Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-08-31
INDIAN TERRITORY.
A FIGHT WITH INDIANS

Headquarters in field, Wichita agency, In
dian territory, via Caddo, 1. T., Aug. %.
The action at this point between hostile
klowas and Nocowees and companies c, Z,
l., and II, of the 10th U. S. cavalry, which
was opened here in the unauthorized squat
ter camp Of the latter tribe on Saturday last
continued after the fret complete scattering
OF all the indiana in series of attacks on the
line which Genl. Davidson had established,
about the agency on the bluffs in the rear
and on the line of Ouachita, below, varying
in their frequency and strength at intervals,
until daylight this morning The main OBJ
Ject was to wipe out the buildings and settle
ment of the agency, which would have re-
suited in great destruction of government
property. Attempts were made to effect this
BY setting fire to the prairie at different
points, which we'll nigh accomplished the pur-
pose, but through the tireless activity of Col.
Davidson, Col. James Dawson, and L. H.
Carpenter, with Maj Montgomery acting I'M
der his command, the fire was defeated by
the well directed efforts of the enlisted men,
and the building saved. Frequent sorties
were made by the indians in numbers ranging
from so to 500 along the line, but they were
driven back in great disorder by the cavalry
dismounted, who took position on the crest Of
Black Hills. One charge made by the COM
pany under command of Capt. L. II. Carpen-
ter, is deserving of especial mention, as it
occurred just in time to prevent an import
ant position being taken up in rear of the
centre of our position of the indians, and
which, if secured, must have resulted to the
troops and the agency in great loss and en-
barrassment. But Capt. Carpenters COM
pany arrived in the nick of time and anassed,
column of over $50 indians were sent flying
back in the most preciptate haste. So sud-
den and handsome was this movement that
magnificent war bonnet, worn by the Com
mander of the indian war band, was left on
the field.
The greatest confusion prevailed among the
Indians. Their killed and wounded were
taken off as usual, but with great risks by the
scamperng wretches. Thus far our loss is
Blackburn, Co. l., 10th Cavalry, shot
through the right arm; Louis Mack, Co. II,
10th Cavalry, q slight gun shot wound in the
right foot; private Frederick Robinson, Co.
I, 25th Infantry, shot through the left wrist
joint, wound severe; Adam Cook, Co. +,
10th Cavalry, shot behind the right shoulder,
severe. All are doing we'll. The number
of Indiacs killed by the fire of our troops,
which was rapid and effective, cannot be as
certained, owing to their arttul habit of
snatching their men from the field, but it is
known to be quite large. The Kiowa and
Naconee Indians murdered several white men
who were found on the prairie, and four of
| whom were brought in the following day for
burial. The horrible mutlstion of their bod
les forbids description. Besides the cutting
off Of their noses and ears and other disfig-
urements, their bodies were pierced through
and through by arrows
Prominent among those butchered was a
Mr.. Osborn, son-in-law of the veteran and
famous Delaware chief Black Beaver. Since
the cessation of the firing Gen. Davidson has
succeeded in effecting the return of the
friendly Indians to the reservation, viz
The Padios, Wichitas, Bentelpkas Co.
manches, and others, representing between
| 1900 and 1000 peaceable Indians who come
| to-day to have "big talk" before going to their
| former quarters. Gen. Davidson will pursue
| the hostile Indians wherever they 20 until
| signally punished or destroyed. He will
march with flying columns at once with ten
days rstions. Two additional companies of
25th U. S. infantry, who arrived this morning
will guard this place when he leaves. The
Indians have gone west from here to Rainy
| Mounting Creek or about it.