The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-10-26

where one Indian killed. that the party In the
vicinity Of the two men pursuing the deer killed
both of them. and then went to the assist
ance of the others. Weir and Humme were
both shot in the head the first and the
latter three times. but they were not scalped.
weir's body sent to the railroad this morning
and Humme's was buried last night in the noun
tains where he fell. it having been pointed out by
the Indians.
INDIAN OPINION OF THE DEAD
The Indians belonging to the White River Agency
say that Agent Meeker bad man. that he lied
about them and would not issue supplies to them
unless they would work, and that when they
refused to work lie threatened to bind
them with handouts and chains and hang
them. They say that he told them that
Thornburgh had chains with him, and that upon his
arrival he would help to bind and hang them. This
probably accounts for their binding Meekers body.
at the agency where the body lay when saw it
u chain found around his neck
They say that they interviewed Thornburgh at
Bear River and on Williams Fork before the fight
on Milk River. when he appeared naughty and
would not afford them any explanation satisfac-
ton. saying that he was big warrior. too. and
would 60 to the agency with his whole command
and not few men only, they asked him to
do. and that he was their best friend
when lighting him. although they nigh. kill him.
and that. while talking, he held loaded carbine
ready in his hands and seemed to to fight; that
thereupon they determined to resist his march
through the canyon. and stationed themselves on
Milk River at the mouth of the canyon to await his
arrival and show their determination.
THE FATAL FIGHT.
Colonel Thornburgh persisted in pursuing his
march toward the agency. and the fight ensued
September 20 on Milk River, Colonel Thornburgh
being one Of the first to fall. the Indians losing
twenty in the first days fight and
thirty-four in all during the irregular fight
of six days with Thornbu1gh's command. two
Of the thirty-four being killed in the skirmish
with Merritt's men Sunday morning. October 8.
upon the arrival of the relief column. On the day
of the fight q runner arrived from the scene Of
action at the Indian camp White River. about Ave
miles above the agency and reported that ten Utes
had been killed The village being thrown
into CONSERVATION by the tidings Of the death
Of SO many Of their people whose names and
deeds rocounted. hasty preparations were made
for the removal Of the families to place of
safety. it was supposed that the Indians
at the front defeated and would
treat. Shortly afterward another messenger ar
rived saying that the onward march Of the
troops arrested. but bringing the news that five
more of their comrades had fallen in the fight. Then
aimless CONSERVATION became cool determination,
and war being inaugurated, the war hoop raised
and words of peace supplanted by words OF
venge and the cry of Onward to the agency
A THIRST FOR VENGEANCE.
war party at once, under the spirit Of excite
ment and revenge. proceeded to the agency meeting
and killing on the way Eskrdge. who. bore des-
patches from Meeker to Thornburgh and arriving at
A.. NJ oI,O u On Az
day of the fight. Upon their arrival at the
agency Mr.. N. c. Meeker. the agent. who
was passing from his quarters to the storehouse
was killed, being the first to fall. The agency en-
ployes took refuge in the agency buildings and
opened fire, killing one Indian, whereupon the
buildings fred, and the employees, in escaping
from the burning pile. killed, with the excep
ton Of Frank Dresser who. after killing Indian
escaped The women and chidren-Mrs. Meeker
Miss Meeker and Mrs. Price. with her two children
were taken into custody by three different war
riors-Savench. Johnson and another Indian whose
name have not learned. The Indians then fed to
the Grand River, taking with them their horses.
cattle and goods. aud also their prisoners whom
they treated with consideration and have wise
harmed.
WOMEN AND CHILDREN SENT TO oURAY.
General Adams, upon reaching the hostile camp
corroboratng each others statements. and by their
conduct seeming well disposed and willing
to deliver up any of their number who.
upon fair investigation. may appear
to be guilty of wrong doing. due regard being had
for all surrounding circumstances. At the request
of General Adams. the women and children were de-
lvered up and sent to Ouray. who lives in comfort
and will provide for them In q hospitable manner.
A PRIVATE LETTER.
friend of Lieutenant Weir. writing to mutual
friend in Rawlins from Merritt's camp on White
River the 22d inst. says:-
Dear Captain Wer's body was brought in and
buried informally yesterday. Lieutenant Hall had
Il large box made and the body was packed in dry
earth the box, after being first covered with some
light Undertaking. The Doctor thought that this
would do. He mad such limited supply of
medicines that he could not adopt the usual method
1t will he sent in to you the first opportunity, and
will order the ordnance detachment to accom-
pany it. You will best know what to do
when it arrives. Nothing be- found
out about Humme. although there is now
little doubt about his being killed Weir and he
tented together. Humme's wife and child, You
know are ut Russell. did not have the heart to
look at poor Weir after he brought in.
believe though, that he only shot once.
and ranging downward came out in tho
back OF the neck, severng the large blood vessel.
Death was therefore instantaneous and painless
He evidently fell forward when shot, and his face
wasi somewhat scratched. He was not scalped or
mutilated. but most OF his clothes weru taken.