The National tribune., 1901-12-26

y swiftly moving stream came down the
canyon, and in making the ascent it was
necessary at different times to wade ii the
water, as there was no beaten track. The
bottom of the stream was filled with rocks,
and pedestrian was III constant danger of
losing his f0othold To make the journey
on horseback was an utter impossibility.
well, the Lieutenant determined 20
gain Il reputation BY orertaking the horse
thieves and whipping them on the spot.
We set ont from the fort 30 strong. We
all rode until we reached the mouth of the
canyon, which is several hundred yards
wide. There we left our horses in charge
of 10 men. This gave us 20 men TO make
the dangerous trip into one Of the most
treacherous spots of the Rocky Mountains.
The Lieutenant gave notice that at .
. clock III the morning we would start up
the canyon so as to reach the enemy by
daylight and take him by surprise. Had
the commander dreamed of what was be-
fore him he would have gladly given up
the undertaking. 1t was one of the most
foolhardy movements ever known in the
Indian troubles of the Southwest.
we started at the appointed time, ev-
cry man fully armed and instructed to pro-
coed cautiously and to be prepared with his
rifle Ia fight at any moment We knew
there were about 200 Apaches and we
knew they were well armed with guns, as
many months and the ammunition and
rifles Of the emigrants Were always car
ried away. Before We were through with
the expedition we found that they knew
how to use them. The trip up the cauynn
required two hours, although it was only
five miles we had TO treayel The slippery
rocks gave us great annoyance, and the
night was dark and the water icy cold. On
the way up my attention was attracted to
young fellow named Newman, who was
one of my comrades. Newman was cry
ing. .....-... ~.
what is the matter Newman I in
quired. You are not hurt, are you|
4" No, Corporal, am not hurt, was the
reply, but | feel that this is my last night.
am going to be killed
Il tried to cheer him up. but in the
fight the poor boy was shot dead. and his
prophecy came true. He had prcmoni-
tiUn of death
AT daylight we found ourselves close
to the supposed site of the Apache village,
The Indians lived in tepees, hut we saw no
tepces, although we pccrcd from the edges
of the canyon and searched the side ra-
vines. All at once the crack of rifles gave
notice that the ApacheS were on the look
out They had been lying in wait for us.
and 1t was almost as IL by miracle that VIC
were not wiped off the earth There We
were penned mp in Il mountain canyon with
2uO rifles against us and 20 rifles for de-
fcnSe. In Il few moments three OF onr
men We're wounded. To stand our ground
was certain death. As we began to retreat
c0mrade who was shot through the bac[;
exclaimed: Boys, for Heavens sake. do
not desert me-
TO remain meant humiliation. We left
the brave man 10 his fate
Three months aftcrward the bones OF
the fallen soldiers were found in the can.
yOn.
The retreat down the canyon was IN
event shall never forget At times
said to myself: Is life worth all this OK.
ertlonE The Indians closely beset us, but
we were obliged TO protect the wounded
men, who moved slowly. and ut every turn
OF the river rear guard held the sayaCe>
at bay. Then the guard would make Il
/ rush Tor the next turn in the stream and
! the hight would there be renewed with as
much visoF as ever. II required several
! hours to reach the mouth of the canyoa
mount our horses, and speed away toward
/ the fort.
One Of our men, who had been cut of
when the fight first began hid himself in
/ the brush IN the canyon. He remained il
hiding all day and after dark determined tt
make Il desperate attempt To escauc In
/ order to prevent making a noise he wadef
/ III the middle Of The stream all the way Il
/ the mouth Of the canyon. He fell man,
! times III the water aud was rolled ovcl
and dashed against the sharp rocks. hui
finally reached the plain, exhausted. ham
CRY. and without means Of defense. Tn,
post WAS ~ miles away and the counfr,
was hcSet with prOwliug Apachcs. Ia suit,
of these difficulties. the soldier reacha,
Fort Stanton in advance OF our rnyunte,
party. This shows the remarkable visol
of human bong when hc Is placed in ;
I situation of extreme danger Dark Gam
! yon has ever been TO me aS Il drcadYu
nightmare, and although AZ years hay,
passed since this adventure, / can imagip,
no condition that would induce mo 20 r,,
visit the spot