The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1863-10-02
Regimental Commanders Reports.
Report of Col. William Crooks.
Sixth Regiment.

Report of Col. William Crooks.
Sixth Regiment.
HEADouARrERs 9TH MINNESOTA INFAxrRY.)
CAMP WILLIsroN, d. T., Aug. 5, 1868.
Capt. r. c. DIN, assistant Adjutant General:
SIR: Pursuant to order of Brigader General
II. II. Sibley, this Regiment reported at Camp
Pope, Minnesota, for service in the Expedition
directed against the Sioux Indians
The march was taken up early on the morn
ing of the 10th, and on the 26th day of June
the forces. encamped at the foot of Lake Traverse
distance of 119 miles from Camp Pope.
From this point train was dispatched to
Fort Abercrombie for supplies; the guard con-
sisting of three companies of infantry, includ-
ing company H of the 9th Regiment CAPTAIN
Tattersall commanding one battalion of cavalry
Major Parker commanding, and one section of
artillery, the whole under command of LENT
Col. Averill of this regiment. The Brigade
left Lake Traverse on the 3Oth of June and
reached the first crossing of the Sheyennc Riv
er on the evening of the 18th of july. distant
from the foot of Lake Traverse seyenty.four
miles.
At this point, called Camp Hayes, the COM
mand laid oyer six days awaiting the arrival of
the supply train from Fort Abercrombie. The
train arrived on the 9th of July, and the expe-
dition resumed the line of march on the morn
ing OF the 11th. From this point to the SECOND
crossing of the Sheyenne, where VIC arrived on
the 18th, the distance was eighty-three miles
On the morning OF the 18th, we resumed the
march and reached Camp Atcheson on Lake
Emily, the days march being twelve miles.
At this point was directed to Law out an en-.
trenched camp and force was selected from
the several regiments to hold the same with
view to misunderstanding the active force of,Il
men unable to march; and of all supplies not
actually necessary in Il more rapid pursuit of
the enemy. Companies G and C. of NV reri.
ment were designated by me as part of the gar
riSon, together with invads from all other
companies.
Having put the command in light marcbinr
order, on the morning of the 10Th of July
with twenty-five days ratiOnS, the command
again commenced with renewed energy the
pursuit OF the Sioux and at noon, OH the 9th
at distance of seventy-eight miles from Camn
Atcheson, shout from the advance, told that
our pursui had not been in vain. The sova-
ges lined the crest of the surrounding hills.
covering their camp some five miles to the
southwest BY direction of the General. the
S!h hegiment, together with company NJ of the
Mounted Rangers under command Of Lieuten.
ant johnson: and section of artillery under
command of Lieutenant Western. tccupied the
East iroct, and threw up earthworks support
ing the guns.
About this time Surgeon Weiser, of the
Mounted Rangers, in company with others,
rode up the heights and engaged in converse.
ton with the Indians, who, true to their pro.
verolal treachery, pierced his manly heart at
the moment he offered them bread OBSERVING
this act, at once deployed companies E, | and
n, well to the front, and with company f.. nm.
DER command OF Captain Schoennemann. t.
gether with Captain ChaSes company A. of the
Ninth regiment, on Shoennemanns left. SIM
ported by Captains Slaughter and Braden. drove
the savages for three miles, and prevented their
turning our left.
Lieut. Colonel Averill was directed by me TO
advance asrn , three companies to support The ex
being made; Major McLaren remaining in
command OF the reserve and camp.
Inc movements were well and .sgularly
made, the officers and men displaying those
TRAITS OF most consequence to soldiers.
MY ADVANCE was checked by an order to
draw In my lines to the lines of the skirmishers
vi .ne otner regiments to my right, and to re-
port IN person to The Brigadier General com
manaing. Having turned tho command over
70 Lieut. Colonel Ayerill, with instructions 10
Draw In his men, reported to General Siblev.
and in conformity with his orders, | dispatched
messenger TO Major McLaren to come for
Ward WIN aii haste with tive companies, to the
support OF the Mounted Rangers. who were
driving the Indians on towards their camp Mt
me moment supported by the 7th infantry and
captain A. j. EdgertOns company of the 10th
The Major came forward at a double ouick.
win companies A, B, u, and T. and reported
70 me some four miles in the advance, where
General sibley was awaiting the arrival of re-
Inducements. l Immediately reported to the
General the arrival of my men, and soon there
after was ordered to return to camp.
Inc next day the camp was moved some four
miles 10 order to recruit the animals, and the
command rested until Sunday morning, the
10th OF July, when the march was resmed
and having marched IA miles the 9Th regiment
leading the Indians again assembled for battle.
Inc regiment at once deployed skirmishers
ana advanced steadily, driving the Indians:
Lieut.. Colonel Averill, with marked GOODNESS
ana Judgment, commanding the extended line
OF sklrmlsherS, while the reserve. under Major
o'clock P. M, General Sfbley, coming to the
extreme front and observing the state of affairs,
pushed cavalry to our right, with o view to
masslng the Indians in 'front.' also ordering Cap
tam Jones forward with his field pieces. Major
McLaren was now ordered to take the reserve
w eaP, q iuiie ana nall 10 the rear, the front
teing held by three companies of the 9th, and
company of the 9Th; the whole supporting
Lieutenant Whipple, with his section of the
battery.
The Indians observing McLaren's movement,
having made a feint to the left made despe-
rate attack on the north front, with view to
destroying our transportation but the Major
had his men well in hand, and throwing them
rapidly upon the enemy completely f0ied this,
tneir last move, and the savages giving part
ing volley, typical of their rage and disappoint-
ment, left field where heavy loss and defeat
but retold their doom.
Too much praise cannot be awarded Captain
Oscar Taylor, of the Mounted Rangers, who
chafed for an order to advance and who bore
his part nobly when that order was finally
given. His horses being exhausted, this Off.