USA > Wyoming > The history of Wyoming from the earliest known discoveries > Part 50
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MAIN GATES.
DATES
BARENT.
A.G.M
TEAMSTERS QUARTERS
COMPANY QUARTERS.
LAUNDRYO
J
WOOD YARD
HAY YARD.
314G VIR_ 19-20
CAVALRY YARD.
BATTERY.
H
GATES.
OFFICE.
WATER GATES
SHOPS
GATEE CHAPEL.
NON COM. STAFF.
OFFICERS QUARTERS.
MILL GATES
COAL BED
GATE
STTLE
PINEY CRE
SAW MILL.
FORT PHILIP KEARNEY,
ISLAND
FROM ORIGINAL SURVEYS.
SAW MILL
north side of the Little Piney, near the fort, were located two saw-mills, which supplied the lumber used in the con- struction of the buildings.
-(36)
A.C.S.
BAND SUTLEL OFFICE. QUARO HOUSE
LITITITIIT
STABLES.
WAGON MASTERZ
TEAMSTERS'MSSS
WAY SCALES
TABLEL
MECHANICS. TTTTTTTTV
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History of Wyoming.
Muster day was an event of impressive importance and it was observed as a holiday. It was one of those beautiful Wyoming October days, made more impressive in that spot by the grandeur and glory of the surrounding mountains. The men of this command were heroes of the better type. In spite of the knowledge that on every side of them lurked a murderous foe, they had labored in this wilderness to plant the flag of their country in a spot which they had every reason to believe would be permanently occupied by their government. Each had shared the danger of the de- tail of cutting and hauling the logs out of which the fort buildings were constructed, each had served on the picket line and in doing dangerous guard duty around the fort. The whiz of the Indian's arrow and the crack of his rifle were familiar sounds to these brave men who were strug- gling to maintain a foothold in a country where their foe outnumbered them thirty to one. An enemy who in am- bush and decoy was superior to the best soldier in the world; an enemy who in horsemanship has no equal and in strategy could surpass the most experienced and the best trained veterans of any age or country. These were the foes this little band in the wilderness were to fight or hold in check. Colonel Carrington may be pardoned when on October 31st he ordered his soldiers to lay aside their working clothes and appear for inspection and review in their brightest uni- forms. He was proud of these men who had accomplished so much, and were it otherwise he would have been un- worthy of the place he held. Every man that could be spared from the outpost and picket line appeared at the review. The troops were formed on three sides of the square around the new flagstaff which was to receive for the first time the proud emblem of their country-the flag which they had so often risked their lives to plant in a land swarming with savage foes. On the platform which occu- pied the fourth side of the square was the regimental band, the commander of the post, the wives of the officers and visitors. Among the citizens gathered there was W. B.
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
Hugus, who has since for many years been a resident of Saratoga and been prominent in business enterprises and politics of the state. His brother, J. W. Hugus, now of Raw- lins, held the sutlership at the fort, but at the time of which I write he happened to be absent. There was also present on this occasion William Daily, whom I have previously mentioned in connection with the flag-staff. There were also other citizens, interested spectators of the event which was about to happen.
The scene about that flag-staff was a memorable one. Every soul in that enclosure felt that the event was one of no ordinary importance, but an occasion in which all were deeply interested. Colonel Carrington, with swelling heart, stepped to the front and addressed his officers and men as follows:
"Three and one-half months ago stakes were driven to define the now perfected outlines of Fort Philip Kearney. Aggressive Indians threatened to exterminate the com- mand. Our advent cost us blood. Private Livensberger of Company F was the first victim, July 17th, 1866; Lieutenant Daniels, Private Callery of G company; Gilchrist and John- son of E company; Fitzpatrick and Hacket of D company; Patrick Smith of H company; and Oberly and Wasser have also, in the order namned, given their lives to vindicate our pledge to never yield one foot of advance, but to guarantee a safe passage for all who seek a home in the lands beyond.
"Fifteen weeks have passed, varied by many skirmishes and both night and day alarms, but that pledge holds good. In every work done your arms have been at hand. In the pine tracts or hay fields, on picket or general guard duty, no one has failed to find a constant exposure to some hos- tile shaft, and to feel that a cunning adversary was watch- ing every chance to harass and kill.
