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Show 252 ANTICIPATED ATTACK OF INDIANS. were seen rapidly emerging from the little hollows on our left and spreading in great confusion over the plain- a sure indication that they had been disturbed by some cause behind the hills. At length scattered bands of mounted Indians were discovered moving rapidly at a considerable distance before us; and occasionally a look- out could be seen motionless upon the summit of some elevated mound, apparently watching our movements. At noon a short halt was ordered near some ponds of water, and a meridian altitude of the sun taken, which gave the latitude 41° 15' 41" A. We then moved forward, and, in three miles, reached the main fork of the Laramie, a beautiful little stream of pure, cold water, about fifty feet wide, and eighteen inches deep, flowing with a free current to the northward, between low grassy banks, over a bed of pebbles and gravel. It had been intended simply to make a short nooning here, and then to push forward toward the heads of the Lodge-pole Greek with all possible Bpeed. This intention was frustrated, however, by the appearance of the Indians, who were discovered moving toward us from various points and in considerable numbers. Uncertain of their intentions, or of the amount of their force, I deemed it prudent to prepare for their reception. About a quarter of a mile above us, on the right bank of the stream, was an isolated little grove of cotton- woods, of which I determined to take possession, and there to await the approach of our red brethren: this was accordingly done; the animals were taken into the grove and picketed. In a short time, by felling a few trees and piling up such as were found lying upon the ground, an enclosure was constructed, which a strong force of Indians would have found it somewhat difficult to carry in the face of thirty rifles. In the mean time, Indian scouts made their appearance upon the surrounding hills, reconnoitring us, and seemed to be as uncertain of our character and intentions as we were of theirs. Having completed our little field- work, the United States flag was displayed, and we sat down to lunch, having eaten nothing since sunrise. Finding the Indians only hovered around at a distance, Major Bridger, shouldering his rifle, walked out toward them, and made various signs to an advance party that came out to meet him. We soon perceived that they had recognised him; when, finding that we were white men, and not a hostile band of Indians as they had supposed, they commenced a perfect race for our camp, and in a few minutes a stream of Indians galloped up, holding out their hands to shake with any and every body they met. They proved |