Attack at Bia Ogoi

Before dawn on the bitterly cold day of January 29, Shoshone leader Sagwich rose early to survey the area and saw what seemed to be a mist of fog crawling down the bluffs to the south across the river from the camp, then suddenly a company of soldiers on horseback appeared. The alarm was raised and Shoshone leaders gathered to parley, but after fording the river and seeing the mass of Shoshone, the cavalry opened fire and advanced on the camp. At first they were driven back and several soldiers were killed, but after regrouping and being reinforced by the infantry, the soldiers attacked the encampment and what began as a battle quickly became a massacre. The creek bottom where the Shoshone turned for protection became a trap, many who were not killed outright drowned while trying to escape in the river, and the soldiers, better equipped with guns and ammunition, slaughtered the Indians in hand-to-hand combat. According to the Shoshone, Colonel Connor never intended to negotiate and came specifically to attack their people, leaving them no alternative but death and annihilation.

Idaho · United States