OCR Text |
Show 30 INDIAN DEPBEDATIONS to take the Indians unaware and secure an advanta-geous position. The militia found the settlers in their fort on the south side of the stream, and the Indians strongly entrenched in the willows and timber of the river- bottom, a mile or two above. They were pro-tected not only by the river- bank, but by a breast-work of cotton- wood trees which they felled. Near by their strong- hold stood a double log house facing the river. This house, built by James A. Bean and sons, which at one time became the center of action in the fight that ensued, was immediatey opposite the Indian fortification. It had been deserted by one of the settlers, James A. Bean, who had taken refuge with his family at the fort. The house was now held by the savages who, during the battle, kept up a continuous fire from its windows and crevices, as well as from their redoubt, upon the attacking party. Captain Conover, commander at the fort, united his men with Captain Grant's, and the main forces then proceeded to occupy a position near the deserted building, about a half a mile south- west of the log house mentioned. The Indians were led by Chiefs Elk and Ope- Carry surnamed " Stick- in- the- Head" the latter, like Sowiette, rather friendly with the whites, while Elk, as has been stated, was more like the warlike Walker. Ope- Carry, it seems, de-sired peace, and had come out of the redoubt to talk with Dimick B. Huntingdon, the interpreter, when Elk and his warriors opened fire, and the bat-tle was thus begun. The engagement lasted two days, during which time an almost incessant fusilade was kept up be-tween the white assailants and the dusky defenders |