Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-10-02

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Relief Movements.
General Merritt, at Fort Russell,
CHEYENNE, was telegraphed to and or
dered to the command OF the expedition.
The message was carried by the opera
tor who received it at the latter place to
the General at his headquarters, on
horseback, at breakneck speed. General
Merritt at once, began preparing Tor the
expedition. The same was true OF the
arrangements at Camp Douglass, Salt
Lake, and no time was lost, but every
thing was perfected on short notice. At
Forts Pearson and Saunders this activ-
ity was duplicated. The Union Pacific
railroad worked in harmony with the
military, and the troops are all now en-
route for Rawiins, from which point
succor will be sent out. A special train
of four cars of troops from Camp Dou-
glass left Ogden at 2P. VI. to-day for the
scene of the late outbreak. The train
was under orders to make fast time.
Three hundred men and six hun
dred horses left Cheyenne to-day
for Rawlins. One company left Fort
Saunders and two companies OF
cavalry left Fort Mcpherson to-day for
Fort Steele. The latter had their horses,
baggage, ETC., with them. Troops have
been ordered forward from Forts Fetter-
man and Robinson, and will leave for
the seat OF war as soon as they can reach
the railroad by a special train. General
Merritt, to whom the command OF the
expedition is given, is one OF the best
Indian fighters in the country. At
ll:45 o'clock this forenoon he telegraphed
Gen. Williams that he would be ready
to start at 4 O'Clock. tomorrow morning
with force OF nearly $50 men. As AMI
mails and provisions are plenty, a rapid
march will be enforced and relief will
soon reach the men in peril. Major
Thornberg's body, as first mentioned,
has not beeu recovered, but lies in front
of his command, and cannot be pro-
cured. Major Thornburg was a very
powerful man, fully six feet two inches
IN height, active and muscular to great
extent, magnificent shot, and daring
horseman. He leaves,a wife and two
children who are at Fort Steele, whittier
his father-in-law, Major Clark, journey
ed this morning.
Il dIllSuldios
RAwLINs, ID. T., October 1.-The fol-
lowing particulars were obtained from
the courier who brought the dispatches
from Capt. Payne After the fight OF
Mayor Thornburgh's expedition against
the hostile Ute Indians, and when with
in 20 miles OF the agency, we halted Tor
the night On the 26th inst. the Major
sent Grafton Lowry, one OF his scounts,
to the Agency to communicate with
Agent Meeker and see how matters
stood. He found the utmost excite
ment and confusion prevailing. The
Indians had sent all their old
men, women and children south
toward Blue river. The warriors were
decorated and painted in the usual style.
They were about TO murder Mr.. Meeker,
but Mr.. Lowry prevailed on them not
to commit the eeed. Mr.. Meckcr told
Lowry that he attempted to leave the
agency with his family, but was pre-
vented by the Indians; that the Indians
signifed their readiness for war, and
seemed anxious for the approach OF the
troops. They then made another move to
kill Meeker and fire the buildings, but
were a second time prevailed upon to
desist. Lowry then attempted TO return
to the command, but was informed that
he must remain, but, after giving them
a number of assurances Of his peaceable
mission, he was allowed to depart, but
Was accompanied by a thirty warriors,
who rode several miles and then lett him.
Lowry arrived at the command, then
near Milk Creek, on the even
ing of the 2Sth, and gave Major
ThOrnburg the above information.
next morning, September 20, the COM
mand advanced under the guidance Of
Joe Rankin, who is well acquainted with
the country. About 8 o'clock A. NJ. Ran
kin discovered fresh Indian signs, and
having arrived at the canon through
which the road passed, and which would
afford an excellent opportunity OF am
bush. He led the command around
over the hill over an Old trail
well known to him by this movement,
he saved the lives of the command, for
on arriving at the tep OF the hill lac dis
covered the Indians in ambush on the
other side of the canyon, through which
the road passed. ThOrnburg formed
his men in line and waited an attack.
He was repeatedly urged to fire on the
Indians, but persistently refused to do
SO, saving that his orders would not
Justify an attack. Two Indians now
rode up to within one hundred
yards and dismounted, and with a
s.vage yell fired, shooting Captain
PAYNE through the arm. At this
signal the Indians gave a war whOOp
and the battle began. ThOrnburgh now
found that he was surrounded
and ordered a charge which he
calamity led in person and succeeded
in cutting his way out, and when within
about 500 yards of his wagons he fell
dead with two bullets through his brain.
Captain Pavne now took command and
the battle was carried on until o'clock
in the evening the troops using the
wagons and animals as breastwOrks.
The Indians fell back a short distance
and went into camp. During the en-
gagement Lowry was killed. The
casualties are about as follows: Killed
Major Thornburg, Privates Lowry
and Therlin, Wagon-Master Mckens-
lev and one teamster. Wounded
Captain Payne Captain Law
son, Surgeon Grumes, Lieutenants
Paddock and Wolfe and thlrty-tive men.
Major Thornbugh body was not recover
ed when Rankin lett with the dispatches.
Capt. Payne had fortified his position
and he thought he would possibly hold
il until the arrival OF reiniorcements
in case they were sent promptly. About
$50 head OF mules and horses were
killed by the Indians. Gen. Merritt ar
rived tonight, and leaves at once with a
good force.
LATER-It is now reported that Agent
Meeker and family and all the EN-
ploves have been murdered, and the
agency buildings were destroyed, but
this report lacks confirmation. Settlers
from Snake and Bear rivers are flock
ing in here for safety, and considerable
excitement prevails.
The Laborers' Strike.