Siege At Bear River

By David W. Bailey

'Siege at Bear River', is a glimpse in time of two brothers, one a major, the other a captain in the United States Cavalry in the year, 1868. The story embellishes the love and affection, as well as, the comradery, and hi-jinx they had for each other. Together, they faced a formidable enemy, The Shoshone, the Nez Perce, and the Hidatsa Indians in southeastern Washington State. Both men were assigned to Fort Reerdon with Colonel Karl E. Mathison as commanding officer. Major Roger Bailey, his Executive Officer. 
Major Bailey was charged with the duty of meeting a twenty wagon, wagon train at Bear Creek Crossing on the Bear River. He, and his company was to guide, escort those wagons to Fort Reerdon under the protection of the U.S. Army. His second in command of that company, Captain Terry Bailey. 
This is that account, and more. Follow the heroism, the actions, and the hi-jinx that shows the true nature of both brothers towards each other, and caused both brothers to also ask, 'What became of David?'
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Outlaws Publishing LLC
• Release date: May 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224984039

David W. Bailey

David W. Bailey was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia on February 3 1951. He has traveled across the U.S and back with his family. He is a Navy Vietnam veteran and proudly so.  He now lives in Bakersfield, California with his wife of 40 years He is the middle son of three boys. At an early age, he and his family traveled the U.S., from Parkersburg, West Virginia to Bowie Maryland down to Tampa, Florida. From Wellsville, Ohio west to Casper, Wyoming and all points in between. When his family landed in California in the mid-60s, they set roots in Ventura County. David is a Navy Vietnam veteran. Six years after his discharge, he joined the Army, spending six years with a total of twelve years military service. He and his wife, Sandy, married on July 4, 1981 in Casitas Springs, California and now lives in Bakersfield, California. They have three grown children and three grandchildren. His favorite quotation is, "I'm here 'cause I'm not all there."  

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title Page

Siege At Bear River

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

About the Author

About the Publisher

SIEGE AT BEAR RIVER

THE BOOK OF BAILEY

––––––––

DAVID W. BAILEY

Copyright © 2020 by David W. Bailey

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recorded, photocopied, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above-mentioned publisher of this book, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copy written materials.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is purely coincidental.

This book may contain views, premises, depictions, and statements by the author that are not necessarily shared or endorsed by Outlaws Publishing LLC.

For information contact: [e-mail]

Cover design by Outlaws Publishing LLC

Published by Outlaws Publishing LLC

February 2021

10987654321

Dedication:

‘Siege at Bear River’, is dedicated to the memory of my older brother, Roger Bailey, and my younger brother, Terry Bailey. I am the middle son of three boys.

This story was written with fond memories, and above all, love and affection for those two who passed away, way too soon. I miss you guys!

Chapter One

Colonel Karl E. Mathison sat at his desk at Fort Reerdon in the southeastern part of Washington state. He was reading the Washington Journal newspaper, when his eyes come across an article that caught his attention rather quickly. It stated, in part:

‘The conquest of the Shoshone, and the Nez Perce with their murderous raids, and attacks on settlers, and homesteaders in that territory have been, and is now under the command of Colonel Karl E. Mathison, 6th Battalion, 3rd Cavalry division, now stationed at Fort Reerdon, southeastern Washington state. In the opinion of this reporter, it has been a dismal failure to subdue the Shoshone, thus subjecting them to the United States, and its rules and regulations regarding the treaties that have heretofore been signed and adhered to by the people of the United States. The Shoshone has shown little no regard to the treaties that were signed by many of the representatives of the United States, and the chiefs of the Shoshone tribes, and other various tribes. Thus, showing no signs of putting an end to the dangers of raids, and murderous attacks on the settlers, and the homesteaders in that area of the territory. The Shoshone, Nez Perce, and subsequent tribes have banded together. In my humble opinion, the Army department should demand that Colonel Mathison be ordered to put a stop to these attacks or be relieved of command. This is the honest and upright opinion of this reporter.’

Colonel Mathison read the entire article. It was somewhat a short article, but it raised his hackles as he continued to read. Then, a knock came to the closed door of his office.

In a rather irritated voice, the colonel said, Enter.

