The Saline County journal. [volume] (Salina, Kan.) 1871-1893, 1879-10-09
"
THE UTE WAR.

hoy Anb1aA 81 Attach Mater fhssn-
barxh's Csnnand, KING TIE Major,
asd . SCORE q Prsvasss s,A 0Acen.
Thornburghs command was attacked by
the Utes in bad canon on the LIST, mile
south Of Milk river, Col. Thonburgh
was killed instantly during the retreat.
Capt. Payne was wounded in two places
slightly. Lieut. Paddock and Capt.
Grimes also painfully, but not dangerous
| " wounded. Ten enlisted men and Wag-
on Master McKinstry were killed, and at
least twenty-five men and teamsters
wounded. The supply wagons were
burned, also the company wagons Of Com
pany +. Fifth cavalry. Captain PAYNE
had his horse killed, and Lieut.. Cherys
was also killed dunng the retreat Capt.
LinWood and Lieut.. Cherry are unhurt,
though men were killed all around them.
The following particulars are obtained
from a courier who brought dispatches
from Capt. Payae after the fight: Major
IThornburgh's expedition against the hos
tile Ute Indians, when within seventy
miles Of the agency. halted for the night
on the 18th inst, and the Major sent
Grafton Lowry, one Of his scouts, to the
Iagency to communicate with Agent Meek
Ter, and see how matters stood. He found
the utmost excitement prevailing. The
Indians had sent all their old men, wom-
The warriors were decorated and painted
to murder Mr.. Meeker. but Mr.. Lowry
deed. Mr.. Mecker told Lowry that
Il ko 80 ~kal - lao-o
bis family but was prevented by the In
readiness for war and seemed anxious for
the approach of troops. They then made
another move to kill Meeker and FIRE the
buildings, but were a second time pre-.
vailed upon to desist. Lowry now at
tempted to return to the command, but
was informed he must remain, but after
giving them a number of assurances Of
his peaceable mission he was allowed tc
depart, but was accompanied by abou,
thirty warriors who rode with him
number of miles and then left
Lowry arrived at the command, then
near Milk creek, on the evening Of
the 2Sth and gave Maj. Thornburgh the
above informa ticn. Next morning, Sep
tember 18th, the command advanced un-
der guidance Of Joe Rankin, who is vel
acquainted with the country. About
O'clock Rankin discovered fresh Indian
signs, and having arrived at a canor
through which the road passed and which
: would afford an excellent opportunity fol
ambush, he led the command around ovel
the hill over an old trail well known Il
him. BY this movement he saved tn,
lives Of his command, for on arriving or
, the top of the hill he discovered Indians
| in ambush on either side Of the canor
J through which the road passed. Thorn
! burgh formed his men in line and awaitet
an attack.
Il He was repeatedly urged to FIRE on the
Indians but persistently refused to do so
} saying his orders would not justify an at
: tack. Two Indians now rode up TO with
: in hundred yards, dismounted, and with
a savage yell fred, shooting Capt. Payn,
through the arm. At this signal the In
.. dams gave war whoop and the battl,
commenced. Thornburgh now found b,
. was surrounded. He ordered charge
which ne gallantly led in person, and sue
ceeded in cutting his way out, and wheI
within about FIVE hundred yards Of hi
wagon he fell dead, with two bullet,
through his brain.
Capt. Payne now took command anc
the battle was carried on until o'clOcl
Ip. m, troops using wagons and ANIMAL
! as breastworks. The Indians fell bacl
short distances and went into camp.
: II is now reported that Agent Meekel
!, and family, and all employees have beer
murdered, and the agency buildings de
stroyed, but this report lacks con6rma