Glasgow weekly times. (Glasgow, Mo.) 1848-1861, 1854-06-29
LoupE Fopx. June I'd, 1856

LoUPE FoRK. June I'd, 1894
DEAR FATHER.-I have painful news 10 relate |
in this. The Pawnee Indians made an attack on
us day before yesterday and took everything we
had, but we have recovered seven or eight hundred
of our sheep-but iDorSe than ALL they killed French
Woods, poor fellow, we went back and buried him
yesterday-he was shot all TO pieces. He acted
unwsely in letting the Indians surround hin, (which
caused his death. The Indians came up 10 uspre-
tending 10 be friendly, we were entirely off our
guard, our guns all being in the wagons, and we
had no chance 10 defend ourselSes--they took pos
session Of everything we had, but by the assist nee
of four five men that we met back on the road
we have recovered three yoke of cattle, but they
are very much injured being shot in many places.
do not know whether we shall be able TO pro-
coed on our journey or not, the Indians have taken
great deal of stock from the emgrants this spring
but have never been so bold in this case; gave
them no cause for such conduct, having always
treated them in friendly manner. We could
have whipped them had we known their intentions
in time, but it is all over now If the Government
does not do something with these Indians the emf
grants will not be able 10 pass this point. We met
the mail from Salt Lake learned that several par
Ties have suffered by The Indians short distance
ahead, there have been several men killed and
great deal of stock lost.
We are now with q small train, lying still, wait
ing for others TO come on, and join us before we
feel safe 10 proceed further on our route. We are
in very helpless condition, but hope we will not
remain SO long. We are without provisions and
blankets, and have but little clothing; the train we
h., otoJ ,l
not be able TO continue this treatment much longer
without doing themselve injustice. The emigra-
ton have pretty much gone by, and there are only
few small trains on this part of the road, and this
is one reason why the Indians are so hostile. If
some projections not afforded am afraid the lat
ter part of the emigration viii suffer very much
If only had little assistance | could recover
nearly Ill our outfit, the Indians are hear the
same spot where they attacked us, yet, feasting
on the spoils-we saw them there yesterday but
were unable TO attack them.
Our losses, as near as l can state are four yoke
of cattle, two wagons and the entire outft--one
mare shot dead under Nelson--my own mare badly
wounded, and myself grazed by several balls, and
about four hundred head of sheep; aud lcorse than
all our French, the best Of boys that erer Tired or
died. think Isaac Chandler, and Galloway Hut
sell each killed an Indian-thcy were the only ones
in the crowd that had a chance to fight, as they
had all our arms in the wagons. There were be-
tween forty and sixty Indians in sight when the at
tack was made, but great many more showed
themselves shortly after. IfSur Government does
not do something with these indians, do not know
what the emIgrants will do-for they are not gen.
orally in condition TO defend themselves having
too much stock 10 attend to.
We were getting along well before this occurred,
and had sustained but little loss--we crossed the
Missouri River with fifteen hundred head of sheep,
but our drove locks little slim this morn
! ing. have rather been on stand whether TO
proceed on our journey or mott think it would
be best 10 go on if possible, for it is about as diff
cult TO go one way as the other,-and we have just
got over the principal water courses on the route,
and we may be able to get provisions at Fort Kear-
ney, and | have learned that there are some tru-
ders short distance behind, but whether they have
provisions have not heard.
Your ahectonate son,
HUMPHREY J. COOPER.
| JOSEPH CoopFR. Howard County Mo