The Bessemer indicator., 1894-06-16
The miners had telegraphed the
governor that they would surrender to
the militia but not to the deputies.


Brsmlett went after them about nine
o'clock the next morning. When near
to the end of Grassy Valley, in the
midst Of which the camp is pitched,
the pickets of the miners, camped on
the ridge Of the foothills below Bull
Mountain, opened fire on the mounted
scouts. They were about 700 yards
apart. A lively skirmish ensued, but
the only casualty was the shooting of
of q miners thumb. The deputies
were getting closer to the miners and
they state that they were preparing to
dislodge them from the shelter when
Commander Neatch ordered retreat
on the par, of the deputies. About
100 shots were exchanged. One shot
was fred from the cannon. The rank
and file of the deputies were extremely
eager for fight and it was all that
their leaders could do to restrain them
during the day. The miners seemed
equally ready for brush.
1t was about $3.50 in the afternoon
when the first detachment of the state
troops left the Midland stage road and
marched over the sodden prairie by
Gillet, and through the camp Of the
deputies. The troops pitched their
tents on Beaver park, between the two
belligerent camps, with guns unlim-
bered and rifles ready to open FIRE on
either deputies or miners if one at
tempted hostile move against the
other. The guards were grateful in 4
military way that their hard journey
was over.
The leaders of the deputies, by re-
quest of General Brooks, called in
such of their scouts as faced the min
ers pickets and were replaced by
guardsmen This was done to prevent
any desultory shooting during the
night.
Just what was to be done Friday
was not known. 1t is probable that
Brooks and Tarsney will call on the
miners to surrender Bull Hill in the
morning.
Sheriff Bowers stated that he would
go to Bull Hill in the morning to serve
thirty odd warrants he has for the ar
rest of the miners for various offenses.
He said he would be accompanied by
some of his men and by detachment
of militia. The sheriff said from what
he had learned within the last few
days he did not anticipate any trouble.
Governor Waite at Denver reiterated
his determination not to allow any
sherif's posse to make arrests as it
would be certain to precipitate fight
Peace reigncd through Altman and
the neig boring military camps Thurs
day night Most of the miners had
laid aside their arms, thinking that
the war was over. They had a serious
scare, however, in the middle of the
forenoon. The deputies started for
Bull Hill with the expressed inten-
tion of capturing it They marched
past the militia and no opposition was
made. One division turned to the
right and marched across the valley to
Iron Clad mountain, which leads by
sharp incline to the northern entrance
to Altman and the main fort. Anoth
er division made towards Cheyenne
canon, which forms the most passable
road to Victor and the southern part
Of the Notifications. The two divis
ions marched on and reached the foot
hills where the miners pickets were
stationed until the previous night. As
soon as General Brooks found what
was taking place he ordered the militia
after the deputies with the intention
of preventing them from attacking
Bull Hill The troops advanced on
the double quick. When General
Brooks reached the head of the depu-
ties column he called upon the men
to halt and said;
Get back to camp, everyone of
YOU" he began. Il am in command
here and you have broken faith with
me already. So you must face right
around and return to where you come
from. ! have here an order from
Sheriff Bowers, which tells you to go
back"
The fre-eating deputies looked at
one another and then began tumult-
uous consultation. No one man ap-
peared to be in command and from all
sides came a volley Of orders, advices
and expostulations. To words Of ex-
postulation, General Brooks gave the
simple answer that they must obey.
The national guard was now abreast
of the county officers and halted close
to their lines. The deputies did not
hesitate any longer, but upon an order
from some one wheeled around on
their tracks and began the journey
back to Gillett.
Many of the deputies showed great
rese ntment at being ordered back to
camp and tore off their badges in
anger. Quite number left camp that
night to return to Colorado Springs,
and it was thought that most of the
deputies would be dismissed the next
day
While the deputies were returning
to their camp some OF the militiamen
hissed them, but ceased when General
Brooks threatened them with the
guard house.
While the deputies were advancing
toward Altman the miners were get
ting ready for fight. They appeared
| frnn all nuarters nnnn the .sirnal be.