The door opened, and in walked his Executive Officer, a Major Roger Lloyd. Bailey.

The major said, I see you’re reading the latest bereavement of our campaign against the Shoshone, and the Nez Perce in the Washington Journal, Colonel.

The colonel replied, Yes. Yes, I am. Tossing the paper down on his desk, the colonel, then said, This, popinjay! This, upstart! This, so called reporter. Picking up the paper, This reporter, what’s his name? Reading, Oh, here it is. This reporter, Harlan Kirkland, tossing the paper back down on his desk, has no earthly idea how to run a campaign against an enemy who strikes, then runs away to hide from his pursuers. Mind you, he writes a good article, but he totally leaves out the facts of this campaign. Do you realize this man wants me to be relieved of my command if these attacks continue?

The major, then said, I’m afraid all the newspapers have that recommendation, Colonel. The Washington Journal, as you know. The Utah Gazette, the Idaho Chronicle. I could go on, sir. 

The colonel looked dismayed, then said, No need, Major. I am well aware of the, shall we say, their, ‘discontentment’, with our campaign against these savages. He sighed heavily, then said, If we could only find a trace of their strongholds, then we would have a fair chance of gutting their strength, thus minimizing the loss of lives on both sides, and maintain peace in this territory.

The major, then said, I believe you have done your best to do just that, sir.

The colonel replied, Thank you, Major, but it seems it isn’t enough, according to this, popinjay, Harlan Kirkland, Swiping his hand across the paper. and this article. Again, he sighed heavily, then said, I am open to any and all suggestions, Major. You have any?

The major replied, No, sir. When we do find a stronghold, they have either moved, or had not been there for some time; which begs the question, where are they? It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack, sir.

The colonel, then said, The only thing we do know, Major, is where they have been. Leaving death and destruction in their wake, and we’re left standing, wondering, as you said, ‘Where are they’?

Major Bailey could only reply, Yes, sir. 

Colonel Mathison, then said, "I have been informed of a wagon train of twenty wagons, and numerous civilians in that company arriving this post in two days time. They have been ravaged, attacked, and demoralized in their trek across these United States by various tribes. Comanche, Arapaho, Sioux, Cheyenne They have suffered tremendously at the hands of these hostiles. I have been ordered to secure a company of cavalry to accompany them, once they have reached Bear Creek Crossing on the Bear River. As you know, Bear Creek Crossing is a day and a half away from here. 

Major Bailey replied, Yes, sir. At least that.

The colonel said, I have no other recourse but to follow orders, of course, but I would like for you to lead that company, Major.

The major replied, Thank you, sir. 

The colonel added, "You will form your company to intercept that wagon train on the Bear River at the Bear Creek Crossing, and you are to safely guide them to this post. I don’t need to tell you the necessity of that, do I?

The major replied, No, sir. With your permission, I will form the 4th and 6th Cavalry. 

The colonel answered, The 4th has too many old, and married men, Major. Use the 3rd Cavalry, if you would. 

Major Bailey, then said, Yes, sir. When shall we move out, sir?

Time is crucial, Major. The colonel answered. Plan to move out within the hour.

Major Bailey saluted, saying, Yes, sir. With that said, Major Bailey left the colonels office to form his company. 

As the door to his office closed, the colonel picked up the paper, saying, Relieve me of my command. Humph! Indeed.

Within the hour, Major Bailey had formed his company, and they sat their horses on the parade ground, while a company of infantry was in training doing close order drills. The U. S. flag waved majestically on the standard at the outer edge of the parade ground. 2nd Lieutenant Phil Guthrie was sent into headquarters at the command of Major Bailey for the colonel to be present at their departure with, ‘pass and review’. Lieutenant Guthrie entered headquarters, stopping at the duty desk, requesting from the duty sergeant the attention of Colonel Mathison at the behest of Major Bailey.

Lieutenant Guthrie added, With his compliments, Sergeant.

Standing at attention, the duty sergeant replied, Yes, sir, Lieutenant.

As the lieutenant hurriedly left headquarters to rejoin the company, the duty sergeant knocked on the door of the colonel’s office. After receiving permission to enter; he did so. 

