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In 1868, a Treaty was made with the Sioux Indians by the United States Government admitting and guaranteeing their right of ownership of the Black Hills. Though most areas, considered more remote and inaccessible had been explored, the Black Hills remained, a land of mystery with unassisted rumors of being a land of gold. In 1874, a military expedition, led by General George Custer, explored the Black Hills and gold was found. In the fall of 1874, a group of civilians penetrated the Black Hills, against the wishes of the military and the Indians. The party was organized by Thomas Russell and Charles Collins.
While they were in the Black Hills that winter of 1874 and 1875, John Brennan, journalist in Sioux City published a poem with the verse:
Who'er may fail, or fortune get
out in the golden land.
All generous souls will honor yet
Tom Russell's little band.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1835, Thomas Russell, was one of the first to reach Cherry Creek where gold was found in Colorado. In 1860, he was elected recorder of the Illinois district in Summit County, Colorado. He enlisted as a private in the Third Colorado Cavalry in the Civil War and came out with the rank of Captain.
After the settlement of the Black Hills he returned to Deadwood as the agent for the Union Pacific Railroad. Russell became Register of Deeds for Lawrence County, organized the Society of Black Hills Pioneers in 1889, and served as first president. To his marriage was born George Percy Russell, Laura, Clare, Kate and Mercedes. Son Percy, preserved the handwritten account published here of Thomas Russell's journey to the Black Hills in 1874. John Gordon was hired as guide. In the spring of 1875, John Gordon and another member of the party brought the news of finding gold to Sioux City, Iowa. For this reason, the expedition is sometimes called the Gordon Party.
On a bright moonlight night, in the Autumn of 1868, two persons were sitting on the balcony of the Railroad Hotel, in Grand Island, Nebraska. One was George Canfield, the proprietor of the hotel, and the other was Thomas H. Russell, a pioneer of Colorado, who had recently arrived in Grand Island. Their conversation was in regard to the expedition that had just been checked by the government, at Cheyenne, Wyoming, from going into the Big Horn mountains and the Black Hills, which expedition Russell expected to accompany. Turning toward Canfield, Russell exclaimed, enthusiastically, "George, the government may stop us now, but the time is close at hand when the Black Hills will be opened, and remember what I tell you, it will be one of the richest gold bearing regions on the continent." Canfield had become interested and asked, "Why do you think so?" Russell replied, "That for the last ten years and during the early Pike's Peak excitement of 1858 and '59, I have been an attentive listener to such old mountaineers as Jack Jones, Chat DuBray, Jim Robinson, Pap Pan, Jim Bridger and others, all or most of them had Sioux Squaws, from whom most of the legends and information were obtained from that source. I am satisfied that gold is there, and don't you forget that I will be among the first to penetrate that country."
Years after, Russell became an agent for the Union Pacific Railroad at Deadwood and George Canfield became state senator from Douglas county, Nebraska. The latter reminded Russell of this prophetic conversation four year later, at Columbus, Nebraska.
At this time, in April 1872, Russell noticed an article in the Sioux City Times, edited by Charlie Collins, that gave him the information under a large display head, that an expedition was being formed there to explore the Black Hills. Russell at once departed for Sioux City to join the expedition. On arriving at the latter city, learned that it was one of the erratic Collins canards in order to bring immigration in that direction.
Russell arrived in Sioux City April 18, 1872, and learning that no expedition was being formed, he contacted Collins, who explained the object of his paper in publishing the articles. He offered Russell a position on the Sioux City Times and together they would work up an expedition to start from there that summer. So well did they carry their plans into effect, by publishing pamphlets and distributing them that they began to receive inquires from different cities along the Missouri river, asking for information regarding the "Expedition to the Black Hills." Russell visited Omaha, St. Joseph, Leavenworth and Kansas City that summer distributing pamphlets and enlisting men to join the expedition.
