New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1908-08-19
Old Fort Ridgely Prior to
the Memorable Siege Of 1862.
Interesting "reminiscences Of the Early History Of Mime
sofas Most Famous Frontier Post

| likely that both of these well-known
veterans will be present at the cele-
bration next Saturday.
From it's exposed position and its
proximity to the Sioux agency the his.
tory OF Fort Ridgely is closely linked
with that OF all the Indian troubles on
the frontier. The earliest demonstra-
tlon against it of which there is any
authentic record occurred in June,
1854. In that month Little Crows
band moved from their old home at
kaposla to the reservation, marching
IN divisions. The last of these, which
numbered $50 or 200 and consisted
largely of old men, women and chill
dren, was in charge of Little Grow in
person, with a half-dozen of his SOL
diers.
Their removal came to the knowl-
edge of their hereditary enemies, the
Chippewas, and war party of eight
asmade up to ambush the Sioux, they
planning to make the assault short
distance north and in plain sight of
the fort. There the road along which
the Sioux must pass trayersed the
edge OF ravine, while thicket of
brush and small trees furnished good
cover for an ambuscade.
For three days the Chippewas Law
concealed, living on a scanty supply
OF parched corn they had taken with
them and at night stealing down to a
creek in the ravine for water, and then
their patience was rewarded. It was
toward the middle of the afternoon.
when the Sioux came in sight. Little
Grow and his braves marched ahead
carrying their guns, and the rest of
the band, with their families and
household possessions, followed. It
was motley procession, andsone that
was scattered along in the easy disor-
der OF long march. There were
few carts and wagons, but for the most
part the stunted ponies, with their
loads of baggage and children, and
hauling the primitive Indian convey
ance, the travels, plodded sleepily
along. An occasional blanket gave a
dash of color to the caravan, but the
Indians, as whole, were dusty and
tired-looking. They marched silently,
unconscious of danger and lulled into
q sense OF security by the close proxi-
nifty OF the fort.
Their first knowledge of the enemy
came in the form OF volley from the
Chippewas in ambush, it killing one
Sioux warrior and wounding several
others. Though badly disconnected,
the Sioux returned the fire, but they
were held in check until the fallen In.
dian had been scalped, when the Chip
pewas retired from the field. The
skirmish lasted only a few moments,
but before the Sioux could organize
pursuing party a squad of soldiers
had been sent out from the fort and
had succeeded in overtaking three
Chippewa warriors, two of whom we're
supporting a wounded comrade. They
were captured and taken to the fort.
and in a short time several hundred
angry Sioux appeared and demanded
that the prisoners be turned over to
them for torture. When this was re-
fused Little Grow determined to rush
the post. It was not his purpose to
fire on the soldiers, but he hoped to
surprise and overpower the guard and
then carry away the captives. His
plan might have succeeded, had it not
been for the bravery of Lieut.. Armi-
stead. When the party of mounted
Sioux dashed up to the fort, that off,
Ger, divining their purpose, ran out to
meet the chieftain, and delayed him
until the guard could form. Confron-
ted with this force the Indians
paused to parley. and then sullen-
ly withdrew.
When the regular troops were or
dered South at the opening of the Civil
war, Major G. W. Patten, an officer
who had won distinction in the Semi
mole trouble, was left in charge of Fort
Ridgely, and he remained in command
until relieved by two companies of the
First Minnesota. Thereafter the fort
was garrlsoned by volunteers, and
when the Fifth Minnesota was recruit
ed Capt. John S. Marsh, commanding
Company B, was sent to Fort Ridge
ly. His company reported for duty in
March, 1862, and the months that fol-
lowed were devoted to drill, the sol
diers striving to prepare themselves
for active service in the South. Al
though outside of their line of duty,
several squads were instructed in ar
tillery practice, and the knowledge they
acquired proved Of great value later
On.