The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-06-15
AN INDIAN BATTLE IN MINNESOTA
4 Whole 7oun Matching the Battle.

Il " note IOUU HUtcHtRY me ictftCte
The Minnesotian, printed at Shakopee, gives
account of a battle between two Indian tribes,
Chippcwas and Sioux, which took place in that
vicinity, and of which the citizens of Shakopee
were gratifed spectators:
The Chippewas numbered according to different
enumerations made of them at houses where they
passed, $50 to 200 warriors. They arrived in the
woods opposite to Murphys landing, below Shake
pee, during Wednesday night The first intima-
ton the Sioux had Other presence the killing
of one of their number, at day break, who was fish
ing in canoe His squaw Immediately fled to the
company which are, about mile from town, and
gave the alarm, when the Sioux warriors to the
number of 40 or so seized their guns, and at once
proceeded to the ferry under cover Of the bushes
on the south bank A rapid fire then commenced
between the hostile tribes across the river, which
did no damage to either party account Of the
distance. The Chippewas fell back, however, and
the Sioux in a body crossed on the ferry, and the
battle again commenced in the timber with a muir
derous ferocity, which lasted about five hours.
The warfare was conducted in regular Indian
stvle-7a running fight among the trees and logsand
grass interspersed with few hand to-hand con-
ficts with tomahawk and war-clubs When a
Sioux would fall he immediately carried to the
near and taken across Oh 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 thicEest of the fight The
Sioux are said to have acted with the greatest
and following the enemy with a perfect despera-
ton. Whenever Chippewa would fall his head
Immediately cut off and carried to the rear.
-Four CHASTITY heads were thus taken over the river
and exhibited with great exutation by the sGuaws,
who was busy all the time carrying ammunition
(Which it is said was furnished by citizens to them
free of CHARGE and encouraging their warriors.
Later in the day some headless Chippewas were
brought over, and the squaWs hacked them to
pieces, and finally kindled fire under one of
them and burnt it up. This last sickening specta-
Gle of barbarty is said, by those who witnessed it,
to have been hailed with fcndish exultaton by
the Sioux.
About 10 o'clock the Ch;ppcwas drew off, and
the whole force retreated over the bluffs, in the
direction of Lake Minnetonka, lea ing four Of
their warriors behind them one of whom, from the
decoration the scalp, is supposed to be distin
guishcd chief. AS they passed certain point on
their trail, they were carrying six, and some &C
counts say eight. wounded braves Oh ltters, be-
sides those wounded who were able to walk, some
of whom seemed to be badly hurt. The Sioux
then returned to their cncampmcnt with great OK
ultation their victory, and counted their loss,
when it was found that two were killed, two pro-
nOunced by physicians present to be fatally
wounded and ten others wounded more CT less,
presenting bloody picture to the crowds Of citi-
zens who had assembled there. Four seal ps
were faunted on a pole and four ghastly heads
were paraded as trophies, besides the disfgured
trunks of two others.
During the whole battle the high bank which
overlooked the bottom the river, near Mayor
Murphys house, was lined with spectators, indeed,
the whole town might be said to have been there
watching the fight, and seeming to enjoy the unu-
sual spectacle of two nations Of barbarans murder
ing manglng mutilatin@ each other, in full sight
of city Of Christians, its churches, court houses
and institutions Of learning. Barbarsm and its
brutal spectacles in contrast with enlightenment
and its blessings.