[421]
ceased firing and followed in rear of the cavalry to the foot of the bluffs.
The whole fight lasted about six hours, during which time the Indians were driven a distance of about ten miles.
It is to be regretted that because of the nature of the ground and the Indian way of fighting, much of our fire was wasted.
The ground over which we advanced was very uneven, and the Indians would gather behind knolls and in ravines on our front, and fire upon us and scatter away on their swift-footed ponies.
Too much praise cannot be given to officers and men of my command for the calm bearing and good judgment evinced upon all occasions and under all circumstances.
My troops took no part in any action on the twenty-ninth.
As to casualties I am happy to state that I lost no men either in killed or wounded.
I am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
John Pattee, Lieutenant-Colonel, Seventh Iowa Cavalry Volunteers. Captain John H. pell, Assistant Adjutant-General.
headquarters Second brigade, N. W. Indian expedition, camp No. 36, August 1, 1864.
Captain: I have the honor to make the following report in relation to the operations of my command during the twenty-eighth and twenty-ninth of July last:
At eleven o'clock A. M., I received notice that the Indian camp was found, and my brigade was ordered from the rear to the left of the First brigade, and also to direct Captain Jones. Third Minnesota battery, to report to the Brigadier-General commanding, which was promptly done, and advance the command in column, company K, Eighth Minnesota volunteers, having the advance as skirmishers.
After advancing about two miles, six companies of the Eighth Minnesota volunteers, Lieutenant-Colonel Rogers commanding, were dismounted and deployed to the front on the left of the First brigade, at three paces intervals.
The Second Minnesota cavalry were held in reserve marching in columns of squadrons at half distance one hundred paces in rear of the line on the left.
After advancing about one mile a light fire was commenced on the enemy, who began to appear in large numbers in front, and rapidly passed to the left flank and rear.
The left of the Eighth Minnesota was thrown slightly to the rear, and two companies of the Second Minnesota cavalry dismounted and deployed still further to the left in that direction.
At this time large numbers of Indians were passing in that direction, and attacked the rear guard of the main train which was promptly repulsed by the guard, which consisted of companies B and D Eighth Minnesota volunteers, and company B, Second Minnesota cavalry, and a shell from Lieutenant Whipple's six-pounder.
At this time Colonel McLaren with two more companies of his regiment were sent to the front, immediately on the left of the Eighth regiment, when they were dismounted and took possession of a range of sharp hills, which was rapidly done by a sharp skirmish.
At this point the left of the whole line was halted and the right thrown forward.
After a few minutes the whole line advanced in the same direction, the whole brigade moving as rapidly as possible, much of the time on the run, over broken ground, the firing being kept up briskly and with good effect.
After advancing about two miles the miserable enemy rapidly retired.
The Second cavalry was mounted and pushed rapidly forward, and the Eighth regiment closed to the right by companies; and the whole line closed on the enemy's abandoned camp, which was a splendid position for defence.
After arriving in the camp four companies of the Eighth regiment were sent forward to escort Captain Jones' battery to the front, for the purpose of shelling a ravine containing water.
These companies, under Major Camp, being deployed, advanced through the ravine and ascended the steep hills rapidly, and, in a lively skirmish, drove the rear guard of the enemy from the sight of camp.
At dusk the command was withdrawn a short distance to the left and bivouacked for the night.
At an early hour in the morning of the twenty-ninth, the brigade took the advance to the left, searching for a passage after the Indians over the immense hill.
After advancing five or six miles the attempt was abandoned, as the ground was so broken that it was impossible to proceed.
The command then countermarched, and returned to the Indian camp, when Colonel McLaren, with four companies of his regiment, three companies of the Eighth Minnesota volunteers, and a large portion of the First brigade, worked with a will for six hours, destroying the abandoned property of the Indians, which was a very large proportion of all the property belonging to the camp of one thousand six hundred lodges.
Late in the afternoon the return march was resumed, and we again camped on the battle-ground.
At dusk two of the pickets, members of company D, Second Minnesota cavalry, were surprised and killed by a small party of Indians, which is the only casualty of consequence which occurred in the command during the engagement.
The complete success of our force was owing to the self-possession and bravery of both officers and men, the superiority of their arms, their skill in handling them, and the ready and cheerful obedience to all orders.
It is useless to mention individuals when the whole command did their duty so well.
I take pleasure in recommending them to the Brigadier-General 