The Tiffin weekly tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1859-1868, 1859-07-22
Indian Troubles in Nebraska
History Of she Pawnee War.

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History OF the Pawnee War.
From he onshs Nsbfaikisa, Job ..
SO many umors are ahoat, 20 much ex-
aggeration, respecting the Indian troub-
lee and their origin in this Territory, that
we deem Il necessary 10 give a concise
history Of the whole affair, which we have
been able TO gather from sources every
way reliable.
On tie oath Of juno The Pownco In
dinns, numbering about 3 300, moved from
their village on the south side ofthe Platte
river 10 The north Of that stream, prepar-
atory 70 starting on a buffalo hunt expect
ing 10 be joinedon the OH Of July by the
Omahas, come distance up the Elllhorn.
They encamped on the west side Of the
Elkhorn, near Fontenelle, on the 95th
(Saturday,) and that night, Saturday and
Sunday night, made numerous predatory
excursions among the settlers, whom they
alarmed by their impudence and rascality
They plundered the dwelling ofMr. De-
Puy 10 the extent Of one hundred dollars.
On Monday, about dusk, they commit
ted the outrage on Mr. Uriah Thomas, 10
which we referred last week. That night
and Tuesday they continued their moles-
tations Of the settlers, up the Elkhorn ,
above the mouth Of Logan Creek, killing
and driving OF cattle, plundering horses,
threatening families, &c. About this
time some twenty-five men armed ut Fon-
tenellc, ascended the Horn, for the pur-
pose Of obtaining ponies from the Ind-
ans 20 remunor0te the settlers for their
loss, and TO ondoavor 30 take few pris-
onors to hold as hostages for the good be-
havior Of the tribe.
The march Of these men above Logan
Creek Is described as over dosolatcd
country. Crops had been destroyed, houses
plundered, and cattle driven of or killed
Even the Post Office at Cunning Creek
had been broken up. Arriving at West
Point, Cunning County, they were Joined
by more men, 40 that their number a.
mounted TO iilty-seven well armed men,
mostly mounted-the Indians being en-
cumped on the opposite side Of the Elk
Horn, about four miles distant The set
tiers were panic stricken, andanticipatinq
a general massacre. Small scouting par
ties OF Indians were seen, apparently
watching the movements Of the whites.
Here they divided their forces, most Of
them remaining at West Point, and about
twenty, under the command Of J. w. Pat
tison, proceeding up the Elk Horn TO pro-
tcct the settlers at little town called
De Witt, some FIVE miles further up
While at DE Witt, on the 3Oth, eleven
Indians were observed but short distance
of, and these were enticed into house,
Pattson and his men lying in ambush,
with the intention oftaking the entire par
ty prisoners. On attempting TO execute
this maneuyer, the Indians seized their
arms and fred upon the whites, woundng
one Of them. Tho whites returned the
fire ofthe Indians, and an engagement of
few minutes ensued, which resulted in
the killing of four Indians-onc of their
chiefs among the number-and the sup
posed wounding Of several more, when the
savages beat a hasty retreat,
Tho settlers In that region deemed il
prudent TO 90 down TO Fontenclle, some
40 miles distant, where they still remain.
On the return TO Fontenelle of the war
party, dispatches were sent 10 this city
for assistance, and portion Of the OmG-
hS Light ARTILLERY Squad Immediately re-
paired TO Fontanello. Gen. Thoyer ac-
companied them, and took the command.
Subsequent dispatches have been sent in
for additional aid, and the balance Of the
gun squad and several others went out
with the field piece on Sunday last.
On Wednesday last, Governor Black,
aud small detachment Of dragoons un-
der Lieut. Robertson, accompanied by
several volunteers, lelt for the scene Of
difficulty. A detachment Of fifty dra-
goons has also leit Fort Kearney for the
same destination, in compliance with the
request Of Secretary Morton. Yesterday
we learned that Governor Black has been
joined by about 40 volunteers from Wash
ington county. The entire force now In
the field must be not fur from 900, mostly
and Of whom sixty or seventy
are dragons in the regular service.
We ivUrn tfdt the property destroyed
by the Indians is estimated at $40 900.