The Julesburg grit-advocate. (Julesburg, Colo.) 1907-1972, 1909-03-19


ously inclined they might send for a government
record. which, though only five lines long.
,ains in it the nub of the story of one of the most
gallant feats ever performed by officer of the
United States army.
The glory reaped from the achievement consists
Of 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 ever John b, I1abcock went into the
army at the outbreak of the civil en-
listed man. He attracted attention by his gallant
ry as volunteer, and the year 1865 found him a
first lieutenant of the Fifth Regular cavalry.
In the spring of the fourth year of peace after the
civil war-that is 10 say peace between white men--
the Kiowas the Arapahoes and the Cheycnnes mat'
western Nebraska western Kansas and eastern
Colorado a section of what John Hay might have
called "giltedced hell Lieut.. Babcock. in the
absence of his captain was ordered 10 the command
of a troop of cavalry and 10 take the field.
With his trooper followers Rabcock far in
advance of the main command on the frontier OF
Nebraska. They reached the bank Of Spring creek
on the morning Of May l6 1869 While there a
band of $50 of he best warriors of the plains APP
peared in front Of the cavalry troops though the
savages had come from the ground. Lieut.. Babcock
caught sight of The reds in time 10 give him a mo
ment or two for preparation. He would not run
and he could not attack for he was completely sur
rounded and the savages outnumbered his force
more than six to one.
Babcock gave quick order and with his men
dashed for bit Of high ground pateauike
formation with its nat surface occupying little
more than acre. The instant he reached the
place selected he ordered his troopers to dismount
and to ntrench themselves well as they could
The men lost no time In throwing up earth enough
to give them some slight protection from the bull
lets which were pouring in.
Babcock would not get of his horse, although his
men begged him to do SO. and they were kept
from dragging their commanding officer TO the
ground and to place Of partial safety only by in
stilled discipline and by Babcocks peremptory com
mands to leave him alone
The Indians advanced within range and protect
ed themselves in the hollows Of the prairie. They
sent vpley after volley up incline to the hilltop
and man after man behind the poor earthwork
protection stricken. Babcock continued his
ride up and down the line. His blouse was cut
twice by bullets hut his men did not know it,
Boys they can't hit thing" said Babcock.
They've been shooting at and no bullet has
come nearer than the north pole Give it to EN-.
Hold 'em off and relief will be here in no time
The shots from the Spencers and Henrys OF the
savages. from most of them. ceased hitting the
extemporized earthworks. The lying prone
knew that nearly all the projectes were passing
over their heads and they knew also that every
nain,ed warrior antagonist was turning loose at
the figure of the commanding oficer riding back
and forth his horse as indifercnty as If there
were not Indian on the frontier.
No one in that troop knew why Babcock
killed Inc Indians said afterwards tnd'
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 serenely said: Those fellows
can't hit a barn door.
The commanding officer continued 10 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 volley 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 for their
ponies They made on leaving their dead and
wounded behind them. Far the plains Lieut.
Habcock from his horse saw the main column ad
vancing Relief was in sight.
The enlisted men told the story of Babcock'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 Tonic Creek and at the Four Peaks in
Arizona There he won the brevet rank of lieu
tenant colonel add to the honor conferred by his
congressional medal Of bronze.