10055, 10056, 10057. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 30th, 1866. Indian Outrages.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 30th, 1866 INDIAN OUTRAGES. Since the date of our last issue in which there was some account of the massacr_e of LeRoy Jay, Linton and Graham, near Big Bug , the Indians have been on the war path with unusual activity, and in large force. The murder of Superintendent George W. Lei h y, the capture of a pack train near Date Creek, the audacious fight at Fort Rock, and other attacks, have caused much excitement. This has been increased by the fact that owing to the utter inadequacy of the military force in this part of the Territory , it is absolutely necessary that the people should take immediate steps to protect themselves . At a meeting held in Prescott, on Friday evening, 23d inst. there was a large attendance and an evident determination to organize an expedition of citizens to act at once in this county. Thos. Hodges was requested to raise a company of 30 men to serve 90 days. A liberal sum was subscribed for the outfit, and also for Indian scalps. In accordance with the popular wish the Governor will defer his proposed visit to southern Arizona , and go directly to San Francisco, to represent the state of affairs here to the military authorities . The Indians are moving in strong bands and are evidently bent upon prosecuting a vigorous war. Several of the western tribes are believed to be acting with the Apaches, and it will require a greatly increased force to make life and property safe in this part of Arizona. At present, at Fort Whipple, Camp Lincoln and Date Creek, there are barely men enough to hold the posts. But for Col. Sanford's expedition, elsewhere referred to, no movement would have been made by the troops, and the Indians must have concluded that they were not to be held to account for their depredations . The country north of the Gila, has been put off with a redic— u Ious Iy small force , and we trust that Generals Halleck and McDowell will see the necessity of affording it better protec— t ion at once. It is of vital importance that the thoroughfares should be kept open, the mails guarded and the savages promptly punished. This is too rich a country, too full of promise, to be longer neglected. Our patient pioneers deserve, and should have, all the government can give them. The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 9th, 1867 Another Indian Attack. A party of four citizens, consisting of L. St. James, A. Wertheimer, E. A. Bentley, of Prescott, and Mr. Henry Colquette from Tennesse, left Skull Valley a few days since, to pass over the lower trail through Weaver's Gap, which they reached about noon. At a point near the summit of the mountain they were attacked by some twenty or thirty Indians , supposed to be Wallapais, and all except Wertheimer were wounded by arrows , although several shots were fired from guns by the murderous wretches. Two horses were crippled and captured from our party , but all escaped by a hasty retreat down the mountain. St. James was slightly wounded just above the knee— Mr. Colquette had his skull fractured and received a severe wound near the pit of his stomach. Bentley was slightly wounded, though several times hit. All returned to Skull Valley, though the last few miles required an ambulance, promptly furnished by Captain Weir, to enable Mr . Colquette to reach the hospital, where he was attended by Dr. Merriam, post surgeon , who removed several fragments of bone. He is reported likely to recover . As soon as Captain Weir, in command at Skull Valley, heard of the affair, he made preparations for a pursuit, and started the same evening with ten men of his company and Dr. Merriam, in hopes of overtaking and punishing the savages. On reaching Weaver' s Gap the next morning, they found the ground covered with Indian tracks and fragments of arrows. Two breastworks of rocks had been thrown up, commanding the entrance to the Gap, from which they dealt their murderous fire. The Captain struck their trail which led over the mountain to the west and toward the Springs on the main road. As the trail could not be followed with animals , the mountain being precipitous and rocky, the Captain kept on to Prescott, with the intention of returning by the main road and again striking their trail, if possible. The wounded returned party desire to present their kindest thanks to Mr. Ehle and family, of Skull Valley, for their generous hospitality. NOTE: E. A. Bentley died from his wounds about a month later . Drum Feb. Dear Barracks 12th, 1867 Sister Since leaving home I believe I have not written to you. Let this make amends. The day after to—morrow we march for La Paz, Arizona. Expect to be thirty days on the way. We shall remain there probably about a month and then proceed to establish a new fort in that vicinity. It is becoming questionable now whether I shall get out to Fort If another surgeon should be found at La Paz to Goodwin at all. take charge of this division, Gen ' 1. Gregg who proceeds with the remainder of the forces directly to Prescott, Arizona, but expects to come down the river and meet me at our post, tells me that he will take me back to Prescott, which will be his headquarters , with him. I shall then very likely be detailed with some part of the force. My box and pkg. were rec 'd. all right. The money also rec 'd. The contents of that box which was stuffed with eatables is invaluable to me. It will be a grand addition to our camp fare. I am very glad you thought of it and send you a shower of thanks. Am feeling very well. Eat hot biscuits and drink coffee with the most sublime indifference to dyspepsia. Get hungry a dozen times a day. After I get through with this months jolting on horseback you would hardly know me. My next address will be La Paz. I think in Arizona you can 100k on the map and see. If John has one of those little pocket maps of Arizona tell him to send me one by mail. I cannot get one here and it would be of great service to rne. Thank John for the numerous items he put in the box including those cigarettes, and Sarah for the cake. I wrote to mother and Robert sorne days ago. You need not expect any letter from me for some time now as I shall not probably have a chance to forward them before reaching La Paz and then it will take some time for them to make the return trip. Remember me to the ladies at the institute, Miss Delamata and the Miss Tuthi11 's. Tell Aunt Kate I have not found the sefiorita yet and that it would be well for her to save somebody for me. Any letters for me you can forward to La Paz. Love to All , Your Brother , J.P. Widney Miss Bell Widney Santa Clara, Cal.