"And yet that pledge holds good. Stockade and block- house, embrasure and loop-hole, shell and bullet, have warned off danger, so that women and children now notice the savage as he appears, only to look for fresh occasion for you to punish him, and with righteous anger to avenge the dead.
"The Indian dead outnumbers your own four-fold, while your acquired experience and better cause afford you con-
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History of Wyoming.
stant success in every encounter. This is not all. Substan- tial warehouses, containing a year's supply, spacious and enduring quarters, and a well adapted magazine are other proofs of your diligence and spirit.
"The steam whistle and the rattle of the mower have fol- lowed your steps in this westward march of empire. You have built a central post that will bear comparison with any for security, completeness, and adaptation to the ends in view, wherever the other may be located, or however long in erection.
"Surrounded by temptations to hunt the choicest game, lured by tales of golden treasure just beyond you, you have spared your powder for your foes, and have given the labor of your hands to your proper work. Passing from guard- watching to fatigue-work, and, after one night in bed, often disturbed, returning to your post as sentry ; attempting with success all trades and callings, and handling the broad-ax and hammer, the saw and the chisel, with the same success as that with which you sped the bullet, your work has proven how well deserved was the confidence I reposed in all of you; and that same old pledge still holds good.
"Coincident with your march to this point was the oc- cupation of Fort Reno; first by Company B, afterward rein- forced by Company F of this battalion, and the advance of Companies D and G to Fort C. F. Smith, nearly one hundred miles farther west. All these, like yourselves, having a share in the labor, the exposure, and the conflicts that throughout the whole length of the line attended its occu- pation, have sustained the past good record of the Eight- eenth Infantry, and thus also have vindicated your pledge.
"And now this day, laying aside the worn and tattered garments, which have done their part during weeks of toil and struggle, the veteran battalion of the Eighteenth Infan- try, from which perhaps I shall soon be parted in the changes of army life and organization, puts on its fresh full dress attire for muster and review.
"The crowning office, without which you would regard your work as scarcely begun, is now to be performed, and to its fulfillment I assign soldiers; neither discharging the duty myself nor delegating it to some brother officer; but some veteran soldiers of good desert shall share with a sergeant from each of their companies, and the worthy man whose work rises high above us, the honor of raising our new and
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
beautiful garrison flag to the top of the handsomest flag- staff in America.
"It is the first full garrison flag that has floated between the Platte and Montana; and this wonderful pole, perfect in detail, as if wrought in the navy yards of New York, Philadelphia or Boston, will be sent up by Sergeant Barnes, whose appropriate and well-intended verses will be read to you, a long remembered trophy of his patriotism and skill; a new impulse to your own future exertions; a new cause for pride as its stripes and stars are daily unfolded; a new source of courage to each traveler westward advancing; and a new terror to foes who dare to assail you. With mu- sic and the roar of cannon we will greet its unfoldings.
"This day shall be a holiday, and a fresh starting point for future endeavor.
"And yet, all is not said that I wish to say! While we exalt the national standard, and rejoice in its glory and its power, let us not forget the true source of that glory and power.
"For our unexampled health and continued success for that land of the free and home of the brave; for our institu- tions and their fruits, we owe all to the Great Ruler who made and has preserved us.
"Let me, then, ask all, with uncovered heads and grate- ful hearts, to pause in our act of consecration while the chaplain shall invoke God's own blessing upon that act; so that while this banner rises heavenward, and so shall rise with each recurring sun, all hearts shall rise to the throne of the Infinite, and for this day, its duties and its pleasures, we shall become better men and better soldiers of the great Republic."
At the close of this address Chaplain White offered a prayer, after which the flag slowly mounted to its place while the soldiers presented arms, the band playing a na- tional air and the cannon bursting forth in token of the power that upheld the banner, and as "Old Glory" caught the breeze, it was a proud moment for every one of that gar- rison who in storm, in sunshine and in darkest night had manfully done their part.
