Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-01-02

Field Correspondence of the N. Y. Herald.

Field C0rronp0nQence OF tns N. l. uofaiu.l
During the first few days of the cap
tivity OF the squaws of Black Kettles
band Of Cheyennes there was consldera-
BILE anxiety felt by them. They all ex-
pected they were to be killed in retalia-
ton of the atrocities committed by their
band. At first the wounded ones refused
to 20 to the hospital, fearing they were
the first singled out for vengeance. The
soldiers talking to each other NOT. in
tones the most gentle and euphonious
aud in Language they did not under
stand, they construed it into contro-
versy as to when and how they we're to
be disposed Of
In constant dread of what disposition
was to be made of them, several of the
suuaws visited General Sheridan's inter-
prefer, Mr.. Curtis, and asked him wheth-
err they were all to be killed. When
assured that the white man did not kill
women and children for what the warriors
did, they felt materially relieved. Since
then the wounded squaws have appeared
more lively, and exhibit an unusual feel
ing of gratitude for the kind treatment
they have been receiving. This feeling
they manifest by shaking hands with the
surgeon whenever he visits them. The
most remarkable instances of fortitude
are exhibited in the cases of the wounded
Indian children. The desperation of the
fighting at the battle of tho Washita, on
the part of the savages, may be judged
from the fact that no male prisoners
were taken over eight years old, the rest
taking up arms and joining in the fight
There are now in hospital several
very young boys and girls badly.
wounded, but from not q single one OF
them has come the slightest audible indi-
cation of their suffering; yet the ex-
preston of their face, the wild glance OF
their eyes, betray that they do suffer.
During such painful operations as prob
ing and cleansing out their wounds,
placing the thumb on one temple and
stretching the hand across the forehead,
fixing the second finger on the temple,
opposite, they close their eyes and pa
tiently submit to such operations as the
teachings of surgery require. One little
girl about six years OF age has bullet
through her body, on the left side, and
yet she sits up and makes no complaints.
All the wounded squaws and children
rode in on their ponies, refusing TO have
anything to do with ambulances. An
other singular feature in the wounded is
the peculiarly offensive odor the slough
ing wounds.
The well squaws are still encamped
with the cavalry, and seem to be contented
with their lot. The male children amuse
themselves throwing reeds, as if they
were spears, at different objects, thus
displaying the cultivation of their ex-
banding merit as future warriors.
Among the trophies brought in was q
handsome lodge, which belongs to Gen.
Gustav. To-day this was unloaded from
the wagon, and having sent for several
souaws, the General had the lodge put
up in true Indian style, This is part Of
the duties of the squaws, and in q very
few minutes they displayed their pro-
ficiency to On extent which surprised
every one. The lodge Is Of skins and
perfectly white. Il is not at all surpris'
ing that the loss of their lodges is looked
upon BY the savages as so great
calamity.
The number of skins, the proper tan
ming Of them, fitting and stitching them
together, constitute evidently labor and
expense of considerable magnitude. In
setting up lodge, the squaws get round
with the lodge poles 10 their hands theee
they lock at the upper extremitiea and
set them in position, forming the skele-
ton of the lodge. The lodge skin, one
end attached to pole, is laid in an up
right position against the lodge poles
already up; the skin is then unroled and
wrapped around the outside, over the
lodge poles The ends are then fastened
with thongs, leaving an aperture about
three feet high for an entrance, and at
the top for the egress of tbs smoke,
The captives, sick and well, have not
lost appetite or flesh since In our hands.
Their capacities for slowing away food
are truly amazing. Hard tack to them is
a great luxury, aud old and young, sick
and well, devour it with all the relish of
The choicest and richest cake.