Rensselaer Republican, Volume 24, Number 6, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 October 1891 — How Four Indian Wars Began. [ARTICLE]

How Four Indian Wars Began.

Col E. V. Sumner in October Century. - The Modoc War of 1872, in which so many valuable lives were lost,was begun by the advance of half a troop of the Ist Cavalry. This force rode up to the Indian camp, dismounted, and were standing to' horse, with probably no thought of being murdered, or of any serious trouble. It is reported that while the officer in command was talking to the chief a rifle was discharged by an Indian, either accidentally or as a signal,and that instantly thereafter firing on the troops took place and a number were killed and Wounded. The Indians, about sixty in number, taking advantage of the confusion among the troops, retired to their strongholds in the lava beds, murdering every white man en route. In this stronghold they defied the government, massacred a commission composed of prominent men sent to them in peace, and withstood the attacks of 1300 soldiers for months, until both food and water gave out. The Nez Perces Wash in 1877 commenced in about the same way. Two small troops of cavalry, marching down a deep and long presented themselves before the camp of Chief Joseph, as if a display of this nature was all that was necessary to capture a force of two hundred and fifty warriors. The Indian, always quick to see an advantage and to profit by it, was not slow in this instance, and the first few shots from, the enemy on the left and in the rear of the line caused a hasty retreat of the soldiers, who no doubt up to that time thought there was to be nothing serious. The Little Big Horn fight in 1876. where General Custer and most of his command were massacred, was the result of overestimating one’s Strength and underrating that of the enemy. —— Other examples could be furnished but are not these, with their attendant losses and failures, sufficient to prove that with the Indian as a foe we must always be prepared, and especially careful when he seems most friendly and still holds on to .■his rifle? On the other hand, many Instances are known where troops have met and overcome at the start more serious obstacles than those* mentioned above, and without a shot being tired. A column on the march prepared to fight if necessary, is not likely to be disturbed, and it is almost certain that no Indians will be seen or heard from unless they have all the advantages, and unless certainty of success follows their first efforts. ! i The Ute campaign was a repetition of all the other sad occurrences in Indian warfare. Major Thornburgh, the commander, as noble and brave a man as ever marched with troops, fell as other had, having ignored an enemy in the morning who had tho power to defeat him before noon. The march through these mountains and into the valley of Milk River, as described, was made as any march would be conducted on a turnpike through a civilized country and 'among friends. No danger had threatened; on the contrary, the Indians appeared friendly, and assuring messages had been received from the agent.