The New York Herald Newspaper, January 25, 1879, Page 3

Fea sted R Bisel us BLUFF STATION BATTER, Detailed Description of the Attack on + the Cheyennes, MILITARY BLUNDERS. Riddling the Besieged Reds With Bullets. INDIAN HEROISM. Singing Death Songs and Defying the Troops. WESSELLS' " RETURN !TO CAMP. ——nteiarnere (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Ow rae Firip, Near Burr Station, Jan. 23, Via Font Roprnson, Jan. 24, 1879, Many different accounts will be sent from here to glorify the conduct of the military in the late ex- ploits which have culminated at last in the slaugh- ter of the handful of miserable Cheyenne bree:h- clouts by four times their number. The following is correct and impartial as to the main facts as wit- nessed, and will be corroborated by the rank and file participants :— FOLLOWING THE TRAIL. After the trail had been repeatedly lost and the Indians allowed to escape it was taken up again by the Sioux Indian scout, Woman's Dress, and his half-breed associate, John Changrot, yesterday morning, and steadily followed. Six soldiers accompanied Woman's Dress, and they were sent back to the command along the trail, as it ‘ndicated that the position of the Indians ‘was being approached. Two messengers were sent back, stating that the fugitives were near at hand. Suddenly, as Woman’s Drees was riding along with Changrot and watching the trail closer than before, he was fired on by a keen marksman, who had him as well as the remainder of escort under range, and wounded in the arm. At the same time a private, H. A. Debloise, Company H, Third cavalry, wag tumbled from his saddle, and the mule ridden by Changrot was shot through the neck and fell as if paralyzed. Changrot attempted to pull his pistol as soon as he could dis- entangle his feet from the stirrups to fire on the hitherto concealed Indians, who charged to capture the arms of the dismounted soldier and his horse, which stood grazing afew paces distant. Another close bullet carried away the stock of Changrot’s pistol and rendered it useless. He laid down and crawled toward the disabled soldier, Debloise, to get his rifle, but found the fire too severe. ‘ ARRIVAL OF CAPTAIN WESKELLS. Captain H. W. Wessells was just beyond “the rising ground to the ‘rear, with panies A, E, F and H, and hearing the firing, as well as meeting Woman's Dress retiring, he gal. loped over the crest and to a point commanding where " the wounded soldier lay and within range of a sweap- ing fire carefully delivered by the ‘Cheyennos. Cap- tain Wessella immediately gave the command to Sergeant James Taggert Farrier, Company A, Third cavalry, ‘to dismount, and directed him to open fire at once on the Indians, saying, “Try ‘to save that man,” meaning Debloise. Company H moved to the right and Company E the left, while A company was moved to the front to command the position of the Indians, ‘This was about ten o'clock. The day was clear and * pleasant. It was decided to hold this ground until Company F, which was back some ten miles with the wagons, could be brought up as @ reinforcement, which was effected about half-past two P. M. THE PLAN OF ATTACK. It was then decided between Captain Wessells, com- manding company H, and Lieutenant Chase, Com- pany A, to charge the Indians, who still answered the desultory fire kept up on them at 200 yards range. The position of the Indians was in an oblong hole about thirty feet long, ten or twelve fect wide and five feet deep, with ridges in it here and there, whore the invested Ind- ians had dug out some holes, so as to get down low ‘from the range of our fire, and to alternately step up on the ridges to deliver theirs in return. This was within a few feet of the edge of a high bank which broke off abruptly from the dry bed of a branch of Indian Creek, thirty feet below, and about forty miles from Fort Robinson and three miles from Binff Station on the Hat Creek road. OPENING THE BATTLE. As soon as the charge was provide’ for the compa- nies on the ground were deployed in skirmish line, at three and four paces distaiicé, making a semicircle s0.as to bring tho right and left of the line respect- ively toward the edge of the steep creek bank. Part of Company F was sent to strengthen Company H, and part of it put where another company had been. Parts of companies H and ¥ were sent up the bed of the creck from the cast, and Com- pany E from the west side of the ‘Indians’ position. When Company <A closed in the front, from the northerly sido, they got up nearer than the rest of the troops and immediately lont two men, Sergeant Taggert, farrier, and Private Neleon. ‘This was within Atty yards of the pit. A ateady ad- vance and fire was kept up until within ten yards, TRE REDS SURROUNDED, Captain Wesuells eaid to the troops before the movement commenced : — “We have lost enough men now waiting for these Indians, and we must charge thom.” He looked to- ward Lioutenant Chase, who promptly said:—- “Captain, I should like to have Company A to charge with you. We must get Company F where you are to cover your advances,” Immediately Company A foll back under orders and threw off their coats and gum shoes, going round by Company E, which was distributed along the ravine on tho turn of the creek. Company A went up on the north bank of the creck, under the position of the indians, and Company H, with a part of Com- pany F, were sent below. During this time the pickets were posted so to keop the Indians down. Company A gavo way on the left 1 as to join Company H, which made the detour around the left of the pit in» westerly direction, Company F, under Lieutenants Hardeo and Baxter, took up the position vacated by Company A, while H and F detachments moved up to the east and rear of the besioged. Captein Lawson struck com- to join them in the charge, which was to be signalled by a yell from Lieytenant Chase. Company A moved up too near, and, as sbove stated, lost ins short time three killed. These were somewhat rashly sac- rificed through impatience. SINGING THE DEATH 60NG. The movement was