The New York herald., 1872-10-30
INDIAN MURDERERS CAPTURED.
Bannack Indians Attack a Party
of HOspitable Miners.
One Miner Killed and Two Wounded-Uncle
Sans Retaliation-Troops from Fort Hall
Surround the Indians by Night end
Capture the Murderers- Red
skins Frightened and Anxious.
FORT HALL, Oct. II, 1872
(CAMP U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

(CAMP U. S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
In the middle of June last three miners, named
CapfAsn ellis and Nelson, left Boise City, the capt.
tai Of Idaho Territory for Ross Fork, near Snake
River, and thence TO Montana Territory by the
stage road, to continue their prospecting after the
much coveted metal. Journeying across the sage
covered plain, with thought or danger, they ap'
preached the foot hills OF the Salmon River Noun
tans and continued along their base, when, about
fifty miles from the Indian Agency for the Shoshone
Snake) and Bannack tribes they fell In with party
Of the latter tribe starting on hunting and fishing
trip. This meeting occurring towards sundown,
they inquired OF Pagwyte, the Chief where they
could find good camping ground for the night.
lie pointed to a ravine about q mile distant and
said his boys were "Heap' "How," which
is the Ango-Indian for very sociabe, the
first word being used on oil occasions
to express quantity or number, while the latter is
the universal form Of sautation. The hunters con-
tinued their way, and the miners, arrived at the
designated spot, made preparations to camp.
While these were in progress four Indians rode up,
apparently on the road to overtake the main party
ahead, and, stopping to rest, were invited 10 par
take OF supper, which was now ready, and the in
vitation was willingly accepted. Turning their
horses loose, with the 'larats" on the party
sat down, and one Of the Indians speaking English
quite well the meal to all appearances was Heap,
how" The hosts little suspecting the deep treach-
cry Of their guests, went out to assist them in
catching their horses, which had become mingled
with those OF the miners. No sooner were they be-
yond the glare OF the fire, and presenting clear
mark at which to aim than the
INDIANS QUICKLY LET LOOSE UPON THEM
with their revOlvers, killing Chapman at the first
fire. Nelson and Gillis ran for their pistols, but
the former was shot in the side while running and
crawled into the brush. Glllis also succeeded In
secretng himself and got away over the noun
tains. The Indians, after a short hunt, gave up
the further search and rode OF, driving the miners
horses with them. Nelson and Glis were sepa-
rate for two days, but both succeeded in reaching
the stage road the former in very exhausted
condition, suffering much from his wound. Pro-
to report the attacS and Obtain medical assistance
for poor Nelson, whose sufferngs increased, as the
ball was not yet extracted. When placed In the hos
pial his pain was soon relieved and in ten days he
was able to be out congratulating himself on his
lucky escape from such treachery and so great dan
Immediately detailed First Lieutenant King, with an
escort to visit the scene OF the massacre to obtain
nd wma, he sh 20 ane af
and dusty march OF 100 miles he arrived at the spot
and found the body OF Chapman, lying lace down
wards, at the edge OF the stream; but whether he
he could not determine; The body was buried and
being hopeless, ten days already having elapsed
since the foul deed was committed The move
mentS oil the tribe, however, nave been carefully
watched by Mr.. High, the agent; aud upon their
return to the agency about ten days ago, to OBJ
tain their annuites which issued at this time of
the year, he sent to Fort Hall for military aid in
ARREsTTNG THE MURDERERs
Captain Putnam entrusted the execution OF this
command to Second Lieutenant Wilson, with de-
tachtnent OF twelve men and two sergeants. On
Sunday last there was an evidence OF something
being on foot by the busy appearance presented at
the post. though all was conducted with the great
est secrecy. Your correspondent, learning that
someting was in the wind, called upon Lieutenant
wilson and asked permission TO accompany the
scout, and being referred to Captain Putnam the
request was kindly granted. Midnight was ap-
pointed the time of setting out and while wait
ing for It's arrival the sound OF galoping horse.
man was heard approaching the fort. This proved
TO be the surgeon from the agency, bearing
despatch from Mr.. High that the Indians had rot
wind Of the movement and the force must be in
creased. The writer was authorized to raise vol
unteers from our camp OF the United states Geolog-
ical survey ana four were obtained and ordered
TO report 10 the sergeant for horses and arms. At
little
BEFORE MIDNIGHT THE pARry ASSEMBLED
In the corral, and at twelve precisely with mill.
tary precision, we trooped out through the gate,
the lieutenant and surgeon leading next six
mounted iniantrymen, then the Geological volun-
teers, also mounted, and eight soldiers slowed In
the wagon taken TO convey the prisoners In the
event OF their capture. As the party over the
divide, on quick trot separating the pretty little
valley, named after our martyred President, tho
moon sh0nc full on the white buildings OF the fort
nestled under the hills and formed beautiful pic
ture with It's s0fteninR light march Of fifteen
miles, occupying iour hours brought us to Ross
light as day, and being attended with little ex-
citemeDt, made the ride truly enjoyable. At this
poiGt most OF the horses were turned into the
corral, the party proceeding mae on
at slow walk TO avoid noise. Here
we were Joined by MIR. High. with eight men. con.