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Show CAPT. MOEEIS, U. S. A. 199 dragoons, instantly galloped to the scene of action, thirty miles off; they were totally unprepared for anything but offensive warfare. They arrived on the spot, and found the mutilated remains of their comrades, but no signs of Indians. The weather was very cold, and the ground frozen hard; they had nothing with them but their swords, to dig into the frozen earth, and were thus compelled to leave them, until they could send from camp, men with pickaxes, etc.; besides, they were among treacherous and hidden enemies. The living men at the main camp, claimed the first duty of Capt. Morris, and as he could do no good to the dead by remaining, he retraced his steps to the main camp, to protect it from a like aggression, if attempted. He did not know but that the whole of the Indians were in warlike array around him, secretly hid away among the willows on the creek. Some blame seems to have attached to Capt. Morris; I read an article at Salt Lake City, in a late American paper, in which his conduct was censured. I showed him this paper, and he personally explained the situation he was placed in, and told me that his duty as an officer, was to protect the lives of his surviving party, at the expense of the fraternal feelings and sympathies which he entertained for the lamented dead. I have no hesitation in saying that, from my knowledge of the circumstances of the case, Capt. Morris was perfectly justified in acting as he did. * * * * At Fillmore I renewed my acquaintance with Mrs. Webb, who kindly entertained me when I passed through this place three months ago. Iteh. To-day I made a trade with Wakara, for a |