merely @ steady advance, and closing in on the enemy as it began. The men rap- idly pressing together grew thick about the pit; and it is a wonder more soldiers were not killed by the Indians, It was certainly providential that the ammunition of the reds gave out. The men would ko up to the edge of the hole and fire down at an dngle and then fall back to reload. The smoke of the firing actually grew so great that the soldiers had to pause until it cleared away to see where the pit was. At one time the Indians ceased fir- ing and commenced singing, It was thought that they were either all wounded or wanted to sus- render, Ap order was given to cease the firing, which had grown so oppressive from an apparent want of opposition and the conviction that it was superfiuons, like beating a dead‘carcass. ‘4 WRYSELLS WOUNDED. During the lull Captain Weeselis called on’ the Cheyennes still remaining to surrender, and said some words in Sionx, such as “Washte,” but imme- diately the unsubdued Cheyennes opened fire. Cap- tain Wessells and Sergeant Reed, of Company H, Third Cavalry, were wounded by the volley. In the case of Captain Wessolls the ball penetrated the’ fore- head at the left side, passing under the scalp and making s painful but not serious wound; hiv hat and garments were also pierced in many places. The firing again commenced, and in half an hour all was over. Tho edge of the pit was literally riddled from the shower of bullets rained upon it. Captain Wes- sells participated in the firing with the troops. THREE DESPERATE BRAVES. Just before the final resistance of the Cheyennes three of them, the last alive, jumped out of the pit and faced the troops undaunted. One hada pistol and two had knives, which they brandished like war- riors while rashing at the troops. One sprang to jump down the embankment, but was speedily rid- dled with balls, as were the other two. Lieuten- ant Chase led the charge of his company, in the centre of his men, gave @ cheer and inspired them, When Captain Wessells was wounded and fell back fainting Captain Lawson kept saying sto them, boys; don’t leave one of them.’ Margetave, company E, a Russian, was conspicuous for his coolness and bravery. He kept up a steady advance, firing right at the Indians. Corporal Crouse, company A, was also effective in his execu- tion, Sergeant Ambrose, company E, deserves men- tion, Uniyersal testimony is borne to the gallant conduct of Captain Wesselis and Lieutenants Chase and Hardee, All the privates behaved bravely. A SAD BIGHT. When the smoke cleared away the pit presented a singular and horrible appearance. Huddled to- gether im piles were the twenty-three bodies of the slain. Among the nine still surviving were two young Indian girls, aged fourtcen and fifteen, cdv- ered with dust and under the bodies of young bucks who had fallen lifeless upon them and at first con- cealed them, They were saved by digging in under the side of the hole. One is uamed Blanche, and used to write her name while imprisoned here with her people. The appearance of the pit was as though it had been filled with sandbags. Lieutenant Chase immediately ordered a company to fall in, and ‘sent'a detail into'te deathly chasm to pass out the bodies, Among them were found three unhurt and five wounded females and one buck wounded, LAYING OUT THE DEAD. ‘The carcasses were taken out rapidly, and found to be completely riddled with bullets. They were laid down side by side, and looked like horrid phantoms or defaced mummies, A few were stripped, but most of them had on clothing—in the language of one of the soldiers handling them, “Regular store clothes.” A number of blankets and # soldier's over- coat and pantaloons, with some bed covers, were among the rubbish, while in the centre was @ good stock of half dried beef three feet high and two wide Some cattle had been killed by them near-by belong- ing to the Whitcomb ranch. Carpenters were de- tailed to make & traverse to carry the wounded to the wagons. The dead bodies of the three soldiers were packed on their horses and Corporal Houk, Private John Donovan, of company A wero sent into Fort Robinson for ambulances and to bear the news of the day's operations, MILITARY BLUNDERS. The fighting had lasted about halfan hour. A few half-starved bucks, seventcon in all, had held four companies in check and killed three of their number, which added to the seven before mortally ‘wounded by them would make more than half the force of the enemy. The unfortunate blunder in not placing bars on the prison windows, in placing an insufficient guard over them in Fort Robinson and the absence of trained artillery upon their line of escape has been sadly paid for in the loss of gool men. Most of these men might havo been saved had differ- ent.tactica been practised by those in command while fighting the Indians. The bringing of over one hundred and, fifty men into action to dislodge or subdie lesa than one-fifth of their fighting number presents too much eurface for the marksmanship capacity. of # dozen or so of “dead shots,” such as the Cheyennes. Their arms, which were the best sporting rifles of calibres fifty and forty-four, with short and long cartridges, num- dered ten rifles and five pistols, Their ammunition had been nearly exhausted. Very fow cartridges were found in their belts, but boxes of reloading caps, two pounds of powder and bullet moulds were found among their things, which showed their por- session of the means and ability to make fresh am- munition. Even at the last moment, when fate had eet its seal against the Cheyennes, they moved their unloaded rifles frantically about over the edge of the pit to produce, if possible, somo alarm, The wounded were carefully looked after, and the half breed, with some of the men, got cups of snow, and, melting it, gave them drink, REFLECTIONS FOR ARMY OFFICERS. Tho Cheyenne business, so far as those beggarly few are concerned, is at an end; and it is a startling reflection to consider how many men, how much money, it has cost the government, and all