Unsolved Mysteries:The Wickenburg Massacre, Episode #5.1, September 16, 1992. (partial transcript of television episode)

Below is a partial transcript of a segment about The Wickenburg Massacre from the television program "Unsolved Mysteries", Episode #5.1, which originally aired September 16th, 1992. Narrated by actor David Farina (DF) and featuring interview segments with Bill Smith (BS), credited as "Arizona Historian & Lecturer."  Historical recreations of events by actors and additional commentary by "Dana Burden, Wickenburg Historian, Tour Guide", and "Jeff Hammon, Old West Writer & Researcher", are omitted from this transcript.

Unsolved Mysteries: The Wickenburg Massacre

Episode #5.1

Aired September 16, 1992

David Farina (DF): Coming up, the legendary Wickenburg Massacre. Was the attack carried out by Apaches, or a ruthless con-man?

DF: On a quiet highway 60 miles from Phoenix, a small monument stands at the edge of the road. It honors the victims of a once infamous shootout and the days of the wild west. By the end of the attack, six men were dead. One had been stabbed with a lance. Another was scalped. This atrocity would become known as the Wickenburg Massacre. Somehow, two people managed to survive. Though they were injured, William Kruger and Molly Sheppard lived on to provide the official account of what happened that day.

DF: The story told by Kruger and Sheppard led the United States government to retaliate. The result was the deaths of hundreds of Native Americans. And now more than a century later, some historians believe that Kruger and Sheppard might have planned the attack themselves, hoping to steal a small fortune from the stagecoach.

DF: November 5th, 1871. William Kruger and Molly Sheppard climb aboard a stagecoach in Wickenburg. Sheppard was a well known prostitute and madam who had recently sold her brothel. Kruger was a two-time army desert who had somehow convinced the military to hire him as a civilian clerk.

The day after the attack, while Sheppard was recuperating, Kruger was questions by Capt. Charles Meinhold, who was assigned to investigate the incident.

****

DF: By the time Meinhold reached the site, the victims' bodies had been returned to Wickenburg for burial. He uncovered several clues suggesting that Native Americans had been involved.

****

DF: The tracks led towards a reservation 25 miles away. It was home to 750 members of the Yavapai tribe. But strangely, several miles before the tracks reached the reservation, they veered off in a different direction.

Bill Smith (BS): This to me, would indicate possibly a non-Native American group, that is heading towards Camp Date Creek to make it look like the perpetrators are heading back to reservation.

DF: The Yavapai, who were often misidentified as Apaches, were a largely peaceful people. Many worked as laborers and scouts for the settlers. To those who knew the tribe, it seemed inconceivable that they would have been involved in the attack.

***

BS: If this was a Native American attack, we would have found that the ammunition and the weapons, certainly, would have been missing. And we would also found that any blankets would have been taken, but in this particular case, none of it was touched whatsoever.

DF: But the most puzzling evidence was found in the bags of mail that had been loaded onto the stagecoach at Wickenburg. After the attack, a number of letters addressed to the Army Quartermaster had been opened, and their contents carefully put back.

BS: Going through the mail. This is something that an Indian--or a Native American, would not do, is go through the mail. This certainly, you know, to me would indicate that it was a non-Indian attack.

DF: But if the Yavapai were innocent, who were the killers, and what was their motive? At the time, gold bullion was often transported by stagecoach. At least one account claims that Mexican bandits, disguised as Apaches, were responsible. Others suggest a more devious plan.

****

DF: Kruger's account of escape seemed hard to believe. Researcher Jeff Hammon believes that Kruger and Sheppard hired bandits to help them with the robbery.

****

DF: In his report, Capt. Meinhold acknowledged rumors that the scheme was intended to rob the mail of the bullion usually shipped around the first of every month. And yet, Meinhold never said that the gold had actually been carried on that specific stagecoach run. Still, the stories persisted.

****

DF: Jeff Hannon believes that Kruger hid the loot somewhere near the massacre site where only he and Sheppard could find it.

****

DF: If there was a treasure, it seems unlikely that Molly Sheppard or William Kruger ever recovered it. Sheppard disappeared soon after the incident, fueling rumors that she had died of her wounds. Kruger last surfaced 13 years after the massacre when he sued the government for money that he claimed to have lost in the attack.

DF: During the 1870s, the Wickenburg Massacre caused a national outrage. Within 18 months of the attack, the Yavapai were driven off the reservation by a government determined to punish them for their attack. Eventually hundreds of innocent men, women and children died from starvation and disease. We may never know who was responsible for the Wickenburg Massacre. However, we do know that the list of victims include many more than the six men who were killed on that violent morning more than a century ago.

