Montana oil and mining journal. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1931-1953, 1938-08-27

rapidly spread around. and appruxi-
mateiy IT'S coWnen soon gathered on
the Rosebud river, &C the site OF the
only bridge then crossing the stream
Tolliver, however, was not with the
group. He left the state as soon as
possible and never returned, Rue re-
ported.
The ranchmen decided to form two
parties one progressing up each bank
OF the Rosebud TO the site Of the In
dian camp, where they would surround
the Cheyennes and demand the strrren-
der OF those responsible for destroying
the Sugar Bowl" ranch buildings.
Rue, vino was thoroughly familiar
with the country, was designated 70
the Indian camp, and the ranchers out
on their foray about / 8. m. Hooves of
the horses we're muffled with pieces Of
blanket and sacks to prevent making a
warning noise, and scouts preceded the
parties.
Plans had been carefully made In adj
vance, and the ranchers had agreed
that an interpreter would enter the
Indian camp TO demand surrender OF
those responsible for the fire. II the
Indians refused, Anderson, owner Of
the ranch. was to ride across a high
butte near the Indian camp as q signal
to start firing.
Surround Indian Camp
The two ranch parties reached the
Indian camp and quietly surrounded
the area shortly before daybreak, Rue
reported.
When It became light. the interpre-
ter entered the camp for pOw-wow,
while the tense cowmen kept one eye
on the Indians and the other on the
butte where Anderson was 70 signal
the start OF the battle" Rue said.
The interpreter was first received
with a scornful refusal by the Indians,
who boasted that they could lick" all
the soldiers at Fort Keogh. When In
formed that they we're surrounded by
cownEen instead Of soldiers, the In
dams Immediately gave IN. Rue said.
They surrendered ID braves who were
reported to have destroyed the ranch
buildings, and the battle was averted.
Several OF these were later convicted
by a court at Miles City and sentenced
to serve a term in the state peniten-
tiary at Deer Lodge, Rue said
Encounter Hardships
It was following the surrender OF the
Indians that some Of the rancherE SUI
fered their worst hardships, however,
Rue reported. Those on the west bank
Of the Rosebud swan their horses across
the stream, filled TO the banks with icy
joined their companions.
one other rancher. Milton Bean,
who did not join the war party"
created unnecessary hardships for HIM
self his wife and two children as the
result OF an odd incident following the
surrender Of the Indians Bean had
decided to remain In his cabin near tho
indian camp, believing that none of
the Indians would break through the
ranchers' lines to endanger his family.
As the cowmen's party started down
he Rosebud to return 10 the Diamond
ranch, however, they discovered large
lock Of sage chickens, and began
shooting into the flock. Bean, hearing
he shots and thinking that the In
iians had defeated the ranchers, hIIr-
-iedly loaded his family on top Of q
wagon filled with long poles and set
,ut at breakneck speed over the rough
country to the Diamond ranch. The
.ntire family was badly shaken up by
he rough ride, but arrived safely az
he ranch TO learn that they had not
,een In danger.