St. Cloud Democrat. [volume] (Saint Cloud, Stearns County, Minn.) 1858-1866, 1862-12-11

journed, for the purpose Of meeting an
armcd force Ut two hundred men, reported
on the road from New Ulm, aud expected
to arrive at midnight.
About eleven o'clock, the crowd num-
bering not more than $50 persons, COM
mcnced moving in small squads towards
the camp. A few had clubs, one or two
hatchets, some knives, but large majori-
ty were apparently unar'hcd. E
! > A company Ut cavalry aud several Of
infantry had reached the camp before the
crowd commenced moving The men
were under arms, the officers on the alert,
ana strong guards posted rouad the camp,
; at La Hulllieur bridge, and along the
road leading thereunto. No person was
allowed to pass. Thus communication
between the crowd en- this side aud the
fo,ce expected from New Ulm was cut off.
The crowd from this direction, still dis
organized and without any definite inteu-
ton, advanced within sight of the camp,
where they halted. While talking and
cheering, a cavalry company from the
camp approached silently, surrounded the
crowd and took them all prisoners. The
cavalry and the crowd checred each other,
and the latter were moved towards the
cawp. A few Of the most conspicuous
were taken to Col. Miller's tent where
they were in,errogated as to their inten-
tons. Some had come to view the noble
red men Of the forest at midnight, and
others were on their way to visit some
friends on the opposite side of the river.
They were finally released upon condition
that tIey would return quietly to their
homes, aud select more seasonable hours
for their future visits t. the camp and to
their friends. Several weapons were ia
ken from prisoners. All were then escort
ed to the town by the cavalry.
The expected force from New Ulm did
net arrive. We have since understood
that several hundred armed men had
started from that place, but before reach
lug the Little Cottonwood, they learned
that Col. Miller had been notified of their
intentions, vhereupon they turned back
IA mos fortunate circumstance. Had
they come, collision With the troops
would undoubtedly have occurred, and
the result Of which cannot be toretold
We are further informed that the New
Ulm folks were terribly in earnest, their
forces we'c drilled, armed and organ ;zcd :;
aud that they had posted pickets around
the town to prevent any person from lcav.
ing, whereby their plan might be frus-
tratcd. Notwithstanding this vigilance. IL
man succeeded in escaping, and brought
the intelligence to the place.
The general conduct Of the military
officers was sentlen'anly, though firm and
decisive. They performed their whole du-
ty in Il manner worthy Of ,lnmendation.
We have heard of but one exception, that
Of All officer who cooked his pistol at tho
crowd after they were prisoners. and de-
nounceo them in the most cowardlv and
: obscene language
The whole movcmen, was rashly.' fool
ishy conceived and conducted, and, to
say the least, unjusti6able at the present
time. Many lersons accompanied the
crowd to the camp from mere curiosity,
and without any intention to take part in
the contemplated attack. No one seemed
to have confidence in the movement which
was demonstrated by the apparent willing
ness with which they allowed themselves
to be surrounded and captured by great
ly inferior force.
Col. Miller immediately prepared for a
vigorous and determined defense. Cour-
iers were dispatched to St Peter, the
Agency, udson and other points for as
sistance.
Captain Whites company Of mounted
men, from Winncbago Agency, reached
here in an hour and a quarter from their
starting-a distance Of twelve miles over
bad road, the greater part of which is
through the timber.
Captain Curtis company, at Tivoli,
seven miles distant, arrived in an hour
and fifteen minutes.
Captain Dane received the dispatch at
half-past eight. Before nine o'clock the
men had been called, ammunition issued,
and the company were en- route, arriving
here, distance Of nine miles, before
twelve o'clock.
Capt. Austip's and Coxs cavalry CON-
panics, and Capt. Skaro's infantry compa-
ny, from St. Peter arrived here about
::idni ght Before morning, a military
force Of one thousand men had assembled
here, while Co.. Bakers command at LIE
Sueur, the remaining companies at Saint
Peter, Garden City, and other points were
notified to hold themselves in readiness to
march at a moments warning.
FRIDAY MORNING.
Our town continued quiet. The affair
Of the previous night was freely discussed
among tho citizens, generally agreeing
that it was rash and premature.
About 9 o'clock Capt. Whites compa-
ny of mounted men and Skaro's and
Danes infantry companies marched to
Camp Lincoln, while Cox's and Austin's