20223. The Arizona Republican, Phoenix, Arizona, February 1st, 1909. Death of William Gilson, A Builder of Arizona (article)

The Arizona Republican Phoenix, Arizona February 1st, 1909 DEATH OF WILLIAM GILSON A BUILDER OF ARIZONA. He Had Been a Resident of the Territory Almost a Half Century. William Gilson, a resident of the territory for forty six years died yesterday morning at eight o’clock at his home on the Tempe road. Mr. Gilson had been in ill health a long time and his death had been expected. Arrangements for the funeral have not yet been announceth Mr. Gilson was a native of Ireland and was seventy—seven years of age. He came to the territory in 1863 and engaged in mining at Walnut Grove with W.H. Kirkland and others. After that he settled on Date Creek. At that time that was an Indian country and Indians were at their worst. Mr. Gilson took his part in the struggle of these settlers against their depredations and their murdero us raids. Mr. Gilson came to the valley in 1880 and bought the old Roberts ranch. He built the St. John’s canal and the Gilson block at the corner of Second and Washington streets, now known as the Dennis block. In fact few men have done so much for the building of Phoenix and the Salt River Valley as Mr. Gilson -

20221, 20222. Post Cemetery at Camp Date Creek, A.T., National Archives, R.G. 92, Entry 627A (record)

20220. Gravestones of Thomas Penny and Israel Lindsay, San Francisco National Cemetery (gravestone, photograph)

Camp Date Creek soldiers relocated to the San Francisco National Cemetery, at the Presidio.

20219. Gravestones of Patrick McKeiron and Edwin Miles, San Francisco National Cemetery (photograph, gravestone)

Camp Date Creek soldiers relocated to the San Francisco National Cemetery, at the Presidio.

20218. Gravestones of Jerome Booth and Gustav Keyser, San Francisco National Cemetery (gravestone, photograph)

Camp Date Creek soldiers relocated to the San Francisco National Cemetery, at the Presidio.

20217. Gravestones of S.E. Long and Jno. Whittic, San Francisco National Cemetery (gravestone, photograph)

Camp Date Creek soldiers relocated to the San Francisco National Cemetery, at the Presidio.

20216. Gravestone of Jno. Crocker, photographed by Bill W. Smith, August 10th, 1998 (photograph, gravestone)

Photographed by Bill W. Smith August 10th, 1998 CAMP DATE CREEK SOLDIER RELOCATED TO THE SAN FRANCISCO NATIONAL CEMETERY AT THE PRESIDIO. THE FOLLOWING GRAVES OF THIS PHOTOGRAPHIC SERIES ALL LAY SIDE BY SIDE IN SECTION WS AT THE CEMETERY. GOVERNMENT RELOCATION OF THESE SOLDIERS TOOK PLACE DURING JUNE OF 1892.

20215. Golden Gate National Recreation Area, Presidio of San Francisco. (map)

20214. Gravestone of Capt. Philip Dwyer, Died August 29th, 1872. (photograph, gravestone)

20213. Days Past. The Prescott Courier. Monday, June 11, 1990. Lonely, forgotten grave belies captain's heroism, by Bill W. Smith (article)

