History of the Dakota or Sioux Indians

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1904. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... carnival. The women began to cook and the warriors to paint themselves, meanwhile the untrained volunteers, standing at their guns but a few yards distant were subjected to all of the jeers and insults, in which the Dakota is so proficient. House, too, was maneuvering for time and his men stood unflinchingly in the presence of death. The warriors on the battle line, unable to obtain the ordinary paints, had daubed their faces and bodies with mud. It was drawing near evening and Inkpaduta was ready for the execution of his captives when Sully appeared upon a hill less than a mile away, approaching at the utmost speed of his cavalry. In the twinkling of an eye the aspect of the camp was changed. Tipis came down like magic and every thought of the Indians was turned toward escape. In an incredibly short time the camp was in full retreat. Sully struck them from the rear and House managed to cut in from the east; the Indians were caught in the ravine. Shouting the death song, the warriors sprang to the attack. It lasted but a moment but that moment was a bloody one. The warriors fell back into the ravine and pandemonium reigned. A nation was hemmed in that narrow space and the hour of extinction seemed at hand. "Get away; get away," came the cry and the warriors with buffalo robes over their heads again dashed out and the cavalry horses were stampeded and in the falling darkness many of the Indians escaped. The fight had lasted for an hour. Twenty-two soldiers were killed and fifty were wounded. Three hundred braves were left dead on the field and 250 women and children were taken prisoners. All of the camp equipage and supplies of the Indians were destroyed, and at the "beginning of the winter the survivors of the hostile camp were left destitute.TM Sully gathered u...