The National tribune., 1899-11-16

have been with us foY two years on the hard
Indian campaigns, and feel little sorry
that we are not included IN the order and
cannot accompany them. We have
become acquainted with lots of good, true
men and comrades, and formed friendships
with good many that will last through
life. Good-by, boys, God bless you all,
and may we meet again, but not as soldiers
on the plains, rs our fervent wish.
POw-Wow WITH HoSTILEs.
Sept. S.-We have moved camp and are
close to the fort again, in rather poor camps.
We have hada good deal of rain and heavy
winds during the last few days. A large
body of Indians, delegations Of chiefs and
leading warriors, have come in and are
camped below the fort on the opposite side
Of the river.
They are closely watched by our men.
They belong 10 the Uncpapa, Brulas
and Yankton bands of hostiles. They
came in unarmed, or at least their arms
were hidden, and professed their willing
ness 10 surrender and become peaceable
after their three years depreciation and
warfare.
Gen. Sully and staff have had a meeting
with the leaders at a so-called pow-wow, or
Indian talk, where the stipulations Of a
treaty Of peace were talked over. These
Indians came to the camp with our party
and a good strong escort, all armed We
kept our guns handy for instant use, for
they are "a tricky. treacherous lot The
whole lot Of about $50 Indians are a hard,
desperate, gaunt, ragged looking lot; some
had wounds not yet healed and some had
ugly-loohiBg sores, showing plainly the
rough handling they have had at our en-
counters during the last two years.
The Indians are sullenand defiant and it
is plainly 10 be seen are not suing for peace
for the love Of The white man, but are forced
10 the step by dire necessity and to ward off
almost certain starvation OF the squaws and
children. ! saw several whom | knew
when boy at Red Wood and Yellow
Medicine Agency in Minnesota. These
same Indians had taken part in the mas.
sacre and attack on New Ulm and Fort
Ridgeley in 1862. They recognized me,
and we had a friendly ta!k, handshake and
smoke. cIhese same Indians were part of
Sitting Bulls horde, that II years later
massacred the brave Custer and entire com
mand on the Big Horn River.) No treaty
was agreed on al this pow-wow.
Gen. Suily, through the interpreter, told
them 10 go back to their tribes in a BODY
and consider the proposition outlined by
him for a permanent treaty OF peace. This
induced other bands OF hostiles to join them
with tbe5r delegations in general meeting
at Pierre two moons later, when the General
promised TO have a commission empowered
by the Great Father at Washington, the
President, 10 make and sign a general
treaty Of peaee with all the tribes and
hostile bands.
The Indians grmted assent, smoked a
pipe around the circle in silence, and after
receiving presents Of trinkets and some pro-
VISIONS, as mark Of good faith on the part
OF Gen. Suily, all the hostiles quickly de-
parted. This meeting lasted about three
hours, and nearly all the chiefs made
speeches. We stood TO arms and waited
until the last one had disappeared over the
bluffs, and then breathed easier
INDIANS THREATENED WITH FAMINE.
Our scouts and some traders report that
all the hostiles have come over the Canadian
border and have followed our command
down the river and have crossed over and
Joined Sitting Bull, who has about 5000
warriors. They are said to be west and
south OF here, eamped on the Knife, Heart
Cannonbai1 and Niobrara Rivers. Their
families are with them. 1t is reported that
all are in destitute circumstances and suffer.
ing, and are also very hard up for camp
equipments. cooking utensils, clothing, and
ammunition; in fact, it is said that we have
chased and harassed them so much that
uey are now in a condition to make treaty
Oh peace On any terms to avoid starving.
Sept. 13.-We have left Fort Rice and are
on the march 70 Fort Sully. Camped near
n 1e mouth OF the Little Cheyenne River.
we nave q good camp. wood. water and
p'eh'y OIL grass. The weather is getting