This procedure attracted the attention of General W.S. Hancock, then in command of Ft. Snelling, who issued an order to the commands of all the posts on the frontier in his department, "That if any expedition attempted to invade the Black Hills, an Indian Reservation, to arrest the leaders and confine them in the nearest military-prison, disperse their followers and send them home."
Had not this order been issued, it is probable that at least 500 men would have started from Sioux City in the summer of 1872, to explore the Black Hills.
The "Superb Soldiers" order had only the effect to delay, but did not daunt the irrepressible spirits of Russell and Collins. They were aware, or believed, at least, that gold was there. Not at all discouraged and having the sympathy of the best element and citizens of Sioux City, they bided their time. It came at length when the gallant Custer penetrated the unknown region with the 7th U.S. Cavalry in the Summer of 1874.
The vivid descriptions of Professor Winchell, Curtis, of the Chicago Inter-Ocean and others who accompanied that military expedition; besides the account given by General Custer, was not liable to dampen the ardor of a man who had seen service on the plains. Believing, that in view of the fact that the authorities at Washington had allowed the 7th Cavalry to penetrate that forbidden region against the protests of the Indians, that they would naturally wink at an expedition going in to find gold and develop a section that would bring large revenue to the government. With this impression foremost in his mind, Russell suggested to Collins a plan whereby they could put money into the scheme and organize a respectable expedition to open the Black Hills. This to be arranged by Sioux City capital for transportation to convey immigration from Sioux City to the "Land of Gold."
Russell proceeded to Chicago , opened an office and advertised, through a medium of private circulars and letters, that any adventurous exploiters that wished to join an expedition to the Black Hills would be furnished transportation and allowed 100 pounds of baggage per man from Chicago to via Sioux City to the new Colorado for $50 per man. This movement had the endorsement of the most influential business men of Sioux City, who would have had all the transportation necessary such as oxen and mule teams in readiness for the first influx of immigration.
It had been estimated that from Chicago and the surrounding country at least 2,000 men would have joined the party as the Chicago Inter-Ocean and the press of the entire country were publishing glowing accounts given out by members of the Custer Expedition.
Unfortunately for Russell and Collins, the efforts were of no avail. They had opened their office almost under the shadows of General Phil Sheridan's headquarters. They were open about ten days and doing a nice business. Two clerks employed to answer the enormous correspondence and answering questions to those who called personally, when the gallant cavalry leader issued his famous order, similar to Gen. Hancock's order of two years previous.
Utterly disgusted with military interference Russell and Collin left Chicago for Sioux City and sent a dispatch from the latter place, over the Associated Press wires, that on account of General Phil Sheridan's orders the Russell and Collins expedition had been abandoned. Thus a second time, by military interference the expedition clambered, but only to awake on the 6th day of October 1874, an expedition with fewer, but none the less determined numbers left Sioux City for the Black Hills.
The dispatch, of course, was only to mislead the military, and even "Little Phil," himself, acknowledged to Russell years after at a banquet given in his honor, at the Welch House, in Deadwood, that it "threw him off his guard." It now became fully apparent that whatever was done must be quickly and with the utmost privacy, as the military seemed determined to stop all expeditions to the Black Hills. Most of the officers and soldiers had little heart with the orders and considerable sympathy with the pioneers. This fact was fully shown afterwards, with some exceptions. Notably, the burning of Fred Evan's and Brocket's train in the Spring of 1875, which had its provocation's.
The wires of the Associated Press had scarcely flashed the news of the abandonment of the expedition, when letters were sent by Russell and Collins to about 200 parties, selected by the tone of their correspondence and who would likely venture on a hazardous trip mentioning the fact that Associated Press report was a blind to mislead the military forces, and, if they were inclined to take the chances to come at once to Sioux City and join our expedition, which would start about the first of October, 1874 en route to the Black Hills.
