The National tribune., 1891-01-01
INDIAN TROUBLES.
Battle Between the Soldiers and Big Foot
WaFFiOFS


Dispatches from Gen. Miles from Rapid City,
s. d., were received on Monday night, Dec. %,
telling Of q battle which had taken place in
the Bad Lands on Monday. between the hostile
Indians and u. S. troops. The first dispatch
was from Gen. Brooke, and as follows:
Whiteside had four troops OF cavalry, and
held Indians till Forsyth reached him with four
more troops last night. At $50 this morning,
while disArmng the Indians, a fight COM
menced. l think very few Indians have
escaped. think we will have this matter in
hand as soon as all are in position. There was
no precautiOn omitted. Tie fight occurred
near the Wounded Knee Greek. ! have Just
seen many of the Indians who went out to-
wards Forsythe this morning come back"
The next dispatch reads:
"Gen. Brooke telegraphs Forsyth reports
that while disarming Big Foots band this
morning fight occurred. Capt. Wallace and
five soldiers killed Lieut. Darlington and 10
men wounded. The Indians are being hunted
up in all directions. None known to have
gotten their ponies. Gen. Brooke also reports
that many of the young warriors, that were
going out from the camp in the Bad Lands 10
the agency, have gone toward Forsyth. All
troops have been notified. Col. Forsyth had
two battalions Seventh Cavalry, and Hotchkiss
guns. Other troops in close proximity"
A later dispatch says:
"Gen. Brooke reports that two shots were
fired near the agency Pine Ridgel by some
one, and several were fired in return. Quite
a large number Of Two Strikes band ran away,
and all at the agency are greatly excited. All
this makes matters look more serious"
The occurance of this fight, although greatly
regretted by Gen. SehOfeld, was not unex-
peeted. He deplored the treachery display by
the Indians but he had been on the lookout
for treachery on the part Of the hostiles all the
time. That the trouble would end without a
conflict OF this kind was almost too much to
hope for. He does not think from adviees at
hand that there is further danger of aggressive
ness on the part OF the Indians, except through
the disarmament of the band which is still out,
although the excitement following the fight OF
Monday night be the means of leading to fur
ther trouble
Secretary Proctor expressed regret at the
collision between the troops aud the Indians.
and said that as Big Foot was connected with
Sitting Bulls band. il was case where the
Indians wanted revenge for the killing Of their
friend. Both the Secretary Of War and Gen.
SchOfeld did not feel inclined to talk much re-
garding the fight, with the limited information
at hand.
Capt George ID. Wallace. who was slain in
the battle, was well known in Washington,
having been stationed here at one time. He
was a native of South Carolina, and was ap-
pointed 10 the United States Military Academy
IN 1863 He was made Second Lieutenant OF
the 7th Cav. June II, 1872, and promoted to a
First Lientenancy June 25, 1876. He became
Captain of cavalry Sept. %, 1885. Gen. Scho-
field spoke Of Capt. Wallace as an efficient off,
Ger, with whom, however, he had but a slight
personal acquaintance.
Lieut.. Darlington, who was wounded, was
engaged in the Custer campaign. and distin-
guished himself by gallant service. He was
appointed TO the Military Academy in 1872,
was made Second Lieutenant Of the 9Th Cav.
June ID, 1876. and was promoted to q First
Lieutenancy 10 days later. He is q South
Carolinian.