New Orleans Republican. [volume] (New Orleans, La) 1867-1878, 1870-06-19
DAARED TO DEATH.
Eighteen yndlans Carried Over the Falli
-. ~ Of the Yellow stone.

Eighteen INDIANS Carried Over the Falls
s vi Of the Yellow ssene. 81. b..
A correspondent Of the Helena Mon
tana) Herald thus describes thrilling
scene on the Yellowstone river: ~ ,.,.a
After nearly three hours sharp riding we
came upon the band, and in such man.
ner as to cause us some surprise, about
midway ia the stream, where could be seen
hastily constructed raft, composed of
drift wood joined together by thongs
made of buckskin and buffalo robes.
Upon this strange craft we're seen in the
centre thirteen braves, while five squaws
were essayiug to paddle the unwieldy craft
to the opposite shore, with pieces Of bark
as substitutes for paddles. Our pack
horses were in the river, as also were the.
Indian ponies. Four Of the latter reached
the opposite shore. .s...s ia g. ..-.,
This strange sight bursting upon our
view rendered US, for the time being. in
capable of action. At glance we could
see that they were gradually going down
stream, despite the efforts OF the sGuaws,
and although our senses for. the moment
forsook ne, the sharp crack Of q rifle and
the yell of 'Sheep-eater, told that the
equanimity of our Crow guide was well
preserved At this juncture Pierre Ber-
nard shouted out, "For Gods sake, boys,
don't murder them; they are bound to go
over the falls" We looked. and sight
met our gaze which was fearfully impress
sive. a r. .l.-. 10y .tsy
The raft having been caught in an
eddy, not a 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
rushing waters. One Of the Indians rose,
and bending his bow shot our Grow
through the arm. The shot was returned,
and again yell of pain was heard plo-
ceediag from a "Sheep-eater." Bernard
then told the Crow, in his own dialect, to
stop firing, but he paid no attention to
the command. Again he raised his rifle,
but lariat skilfully thrown by Pierre
held him fast. The scene now presented
was one which those who witnessed will
not forget to their dying day. ,......
The id-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
water. When about fifty yards below
where we were standing, an old Indian
arose and stood erect in the centre of q
circle of braves. He spoke few words,
turned his face toward the sun, and seem
ingly babe it farewell; then wrapping his
robe around him, be sat down. The
squaws Immediately flung their pieces of
bark into the river, threw themselves on
the submerged raft, and commenced pull
ing out their long tresses in the meantime
screaming and bowling more like demons
than human beings. .E 49, 1T
Indians seated in the circle then shook
hands, and then commenced wailing their
always mournful death song. Nearer,
nearer they approached the fearful abyss;
still not a movement was perceptible on
the part of the braves. They sat as i'm
movable 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 our
hats while looking at them, and I doubt if
there was one, except the Grow, who did
not show signs of visible emotion.
How singular, was it not? Before us
were our enemies, who, but short time
ago we would have gladly killed in fight,
but now whose near approach to death
touches our very hearts with mingled feel.
ings of tenderness, sorrow and pity. 4
few moments, and wonderful to state, the
raft, without losing single piece, goes
intact, with its freight of life, over the aw-
full brink and into the mouth of death.
We turn from the spot with indescribable
feelings. As we take our last look at the
treacherous stream. where eighteen NOR
tails passed from life to death, we discern
lowering over the fatal precipice two large
eagles, whose screams resound above the
noise Of the waters. The roar of the cata-
ract aud the eagles' screams-what fit
requiem for these departed red children!
Strings OF email silver bells are, worn