The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1862-09-20
The Indian War.
Gallant Defense Of Fort Ridgely

oafidW DCehSe o. F0r Hugely.
WAsHISGToS, Sept. 14-The following
despatch has been received at the ueadQuaf-
tiers of the Army:
HEApeuARrgKs FoRr RIpcELY, MINI,
Aug. Co. General IL have the honor to
report that this post was assaulted by large
force of Sioux Indians on the 2Uth inst The
small remnant OF Company b, Fifth Regiment
OF NJ innesota Volunteers, together with a
detachment OF Company c, 9th Reg. NJ inn.
VOL, and the Renville Rangers. company
just organized for one OF the regiments Of this
State, were the only troops had under my
command for its defense, and nobly did they
do their duty.
The engagement lasted until dark, when
the Indians finding that they could not effect
lodgmen., which was prevented in a great
measure by the superior fire of the artillery
under the immediate charge of Ordnance.
Sergeant, j. Jones, United States Army
which compelled them to evacuate ravines by
which this post is surrounded, they withdrew
their forces, and the gallant little garrison
rested on their srms ready for an attack. -
During the night several people, remnants OF
once thriving families, arrived at the post in d
most miserable condition, some wounded and
severely burnt, having made their cscapc
from their dwellings, which were burnt BY tn,
Indians. The people in the immediate yicin
lily fled to the post, and were organized and
armed as far as practicable in the defense.
On the ed they returned with much
larger f"rce and attacked us on all sides, bu,
the most determined was on the east and Yves
corners OF the fort, which are in the immedi
ate vicinity Of the ravincs. The west corner
was also covered by stables and log buildings
which afforded the Indians great protection
aud in order to protect the garrison ordered
them to be destroyed Some were fired
by the artillery, and the balance by the
Rtnville Rangers, under Command OF First
Lieutenant j. German, to whom and the men
under his Command great credit is due tol
their gallant conduct. The balls tell tnic!;
all over and through the wooden building
erected for officers quarters, still the meI
maintained their ground. Tbs Indians pre-.
pared to storm, hut the gallant conduct Of ,hc
men at the guns paralyzcd them, and COM
PEELED them to withdraw after one of the
most determined attacks ever made by
ln1ians on military post.
The men OF Companies b and G. 9th Regu-
lar Minnesota Volunteers. aided by citizens
did good execution, and deserve the highest
praise for their heroic conduct.
beg leave also to bring to your notice Dr..
Muller, the Acting Assistant Surgeon of the
post, who, assisted by his excellent lady,
attended the wounded promptly, and l am
happy to say that under his careful treatment
most all of them are prospecting tavorably.-
Mr.. Wykoti and party, of the Indian Depart
ment, with many other citizens, rendered
| efficient service.
Cur small-arm ammunition nearly failing
on consultation with Orderly Sergeant J
Jones, ordered the balls to DO removed
from some of the spherc case shot, which
with the balls fired by the Indians, many OF
which were collected, rccast, and ammunition
prepared by a party of men and ladies', organ
lzed for the purpose, who worked night and
day until good supply was obtained.
The buildings composing tho garrison
proper are still up, but they are very much
wrecked; all of the out-buildings, except
the guard-house and the magazines, are
entirely destroyed; most of the mules and
Oxen belonging TO the Quartermastcr' De-
par:ment were taken by the Indians, and we
are left scanty supplies Of transportation.
adopted every possible means in my pow
or for the defense, by erecting barricades,
covering the ore-houseS with earth to quart
against fire arrows, several of which were
thrown, determined to sacrifice all but the
mems quarters and store-houses, which are
stone buildings.
also herewith enclose list of killed and
wounded. Three killed and thirteen wound
ed. Very respectfully, your obedicnt SER
want. T. j, SuEEaAS.
lst Lieut.. Co. G, 9th Reg. MINI. Vols,
Gamma