Lemhi County ID Archives Military Records.....Manasco, Calton W. August 27, 1877
Indian - Letters Bitterroot Volunteere
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
John Manasco Jana1900M December 25, 2010, 9:41 am

Chief Joseph's War
From a letter dated 27 Aug 1877, Soloman City, Idaho Territory
 Dear Father and Mother,...The Indian War is over, that is as far as Idaho 
Territory is concerned. The Great chief Joseph has concluded to go to the 
Yellow Stone to hunt buffalo. He has fought his way through here and gone. 
Gen. Howard is following him at a safe distance, he could have caught up with 
him if he wanted to, but he does not want to do it. Howard is a coward. He is a 
friend of the Indian Joseph. The Volunteeres faught the indians bravely, with 
Gen Gibon and a few regular soldiers. Gibon is a good officer.
 The Big Hole fight beats anything on record for an indian battle. It was 
fought near this place. Father, men and indians lay thick. Dead and wounded all 
over the field. The fight commenced about daylight and continued until eleven 
at night. Charge after charge was made by both parties in turn and men and 
indians fell thick and fast in each instance. Father, those awful screams and 
war whoops, I can never forget.
 The Horse Pasture fight did not last long. We only lost seven men in that 
fight. The Birch Creek Massacre was a terriable affair. Father, I can not write 
about it... Signed by Calton W. Manasco



Additional Comments:
Calton Wilburn Manasco served as Limhi Co Tax Collector in 1870 and helped 
establish Masconic Lodge #11 A.F. & A.M. at Salmon City in 1874, becoming it's 
1st Worshipful Master. Prior to comming to Idaho he served as a 1st Lt in the 
Alabama Militia. His father was also an indian fighter in Alabama serving as a 
Major during the 2nd Creek Indian War and later as a BrigGen in the Ala Militia.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/id/lemhi/military/indian/letters/manasco8gmt.txt

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