About twenty men responded to this request, and these, with a few residents of Sioux City, composed the expedition, namely: Thomas H. Russell, John J. Williams, Eph Witcher, James Dempster, David G. Tallant, wife and son, Lyman Lamb, Angus McDonald, H. Thomas, B. Long, J. Newton Warren, Thomas McLaren, John Gordon, M. Aaron, Thos. Quinner, David Aiken, Cooper and Boyle, R.R. Whitney, James Blackwell, and James Powers. Twenty-six in all. Rather a small party to venture among ten thousand Sioux Indians, who at that time, were on the "war-path".
The group known as the Logan Group, excepting Lyman Lamb and Angus McDonald, were Logan, Dempster, the two McDonalds, Quiner and Powers. The two former were from the same neighborhood, but in different wagons. Any connoisseur of the plains would look upon these men with admiration. Stalwart, manly fellows, from the wilds of Wisconsin, whose homes had been for years in the lumber camps of that famous wooded district. Men who were familiar with the ax, the rifle, and the revolver. Just such brave hearts as one would wish to accompany to break the trail and pioneer the way. To fight Indians, if attacked, or prospect and dig for gold. There was not much sentiment or religion about Logan's party. They were more on the Jim Bledso order, "Stick to the last."
Brocket's party of six was a peculiar one. Charlie Cordero, a Portuguese, ever ready with his gun, (when he had the best of it.) He had killed his man in a Kansas war, or, as they say in the "wild and woolly West", he had the drop on his victim. He was from Wichita, Kansas, as was most of the Brocket party. It was said that the latter brought Cordero along to do his shooting for him on any and all occasions. Brocket was an arrant coward and deserted the party on the Elkhorn before we got out of civilization. He turned over his outfit to Bishop and Long. He had no opportunity of calling Cordero into requisition, J. Newton Warren was an exceptionally good old man and was a friend to every one in the party.
M. Aaron was a young Hebrew, who, invariably sided with the strongest side. He was taken sick and died on Bad River and we made his grave amid the grove of oaks that border the head of that stream. We cribbed it as we would a shaft in a mine and, when we laid him to rest, pinned hewn timbers over the cribbing after which we filled the grave with earth. This was done to keep the wolves from disturbing the body. We also erected a cross hewn from cottonwood timber at his head with his name and date of his death.
It was a sad spectacle as we gathered around the uncovered grave that cold November morning. J.J. Williams read the burial service from an Odd Fellows Ritual. Thus we buried him amid the falling snow of a Dakota blizzard. He had made enemies in the train, but they were all his friends now and as the grave was covered tears were trickling down the bronze cheeks of many who had long since been accustomed to the melting mood.
We camped there that day and still the snow came down. The gray wolves that night howled Aaron's requiem. His was the first and only death that occurred on the trip. "May he rest in Peace." Long took charge of his belongings and communicated with his relatives who were living in New Orleans, La.
At 3 o'clock P.M. November 28th 1874, we broke camp and continued our journey toward the Black Hills. We soon came to the Bad Lands. We found little wood and water, but most of the caravan had loaded these articles into their wagons before leaving White River. In crossing the Bad Lands the difficulties of the marched increased. The cattle became worn out and sore footed from their long rough trip and not being allowed sufficient time to feed, and it looked as though some of them would have to be abandoned on the plains to die. To partially relieve them, they were provided with leather shoes, divided to fit the hoofs, which for a time relieved them.
Slowly we proceeded along the frozen grounds, until we came in sight of the Black Hills, December 3rd, 1874. On this date we found our train on the crest of a high bluff overlooking the Cheyenne river near the point where Elk Creek empties into the Cheyenne. At this point we considerable trouble in descending the high bank to cross the river. Our cattle were unyoked and driven across the river and the wagons were lowered one at a time to the valley below by means of ropes. After we had our train on the opposite side of the river we noticed something moving around farther down the valley, which proved to be a bunch of Indian ponies grazing along the river. This caused a hurrying preparedness, as there was surely a band of Indians not far distant. Guns were examined, and cartridge belts were buckled on and we were ready for action at the first sign of hostility. A fight seemed inevitable and there were no cowards in our little band of men. Two mounted Indians came up the valley toward us, being very careful not to get within gunshot of our train. After a hasty survey of our train, with a shrill warhoop, they rode back at full speed evidently to report the strength of our little band.
