Tama County Republican. (Toledo, Tama County, Iowa) 1867-1872, 1870-06-23
A Thrilling Scene.

A letter to the Omaha Herald,
dated "Old Militia Camp, on the
Yellowstone, May H." says:
A party composed Of Jules Farrar
Pierre Bernard, Ike Hedges, George
Hcndcn, q Crow Indian, aud tho I'M
dcrsigncd, lett this place on the 18th
of March tor trip to the almost un
known tails OF the Yellowstone.
On the % Of April, about ten A. NJ,
we halted at the base OF some toot.
hills. there being some signs OF gold,
and commenced sinking u hole. We
had not proceeded long with our
work before we were startled by see
ing our Crow Indian running swiftly
toward us. He reported 4 small
band of Indians, known rs "Shcep
Eaters distant about four miles
above, and III the same canon. We
felt no great uneasiness, however,
knowing fall well that with our i'm.
proved fire arms we would be en-
abled to overcome fifty OF the sneak
ing red devils.
The same night our pack.horses,
three III number were run off by
tho "Sheep Eaters we started in
pursuit before daylight, and the sun
was not moro than fifteen minutes
high, when we struck their trail.
From the appearance Of the same, II
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 followed, was borlered on
both sides by prcciptons mountains,
and there was no possible mode OF
cgrcss save by the upper end OF the
valley, which opened to the Yellow
stone but a short distance above one
Of 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 rs to cause us some
surprise, about midway in the stream,
where could bc seen hastily con-
s.ructed raft. composed OF DRIFT wood
joined together by thongs made of
buckskin and buffalo robes.
Upon this strange craft were seen in
the center thirteen braves, while five
squaws were essaying to paddle the
mnwieldy craft to the opposite shore,
with pieces OF bark as substitutes ior
paddles. Our pack horses were in
tho 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 timo
being, incapable Of action. At
.glanc. we could see that they were
gradually going down stream, despite
Tho efforts of the s1uaws, and al
though our senses for the moment
forsook us, the sharp crack Of Il rifle
and the yell OF Sheep Stcalcr"
told that the equanimity of our Grow
guido was well preserved. At this
iuncturc Pierre Barnard shouted out,
"For Gods sake, boys, don't murder
them. they arc bound to so over the
falls" We looked, and a sight met
our gazc which was teartully irnpres.
sive.
The raft having been caught in an
eddy, not 4 vcst,gc Of it was to be
seen. it having sunk several inches
Lelow tho surface, and tho Indians
seemed to DO like SO many weird
spirits floating on the rushing waters.
Ole OF tho Indians rose, and 'bcniing
his bow. shot our Cow through tho
arm. The shot was returned, and
again yell Of pain WAS heard pro.
ooeiiHg fran "Shesp Eater" Bur.
nard then told tho Grow, in his own
.lialyct. 70 stop firing but he paid no
attention 70 the command. Again
he raised his ritl.,, bnt larlat skill
fully thrown by Pierre held him fast.