The holiday passed in mirth and social discourse, being the first event of this character which had come to the gar- rison. The Indians were not unmindful of the celebration
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History of Wyoming.
among the soldiers and the running up of the flag was quickly understood as a boast and taunt on the part of the whites which meant a defiance to the red warriors. The following day events took their wonted course, but it was noticed that the Indians were more watchful; if possible more dangerous than they had ever been before. The at- tacks on those who had occasion to go to the woods or on herd were of daily occurrence, and some days there would be skirmishing at all points at the same time. Indians were killed every day, and not infrequently a soldier would be killed or wounded. The hostiles seemed to become more daring and often attacks were made in close proximity to the fort. One night there was an attack close to the stock- ade, where there was a corral of sutler wagons, and in the corral thus formed was a group of teamsters engaged in card playing. They were rudely awakened from their game and made aware of the presence of Indians by the firing of a volley under the wagons and three men were wounded, one of them receiving a fatal shot. Soldiers rushed out and scouted the ground around the fort, but in the darkness no Indians could be discovered. These night alarms became very numerous, and after a time the howitzers were used in the direction in which the Indians were supposed to be, and this proved of service in quieting night prowlers. The month of November was bad enough. Red Cloud was in personal charge of the Indians, and he, if he did not make life a burden to the officers and men, compelled them to be on the alert every moment, and while they killed many In- dians he caused the death of some who could be illy spared from the garrison.
December 6th was an eventful day at the fort. There was an attack on the wood train in the early morning and Lieutenant Colonel Fetterman was sent out with some mounted infantry and a part of Lieutenant Bingham's cav- alry to rout some Indians who were near Lodge Trail Ridge, while Colonel Carrington and Lieutenant Grummond, with thirty mounted men, crossed Big Piney to intercept the In-
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
dians when they should be driven back by Fetterman and Bingham. The Indians, when attacked by Fetterman, were disposed to make a stand, and there being about 200 of the hostiles there was a warm engagement and some desperate fighting on both sides. Colonel Carrington, hearing the fighting, went on the gallop to the rescue and the Indians were driven off, but quickly gathered in force around the point of Lodge Trail Ridge The recall was sounded and the soldiers assembled around the Colonel, when it was reported that Lieutenant Bingham was still in the advance. A search was now made for the Lieutenant and in this effort the party ran on to Lieutenant Grummond and three men who were being closely pressed by seven well-armed sav- ages. Near this place was found the body of Lieutenant Bingham, also that of Sergeant Bowers. The latter was still alive, but his skull had been cleft with a hatchet. This brave fellow had fought single handed a number of Indians and had killed three of them with his revolver before he received his death blow. Captain Brown, who had left the fort after the others had gone, had a desperate fight with a number of Indians and only saved his life by his coolness and the rapid firing of his Henry rifle. After the finding of the two bodies an ambulance was sent for, and with it came Captain Arnold with forty men to reinforce those already in the field. Red Cloud, it was evident, had planned to strike a crushing blow at the garrison, but Colonel Carrington re- fused to be drawn into the trap the wily chieftain had set for him. The troops held their ground until the wood party returned in the evening. Three days later Lieutenant Bing- ham and Sergeant Bowers were buried with Masonic and military honors. These two men were brave even unto rash- ness, and their comrades were not to be blamed if they felt vindictive toward the savages and possessed a desire for revenge.
From this on the one hope among the men and officers at the fort was the promised reinforcements. They knew if they did not come quickly they would not be able to arrive
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History of Wyoming.
before spring, as the snows of winter were nearly due. They saw their small numbers melt away in contests with over- whelming forces, and the whole garrison could not help feeling that they were being neglected by the War Depart- ment and left to perish in the wilderness at the hands of the relentless and ever on the alert savages. There were buildings to finish and consequently logs must be cut and hauled to the saw-mills, and so every day a detail was made of choppers and haulers, and an equal number were detailed as escort for the working force. Wood for fuel also had to be hauled, for an abundant supply would be needed before the approaching winter would be over. Fort C. F. Smith, though many miles away, yet on this same line of communi- cation was in even a worse condition. This fort was less substantial and very much less comfortable for a garrison than was Fort Phil. Kearney, and the howling savages were quite as bad in that vicinity. The little garrison at Fort Reno could not boast of being in better condition than the two north of it, yet at all three places a gallant struggle was going on with the hope of holding out against the Indians. The government seemed to be in total ignorance of the des- perate condition of the three garrisons. President Johnson, in his message to Congress on December 6th, that year, con- gratulated the country on the peaceful condition of the In- dians at that time, and yet there were three forts along the Bozeman road in a state of siege. Brigadier General P. St. George Cook, commander of the Department of the Platte, seemed to be totally oblivious of the danger that prevailed at the three forts along the Bozeman road, notwithstanding the fact that the commander of the district had made a de- tailed report showing the hostile attitude of the savages around the three posts and the necessity for reinforcements and a supply of ammunition. The strangest part is that at Fort Laramie, where there was comparatively no danger, twelve companies were stationed, and at the three forts along the Bozeman road, where thousands of savages were making bitter and relentless war, only seven companies
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
were located-that is, seven companies were divided up so as to garrison the three forts. Someone was responsible for this, and the blame should be placed where it belongs. The historian must impartially review the then existing facts and place on record a verdict in accordance with the evi- dence in the case.
