The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1889-04-20
DRIVING THEN OUT.
Conflict Between Boemers aud United
states OHlcials Near Purcell.

CHICAGO, April lg-A special dispatch
from Purcell, Indian Territory, says:
There has been a battle between United
States officers and boomers, several OF the
latter being taken prisoners. Seven OF
them were severely wounded and deputy
marshal was slightly hurt. A raid wts
made by the United States marshAls this
afternoon on the boomers who had disre-
garded and taken up claims in Oklahoma
FOR several days men on horseback and in
wagons have been seen fsrding the South
Canadian, north of Purcell, and disappear
ing In the timber 10 the eastward. Men
who came In from hunting trips report
having seen large bodies OF boomers max.
ing In a northeAsterly direction, and q
hunter who arrived last night declared he
found a man pl0wing In secluded valley
tweuty-six miles from Purcell
This morning at sun rise thirteen prairie
schOOners, well manned, crossed the Santa
Fe track below the city and forded the
river and were soon out of sight, They
were seen, however, and leading citizens
called meeting against trespAssers, and
inside OF thirty minutes half dozen fiery
speeches had been made. IL was finally
decided that the chief deputy marshal be
called upon 10 try 30 expel the raiders. lie
said he would do so, aud Immediately sent
one OF his assistants to rally his Ilen. This
afternoon the chief deputy, accompanied
by thirteen assistants, rode down 10 the
river and took the same ford. There was
a fresh trail leading 20 the northeast and
the party followed this at a gallOp.
About four miles out one OF the men no.
ticed thin cloud OF smoke rising above the
cottonwoods TO the right A halt was
called and three OF the party reconnoitered.
They discovered four wagons about three
hundred teet from the trail and five men
seated around the IRE ealing dinner. They
were unceremoniously ordered 90 hitch up,
and were sent back In charge OF a deputy
marshal. The remainder OF the posse de
plOyed as skirmishers and advanced slowly
for several miles. Suddenly q shot was
heard on the left and bullet clipped leaf
above the head of one Of the party. A
minute later volley rang out In front and
pony ridden by one of the deputies sank
TO the ground with bullet in his head,
The chief OF the deputies called out for
his men 10 charge. Each unstrung his
Winchester and surged forward. They
went into the thicket and shouted like mad
men. There was no response for several
minutes and the men began To think they
had dispersed their assailants. fhey soon
discovered their mistake. A man popped
up from behind log and fired at them and
this was the signal for another fusillade
from his friends. lie retreated down the
ravine just In time 10 escape the fire of the
deputies. who continued 10 advance and
pump their repeaters. Half way down the
ravine the deputies discovered rough bar
ricade OF logs and brush across the en-
trance and simultaneously a voice ex-
claimed: snow. give IL 10 them, boys"
A sheet OF fiame poured from the face
of the barrier and another shower Of bull
let's sped towards the officers. They had
been sufficiently warned, however, and but
one OF their number was bit, his wound
not being serious. The chief deputy or.
dered a retreat and gathered his men about
him for council OF war. IL was evident
the barrlcade was quite heavily mounted
and a direct assault would prove disas-
trous; therefore IL was decided
to divide the party and at
tack the flank Of the enemy.
This movement brought the deputies d.
rectly above the barrlcade. At a given
signal they began shooting from the top Of
the rayine right into the midst OF the boom.
ere. who were utterly unable 10 defend
themselves from such an attack.
Ten minutes OF rapid firing ensued, and
then n cry for quarter went up from the
barricade. .'We surrender" shouted a
man. Then the firing ceased. A hasty ad-
vance 10 the fort and the officers were In
charge OF thirty prisoners, seven OF whom
were severely wounded. Two OF these,
Thomas Mullin and David Winship, will
probably die. Mullin has bullet In his
left lung and Wlnship one In his abdomen.
Martin Fallen, OF GAINESVILLE, Tex, received
a bail Ia his left thigh. John Il. White, Of
Fort Worth, was struck IN the shoulder.
Sam DOdd, of North Carolina, has deep
cash In his forehead. Edward Frabishey,
of Texas, suffered broken arm. John
Young, OF louisiana, Is shot through the
shoulder.
The prisoners. all OF whom had rifles and
rev0lvers and plenty OF ammunition, were
disarmed, the wounded cared for as well
possible under the circumstances, and the
march 10 Purcell was taken up. The
wagons and personal property Of the
boomers were destroyed. The gang were
all southerners, mostly from Texas, and
presented f0rlorn appearance. Their
captain, Edward Mcintosh, said he had
aud that the party was only the advance
guard OF body Of more than 400 who,
through agents sent ahead. had selected
their claims and proposed TO hold
them with Winchesters against all corners.
Nc lntosh and the other prlsOnerswere taken
10 the prison pen, five miles southwest Of
Purcell, aud placed under a strong guard.
As but one Of the marshals was wounded
and his injury is tri6lnp, the charge OF
murder cannot be brought against the men.
They may be tried for resisting arrest, but
the belief is they will be released after
Oklahoma Is open. A detachment Of the
Fifth cavalry Is expected here tomorrow
and scout will probably result In the dis
covery OF many other outfits. Late tonight
IL Is reported O large number OF Texans
who have encamped on the Wichita are on
their way 10 Purcell. This causes fear
that they will attempt 10 rescue the prison
eTs.