University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER XXIV.

Immediately after Mr. Kelly reached Deer Creek,
at the time of our capture, he telegraphed to Fort
Laramie of the outbreak of the Indians, and the capture
of his wife.

Colonel Collins, of the Eleventh Ohio Cavalry, commandant
of the military district, ordered two companies,
under Captain Shuman and Captain Marshall,
two brave and daring men, to pursue and rescue me,
and chastise the savages in case of resistance.

But the distance of one hundred miles lay between
these forts, and they only arrived on their way too
late for rescue. They continued their march, however,
and after an absence of three days returned unsuccessful.

Sad to relate, a young and daring officer, Lieutenant
Brown, of the Eleventh Ohio Volunteers, fell a victim

to savage cruelty in my behalf, for with a, view of
prospecting the neighborhood, he, with Mr. Kelly, left
the main body with a small squad of men in quest of
the Indians.

Coming suddenly upon a band of warriors, in their
encampment, the brave Lieutenant indiscreetly ordered
an attack, but the men, seeing the futility of opposing
such numbers, fled, and left Mr. Kelly and the
officer.

Becoming conscious of his dangerous situation, he
feigned friendship, addressing them in the usual way,
"How koda?" which means, How do you do, friend?

But they were not to be deceived, and sent an arrow,
causing him to fall from his horse, and the effects of
which caused his death a few hours afterward.

He was immediately reported dead, and with all the
speed the men could command they pursued his murderers;
but the fresher horses of the savages carried
them off beyond their reach, and the soldiers were compelled
to return in disappointment.

Brave young man! the ardent friend of Mr. Kelly,
and the husband and father of an affectionate wife and
child, stricken down in his early manhood, we would
humbly lay the wreath of "immortelles" upon thy
lonely grave.

After, several expeditions in like manner which
proved unsuccessful, Mr. Kelly offered a reward of
nineteen horses, the money value of which was deposited

with the commander of Fort Laramie, and it
was circulated through all the Indian villages, that
upon my safe delivery the reward would be paid.

Every effort possible was made by my husband and
his brothers to procure my rescue or ransom. No
money or efforts were spared, and the long days of
agonizing suspense to them were worse than death.

The reward which had been offered for my ransom
was the means of rescuing another white woman, a
Mrs. Ewbanks, and her child, held by the Indians.

The Indian Two-Face and his son, having a desire
to enhance their fortunes, paid a few small sums to the
other Indians who claimed her, and, taking her with
them, set out for Fort Laramie.

When they arrived within a few miles of the fort, the
prisoners were left with the son and some others, while
Two-Face preceded them to arrange the terms of sale.

The commander agreed to the price, and on the following
day Mrs. Ewbanks and her child were brought
in—the Indians thinking it made no difference which
white woman it was. This was several months after
my capture.

Instead of paying the price, the commandant seized
and confined them in the guard-house, to await trial
for the murder of the ranche-men and the stealing of
women and children. The testimony of Mrs. Ewbanks
was proof sufficient. They confessed their crimes, and
were executed in May following.

In crossing the North Platte River, five miles below
the fort, Mrs. Ewbanks had suffered intensely, her
child being bound to her back, and she holding on to
a log bound by a rope fastened to the saddle of the Indian's
horse.

The chief passed over easily, but mother and child
were nearly frozen to death by clinging and struggling
among masses of broken ice, and protected only by a
thin, light garment.

Mr. Kelly sent deputations of Indians with horses,
to the Indian villages, with letters to me, which were
never delivered. They were not true to their trust,
but would come to see me without giving me the messages,
then return with the declaration that I could not
be found.

He would furnish a complete outfit for an Indian,
costing about four hundred dollars, and send him to
find me; but the Indian cared only for the money; he
would never return.

Having despaired of accomplishing any thing further
toward my rescue at Fort Laramie, he left for Leavenworth,
to obtain help from citizens there, to get permission
of the commander of the division to raise an independent
company for my release.

There he met with his brother, General Kelly, who
had just returned from the South, and had received a
letter from me, acquainting him with my freedom.

Mr. Kelly would not at first be convinced, but, after

being shown the letter, he said, "Yes, I know that is
Fanny's writing, but it can not be possible;" and by
daylight he was on his way to Dakota.

Who can tell his varied emotions, during that long
and wearisome journey, when, at the end, hope held out
to him the cup of joy which, after the long suffering of
months, he was about to drink. Let only those judge
who have been separated from the dearest on earth, and
whose fate was involved in mysterious silence, more
painful than if the pallid face rested beneath the
coffin-lid.