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98 Though hailed as a great victory and an additional plume in Harney's crest of fame, the battle of Ash Hollow was a shameful affair, unworthy of American arms, and a disgrace to the officer who planned it. It of course had the effect of making the Indians fear Harney, and possibly in that way did result in a degree of protection



to the California trail. There was no evidence whatever that Little Thunder's band had ever done any mischief, or been guilty of any conduct which warranted their punishment. Harney took his prisoners on to Fort Laramie, and then turned by the old fur trail at the foot of the Black Hills,