ase, with
their good success, prisoners, spoils, etc., they march straight up the
hill, while the teams and "Moccasin Train" wind around the sides to
make the ascent more easy. Such a scene as here witnessed carries one
back to the days when he read fancy sketches of such expeditions in
novels. With a party of friends we were now in advance of the train,
and during the day shot geese, brant, ducks and snipes. It was indeed a
grand sight to see thousands of white brant flying between us and the
burned and blackened hills. Arrived at our old camp "Hollow" at the
head of the Lac qui Parle at 3 p.m.,--one hour in advance of the
train,--and took advantage of the occasion to cook and feast on some of
our game. The train arrived, having in charge more prisoners, who had
been out hunting, and, on returning and finding their band all gone,
followed our trail and gave themselves up.

October 20th. More Indians joined us last night; they attempted to slip
in past the guard, but were caught. Struck tents at daylight and
resumed the march, crossing the line into Minnesota at 10 a.m. Met the
relief train under Quinn at 11 a.m. After leaving Captive Lake, and at
a point some 18 miles distant, William Quinn's horse gave out, and was
abandoned. He walked all the rest of the way to Camp Release beside of
the other horses, reaching there at 11 o'clock Saturday night (making
good time). He took a short nap, started on the return trip Sunday
morning, and met the train as above stated. He brought the news of the
capture of 23 more lodges (67 Indians) near the lower Lac qui Parle by
Captain Merriman and a detachment of the Sixth Regiment, who took them
to Camp Release. At 12 o'clock, noon, we arrived at the camping place
first used on our outward trip. Took dinner with the artillery. The
prairie took fire from Company G's cook-fire, making us skedaddle at a
double-quick. The flames spread with fearful rapidity, causing
consternation and alarm, and inducing the moccasin train to move at a
lively gait. There was a feeling of real joy when all had reached
burned ground. Quinn now led us by a new route. The prairie was on fire
all around us, and at one point we passed between two fires. The camp
for the night was established on a beautiful spot near the bank of the
Lac qui Parle River. Was appointed officer of the guard.

During the night there were indications of the prisoners trying to
escape. C. J. Sudheimer and Peter Molitor were placed as s