The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1891-12-02

Capt. II. j. King of Chamberlain. S.
D., is one of the best known Missouri
river steamboat captains in the west
having been running on the upper
river Constantly for the last twenty
eight years. The captain is a good
story teller, says the Detroit Free
Press, and while speaking of the early
indian troubles on the upper river
bows turned the tide of battle. In
August. 1875. the steamer Katie 2.
Kountz and other steamers were un-
able to proceed to Fort Benton, their
destination. on account of the extreme
low water, and were compelled to dis
charge their cargoes at Cow island, 120
miles below Benton. The cargoes
consisted mostly of government sup
plies for the military posts in the up
per country. A company of infantry
was sent from Fort Shaw to guard the
supplies, and while in camp some 800
Sioux came in and attacked the guard
camp. which had been reinforced by
some Grow Indians. The Crows at
once sailed out and engaged the Sioux
in combat, but were soon defeated and
driven back into camp. The Grows
then sent runner to their village for
re-enforcements. The re-enforcements
arrived in due time and they again
made an attack upon the Sioux, who
| once more defeated them. and the
| Crows were compelled to retreat to
| their white allies, who had fortified
| themselves behind the boxes and bar
rels of supplies.
| After the second defeat the news
was soon received at the Crow village,
and the squaws promptly armed all
boys between the ages of 10 and 1S-
about 200 in all-and sent them to the
assistance of their fathers and relatives.
| Upon appearing in view of the be-
sieged camp. dashing along with
whoop and yell. the Crows rushed out
on their swift little ponies and at
| tempted to stop the boys and prevent
them from entering the battle. but
they might as well have tried to stop a
| cyclone. The BOYS scattered out and
eluded their elders. and Immediately
attacked the large body of Sioux.
Seeing their young men hotly engaged
in battle with the hated foe was too
much for the old warriors. and, utter
ing their fierce battle-cry, they went
to their assistance, and the battle be-
tween the Sioux and Crows became
general. Notwithstanding the bravery
Of the Sioux. they were unable to long
withstand the fierce attack of the
Crows. and soon began to retreat up
Grow creek. small stream that enters
the Missouri near the spot where the
battle commenced.
A week after the fight Capt. King
arrived there on the steamer Gen,
Meade. loaded with private cargo and
owing to the same cause that stopped
other boats from going farther up the
river found it necessary to remain
there. and the captain and party went
to Benton by pony to make arrange.
ments to have the freight brought by
the steamer transported over land to
that point. In going to Benton THEN
road lay along the entire length of the
battle ground. and the terrible havoc
wrought by the Grows and Sioux could
still be plainly seen. Dead Indians
dead ponies blankets. war implements
etc, were strewed over the entire
eighteen miles where the running
fight had taken place. In fear O.
their own scalps none of the party
fingered long enough to collect any O
the relics.