Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1877-07-20


mot, J. s. Early, James Buchanan, Will
han eBeewer, Chase, Eph Bunker, Frank
Van Else, q. NJ Day, George higgins,
a. d. Bartlc, II. G. johnson and f. A.
Fem. .....
In half an hour after 1t was known
that the Indians had the volunteers in a
tight place, Col. Perry gave orders for
fifty men to go to their relief. 1t was
quickly obeyed and they were relieved in
about an hour after the charge. No pur-
suit of the Indians was ordered, but re.
treat was made TO the camp, and no pur-
suit had been made up to the night of
the 9th. The volunteers say that they
know they killed several Indians and
wounded many others, as they saw the
Indians packing off their dead and
wounded the same night.
LEWISTON, July 10.
Gen. Howard, on being informed of the
manner in which Col, Perry neglected
the sixteen volunteers at the time of the
Cottonwood fight, expressed himself as
sorry to learn that any officer of the army
should refuse prompt assistance in such
extremity. He wanted the statement
put in writing by the volunteer com
manding. The General says he will
pursue the Indians and kill them if pos
sible, and that he will take no prisoners
Gen. Sully telegraphed Gen. Mcdowell
from Lewiston on the 11th that he had
reliable information that Joseph's band
had lately received considerable acccs-
siOns, and it was feared that many other
Inlta NxfAttll ipfp him 10
suggested that 200 Washington Territory
or Oregon troops be called for immedi-
ately to prevent this and the damage
that might follow during the absence of
the troops, until they could be replaced
by the regular troops.
Gen. Mcdowell forwarded Sully's dis
patch to the War Department, and at the
session of the Cabinet on the 18th he
was authorized to call for 200 volunteers
in Arizona or Washington Territory and
to increase the number to 500 if neces-
sary..
PORTLAND, July IA.
Gen. Howard, under date of Camp
Williams, on the south bank of the Clear
water near the mouth of the Cottonwood,
July 12," sends the following dispatch:
BY making forced march l struck
the enemy at one o'clock yesterday, about
300 strong, in a deep canon near the
mouth of the Cottonwood, near the south
fork of the Clearwater. Opened fire al
once with a howitzer and succeeded in
starting the Indians from position. Pass
ing around Traverse Canon for mile
and half l began the battle in good
earnest, and, dismounting, formed In ra
vines, and behind rocks barricades were
prepared. For seven hours every charge
we made we gained on them, till at night
our position was not very good one, as
the enemy lay contiguous to my communi
cation. Twas short of rations this morn
ing, but by determined effort we re
gained our spring of water from some
sharpshooters.
This morning / gave our line to thu
care of Capt. Perry, commanding thu
cavalry, and Capt. Miles battalion of in
fantry. l drew out Capt. Miller's bat
TALON of artillery acting as infantry
Just as we were ready to recommend
offensive work, Capt. jackson and pacl
train appeared in sight beyond the In
dians' position. Miller pushed out il
skirmish order, met the train and es
corted it in successfully. They haC
hardly formed a junction with us whel
the artillery battalion, already beyonC
the enemys flank, made a rapid move
ment, taking Gatling guns and howit
Zer along. The Indians made one des
perate effort to flank Miles, but faileC
and gave way. Everything was tEeI
pushed in pursuit. We shelled then
rapidly from high bluffs as they escaped
from the left bank of the river, and fol
lowed them, escaping in every direction
as far as the river, and they are nov
across and going into camp at 7;30 p. m
The losses of the Indians appear to b,
thirteen killed and quite large numbe
wounded. We have eleven enlisted
men killed and Capt. Bancroft, Lieut.
Williams and twenty-four soldier
wounded. Their camps were abandoned
in great haste, leaving much plunder
The Indians fought as well as any troop
/ ever saw, and so did ours, not one maj
failing in his duty. lnow believe that
am in fine condition, just rs soon a
Green appears from Boise, to make thOl
ough work with these Indians. The,
are making for the Snake country, and
fear concentration at Mt. Idaho. Troop
have never done harder and more rapi
campaigning or better fighting than these
An eye witness of the fight sends tn
following details: Lieut.. Fletcher an
A. d. Chapman, guide, found Chief JC
seph after long and arduous scare
with his full force camped in an inaccc'
sible defile between two high mountain
near the river. Our command numbere
400, and Joseph had 800 braves and d.
termined warriors. The fighting wS
carried on very carefully on both side
The Indians fought in rccumbent pc
sition and kept up steady fire from b.
hind rocks, trees and every advant
geous rise in the ground, like skirmishe
and sharpshooters. Our men wei
forced to approach through an open t
bic land and receive this calling fir
D There was desultory firing from rifle pi
all day. A squaw who fell into oV
hands says that seven indians we
killed outright and the number woundC
is very large. She says the chief want'
> to fight and die at the river but Il
women prevailed upon him to rctrea
0 Capt. Bancroft, Fourth Artillery, w
wounded badly ON the left side. Lieu
n Williams was wounded in the arm al
!. leg. Both will recover. Both sid
y fought with great determination"
s Our Internal Commerce.
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