Headquarters Department of Dakota,
Fort Snelling, Minn.,
April 21,
1883.
“The following received:
“‘Fort Assinniboine, April
20.
“‘Captain Norwood, Second Cavalry, with his command, returned
to post at 6 o’clock this p.m., having traveled 115 miles
since evening of the 18th instant. He had a fight with the
raiding Crees, who had stolen stock and were heading for the
line near eastern end of White Horse Lake. The fight lasted
about one hour, the Crees fighting desperately from shelter.
We had no casualties, and two Crees were left behind on the
field. The stolen stock stampeded back during the fight
towards the Marias, and the rest of the Crees, about fifteen
in number, escaped across the line on their ponies. Captain
Norwood received information that the war party from Walsh
numbered about 100, but that they divided into small bands.
I think that the camp of the Sweet Grass Hills should be
established without delay, and that we need about ten more
Indian scouts, whose services are of the utmost importance.
Should the Crees continue their warfare against the
settlements, which I fear they will now do with increased
vigor, having lost a prominent leader and medicine man, who
was among the killed, the number of mounted troops at this
post is not sufficient to give protection to our settlements
along the line of our frontier. Full report will leave by
mail to-morrow.
“‘ILGES,
Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding.’
“I have ordered the commanding officer, Fort Assinniboine, to
establish a camp of the two troops of cavalry and two
companies of infantry on Sweet Grass Hills; the commanding
officer Fort Shaw to send two companies and the mounted
detachment to the Marias near Whoop-up crossing, to keep
that region scouted and protect settlers. Have ordered
commanding officer Fort Maginnis to have two troops ready
for the field. I will order them to Benton, thence to the
Marias camp or Assinniboine, as may seem best. Request
authority be granted for ten additional Indian scouts at
Fort Assinniboine. Effect of Captain Norwood’s encounter may
be to keep Crees north of line; however, think the
precautionary measures taken are necessary.
“RUGER,
Commanding
District.”