From December 6th matters around Fort Phil. Kear- ney assumed the attitude of strict defense. The wood train went out each morning, but the greatest caution was ob- served in going to and coming from the woods and in guard- ing those felling trees and loading logs. The savages, seeing no opportunity to successfully attack the working party, with great patience awaited an occasion. Colonel Carring- ton understood the methods of the Indians and resolved not to fall into their hands. The days passed by without an event of importance until the morning of the 19th, when the wood train was attacked, but the hostiles retired on the ar- rival of the relief party, yet they at the same time indicated their contempt for the soldiers, challenging them to come out and fight. Major Powell, who was in command of the relief, felt like accepting the challenge, but his orders were most strict and he therefore confined himself to the letter of his instructions, which was to go out and relieve the train, but not to follow the Indians. By obeying orders, the Major was saved from being drawn into a dangerous position that might have cost him dearly.
On the morning of December 21st the wood train went out as usual, except that it was late in getting started. The day was clear, bright and beautiful, and, while the snow was lying deep on the mountains, the valley wore the appearance of October. The bright sunshine around the fort and the foothills contrasted strangely with the wintry scene on the mountain tops. The wood train took its place with its front and rear guard in position, and in addition to this each chopper and driver was thoroughly armed and equipped. It was a longer train than usual and consequently the guard
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History of Wyoming.
was stronger, the entire force, including drivers and chop- pers, numbering about ninety men.
BIG PINEY
MAG. VAR. 10°20'
LODGE TRAIL RIDGE
VIRGINIA CITY ROAD.
PEND HEAD
SULLIVANT HILLS
ROCKY FACE RIDGE
GAVEY ISLAND
Woops
STARLING CREEK
PINEY SUMMIT
BIG HORN MOUNTAINS.
FORT HELGE
The train moved out of the fort and proceeded about two miles when the pickets on an eminence known as Pilot Hill signaled to the fort that there were many Indians on the line of the wood road and that the escort were engaged in a fight with the hostiles. The train had been forced to corral, but a successful defense was being made against the sav- ages. This was about 11 o'clock. A relief party was at once organized, consisting of fifty infantrymen and two officers and twenty-six cavalrymen and one officer. When the re- lief was formed Major Powell was assigned to command it, but at that moment Brevet Lieutenant Colonel W. J. Fetter- man stepped forward and claimed the place by seniority of rank. Lieutenant George W. Grummond requested and obtained permission to take charge of the cavalry. Captain Frederick H. Brown was not assigned a command but joined the party. Two citizens, Wheatley and Fisher, who had had large experience in frontier life, volunteered and joined the cavalcade as it moved out of the fort. After Lieutenant Colonel Fetterman had taken command, Colonel Carrington
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
gave him explicit instructions, as it afterwards appeared, in the following language: "Support the wood train, relieve it, and report to me. Do not engage or pursue Indians at its expense; under no circumstances pursue over Lodge Trail Ridge." The command moved out rapidly to the right of the wood road, evidently with the intention of cutting off the retreat of the Indians who were attacking the wood train. About the time Fetterman's command left the fort, Indian pickets were seen on Lodge Trail Ridge and some more on the Piney at the Virginia Road crossing. A gun at the fort was trained on the latter, and two or three shells dropped in their vicinity dismounted one of the savages and drove thirty more out of the brush, who disappeared very rapidly. Colonel Carrington, some time after the com- mand had left the fort, discovered that no surgeon had gone with them, and he at once dispatched Dr. Hines, accompa- nied by an orderly, with instructions to report to Fetterman. The surgeon made a rapid ride, but soon after returned with the information that the train was safely on its way to the woods; that Fetterman's command was on Lodge Trail Ridge to the north, and that there were so many Indians be- tween the fort and the ridge that he was unable to make his way to the command. About this time firing was heard in the valley of Peno Creek, to the north of Lodge Trail Ridge, out of sight of the fort and about five miles away. It was now discovered that Fetterman was engaging the Indians regardless of the train, and in direct disobedience of orders. All was now excitement at the fort. The rapid discharge of musketry and its increased rapidity told that a desperate battle was going on. Colonel Carrington at once called out seventy-six men, at the head of which he placed Captain Ten Eyck. with instructions to proceed on a double quick to the relief of Fetterman. With this column was sent two wagons loaded with ammunition. The relief advanced rap- idly, but for some reason took a longer route than it should, but for what reason has never been explained. When Cap- tain Ten Eyck reached a high point which overlooked the
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History of Wyoming.
