Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1878-07-10
HOWARD AND BERNARD'S VICTORY.
Gen, HcvaTd's OFcial Account of Gallant Fight.

The following telegram was received at the
War Office, at an early hour this morning:
r PREEsIDIo, Re SAY AH FRANCISCO, July 9:EGene-
ing dispatch, received from General Howard.
dated head OF Birch Greek, July Sth, at Pilot
Rock:
Il formed junction with the troops; Wheat
on had been ordered to meet me under ThfOck
morton. 1t being uncertain from Conflicting
reports whether the main body of the hos lies
was near the head of Butler Creek, or nearer
the Columtla crossing, / sent two excellent
scouts to place their camp, and at sunrise
moved moved, two two, columns one under Throck-
tiilery, one, of infantry and a few voun-
teers, which proceeded by the stage road
directly, to Butler Creek post Office. The
Of the first cavalry as battalion, under
Gregc, MhIpple, Beudire, Winters and Par
nell, Ward and Bonus with about twenty
OF ROBINS scouts and Gatling gun.
l accompanied Bernard's column. We had
proceeded some three miles toward the head
OF Butler Creek when we met the two scouts,
who reported the Indians in force on a height
about three miles from US. Bernard taking
the trot moved quickly into position over
those troublesome foothills, the least of which
Is fenced by canon and over mile in the
ascent, The cavalry sped from Hill to hill
till in the vicinity of the enemy, strongly post
ed oa 2, y rocky crest All the companies ex-
cept NJ. Gregos with the jack train were de-
ployed and used duing the engagement,
The advance was made along several ap-
pr0acheS in a handsome manner, not man
falling out OF the ranks. The different sides of
the hill were sleeper than Missionary Ridge,
still the troops, though encOuntering q severe
fire that emptied some saddles and killed
many horses, did not Waver, but SkirmiShed to
the very top, the enemy abandoning this posi-
ton and running to the next height in the
rear, slightly higher and crowned with natural
detenceS of lava rock. In twenty minutes
this height was charged from different sides
and taken. Then commenced rapid pursuit
OF the flying Indians, who abandoned their
spare horses that were on the field, perhaps two
hundred, most Of them jaded and worthless.
They also abandoned their provisions, ammu-
milton and camp material. The hCStileS struck
Tor the thick pines, which crest the blue ridge,
and again made stand. using the trees for
defence. Again the cavalry pressed them in
front and on the flank, and in few moments
dislodged them third time and pushed them
10ur or five miles further in the mountains.
1ne rough country and the great exhaustion
OF horses and men caused a cessation OF the
pursuit for today. In this battle FIVE enlisted
men were wounded, and probably twenty
horses killed. The enemyS loss in killed and
wounded is difficult 10 tell Their women and
children and best horses were we'll out of the
way before the battle began, seemingly to-
that direction. Captain Bernard is entitled to
special credit for this engagement; indeed,
for the entire campaign, and his officers and
men have done as we'll as brave and true men
can do. Could you know the difficulties of
this wilderness you could then appreciate their
loyal services" (Signed,)
MCDOW Major General