They were apparently well satisfied for the time to revel in their plunder. They were in such numbers, being several thousand, that it would be impossible for them to subsist except for such raids. This large band was made up of several tribes, but for the most part, were Sioux, Arapahoes and Ogallalas. Great quantities of supplies were being forwarded with the intention of feeding the friendly Indians, and some of these were seized by the hostiles.

Colonel Collins sent out scouts, who returned with the information that the Indians were feasting on "Rush Creek" a distance of about ten miles east, and he immediately prepared to attack them.

Old maps show no less than three "Rush Creeks" flowing into the Platte within a distance of about forty miles, and this particular "Rush Creek" is now (1919) called Cedar Creek. At that time it was the one generally referred to as Rush Creek, while the present Rush Creek that discharges into the Platte some thirty-five or forty miles farther east, was then called "Rankin's Fork."

On proceeding to Cedar Creek it was found that the Indians had crossed the river. In pushing forward they discovered a large war party on the opposite bank, and were preparing to cross when they discovered that the Indians were crossing to the south side, with the apparent purpose of engaging the military. A position was taken and rifle pits dug, the howitzer that had been brought from Fort

HISTORY OF WESTERN NEBRASKA

Laramie was placed in position to be of service.