The National tribune., 1888-02-09


stopped by the stocking or slipper from reach
ing the wound. used to take cavalry saber
and ride just little way from the line and cut
off the heads of the snakes from horseback l
would then cut off the rattes and send them
home in letters as curiosities The rattlesnake
sounds a loud alarm before he strikes usually
giving one some chance at defense.
1t was not permitted for any member Of the
train to loiter behind or to separate from the
command. except by special permission of the
commanding officer. Que hot day we passed a
little clump of trees, and friend suggested a
short halt aud rest. We dismounted and tied
our horses. Sitting down and leaning against
the trunk of tree, we were soon fast asleep.
AT last awakening, what was our astonshment
TO find ourselves alone without living soul in
sight aud nothing of the train in the distance.
We noticed by the san that we must have rested
some time, and with few hasty words we were
in the saddle galloping in the direction of the
train as fast as We could go. We were in the
enemys country, and to have awakened in the
presence of party of Sioux Indians would
have been a rough termination for our peaceful
nap with terrible ending, no doubt Death
is always preferable to capture by Indians, for
horrible torture is as sure as the death, which
must come, when the poor prisoners body is
unable to offer more fun for the cruel captors.
1t was very much like narrow escape and we
were glad to meet our comrades again and say
no more about it.
We took all the precautions possible against
an attack by Indians, and at one place severe
battle with them seemed inevitable. This was
at ford called the Cimmarron Crossing. Here
the savages were in
STRONG FORCE.
They had been following us for days, and an
attack at daybreak the next morning was ac-
cordingly prepared for. Strong pickets were
posted on our right, center and left. No herd
went out that night but all animals were Sc
curely tied to wagons to prevent the Indians
stampeding them. The whole command slept
on their arms, ready for immediate action.
Towards evening the guard had lost several
members by soldiers reporting sick and the
writer obtained permission to go out on picket.
The picket on the right was the station given
him. 1t consisted of three men and a nom
commissioned officer. We spread down our
pODchos and blankets, and fiat on our stomachs
we watched along the grass tops for any signs
of approaching foes. Our orders were, if at
tackled, TO retreat toward camp, giving the
alarm as we retreated.
Slowly the night passed away. Our attention
was divided between watching for Indians and
defending ourselves against swarms Of murder
Gus musketoes. 1t was shortly after midnight
that the Sergeant detected one or two figures
approaching US from the direction of the In
dams. We had only little while before noticed
some signals made by the Indians by means of
fires arrows we thought, arrows with burning
brands attached, shot into the air at regular in-
tervals, and SO the stealthily-approachi figures
we supposed was the beginning of an unusual
event-an Indian attack by night. Our Ser
geant reused US all, and with carbines at ready
we waited their approach, intending to abandon
our blankets and hasten back to camp and give
the alarm. "Who goes there ?" roared our
Sergeant. No reply but still the figures
steathily approached. Once more the challenge
rang out, and we were now well ready to re-
treat, for the figures were getting within range
We intended to give them a warm reception
before we left from our good Sharp's carbines
Just as we were about to feel sure the enemy
was indeed upon US, came the response in the
night air, " Officer of the Day; grand rounds"
How that little message thrilled u.s. Although it
brought friends instead Of foes it seemed as if
there must be some mistake, so certain were
we of attack and danger. Our officer carried
no lantern; had one attendant with him, and
in the darkness had gotten beyond our station,
and only found us after considerable difficulty.
Our
FIRST CHALLENGE
was unheard, and our second, by reason of the
distance was nearly as indistinet to him as his
answer seemed to US. He left US after warning
us that just at daybreak we would probably be
attacked but our willy foe had discovered our
alertness and decided it would be best to let us
alone. Indians rarely desire to 6gbt, but are
always ready for stealing.
AS the weather grew warmer the marching
toward noon was attended with considerable
fatigue and there were many cases of sun
stroke. One day several fell off their horses,
and the medical department had plenty to do
Near the hospital tent the two ambulances
were always located in camp. The driver of one
of these vehicles had made himself somewhat
unpopular with the young Hospital Stewards
-. A q 1 IL
one night TO discipline him. 1T was night
when, by reason -four proximity to the Indians
the mules, instead of being cut on herd, we're
tied to the tongue OF the ambulances. Our
disagreeable driver had his team nearest our
tent, and he himself was fast asleep dreaming
perehance of the money he would make by
selling stolen corn at the next settlement. We
went out carefully and collected dozen or
more empty tin cans-plentiful enough after
any meal on the plains; these we brought to
our tent The mules were quiet and all the
camp was still. Suddenly there was great
commotion, the mules sprang up and tugged at
their chains, making great noise and thor
oughly disturbing and erraglng our ambulance
driver who, springing out, with kicks and i'm
precautions punished them for disturbing his
slumbers. We tried the trick again later on
| with the same result, but the third time we
were discovered. Either our victim suspected
foul play or the rattle of the cans had attracted
his attention, and with angry strides he came
to our tent door, Look out for me, young
fellows if you do that again | will report you
to the Officer of the Day" Jeers greeted his
departure, and we went to rest TO concoct new
trials for his patience. The Old Man." as we
called him, had been cheating his mules of
THEIR CORN SUPPLY,
and was trying to save bag or two to sell
when good chance presented itself friend
of mine decided TO join me in taking some of
his plumber. The corn ration for our horses
was exhausted, and for several days we had
nothing to give them except the grass of the
prairies. So when we discovered the well-flled
bags of the driver, we determined to take some
of Uncle Sans corn to support aud strengthen
Uncle Sans horses. 1t certainly could not be
considered stealing. With basket and towel
| placed so as to deaden any noise, we tapped his
| bags night after night for the benefit of our
| Government horses. He found US out at last,
and although he hated us well for it, could not
risk reporting us without disclosing his own
dishonesty. The good condition of our horses
attracted the attention of several, but we never
| explained where our corn came from.
Our Paymaster had received at Fort Leaven-
worth large sum of money to take with him
| to Santa Fe, n NJ. for the payment of the
troops. A strong iron safe had been provided
| ~ a. 4