I was wounded in the hip by a rifle ball. When this was generally known the men became nearly uncontrollable; some fired all their ammunition away at random, and rushed to me with the report that they were out. Being unable to walk or stand up, I was put on my horse, and then ordered every man back to his place on the flank and rear who was without ammunition, so as to give the Indians the impression we were well supplied and not alarmed.

With the assistance of Lieutenant Bodamer and my two guides (Mr. Becker and Mr. Brink) we succeeded in keeping the men in their places by sending them back without ammunition as fast as they came in; others took warning and did not waste their supply, and finall became cool.

No man was allowed to ride except the sick, who led the horses; in that way the command was saved.

Sixty-four miles were marched from the time of leaving Campbell's Camp until my return to this post last night.

Total number of miles marched since 3, the afternoon of the Ist inst., 113, without rations or forage. It is my opinion, as well as of those who were with me, that we were surrounded by at least 350 to 400 Indians, of whom six were killed and several wounded while making dashes through the command, but were soon picked up, tied to their horses and hurried to the rear, thus preventing the capture of them or their horses or ponies.

Two white men or half-breeds were with the Indians, who took an active part, but were very careful not to dash through the command. I had fifty shots fired at them, but to no effect. They were mounted on the finest and most active horses I ever saw. It is my opinion that a large number of Indians are encamped between the Saline and the Solomon, or on the Solomon, where any amount of stolen stock could be recaptured, provided a sufficient force could go after them.

It would not be safe to send a less number than 200 or 300 wellarmed and equipped men, as the country which they would operate in is so broken up, full of gullies, cañons and hills, that it would take a large force to drive them out.

It is the greatest wonder in the world that my command and myself escaped being massacred, as we had to retreat fifteen miles through a hilly country, full of cañons, rocks and gullies, fighting our way foot by foot, the Indians dodging from one gully and rock to others and firing on us at every chance.

Great credit is due Lieutenant Bodamer, Mr. Becker and Mr. Brink for the coolness and daring they displayed on several occasions when the Indians dashed upon us. If it had not been for their coolness and efficient aid not one of the command would have returned.

I would recommend that a strong force be dispatched to that section to drive them out as soon as possible, as they have formed

the opinion that they can whip any force sent against them.

I am, Captain,

Very respectfully,

Your obedient servant,

(Signed)

GEO. A. ARMES,

Capt. Commanding Co. F, Tenth U. S. Cavalry.

(Endorsement of Post Commander.)
Headquarters Post,

New Fort Hays, Kansas, August 3, 1867.

Lieutenant T. B. Weir,

A. A. A. Gen. Dist. Up. Ark.:

Sir-I enclose herewith the report of Captain Armes of his engagement yesterday, which tells the whole tale. The reinforcements he speaks of were sent him, but did not reach his camp until he had left some thirty minutes. It consisted of some twenty-five mounted infantry and one howitzer, manned under command of Sergeant Pittman, "C" Co., Thirty-eighth Infantry.

Sergeant Pittman has just returned to camp. He went up the north fork of Big Creek until he struck a branch of the Saline. He came on a party of some fifty Indians; he fired three shells into them, when they scattered in every direction, leaving much of the debris of their camp behind, but nothing of any importance. The Indians have been seen in small parties in the vicinity of the fort today. We are prepared for any further movements they may make. To act on the offensive we must have more men. I can protect the post and the railroad with what I have, but cannot make any expedition or movement against the enemy to an advantage. That Captain Armes did all he could to recapture the stock no one here, either citizen or soldier, doubts. For doing the work and moving his command as he did he deserves great credit, and any reward our common superiors may have in store for the meritorious I hope may be bestowed on him. I most heartily concur in Captain Armes' recommendation of Lieutenant Bodamer, as also Mr. Becker.

I have noticed the conduct of Mr. Becker for some time, and have been much pleased with him. He is a young man of exceptionable habits, of education, and seems to be in every way well fitted for a commission in the Army, inasmuch as he served as an officer of infantry during the war. I would recommend that he be appointed to that branch of the service.

P. S.-I would name, among the difficulties encountered by Captain Armes, that six of his men were attacked by cholera during the fight, and had to be strapped to their horses to be got off the field.

August 4, 1867.

Lieutenant Bodamer is commanding my company and marched it on dress parade this afternoon. Dr. Buchanan allowed me to sit up a portion of the day. Since he got the rifle ball out of my hip I am not in so much pain as I was, except at times, and feel as if I would like to go on another Indian raid if an opportunity should occur.

Camp Rose, Kan., Western Union P. R., August 5, 1867.

In spite of the doctor's protest, I started out with forty men for Sharp's camp to try and punish a war party of Indians, who are reported as having murdered several emigrants and stolen a large amount of stock in that vicinity.

I had to ride in my ambulance most of the day on account of weakness and pain from my wound, but am determined not to remain in camp if it is possible for me to punish this band of Indians.

Camp near Fort Hays, Kan., August 6, 1867.

I rode along the line of the railroad today and let the workmen see I was on the watch for Indians, which encouraged them to go. on with their work. As I had not enough men to follow the Indians any distance from the railroad, I returned here this evening. My wound is giving me a great deal of pain, but the doctor gave me some medicine which relieved it.

August 7, 1867.

Although I went out on a short scout, I have not been able to assume command of my company. Colonels Wicks and Sharp came from their camp thirty miles west of this post, and requested help to go after the Indians, who stole thirty-eight of their horses and mules yesterday. No one can be spared from the post at present. My wound is much better tonight, and I am anxious to get out with a good command of cavalry large enough to whip the red devils.

August 8, 1867. Captain Corbin let Colonel Wickes, engineer of the road, have fifteen men as an escort to protect him in his camp, and he had not proceeded more than four or five miles when he was attacked by a party of Indians and had to return. Major Moore, with four good companies of the Eighteenth Kansas Cavalry, are ordered here to protect this line. The hospital steward came over to dress my wound today, and I am much better.

August 11, 1867.

I moved about so much yesterday that the doctor required me to lie in bed all day. I have not been able to transact⚫any official business, but he encourages me by saying a little quiet rest will make me all right soon.

August 12, 1867.

I insisted on reporting for duty, and took command of my company this morning, although I am very weak, but there is such a good chance for me to do something, I am determined to run some risks without regard to consequences.

Camp Barker, on Saline River, August 14, 1867.

As the Indians are divided in war parties all around us, I was ordered to start out last night with my company, F, Tenth United States Cavalry, and Companies B and C of the Eighteenth Kansas Volunteer Cavalry, commanded by Captains Barker and Jenness of the Eighteenth Cavalry. We marched thirty miles on one stretch and tried to surprise the Indians in their camp, but failed to find any signs so far, although I have marched sixty miles since last night.

Camp Price, August 16, 1867.

I marched my command twenty-six miles since last night, and am now drying some buffalo meat in order that I may follow the trail in light marching order and surprise the Indians if possible.

Camp Wickes, on the Union Pacific Railroad, Thirty-five

Miles West of Fort Hays, Kan., August 17, 1867. I discovered a very large trail of Indians during the day, and it will be necessary to have more men and rations to make a successful pursuit. I called for two volunteers to go to the post, forty-five miles east of this place, with a letter requesting the post commander to send as many men as he could possibly spare, but