The Smoky Hill and Republican union. [volume] (Junction City, Kan.) 1861-1864, 1864-08-13
THE RECENT INDIAN EXPEDITION.


THE RECENT INDIAN EXPEDITION.
The expedition against the Indians so speedily
organized by Major General Curtis. composed
principally of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth regi
...ents K. S. NJ, under Colonies Scott and Price,
mainly passed through this place last Friday and
Saturday, on their way home, after an absence
Of from twelve to fourteen days. having travelled
four hundred miles in that short space of time
For militia never before in the field, and with
horses taken from the reaper and mower, this is
march almost unprecedented, and would do
credit to veteran cavalry.
The command after leaving Fort Riley pushed
directly through to Fort Larned, on the way
relieving an immense train of wagons, numbering
over three hundred, which were in corrall at
Walnut Creek. At Walnut were seen the graves
Of the victims Of the horrible massacre at that
point, with dead cattle lying about. and flour
scattered over the ground where the train had
been pillsged. We reached Larned at o'clock,
P. NJ. of Saturday. July 29th, having marched
from Walnut Greek, a distance of thirty five
miles, that morning Here the command halted,
recruiting their exhausted horses, and drawing
supplies, until Sunday afternoon. Each man
ordered to prepare five days rations, and
haversacks were drawn at the Fort to carry them
in. Five companies of the First Colorado cavalry
had arrived ut the Fort the same day.
Sunday afternoon the command was divided
into three divisions. Two companies of cavalry
under command of Capt, Booth, with ten men of
Capt. Pages company under Joe. Lehman as
guide. was to strike across the country to the
Smoky Hill, and down that stream to the Cross
fag. We have since learned that they saw no
Indians. Colonel Scott. with his regiment and
a section of battery, was to guard return trains
to Cow Creek. Colonel Price, with the Fifteenth,
two companies of the Fourteenth, and two COM
panies of the first Colorado cavalry was to cross
the Arkansas, with the intention of going South
as far as the Mulberry, in hope of striking the
Trail of some of the stock run off, and a Mexican
WAS engaged as guide for that purpose. The
crossing of the Arkansas was effected the next
morning. and Gen. Curtis having concluded to
accompany this part of the expedition, overruled
Col. Prices desire TO move South, and the CON-
mand moved in an easterly direction, at from one
to five miles from the river, according as it me-
andered in its course.
We travelled on the south side of the river
day and a half, over almost barren plains and
ridges of sand, with here and there patch of
wild plum bushes, bearing most luscious fruit,
the only thing to relieve the monotOny of that
dreary waste. Tuesday noon, the I'd inst, We
recrossed the Arkansas, and joined the trains that
night on the Santa Fe road, at the crossing of
Cow creek, and the next morning the Fifteenth
received orders to repair home, which was no
unwelcome news after the hardships endured.
Under the guidance of Capt. Pages company,
composed of the hunters of Saline county, who
are acquainted with every foot of that section,
we move directly across the cou ntry, stopping on
Plum creek for dinner, and making the Smoky
Hill Crossing that night. The next night found
IS at Salina, where the regiment arrived in good
order, and under the best of discipline. Here
the regiment was dismissed, and each company
allowed to take the nearest route home.
We have been very brief in our account Of this
expedition, and have failed to convey an idea of
the privations and hardships the men endured.
Want of space has compelled US to omit details.
Bad water was one cause of suffering, often being
so impregnated with the ef1uvia from dead buf-
falo carcasses as to make it an impossibility to
drink it. The hard riding and exposure to the
sun prostrated many, and at times our sick list
was large; but, thanks to the zeal and efficiency
of Dr. Luther Hall, all came out right in the end.
Many incidents occurred on the march, some
amusing, others exciting, but for reasons before
given, we are compelled to omit them Buffalo
were scarce, the largest herds We saw not num-
bering over . hundred. We were, however, we'll
supplied with their meat.
No Indians were seen in all this long and rapid
march, although the evidences of their having
been recently about were evevwhere apparent.
Poorly mounted and lily armed, the militia were
in no condition to follow the Indians to their
haunts, and We can only account for their being
called away from their pressing needs at home
upon SO long and tedious q march BY the emer-
gency which was supposed to exist in 50 isrge q
uunber of trains being beseiged on Cow Greek.
We eaunot blame Major General Curtis for the
fruitless results Of this expedition, for he un-
doubleday supposed. ~ did majority ct our
citizens, that Indians would be found in less
than hundred miles Of this place. II called
upon again, We hope the militia will have ample
time to prepare for On, effective Indian campaign