pittsburgh and Beaver
Tor year past. He took liking 10 NE,
because | was from his own Safe. He
has lief! Our train and gone on ahead, be-
cause We travel so slowly. lie was only
a hired hand connected with the train.
You must excuse my bad Penmanship,
as am writing on the ground, in the sun
and with stick for pen.
InurS as ever, SAM T. JONES.