We then crossed the river and prepared our noon day meal. Soon after going into camp five mounted Indians rode into our midst and remained until the train was ready to pull out. The Indians spent their time by trying to trade their ponies for guns and ammunition. No doubt they would have given several of their ponies for one of our Winchester rifles. We had no guns, nor ammunition to trade or sell.
The Indians seemed quite friendly and we gave them a good supply of bacon, flour, and sugar. We also gave them tobacco. When the train received its marching orders, the Indians returned to their camp some distance down the river. These Indians proved to be a band of Cheyenne returning from a summer hunt. After the encounter a double guard was placed to patrol the outskirts of our camp for several nights after leaving the Indians in order to prevent any depredations which they might see fit to commit.
As we approached the Hills we came in sight of Bear Butte. In the 9th of December 1874 we entered the Black Hills at a point about four miles south of Surges. Here we found a well defined wagon trail made by Gen. Custer's expedition when he came out of the Hills in the summer of 1874.
Our first camp in the Hills was made in a canyon about two miles south of where the gulch and over the divide to Box Elder valley at a point near Jim Creek, then following up the Box Elder to the North fork of that stream and over the divide to Little Rapid Creek, thence almost due South across Castle Creek, Slate and Spring Creeks to our destination, two and one half miles down French Creek from where the City of Custer now stands.
Now that our journey was at an end we made camp on the North side French Creek. We pitched our tents on the slope near a nice spring of water and made ourselves as comfortable as possible under the circumstance.
To guard against storms and possible savages of being attacked by Indians we began the erection of the stockade, which was known as the "Gordon Stockade". This structure was completed in about two weeks. A trench was dug around the lines of the stockade three feet deep and heavy pine logs thirteen feet long were stood upright in the trench, being extended above the ground and three feet below the surface, forming an enclosure eighty feet square. At each corner was built projections six feet square with port holes on each side and end so as its provide clear vision along each sides of the structure. A large double gate twelve feet made of hewn timbers, strongly fastened together with wooden pine. This gate was the only opening.
Within these walls were built seven cabins-three on each side and one facing the gate. They were built about six feet from the wall. In the center of the stockade an excavation was made to the water level, which provided the party with fresh spring water. An enormous pile of wood was placed in the center also, which provided wood and water for the entire party in case we could not get out of the stockade during stormy weather or in case we were attacked by the Indians.
On the 16th of January, 1875, the stockade was completed and we were all nicely located in our respective cabins. Every night at sundown the huge gate was closed and securely barred. All that could be heard during the night was the occasional howl of the wolf or coyote.
Now that our mission had been accomplished, the long hard journey across the plains and into the Hills were at an end. We had our future home completed and we found the gold, which was the object of our efforts. We began to plan on the future. We realized it would not be wise to remain inactive in our safe retreat until our store of provisions were exhausted and our ammunition was all gone. We decided that communication must be opened up with the outside world before the Indians start on the warpath thirsting for vengeance on the trespassers into their rightful domain, or before the government take measures from preventing reinforcements from reaching us.
We were satisfied, that as soon as it was learned we had accomplished our object, immigration would at once start to the Black Hills. To accomplish this someone must undertake the dangerous journey back to civilization. Who would attempt the hazardous task of making the trip back in the depth of winter?
