Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-03-25

that the Cheyennes always tie them
selves with when gong into battle
held him from falling to the ground.
The horse galloped away with the
body of the dead Indian hanging
head downward from it's back. An
other Indian was hit by the fire, but
had strength enough to guide his
horse out of danger.
For the next hour the indians had q
stern chase of it across the prairie.
but they finally divided, one party
striking OFF to the right, the other
continuing the pursuit. Soon the
hunters were surprised to see party
OF their foes make their appearance
IN front of them. Again a great CIR
Gle was formed by the Cheyennes. As
soon as it had lessened in size so as to
be within striking distance the hunt
ers opened ire and charged those on
their front. They broke through with
out receiving injury to themselves.
and once more the Indians fell in be-
hind for stern chase. Hour after hour.
mile after mile, pursued and pursuers
sped on across the plain with little adj
vantage to either side. The hunters
| had the advantage in fire arms. and
their horses were somewhat fresher,
Not half the Cheyennes were armed
with rifles, and the guns they did have
were not of improved workmanship.
First, Magee would lag behind, wait
unt1l the war party got within range,
try his aim upon one of the Indians.
and would then join his comrades.
Porter would drop behind shortly
| when the pursuers began to press them
again, and would pursue the same
tactics. In this way the hostile In
dlans Were constantly annoyed and
beaten off. the hunters succeeded in
hitting several Of their pursuers and
IN killing three horses, which further
hindered the pursuit. The ammuni-
| ton OF the party grew low toward
evening. Magee took the last five
cartridges that the party had among
them, told the others to make straight
for the fort, and he would join them
after having a last whack at the
Cheyennes.
He dropped back only short dis
lance IN the rear when q bullet struck
him IN the left leg. He managed to
join his comrades before the loss of
blood from the wound made him help
less. Gilbert and Porter, upon nc
| t1clng Magee's hurt, took their places
on each side of HIM. Then there was
nip and tuck race for the fort.
The horses Of the whites were the
fresher and gradually drew away
from their pursuers. Still the indians
kept to their trail like sleuth-hounds.
Sometimes they would not be seen for
an hour, but when ascending an eleva-
ton the hunters would be sure to
make out their foes DIGGING their
course far off in the distance. All
| that day and far into the night the
chase continued. Arriving at small
stream the hunters drew up their
horses and dismounted for a short
rest. Magee's wound was dressed
with rude skill by Porter. Then Gil
bert and he rolled themselves in their
blankets for nap Magee's hurt would
not let him sleep so he insisted upon
acting as guard. Just before day
| break his practiced ear caught the
faint footballs of advancing horses far
out in the gloom of the prairie. The
Cheyennes were striking to their pur-
suit. Ia moment he had aroused
Gilbert and Porter. He was assisted
into the saddle, his two friends on
either side of him, and the journey re-
sumed. That afternoon the three
hunters reached the fort with horses
scarce able to support them and Magee
so weak as to be unable to sit unas-
sisted. The Indians did not give up
the pursuit until within sight of the
fort. To save Magee's life it was
found necessary to amputate his leg
at the knee. On his appearance,
mounted upon wooden one, among
the rough frontiersmen of the fort he
was given the last half of his sobriquet,
"Peg-"