Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1873-09-06
TELEGRAPH.
ESPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE GAZETTE.
The Fights with the Indians.

New YORK, Sept 6.-The official report OF
Gen, Gustav, of the Tongue River aud Big
Horn fights is published this morning The
first fight occurred on the 4th of August The
General says the superiority OF our enlmles 10
humber, the loug distance separating US from
the main command, and the belief afterwards
verified that the woods above concealed por-
ton of the savage forces, induced NE to confne
nv movements at first strictly to the defensive.
The Indians outnumbered our troops five TO
one Every available officer and man was III
the skirmish line, which was 10 reality our bat
tie line. The Indians displayed unusual bold
ness, frequently charging up the line and firing
with great deliberation aud accuracy The hight
beganal II: 30 a. m. and was waged without
cessation until o clock Finally charge was
their superiority in numbers, fled and were
driven peli nell three miles, ln their flight
the Indians threw away breech leaders, saddle
equipments, Clothes larriots and articles OF In
dian outfit So far rs the troops attacked were
concerned, the Indians, to offset their own
heavy losses had been able to do US no damage
except wound one man and two horses; but un-
fortunately two non combatants, veterinary
surgeon John Hausnger, of the 7th cavalry
and Mir. Baliran, of Memphis, Tenn, in en-
deavoring to come from the main command to
ioin the squadron in advance, were discovered
hv Indians during the attack, and being IN.
armcd were ovcrtaken and killed, almost with
in view of the battle ground. The battle OF
Big Horn took place on the llth OF August
when Indians appeared in strong force on the
river bank opposite to where Custar command
was encamped aud opened brisk IRE, BODIES
Of sayages at the same time crossing above and
below the troops. The command was properly
Ill lie hon
thing was in readiness for a general advance
charge was ordered aud squadron took the
gallon 70 the tune of Garry Owen" The In
dams had evidently come out prepared to do
their best and with no mlsglvlngs as to their
success as mounds and high bluffs beyond the
river were covered with groups OF squaws, old
men and children, who had collected there to
witness our obstruction. ln this Instance the
nroverbial power of music to soothe the savage
breast, utterly failed, for no sooner did the band
strike mn the cheering notes OF Garry owen
.nd the souadrops advance to charge, than the
Indians exhibited unmistakable signs OF commo-
ton and their resistance became more feeble,
uut;l finally satisfied Of the earnestness OF
onr attack thew turned their ponies heads and
bea a a disorderly flight. The chase was con-
timed with the utmost rigor until the Indians
we're completely dispersed and driven distance
Of nine miles from where the engagement took
place, aud they were forced D. back across the
Yellowstone. The last pony killed IN the hght
was shot fully eight miles from the point OF at
tack. The number of Indians opposed to US
has been estimated by various ottcers engaee11
as from 500 to 1000. My command numbered
$50 officers and men. Our Losses we're one
officer badly wounded, four men klllsu anu
three wounded, four horses killed ana 1our
wounded yu1 A careful investigation justlhes5 the
Statement Statement that both days battles, the Indians
losses will number forty warriors, while their
woundri on the opposite bank OF the river
NAV increase this number.