through improvident or weak military management. The officers of the army now do not Wosire their abilities or their doings to be criticised, Thore is a class among them, not of the old-school, who havo foisted themselves into important places in the ranks, who failed at the close of the rebellion to fol- low the example of thousands who had soldierly abil- ity, but went into the ranks of private life to sustain themselves. The exceptions clung to the army, because powerless to sustain thomselves else. down trom the west aud seas, swinging out eo as to | where, The army now suffors bovause of ineficiency, as we have seen m cases connected with the slaugh- tered Cheyennes. Where a misfortune occurs or & poor military capacity is shown they do not want the truth tola. CONGRESS TO BLAME. The whole Indian business of lste has been man- aged by incapable officers on this frontier from be, ginning to end, and the fact is in a nutshell, that the army is demoralized owing to Congress tinkering with it. The investigation which is to take place here, and which Congress will make, will speedily show, like the army of France under the late Napo- leon, our army is not a fighting machine, but a resort for the shiftless and those who dodge the other stern demands of life. Let the conduct of the late military campaign be examined and our recent contemptible and puerile contribution to it be also included, and it will be shown what a monstrous fraud the govern- ment is now paying millions of dollars for, on which it cannot rely for defence in the hour of need, THE TROOPS RETURN TO BARRACKS, Captain Weesells arrived in camp to-day and is doing well, but is nervous and irritable. The dead Indians were buried in the pit where they were killed, The prisoners, squaws and‘ four young girls, were brought into camp to-night, Two knives were found on one of them. ‘The Board of Investigation, composed of military officers, Colonel A. W. Evans, Third cavalry, presid- ing, will meet to-morrow to consider where the ré- sponsibility for the late escape of the Cheyennes rests, 1tis boldly said here that it was connived at in order to make business brisk in these parts, and to bring the army out in bold relict, while an Indian agent and some traders and freighters are strongly suspected of collusion in the scheme. The “riff-raff” out here say they want war to make business good and bring money into the country. CORRECTED LIST OF CASUALTIES. ‘The list of killed and wounded now stauds as fol- three lows:. ‘ILLED, Sergeant James Taggart, company A, Private George Brown, company A. Private George Nelson, company A. “Woman's Dress,” Indian scout, died on the road in. WOUNDED. Captain W. H. Wesseils. First Sergeant Ambrose, company E, Sergeant Reed, company H. Private Henry Debloise, company H. Captain Wessells’ wound is very slight, and will not interfere with his taking command of this post to-morrow morning, while those of the others are not dangerous, Two of the Indian children were also wounded, but not dangerously, They were all searched at the guardhouse, SUEING FOR PEACE. SITTING BULL'S BANDS ALL WI8H TO SMOKE THE CALUMET—THEIR MESSENGERS WAIT— ASKING CONDITIONS OF PERMANENT AMITE WITH THE WHITES—STARVING IN CANADA, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Cuicaco, Jan, 24, 1879, General Sheridan to-day received the official re- port of Colonel Wood, of Fort Bennett, D.T., Te- lative to the recent visit to that post of two Indians— Black Wolf and The Fox—who were sent by Sitting Bull to ascertain what errangements could be made for returning to the agencies. The report is dated January 12, an¢l relates that the two Indians came in on the 10th inst. from the main, hostile camp, which they left a little over a month ago. They ‘said:—“We camo from a large camp this sid> of the boundary, lino, .on...Pale Moon Creek, a tributary of Milk Hiver, about four days’ ride trom Fort Peck. It would be impossible to say how many lodges were in that camp unless one made it a business to count them. Of the Blackfeet alone there were about seven hundred lodges in all. ‘The camp would reach from here to the Cheyenne River, about fourteen miles. The lodges were pretty close together, The Indians cross the line at their pleasure, and somo of them have re- cently drawn rations at Fort Peck, principally women and children. The day before we started to come here a council of ali the Indians was held. A very large council lodge was made for that purpose. All the chiefs and leading men were present. A PRACE SPEKCH. “Sitting Bull spoke in this way:—‘When I look back southwest from here I see my country, where I formerly lived. I long to be back there again. I find that warring is a very bad thing. By that Ilost my country and caused my people a great deal of suffering. From this day on I want to quit making war on the whites. I hope to quitit forever; now and forever. I hope to have no more trouble with | the whites, and I hope to make peace.’ ANXIOUS TO RETURN. “I do not remember all he said, but that was the substance of it. His speech was well received by the council. Other chiefs spoke in about the same strain. Sitting Bull then proposed to send runners to the different agencies to find out on what terms the Indians could come in. This was agreed to by the other chiefs, There was no opposition. Sitting Bull and Big Road then selected thirteen messongers from among the different bands, myself and friend | among thenumber. We were each told to go to the agency to which his band belonged. We all received the same instructions from the council, which were to find out the conditions under which we could return to onr agencies, to tell nothing except what we were told to tell, and to bring back such messages as woe should receive from the authorities there. Sitting Bull was very anxious to let you all know and to let the ‘Great Father’ know that he wished to make peace." WAR BRINGS STARVATION. The runners said that after starting out they went | as far as the Gros Veutro agency at Fort Peck, and | then travelled