Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/509

Rh occasional shots with the Nez Percés whom they recognized in spite of their United States uniform, and firing the grass in order to make a smoke which should hide their movements. But the grass did not burn well, and after a skirmish feint upon the rear guard they retired again to the hills.

Understanding these indications to mean that the main body of the Indians was not far off, Wright encamped his command in the vicinity of Four lakes to give the troops a needed rest before battle. But the Indians were not inclined to allow him this refreshment, and on the morning of September first began to mass themselves on the crest of a hill distant about two miles. On recognizing their purpose, Wright made a reconnoissance in that direction with a force consisting of two squadrons of dragoons, commanded by Major W. N. Grier; four companies of artillery, armed with rifle muskets, commanded by Major E. D. Keyes; the rifles battalion of two companies of the ninth infantry, commanded by Captain F. T. Dent; one mountain howitzer, under Lieutenant J. L. White; and the Nez Percé brigade, under Lieutenant John Mullan. At camp was left one company of artillery, a howitzer, and a guard of fifty-four men, all under Captain J. A. Hardie, assisted by Lieutenants H. G. Gibson, G. B. Daudy, and H. B. Lyon.

Grier was directed to advance his cavalry to the north and east around the base of the hill occupied by the Indians, in order to intercept their retreat when the infantry should have driven them from the summit. The artillery and rifle battalion, with the Nez Percé brigade, were marched to the right, where the ascent was more easy, to push the Indians towards the dragoons. They gave way, as was expected, but made a stand on the other side, and kept up an annoying fire upon the dragoon squadrons who were waiting for the support of the infantry.

Lieutenant Kip of the artillery, in his charming little book Army Life, has written so vividly of the scene and the battle of "Four Lakes," that it may be quoted here