Sioux City register. [volume] (Sioux City, Iowa) 1858-1871, 1861-07-20


Floyd called Willow Creek, leading back
towards the Cherokee road, TO find the
crossing place of the enemy on it If posi-.
BILE. After following tie course of the
stream until about the middle of the af.
ternoon without success, We struck out for
the Cherokee road Discovering party
Of men in slough advancing rapidly to.
wards US, and, as soon as seeing us, divi-
ding, we supposed them to be indians and
made for them, but on getting close to
them we found them to be part Of Capt.
Trips command following the trail
Uniting the forces, We took to the trail
and followed it on double quick time until
night made it impossible to 60 further
The whole command dsmounted, unsad
died, picketed their horses, stationed SEN
tinsls, took their rations of bread and fat
pork, wi,hou. any water, their being none
to be had short Of two or three miles from
where We we're, they laid themselves down
on the trail in the grass of the slough,
without any covering, save the starry COW
ering cf all nature, and sought dame ma.
lures comforter balmy of sleep to fit them
for the exertions of tomorrow.
In the morning at early dawn we were
called to the saddle again, and we learned
with regret that Capt, Trip thought it
advisable to retrace his steps: on account
of not having any provisions or clothing
for camping purposes. The men having
suffered with the damp cold air during the
night, and he being unwell himself, bis
brave fellows regretted the necessity Of the
step as we'll as their commander. After
furnishing US with Il rife each, and taking
the arms We had, consisting of three shot
guns and four inferior rifles, they started
for Sioux City, and we took up the trail
and followed it up to the banks of Willow
Creek. Finding the trail difficult to fol-
low after leaving the sloughs and getting
on the ridges, and believing the Indians
encamped on the Floyd some fifteen miles
from where we then were, and would in
all probability make Rock river that day,
making in all about forty miles to travel
to overtaks them, and having but proyi
sions enough 10 last until the next day at
noon, and having ordered my men detail
ed to rejoin me at the bridge, and being
compelled to promise the settlement to re-
turn if possible on Thursday night, much
against the wishes Of my men and myself
gave the orderIto right about face, and
returned to Melbourne that evening, hav
ing ridden since leaving home 60 miles.
am we'll satisfied that there can be
nothing accomplished by this kind Of
scouting; Improperly armed as the men
in both commands are, it will necessarily
discourage the bravest Of them. Then let
the Governor properly organize this mill
tary district by the appointment Of the
necessary staff off GERS, adjutant general,
quarter master aud commissary general,
and all the necessary appointment suffi-
cieat to carry out the military duties as
becomes soldiers, and have done with this
alf-citzen, half soldier system, that is
working no good, and discouraging men
willing to volunteer their services to carry
the campaign where it properly belongs
into the midst of these thieving, treacher-
Gus, God forsaken specimens of humanity.
There is an urgent necessity for prompt
immediate action and organization Of this
military department.. Let the troops COM
ing from abroad be stationed to protect
the settlements, and be held in reserve,
organize force at home consisting Of
the brave fellows belonging to Capt
Trips command, the Frontier Rangers
and those wishing to volunteer with them
belonging to the organizations at Smith
land, Cherokee and other points--men
that feel and know the necessity of ami
hilatng this band Of thieves, and who
long for an opportunity of avenging the
lamented Roberts and Cordua. Give US a
chance to open the ball-no matter who
leads. If this is to be a general Indian
warfare, let US face and receive death man
fully, fighting, and not be shot down like
dogs. J.F. MORTON.
Commanding Squad of Rangers.
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