Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/638

620 Black Ledge. Its distance from headquarters was about four miles, with a trail leading to it from the lake, which was practicable for light artillery. For two days after its discovery no Indians were seen coming to the lake for water, and the opinion prevailed that they had left the lava-beds, in which case they were certain either to escape altogether or to attack the settlements.

In order to settle the question of their whereabouts, a reconnoissance was planned to take lace on the 26th, to extend to the Black Ledge. fa arranging this scout Gillem consulted with Green. It was decided to send on this service Thomas, with Howe, Cranston, and Harris of the artillery, and Wright of the infantry, with a force of about seventy men, and a part of Donald McKay's scouts, making about eighty-five in all.

Some anxiety was felt as the expedition set out at eight o'clock in the morning, and a watch was kept upon their movements as they clambered among the rocks, until they passed from view behind a large sand-butte, a mile and a half away. Before passing out of sight, they signalled that no Indians had been found. As no official account of what transpired thereafter could ever be given, the facts, as gathered from the soldiers, appear to have been as follows:

Thomas advanced without meeting any opposition or seeing any Indians until he reached the point designated in his orders, keeping out skirmishers on the march, with the Warm Spring scouts on his extreme left, that being the direction from which it was thought the Indians might attack if at all. But none being discovered, and the field appearing to be clear, a halt was called about noon, when men and officers threw themselves carelessly upon the ground to rest and take their luncheon.

While in this attitude, and unsuspicious of danger, a volley of rifle-balls was poured in among them. It would be impossible to describe the scene which fol-