down tothe new Fort Peck agency. Tho spokesman of the party then said to Colonel | Wood :—“I have come here with the expectation of not | receiving any bad messages to take back to my peo- ple. Lexpect to receive kind words to take back. I would like to receive some good propositions for my people for their welfare, I am here to seo if there is any chanco of making peace with the American people, and if we will be permitted to come back to our homes. The Indians | desire to return to the agencies to which they | | | | | velong. There is no game in the British possessions, and that is the reason we 1 moved over the line, We all moved» over about two and @ half months ago. There is more game on this side, particularly between the Missouri and the Yellowstone. The Indians are suffering = great deal for want of food, and wo atopped war because we were starving. That is the reason the council was called together. I have at- tended all the main councils held in our present camp. The feeling expressed in all those councils has been for permanent peace, | Reuben E. Fenton. MARAUDERS PUNIAHED, In those councils laws were made to punish any one committing depredations on the whites. A party | of young men soon after stole some horses | from the Americans and brought thom into | camp. The Iudiens punished the lender by | Killing him. I tell you this was evidence | that our people are all for peace, I was in hopes that all this and our desire for peace would have been known to all the American people before wo arrived here, Sitting Bull said to me before leaving, “I believe you will have great diMculty in making the officers believe in yout good intention: but act like a man, and then they may believe you, AWAITING PROPOSITIONS OF PEACE. If peace can be made Swiftbird and Blackshield, fe jous and about two hundred iodges of Sansarcs. They all want to make peace. If the propositions we take back are good they will all move immedi- NEW YORK HERALD, SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1879.—TRIPLE SHEET. ee . PEDESTRIANISM. ately. The Indians we left in the camp are anxiously | THE FIFTY HOUR WALK BETWEEN PROFESSORS swaiting the return of their messenger. RENO'S TRIAL. ELEVENTH DAY OF THE INVESTIGATION AT C1 I- CAGO—DR. PORTER'S OPINION—DID RENO PURPOSELY DISOBEY CUSTER'S ORDERS ?— CAPTAIN MOYLAN’S TESTIMONY. [BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] Cucaco, Jan, 24, 1879. ‘The eleventh day of the Reno inquiry was begun in the customary manner this morning. ‘Several distinguished military men were in attendance, The’ Recorder began by asking Dr. Porter, who was tes- tifying.at the adjournment of the court yesterday, @ fow supplementary questions. Porter described, with frequent references to the map, the lay of the land in the timber where Reno's men met the Indians and afterward decamped. The Doctor fhonght that in the flight each soldier seemed to be attending solely to the preservation of his own scalp, and then he de- scribed just how the men got over the stream. The streant was about forty fect broad where he crossed, and the water reached to the horses’ bucks. There was abank abont five fect high on the side where they plunged in, and a similar one on the other side, though the ascent of the horses soon wore down the bank so that it became comparatively easy of ascent. DR, PORTER'S OPINION OF RENO. The following question was then put to Dr. Por- ter:—State how Major Reno’s conduct impressed you in the timber and ‘on the retreat; whether it was such as to inspire his men with courage and bravery or the contrary ? Mr. Gilbert—I very much doubt, Your Honor, whether a doctor’s opinion in a matter of this kind is 2dmissible. Objection overruled. Mr, Gilbert—I should have great respect for an officer’s opinion in # point like this, but I must con- | fess that a medical gontloman seems to me much better qualified to prescribe medicine than givo opinions on military affairs. ‘The Court—Let the witness proceed. Witness—Well, I did not sce anything particularly heroic in his conduct. I thought it was the reverse. He seemed a little embarrassed, I thought. The bul- lets were flying around pretty thickly, and it seemed to me he didn’t exactly know whether he had better stay there or get out. ‘That was the way it impressed me. ‘The Recorder—Is that your answer ? Witness—Yes, sir. ‘Lhe Recorder—I have done with the witness. The witness was then cross-examined at consider- able length by Mr. Gilbert. Porter testified that he was right by Heno’s side when Custer’s adjutant (Cook) delivered the order to cross the river. Heard Reno ask Cook if Custer was coming up to support him, and also the adjutant’s reply that General Cus- ter would do so, The adjutant then rode back, while Reno rode at the head of his command toward the landing. Witness kept within speaking distance of him all the way, not only until across the river, but up the deploying of the skirmish line, Witness estimated the strength of the village at 1,000 warriors. The witness then told of what Lieutenant Varnum said on the retreat about going back atter the wounded; how the hospital was instituted on the hill; of the num- Der of times he saw Major Reno there. WAS THE DOCTOR FRIGHTENED? Mr. Gilbert made the following rather amusing attempt to impeach the Doctor’s evidence in regard to Reno’s condition, by showing that the Doctor him- self was alarmed, a Mr. Gilbert—Doctor, were you not frightemed at any time, so that your judgment might have been i red fo, sir; I think not. Yell, were you not so excited that you ‘« been able to accurately comprehend: going cn around you ? I don't suppose I saw everything around me. . Mr. Gilbert—Were you not, Dactor, in point of fact, not being a military man, actually so frightened that you were not capable of judging what was going on imyour vicinity? Yituess—When I found myself cut off from the men and without a horse, then I was frightened. Mr. Gilbert—Did you never tell anybody that you were sofrightened you did'nt know what you were doing? Witness—No, sir; Ido