The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1889-04-22
THE FIRST CLASH.
A BloOdy Array Betwssn boomers aud
Deputy MaFshals,

Deputy MaFshals,
CHIcAuo, April 2l,-A dispatch irom
Purcell, Indian Territory, regarding the
reported conflict between Deputy Mar
shals and boomers, says thirty boomers
were taken prisoners, seven being
wounded, One Deputy Marshal was
slightly hurt, For several days men on
horseback and in wagopshav been ford.
ing the South Canadian north OF Purcell,
and disappearing in the timber to the
eastward.
Men who came in from hunting trips
reported having seen large bodies OF
boomers moving in a northeasterly di.
reCtion, and a hunter who arrived last
night declared that he had found man
plOwing 10 u secluded valley about TWEEN.
ty miles from Purcell,
Yesterday morning atsunrise thirteen
prairie schooners, well manned, crossed
the Santa Fe tracks below the city and
iorded the river, The drivers urged their
animals with whip and clubs, and the
train was across and out OF sight before
many Of the residents Of Purcell were
stirring, A citizen saw them, however,
and acquainted others who have staked
out claims and hope to occupy them
soon after noon Monday next. The
story soon gained general Clrcula.
ton, and before noon meeting
was held. The feeling against the tres.
passers ran high, and inside OF thirty
minutes q half-dozen fiery speeches had
been made. 1t was finally decided that
the Chief Deputy Marshal be called
upon to try to expel the raiders.
In the afternoon the Chief Deputy, &C.
Conpanied by thirteen assistants, rode
down to the river and took the same
ford. They discovered four wagons
about three hundred feet from the trail
and five men seated around fire eating
their dinner. These were unCeremoni.
ously ordered to hitch up. The enter.
prising boomers were thoroughly scared,
and in less than fifteen minutes were on
tho back trail In charge Of one OF the
deputies, who was ordered 10 escort
them across the river, and then picket
the fOrding place until his comrades re.
turned. Tho latter deplOyed as skirm.
ishers and advanced slowly several miles.
Suddenly shot was heard on the left,
and bullet clipped a leaf above the
head OF one OF the party. A minute
later yolley rang out In front, aud the
pony ridden by one Of the deputies sank
TO the ground with a bullet in the head.
Tho chief Of tho deputies called out
for his men TO "Charge." Each had uu-
slung his Winchester, and all surged
forward. They fired into the thiCket
and shouted like madmen. There was
no response fer several minutes, and the
men began to think they had dispersed
the assailants. They soon discovered
their mistake. A man popped up from
behind q log and fired at them, and this
was the signal for another fusilade from
his friends. retreated down ravine
Just in time to escape the fire Of the
deputies, who continued 10 advance and
pump their repeaters. Half way down
the ravine the deputies discovered q
rough barricade Of logs and brush across
the entrance, and simultaneously a voice
exclaimed; snow give 1t to them,
boys"
A sheet Of flame poured from the face
Of the barricade, and another shower
OF bullets sped toward the Offices.
They had been sufficiently warned,
however, and but one OF their number
was hit and his wound was not serious.
The Chief Deputy ordered retreat,
and gathered his men about him for a
council Of war, II was evident that the
barrlcade was quite heavily manned,
and that direct assault would prove
disastrous. Therefore, it was decided
10 divide the party and attack the hanks
OF the enemy. This movement brought
the Deputies directly above the barri-
Cade.
Alta given signal they began shooting
from the top OF the ravine right into the
midst OF the boomers, who were utterly
unable TO defend themselves from such
an attack.
Ten minutes Of rapid firing,ensied and
and then cry for quarter went up from
the barriCade. "WGsurrender," shouted
. man when the firing ceased. The blood
pouring from wound in his forehead
attested that he knew he had had enough.
A hasty advance to the fort was made,
and the officers were in charge OF thirty
prisoners, seven Of whom were seriously
wounded, AS but one Of the Marshals
was wounded, and his injury Is triiling,
the charge OF murder cannot be brought
against the men. They may be tried for
resisting arrest, but the belief Is that
they will be released after Oklahoma Is
open.