Days Past The Prescott Courier Monday, June II, 1990 Lonely, forgotten grave belies captain’s heroism By Bill W. SmIth Special to the Courier Perhaps it was fitting that my res earch on old Camp Date Creek, an abandoned military post of the Ari zona Territorial Indian Wars, led me to the Prescott National Cemete ry last Memorial Day weekend. There, m grave No. 10, row D, section 2, lies the lonely and forgott en grave of Philip Dwyer, captain of the 5th Calvary, who swept across Arizona history and into legend. His grave marker bearing just name and rank seems lost among the newer stones surrounding it. Philip Dwyer was born in Ireland about 1837 and emigrated to the Uni ted States at an early age. He enlisted in the service on Aug. 21, 1858, joining the Old 2nd, which later became the 5th Cavalry. He rose to the rank of quartermaster sergeant by 1862 when he was comm issioned 2nd and 1st lieutenant, and was promoted to the rank of captain in 1866. Just a few of the many Civil War engagements Philip Dwyer particip ated in include The Battle of Bull Run, The Charge at Fairfax Court House, The Manassas, Virginia Pen insular, Antitum and the battle of Fredricksburg. He was captured near Charleston in 1864, and held as a prisoner of war for the remainder of the conflict. On Feb. 11, 1872, Capt. Dwyer arr ived at Camp Date Creek, Arizona Territory, where he commanded Company E, 5th Cavalry. Located 60 miles southwest of Prescott, and on the junction of the Prescott, Wickenburg and La Paz roads, Camp Date Creek was establ ished in 1867. The main purpose of Camp Date Creek vas to help reduce Indian att acks on wagon trains traveling the roads, by providing them with milit ary escorts. From Camp Date Creek, Capt. Dwyer headed many scouting exp editions into the Territory against marauding Indians. During the month of Aug. 1872, Capt. Dwyer was acting post comm ander, and the only commiss ioned officer left at the post, when he died of an unknown illness Aug. 29, 1872. “On the Border With Crook,” by John G. Bourke, describes the death and funeral of Capt. Dwyer. “The surroundings were most dismal and squalid; all the furnit ure in the room in which the corpse lay was two and three plain wooden chairs, the bed occupied as des cribed, and a pine table upon which stood a candlestick, with the candle melted and burned in the socket. “Dwyer had been ‘ailing’ for seve ral days, but no one could tell exa ctly what was the matter with him; and, of course, no one susp ected that one so strong and athlet ic could be in danger of death. “One of the enlisted men of his company, a bright young trumpet er, was sitting up with him, and about the hour of midnight, Dwyer became a trifle uneasy and asked: ‘Can you sing that new song, ‘Put Me Under The Daisies?” “Oh, yes Captain,’ replied the trumpeter, ‘I have often sung it and will gladly sing it now.’ “So he began to sing, very sweetly, the ditty, which seemed to calm the nervousness of his superi or officer. But the candle had burned down in the socket, and when the young soldier went to rep lace it, he could find neither candle nor match, and he saw in the flickering light and shadow that the face of the Captain was strangely set, and of a ghastly purplish hue. “The trumpeter ran swiftly to the nearest house to get another light, and to call for help, but upon returni ng found the Captain dead. “Many strange sights have I seen, but none that produced a stranger or more pathetic appeal to my emotions than the funeral of Phil Dwyer; we got together just as good an apology for a coffin as that timberless country would furnish, and then wrapped our dead friend in his regimentals, and all hands were than ready to start for the cemetery. “At the head marched Mr. Hug us, Doctor Williams (the Indian agent) myself, and Lieutenant Hay, of the Twenty-third Infantry, who arrived at the post early in the morning; then came the troop of cav ah’y, dismounted and all the civil ians living in and around the camp; and lastly every Indian — man, woman, or child — able to walk or toddle, for all of them, young or old, good or bad, loved Phil Dwyer. “The soldiers and civilians formed in one line at the head of the grave, and the Apache-Yumas in two long lines at right angles to them, and on each side. The few, short, expressive, and tender sent ences of the burial service were read, then the bugles sang taps, and three volleys were fired across the hills, the clods rattled down on the breast of the dead, and the cerem ony was over.” Camp Date Creek was abandoned in August of 1873, one year after the burial of Captain Dwyer. The post cemetery at Camp Date Creek with the remains of 28 soldiers and 14 civilians, was to be neglected and forgotten for the next 19 years. In 1892 the government removed the remains of all the military pers onnel at Camp Date Creek, and reb uried most of them at the Presidio in San Francisco. The remains of Capt. Philip Dwyer, however, the only commiss ioned officer buried at Camp Date Creek, were transported the 60 miles up the old wagon road to their final resting place in the Prescott National Cemetery. As I left the cemetery a newsp aper reporter approached me looking for a Memorial Day story. When I showed him the grave marker of Capt. Philip Dwyer, and started to tell his story, he interj ected, “That’s neat, but I’m looki ng for a good human interest story, from someone that has a relative buried here.”

20212. Prescott National Cemetery, gravestones of James Howell and Sgt. D.J. Carleton (photograph, gravestone)

20211. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, August 21st, 1869. From Camp Date Creek (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory August 21st, 1869 From Camp Date Creek.- Monday last, we received a call from Sergeant Wortman, of Co. B 8th Cavalry, who had just arrived here on a visit, and learned from him that private Howell, of Co. C. 8th Cavalry, the man who was wounded by Indians in the McCleave fight, died recently. His funeral was attended by the military and citizens of the post. Deceased is said to have been a good and brave soldier The health of the post was good.