not think I ever did. Mr, Gilbert—Did vou never tell Lientenant Maguire, in substance, what my question implies? Withess—What question? Mr. Gilbert—As to whether you were capable of compel ing what was going on around you. itness—I may or I may not; but I don’t think I ever suid I was frightened. ‘The cross-cxamination finished withont the adm: sion on the part of the Doctor. The redirect was very short. ‘The Recorder—You have testified, Doctor, that you were excited. Now you may state to the Court the causes which led to your excitement. Witness—I found myself without a out arms, the soldiers retreating and leaving me, a number of Indians. between them and’ myself, Under these circumstances I did feel a trifle “shook up,” and don't deny it. CAPTAIN MOYLAN'S TESTIMONY. Captain M. Moylan, of the Seventh cavalry, Dakota, wax the next witness called. ‘He apologized to the Court for appearing in civilian clothes. ‘The Captain is a fine, well built man, with dark hair, sharp eyes and alight mustache. He answered the ques- tions with perfect composure. This witness was asked the same questions that the other witnesses were asked, and he answered most of them in substantially the same way. The wit ness described the proceedings ‘of the after noon and night of the fight, and of the next day, stating nothing new regarding any of the events, The surrounding force of Indians at all times was, in the opinion of the witness, not less than one thousand. Indians could be seen coming out from the village at times to relieve those at the line. They were so covered that it was impossible to sev anything like the number of them. ALL RENO'S MOVEMENTS UNDERSTOOD BY THE INDIANS. A person might think in looking out that there was nothing there, but he had only to show his head, and he would very quickly find out his mis- take. The witness was’ perfectly satisfied that the Indians knew when Reno’s command was crossing the ford on the advance, for the nature of the ground over which he advanced was such, being high; that they must have scen him. Captain Moylan believed that the force of Indian« was large cnough to warrant Reno in forming a skirmish line. The he did there were probably 400 Indians then within 500 yards, No casualties had then taken place and the firing was scattering. In answer the men returned as good a fire as could have been expected of men not long in the service. Before they retreated to the timber some two hundred In- dians had turned their left flank and were coming up on the rear. The Indians had redand many of them were in the timber when Reuo ordered the re- treat. An adjournment was then taken till to-morrow when the examination of Captain Moylan will be continued, UNION TEAGUE OF AMERICA. The State Council of the Union League of America met at republican headquarters (Broadway and Thirty-third street) on Thursday. There were present a large nuinber of gentlemen interested in the organization from all parts of the State. The State organization was thoroughly reorgan- ized and put upon an active footing. A movement is on foot to revive the Order all over tho State. This movement is an outgrowth of the meeting of the national body recently held in Philadeiphia. ‘The following officers were elected for the current year:—President—Charles W. Godard. Vice Presi- dents—First district, General Cochrane; Second dis- trict, General Ullman; Third district, J.T. Hoge- boom; Fourth district, Leman Thi ; district, A. B, James; Sixth district, Seventh district, Myron H. Clark; Ei Secretarios—Daniel and General Lewis M, Peck. COLONEL KEITT'S LIBEL SUIT, The trial of the libel suit of Ellison 8. Koitt against the New York Times, to recover $50,000 damages, camo to aconclusion yesterday in the United States Circuit Court, and the verdict of the jury, after hear- ing the many depositions and evidence of a great number of witnesses, virtually acquitted the de- fendant of the alleged defamation of charactor. Colonel Ellison 8. Keitt and Colonel Thomas Keitt, the man convicted of bigamy, are so intimately as- sociated that it was dificult to distinguish them im connection with the all d libel, though the latter is colored, Judge Shipman yesterday morning charged the jurgat length and they went ont, re- maining for sevetil hours iu deliberation. The jury were brought inté Court several times, and finally re- turned a verdict of six cents damages and costs to the plaintif. BUSINESS TROUBLES. J, Henry McCarthy has beon appointed receiver by the Supreme Court of the property of Henry W. Harper, dealer in slate, on the application of Wheolér, Parsons & Hayes, whose claims amount to $1,749. ‘Mr. Harper owns several quarries near Slatington, pa, and also a factory tor the manufacture of . Northrup | slates. chiefs of the Minnecoujous, and Spotted Eagle, chief of the Sansarcs, want to return to this ageney with all their people. They told me to say this to you. | ‘There are about three hundred lodges of Minnecou- James Aylward, manufacturer of furniture, mado an assigument yesterday, without preterence, to Jdobn 4. Co His stock and machinery are nominally valued at about $15,000, subject to a chat- tel mortgage for $2,300, MILLER AND Loss. (BY TELEGRAPH To THE HERALD.] Baxrrvone, Jan. 24, 1879. A fifty hour walking match for a gold medal, worth $150, and the receipts, was commenced at the Acad- emy of Music Inst night, between William Miller, the athlete, and D. C. Ross, of Canada, athletic instructor of the Young Men’s Christian Association. The track is circular in form, laid on the ballroom floor, and twenty-one laps are required to the mile. The men present # striking contrast, enormous strength; heavy in bone and muscle. Ross has the features of a braw Scotch Inddie; Miller the genuine English determined look. Miller has vast girth at the chest and loins, and his thighs are 80 huge that the lower legs seem comparatively light. He walks with head forward and his eyes fixed on the ground, as if intent on his work. He lsbors ap- arentiy, but to one who looks closely it is evident hat tle