Rangers and Sovereignty. Daniel W. Roberts

      Lost Valley Fight

       Table of Contents

      This chapter marks a departure from the general rule which is followed throughout the remainder of this little book, in that the facts here set down are not taken from my experiences, nor did they come under my observation. My reason for publishing this chapter is that the story of the fight illustrates exceptionally well the gallantry and courage of Major John B. Jones, who was the commander and guiding spirit of the Battalion of Rangers.

      The report which is given was taken from an article written for the El Paso Morning Times by Sergeant J. B. Gillette, who was a member of Company ''D" I know from many verbal reports that Sergeant Gillette's story is correct, and therefore have no hesitancy in quoting therefrom. His story is as follows:

      "Major Jones had made one trip along the line of his companies to the extreme eastern end, where Captain Ikard's company was stationed. On the return trip he camped for the night on the lower edge of Lost Valley, in Jack County. Early on the next morning, a small band of Indians raided Loving's ranch and stole a bunch of horses. The ranchmen being aware of Major Jones' presence hurried to his camp and reported the raid and theft.

      This was just what the Major wanted. Here was a fresh Indian trail, within a few miles of his camp. He took with him his entire escort of 30 men, picked up the trail and followed it rapidly. From the signs, there appeared to be 10 or 12 Indians in the party, and as the trail was only a few hours old, the mounts of his command fresh and his men eager for fight, they pushed on at a full gallop, not dreaming that old Lone Wolf, a celebrated Kiowa chief, with 250 warriors, was concealed in a little mott of timber, in the upper edge of Lost Valley, eagerly watching the approach of the Rangers. As Major Jones hurried on, all of a sudden he found himself completely surrounded by this fierce band of savages. The Kiowas, and Comanches, are given up to be the best riders, and most expert horsemen of any Indians on the American Continent.

      Those Indians, on their gaily bedecked ponies, circled around and around this command of 30 men, pouring in a perfect fusilade of bullets, being armed with the most improved rifles. Major Jones seeing that it would be impossible to escape, steadied his men, the best he could. Many of the Rangers never having been under fire before, became somewhat panicky, and it is said, that it was all Major Jones could do, to keep them from trying to break through the Indian line, which would have caused the entire command to have been massacred. The Rangers were quickly dismounted and took shelter in a small ravine. The horses that could not be protected by shelter were tied in a small pecan mott near at hand. The Indians circled repeatedly around the Rangers and made repeated efforts to rout them, but, the "boys" had become steady now, and met each charge of the Indians with a well directed fire. And many a brave warrior was unhorsed and killed. Old Lone Wolf, in person, made a ''dare devil" charge, to show his prowess, but he met with a bullet from Johnny Holmes' rifle, which took his horse from under him. From Johnny Holmes' delicate appearance, and his Chesterfield manners, you would not think there was a ''man of steel," at the breech of his rifle. Johnny was enlisted in Company "D".

      Lone Wolf seeing that he could not dislodge the Rangers, drew off, and with a few long range buffalo guns turned his attention to Major Jones' horses. He shot down and killed every horse that was exposed, 18 head in all. They had now been fighting most of the day, and the Rangers were running short of ammunition. One of the men, Charles Glass, having a fine race mare, told the Major that he believed he could break through the Indians, and carry the news to Jacksboro, where they could get relief. The Major opposed this, but Glass insisted. The Rangers were without water, and their situation becoming critical. Finally, Glass was allowed to make the attempt. His mare had been sheltered by the ravine. He readjusted his saddle, and as he tightened the cinches, it was noticed that his hands trembled like an aspen leaf. Yet, he was clear grit, and when all was ready, he pulled his hat tight down over his eyes, mounted, dug his spurs deep into the sides of his mare, and at one bound was out of the ditch, running at full speed for the open country. The boys gave him a military salute as he left. Old Lone Wolf was too cunning to be caught napping, and at once some of his best mounted warriors were sent in pursuit. Not having to run so far, they quickly closed in on Glass, and he and his mare were shot down, and killed, before he had gone 600 yards. Thus was the first blood of the Battalion spilled.

      ''But many brave Rangers have gone to their last reward since then. The Rangers attempted to protect Glass the best they could, in his flight, and Lee Corn, one of the best Rangers that served in the early days, exposed himself a little too much, and was hit by a large rifle ball, in the right elbow, the bullet shattering the bone, and coming out at the wrist. As night came on, it was seen, that the Indians were preparing to leave, and by dark, they were all gone. Major Jones came out and marched back to his camp of the morning, with the most of his men on foot. As soon as the Major could remount his men, he continued his march westward, along the line of companies.