20210. Prescott National Cemetery, gravestones of Cornelius Stouffer and Frank Mudgett (photograph, gravestone)

20209. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, July 24th, 1869. Another Outrage by Indians. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory July 24th, 1869 Another Outrage by Indians. They Attack a U.S. Mail Party, Kill two Soldiers, Wound the Mail Rider, and Capture the Mail. On the afternoon of Saturday, July 17th, 80 or 100 Indians, who lay concealed on both sides of the road, near Willow Springs, between Kirkland Valley and Camp Date Creek, made an attack upon the mail party- consisting of P. Conner, the mail rider, three soldiers, and P. McAteer, a citizen of Kirkland Valley. At the time the attack was made, Mr. Conner, and two of the soldiers— privates Mudgett and Stouffer, of Company I, 14th Infantry, were in advance of the mail, and at the first fire, the two soldiers named, were shot, dead, from their animals. The mail rider was badly wounded, had to abandon his animals and the mail, and fight his way to Camp Date Creek, where he arrived next morning. McAteer and the soldier, who were behind, were also fired upon, but escaped unhurt to Kirkland Valley, followed by the Indians who came very near cutting them off and capturing them. They say the pack mule that carried the mail, followed them some dist ance. After the news reached Kirkland Valley, a party of men hastened to the scene of the attack and were preparing to take in the bodies of the soldiers, for interment, when Captain Somerby and a party of soldiers arrived from Camp Date Creek, and sent the bodies of the murdered men to Camp Date Creek, where they were buried on the morning of the 19th inst. Captain Somerby, his men, and some of the citizens, then made search for the mule and mail, but did not succeed in finding either. The Captain and party then came on to Prescott. He started back yesterday morning, with the greater part of his company and some expert guides and trailers, for the purpose of following the trail of the Indians, and, if possible, finding the mail, or a portion of it. Upon news of the disaster reaching Prescott, Postmaster Barnard procured an escort of soldiers from General Devin, and hastened to Skull Valley, in order to take charge of the mail, should it be found. The mail was a very large one, and contained many valuable letters, in which were some $18,000 or $20,000 in greenbacks, Government vouchers and checks, and checks of the Sterling Mining Company. The Postmaster has furnished us with the numbers of the registered letters sent by this mail, rec eipts for which are now held by our citizens. The numbers are as follows: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38.

20208. Prescott National Cemetery, gravestones of Maurice Keefe and J. D. Kelly (photograph, gravestone)

20207. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, August 10th, 1867. Indians. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory August 10th, 1867 INDIANS. A few days after the raid upon A.G. Dunn’s herd (Prescott) referred to in our last, the Indians came again, and took of the remainder of the horses. They made an attempt to get the cows, but were not successful. About the same time they stole three horses from the Sterling mill, and some cows from Skull Valley. They also appeared on Lynx Creek, and wounded Mr. Pearson. On Saturday last, the red devils killed at Willow Spring, near Bell’s Calion, two soldiers coming with a message from the comm andant at Camp McPherson to Gen. Gregg. Their bodies were found stripped, and the murderers secured two animals and two guns.. Walnut Grove has been visited by the savages, and numerous animals taken, Mr. Burger losing four. Early in the week two soldiers belonging to the Camp just established by Lieut. Converse, on Big Bug Creek, five miles below the mill, were shot near the mill, one it is feared, fatally. A Sergeant accompanying the mail was killed at the Willows on the Mohave road.

20206. Grave site of Philip Dwyer, Veterans Administration Prescott National Cemetery (photograph, map)

20205. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 9th, 1892. Bids for Disinterment. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 9th, 1892 Bids for Disinterment. The Journal-Miner is under obligation to Major J.G..C. Lee, chief quartermaster of the department of Arizona, for the following list of lowest bids for disint erments, opened at Los Angeles, Cal., February 19, 1892: Arizona Posts bidders. American Ranch J.H. Lee. Beal’s Springs J.H. Lee. Crittenden Christopher C. Watkins. Camp Date Creek Wm. Woods. Camp Goodwin Geo. A. Stratton. Camp Hualpai J.H. Lee. Fort Lowell David Dunham.. Fort McDowell Geo. H. Eldridge. Fort Mohave Wm. Woods. Fort Mason Christopher C. Watkins. Simmons’ Ranch J - H - Lee. Fort Thomas Geo. H. Eldridge. Fort Verde Win. Woods. Camp Wallen Ceo. A. Stratton. Old Fort Whipple J.H. Lee. Willows J.H. Lee.