appearance of effort is deception. It is ip the arms and shoulders, while the legs/ move as easily and smoothly as the piston ot/a steam engine, Ross walks, with a beautiful awing, his head erect and shoulders thrown back, taking his thirty-five inch stride with seeming case. His figure is statuesque is atyle very handsomé. He did not at the beginning contend strongly with Miller for speed,. He occasionally spurted, as if to measure himself with his brawny antagonist, but immediately felt back into his regularstride, as if confident that he would be ahead at the.end of the fifty hours. If Miller were a greenhorn one might think that foreing the pace at the beyinning of a fifty-hour walk was a blunder, but he is a professional and sin- mpi’ cool aud cautions, He has a good reason for ‘is strategy, and doubtless trusts to his great powers of endurance. Koss left the track at 12h. 22m. this morning, having walked 22 miles; Miller leaving the track at 2h, m., with a record of 23 miles. The latter re- sumed walking at 12h. mm, Ross did not return to the track until 1h. 23m., having been attacked by cramps that rendered biin unable to stand up. His iliness was concealed at his request, he coufidently expecting to walk it off. When he resumed his march the light elastic step that marked his walking in the early part of last. evening was missing, and be walked with unsteadiness and considerable effort. After scoring a mile or two this passed off, and the pedestrian commenced moving around with his ac- enstomed case and graceful stride, Ross steadily warmed up to his work, and soon began exhibiting @ determination to regain what he had lost, The seore at 2h, 10m. A, M. stood—Miller, 29 miles; Ress, 25 At three o'clock both men were moving around the track at the rate of a mile in twelve minutes, and indulging in _ frequent spurts for the lead. Eleven minutes later Ross lett the track again, owing to a second attack of the cramps. Miller strode steadily onward until 4h. 8m., when he retired to the dressing room to change his trunks, regaining the track in one minuto and a half, and walked until 4h, 464,m., when he again retired. Ross returned to his work at 4h. i2m.,and walked un- til 5h, 42m., when he took arest until 9h. 17m. After this hour Ross’ condition became so serious that several times he was observed to stagger and was compelled to retire to his room two or three times an hour. Dr. Smith prescribed several pow- ders. At 1h. 40m. P. M. the score stood 64 miles for Miller aud 46 for Ross. ‘The latter was unable to keep the track for any length of time until about 2h. 30m, when he again commenced to strike up the pace, only to be compelled to stop at 3h. S4m., with the completion of his 53d mile, He remained off the track for so long that many supposed he had withdrawn from the contest, and a representative visited his room to make inquiries. Ross was found lying on a sofa covered with blankets and breathing heavily. Dr. Smith had directed the application of a porous plaster to his abdomen, the room being kept extremely warm. Upon being questioned he exclaimed that he had not given up, und if thecramps would leave he could beat Miller with ease. At lib. P. M. Ross had begun his 69th and Miller his 98d mile. Ross is slowly recovering from his in- disposition and seems in fine spirits. Miller is also in excellent trim, but walks with some stiffness. The medal for which the contestants walked reached Baltlmore yesterday morning. It was made by Messrs. R. T. & Co,, of Nassau street, New York. It is a « jar medal of gold, with a laurel wreath. A silver figure of u pedestrian in the act of walking in a match is upon the face of the medal. It is surmounted by an eugle in gold, resting upon a shield, and a bar of gold, upon which is engraved— 1879. The medal is attached bya gold chain to a massive pin, over which is with the national emblems. Upon the pin is inscribed the follow- ing :— Grrveereeerovecennses ete woneteseetneeneee cers ® 3 3 3 “For fifty hours’ walk, Awarded to Championship of Maryland.” 3 rececesrscccsevocevcccence-eosnressnerner toners terete The entire medal is about six inches long and three and a halt wide, and cost $150. HOWARD MAKING A GAME BRACE AT MOZART GARDEN—HARRIMAN TO WALK FIFTY MILES AGAINST TIME TO-DAY. The pedestrians at Mozart Garden, Brooklyn, are at last beginning to attract considerable attention, and when Harriman finished his fifty-mile walk, shortly before eleven o'clock last night, there were four or five hundred spectators present. Harry Howard, the Glen Cove pedestrian, is coming out of his six day feat a great deal better than anybody ex- pected, and whether he completes his 450 miles or not he has proved himself to be a game man that with more experience will some day make a good record. During this contest he has wasted too much time in his room, as at twelve o'clock last night the score sheets showed that he had been 4oh, 38m, 128, off the track since he commenced his feat, His chances looked rather meagre yesterday morning, but shortly before noon he commenced jog trot and rolled off twenty-five miles before he came down to a walk. He was not running fast, but kept up an average ofeabout a mile in ten minutes, He also kept running during the greater part of last evening, and shortly after twelve o'clock completed 345 miles. ‘The great attraction at the garden is C. A. Harri- mau, tle Boston pedestrian who has been matched to walk six days against O'Leary. He is a wonderful walker, and, in the opinion of many people, the coming man in the pedestrian arena. “He started on his fifty-mile tramp at two P. M. yesterday, but did not hurry to 1aake any wonderfuliy fast time, ax he is reserving his strength for to-day. ‘The following is the score of his walk:— Five Mile Time. M, Thirty-five. Forty Forty-five .. Fift, tract an ummense crowd of people, as considerable money has been bet that he will uot beat sh. 40m., and it is understood that he intends to try to beat all previous fifty-mile recotds made in this country. THE LADY WALKER, AT