, successfully repelling the Indians with his carbine.
Messrs. Schuyler and McCarty, rodmen, went to his assistance, though
only armed with small revolvers. The Indians shooting as they passed,
struck Mr. Schuyler in the leg, the ball passing through the fleshy
part of the thigh, wounding him severely, but not seriously.

The mules of the line wagon becoming unmanageable were unhitched and
fastened to the wagon securely while the instruments were being
secured and preparations made for a general attack. By the time I had
reached the wagon the men were concentrated and prepared for any
attack in force. The Indians now molested us but little, occasionally
making a dash and firing a few shots then dashing away again. We moved
slowly towards camp keeping out-flankers and in a short distance met
Lieutenant Smith with a few dismounted men. The first alarm being
given by Morton's pony coming in followed close by a few of the red
devils, camp had been struck and the wagons loaded preparatory to
moving out to meet us. An attempt was made to stampede the stock, but
it resulted in a miserable failure, the Spencer carbines of Lieutenant
Smith's detachment telling with effect.

As it was unwise to separate the force, and as Mr. Schuyler's wound
needed attendance, we deemed it best to come into Sheridan, it being
only fifteen miles. I cannot too highly commend the conduct of the
men, they were all cool and ready. Messrs. McCarty, Morton, Schuyler,
Scott and Wheeler (leveler), were especially noticeable for presence
of mind and cool courage at a very critical moment. Lieutenant Smith
and his men, by prompt and vigorous action alone, saved the stock and
rendered the safety of the line wagon certain. About seventy Indians
were engaged, of whom four are known to be killed. Several others
seemed hurt from their actions though nothing certain is known.

The fight has demonstrated to me the inefficiency of our escorts and
the need of more men upon the line, especially with the front and rear
flag and level party.

These men, engaged as they are, have no chance to observe any
movements about them and could be surprised very easily and shot down
without an opportunity of defense. The fact of my being surprised
myself, and allowing these Indians to get behind me and within fifty
and seventy-five yards before discovering them, although always on the
lookout, proves that we cannot feel safe without extraordinary
precautions. My horse was sev