The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-07-24
Incidents Of it's Progress to the
Shayenne River. III
Intense Heat---Scarcity Of Forage.
The Prairies Swarming with Grass
hoppers.
Celebration of the Glorious FOurtn
in Camp.
FROM OUR REGULAR CORES
PONDENT.
CAMP HAYES, GREAT BEND,(
Cuxu,rNrE RIVER Inlu a 1Q60

CAMP HAYES, GREAT BEND(
SHAYENNE RIVER, July 4, 1868.
TO the Editor Of Ethe Pioneer:
It is the anniversary of our national in
dependence, and we have this day "cross-
ed the Rubicon," and are encamped in the
enemy's country. Our march since we
left Lac Traverse has been a very severe
one-all hands have had taste of the
privations and sufferings of tramp across
the plains. The weather has been intense
ly hot, and the prairie is literally burned
up. Lakes, hitherto never known to fail
Of containing supply of water to refresh
and reinvigorate the sinking traveller, are
now completely dried up, and we march
dry shod over their moistureless basins.
All the country in this region is suffering
for the want of moisture. The ground is
hot, and almost blisters the feet, while for
age is so scarce that barely grass enough
can be obtained to keep the souls and bo-
dies of our animals together.
The second day after leaving Camp
McLaren, at Lac Traverse, new enemy
encountered US, and in most formidable
shape. We were literally beset with
grasshoppers. They came upon us. in a
perfect storm, almost binding our vision
and actually impeding our march. To
say that millions of these pests were hop
ping about us would be to speak in very
moderate terms. They rained down on
US from above; they sprang upon us from
beneath; they struck hard against our
faces as pebbles, and they drifted upon US
in myriads from every side. The prairies
swarm with these devouring insects. But
the personal inconvenience experienced
from them is nothing in comparison to the
havoc they are making with the little
forage saved to US from the joint efforts
at destruction of the heat and drouth.
If everything calculated to impede our
progress is let loose upon our track in this
way, l fear the measure Of our grief will
be filled up to overlooking. 1t would be
strange indeed, if this expedition were
compelled to relinquish its purposes, in
consequence of an opposing force of grass
hoppers but certain it is our immense
number of animals cannot be subsisted
on such scant forage as we have been
compelled to give them of late; and even
this is being diminished by the army of
grasshoppers we are meeting at every
turn. A more unfavorable season for the
sure accomplishment of the purposes and
ends of this expedition could not have
selected. But Gen. Sibley is determined
to advance against the enemy wherever
found, and will see no detriment to his
forward movement until it actually stops
his progress. His heart and soul is in the
work. and if ever he stops short o. the
attainment of the ends aimed at, it will
not be because of any fault of his.
On Thursday July I'd, we marched fif
teen miles and encamped upon the edge
of most magnificent body of water, re-
ioicing in the sweet scented tile OF
ssSkunk Lake" 1t is related that a large
party of Indians once had dinner at this
point, the chief delicacy at which, was the
animal whose perfumed nomenclature
gives an odorous sound to these ripping
waters. This evening one of our guides
Ioo-kon-we-chash-t tab, brought in the re-
recent cuttings OF an elk skin that had
been used in making moccasins. They
were found only few miles from our
camp. and discovered signs of three Indi-
ans having encamped there within few
days.
On our way from our last named camp;
to the one we now occupy and from which
this letter is dated; there was no incident
transpired worthy of mention. Your cor
RESPONDENT and others, favored with po-
sition at the head of the column have had
an opportunity of seeing some few specl-
mems of the different kinds OF game that
inhabit and rove over this section OF
country. Perhaps the finest sight yet
presented to us, was at the time OF our
reaching the east bank of the cheyenne
when magnificent elk. startled by our APP
proach, rushed from the thicket and boun-
ded over the plains. Had there not been
an edict against firing our pieces without
special permission; rather Opine,> there
would have been dead elk, thereaoout
On Saturday, the fourth day. OF july
after being comfortably ensconced in camp,
the troops seemed to be suddenly impressed
with the idea that this was a holiday, and
should be enjoyed accordingly and the
result was good time generally, and the
prodigal expenditure of two packs OF fire
crackers rhOughtfully provided for this
day by our chef de reconnaissance at
headquarters. As there was nothing Of
particular moment occurred up to this date
which would interest your readers, pro-
pose to give You description OF the way
in which the evening Of the fourth wa:
celebrated at headquarters.