Elizabeth daily monitor. [volume] (Elizabeth, N.J.) 1868-1880, 1868-12-08
Tele0raras.


2btl inst. tins command, comprising
Ii troops of the It'll Cavalry struck the
trail of an Indian war party numbering
about 100 warriors The trail was not
quite "a hours old, and was first dis
covered near the point where the Texas
boundary line crosses the Canadian
river The direction was toward the
south east The ground being covered
by over II inches of snow. no difficulty
was experienced III following the trail,
q vigorous pursuit was at once institu-
ted Wagons. tents, and all other i'm
Dediments to a rapid march, Were aban
S2ooed. From daylight until 8 o'clock
at night the pursuit was unchecked.
Horses and men were then allowed one
tlour for refreshment, and at 10 p. m.
she march was resumed and continued
until 80 u. m. when orr Usage trail
'ers reported q village within less than
Ia mile from oar advance The column
was countcrmarched, and Withdrawn
to retired point TO prevent discovery.
After reconnoitering with all the officer
Of his command the location of the vii
Mage, which was situated in strip of
heavy timber. | divided the command
anto four columns of nearly equal
strength the first consisting OF three
companies under Major Elliott, was to
attack in the timber from below the
village the second column, under
Xieutensnt-Col. Myers, was to move
down the Washita and attack in the
timber from above Breyet Col. Thomp-
sea. in command of the third column,
YVES to attack from the crest north Of
eIle village while the fourth column
was to charge to villihge from the crest
overlooking it, on the left bank of the
Washita. The hour at which the four
columns were to charge simultaneously
was the first dawn of day, and notwith-
standing the fact that two of the col
umns were compelled to march several
snles to reach their positions, three OF
Shem made the attack so near together
Us to make it appear like one charge -
The other column was only few mo-
uents late. There never was more
complete surprise. Ny men charged
Eae village, and reached the lodges be-
fore tie Indians were aware of our pre-
;yauce.' The moment the charge was or
14ered. the band struck up "Gmry
Gwen" and with cheers that strongly
reminded me of scenes during the war,
every trooper led by his officer, rushed
toward the village. The Indians were
canght mapping for once, and the war
xiors rushed from their lodges and
xsosted themselves behind trees and III
the deep ravines, from which they be-
gun most determined defence. The
hodges and all their contents were in
our possession within few minutes al
ter the charge was ordered but the
zeal fighting, such as has rarely, if ev
:. er, been equaled in Indian warfare, be-
gan when attempting to clear out, OF
Kill the warriors posted in ravines4 OF
underbrush charge after charge was
made, anG most calamity, too but the
Indians had resolved to sell their lives
us dearly as possible. After desper-
ate conflict Of several hours, our efforts
were crowned with the most complete
and gratifying success, The entire vii
iage, numbering At lodges Of ''Black
Ketfle's" band Of Cheyennes, two
lodges Of Arapahoes, and two lodges OF
$sioux-5l lodges in all, under com
uand of their principal chief, 'Black
Kettle" into orr hands. BY
strict and careful examination after the
battle, the following figures give some
Of the fruits of our victory The In
&Iians left on the ground and III our
possession the bodies of lob of their
warriors, including ''Black Kettle"
himself, whose scalp is now in the pos
session OF one OF our Usage guides =
We captured in good condition S75
horses, ponies, and mules; 24l saddles,
some of very fine and costly workman
ship. 523 buffalo-robes, 30 axes, l40
hatchets, 35 revolvers, AZ rifles, 535
pounds OF powder, 1850 pounds OF
lead, 1000 arrows 80 bullet molds, 30
bows and quivers, u shields, 300
pounds of bullets, IT'S lariats, $40 buck
.skin saddle-bags, 40 blankets, 90 coats
80 Aslo In addition