252 ANTICIPATED ATTACK OF INDIANS. 



were seen rapidly emerging from the little hollows on our left and 

 spreading in great confusion over the plain — a sure indication that 

 they had been disturbed by some cause behind the hills. At length 

 scattered bands of mounted Indians were discovered moving rapidly 

 at a considerable distance before us ; and occasionally a look-out 

 could be seen motionless upon the summit of some elevated mound, 

 apparently watching our movements. At noon a short halt was 

 ordered near some ponds of water, and a meridian altitude of 

 the sun taken, which gave the latitude 41° 15' 41".4. "We then 

 moved forward, and, in three miles, reached the main fork of the 

 Laramie, a beautiful little stream of pure, cold water, about fifty 

 feet wide, and eighteen inches deep, flowing with a free current to 

 the northward, between low grassy banks, over a bed of pebbles 

 and gravel. It had been intended simply to make a short nooning 

 here, and then to push forward toward the heads of the Lodge- 

 pole Creek with all possible speed. This intention was frustrated, 

 however, by the appearance of the Indians, who were discovered 

 moving toward us from various points and in considerable numbers. 

 Uncertain of their intentions, or of the amount of their force, I 

 deemed it prudent to prepare for their reception. 



About a quarter of a mile above us, on the right bank of the 

 stream, was an isolated little grove of cotton-woods, of which I de- 

 termined to take possession, and there to await the approach of our 

 red brethren : this was accordingly done ; the animals were taken 

 into the grove and picketed. In a short time, by felling a few 

 trees and piling up such as were found lying upon the ground, an 

 enclosure was constructed, which a strong force of Indians would 

 have found it somewhat difficult to carry in the face of thirty rifles. 

 In the mean time, Indian scouts made their appearance upon the 

 surrounding hills, reconnoitring us, and seemed to be as uncertain 

 of our character and intentions as we were of theirs. Having 

 completed our little field-work, the United States flag was display- 

 ed, and we sat down to lunch, having eaten nothing since sunrise. 

 Finding the Indians only hovered around at a distance. Major 

 Bridger, shouldering his rifle, walked out toward them, and made 

 various signs to an advance party that came out to meet him. We 

 soon perceived that they had recognised him ; when, finding that 

 we were white men, and not a hostile band of Indians as they had 

 supposed, they commenced a perfect race for our camp, and in a 

 few minutes a stream of Indians galloped up, holding out their 

 hands to shake with any and" every body they met. They proved 



