The Cheyenne daily leader. [volume] (Cheyenne, Wyo.) 1870-1884, 1882-04-04

sions, arms, ammunition, repairs to
their wagons, or ven horses, to proceed
on their journey, were always provided
for at Fort Laramie. In this way emf
grafton was stimulated, and of course
the government was amply recompensed
by the increased value of the coast, and
the certainty of retaining 1t in the
union.
Since the building of the Pacific rail
roads the Importance of Fort Laramie
has decreased, although it was invalua.
BILE in the work OF opening up the Black
Hills of Dakota in 1~S75-'76-'77. There
are now four companies Of the 9th cav
airy and two companies Of the 4th in
fantry stationed at the fort, which is
commanded by Gen. Wesley Merritt.
AS 1t is the headquarters Of the 9th
cavalry the regimental band is stationed
there, and of course music charms away
what might otherwise be ~unbearable
m%onotony. There are many ladies re-
siding at the post and social enjoyments
are assured.
The ouly
MASSACRE OF TROOPS
That ever occurred at Fort Laramie
was brought on by the rashness and
utter folly of a young West Pointer
named Lieut.. John L. Grattan, on Aug
10, 1854. From several sources 1t is
learned that at the time mentioned a
mormon emigrant reported to Lieut..
Fleming, who WAS in command of
Fort Laramie, that the Sioux had killed
his cow. IL has been stated, and never
denied, that the poor COW had fallen In
utter exhaustion in front Of a Sioux
lodge, its hoof being literally worn
away. The animal beng useless, and
suffering, the IndianL killed 1t in mercy.
But the mormon WAS bound to raise a
riot about 1t, and filled Lieut.. Fleming
full Of his bitterness
At this time the Sioux were gathered
In force within a few miles of the Platte,
their main village being but u short dis
lance from the fort. They numbered
about 10000 warriors, aud were all III
der the war chief, Matte I-O-way.
Lieut. + lemiug ordered Lieut.. Grattan
to take out thirty men and demand from
the great Sioux chief the delivery Of the
offending Indians for punishment.
Grattan walked up and imperiously de-
manded that Matte 10. way be brought
Into his presence. The chief complied
ut once, aud after hearing the demand,
explained how the COW was killed. But
the young Grattan was inexhurable. In
vain did the chief offer another COW, or
u steer, and two ponies to make up the
loss Of the mormon. Grattan wanted
the body Of the Sioux who killed the
COW. Matte 10 way, finding that
there was no hope Of compromising the
affair, turned and walked away. Then
Grattan fired at the chief, striking him
In the back and killing him instantly.
This was the signal for the soldiers to
fire, and they shot into the Indians,
right and left. The savages oon re-
covered from their surprise and massa-
cred Grattan and all of his command,
except n enlisted man, who escaped
to Fort Laramie and told the CORY tale.
This WAS the beginning of the great
Sioux war that cost millions of trea
sure and hundreds of innocent lives.
The Sioux became Infatuated at the I'M
provoked onslaught and took to the war
path. They wasted no time in attack
ing Fort Laramie, but went down the
emigrant trail Strengthening all Of the
outfits they could, and checking emigra-
ton. The following year Gen. Harney's
command engaged them with the result
so well known.
JIM BRIDGER,
III - -- -