American citizen. [volume] (Canton, Miss.) 1864-1890, 1876-10-07

TO the BLACK Hilis-Thtrteen Days on
the Prairies, with a Pack of Indians mt
His Heels His Hairbreadth Escape
from "A Dozen Blood-Thirsty savages.
[From the New York SUM-
DEADwooD (Black Hills), Sept. T.
After thirteen days horseback riding
through heat, cold and rain, during
which l passed several peaceable reds,
had few scrimmages and flights from
hostile ones, became lost in the great
wilds, exhausted my scant supply of ra-
tons, enjoyed not over four hours
sleep day, and those lying upon the
rough sands of the prairie, and thou
sand other little "episodes," yesterday
entered this classic burgh of 8, 600 souls,
more or less-probably less-with a
horde of Indians not very far from my
heels. The sight of friendly white
face, the sound of a human voice other
than my own, and the rest that re-
ceived, were duly appreciated, I can as
sure YOU; and now, when I can look
back on the fool-hardy trip and the
weary experiences of the weary two
weeks, 1 can and do earnestly non-con-
cur in Uncle Horace's advice to "Go
West" There certainly is nothing that
would induce me to repeat the trip un-
der the same circumstances. 1 will not
occupy space concerning much of my
journey, as find it difficult to pen a
correct sentence, my prostration is SO
great.
1 left Fort Sully on Aug. 25s traveling
by day until the night Of the 2sth, and
then, the moon seeming favorable, I
struck out by its light, following the
valley or low lands that border upon
the Moreau River. was heading north
west, direct for Montana and Crooks
army, and had averaged, shSald say,
forty or fifty miles day. Up to this
time had met no human being, friend
or foe, or seen evidence of Indians ex-
cept the debris of several wagons, evil
IDENTIFY destroyed Intentionally by some
persons. While galloping along that
night 1 saw the forms of half dozen
horsemen, Indians, 1 supposed, outlined
upon the horizon as they slowly passed
upon the high grounds at my right. 1
refined in the Duke, and in the shelter
ing darkness of the low lands, with rifle
at "ready," sat until the mysteri-
GUS cavalcade was far to my rear. This
was the first &c meet" but as I pro-
crossed 1 became convinced that the
plains over which must needs go were
alive with savages.
DANGEROUS GROUND.
The next day 1 discovered many
trails running in every direction, saw
signs of recent encampments, and once
or twice saw ponies grazing in the
distance, but by making wide detours 1
passed all obstacles, If any there were
in the way, and went into camp upon
the banks of little unknown stream.
There, sheltered by thick bushes,I slept
for an hour or so, until was awakened
by the restlessness of my horse. On
accommodating, saw no less than a
dozen Indians in a group upon the
bluff, not 800 yards away. Ishastily
frightened my saddle girt, seized my
rifle, mounted, and awaited develop
ments. The reds had evidently follow
ed my trail thus far, and, concluding
that I had crossed the. stream at that
point, were in consultation as to their
course of action. They remained upon
the bluff for several minutes, and then
slowly made toward me. They were
mounted upon fat little ponies, and
were armed some with rifles, others
with long bows and arrows.
To retreat was for me impossible
My only chance of escape lay in gain
ing the south bank of the stream, and
then to lead a chase. Time was
precious. took in the situation 1t q
glance, and clapping my heels to my
horses tanks and lying low upon his
neck, went forward with bound after
bound into the shallow water and
through it, and reached the land be-
yond. The Indians discovered my
presence at the start, and with yelIs
that fairly curdled my blood gave in
slant pursuit. had good lead, the
best horse, was well armed, and had but
little fear of my pursuers, but was in
great dread of running into some other
band of wanderers. Still had to run
my chances. Up the sloping prairie we
went, the Duke and gaining at every
leap, and when I-reached the crest 1
stopped to take survey Of the dis
tance. Nothing but one expanseS of
rolling sand land reaching as far as
vision fell upon the eye, but behind
came tearing up the hill with hideous
cries and terrible antics the bleodthirs-
ty savages.i They swung around in
their peculiar circular style of approach
ing an enemy, and endeavored to hem
me in, but before they could accom-
plish their purpose the Duke was away
like the wind, and his rider chuckling
in defiance and absolute glee. could
not resist the temptation to hay the
first shot, SO when was at a safe dis
lance, wheeled around, and, aiming
at the foremost savage, fired. My
/" bead' must have been a large one,
for the bullet was Ineffective, and not
caring to waste time or add to the alarm
1 resumed my fight, and did not stop
for half an hour, at which time l was
again alone upon the prairie,s the enc
my having given up in disgust. 1
changed direction to the north, re-en-
tered the unknown stream, and, follow
ing the center thereof for two miles, re-
turned to the south bank and continued
nv Journey until I found n suitable