Cooper's Clarksburg register. [volume] (Clarksburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1851-1861, 1855-09-05

4ne NeOEaSEIan OF august lSt., has the
following particulars of the death of the
Omaha Chief,
We recently announced the departure
OF the Omaha Indians from their new
home at Black Bird Hills, on a Buffalo
hunt, from which they were not expected
to return until about the lst OF Scptem>
Der, but unfortunately, they encountered
their relentless aud too numerous enemies
the Sioux, with whom after having had
a battle, in which, however, the Sioux
were repulsed, they have returned, hav~
ing lost several men, together with their
chief, Logan Fontenelle, who was killed
and scalpcd.
The Omahas having reached the head
OF the Horn River, were met as they sup
pose by q company of Sioux Indians, who
killed two Of their men. They had in
tended going 10 the head waters Of the
Loup Fork, but then determined to take
another course, in order if possible to put
their enemies on the wrong track, and ac-
cordlngIy they struck across the Beaver
Creek, tributary of Loup Fork, about
200 miles from Omaha City in direction
from here little northwest.
Finding an abundance Of buffalo in
that vicinity they encamped, and the
first day made what is termed a success
full surround" i. e. all the hunters Of
the tribe mount their horses and sur~
round herd of buffalo, and kill as
many us they can. 1t is also Il rule with
them that ii any hunter breaks the ring.
men are appointed to whip him with a
hUrsewhip, which is considered very dis
graceful.
The following morning Logan Fonte-
nellie with several companies, went out
from camp, to ascertain the direction the
buffalo had taken, in order to continue
the hunt. Pcrceiviny IL herd Of elk in
the distance, they started in pursuit, when
they were suddenly surprise by h party
Sioux. Logan beng on the fleetest horse
chHuCed ~ be some ways in advance and
his retreat was cut of. while his compnn-
ions, with difficulty succeeded in regaining
the camp. which was soon surrounded by
about five hundred Indians belonging to
Fort Laramie Sioux. in connection with
Some Cheyenn"s, and Arroppahccs, when
q fierce conflict ensued.
Although the Omahas numbering about
600 lighting men. they succeeded in re-
pulsIng their asSailants, with Il loss of on
ly three killed and two severely woun-
Ged
The following day Logan was found
dead about twenty miles from camp, his
scalp taken, and his body pierced with
three bullets. and five arrows. From the
extent to which the earth around was
covered with blood, together with other
evidence Of a desperate combat, it was ap-
parent that Logan had sold his life dear
ly as possible, and that he had caused at
least one and probably more of his enc
mics to bite the dust, ere he had breaLhcd
his last.
Logan Fontenelle was the head chief
Of the Omahas His Indian name was
Shun- ga-sca, meaning in English, White
Horse. He was half-breed, his father,
Lucien Fontenelle, now deceased, having
been one Of the oldest Indian trader in
the Upper Missouri country. Logan was
born in Bellevue, in this Territory, in
September, 1928, and was therefore in his
thirty third year at time Of his death.
He received liberal education in the
city Of St. Louis. Notwithstanding the
wild life he led, Logan was perfect gen
tleman in his manners kind and courLe-
Gus to all, and brave and generous to a
fault. It is q common remark with those
who knew him best, that Logan knew no
fear. Endowed with more than ordinary
intellect, the superiority of his mind was
perceptble in all his transactions. He
was for years the successful mediator be-
tween his tribe, whose affection aud res
sPect he possessed, aud the white man,
whose friend he always was.