New-York tribune., 1874-11-30
PROF. MARSH'S EXPEDITION.
A VALUABLE COLLECTION OF FOSSILS
SECURED.

SECURED.
THE EXPEDITION CLOSELY WATCHED BY THE INDIANS,
AND THREATENED WITH AN ATTACK-THE BAD
LANDS EXPLORED-Two TONS OF FOSSIL BONES,
INCLUDING MANY RARE SPECIMENS COLLECTED.
[FRoM AN OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE
FORT LARAMIE Nov. 29.-Prof. Marsh and party
returned here to-day from the Bad Lands, south of
the Black Hills. Notwithstanding unusually severe
weather and resistance from hostile Indians, the
explorations attended with complete success.
The opposition to the expedition mentioned in pre-
vious dispatches from Red Cloud Agency, was par
TALLY overcome. A reluctant consent was obtained
by means of o feast and numerous presents given
by the professor to Red Cloud and his principal
chiefs. The consent was accompanied, however, by
a distinct warning that the Minneconjons and
Uncpapas would certainly attack the party if it
crossed the White River So great, indeed, was the
dread Of these and other Northern Indians that
every of the Ogaalla scouts, half-breed inter
preters and guides refused at the last moment to
accompany the expedition. Tired of delay and dis
gusted with the Indian councils, Prof. Marsh de-
termined to wait no longer. The expedition started
by night, crossed White River, and before the
Sioux were aware of its departure the party
was on the way to the Bad Lands. This stolen
march was discovered. the news spread rapidly
from Indian village to village, and long before the
destination was reached or work begun Indian SEN
tinels on the neighboring hills closely watch
ing the movements of the party. For daysthis vig-
lance was not relaxed, until finding that the party
wanted the fossil bones of the Bad Lands and not
the gold of the Black Hills, few of the more ven
tureSome Indians came into camp with protesations
of friendship. few nights later q party,
possibly including previous guests, at
tempted to surprise the camp, but were
prevented by the watchfulness of the guards.
Some days afterward two chiefs, Spider and Sword.
the brothN- and son-in-law Of Red Cloud, who had
been present at the council feast and several fol-
lowers came to camp to tell us that large war
party of Northern Indians approaching and
would probably attack US that night. They urged
an immediate departure and promised to aid us if
molested on our journey. The scientific work was
not finished and believing the danger 10 be exag-
gerated, Prof Marsh decided to remain, making
every preparation in his power to repel attack,
which fortunately did not come.
The weather, meantime, was very severe, the ther-
mOmeter being for several days below zero, accom-
panied with cutting winds, which made work In the
field matter of great hardship. The fossil beds
explored were of the'miocene age, and, though lin
tied in extent proved to be rich beyond expectation.
Nearly two tons of fossil bones collected most
of them rare specimens, and many unknown to
science These remains all of tropical animals,
entombed in the bed of an ancient lake. Some OF
them are as large elephants Others allied to
the camel. the IhinOceros. and the horse This
collection. one Of the finest ever made in the West,
goes to Yale College, and when fully described by
Prof Marsh will settle many doubtful points in
paleontology, and add an important chapter to the
science. The researches resulted also i'll new
geological information in regard to the subdivisions
of the tertiary and their geographical extent. The
success of the eyDeditiOn WAS largely due to Major
Burt and Lieut.. Carpenter. 9th Infantry, who COM
manded the escort Prof Marsh will remain as
Gen. Bradlcy's guest, aud leaves for the East Oh
Tuesday