20204. Articles of Agreement

20203. National Archives, Washington, DC, Record Group 92, Document File #23,840. Records of the Quartermass General (excerpt)

National Archives, Washington, DC, Record Group 92, Document File #23,840. Records of the Quartermass General

20202. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 17th, 1892. Military Ads. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 17th, 1892 MILITARY ADS. PROPOSALS FOR DISINTERMENT, ETC., - Headquarters Department of Arizona, Office of Chief Quartermaster, Los Angeles, Cal., January 19, 1892. Sealed proposals will be received at this office until 11 o’clock am., Friday, February 19, 1892, at which time and place they be opened in the presence of attending bidders, for disinterring, disinfecting, boxing and removing remains of soldiers, their families and others together with the headstones from the abandoned posts of Camp Crittenden, Camp Wallen, Camp Date Creek, Fort Verde, Camp Goodwin, Fort Thomas, Camp Hualpai, Fort Lowell, Fort Mojave, Fort McDowell, Arizona, and from Fort Cummings, Fort Seldon, and Fort Union, New Mexico, and delivering them at the nearest railroad stations, all under the direction of this office. Full part iculars as to manner of work, probable number, boxing, etc. can be had on applic ation to this office. J.G..C. LEE, Major and Chief Quartermaster.

20201. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, April 29th, 1891. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory April 29th, 1891 The remains of the man recently found in the old commissary building at Camp Date Creek were identified as those of James Griffin. Death resulted from natural causes.

20200. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, April 29th, 1891. Billy Miles (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory April 29th, 1891 Billy Miles came in from Kirkland Valley Saturday evening and reports the finding of the remains of a man on Date Creek. No particulars could be obtained.

20199. The Arizona Sentinel, Yuma, Arizona Territory, August 3rd, 1878. Yuma to Prescott. (article)

The Arizona Sentinel Yuma, Arizona Territory August 3rd, 1878 Yuina to Prescott. The distance to Prescott, by the new road, are very nearly as follows: miles Yuma to Castle Dome 26 Castle Dome to Horse Tanks 29 Horse Tanks to Tyson’s Wells 33 Tyson’s Wells to Prescott via Date Creek 137 Total Distance 225 These distances are those estimated by stage men and parties who have been over the road. They are proba bly correct; erring, if at all, rather by making the distance too great than too short. As the crow flies, and as plotted on the maps, the distance from Yuma to Prescott is 190 miles. Thus, the foregoing figures allow for angles and turns of the road about thirty—five miles, which is ample.

20198. The Arizona Sentinel, Yuma, Arizona Territory, August 3rd, 1878. A new station has been built near the Horse Tanks (article)

The Arizona Sentinel Yuma, Arizona Territory August 3rd, 1878 A new station has been built near the Horse Tanks , on the new Yuma and Prescott stage road, by Gilmer & Saulsbury.. At present water is obtained from the tanks, which have been filled by the late heavy rains, but wells will be dug at an early day.

20197. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 16th, 1877. Local Intelligence. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 16th, 1877 Local Intelligence. The first two ranches located in this county, and cultivated, are those now owned by P. McAteer and J.W. Kelsey. The McAteer place was located by Tatman, and transferred to William Kirkland, who abandoned it. In 1866 it was jumped by John Roberts, who sold it to Mr. MeAteer. Messrs. Bell & Blodget located the place where Mr. Kelsey now resides, at the same time the McAteer place was located. Mr. Bell was subsequently killed in what is known as Bell’s Canyon, the place consequentl y, went to his partner, who afterwards sold it to “Uncle Rob” John Robinson— and he in turn sold it to the present owner, Mr. Kelsey. Thus, it will be seen, that the place has changed hands several times, but never has been abandoned or jumped, but the title dates back to the year 1864.

20196. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, April 16th, 1875. Camp Date Creek (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory April 16th, 1875 Camp Date Creek: was our next halting place. Not a soldier was to be seen in or about the place; although it is not many years since soldiers were thick as bees here and around about. The adobe houses are fast going to ruin; the “fort” is now garrisoned by Jim O’Neill and a Mexican. Jim has a large flock of sheep in the vicinity, and the Mexican is herding cattle for C.W. Beach. I visited the “bivouac of the dead;” found many graves caved in, and the walls of the cemetery almost level with the ground. The place contains remains of a great many soldiers, many of whom were murdered by Indians. The military authorities would do well to fix up this decaying village of the dead. We spent the night at the home of William Gilson, a brave old pioneer, who with his sister and her bright little girl have a charming home on Date Creek, two or three miles below the post. Mr. Gilson has a large band of American cattle, fine farm, orchard and other good things.