Colonel Mathison looked up from his desk, asking, Yes? What is it, Sergeant?

Standing at attention, the duty sergeant said, I have been informed by Lieutenant Guthrie that Major Bailey wishes the colonel to be present when they, ‘pass in review’, on leaving the post with his compliments, sir.

Colonel Mathison smiled, then said, Is that so?  

The duty sergeant answered, Yes, sir. 

Colonel Mathison replied, Tell Lieutenant Guthrie, I would be pleased to, Sergeant. 

The duty sergeant replied, I would, sir, but Lieutenant Guthrie has already left headquarters. 

Colonel Mathison replied, In that case, Sergeant, I’ll be right along. Thank you. 

The duty sergeant said, You’re welcome, sir.

As Colonel Mathison donned his cover, the duty sergeant stood to the side waiting for orders, if there were any. Before leaving headquarters, Colonel Mathison told the duty sergeant, Hold down the fort, Sergeant Oakland. I’ll be back directly.

Sergeant Oakland chuckled, saying, Yes, sir.

As Colonel Mathison left headquarters, Sergeant Oakland took his seat at the duty desk, shaking his head slightly, still chuckling. 

Standing outside headquarters, Colonel Mathison stood at attention, when from across the parade ground, he heard Major Bailey yell, Company! Pass in review! As each troop came abreast of the colonel, the troop sergeant would yell, Eyes, left! Then, the troop sergeant would salute the colonel, who in turn, returned their salute. Soon, Major Bailey was left on the parade ground. He gave the colonel a respectful salute.

The colonel returned his salute, then yelled, Thank you, Major!

Before galloping away, Major Bailey yelled back, You’re welcome, sir! Then, kicking his horse in the flanks, the major hurriedly left the post to catch his company, and take his place at the head of that company. When he had caught up to his company, he took his regulation place, then yelled back along the line, Sergeant Major, Scouts and Outriders if you please!

In his Irish brogue, the sergeant major yelled, Aye, sir. He turned to the line of troopers, then yelled, Yo!

Three scouts and two outriders broke ranks, leaving the company at near gallop. Major Bailey, then yelled out to his rear, Sergeant Major, you have my compliments, sir. 

The sergeant major yelled back, Aye, sir. I thank the Major!

His second in command was a captain, by the name of, Terry Leon Bailey, younger brother of Major Roger Bailey. He rode one horse back, and to the right of the major. After a few miles beyond Fort Reerdon, Major Bailey asked Captain Bailey to move forward to ride beside him. Captain Bailey did as was requested. 

Captain Bailey said, Thank you, sir.

Major Bailey smiled as he looked at his younger brother. The major, then said, You looked lonely back there, little brother. Had to give you something to look forward to.

Captain Bailey looked around about, then said, You always did have my best int’rest at heart, didn’t you, big brother?

The major, then said, I wonder what mother would say ‘bout this, if she were still alive? You and me riding together on the same detail? Looking at his younger brother, he asked, "Ever give that a moments thought, Terry? Think she’d be proud?

Captain Bailey rode in silence for a few long seconds, then replied, I think. Turning to his older brother, he said, I think she was proud of her sons even before we joined the Army, and she was very fearful as we rode down the long rode to Chancellorsville. 

The major, then said, You could be right. He paused, then said, I believe she was, Terry. Very proud of who, and what we have become. All three of us boys.

As the horses plodded along, and as the dust rose and fell behind the company, again, there was silence between them. Then, the major asked, Have you ever heard from David? I mean, it seems, I lost track of him after the battle of Shiloh. He sighed heavily, then said, I heard he was killed at the second battle of Bull Run. Is that true, I wonder?

Captain Bailey, then said, Lord, who knows? How long has that been?

The major, said, Years. It’s been a few years. Five at least.  

Captain Bailey, then said, I hardly think on him anymore. No idea where David is, or whether or not he’s still alive. He’s like a ghost, ya know, just runnin’ ‘round in your head. Turning to the major, he said, I dearly forgot what he looks like.

The major chuckled, saying, He looks very much like you and me, Terry. Uglier ‘n a mud fence. 

Captain Bailey scoffed, then said, That gives credence to half of everyone I know, and ever knew at one time, or another. 

