The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1876-06-16
The Warning Sioux Attack General
Crooks Command.
Tongue River Camp Surprised at
Midnight.
A SHARP FUSILLADE.
Charging the Red Enemy from DAN
gerous Position.

GENERAL Crooks BIG HORN ExPEDrTIoN,)
CAMP ON GOOSE CREEK. June IL,
Via FORT FETTERMAN, June 10, 1876.
This body OF troops had marched 100 consecutive
miles on June !, when Tongue River was reached,
and then they rested three days. Until then no I'M
equivoca signs OF Indians had been seen. although
puns OF smoke rose above the eastern horizon.
Part OF these signals were made by party OF miners
from Montana, who were examining gulches in
search OF gold near Pumpkin Bull and removing
toward the Black Hills. Their recent camping
grounds were found, where they had erected re-
doubts for defence against Indians, with whom they
had probably had skirmishcs.
DUsKY WARRIORS ELOQUENT AT A DISTANCE.
On the night OF our arrival at Tongue River Camp
we were aroused at twelve O'Clock by loud decla
nation delivered by sombre figure walking on the
top Of the bluffs the north bank opposite General
Crooks headquarters. Other figures from time to
time appeared and harangucd successfully during
an hour. As nearly as could be comprehended, they
announced the destruction OF the invading force II
not withdrawn, and warned us Of formidable at
tack before two suns should roll around. They
asked us, as II in irony,
II THE CROWS HAD JOINED
the troops; and some fear Is felt lest harm may
have come to the guides sent to Montana Agency
TO gain their alliance, who have not yet returned
After this visitation the camp was strongly pick.
etcd, but day and night succeeded the savage
mcnaces with only slight false alarm. The day be-
fore yesterday, at about four O'Clock In the after
noon, the infantry picket saw about fifty Indians on
the blur opposite the camp, stealing to positions be-
hind the rocks.
THE INFANTRY FIRED
upon them and the camp was alarmed. Though sur
prised they Immediately returned the fire with
yells hundred flashes were instantly seen along
the crest of the ridge, and several mounted war
rors rode out full vew circline rapidly; and there
was instantly heard another sharp fusilade. voey
from the camp was poured into the bluf The
pickets on every side were strengthened and the
herd secured, in anticipation Of any attempt that
might be made to capture it. Half a mile up the
river
BAND OF SIOUX
tried to cross, but driven back by the prompt
attention OF the pickcts. Indians were seen at the
same time on the south side OF the camp but they re-
NAMED distant. A battalion under the command OF
Captain Mills, Third cavalry, advanced rapidly
across the river, dlsmounted in grove under the
blur and charged up the deep ravine. The first man
to reach the top saw
TWO HUNDRED INDIANS
moving necessarily on ponies. but slowly recedlng.
The troops stretching out in q skirmish line, drove
them back In the face OF brisk fire, which they
swercd wherever redskins were visible above sage
brush, behind which they sought to screen them
selves. They seemed bold and confident and when
fcint Of retiring executed by the troops they
quickly changed their retreat to an advance 1t is
supposed they had large reserve massed in the
ravines and expected to entice the small party into
pursuit, so as to
SURROUND AND ANxIHrLATE THEN.
When they saw tho full strength OF the cavalry
they finally retreatcd One OF the party OF Indians
on attempting to cross the river was shot, and was
lifted from his seat by his companions. Those ON
the blum led or the rderlcss pony
1t was supposed that two Indians were wounded
or killed, at least.
No soldier engaged in the fight was injured, but
two In the camp suffered Commissions from spent
balls.
Three horses and one mule were killed.
sHosmoSB AUxILrARIEs.
Intelligence has been received by our commander
rics, under washokie, the chief. Their arrival is
expected every day, and active aggressive opera
tons only await the coming OF these indian allies
THREE THOUSAND MORE WARRIORS PAINTED.
General Crook is informed that 1900 more
warriors have deserted the Rcd Cloud Agency,
proceeding north on the warpath. IL will probably
be his policy to prevent them finding refuge there
again II whipped, until they for peace and sur
render their arms. The presence OF the Filth cav
airy there Is TO enforce this plan.
In consequence OF the unsafe position OF the camp
on Tongue River the expedition marched to-day
sixteen miles TO this point which will be made the
base Of supplies. The HERALD courier with this
despatch makes a most pcriIous journey through
region alive with sioux guerrIas.
----
ARMY INTELLIGENCE.
WAsuiyGroy, Juno Is, 1870
Tho following promotions Will DO made as
the Secretary OF War returns from CINCINNATI
MAJOR Henry G. Merriam, Twenty -foarth infantry, 10
be lieutenant colonel Second Infantry. vice English,
deceased Captain Robert Nugeni, Thirteenth Infantry,
Ia hs u,aor- Twenty foutth infantry vice Ncrrfurn