Little difficulty was experienced on that score, as Gordon and Witcher were not only willing, but anxious to announce the glad tidings to the outside world. Both men had good saddle horses and they were concede the homes. Much had to be done in preparation for this journey. Gold must be sent back to prove that expedition was a success. Many letters had to be written to our relative and friend. A rude rocker was constructed from one of the wagon boxes and several days were spent rocking out gold from the bed of French creek resulting in the production of a sufficient quantity to prove its existence in paying gratuities.
On the 6th day of February, 1875, a pack horse was loaded with necessary supplies and John Gordon and Eph Witcher mounted their horses and started away from the stockade with the gold and numerous message to friends and relatives. Many doubts were expressed, as they rode away and disappeared, into the timber, as to the probability of their ever reaching their destination, Sioux City.
For twenty-three days they braved the winter storms, subsisting on poorly prepared food, frequently enable to secure fuel to boil a cup of coffee. For twenty-three nights they wrapped their blankets about them and laid down on the frozen ground or a hole dug in a snow bank to rest their weary bones for the next days travel. During much of that time their horses had to paw away the snow to reach the grass for sustenance.
The route taken by them was in a southerly and easterly direction to the Niobrara river, thence along that stream to Yankton, thence down the Missouri river to Sioux City. Three days before reaching Yankton their supplies became so nearly exhausted that they were compelled to ration themselves accordingly and their horses had almost reached the point of starvation. When about a days journey from Yankton, Gordon's horse became exhausted and he was obliged to halt a day to let him rest. Meanwhile, Witcher was riding away on his horse toward Sioux City, reaching that city about twenty-four hours in advance of his comrade.
When Gordon arrived next day with the gold, Witcher was having a gala time. The was being banqueted and shown all the attention of a hero. The people of Sioux City naturally felt very much elated at the success of the first expedition, as it was at that City the party equipped and started for the Black Hills only a few months before.
Then the letters with bold headlines appeared in the daily papers, there was a great excitement, which was not confined to Sioux City alone, but spread up the river to Omaha and down Kansas City. From that time government lines were drawn closer and tighter around the Sioux domain. Hundreds of men soon began to gather along the borders in hopes of slipping through a loop hole and into the forbidden territory. Some succeed and many failed.
When Gordon and Witcher left the stockade, the mutual understanding was that they would immediately proceed to organize another reinforcements and supplies.
Gordon lost no time in organizing another expedition, which managed to elude the government troops and get quite a start on its way to the Hills, when it was intercepted by a military force, the wagons and supplies burned and Gordon placed under military surveillance.
The twenty-two men, one woman and a boy now left in the stockade, spent the long weary weeks of waiting according to their own inclinations. Some rocked gold on French creek, others spent their time in prospecting and hunting.
Shortly after Gordon and Witcher left the stockade two others began to devise means for returning to civilization. They planned a small vehicle to transportation their supplies and on the 14th day of February 1875, Blackwell and McLaren left the stockade bound for Ft. Larmie.
On the 6th of March, 1875, four others of our small band marched away for Fort Larmie. Warren, McDonald, Williams, and Thomas. Two of them possessed saddle horses and the other two walked, having the donkey to carry their blankets etc. Our party was now reduced to eighteen men, one woman and a boy.
Six weeks had passed since our messengers had left us. Doubts began to arise in our minds as to the probability of reinforcements ever reaching us. Still we looked anxiously from day to day for some lidings from the men, who had carried the proof of unsafely and success to the outside world.
Our situation was not a pleasant one, realizing, as we did, that the Indians would soon be leaving the reservation on their mission of revenge. In view of this , every precaution was taken to guard against their depredations or attacks. All brush and pieces of timber were piled up and burned. Even the grass for some distance around the stockade was burned to the roots. Everyone familiar with the methods of the Indians, knows that burning the enemy out is their sure resort, when all other means fail.