battle-field, the firing, which had been continuous but de- creasing, suddenly ceased. Before him was the Peno Val- ley, and it was full of Indians, but he could see nothing of Fetterman or his men. He now sent back to the fort for a howitzer, but this was not sent. Colonel Carrington had during the absence of the last relief party organized the en- tire remaining force of the garrison to go to the assistance of those in the field, or to be held to defend the fort, as cir- cumstances might require. This forte was largely made up of employes of the quartermaster's department, convales- cents and all others in the garrison. The Indians in Peno Valley beckoned to Captain Ten Eyck's party to come down from the hill and fight, but they were evidently not very anxious for this, as they soon commenced a retreat. The sol- diers advanced along the road leading to the valley of Peno Creek, and when they had reached a point about half way between where this road commences to descend and the creek they came upon the bodies of Lieutenant Colonel Fet- terman, Captain Brown and sixty-five of the soldiers of the command. Not far off lay a number of horses belonging to the party, and these lay with their heads toward the fort, showing that Fetterman and his men were on the retreat &t the time death overtook them. The surroundings indicated that they were attacked by Indians lying on either side of the road. The other bodies were not found that night. Wagons were sent for to convey the remains to the fort, and on their arrival the dead heroes were tenderly taken from the ground and placed in the wagons, after which the train started along the road around Lodge Trail Ridge and down the slope to the Big Piney and thence across to the fort, but it did not arrive there until after dark. The next morning Colonel Carrington went out with a party accom- panied by Captain Ten Eyck, Lieutenant Matson and Dr. Ould to rescue the bodies of the balance of the dead. Every- thing at the fort was carefully arranged so that a detail might go to their assistance if it transpired that Indians were found along the route. The hostiles were still in the
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Thrilling Events on the Bozeman Road.
neighborhood, but they had evidently received severe pun- ishment and consequently did not molest Colonel Carring- ton and his men. The body of Lieutenant Grummond was found some distance beyond the place where the remains of Fetterman and Brown were lying, and near this were found the bodies of the balance of the party, except those of Wheatley and Fisher, which were discovered near a pile of rocks. These pioneers had made the savages pay dearly for their victory, as the numerous empty Henry rifle shells testified. Near these men the fight had been the heaviest. There were great pools of blood which could not have come from the white men. In one place lay ten Indian ponies dead and not far off there were sixty-five pools of dark clot- ted blood. Everything went to show that the soldiers had fought with a bravery almost unequaled and had not their ammunition become exhausted they would without a doubt have kept off the foe until the arrival of Captain Ten Eyck and his reinforcements. As usual, someone had blundered, and looking back over the nearly thirty-two years which have elapsed since that terrible day on the Piney, I think I see clearly two causes which led to the disaster. First, Lieu- tenant Colonel Fetterman, to say nothing of his disobedi- ence of orders, acted imprudently in attacking an over- whelming force. He was a brave man and had a splendid record in the civil war, but he lacked experience on the frontier, and his weakest point was that he had a contempt for Indians. Captain Brown, who was with him, was a gallant officer, but he, too, underrated the fighting qualities of the savages. For a month previous to this occurrence he had been talking about the necessity of this little com- mand at the fort punishing the Indians severely, and he openly said that it was his one desire to personally encoun- ter Red Cloud and take his scalp. Here was the enthusiast, and while this Napoleonic quality is most desirable in war- fare, it should be tempered with wise discretion. This was certainly lacking on this occasion. These two brave officers undoubtedly resolved to teach the Indians a lesson in war-
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