The Battle at Beecher’s Island, 1868, part 4

Major George Alexander Forsyth, though wounded, still led this command when, at two in the afternoon, the Indians charged again. But having no war chief to lead them, due to the death of Roman Nose, the charge soon broke apart. The Indians returned at six that evening but were driven back and suffered considerable loss. That night on the island a count was made. Two officers and four men were dead or dying. One officer and eight men were in critical condition. Eight men had sustained lesser wounds. The total was twenty-three casualties out of fifty-one offices and men. Though there was plenty of water, there was nothing to eat except the dead horses. And the Indians remained, lurking just beyond the banks of the river. That night scouts Trudeau and Stillwell volunteered to slip ashore and make their way to Fort Wallace, one hundred miles away, for help.

The next morning the Indians again put in an appearance but were met by a volley of fire. That night, Forsyth sent out two more scouts for help. The pair returned about three o'clock in the morning. Indians had blocked every outlet to the valley.

Though it was hoped that the Indians would be gone, on the third day it was obvious that they were still out there, and two more scouts were sent out for help. A fourth day passed with no relief from the burning sun that was quickly decaying the flesh of the dead horses and mules. And, still, the Indians did not depart.

By now Forsyth's wound in his leg had become so painful that he begged for someone to cut the bullet out. On examination, it was determined that the bullet had lodged near the femoral artery. His men were fearful of cutting on him or probing for the bullet for fear of cutting the artery and causing him to bleed to death. Forsyth, in desperation, cut the bullet out of his own leg himself.

By the fifth day the mule and horsemeat was so putrid it could not be eaten. However, an unlucky coyote served as a meager banquet for the scouts. And the fire from the Indians had lessened.

On the sixth day Forsyth told his men that any of them who were well enough should leave the island since it was becoming more certain that none of the scouts had reached Fort Wallace for help. Not one of Forsyth's men chose to abandon the rest.

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