F. Seidenstriker to W. I. Sanborn, February 20, 1865

Fort Boisé, Idaho Ter., February 20, 1865.

SIR: I have the honor to report for the information of the commanding general the receipt of a letter from Captain O’Regan bearing date February 17, 1865. On the 13th instant information was received that eight head of cattle had been stolen from the vicinity of his camp. Acting on this information a detachment of six soldiers and four citizens was sent out under command of First Sergt. John Storan, Company I, Washington Territory Infantry, to track and if possible catch the Indians. The party followed the tracks and came upon a camp on the evening of the 15th instant in a cañon about eight miles from Bruneau Valley. TheIndians numbered about eighty, and were engaged in dressing and curing the carcasses of the eight steers. The little party immediately attacked the Indians, who resisted most strenously, and after a sharp fight of about an hour and a half gained the field. The casualties present a favorable aspect, as there were thirty warriors killed and none of our men even wounded. Nothing but the judicious management of the non-commissioned officer in charge could have caused such a signal success, as eighty-three shots were fired, and the indications, such as bloody tracks, &c., were numerous. The captain is of opinion that at least thirty were wounded besides. The fight was discontinued only when it was too dark to pursue and a heavy rain setin. The men were tired out, and the rations were all consumed, they having only three days’ provisions at the start. The sergeant in his report awards considerable praise to the men of his detachment, and is himself highly commended by Captain O’Regan. The captain was expecting to do some good service, and was very anxious to get some more animals. These, as already reported to the commanding general, had been started from this poston the 12th instant. It appears from a former report that quite a number of animals are in their vicinity, but totally unserviceable, as they were unshod. To obviate this difficulty I sent a supply of shoes and nails, and also a blacksmith, so that the command is now well equipped for any emergency. As the captain represents the danger which might arise from releasing the Indians captured (as they are now fully aware of our strength, projects, &e.) I have so far modified my orders as to allow them to be sent to this post with the return wagons. I purpose sending an express to that effect to-morrow morning. On their arrival here I will keep the

Indians in confinement until the return of the expedition. The weather here is still very unfavorable, snow falling almost every night, but where the command is now encamped they do not appear to have the mild weather we are enjoying in this valley. This is, however, much to our advantage, as the Indians are more readily tracked. I have also to report that yesterday I discharged three of my men on expiration of term of service. I will have to discharge two more on the 24th, and four on the 4th proximo. The weather is such as yet as to preclude the possibility of sending them below. In conelusion, I would express my Satisfaction at the results so far obtained from the expedition, and am very anxious to see its operations terminate as favorably as they have commenced.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,