381 up the river we saw two or three other Indians who were likewise chased into the reserve. We then found the Spring, which is situ- ated a short distance below the house of Mr. William Peterson on the Clear Fork of the Brazos: Peterson's house being one mile and a half below the lower line of the Reserve. In the valley above Petersons house three or four Indians were seen and my scout ran them into the Reserve, firing at them several times. None of the shooting above spoken of took effect. We then se- lected a camping place, some two hundred yards below Petersons house, and had unsaddled our horses preparatory to camping when the alarm came from the house that the Indians had at- tacked it on the upper side, and a call also came for us to repair to the defense of the house & its inmates. We immediately com- plied. But before we reached the house the firing had com- menced, there being some three or four citizens there who took a brave and active part in the battle. When we arrived at the house and found the whole prairie above and back of the house covered with Indians, armed with guns, bows & arrows, lances, shields & c. Before we got to the house however an Indian had made an effort to lasso a little ten year old boy, but was prevented by two of the citizens shooting at him, this, I was informed was the be- ginning of the attack. I am convinced that the attempt to rope the boy was made because I made strict inquiries as to its truth, and was informed by the two gentlemen who shot at the Indian that it was positively so, and also by a lady who was an eye wit- ness to the transaction, and the little boy himself assured me of its truth, and in addition to all this the appearance of the boy, his weeping & crying furnished ample evidence of its truth. The fight then became general and commenced in good ear- nest, the Indians keeping at a distance of two or three hundred yards, with the exeception of some few bold and daring fellows who ventured nearer, one of whom fell mortally -wounded and had his horse killed under him: others were also wounded: I do not know how many, but we learned after the battle that there were some eight or ten, some of whom have died. I had two wounded but not dangerously-Patrick O Brien of McLennan County-in the hip, and William Terry of Palo Pinto in the leg. I am happy to be able to inform you that they are both rapidly recovering. After the battle had continued near an hour, the In- dians fell back a short distance and seemed to be in consultation. About that time Col Leeper the Indian Agent came out and gave the Indians a talk they then drew off bearing their wounded with them. I was informed by Col Leeper and others that there were
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