The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-09-16

received at head quarters of the army:
Head Quarters, Fort Ridgely, ],
MINI Aug. 26.|
To Gen. Hallcck, Commander in Chief:
have the honor to report that this
post was assaulted by a large body of
Sioux Indians on the goth inst. A small
remnant Of Co. b, 9th Regiment Mimi.
Vols. and the Renville Rangers, com
pany just organised for one of the repi-
giments from this State, were the only
troops had under my command for the
defence and nobly did they do their du-
ty. Finding that they could not effect
Judgement. which was in great measure
prevented BY the superior fire of our ar
tlllcry, under the immediate charge of
ordnance sergeant j. Jones, u. s. A
which compelled them to evacuate the
rayine by which the post is surrounded,
they withdrew their forces, and the gal
liant little garrison rested on their arms,
ready for any attack. During the night,
several people, remnants of once thriving
families arrived at the post in the most
miserable condition--some wounded and
severely bruised, Having made their es
cape from their dwellings, which had been
Led by the Indians.
Tie people in the immediate vicinity
fled TO this post, and were organized and
armed, rs far az FEtFaetieHfhffe, to aid in the
defence. On the 22a instant, the Indians
returned with Il much larger force, aud at
tackled us on all Sides but the most de-
termined attacks were ON the cast and
west corners of the fort, which are in the
vicinity of ravines. The west corner is
also covered by stables and log buildings,
which afforded the indians great protec-
ton, and in order to protect the garrison
| ordered them to be destroyed. Some
were fred by artillery, and the remainder
by the Renville Rangers, under command
Of FiIst Lieut.. German, to whom and the
men under his command, great credit is
due for their gallant conduct. The balls
fell thick over and through the wooden
buildings erected for officers quarters
still the men maintained their ground.
The Indians then prepared to carry the
post b. storm but the good conduct of
the men at the guns paralyaed them and
compelled them to withdraw, after Que Of
the most determined attacks ever made
by Indians on military post.
The men of Cos. b and G, 9Th regi-
ment MINI. Vols, aided by citizens, did
good execution, and deserve the highest
praise for their heroic conduct. Mr.. Wy
kof, of the Indian Department, with
many other citizens, rendered efficient
service. Our small arm ammunition
nearly failed On consultation with ord,
nance sergeant Jones, ordered the balls
to be removed from some of the Sphere
case shot, and many of the balls fired by
the Indians were collected ard re -cast.-i
Ammunition was prepared BY party of
men and ladies organized for the purpose,
who worked night and day until a good
supply was obtained. The buildings COM
posing the garrison proper are still up, but
they are very much wrecked All the
out buildings except the guard house aud
magazine were entirely destroyed Most
Of the mules and oxen belonging to the
Quarter Master S department were taken
by the Indians, aud we are left with
scarcely any supply Of transportation. |
adopted every possible means in my pow
err for defence, by erecting barricades, co
vering store house with earth to guard
against fire, and from the arrows which
were thrown - with a determination to
make complete sacrifice Of everything
but the mems quarters and store house,
which were stone buildings, and were
saved. 1 also enclose list of killed and
wounded-3 killed and Ii wounded.
Very respectfully, your obedient SER
want, t.. SHERMAN,
First Lieut.. Co. c, 9Th Regs. MINI. Vols
Commanding Post
ST. Paul, Sept. IA.
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