235 in a galling fire upon the retreating enemy. Lt Allison Nelson in command of the Left wing, assisted by Lt James H. Tanke1·sley and Lt Wm G Preston, charged to the left and pursued the flying comanches with vigor-and effect. In the meantime the head chief, Iron Jacket, had ridden out in gorgeous arrary--clad in a coat of mail-and bore down upon our red allies. He was followed by warriors and trusted for safty to his armor. The sharp crack of five or six rifles brought his horse to the ground, and in a few moments the Chief fell riddled with balls. Our Shawnee guide, Doss, and Jim Pockamrk, the Anodarco Captain, claim the first and last wounds. The fight was now general, and extended, very soon, over a circuit of six miles in Length and more than three in breadth. It was in fact, almost, a series of single combats. Squads of Rangers and Indians were pursuing the enemy in ev- ery direction. The Comanches would occasionally halt and en- deavor to make a stand, however, their efforts were unavailing- they were forced to yield the ground to our men in every instance. The din of the battle had rolled back from the river-the groans of the dying, cries of frightened women and children, mingled with the reports of firearms, and the shouts of the men as they rose from Hill top, from thicket, and from ravine. The second chief had rushed into the conflict with the friendly Indians. A shot from the Shawnee Captain, Chui-le-qua, closed his career. The Comanches between the Camp and the river were all killed and driven from the field, and our red allies sent up a wile shout of triumph. By direction of Capt Ross a por- tion of them held the camp of the enemy The Rangers and the friendly Indians still pressed the Co- manches, nor did they stop pursuing until their failing horses admonished them, that they could do no more. Between twelve and one o'clock the firing had almost ceased; and squad after squad of the troups were returning to the Comanche Camp, bring- ing with them horses prisoners and other trophies of victory. Capt Ross had very properly suggested to Lt Nelson the pro- priety of keeping the men well together, and when I returned from the pursuit I found a large proportion of the men drawn up in order of battle. The Comanches had another large encampment three or four miles above on the Canadian. They had heard the firing, em- bodied, and threatened to charge us. They were evidently playing for an advantage and their manoeuvreres induced our Indians to believe them very strong. Our allies proposed to draw them out, and requested me to keep my men in line to support them, if
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