The Nevada County picayune., 1909-03-18

ouslv inclined they might send for a government record, which, though only five lines long. con tains it the hub of the story of of the most gallant feats performed by officer of the United States army.
 The glory reaped from the achievement consists of a little bronze medal voted to the soldier by congress the consciousness of duty well done and five lines in the war department record which few people John R. Babeock went into the army at the outbreak of the civil war as an en- listed He attracted attention by his gallant " a volunteer. and the year 1868 found him first lieutenant of the Fifth Regular cavalry
 In the spring of the fourth year of peace alter the civil war-that is to say peace between white men the Kiowas the Arapahoes and the Cheyennes made western Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado section of what John Hay might have called "gilt-edged he'll Lieut.. Babcock, in the absence of his captain was ordered to the command of troop of cavalry and to take the field.
 With his trooper followers Babcock was far in advance of the main command on the frontier or Nebraska They reached the bank of Spring creek on the morning of May 16, 1869. While there band of 250 of the best warriors of the plains ap peared in front of the cavalry troops though the sayages had come from the ground. Lieut. BaDcoch caught sight of the reds in time to give him mo- ment two for preparation. He would not run and he could not attack for he was completely sur rounded and the saYages outnumbered hls lorce than six to
 Babcock gave a quick order and with his men dashed for bit of high ground piateau-like formation with its flat surface occupying a little more than an The instant he reached the place selected he ordered his troopers to dismount and to intrench themselves we'll as they could The men lost no time in throwing up earth enough to give them some slight protection rom the Dul- lets which were pouring in.
 Babcock would not get of his horse, although his men begged him 10 do so, and they were kept from dragging their commanding officer to the r1aa nf stilled discipline and by Babcock's peremptory com mands 10 leave him alone
 The Indians advanced within range and protect ed themselves in the holows of the prairie They sent voley after volley up the incline to the hilltop and man after behind the poor earthwork protection was stricken. Babcock continued his ride np and down the line. His blouse was cut twice by bullets but his men did not know 1t.
 Boys, they cant hit a thing, said Babcock, They've been shooting at and no bullet has come nearer than the north pole. Give 1t to em, Hold 'em off and relief will be here in no time
 The shots from the Spencers and Henrys of the savages. or from most of them, ceased hitting the extemporized earthworks. The men lying prone knew that nearly all the projeciles were passing over their heads and they knew also that every painted warrior antagonist was turning loose at the figure of the commanding officer riding back and forth on his horse ndifferently as if there were not an Indian on the frontier
 Nc one in that troop ever knew why Babcock was rot killed The Indians said afterwards that he had some big medicine with him that turned away the bullets. Finally shot cut Babcock s boot and wounded his horse He turned the animal about quickly so that its other flank was toward the men, to whom he sereney said: Those fellows cant hit barn door
 The commanding officer continued to ride up and down the line and the bullets continued to cut the air all about him.
 Suddenly every savage head showed at once. The troopers slammed in yolley that claimed some victims The showing heads were followed by showing bodies and in another instant the warriors were erect and running to the far rear for their ponies They made off. leaving their dead and wounded behind them. Far the plains. Lieut.. Babcock from his horse, saw the main column ad- vancing Relief was in sight.
 The enlisted men told the story of Babcocks S bravery and congress gave him medal of honor Later the officer who is now living in retirement distinguished himself twice in action against the Apaches at Tonto Creek and at the Four Peaks in Arizona There he won the brevet rank of lieu tenantcolonel to add to the honor conferped by his sio medal 0f