The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-25

OK THE FIELD NEAR BLUFF STATION. Jan. 49,
Via FonT ROBINSON, Jan. "a, 1879.
Many different accounts will be sent from here to
glorfy the conduct of the military in the late ex
ploits which have eliminated at last in the slaugh-
ter of the handful of miserable Cheyenne brce.h-
clouts by four times their number. The following
is correct and impartial to the main facts wit
messed, and will be corroborated by the rank and
file PARTICIPANTS
FOLLOWING THE TRAIL
After the trail had been repeatedly lost and the
Indians allowed to escape it was taken up
again by the Sioux Indian scout Woman's
Dress. and his half-breed associate. John
Changrot. yesterday morning, and steadily
followed. Six soldiers accompanied woman's Dress
trail it indicated that the position Of the Indians
being approached. Two messengers were sent
back. stating that the fugitives were near at hand
Suddenly. as womans Dress riding along with
Chaugrot and watching the trail closer than before
he fred on by keen marksman. who had him
well as the remainder of escort under range
and wounded in the arm. At the same
timo a private, Fl. A. Debloise Company
H. Third cavalry. was tumbled from his saddle
and the mule ridden by Changrot was shot
through the neck and fell as if paralyzed Changrot
attempted to pull his pistol he could dis
entanglc his feet from the stirrups to fire on tho
hitherto concealed Indians. who charged to capture
the of the dismounted soldier and his horse,
rhs c<n xsx, Aiofo Annt hor
close bullet carried away the stock of Changrot's
pistol and rendered it useless. He laid down and
crawled toward the disabled soldier Debloise to get
his rife, but found the fire too severe.
ARRIVAL OF CAPTAIN VESSELS.
Captain H. W. Vessels was just beyond
the rising ground to the rear. with COM
panies A. E. and H. and hearing the firing,
well as meeting woman's Dress retiring he gal.
Hoped the crest and to spoint commanding where
the wounded soldier lay and within range Of a sweep
ing fire carefully delivered by the Chcyenncs. Cap
tain VESSELS Immediately gave tho command to
Sergeant James Taggert Farrier. Company A, Third
cavalry, to dsmount and directed him to
open fire at once the Indians, saying. "Try to
save that man." meaning Debloise. Company H
moved to the right and Company + to
the left. while company moved TO
the front to command the position Of the Indians.
This was about ten O'Clock. The day clear and
pleasant 1t was decided to hold this ground until
Company F. which was back some ten miles with the
wagons. could be brought up as q reinforcement.
which was effected about half past two P. NJ.
THE PLAN OF ATTACK.
It was then decided between Captain Vessels CON-
manding company H. and Lieutenant Chase, Com
the desutory fire kept up on them at 200
yards range. The position of the Indians
in oblong hole about thirty feet long.
ten or twelve feet wide and five feet deep, with
ridges in it here and there whore the invested Ind
ians had dug out some holes. to get down low
from the range of fire. and to alternately step
on the ridges to deliver theirs in return. This was
within few feet of the edge Of high bank which
broke of abruptly from the dry bed Of q branch Of
Indian Greek. thirty feet below. and about forty
miles from Fort Robinson and three miles from Blun
Station on tho Hat Creek road.
OPENING THE BATTLE.
As soon as the charge was provided for the compa-
mics on the ground deployed in skirmish line.
at three and four PAGES distance making scmicrcic
to bring tho right and left OF the line respect
lively toward the edge Of the steep creek bank Part
Of Company was sent to strengthen Company II,
and part of it put where another company had been.
Parts of companies and were sent I'M the
bed of the creek from the east and CON-
pany from the west side Of the Indians
position. When Company closed in the
'front.' from the northcry side. they got up nearer
than the rest of the troops and Immediately Loaf two
men, Sergeant Taggert, farricr. and Private Nelson.
This was within fifty yards Of the pit steady al
vance and arc was kept up until within ten yards.
THE REDS suRnoUSpED.
Captain Vessels said to the troops before the
movement commenced:-
Indians. and must charge them" He looked 10.
ward Lieutenant Chase. who promptly sad:--
captain. should like to have Company to
charge with you. We must get Company where
you are TO cover your ADVANCE
Immediately Company foil back under orders and
threw OF their coats aud gum Shoes going round by
Company Z. which was distributed along the ravne
on tho turn of the creek Company went up on
the north bank Of the creek under tho position of
tho indians, and Company II. with part of Com.
psny =, were sent below. During this time
tho pickcts were posted SO as to keep
the Indians down. Company gave way
on the left as to Join Company H. which made
the dctour around the left of the pit in westerly
direction. Company \. under Lieutcnants Hardec
and baxter took up tho position vacated by Company
and rear OF tho bcsicged. Captain Lawson struck