20195. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 26th, 1875. Local Intelligence. Indian Rumors. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 26th, 1875 Local Intelligence. INDIAN RUMORS.- Constable Leonard rep orts having seen some half dozen Indians near the Agua Fria last week, which Mr.. Swilling thinks are a few that have been wandering harmlessly about that country for months. A man named Thompson, who has lately arrived from California, told us of seeing one and hearing two others hollow, on the Santa Maria, and near by came upon the remains of an ox or cow that had recently been butchered and eaten by them. On his arrival at Gilson’s place, on Date Creek, Mr. Gilson informed him that there were some ten Indians in that locality where they had been for somet ime and they were not dangerous.

20194. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 5th, 1875. Local Intelligence. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 5th, 1875 Local Intelligence - JAMES ONEAL, who spells his name just as we have rendered it in this paragraph, without any French prefix, suff ix, affix or termination, has been in town from Date Creek. Frank Murray tried to cap a fight between Oneal and ourseif on account of a supposed correspondence endwise— in our longitudinal dimensions; but when James made a survey of his antagonist he gave it up and intimated that if any of his friends wanted to take a chance they could do so. Mr. Oneal has a large band of sheep on Date Creek which he informs us are doing splendidly. He is himself one of the jolliest fellows you would meet in a day’s march.

20193. The Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Arizona Territory, January 23rd, 1875. Reduction of Military Reservations. (article)

The Arizona Citizen Tucson, Arizona Territory January 23rd, 1875 Reduction of Military Reservations. Annexed is a copy of the letter of Secretary War under which, in compliance with the Act of June 22nd, 1874, introduced by our Delegate, all of the Camp Date Creek, and parts of the Fort Whipple and Fort Yuma military reserves, have been restored to the public domain: WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, Dec. 7th, 1874. To the Honorable the Secretary of the Interior, Sir: In compliance with the terms of the Act of June 22nd, 1874, chap. 415, I have the honor to relinquish and turn over to the Department of the Interior for restoration to the public domain: The Camp Date Creek reservation being of no use whatever for military purposes, the entire reservation is hereby relinquished. A map of the reservation is herewith transmitted; also extract copy of letter of Capt. A.H. Nickerson, acting assistant adjutant general department of Arizona, dated October 2nd, 1874, and copy of report of Second Lieut. W.3. Ross, dated September 30th, 1874, of the public buildings and improvements on the reservation. Very respectfully, your obd’t serv’t, W.W. Belknap, Secretary of War.

20192. Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Arizona Territory, September 26th, 1874. Telegraphic News. Special Dispatches to Citizens (article)

Arizona Citizen Tucson, Arizona Territory September 26th, 1874 TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. Special Dispatches to The Citizen. The buildings at Camp Date Creek have recently been inspected wi.th a view to turn them over to the Interior Departm ent for settlers according to the act of Congress which passed last winter.

20191. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 20th, 1874. Local & Miscellaneous. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 20th, 1874 Local & Miscellaneous. The body of Capt. Philip Dwyer, 5th Cavalry, was brought from old Camp Date Creek to Fort Whipple, on Saturday, and was to be re—interred in the cemetery at that place, had the weather permitted, yesterday.

20190. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 13th, 1874. Local & Miscellaneous. Military Items. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 13th, 1874 Local & Miscellaneous. MILITARY ITEMS.- The remains of Captain Philip Dwyer, 5th Cavalry, who died at Camp Date Creek about 18 months since, are to be exhumed and taken to Fort Whipple post cemetery of which place they are to be reinterred with appropr iate honors.

20189. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 19th, 1873. Chimahueva "Sal" (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory December 19th, 1873 CHIMAHUEVA “SAL”- Strange name for a male Indian cut-throat- is now, or was, a short time ago, in the hands of the military authorities of the Department of Arizona. “Sal” is a very bad wearer of moccasins. He used to “gad” around what was once a very good home for bad Indians- Camp Date Creek, and, we bel ieve, stands accused of playing a very active part in the horrible Wickenburg Massacre. Captain James Burns, of the Fifth Cavalry, took the fiend alive. It is now in order to find out what he knows about the horrible affair at Wickenburg, and other horrors committed by himself and confederates.

