Daily press and Dakotaian. [volume] (Yankton, Dakota Territory [S.D.]) 1875-1880, 1877-09-14

Bismarck Tribune. sept eth.
George w. Elder and James Gunder who
left Lincoln ON the 9th Of last month, re-
turned last evening almost worn out, they
having come in contact with few noble
red men and got left.
They left Fort Lincoln about O'Clock in
the evening, riding by day or night just as
they felt disposed until they struck Knife
river, on the sOth, about eight miles from
the bad lands, on Stanley's old trail. This
was about 5 o'clock, and after resting awhile,
they concluded to cross the bad lands and
the Little Missouri before daylight the next
morning, thinking that there might be In
dians to impede their progress should they
wait until the next day and attempt to make
it in daylight. They had only gone four
miles when they saw eight Indians directly
in front of them, and about three quarters
of mile of. The Indians and the couriers
both stopped for probably minute, watch
ing each others movements closely, when
the boys, knowing that it was impossible
to run away from them, as their ponies we're
very tired, made for butte some 800 yards
away. After dismounting and picketing
their ponies on the side Of the bluff, they
went on top to shelter themselves behind
some rocks, which they did effectually, the
Indians charging directly at them They
fired several shots at the Indians, killing
one pony and wounding an Indian, who
managed to crawl out of range and into a
ravine. At this time the Indians divided
and rode ON each side of the butte until
they were within 600 yards Of. the boys,
when they dismounted and opened regu-
lar skirmish fire ON them, but seeing the
secure position they were in, the Indians
commenced firing at their ponies, killing
Gunder's and wounding Elders in the
shoulder. The Indians kept up scatter
ing fire till dark, when they withdrew.
Gunder then went to where their ponies lay,
nition. He returned, giving Elder his coat
shirt, and they started off on foot, but oc-
tance, for fear the Indians might be watch-
ing for them near by, until they were out
of reach Of the red skins, as they thought,
when they stopped to rest awhile. They
waited there until morning, 80 as to get
their course, when they started on. Had
only gone half a mile when they discovered
two Indians sitting on their ponies on the
top of bluff about mile distant, when
they entered another ravine and remained
in It until dark. The day was spent in OBJ
servations in order to know the route when
night came. Just at dusk they started of
in an easterly direction, walking day and
night until they reached the Missouri river
about twenty-five or thirty miles below
Stevenson. On the banks of the Big Mud
dy the boys kindled a fire, roasted q piece
Of antelope they had killed the day before,
and while partaking Of this welcome repast,
the Fontenelle hove in sight, and was soon
halted, when the gallant Capt Braithwaite
made a landing about one hundred yards
above, when the boys lost no time in board.
ing her. and spent the time while going Ia
Stevenson in talking Of their hair.breadth
adventure.
At Stevenson they were kindly cared fo,
by the commanding officer, who secured
4 them passage on the mail line TO this place
The boys certainly had 4 narrow escape and
deserve much credit for their bravery.
There are other couriers out, and this in
cident causes some anxiety in the minds o
their friends, as they have not as yet beer
heard from.
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