Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1858-06-18
miscellaneous.
AN INDIAN BATTLE.

pee, gives an account of a battle be-
tween two Indian tribes, Chippewas and
Sioux, which took place in that vicinity,
and of which the citizens of Shakopee
we're gratifea spectators:
The Chippewas numbered, according
to different enumerations mado Of them
at houses where they passed, $50 to 200
warriors. They arrived at tho woods 1
opposite to Murphy landing, below Sha-
kopoe, during Wednesday night. Tho
first intimation the Sioux had Of their
presence was the killing Of one Of their
number, at daybreak, who was fishing
IN . canoe. Ills squaw immediately fed
TO the -tcpccs, whieh are a aa..ss below the
town, and gave the alarm, when tho ST.
oux warriors, to the number of 40 or so
seized their guns and at onco proceeded
to the ferry under cover of the bushes
on tho south bank. A rapid fire then
commenced between the hostile tribes
across the river, which did no damage to
either party, on account of tho distance.
The Chippcwas fell back, however, and
the Sioux in body crossed on tho ferry
and tho battle again commenced in the
timber with murderous fcrocity, and
lasted about five hours.
The warfare was conducted in regular
Indian style--a running fight among the
trees and logs, and grass, intersporsed
with few hand-to-hand conflicts with
tomahawk and war club. When Sioux
would fall no was immediately carried to
the rear and taken across on the ferry
boat. Several who were also severely
wounded, were taken to the rear, but as
soon as they recovered little would
again rush back into the hottest Of the
fight. The Sioux are said to have acted
with tho greatest bravery during the
whole battle, charging upon and follow
ing the enemy with perfect despera-
ton. Whenever Chippewa would fall
his head wasimmcdiately cut off and car
ried to the rear. Four gbastly heads
were thus taken over the river and ox-
hibited with great exultation by the
squaws, who were busy all the time car
rying ammunition, (Which, it is said,
was furnished by citizens to them, free
of charge, and encouraging their war
riors. Later in The day, some hcadless
bodies Of the Chippewas were brought
over, and tho squaws hacked them to
pieces, and burnt them sup This last
sickening spectacle of harbarity is said,
! by those vino Witnessed It, to to have been
llailed with feuaish exultation by tic
| Sioux.
About ten o'clock tho Chippewas drew
off, and the whole force rotreatcd over
the bluffs in tho direction of Lake Min
netonka, leaving four of their warriors
behind them, one of whom, from the
decorations on the scalp, is supposed to
be a distinguished chief. As they passed
certain point on their trail they were
carrying six, and some accounts gay
eight, wounded braves on litters, besides
those wounded who were able to walk,
some of whom seemed to be badly hurt.
The Sioux then returned to their en-
campment with great exultation over
their victory, and counted their loss,
when it was found that two were killed,
two pronounced by physicians present to
be fatally wounded, and ten others
wounded more or less, presenting bloody
picture of barbarism to the crowds Of
citizens who had assembled there -Four
raw scalps were fauntod on pole and
four CHASTITY heads were paraded as tro-
phies, besides the disfgurcd trunks of
two others.
During the whole battle the high bank
which overlooked the bottom across the
river near Mayor Murphy's house, was
lined with spectators--indeed. the whole
town" might be said to have been there
watching the fight, and seeming to enjoy
the unusual spectacle Of two nations Of
barbarians, numbering, mangling, mutt
lating each other, in full sight Of city
Of christians, its churches, court-houses,
and institutions Of learning. Barbarism
and its brutal spectacles, in contrast
with enlightenment and its blessings.
VINO NOMINATED WASHINGTON "A
writer in the National Intelligencer says
that Washington Irving, in his life of
Washington, page 453, claims for John
son, delegate from Maryland in the
Continental Congress, the honor Of hay-