The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1862-09-19
The Defense Of Fort lltdeely.

WAsHrNGroN, Sept. 14,-The following
dispatches have been received at the head
quarters Of the army:
HEADQUARTERS FoRT RIpGELY, MIss,)
August 26. 1862.
To General Halleck Commander IN 0ief.
] have the honor to report that this posi-
vas assaulted by large force of Sionx In.
dians on the Goth inst. A small remnant Of
Company B. 5th Regiment Minnesota Vol
unteers, and the Renville Rangers, q com
pany just organized for one of the regiments
of this Safe. were the only troops had un-
der my command for its defense, and nobly
did they do their duty.
Finding that they could not make lodg-
men', which was prevented in a great meas
ure by the superior fire of artillery uuder
the immediate charge of Ordnance Sergeant
J. Jones. U. S. A., which compelled them
TO evacuate ravines by which this post is
surrounded. they withdrew their forces and
the gallant little army rested on their arms
ready for any attack iring the night
Several people, remnants Of once thriving
families. arrived at that post in the most
miserable condition.
| Some were wounded and severely burn
ed, having made their escape from their
dians. The people in the immediate vicin-
and armed. as practicable. to aid in its de
tense.
On the 22d inst, the Indians returned
with much larger force, and attacked US
on all sides, but the most determined attacks
we're on the east and west corners of the
.ssis the -viaiaisx ssf aRAxisss.
oles and log buildings. which afforded thu
indiahs great protection; a9d in aydtey >, 10
stroyed. Some were fired by artillery. and
the balance by the Renville Rangers under
and the men under his command. great cred
it is due for their gallant conduct.
The balls fell thick over aud through the
wooden building. erected for officers quar-
ters; still the men maintained their ground.
The Indians then prepared to carry the
post by storm. but the gallant conduct of
the men at the guns paraly zed them, and
compelled them to withdraw, after one Of
the most determined attacks made by In
dians on a military post.
The men Of Companies B and G. Fifth
Minnesota Volunteers, aided by citizens did
good execution. and deserve the highest
praise for their heroic conduct.
Mr.. Wykof, of the Indian Department.
with many other citizens, rendered efficient
services. Our small arm ammunition near
ly failed.
On consultation with Ordnance Sergeant
Jones. l ordered the balls to be removed
from spherical case shot. and many of the
balls fired by the Indians were collected and
re cast.
The ammunition was prepared by party
Of men aud ladies organized for the purpose
who worked night and day until a good
supply was obtained.
The buildings composing the garrison
proper are still up, but they are very much
wrecked. All the out buildings, except the
guard house and magazines. were entirely
destroyed. Most of the mules and oxen be-
longing to the Quartermsster's Department
were taken by the Indians. and we were left
with scanty supply of transportation.
l adopted every possible means in my
power for defense. by erecting barricades,
covering the storehouse with earth to guard
against fire from the arrows, which were
thrown with the determination to make
sacrifice of everything but the
mems quarters and storehouses. which were
stone buildings, and we're saved.
also inclose . list Of killed and wounded
three killed and thirteen wounded.
Very respectfully; your obedient servant.
T. SAUMAN.
First Lieut.. Co. G. 5th Reg. MIMI. Vols.
Commanding Post.