The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1876-07-20
II THE SIOUX.

lfrom n paper in July Galaxy, by zen. u. Al Custer-I
A few moments found us in
our saddles, sallying forth to try cenclu-
sions with the daring intruders. We
could only see a halfdozen Sioux war
riors ~galloping up and down in our front,
boldly challenging us by their manner
to attempt their capture or death. Of
course it was an easy matter to drive
them away, but as we advanced, it be-
came noticeable that they retired, and
when we halted or diminished our speed,
they did likewise. 1t was apparent from
the first that the Indians were resorting
to stratagem to accomplish that which
they could not do by open or direct
attack. Taking twenty troopers with
me, headed by Colonels Custer and Cal
houn, and directing Maylon to keep
within supporting distance with the re-
mainder, | followed the retreating Sioux
up the valley. but with no prospect of
oyertaking them, as they were mounted
on the heetest ponies. Thinking to tempt
them within our grasp, ], being mounted
on a Kentucky thoroughbred, in whose
speed and endurance / had confidence,
directed Colonel Custer to allow me to
approach the Indians, accompanied only
by an orderly, who was also well
mounted; at the same time to follow us
cautiously at a distance of a couple of
hundred Yards. The willy redskins were
not to be caught by any such a%rtiice.
They were perfectly willing that my
orderly and myself should approach
them, but at the same time they care
fully watched the advance of the cavalry
following me, and permitted no advan-
tage. We had by this time almost ar
rived abreast of an immense tract
of timber growing in the valley, and ex-
tending to the waters edge, but distant
from our resting place, from which we
had been so rudely aroused, about TIVE
miles.
The route taken by the Indians, and
which they evidently intended us to fol
low, led past this timber, but not through
it. When we had arrived almost oppo
site the nearest point, l signaled to the
cavalry to halt, which was no sooner
done than the Indians also came to &
halt. / then made the sign to the lattel
to parley, which was done simply by
riding my horse in a circle. To this thu
savages only responded by looking on il
silence for a few moments, then turning
their ponies and moving off slowly, as i
to say: "Catch us, if you can" M,
suspicious were more than we aroused
and / sent my orderly back to tel
Colonel Custer to keep a sharp eye OIL
the heavy bushes on our left, and %scarcel,
three hundred yards distant from wher
1 sat on my horse. The orderly had de
liyered his message, and had almost re
joined me, when, judging from our hal
that we intended to pursue no further
the real design and purpose of the sa,
ages was made evident. The small part
in front had faced toward us, and wer
advancing as if to attack. I coul
scarcely creditthe evidence of my eye
: but my astonishment had only begu
when, turning to the wood on my left,
beheld bursting from their concealmer
f between three and four hundred Siou
warriors, mounted and caparisoned wit
$ all the flaming adornments of paint an
feathers which go to make up the India
/ wal costume When ] first obtained
q glimpse of them-and a;single glan'
was suficient-they were dashing fro
n the timber at full speed, yelling an
whooping as only Indians can. At Il
same time they moved in perfect lin