The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-08-21
INDIAN EXPEDITION.
Three ENGAGEMENTS.
Lieut.. Beever, of Gen. Sibley's
Staff, Killed.
THE FORCES RETURNING.
A Complete Record of Events.
From Our own Correspondent.

u
From Our own Correspondent.
In CAMP. MISSOURI RIVER, July 81, 1868.
This Expedition, concerning which there
have been SO many doubts and so much
satirical remark, since its first planning,
has, for the most part, accomplished the
work for which it was sent, and is now
homeward bound. Having advanced to
the banks of the Missouri, through a
country almost entirely destitute of forage,
and that in one Of the dryest seasons that
has been known in Dakotah for twenty
years, there is, naturally, feeling of sat-
isfaction among the troops at the prospect
Of nearing the bounds of civilization again.
And, although the feeling is not joined
with enthusiasm at complete success in
Furnishing the Indians, yet the thinking
men with tho Expedition, do not fear to
present its record to the citizens of Min
nesota, or to the people of the country.
It might have been more effective, per-
haps, had the expected conjunction with
General Sully been made, but, in the face
of all the untoward circumstances which
have encountered it, no reasonable man
can look upon it with other than satisfac-
tory feelings. The record which follows,
will be of interest, think, to all who care
for the emancipation of the frontier from
constant fear, but particularly to those
who have friends engaged in this tedious
and perilous warfare.
TREACHKRoUs SCOUT.
l think my last item of informstion to
you was with regard to the news brought
to General Sibley by an Indian scout. He
reported the enemy, it will be remember
ed, five or six days in advance and rapidly
fleeing. There were reasons which led the
Gen. to doubt the veracity of the man, and
after threatening to hang him if his state
ment should prove false, he decided to
move forward with the expedition at all
hazards. This was on Wednesday, the
22d. There were no signs of Indians on
Thursday, but Friday brought decided
change in the tide of affairs, the scouts re-
turning with the news that the Indians
were massed short distance ahead. A
few minutes sufficed to prove the correct
ness of the statement, as well as the trick
cry and deception of the scout who had
brought reports of the enemy's move
ments the Wednesday previous. Upon
looking about for him, it was found that
he had been discreet enough to ride on to
the hill in front of he dams, and from
thence had made haste to join them. We
did not fear any intelligence which lie
might communicate, but felt chagrined
that he had not suffered the threatened
punishment. 1t only added another proof
to the truth of the statement, that an In
dian can never be fully trusted. ought
to add, in justice to the faithful corps of
scouts attached to the expedition, that this
traitor was not one of their number.
THE BATTLE OF BIG MOUND.
Our first discovery of the whereabouts
of the foe, was made about one O'Clock,
and after march Of nearly twenty miles,
SO that the time was not the most favora-
BILE for an enthusiastic or long pursuit.
But the troops welcomed the opportunity
before them and were eager for an en-
counter. We were then encamped upon
the banks of a lake, and as the Indians
were already beginning to appear upon a
high mound about mile distant, the Gen
eral at once ordered the train to be cor
rallied, entertainments thrown up, and a
line of battle formed
The first brush of the campaign was
opened by sad affair, and one which will
bring sorrow to many hearts While the
camp was being arranged for defence, sew
eral officers ventured upon a ridge quar-
ter of q mile distant, the better to get
view of the scattered and incoming foe
Among there was DR.. Weiser of Shake
pee, Surgeon to the First Regiment Noun
ted Rangers, whose acquaintance with the
Indians led him to risk a parley with two
or more of the naked rascals who beckOned
him on In friendly manner When not
more than three feet from him, the treach
erous friends suddenly turned and shot him
dead. Scion Stevens of MankatO, bold
scout who WAS standing near, was also
fired upon and slightly wounded. For
tunately the body of the Doctor was OBJ
tanned unscalpsd, and brought into camp
Immediately.
This savage murder opened the fire. AT
once from the semi-crcle Of hills around,
the savages began to appear, and for
While they seemed to gathering for Il
grand dash upon the camp. A six poun
der was advanced in front so as to bea.
upon the mound where the enemy seemed
the rhickest. The several shells thrown
produced magical effects The first bat
TALON OF cavalry was sent out on the right
with the Seventh Regiment. But not till
Col. Marshall closed up upon them with
splendid skirmish line, himselfin advance.
did they begin universal retreat. On