During the month of March, 1875, the Pioneers of 1874-The Russell-Collins Expedition to the Black Hills- surveyed and platted the first town site in the Black Hills, on French Creek, on the flat where the stockade now stands. By the aid of a picket rope and a corn pass the site was laid out into rocks and streets and named Harney City, in honor of the great Indian fighter, General Harney. Log foundation were laid on the corner lots of the principal streets by the fortunate once who drew them. This city was destined to become the metropolis of the coming "Golden Empire."
April, 1875, was ushered in with a blinding snow storm. The wind blew fiercely piling up the snow in huge drifts, scattering our cattle in every direction seeking shelter from the storm.
One evening during the storm, just as the gate was about to be closed and barred for the night, four men rode boldly into our stronghold, causing no little consternation and excitement. At first sight they were thought to be scouts from our expected reinforcements, but it was soon discovered that two of them wore military uniforms while the other two proved to be our former comrade Williams and McDonald, who as emissaries of Uncle Sam, had also downed soldiers uniform.
It developed that the four men who had left the stockade on March 6th, had after a journey of eight days, reached Ft. Laramie in safety. After a few days of rest two of the party proceeded on their journey southward. The four mounted men who rode into our midst on the evening of April 5th, 1875, proved to be J.J. Williams, Dan McDonald and two lieutenants of the Second United States Cavalry, detained from their camp, twelve miles below the stockade, bearing orders to our party to make immediate preparations for leaving the Black Hills. The force send to remove us consisted a troop of cavalry, about twenty-four sack mules and a train of wagons under the command of Captain Mix, of the Second United States Cavalry. We were proclaimed prisoners and given 24 hours to round up our stock and make other preparations for leaving the stockade. Instructions were given that nothing but necessary articles of clothing, blankets, and provisions to last until we reached Ft. Laramie.
About 9:30 o'clock on the morning of the 6th of April, 1875, a troop of cavalry, about 25 pack mules put in their appearance at the stockade. As everything was in readiness it took but a short time to load and strap our goods onto the pack saddles.
The men of the stockades, having no saddle horses had to walk to the camp below, so started in advance, driving the few cattle that were found. After a two hours march we came in sight of the military camp. That evening while in the military camp Captain Mix informed us that we were in far greater danger than we had imagined as the Indian had surrounded the Hills and were burning signal fires and that forced marches had been ordered in hopes of reaching us before the savages could attack us and massacre our little party.
The next day, April 7th, 1875, the march was resumed towards Fort Laramie. Nothing of special importance occurring until within a short distance of Red Cloud Agency, when the march was met by a Frenchman by the name of Baptiste, bearing a message from the agent in charge at the post warning Captain Mix of the hostile attitude of the Indians who were making threats of vengeance against the invaders as soon as they showed up at the agency and advising the Captain to conceal all the Black Hills under the canvas of the wagons. Captain Mix informed them of the fate in store for them and advised the men to get under cover as quickly as possible. The men of the stockade resented the warning. They were not made of the material implied in such as a course. They did not hide under the canvass covers, but on reaching the agency they circulated among the Indians, who were gathered there in large numbers awaiting their arrival. We were afterward informed that the military force had some difficulty in preventing an outbreak. The march were soon resumed toward Fort Laramie.
In about ten days from the time we left the Hills we came in sight of the fort. The stars and stripes were floating proudly over the government buildings. The sight of which kindled the fires of patriotism in the hearts of every member of our little band.
When about two miles from the fort a cavalcade of women on horseback were seen approaching the train, presumably to greet their husbands and friends and to get a glimpse of the prisoners, instead they brought the news that the Platte River was swollen nearly out of its banks and that in an hour it would be impossible to for the stream, which was necessary to reach the fort. There was no time to be lost. The horses with their heavy wagons plunged in and reached the opposite shore in safety. We were then marched to the fort where we remained two days. The party was then released and given transportation to Cheyenne Wyoming.
Here the members of the Russell-Collins expedition to the Black Hills separated thus ended the memorable journey in and out of the Black Hills with its dangers and hardships, the members of which gained nothing save a very dearly bought experience.