The Washington union. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1857-1859, 1858-11-02
PROGRESS or nE NAHAJo WAR.


Fopr DEFIAScE, NJ,
Sept I6th 1858.
Colonel Miles and command came in on, the evening
of the 4th from the first scout, having been
days lie brought in with him about ZOO head of
sheep. The result, far is known Il certainy six
Indians killed and five six prisoners of whom
delighted with his occupation the royf OF
the commanding officer There two soldiers killed
Fisher the buger, of Company mounted rifles who
very ooishly riding by himself in advance OF
tachment to which he belonged and Sweeney, of Capt
Ellotts company mounted rifles, who shot with
while picket guard and fingered about twenty
four hours The Indians stripped Fisher took all the
clothes he had on, his brgle pistol sword horse, &c
He had several arrows in him, two Of which were fatal
propaby penetrating the heart There several sol
diers also slightly wounded by arrows
The sheep the finest looking have
Some of them will weigh two hundred pounds and
We have here at the post selected from this inn
herd four large rams which sport each of then
four long horns either prong being at least eight inches
long They curiosity in their way. The command
designed remaining twelve days, but rapid its
movements that its marches accomplished in
The Indians did not, as expected stand fight at
Chele. The appearance of the troops however sud-
denly among them discounted them The command
entered the Gallon about its centre by climbing down
entrance, which, with much danger and difficulty
admitted Of the passage of horse and at time
One msstcp would have precipated and beast down
five hundred feet over rocks and cag The Canon
is represented curiosity in nature Its walls in places
are fifteen hundred feet high Arrows shot from the top
at the troops below lost their direction by the resistance
down broken before they reached the bottom
the 1t is about forty fifty miles through
it, Peaches and found in it in great qranti-
ties. The peaches said by the officers to be very fne
Several prisoners taken in the Canon and ono
two Indians killed. Had the tribe in any numbers stood
fight here they could have destroyed the troops much
without doubt. 1t was hazardous march, and the
success matter of wonder we'll of congratuation
The opinion is expressed by Of the officers that ten
determined men, well armed could have resisted sue
cessfully the entrance of the troops to the Gallon.
lcl Il ~
and proceed in different directions In this way fight
may be had. They will leave the 10th or goth.
look for stirring and effective results In few days
thereafter.
Col Miles speaks in the highest terms Of his officers
and men in fact, gallant corps Of officers never
went into the field The officers also speak very favora
bly, of Col Mless conduct. There to be complete
harmony in the entire command, and an anxious desire
for warm and energetic operations.
Lieut. Walker will remain at the post, and Lieut. Lane
act as adjutant to the expedition.
On the 18th Sweeny of the soldiers who kill
cd buried in the burying ground belonging to the
post Capt McLane read the services at the grave 1t
large funeral procession s5s
Col. Miles, learn, has asked for Goo Mexican voun-
tecs The necessity for this it appears to me- impera
tive and there should be delay in regarding the de-
mand. This war is not of day duration. 1t will be
protracted and before it i closed with honor to
arms and flag, will cost many men and much money.
The regular force operating against them Is maeri
ally inadequate to the prosecution OF active, vigorous
and successful campaign and consequently the necessity
Lieut.. Willard is here with company of infantry,
having arrived the 18th from Fort Stanton Captain
Lindsay and his company Of mounted rifles expected
daily as also Lieut.. Rowland and his company.
The force here consists of Capts Elliot and Hatch
and Lieut.. Averee, three companies mounted rifles
Leuts Whipple, HiIdt, and Willard, three companies
of infantry and Capt Lucero and his guides and spies
All these in the scout to Chee except Lieut. Viii
lard who only arrived the 18th. Col Miless report
extends the officers the highest praise for gallant and
chivalric conduct He likewise mentions the services of
hf,Ean a.
ing terms and the interpreter, Mr. f. Martinez.
/ The five prisoners had here in the guard house
made their escape the night of the 4th at about IL
o clock by digging under the wall. They ironed
Notwithstanding which they successful in securing
their escape.
Since writing the above, learn that Col Miles has
issued orders for two columns to be ready to march
the morning of the l9thMajor Brooks and Lieutenant
Averee to Laguna Negra Capt Elliot and Lieut.. Whip
pie Coltas and Lieut. Willard to meet and strength
Capt. Iindsays command, rolae for this post
On returning this latter force will conduct offensive OPP
eiations either side of the road that in fact there
will be three small columns out. Company mounted
rifles, and Lieut. Hdts company remain at the post
win also Col Miles, Lieut.. Lane Lieut. Walker, Capt
HATCH and Capt McIane, who is slowly recovering from
his wound. Lieut. Dickinson goes out with Major
Brooks's column.
Since the above written learn that the dctailment
of forces has been changed Major Brooks and Lieut.
Averee and Capt Lucero go to Coitas. Capt Elliott
accompanies Lieut. Willard to meet Capt. Lindsay
Leuts Hildt and Whpplc remain at the post, and also
Capt. MoIane's company mounted rifles. The sheep
all to be killed. The force too weak to allow heders
The Indians have 250 900 sheep at least and about
GO, 900 horses These their wealth. Their and
trouble now mostly is to secure them. Destroy them
and they will become desperate Unencumbered with
their herds and they will enter the field with the full de-
Florida may be expected. Peace may be plead for
save the stock but these lost and to the knife
will be the motto. Mark the prediction.