The National tribune., 1899-11-09

BUGLER CLARKE'S NARROW ESCAPE.
wards and myself took after a buffalo
calf that had separated from the herd, and
finally succeeded in running it down and
capturing it with lasso. We brought it
| into camp and tried to induce our COW to
adopt the woolly, shaggy little thing, and
! in that event we intended to preserve its
life and bring it home, but after repeated
trials, during which we tried hobbling the
COW behind and in front, and covering her
head with blanket, we had to give up.
She would not own the buffalo calf and
| become step-mother. We had to kill and
eat the calf after all.
Aug. 24.-We have reached the Missouri
River once more, and are camped below
Fort Berthold, where are quite good many
| friendly Indians. We received a mail to-
day and once more heard from home and
friends, and read newspapers, although a
month old. We learn the war is over and
nearly all volunteers have been discharged
and sent home except us, who are so far
outside Of civilization that the War Depart
ment has likely forgotten us.
A part of the 9Th Iowa has been sent TO
Fort Berthold. ! went along, and traded
! my rundown pony for a regular buffalo
horse owned by friendly Indian. / made
good bargain.
We were given quite a reception at the
trading post. Capt. Moreland, Of the 9Th
| Iowa, who had been stationed here nearly a
| year with his com pany, had married a
dusky maiden. Some of his men had be-
come Squaw men, and all had some money.
| We bought many nicknacks and some
necessary clothing, shirts, etc, for we were
quite ragged again and the weather is
getting cool once more
INDIAN CAMP SERENADED BY REGI-
| MENTAL BAND.
In the evening Gen. Sully and staff came
up, bringing the regimental band of the 9th
| Iowa, that serenaded the Indian camp.
This was, no doubt, the first band these
| Indians had ever heard, and it was amusing
! to watch the effect Members Of our party
were invited TO very solemn and imposing
Indian dance or ceremony, where the old
medicine man was breaking in and in
structing a young buck, who is to be his
successor after his demise. This was held
in the largest earth-covered lodge. We had
interpreters, who explained the ceremony
and customs.
The old medicine man brewed and con-
cocted all kinds of drafts and doses from
roots, herbs, barks and berries, accom-
panied by singing, howling, dancing and
beating Of tom-toms by the Indian band
around an immense fire in the tents of the
lodge. After each dose was finished the
same would be given 10 the young would-be
medicine man and the crowd would watch
the effect on him. Sometimes the effect
was curious, the young buck twisting and
making all kinds Of faces, as if in great pain,
but aftcrward he would apparently become
all right again.
Aug. 26.-We have started down the
river again towards Fort Rice; we march by
easy stages, and rations are plenty. We
find the trails of the migratory buffaloes
leading to the fords at the river, where they
are beginning 10 cross, moving south
This is interpreted by our friendly Indian
to mean colder weather and storms.
i ATTACK ON FORT RICE.
We have now learned the particulars OF
the big fight with hostile Sioux Indians al
Fort Rice nearly meath ago. 1t seems
, the Indians to the number of several thou
sand had first attacked some working
parties who were down the river near the
mouth of the Cannon Ball River making
hay and cutting wood. and succeeded in
cutting of their retreat.
Our men quickly gathered In a good
sheltered position and bravely defended
themselves against vast numbers, until
rescued by relief party, and the whole
party OF cavalry and infantry, numbering