Both men chuckled.

Then, at, ‘Little Known Acres’, the outrider from the right side of the company came galloping towards the company, waving his hat in the air, yelling something inaudible.

Major Bailey called a halt to the company, then asked, What’s he yellin’? To which, Captain Bailey replied, Don’t know. Too far away.

Then, three, or four rifle shots sounded. Then, the outrider leaned back in the saddle, his hat went floating in the wind, and then, the outrider tumbled from his horse to roll, then, lay still in the grass. 

Major Bailey, then hollered, Company dismount! Skirmishers to the right! Repel any and all incoming hostiles!

As his orders were carried out, the mass of humanity that came riding toward them from out of the trees was uncountable. Painted faces, painted streaks on their horse’ bodies, with feathers tied to their horse’ mane were innumerable. Shoshone, and they brought friends. The Nez Perce. As the skirmishers prepared to repel the attack, the warbling war cries sent shivers up and down the back of every man in the company. Then, the gunfire began as the reports echoed across the land, too many to just die out. 

A few men on the skirmish line fell over, or was pushed back from the impact of a bullet. A few Indians fell from their ponies to lie dead, or wounded in the grass. Arrows littered the ground, or had found their mark in a none expecting trooper. Standing among his men on the skirmish line, stood Major Bailey with his service revolver in his hand, firing at the oncoming Indians. Standing tall among them, firing at will at the oncoming Indians, he also gave the command to fire at will. Commands shouted by sergeants, and orders from lieutenants went unheard because of the noise of gunfire, the war cries from the Indians, and the thunder of pounding hooves. The Indians had come but a few yards from the company of troopers, but were beaten back by the updated weapons of the troopers, only to reconnoiter, then attack again.  Major Bailey was reloading his service weapon after the second charge, when Captain Bailey came to stand beside him.

Handing the major a carbine, Captain Bailey said, Here. This will do you better.

Major Bailey took the carbine, and as he cocked the weapon, he said, Thanks. 

Captain Bailey replied, You’re welcome, brother.

Then, a trooper yelled, Here they come again!

As the Indians mounted their attack again, a trooper was whimpering as he hid behind his downed horse, and he was sorely afraid, as he curled up into a fetal position.

A sergeant rushed over to him, yelling, You have a weapon, Trooper, so use it. Aim and fire that weapon. That’s an order.

The trooper looked up into the eyes of the sergeant as blood formed around the corners of the sergeant’s mouth, then the sergeant just crumpled to the ground.

The trooper moved as if to catch the sergeant, screaming, Sergeant! As he did, the trooper was struck with an arrow through the neck. He lay on the ground, eyes wide, making gurgling sounds, moments away from death. At that same moment, the Indians pulled up short of the company of troopers. The war cries had stopped as they turned from the field of battle, then, warbling their war cry as they left.

A sergeant looked out over his downed horse, saddle to the front, saying, Well now, just look at that, would ya.? Confused, he asked, Now, why’d they do that?

A trooper close by, replied, They got one look at your ugly mug and got skeered.

The sergeant turned to the trooper in surprise, then said, Aww, shut up.

Then, there came a shout from the troopers of, Hoo-ray! Hoo-ray! Hoo-ray!

As Major, and Captain Bailey, respectively surveyed the scene of battle, they were amazed they had not lost more men than they had. Wiping the sweat from his face, Captain Bailey, then said, We got lucky, Major.

Major Bailey replied, Very lucky, Captain, but the question is, Looking around at the devastation, why did they break off the attack?

Captain Bailey replied, Don’t know, sir. Maybe they have bigger fish to fry somewhere else?

Meaning the wagon train en-route to Fort Reerdon? The major asked.

Captain Bailey answered, A very good possibility, Major.

Major Bailey, then said, A good deduction, Captain. A very good one, indeed.

Captain Bailey didn’t reply as he looked out over the scene of battle.

The major, then said, This brouhaha not only cost us men, and strength in numbers, but also in time. Time is now critical to reach the crossing at Bear Creek on the Bear River.

Captain Bailey replied, I know, sir. 

Major Bailey sighed heavily, then said, "No matter. We must bury our dead quickly, then be on the run