The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1863-08-08

FoRr HALLEcK, IDAHO TEaRrroRY, !
July 10. 18fs3. q

Fight with the Indians.
FoRr HALLEcK, IDAHO TERRrroRY,1
July 10, 1863. &
This part of Gods creation isabout filled
up with wandering parties Of Indians, and
some of them are not disposed to be very
peaceable. 49,
"A few days ago, party Of about one
hundred Utes came down near the post
and sent in delegation, who professed to
be very friendly. Smoking their pipe Of
peace, and receiving some provisions, they
left us, saying they wanted to be friendly
with the whites; but, on the I'd Of this
month, they stole IA head of horses and
mules from the Mail Company at Elk
Mountain Station. Capt. Allen, command
ing the post, sent a party in pursuit, but
the Indians could not be overtaken.
On the night of the 5th, they stole three
horses from the Mail Company at Cooper's
Greek. At one o'clock on the morning of
the 7th, Capt. Allen sent Lieuts. Brundley
and Willisms, of Company B, 7th Kansas
V. c., with 20 men from the same company,
out in pursuit of the Indians, as infcrma,
ton had been received at III o'clock the
same night, that large band of Utes, with
large number of stolen horses and mules,
was seen about twenty miles from this post.
After brisk ride Of about thirty miles,
we came up with the Indians shortly after
daylight. They had learned that we were
following them up, and had run the stock
into the mountains, and then occupied the
only scattering themselves in the
brush and timber, from which they opened
fire on the troops. The Indians had select
ed their ground with admirable forethought
and stubbornly defended it; but, when the
troops dismounted and charged up the steep
hillside, through brush and timber, each
man for himself, they slowly retreated,
pouring down a murderous fire from two
hundred and fifty "dusky Warriors" the
pride and glory of the Ute Nation. Their
fire must have snnihilated our party, had
not the Indians aimed too high, as is usual
in firing down hill. They invariably fred
over the heads of the troops. The Indians
steadily fell back until they were forced
over the brow of the hill, on which they
made q breastwork by piling up stones !;
and here they made stand and fought
desperately. The troops now charged upon
them, led by Lieut. Williams, when the
Indians fed into the mountains and gave
up the contest.
The battle lasted two hours, and at the
time the Indians broke and fled, the troops
were firing their last round and, being out
of ammunition, which had been poorly sup
piled at this post, We were obliged to return
to the Fort, after breakfasting on the battle
field. Five of the soldiers were badly
wounded. Sergeant Waugh, of Douglas
Co., Kansas, son of Dr.. S. w. Waugh, of
your city, was killed-shot through the
body. Corp. Hamilton, Privates Moorhead,
Hegwer and Vining, seriously wounded
many others slightly. The Indians poured
down on us storm Of lead and, had they
fred O,o, must have cut rs up terribly.
| They lost over sixty killed and wounded !;
over twenty killed on the field. a4+
No troops ever faced the music better
than ours. It was the first time most of
them were ever under fre-not man
hinched. Both officers and soldiers deserve
much credit.
If the Governor of Kansas, or some Of his
Generals, would take interest enough in
this company-which is composed entirely
of Kansas men, two.thirds of whom are
substantial farmers and have an interest in
that State-to get US back to our regiment,
which we have never seen, Kansas will
gain as good company of soldiers as ever
trod her soil, and ninety hearts will be
grateful for the favor. -ar.E -fF
Respectfully yours,
Conservative. STUB.