20188. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 25th, 1873. Mr. Geo. H. Kimball (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 25th, 1873 Mr. Geo. H. Kimball of Camp Date Creek, who is now at Fort Whipple, informs us that he will soon have 3,000 head of sheep and some cattle on Date Creek. He says wool can be carried from Date Creek to San Francisco for less per pound than from Southern California, which fact, when added to another- that Arizona wool is much better and cleaner than California wool— makes a strong case in favor of sheep farming here.

20187. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, September 13th, 1873. Indian Items. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory September 13th, 1873 Indian Items. Since the Indians went on the Verde reservation, last spring, many of them have been sick and more than one hundred have died from fever and whooping cough. The sickness and mortality have rendered them uneasy and many have been anxious to leave the Verde and go back to Date Creek, their old home. Some few have left the reservation and gone back, as tracks seen near Date Creek the last week show. All their old haunts are known however, and so long as they do not break out in large numbers, no serious trouble is anticipated.

20186. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, September 6th, 1873. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory September 6th, 1873 Lieut. J.F. Trout, with Company B, 23rd Infantry, began work on the telegraph immediately after the initiatory cerem onies at Fort Whipple, referred to elsewhere, and the wires are now up through Prescott and some miles south of town. After getting into the pine timber south of Prescott the wires are, for a distance of 17 miles, to be attached to the trees, and very few poles will have to be used in that distance. After getting out of the mountains and timber they expect to set up seven miles per day of poles and wire. Two army wagons, carrying material, tools, and camp equipage, passed through Prescott into the hills Thursday afternoon.

20185. The Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Arizona Territory, September 6th, 1873. Military and Other Matters. (article)

The Arizona Citizen Tucson, Arizona Territory September 6th, 1873 Military and Other Matters. The Infantry company at Date Creek is under orders to march at once and build the telegraph line from Prescott to Phoenix- Lieutenant Trout, 23rd Infantry in charge. Two telegraph operators have arrived at Prescott and reported for duty. The line will surely be completed before Christmas.

20184. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, July 26th, 1873. Local & Miscellaneous. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory July 26th, 1873 Local & Miscellaneous. The last Of The Date Creeks.- We missed seeing two hundred or more Date Creek Indians as they passed through town Friday last, on their way to the Verde reservation, but are informed by persons who did observe them, that the great majority was composed of women and children. The women were heavily laden with baskets of truck, while the men glided easily and gracefully along, under light suits of summer clothing— heads of hair and breech—cloths. One very pretty little girl, and a boy who wore a soldier cap, appeared extremely happy.

20182, 20183. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, July 19th, 1873. Crook's Men and Tactics Again Triumphant (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory July 19th, 1873 Crook’s Men and Tactics Again Triumphant. Surrender of 200 More Red Imps. That success and good luck still go hand in hand with General Crook, his officers and soldiers, will be seen by the following. We, some time since stated that Captain James Burns had started from Camp Date Creek, with some of his Company C, of the Fifth Cavalry, some Wallapai soldiers and Mr. Clarke as guide, and we are now enabled to give the following account of the very hard but eminently successful scout of the command: Left Tyson’s Well June 30, at sunset, with twenty-four soldiers, eleven of whom were Wallapais. Made for Castle Dome Mountains. An hour before daylight, the command had marched forty miles. On reaching the mountains, white and red soldiers were sent into the hills to hunt for Apaches. The main command under Capt. Burns, moved along the base of the mountain, through a canyon. About 10 a.m. on the morning of July first, Indian sign was observed. Soon a trail was discovered, which was followed until sunset. The horses having been without water for twenty-four hours, the Captain took some soldiers and started for New Water, when, by digging a little, water was found. This was in the night, and having marched seventy miles without rest, the command was nearly worn out. Yet, the Captain believing there were Indians near by, sent some Wallapais to find and “locate” them. The Wallapais succumbed to sleep and did not find any. No fires were built. Daylight came, and four more Wallapais were sent out. Soon, thereafter, one of these returned, and reported firing about two miles off. Sergeant Hanlon (by order) took twelve mounted men; the Captain and eight men ran, on foot, in the direction of the firing. After a short run, two of the Wallapais who had been sent out, were discovered chasing four Indians. The other troops joined in the chase, firing as they went, killing one Indian and wounding several others, as was divined by the blood seen on the lava rocks, over which the barbarians had retreated. The rancheria, with all its contents- blankets, arms, provisions, etc.,- fell into the hands of the troops, and was, we believe, destroyed. By the time this work was done, it was dark. The command hunted for the trail all night and until three o’clock next day, when Sergeant Hanlon and six soldiers (white and red) were sent in the direction of Hawk Spring. The Captain and eighteen men went to Laguna Mountain, but found neither water nor Indians. Sergeant Hanlon found about four gallons of water in Hawk Spring; also, sign which satisfied him that the wounded Indians had been there and washed their wounds. Search was made for Crook’s Men and Tactics Again Triumphant— Continued. them, but without success. Rejoining his Captain, the command, thinking that the Indians might have gone to the Colorado reserve, the command left camp, on the main road, at four o’clock p.m., and by marching all night, made sixty miles, and the reserve, early next morning. While going there, tracks of Indian Women and children were discovered. Leaving the reserve on the morning of the 7th, the command struck for the Santa Maria Mountains, where, early on the morning of the 13th inst., it surprised and captured some fifty Indians. This haul was made about daylight. The Indians were taken by surprise; threw up their hands and begged for mercy. This capture was made without firing a shot! Upon arriving at Date Creek, Capt. Burns found about 150 Indians,- the fellows he had been chasing in the Colorado River Mountains. They had made a straight shute for the place, and were quite meek upon seeing their pursuers. Many of these Indians were armed with guns, which the Captain has already taken from them. These Apaches will soon be marched to the Verde reserve. When we tell our readers that the weather was intensely hot, water scarce and bad, and country very rough, they will be able to form a pretty correct opinion of the good, hard work, done by this gallant command.

