Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-10-02
THE EVENING STAR.
THURSDAY. October ?, 1879.
The Fight With the Utes.
A GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF THE BATTLE IN WHICH
MAJOR THORNBCRGH FILL.

MAJOR THoRNBURGH FELL.
Further particulars Of the fight between the
Ute Indians and Major Thornburgh's command
were received by telegraph last night: The
courier who brought the dispatches from Capt.
Payne says the Indians at the agency two days
before the fight had sent all their old men, wo-
men and children south, the warriors were dec
Grated and painted in the usual war style, and
they had threatened to kill Agent Meeker at
the agency, and attempted to burn the build
iDgs. Major Thornburgh, in moving forward,
avoided canon which he knew to be danger
usly suitable for an ambuscade, ana went over
hill. when he discovered the Indians In am-
bush on either side OF the canon He was urged
to fire, but deststed, as his orders would not
justify an attack. Two Indians now rode up
within hundred yards, dismounted, and with
savage yell fired, shooting Captain Payne
through the arm. AT this signal the war whoop
was sounded by the Indians, and the battle
commenced, with the result stated. Thorn
deIed charge, which he CALAMITY led in per-
son, ard 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 Payne now took command, and the
battle was carried on until pm, the troops
using the wagons and animals as breaStworks.
The Indians fell back short distance and went
into camp. The casualties are about as follows:
Major Thornburgh, Lowry, the guide, and 13
enlisted men, the wagon master, Mckinstry,
and one teamster, killed; Capt. Payne, Capt.
Lawson, Surgeon Grimes, LeutS. Paddock and
Wolf, aid IS men, wounded. Major Thorn
bu1gh's body was not recovered.
REPORTED MURDER OF AGENT MEEKER AND
FAMILY.
1t was reported at Rawlings, Wyoming, tnat
Agent Meeker and his family and all employees
had been murdered and the agency buildings
destroyed, but this report lacks confirmation.
Settlers from Snake and Bear rivers were flock
ing In to Rawlins for safety, and considerable
excitement prevailed.
TO THE RESCUE.
An Omaha dispatch says: The military au-
tbortieS are unanimous In the belief that the
worst has now been told, for Capt. Payne Is
strongly entrenched near water, is well pro-
vtSioned and Will further fOrtlfy himself by
throwing up earthworks, which, with the wagon
train, will enable him to hold his own until re-
Inducements appear, which will be soon. Gen.
Williams has consulted with Gen. Crook, who
is in Chicago and ordering matters forward.
Gen. Merritt, Fort D.. A. Russell, Cheyenne,
was teegIaphed to and ordered TO the com
| mand Of the expedition. The message was
| carried by the operator who received 1t at
| the latter place to the Generarat his headquar-
| tiers, on horse back, at break neck speed. Gen.
| dltion. At Camp Douglass and Salt Lake no
! time was lost, but everything was perfected at
| short notice. At Forts Mcpherson and saunders
railway worked In harmony with the mill
| tary, and troops are all now en- route for
Rawlings, from which point succor Will be sent
| out. A special train OF four cars OF troops from
| Camp Douglass left ogden at p. m. yesterday
for the scene Of the outbreak. The train was
| under orders to make fast time. Three hundred
| men and six hundred horses left Cheyenne yes
| terday for Rawlings. ore company left Fort
Saunders and two companies Of cavalry left
| Fort Mcpherson yesterday for Fort Steele. The
| latter lad their horses baggage, &c.,with them.
| Troops have been ordered forward from Forts
| Fettelman and Robinson, and will leave for the
| seat or war as soon as they can reach the raul
| road. Gen. Merritt. TO whom the command OF
tie expedition is given, is one of the best Indian
lighters in the country. At As o'clock yester-
! day forenoon he telegraphed Gen. Williams
| that he would be ready TO start at o'clock this
| morning with force Of nearly $50 men. AS
animals and provisions are plenty the march
| Will be forced, and relief soon reach those In
| peril.
MAJOR THoRNBCRGH'S BoDY
| has not been recovered, but lies in front of his
| very POW erful man, being SIX feet two inches In
| height, active end muscular, good Shot and
| daring horSeman. He leaves wife and two