The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1868-12-03
TEE PLAINS.
GEN C'UsTAR's ENGAGEMENT AND VICTORY ON
THE wASHITA RIVER.

In THE FIELD, Fort Wolf and Beavers,
Nov %, via Fort Dodge, Kansas, Dec. l. 1868
The presence of Major Gen. Sheridan in the
very heart of the scene of operations against
the Indians resulted in activity which is
the universal characteristic of his military ca
reer. Twenty-four hours had not elapsed
since his arrival there, on Nov. 23d, before day
light, in the midst of snow storm, when Gen.
Custar " it'll eleven companies of the 9TH U. s.
cavalry left this point under orders to move
against the hostile savages in the direction of
Washita river and mountains, and attack them
wherever found. After five days march Gen.
Gustav struck a village of the hostile Indians,
consisting of forty-seven lodges of the Black
Kettle band of Cheyennes, two lodges of Ara
pahoes, and two lodges of Sioux. These were
afterwards reinforced by the Riowas, who were
near by. The attack commenced on the morn
ing of the 9th, and lasted until afternoon, re-
sulting in the destruction of the village, the
killing of 103 warriors and the capture of sup
plies to an immense amount. The casualties
are Major Geo. L. II. Elliot, Capt. Louis M.
Hamilton and nineteen enlisted men killed
and wounded and Brevet Lieut.. Col. Albert
Barritz, captain 9TH cavalry, supposed NOR
tally, and Brevet Lieut.. Col. I. w. Gustav and
I'd Lieut.. j. NJ. Marsh, slightly wounded; also
men. Col. Benton had horse shot under
him. Gen. Gustav returns here, will reft and
again take the field.
WASHINGTON, Dec. Authorization has been
received from Kansas that SherdanS forces
are moving from New Mexico, Fort Hayes and
four other points, in separate columns to the
southern country, where the climate is mild,
and to which the Indians are resorting for a
wipEer soiourn. Gen. Sheridan is establish
ing base of supplies on Canadian river. The
indications are that his plan of operations will
be successful, and the Indians be summarily
punished.
Indian Agent Winkoop is apprehensive that
innocent Indians will suffer in the campaign,
as no discrimi nation can be made by the COM
manding General.
OFFICIAL REPORT.
ST. LOUIS, Dec. 2-The following official re-
port of the recent Indian battle has been re-
oeived at military headquarters:
In the Field, Department Of North Canadian
River, at Junction Of Beaver Greek, Indian Ter
ritory, NoU. 29.-To Maj. Gen. w. A. Nichols,
a. A. G., Military Department of the Nilsson
ri.-General: have the honor to report for the
information of the Lieutenant General the fol-
the d Of olasFss5d b y apd
coed. with eleven companies of the 18th Caval-
nv, in a southerly direction towards the Ante
lope hills in search Of hostile Indians. On the
18th he struck the trail Of a war party of Black
Kettles band returning from the north, near
where the eastern line of the Panhandle of
Texas crossed the main Canadian. He at once
correlled his wagons and followed in pursuit
over to the headwaters of the Washita. thence
down the stream, and on the morning of the
9th surprised the camp OF Black Kettle, and
after desperate fight, in which Black Kettle
was assisted by the Arrapahoes, under Little
Raven, aud the Kiowas, under Santanta. We
captured the entire camp, killing Chief Black
Kettle and 102 warriors, whose bodies were left
on the field All their stock, ammunition
arms, lodges and 30 women and their children
were c ptured. Our loss was: Major Elliot,
Capt Hamilton and nineteen enlisted men,
killed; Brevet Lieut.. Col. Barnett, Brevet
Lieut. Col j. W. Gustav, ID Lieut.. a. Marsh
and eleven enlisted men, wounded.
Little Ravens band of Arapahoes and So
nanta's band of Kiowas were encamped six
miles below Black Kettles camp. About
eight or nine hundred of the animals captured
were shot, the balance being kept for military
purposes
The highest credit is due Gen. Gustav an
his command Chey started in furious snow
storm and travelled all the while in the snow
Sbout twelve inches deep. Black Kettles and
Little Ravens families are among the prison.
ers. It was Black Kettles band that commit
ted the first depredations on the Saline and
Solomon rivers in Kansas The Kansas regi
ment has lust come in. They missed the trai
and had to struggle in the snow storm. The
horses suffered much in fesh and the men
were living on buffalo meat and other game
for eight days. We will soon have them in
good condition. If we can get one or two
more good blows there will be no more Indian
troubles in my department. We will bf
pinched in ability. to obtain supplies, and ma
tura will present many difficulties in our win
ter operations, but we have stout hearts ant
will do our best. Two white children were re
captured. One white woman and boy tel
years old were brutally murdered by the In
dian women when the attack commenced
(Signed) P. III. SHERIDAN,
Major General Commanding.