The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-10-13


and his men returned 10 Walker this
noon, having been taken away from
their camp on the scene of the battle
of Wednesday and Thursday hy the
steamer Leila ID. There had been no
fighting and practically no firing since
noon Thursday, although the men were
kept Oh the skirmiSh line and in the
rifle pits up to the time of embarkinG.
The killing Of Private Schallen-
Stockcr was the last casualty among
the troops, although during the even
ing the men think that Il couple of In
dianS were picked off by the marks
men. The returning party numbered
fifty-fOur. the casualties amounting To
30 per cent OF the original strength,
which is reasonably heavy even for
actual warfare. The men who re-
turned were all in good shape. al
though very tired from their long siege
and the attendant hardShpS.
At > O'clock this morning the eIpedi-
ton to bring off the soldiers left
Walker. The run up the lake was
without incident. At the landing was
Gen. Bacon with his hands stuffed
deep into the pockets Of his tightly but
toned coat and Il cheerful smile on his
countcnance. Most of the llen were
out of sight although one armed with
rife and filled cartridge belt could be
seen Scurrying from one point of
vantage 10 another on tie SkirmiSh
line. The men ran bent low, as if they
still feared the aim of
\ Hostile Sharpshootcr
Lieut. Ross came down to the landing.
equipped like any of his men, with
rifle instead of sword. There was not
a particle of relaxation in the eternal
vigilance, although no redSkin had
been seen since the afternoon before.
After the boat had landed and Gen.
Bacon was acquainted with the situa-
tion at Walker. he decided to follow
out his original purpose Of returning.
\ detail OF men was called in TO move
the baggage and surplus equipment
down 10 the landing. The Skirmish
line was advanced some distance into
the woods 10 make sure that there
were no Indians in. the immediate vi
entity. and then the loading com
menced. About ten men were called
and went upon the boat. Then Capt.
DAILY drew off from the shore. and the
remainder OF The detachment was sent
vi III tN' Siildll bbalS.
Gen. Bacon proposed to take no
chances. The men who first embarked
were lined up behind the breastworks.
with their rifles covering every inch OF
shore and woods. The skirmiSh line
was gradually drawn in. seven or
eight men leaving it at time or going
off in the boats 10 add to the garrison
or the floating fertilization. while the
others remained in the woods. If pos
siDle the vigilance was increased as
the men on shore diminished. Gen.
Bacon remained on shore until all but
Lieut.. Ross and six men were taken
oil. Lieut.. Ross himself was the last
man TO leave.
Indians show White Flags.
The trip home was without incident.
As Otter Point was approached Gen.
Bacon got tbe men out in firing posi-
ton, not knowing bur what the expc-
GitiOn might be fired on As the point
was approached Il Tutoring white flag
was made out and then another. They
Were carried by Indians. who lodged
about in the brush and waved their
emhiems of peace vigorously. From
that point into Walker white flags
were numerous, every Indian home
flying one Gen. Bacon was not dis.
posed ~ put too much confidence i'm
these outward signs Of y friendly
spirit. and relaxed norh!ng Of vi.ilant
watchfuness. At Walker the men
were given hearty welcome. Most Of
Col Harbach'S command and many
citizens assembled M The docN, witch
was reached shortly after noon.
Gen. Bacon speaks in the highest
terms of praise Of the conduct of his
men. NO soldiers ever put lin 4
gamer fight said he. land. consider.
ing that fOurfifths Of the mex were
recruits. their showing was one q
which every American soldier may f,r,
proud" Tie men were as fp:i II
praise for the officers as the Officers n.
for the men