EAST NEW YORK, East New York boasts of a female pedestrian that modestly proposes to walk 2,700 quarter miles in 2,700 cousecutive twelve minutes. Mme. Andrews, MME, ANDREWS, the lady in question, commenced this task in Bennett Hall at éight & M. on Thurs- day, and at twelve o'clock last night she had completed 140 quarter miles, Mme, Andrews is a young lady that claims twenty summers, and has no pedestrian record. She was born in Maine and hails from Eastport, but has resided in Brooklyn for some time past. Tho track on which she walks is suid to measure seven laps to the quarter, but has the appearance of being nearer eight. CUTTING RATES. ‘The cutting on through froights from the West has again commenced, At the Produce Exchange it was stated yesterday that free offerings were made to carry freight from Chicago to Europe, via Baltimore, at the rate of 53 cents per 10) pounds, and that it would be even lower if the railroads had more cars at their disposal. Contracts have been made to carry freight from Chicago to New York at the rate of 25 cents per 100 pounds, or 10 cents below the sched- We rates, It is said that the Indianapolis “pool” has iven notice to Chichgo that they understand cutting ty tho railroads is going on at that place, and that “pool” intends to carry ireight for 27}, cents per 100 pounds, or 7! cents below sehedulo rates, until such time as Chicago gives @ bond that they will do no more cutting. “AMERICA’S COMPLETE NEWSPAPER,” [From the MeVeytown (Pa.) Journal, Jan. 23.) {The New York Henatp enters the current year with a largely increased circulation, which is but a proper recognition of America’s most complete newspaper, Deing without exception one of the greatest—if not the greatest—published in the world; asiways in the lead in favor of right and against fraud and crime, whether found in Church or State; enterprising in its collection of the current news of the day, regard- less of expense, Any person in this community de- siring the daily edition can receive iton the day of fasue, containing the current news of the whole coun- try, being national in its character, pot heirs the exclusive property of any community. Both are of | Y throu, 3 — — “A MIDNIGHT SWIM. CAPTAIN BOYTON AND A HERALD REPORTER I RUBBER SUITS GOING DOWN THE BAX. Two persons, dressed in the paraphernalia of thé demons in the “Black Crook,” entered a carriage at the Hotel Frascati, on University place, at eleven o'clock last night, and were rapigly driven to the Battery. On their way fitful blasts from aloud sounding trumpet were heard coming from the carriage as it merrily sped down town. The carriage was followed by smull boys till they were | wind-broken, and by imore enduring young fellowa till it reached its destination at the Battery. WHO THEY WERE. A throng of sightseers crowded around the two figures, among the observers being the four mem- bers of the Volunteer Lite Saving corps. “Why, hullo, Nan,” came from out of the heavier clothed figure, “Did you save any lives to-night ?” “No, Captain Boyton, not to-night,” replied Nan the Newsboy. “What's in the wind to-mght, Cap- tain?” “A Henawp reporter and myself are going down the Bay to see the sights. Iam about to show that any- body may consider himself safe in my rubber suit,’* Boyton replied. The Captain and the Heraup reporter then walked to Castle Garden and usked permission to slip off from their pier. It was cheerfully granted, aud the of on-lookers pressed “into the build. ing. The Captain saw that his stores were satcly packed into @ monitor-like box labelled on the side “Baby Mine.” This little box has been a constant companion witn the Captain in travels through Europe, and as he saw the lamps lit and his “life preserver’ stored away he quietly spoke of its merits. Giving another loud blast, as 4 si that all was ready, the crowd moved toward the door. The HERALD man showed some anxiety, but ascribed it to the heat. He said he had tour suits of clothes on beside the rubber suit, aud that he was beginning to perspire. THE PLUNGE IN THE RIVER. “Now lower Baby Mine," said Captain Boyton as he descended the ladder from the dock into the icy water of the Bay, “Gently; look out for the lights, Now we have it,”’ as the wonitor-like boat dropped into the river. The ptain ascertained that the little boat was too top-heavy, and asked for a couple of bricks as ballast, After some trouble they were given to him. He then went out in the Bay and fired a skyrocket, lighting up the heavens in all di- rections. Coming uear the dock he cried to the Hyraxp reporter to get ready for his voyage. “(ll give you the best night's enjoyment you havo had for some time, the Captain cried, as the Hrnatp reporter walked down the der, There were no_ tars in the sky wi they started. The HeraLp reporter couldn't swim, #o the Captain arranged to tow him until he learned to navigate himself. Fixing “Baby Mine” at his head and the Heraup reporter at his feet the Captain paddled for the Narrows, under the guiding glimmer of the Robbin's Reef Light. “Good night, fellows, aud tell the captain of the Staten Island ferryboat to look out for us, ‘Nan,’ ”* cried Boyton, as he went down the Bay blowing his. orn. BLOWN EXPLOSION CAUSED BY THE LEAKAGE OF GAS— NARROW ESCAPE OF A FAMILY. An explosion of coal gas from a defective moin last night completely demolished a one story trams shanty at No, 215 East Eightieth street. Michael Flood occupied the premises as & wagon shed. He resides with his family in an adjoining frame building. Last evening Mrs. Flood was alarmed by an overpowering smell of gas in the honse. As there were no connections with the gas mains in her household she could not account for the suffocating odor. Directly op- posite is @ grocery store kept by @ Mr. Wilkining. The latter also discovered that his premises were filled with the foul odor; but that fact was equally unaccountable to him, as he burnt nothing but keroscene. After comparing notes with the Flood family a messenger was de- spatched to the office of the Harlem Gasligit