FIGHT AT PRYOR’S FORK
David.Gettman October 11th, 2008
A column consisting of Companies F, G, H, and L, and four companies of the Seventh Infantry, all under Major Eugene M. Baker, Second Cavalry, was ordered into the field July, 1872, as an escort to surveyors of the Northern Pacific Railroad along the Yellowstone River. On August 13 camp was pitched on that stream near Pryor’s Fork. Before daylight the next morning the camp was attacked by eight hundred Sioux, Arapaho, and Cheyenne Indians, apparently in an attempt to drive off the stock. Because of the vigilance of the pickets, the savages were discovered before the attack and the alarm was given. On account of the darkness there was much confusion, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. The fight lasted about three hours, during which time the Indians were driven to cover first in the surrounding bluffs, and later down the valley. The casualties on the side of the troops were one killed and six wounded, while the savages had at least two killed and ten wounded. No doubt the small loss on both sides here was on account of darkness.
A detachment of forty men of Company B, under Lieutenant Randolph Norwood, left Camp Stambaugh, September 10, 1872, in pursuit of Indians who had been committing depredations in that vicinity. After traveling about five miles, they came in sight of the savages and gave chase. Then followed a lively pursuit of fifty miles before the detachment came within rifle range. In the running fight none of the soldiers were injured, but at least one Indian was wounded. The pace of the troop was so fast that one horse died of exhaustion and one had to be abandoned.
After three years of service at Omaha Barracks, Nebraska, Regimental Headquarters was moved on October 10, 1872, to Fort Sanders, Wyoming, where it remained for the next five years. Continue Reading »
