Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1855-10-26
From the Boston Journal.
The Massacre of the Sioux Indian

From the Boston Jouznal.]
The Massacre of the Sioux Indians.
From the accounts Of this affair, which
have reached US. il seems that while on
his way from Fort Kearney to Fort Lar.
a ME, with a force Of about 800 men.
Gen. Harvey came upon a village or en-
campment of the Brule Indians, a portion
Of the Sioux tribe. These Indians were
quietly engaged in their usual pursuits,
and on the approach Of Harvey anG his
party, made no hostile demonstration
whatever, Gen. Harney halted his men
few miles from the village, and upon
suspicion-for there seems to have been
no proof of the fact-that these were the
Indians who had committed some depre-
datons upon the mail train, he ce,erml'
ned to attack them. This may or may
not have been jus,iiable determination
on his part it is the manner OF carrying
1t into execution that renders him most
deserving Of censure ], was decided to
surround the village so az to cut OFT the
Indians from all chance of retreat. Ac
cordIngly, the dragons were ordered 10
proceed by clrcuitous route and take up
position behind the village. Shortly
after, the infantry took up their line Of
march directly towards the village. When
the Indians perceived the approach OF the
infantry, they instantly prepared Tor a
retreat, taking with them such articles Of
properly as they could conveniently carry.
Harney perceived this movement, and
ascertained at the same time. that the
Dragons had not reached their destlna-
tlon behind the village, where they were
TO intercept the retreat Of the Indians.
Determined not to lose lis prey, he ie
sorted to most unworthy aud disgrace
ful stralagem to detain the Indians until
the arrival of the dra goons. He displayed
fag of truce the Indians, deceived by
this friendly demonstration, suspended
their preparations for retreat, aud Little
Thunder, their chief, came up to Hir-
ney's party for the purpose of having a
talk While this talk vas progressing
commotion was perceived among the
Indians in the village, which indicated
the approach of the Dragons on the cp.
poste side. Harney then threw aside
all disguise, and, ordering his infantry 10
advance commenced his murderous work
1t seems that the Indian men, finding
themselves nearly surrounded, with their
accustomed celerl,y of movement, mount
ed their horses, and the majority OF them
succeeded in making good their escape
10 the hills. Many OF them, however.
were massacred, together with large
number Of women and children, who were
unable 10 fly from the encampment.
This is the achievement which has
been characterized as Zone OF the est
gallant aud complete victories ever OBJ
tanned over an Indian enemy" One Of
Harney's party, in letter describing the
affair, says that he "never saw a more
beautiful thing" in his life. Upon the
facts as he states them, without seeking
any less prejndiced testimony in regard
to the matter, we should pronounce it a
ccld-blooded massacre, in which the rule
OF civilized warfare was disregarded, and
in which every sentiment Of honor and
humanity were outraged. The course
pursued by General Ilarney, in abusing
the flag Of truce, seems to US as treacher-
Gus and as criminal as that Of the pirate
on the ocean, who displays friendly flag
until he has lured his unsuspecting vic.
tim within his reach, and then runs up
the skull and cross bones, and pours forth
his death dealing broadsides.
II has been intimated that this E.assa-
ere was consumma,ed for the purpose of
vindicating the necessity Tor the new reg.
iments, the organiziiicn OF which was
authorized by the last Congress, for the
purpose Of defending our frontiers against
Indian depreda,ions Upon this point
however, we are without definite infor.
nation. We have never believed that
the new regiments which were called for
BY the Secretary of War, were needed
Gen. Houston, whose judgmen, in such
matters we regard as infinitely more reli-
able than that Of Mr.. Secretary Davis,
was strongly opposed 70 the formation Of