Daily Press And Dakotaian

THE INDIAN WAR.

Particulars of Crook's and Terry's Movements to the 24th.

The Indians have Eluded our Forces.

And the Campaign May be Considered Closed.

Terry On the Way to Lincoln-

Crook Returning Via the Black Hills to Fort Fetterman.

THE INDIAN WAR.

THE CAMPAIGN PRACTICALLY CLOSED.

CHICAGO, Ill., Aug. 26--A special to the Times from the Yellowstone expedition, steamer Josephine, near the mouth of the Yellowstone, Aug. 20th, via Bismarck 25th says:

Since the junction of Crook and Terry, it is hoped to overtake and force a fight with the Sioux.

The command moved west to the Big Horn mountains, when, on the 15th, a trail 5 or 6 days old and two miles wide, being the heaviest ever seen on the prairie, was discovered.

This trail finally separated and the Indians were found to be in full retreat one band heading north towards the British possessions with the probable intention of crossing the line; the other going south along the Little Missouri, for the purpose of crossing the Missouri river above Ft. Berthold. There is every indication that the hostiles have been heavily reinforced by agency Indians.

They have their families, and evidently intend remaining north.

The western army has a difficult programme, and it will be almost miraculous if they overtake the savages, who are well mounted. When the supplies are exhausted the soldiers will have to return to the supply camp.

GEN. MILES,

commanding the fifth infantry, returned to camp on the Rosebud, on the 12th inst., instructed to patrol the river north of Ft. Buford, and intercept any bands attempting to cross the Yellowstone moving north; also to construct winter quarters at the mouth of Tongue river for one of the regiments of infantry. The Far West, Josephine, Carroll and Yellowstone have been placed at his disposal, and supplies for the command are being rapidly shipped up the river from Buford. The steamers Carroll and Far West will be employed patrolling the river.

Gen. Miles' command has been reinforced by companies of the 17th infantry and other troops, giving him a total of about 700 men.

Gen. Terry's supply camp has been moved to the mouth of Tongue river, as the base of supplies during the campaign. The steamers are well guarded; and the supply camp strongly defended. The garrison has three Gatling guns and several Rodman guns, and the steamer Josephine has on board three Gatling pieces for the garrison.

Sharp work may be expected on the south bank of the Yellowstone before the war ends.

A later dispatch dated August 22, near the mouth of Powder river, says a practical failure of the campaign thus far has caused a change in the plan of operations, and the government will now continue the war until the Indians are subdued or return to their reservations.

It is almost assured that the scout now making by the combined force of Crook and Terry, will be unsuccessful.

Troops will probably return to the mouth of Tongue river the 25th inst. The command will then refit for another dash, which it is hoped will be more successful.

Gen. Miles' winter quarters will accommodate fifteen hundred men, and if the troops do not have successful engagement with the Indians before the 15th of September, that number will probably be left on the Yellowstone for the winter. The fifth infantry, under General Miles, and the fifth cavalry, under General Merritt, two of the finest regiments in the service, will remain in winter quarters, and if necessary an additional number will be kept in quarters.

Thus the campaign will be extended to late in the season, and if necessary resumed early in the spring.

It is thought sufficient supplies can be forwarded for the troops before the winter sets in. The fall campaign will be full of hardships, but not so dangerous as another season's murderous work.

There are evidences of Indians along the Yellowstone, but every precaution is being taken to keep advised of their movements, and a fight is not improbable. The troops will occupy the quarters on Tongue river by September 20th.

A still later dispatch, dated August 23, via Bismarck, says Crook and Terry, after following the trail discovered on the 12th, moved 35 miles down the Rosebud. The northern trail was abandoned on the 14th, and the command pursued the southern trail, crossed Tongue to Goose Creek, thence returned to Powder river, followed it to its mouth, which they reached on the night of the 18th, where they went into camp and will remain until the 20th. The wagon train, and all supplies at the mouth of Tongue river, are being shipped to the mouth of Powder river, and it is expected the wagon train will reach there to-morrow morning.

The Indian trail diverged from the east bank of Powder river, about 20 miles from its mouth, south again, toward the Little Missouri, where the command will follow speedily.

The entire command is short of supplies, and unless otherwise ordered Terry will march such as are not needed to Ft. Abraham Lincoln.

Crook's command will scout toward the Black Hills, and via Fetterman home.

Crook and Terry both think it too late for extended field operations.

The Indians on the south trail are believed to be moving toward the agencies, and Terry will, if possible, intercept them. The campaign is therefore practically closed unless further instructions come from the lieutenant general.