The Richmond palladium. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1855-1875, 1870-07-23
WAYNE COUNTY, IND. JULY
ATHRILLING SCENE.

Yellowstone, May, H. says:
A party composed of Jules Far
rar, Pierre Bernard, Ike Hedges
George Henden, Crow Indian
and the undersigned, left thi:
place on the 18th of March. for {
trip to the almost unknown falls o.
the Yellowstone.
On the Cd OF April. about 10 A
NJ, we halted at the base of some
foot hills, there being some sign oi
gold, and commenced sinking 9
hole. We had not proceeded long
with our work before we were
startled by seeing our Crow Indi-
an running swiftly toward us. He
| reported q small band of Indians,
known as Sheep Eaters distant
about four miles above, and in the
same canaon. We felt no great
uneasiness, however, knowing full
we'll that with our improved fire
arms we would be enabled to over
come fifty of the sneaking red
devils.
The same night our pack-hors-
es, three in number, were run of
by the Sheep Eaters we started
in pursuit before day light, and
the sun was not more than fifteen
minutes high when we struck their
trail. From the appearance Of the
same, it Was evident that they had
at least four hours the start of US.
Upon questioning our guide, we
ascertained that the valley we
were in, and which their trail fol-
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 distant
above one Of the falls.
No sooner was this information
elected than away we sped in pur-
suit. A fter nearly three hours
sharp riding, we came upon a band,
and in such a manner as to cause
u some surprise, about midway in
IL stream, where could be seen a
hastily constructed raft, composed
of drift-wood joined together by
thongs made of buckskin and buff
falo robes. Upon this strange
craft were seen, in the centre. thlr-
teen braves, while five squaws
were essayiug to paddle toe un-
wieldly craft to the opposite shore,
with pieces of bark as substitutes
for paddles Our pack horses
were in the river, and also the In
dian ponies. Four of the latter
reached the opposite sh ore.
This strange sight bursting up
on our view rendered US, for the
time being incapable Of action
At glance we could see that they
were gradually going down stream,
despite the efforts of the squaws,
and although our senses for the
moment forsook US, the sharp
crack Of refle and the yell Of
Sheep Eater told that the equan>
unity Of our Grow guide was well
DIRE served. At this juncture Pier
re Bernard shouted out, 'For
Gods sake; boys, don't murder
them; they are bound to go over
the falls We looked out and
sight met our gaze which was fear
fully impressive.
The raft having been caught in
an eddy, not vestige of it was to
be seen, it having sunk several
inches below the surface, and the
Indians seemed to be like so many
weird spirits floating on the rush.
ing waters. One of the Indians
rose, ard, bending his bow, shot
our Crow through the arm. The
shot was returned, and again a
yell Of pain was heard proceeding
from a Sheep Eater, Bernard then
told the Crow, in his own dialect,
tb stop firing. but he paid no at
tention to the command. Again
he raised his rifle. but lariat
skillfully thrown by Pierre held
him fast The scene now presen-
ted was one which those who wit
messed it will not forget to their
dying day
The mid-channel, in which they
were now swiftly gliding down,
seemed to be clear of distractions,
while on either side jagged rocks
peered out from the foaming wa
ter. When about fifty yards be-
low where we were standing, an
old Indian arose and stood erect
in tue centre of circle of braves.
He spoke few words, turned his
face towards the sun and seeming
ly bade it farewell, then wrapping
his robe aroudd him he sat down.
The squaws Immediately flung
their pieces of bark into the river,
threw themselves on the submerg
ed raft and commenced pulling
out their long tresses, in the
meanwhile screaming and bowling
more like demons than human be-
ings.
Indians seated in the circle
shook hands, and then commenced
wailing their always mournful
death song. Nearer, nearer, they
approached the fearful abyss, still
not movement was perceptible
on the part Of the braves. They
sat as immovable as statues, and
did not quake with fear at the near
approach of the king Of Terrors.-
AS they shot swiftly down the
stream, our party instinctively
raised their hats while looking at
them, and I doubt if there was one,
except the Crow, who did not
show signs of visible emotion.
We turned from the spot with