Company. The officials of that — institution paid no attention to the alarming report, as they were aware that they did not supply gas to either of the parties who had forwarded the complaint. *Mrs. Flood in the meantime, find- ing that the difficulty was increasing, she and her children being driven into the street to escape suffocation, sent a boy into the cellar of her house to ascertain the cause of the trouble. The lad lit a match to make a searching investigation, but he was com- pelled to beat a hasty retreat, and by the time he reached the open air he was in a half stupefied condi- tion. With more courage than discretion he again entered the cellar, and managed to remain sufficiently long to discover that gas was escaping from ® leakage in the main sewer pipe. At the same time a boy from the grocery store on the opposite side of the etreet, while engaged in putting up bis wagon im the shed, was almost overpowered with the vapor. He rushed from the place and stood in a dazed condi- tion on the sidewalk, with his hands pressed to his throbbing temples, when he was joined by the lad who had just emerged from Mr. Flood’s cellar. They remained together for abou! ten minutes inter- changing their mutual experiences and comparing notes, when suddenly @ loud explosion startled tho entire neighborhood, and simultaneously the wagon shed took ® somersault and was completely demolished, the débris being scattered in all direc tions. This startling report soon attracted the atten+ tion of the police and the Fire Department. COME, TOO LATE. After the harm was done, fortunately without any injury to the ‘surrounding — inhabitants or loss of life, an official investigation was instituted. Mr. Balmore, superintendent of the Harlem Gas Company, soon arrived at the scene of the explosion. He said that the acci- dent was unavoidable and almost unaccountable, There was no gas connection with the premises. He said that in his opinion the gas main had burst in the street, and the escaping vapor had passed into the sewer and from thence into the drain pipe, the latter connecting with the wagon shed. ‘The mystery still remained how the accumulating es- caping gas had been ignited, a considerable time having elapsed after the boy had quitted the cellar until the explosion took place. Mr. Balmore thought that some passing pedestrian had dropped a half- lighted match or a smoking cigar outside the pre’ ises, and, as the air was surcharged with gas, as matter of course an explosion followed. ‘That the accident was attended with no loss of life is almost miraculous. There were several people in the vicinity at the time, and Mrs. Flood and her fam- ily were next door. The latter were ‘slightly pros trated from the shock, but they had recov wher visited by a Henan reporter last night. ENDANGERING LIFE. Michsel Connery is blasting rock for Michael Duffy, contractor, in Third avenue, between 101st and 1024 streets. Yesterday afternoon Officer Tom McGuire of the Twenty-third precinct, stopped a “bit,” jus! to see how Mr. Connery did the work. He noticeé that the latter placed no timbers over the blast an¢ gave no warning to passers by, and that in conse quence the stones flew around lively after each dis: charge. After enjoying the sport for a few moments McGuire vapped Connery on the shoulder and mo- tioned him tocome along. In the Harlem Police Court Mr. Connery told Ju Bixby he would “never do so again,” and in order to strengthen him in his good resolution His Honor commit! him for trial in default of bail. SUBURBAN NOTES. Ulrich, the alleged counterfeiter, now in custody at Newark, 'N. J., is to be taken to Philadelphia to-day to give evi against Charles Schooner, a step-son of Cole, who has been arrested in that city for alleged connection with the operations of Cole and Ulrich. ‘The suit brought against the Brooklyn Tabernacle by William Geiston, an ex-trastee, to recover nomg loaned, and in which the jury on Thursday last fail to agree, will probably be retried, as counsel tor the plaintiff claims to have secured new evidence of an important character. Judge Moore, of the Kings County Court of Ses. sions, yesterday sentenced John Rogers, alias “shang” Rogers, to ten years in the Penitentiary, he having been convicted of burglary in the second de- gree. Putrick Heaney, convicted of the same crime, ‘was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. Patrick Riley, a laborer, fifty-five years of age,who, on the sth of’ September last, killed his wife by throwing her out of asecond story window of their residence, No. #5 Dean street, Brooklyn, yestor- day sentenced to the Kings County Penitentiary for seven years, by Judge Moore, of the Court of Ses sions. Mr. Jesse Talbot, ® well known Brooklyn artist who resides at No. 1,088 Lafayette avenue, while taking a walk yesterday morning, slipped on some ice and received injuries which are thought to be of aserious character. He was insensible for a short time after the accident. Mr. Talbot is seventy-three yeary of age. The steamship Vindicator, ashore on the south coast, east of Fire Island, will prove « total wreck, Her heavy engines sunk her deep into the sand, a at last it has broken through her bottom, so that she will go to with the first southeasterly story cargo, mostly pieces. Only a stall portion of ly dry goods, remain in the hold. Aspecial meeting of tho Board of Supervisors of Queens County will be held at Glenwood, February 20, to hear the contestants in the matter of the dis tited boundary line between the towns of Oyster Ka: and North Hempstead. The testimony taken will form the basis of a final decision which will be of great importance, as it will determine the possi» sion of large part of Hempstead Harbor, Mary Myers, who was employed in the family of Mr. Thayer, No. iT Brooklyn, as @ servant, until th r, was on trial in the Kings County Court of Sessions, yesterday, on the charge of arson, in attempting to set fire to ‘hor employer's bony end tradictors, and the jury agree ver dict. Judge Mvore released the accused on bai