The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1879-10-02

are reared Dy Other tribes, VINO can lily
combat with them In their own homes.
The country which they inhabit is very
rugged and mountainous, and heavily
timbered, and just the place for ambus-
cades.
Old Indian fighters with whom I have
to-day held converse, are united in say
ing that the Utes are willy, hard fight
ers and ferocious, and the best at plan
ming ambuscades. They are at the
same time treacherous to the greatest
degree, and, though Major Thornburgh
expected they would remain peaceable,
reported that he was nevertheless most
vigilant and cautious. There is nothing
to lead to the inference that he was
otherwise than brave and intrepid.
He was yet cautiousness itself and
never impetuous. His early training
in the service, amidst scenes calculated
to school him to become cautious
leader and good Judge in such mat
ters. have fitted him for just this sort
of work. AS paymaster and traveller
he has been in varied scenes tending to
nerve him and keep him well balanced,
winning for himself high reputation
rs scout and Indian fighter. Therefore,
the only inference that can be drawn
is that Major Thornburgh did not
blunder but fell into one Of the most
carefully laid ambuscades, and could
not extricate himself and the brave
fellows he had with him.
The courier who brought the news
deserves especial mention for his brav-
cry and daring. He came direct to
Rawlins, aud by O'Clock the intelli-
gence had been flashed to Fort Omaha.
Gen. Williams, In less than quarter
Of an hour, was at work giving orders,
consulting Gen. Crook, who is in
Chicago, and ordering matters forward.
Gen. Merritt, at Fort D. A. Russell,
Cheyenne, was telegraphed to and
ordered to the command Of the expedi-
tion. The message was carried BY the
operator who received it ut the latter
place to Gen. Merritt, at his headquar-
ters. on horseback at break-neck speed.
Gen. Merritt ut once began preparing
for the expedition.
The same was true of the arrange
ments at Camp Douglass, Utah, and no
time was lost, but everything was per-
fected ut short notice. AT Fort Nc
rherson aud Sanders this activity was
The Union Pacific rail-
way, though called upon to do almost
extraordinary things, yet worked in
harmony with the military, and the
troops are all now en- route to Rawlins,
from which point succor will be sent
out.
A special train of four cars of troops
from Camp Douglass, left Ogden at
2 p. m. to-day for the scene of the late
outbreak. The train was under orders
to make fast time.
Three hundred men and 600 horses
left Cheyenne to-day for Rawlins. Gen.
Merritt, to whom the command of the
expedition is given. is one Of the best
Indian lighters in the country, and his
troops have accomplished wonderful
things.
Major Thornburgh's remains are in
front Of his command but cannot be
reached. He was very powerful man,
fully feet 2 inches in height, active
and muscular to great extent, a mag
nificent shot and daring horseman; he
had piercing black eyes, and wore
black beard In the English style, with
black hair, and was withal handsome
officer. He leaves wife and two chill
dren Zone having recently died), who
are az present at Fort Steele, whittier
his father-in-law, Major Clark, jour-
neyed. i,tI, tsi{
Fertilization Creek, Sept. 30th, via
Rawlins, Oct. IL am left at this
point with thirty men; 25 miles behind
Capt. Payne's intrenchments. have
just received orders to intrench and
fortify well. PRICE,
liant Commanding