The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-09-05

Depredations Of Outlawed Chippewa
Indians--Expedition OF the st. Paul
Light Cavalry.
After the particulars of the destruction of
white mems property to the amount Of five or
six thousand dollars, at least, perpetrated by
a loafing outlawed band of Chippewa Indians,
had repeatedly reached Gov. MEDARY's ear,
some ten days ago he felt it his duty to order
out the ST. Paul Light Cavalry, Capt. JAS.
SrARKEy, to bring the offenders to justice.
The dcpredations were mostly committed in
Isanti County in and about the neighbor-
hood of Cambridge, and southeast of that
place, some nine miles on the north
branch of the Sunrise River. We have not
space at this moment, to 60 into detail in re-
gard to the amount Of property destroyed,
or of the insults and indignities heapcd by
these loafng red vagabonds upon families of
women and children, left alone in their cab
ms while their husbands and fathers were at
work outside.
Saffice it to say, that we have the best OPP
portunity of personally knowing the fact,
that Gov. MEDARY simply did his duty in Or
dering out Company of the Militia to chas-
tise these vagabond Indians. He was careful
to consider the matter, as the records of his
own Office, and the records of two or three
other public offices of the Territory will album
dainty show.
The unfortunate affair in the neighborhood
of Washington, Chisago County, on Friday
last, is fully explained by the statement of
Capt. SrARKEY, which we publish below
No cause of alarm. however, need be felt of
any bad consequences to settlers likely to fol-
low. We are quite certain the reverse will
result from this expedition, and that no fur
Their trouble in that quarter will ensue.
OFFICIAL MEMORANDUM:
AUGUST 18th, 1857.
Broke camp at seven o'clock A. NJ, and
secured the country in an easterly direction
along the valley of the north branch of the
Sunrise River During the march, found the
farm of Mr. A. G. Smith deserted, and signs
of camping fires of l. dams. Crossed a large
prairie, and examined the timber and ravincs
on the east border of prairie. Arrived at
the saw mill at Washington IL A. NJ; con-
structed bridge across the Sunrise, aided
by Mr.. j. Y. Caldwell, the proprietor of the
mill, who expressed great satisfaction at our
arrival He informed us there were or 10
Indians in the neighborhood. He described
them as troublesome set, and a terror to
the whole country; that they had been COM
hitting depredations upon the white settlers
for some time past. He also said they were
all we'll armed, faces painted, and no squaws
or children with them. Informed Mr.. Cald-
we'll should like to see them to ascertain
where they belonged, &C. He said he would
ride on to his house and try and keep them
there until the troops arrived.
Upon the Company merging from the tim
Der on to the prairie, and after proceeding
slowly about a quarter of mile, discovered
number Of Indians running at full speed
away from us, apparently making for the
heavy timber. l ordered two of the advance
guard to pursue them, overtake them, and
bring them to me, stating in my order that l
wished to talk with them. The men did
overtake them and seeing they were then
inclined to resist the guard, and observing
the Indians manifested disposition not to
come, rode up with the main body, at
brisk trot, and formed line.
At this juncturc, saw distinctly all the
Indians-six in number-look at the primirg
of their guns which they carried then on
their left arm. They made feint, as though
coming towards me peacably, when all at
once they hurried off in the opposite direction,
and made for the fence of field which was
only ten or fifteen feet from them. They
got through and over the fence, and ran.
then ordered two pistol shots to be fred in
the air-beleving it would intimidate them
| and make them stop. 1t however had no eff
feet. l then ordered the fence to be torn
down, in order that tie troops might head
them off, and bring them back. The fence
was soon torn down in two places, and the
troops got through the openings, and pur-
sued them. Private JOHN f. DoNLEY rode
ahead and came up with them very soon.-
He suddenly reigned in his horse, and mo-
toned the Indian nearest him to go back
and while in a leaning posture in his saddle,
the Indian deliberately sprang few feet
away from him, and took aim and fired, kill
ing DOnley instantly. The troops then
drew their pistols and fired several Shots
The Indians also fired several shots. Seeing
two of the Indians fall, / gave orders to
cease firing and by the strenuous eXertions
of Lieut.. SALTER, succeeded in stopping the
firing, and saving the lives of the Indians
who were not wounded. One ofthe wounded
Indians manifested strong desire to still con-
tinue the fight, and for while refused to sur
render. Surgeon Meade was in close attend
ance On the wounded on both sides, but poor
DoNLEY died almost without struggle.
The charge of the Indians gun entered his
bride arm, and passing through his shout
der belt, entered his heart killing him on
the spot
The Indians we're put in wagon; reached
Columbus the same night, and arrived in
st. Paul Saturday. On the march one of
the Indians died of his wounds. He was shot
through the lower part of the body near the
region of the Kidneys
The Indian prisoners brought in by Capt.
SrARKEY were lodged in the City Prison
What action the proper authorities will take
with them to day, we know not. 1t is pro-
bablc, however, that if they are brought be-
fore the civil tribunals, witnesses will be pre-
sent to identify some of them as the thieves
and outlaws who have robbed the settlers
cabins and committed other outrages on Rum
River and in the Sunrise region of country.