Camas Prairie in the News 1867

We have an Indian item that is not altogether disagreeable, just for a change. There was for some weeks past a band of Bannack Indians encamped on and near Big Camas prairie, engaged in hunting, fishing, and digging camas. They had left the headwaters of the Yellowstone through fear of the Sioux. The band numbered seventy six men, women, and children, and they had about eighty ponies.

Col. Sinclair received information that a party of unselfish patriots (?) at Rocky Bar and vicinity intended to go up and attack the Indians and clean them out. Accordingly on the 18th inst. he ordered Lieut. Thos. Barker, with Srgt. Garian and five privates to go out and bring the Indians in. The lieutenant returned last Wednesday. The Indians are friendly to whites, and so far as known always have been.

They are in great fear of the Sioux and Snakes, especially the former, whom they call "very bad Indian; scalp white man Indian." Lieut. Barker learned that the intention to attack the camp was carried into effect as far as possible. The scamps, some fifteen in number it was said, went after them before he arrived there, but the Indians being encamped in the mountains some distance, were not discovered, but they were going to try again.

All such raids upon peaceable and friendly Indians ought to be discountenanced and punished, because beside beings murderous, it is the worst kind of folly to make enemies of those who are disposed to be friendly. Col. Sinclair will make good use of the men in this band in hunting Snakes.