The Benton record. [volume] (Benton, M.T. [Mont.]) 1875-1879, 1878-10-18
Original Story.
FRONTIER SKETCHES
NUMBER THIRTY
BY JOHN ]. HEALY.
A Deed Of Blood.

y
bore for the purpose of eliciting informa-
Jon regarding the victims Of a fearful
bagedy than to farnish a reliable
Recount of their terrible fate.
The particulars were obtained from
knd Indian, in an Indian camp, and
soming from such q source are necessarily
Eneagre and perhaps to great extent un-
rue. Yet, have reason to believe that
Die principal facts were correctly related
10 me, as nay informant claimed to have
Ritnes8ed the bloody deed, and the tale as
odd was unlike anything an Indian would
Invent for the purpose eulogizing himself
Improving my opinion of his courage
md skill as warrior, All the actors in
she tragedy are now dead except one, the
souaw wife of D. W. Davis who has charge
hf Fort Calgary, the we'll known trading
post of I. G. Baker y Go. This squaw was
formerly the wife OF Big Beaver, a chief Of
De Blood Indians, and one Of the leaders
bfthe band that perpetrated the treach-
erous deed, Although the partizdn of the
Band of murders was led by Big Plume,
slso noted chief Of the Bloods,
In the summer Of 1860 a party consist
fng Of FIVE men camped on Old Mans
liver, tributary stream of Belly river, in
Ihe British possessions. The party had
ividently come from one of the Canadian
settlements, perhaps from one Of the large
eities of Canada, and were travelling either
bn business or for pleasure. They could
bardly have been emigrants seeking
homes iu the far west, as from the descrip-
JET 4:en :7e ~ II sE4ess# personal appearance
y Judge they we're gentlemen Of means and
'abducation. They were well armed, and
Equipped with costly weapons, on abund-
knce of ammunition, fine "American'
lkorses and large, strongly built wagons,
Ehe latter we'll stocked with cooking uten-
lilg, tents, and provisions for long
journey. They were also we'll dressed and
aome Of them wore gold watches, chains
bnd other jewelry. My informant describ-
III the leader Of the party as 9 tall, stout
Anilt old man, having white hair and q
Houg grey beard
Whether from over confidence ia theil
bur own strength, Or being unused to tray
bling in an Indian country, they appeared
10 have NO fear of the Indians, but seemet
more anxious to make their acquaintance
Hhan to avoid communication with them
Big Plume was camped with Zen lodge;
bf his people on Old mans river when tht
barty came up and went into camp only
u few yards distant, but On the opposite
bank of the stream. The Indians were az
"Eoubt surprised at the tearlessness q
Bhe whites, but soon visited their camp Y
ind out who and what they were. The.
sIEere treated very kindly BY All the mem
bers Of the party, but more particularly y.
3be old mar, who seemed to be regarded
with great respect by his companions. II
sAnquired by signs the name Of tie tribe
bow many there we're Of them aud hoy
Rhey contrived to live during the lont
eRold winters of that region.
The Indians remained in the camp unit
Il late hour ofthe night, but professed +
be very friendly, and never dispayed th
.Aigbtest signs Of hostility. IN the morn
'3ng Big Plume and number Of bis com
baaions took breakfast with the whites an
deceived some valuable presents froa
ehem; but the bloodthirsty villain ~
from the start intended to murder the an
fortunate men and all the kindness show
kim had no effect il changing bis intea
lon. While the party were preparing !
continue their journey, the Indians dre'
s1tF to one side and held consultation
Pig P!nne told them that ths whites vef