20181. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, July 12th, 1873. Abandonment of Old Military Posts. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory July 12th, 1873 Abandonment of Old Military Posts. The withdrawal from this military department of five troops of the first cavalry and the consequent lessening of the number of soldiers in the department, has caused the “powers that be,” to give the word for the breaking up of Camps Hualpai, Date Creek and Beale Springs. Camp Date Creek was established early in 1865. It is on the road from Prescott to Wickenburg, Ehrenberg, Phoenix, Yuma, Florence, Tucson, and other towns in Southern Arizona, as well as to points in California. It is a very neat post in the heart of a very picturesque country, containing some good farming lands, excellent stock ranges and mineral deposits. Mr. Geo. Kimball the post trader, has a fine store building. It is his intention to stick to the place and raise stock. Date Creek has been a boarding or feeding place for Apache-Mohave and Apache-Yuma Indians ever since they have condescended to take Government rations. Near it they have committed numerous murders and robberies. As near as we can divine, Inspector General Sacket has reported in favor of the abandonment of these three posts. Hualpai will be vacated immediately, but we are not certain as to the time fixed for abandoning the other two. Neither are we prepared to say whether any of them are to be abandoned for good.

20180. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, June 28th, 1873. We learn that Captain Burns... (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory June 28th, 1873 We learn that Captain Burns, commanding at Camp Date Creek, took 30 loaded guns from Tumaspie’s band of Indians, while they were at his post, en-route to the Verde. The Indians gave up their guns reluctantly, when they saw themselves surrounded by Americans and Wallapai soldiers. Old Tumaspie tried to run away, but seeing that he could not make it, made the best of what he thought a dangerous necessity. Some of the Date Creek’s are still out.

20179. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, May 31st, 1873. One Indian, sure, will soon be tried... (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory May 31st, 1873 One Indian, sure, will soon be tried for complicity in the murder of Loring, Hamel and others, at the time of the Wickenburg massacre.

20178. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, May 31st, 1873. The road through Bell's Canyon... (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory May 31st, 1873 The road through Bell’s Canyon is greatly in need of repair, and this county, the freighters, stage men, etc., would do well to repair it. It is a terrible piece of road.

20177. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, May 24th, 1873. Bell's Canyon. (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory May 24th, 1873 Bell’s Canyon. After good Mrs. Beach had looked through the “way—pocket” for letters and papers, the team started, the wheels rolled on until, in a short time, we were in that detested place— Bell’s Canyon- where at various times, Indians have murdered some 10 or 12 men, beside having attacked and wounded more than a score of others. It was here that they mur— dered good Indian Superintendent Leihy and his clerk, Mr. Henry Evarts. Here too, fell Bell and Sage, two men who had always befriended the Indians. And we regret not being able to state that here, too, fell Vincent Colyer. It is a narrow gorge through a rough granite mountain. The road, for several miles, is rough and dangerous; more wagons have been wrecked in it than in any other canyon in the Territory, and when we know that one quarter of the money that has been expanded in repairing said wagons would make a good road through it, we cannot help thinking that our freighters have acted very sensibly.