Wyandot County Republican. [volume] (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) 1869-1903, 1870-07-01
ATHRILLING SCENE.
Eighteen Indians Carried Over
the Falls in the Yellowstone
River and Dashed to Pieces.

VnC sbllS LII VIC Ct1O ONSIohS
River and Dashed to Pieces.
A letter to the Omaha Herald, t
dated cold Militia Camp, on the
Y Yellowstone, May H. says:
. A party composed of Jules Farra,
Pierre Bernard, Ike Hedges, Geo.
Aenden, a Grow Indian, and the un-
dersigned, left this place on the 18th
of March, for trip to the almost
unknown falls of the Yellowstone
On the second Of April, about 10
A. NJ, we halted at the base of some
hills, there being some signs
of gold, and commenced sink
ing hole. We had not proceeded
long with our work before we were
startled by seeing our Crow Indian
running swiftly toward US. He re-
ported small band of Indians,
known as "Sheep Eaters distant
about four miles above, and in the
same canyon. We felt no greet un-
easiness, however, knowing full well
that with our improved firearms we
would be enabled to overcome fifty
of the sneaking red devils.
The same night our pack hor
ses, three in number, were run off
by the ''Sheep Eaters;'' we started
in pursuit before daylight, and the
sun was not more than fifteen min
utes' high when we struck the trail.
From the appearance of the same,
it was evident that they had at least
four hours start of US. From ques-
tioning our guide, we ascertained
that the valley we were in, and
which their trail followed was bor-
lowed, was bordered on both sides
by precipitous mountains, and there
was no possible mode Of egress
save by the upper end of the valley,
which opened to the Yellowstone
but short distance above the falls.
No sooner was this information
elected than away we sped in pur
suit. After nearly three hours
sharp riding, we came upon the
band, and in such a manner as to
cause us some surprise, about mid
way in the stream, were could be
seen a hastily constructed raft, COM
posed Of drift-wood joined together
by thongs made of buckskin and
buffalo robes. Upon this strange
craft were seen, in the center, thir-
teen braves, while five squaws were
essaying to paddle the unwieldy
craft to the opposite shore, with
pieces Of bark as substitutes for
paddles. Our pack-horses were in
the river, and also were the Indian
ponies Four of the latter reached
the opposite shore.
This strange sight bursting upon
our view rendered US, for the time
being, incapable of action. At a
glance we could see that they were
gradually going down stream, des-
pite the efforts of the squaws, and
although our senses for the moment
forsook us, the crack Of rifle ard
the yell of ''Sheep Eater told
that the equanimity of our Crow
guide was well preserved. At this
juncture Piere Bernard shouted out,
For Gods sake, boys, don't mur
der them they are bound to go
over the falls We looked, and a
sight met ourSgaze which was fear
fully impressive.
The taft having been caught in an
eddy, not vestage of it was to be
seen, it having sunk several inches
below the surface, and the Indians
seemed to be like so NANNY wierd
spiritsfoating on the rushing waters.
One of the Indians rose, and bend
ing his bow, shot our Crow through
the arm. The shot was returned,
and again yell was heard pro-
ceeding from a "Sheep Eater"
Bernard then told the Crow,in his
owndialect,to stop firing, but he paid
no attention to the command.
Again he raised his rifle, but lari-
at skillfully thrown by Pierre held
him fast. The scene now presented
was one which those who witnessed
will not forget to their dying
day
The mid-channel, in which they
were now swiftly gliding down,
seemed to be clear of Instructions,
while on either side jagged rocks
peered out from the forming water.
When about fifty yards below where
we were standing, an old
Indian arose and stood erect in the
center of circle of braves. He
| cn Ia ~ fo Ic nI h 70 NJ
toward the sun and seemingly bade
it farewell, then wrapping his robe
around him he sat down. The
squaws Immediately flung their
pieces of bark into the river, threw
themselves on the submerged raft
and commenced pulling out their
long tresses, in the meanwhile
screaming and bowling more like
demons than human beings.
Indians seated in the circle shook
hands, and commenced wailing their
always mornful death-song. Nearer
nearer, they approached the fearful
abyss; still not movement was
perceptible on the part of the braves.
They sat as movable as statues, and
did not quake with fear at the near
approach of the King Of 1errors.
As they shot swiftly down the stream
cur party instinctively raised their
hats while looking at them, and l
doubt if there was one, except the
Grow, who did not show signs of
visible emotion.
We turned from the spot with indies
crihable feelings. AS We take our