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December 31, 2018
20087. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 9th, 1872. From Camp McDowell. Isaac Goldberg arrived... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
March 9th, 1872
From Camp McDowell.
Isaac Goldberg arrived here Wednesday
last, from the above—named post, and
informs us that Lieutenant Schuyler came
from McDowell to Camp Date Creek. Mr. G.
further states that, in a recent raid
near Camp McDowell the Apaches stole
several head of animals from him.
20086. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 2nd, 1872. The Indians. Soon will they have read our account of the recent attack (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
March 2nd, 1872
THE INDIANS.
Soon will they have read our account of
the recent attack upon a freight train,
near Wickenburg, and the wounding, by
Indians, of one of the teamsters; of the
Indian break near the Vulture Mine,
where another White man, while attending
to his business, was shot down by the
red assassins; of the attack upon
Messrs. Saunders and McCloud and of
their narrow escape from death or
captivity; of the butchery of ST.
Culluxnber and Thomas Harris, in their
own house, near Camp Date Creek, within
a very short distance of a military post
where for a long time past, Indians have
been fed and treated in a manner every
way calculated to allay the savage
hatred they are known to entertain for
their White neighbors.
20085. The Army and Navy Journal, Volume IX, Number 29, Saturday, March 2nd, 1872. Colonel R.F. O'Beirne, U.S. Army, Commanding (letter)
The Army And Navy Journal
Volume IX, Number 29
Saturday, March 2nd, 1872
Colonel R.F. O’Beirne
U.S. Army, Commanding
Sir:
In reply to your request for a statement from me in regard to the
medical and general treatment of William Kruger and Mollie
Sheppard, while at this post, I have the honor to state that on
the receipt of the information of the stage being attacked
between Wickenburg and Ehrenberg, you ordered me to proceed
without a moment’s delay, and render such assistance as the cases
required. On my arrival at Wickenburg I found the only survivors—
Mr. Kruger and Miss Sheppard, wounded; Kruger slightly, and the
woman badly in the upper third right arm. Having been informed
that no proper medical aid could be procured at the latter place,
and in consultation with Captain Meinhold in regard to the
matter, we came to the conclusion to remove them to a point near
Camp Date Creek where they would receive proper care and
attention. On our arrival at the post, it being near dark the
woman was placed in the quarters occupied by the hospital matron,
until such time as arrangements could be made for her removal to
Mr. Gilson’s, on the reservation, (2½) miles from camp.
On visiting her the morning after her arrival, I found her arm
much swollen and inflamed, and so reported to you, when I was
ordered to keep her there until such time as she could be removed
without harm to herself to more comfortable quarters.
Also, that I should admit William Kruger to hospital for
treatment, etc., he refusing to go into hospital and preferring
to remain at the matron’s with the wounded woman until such time
as she had recovered sufficiently to be removed to Mr. Gilson’s
where he accompanied her and where they remained until entirely
recovered. I take pleasure in stating that every assistance was
rendered me by the commanding officer of this post, and that
every comfort that they could well have received was extended to
them.
I am sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
D.J. Evans,
Post Surgeon,
CAMP DATE CREEK, A.T., January 27th, 1872.
20082, 20083, 20084. The Army And Navy Journal, Volume IX, Number 29, Saturday, March 2nd, 1872. (letter)
The Army And Navy Journal
Volume IX, Number 29
Saturday, March 2nd, 1872
To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal.
Sir:
I take advantage of your offer to publish any corrections of the
letter which appeared in your issue of the 6th inst., over the
signature of one “Wm. Kruger, chief clerk to Captain C.W. Foster,
assistant quartermaster U.S. Army,” deeming it but my duty to
contradict the statement which so unjustly reflects on an officer
of my regiment. Being personally cognizant of everything
connected with the attack on the Wickenburg stage, and the
subsequent treatment of Mr. Kruger and Miss Sheppard by Captain
R.F. O’Beirne, Twenty-first Infantry, commanding this post, I can
only state to you that there is not a particle, not a shadow of
foundation or truth in anything Mr. Kruger states in his letter,
excepting the mere circumstances of the stage attack and the
particulars of the untimely death of poor Mr. Loring. The facts
in the case are simply these: Word was received at this post
about 8 AM on Monday morning, November 6th, 1871, that the stage
which left Prescott on the 4th for California, had been attacked
about seven miles from Wickenburg, and that six persons had been
killed and two wounded. Colonel O’Beirne at once sent Captain
Charles Meinhold, Third Cavalry, with Lieutenant Simpson and some
twenty odd enlisted men to the scene of the disaster, with
instructions to follow the trail, and if possible discover the
perpetrators of the attack, it being at the time a matter of
grave doubt whether the attack was made by Indians or Mexicans.
He also sent the post surgeon, Dr. Evans, to Wickenburg to assist
in attending to the wounded. The latter returned on Tuesday the
7th, bringing with him the two wounded passengers Mr. William
Kruger, and his fideu Achates Miss Mollie Sheppard, a Prescott
prostitute and keeper of a house of ill-fame, with whom he was
travelling. Mr. Kruger, who was but slightly wounded, was invited
by Colonel O’Beirne to place himself under the doctor’s care at
the post hospital, while Miss Sheppard was taken by the Doctor to
the quarters of one of the laundresses. Everything was done for
these people that it was possible to do. Mr. Kruger occupied the
quarters of an officer who was temporarily absent from the post,
and received every attention, while to Miss Sheppard word was
sent by my wife, through the Doctor, that anything she might need
in the way of wearing apparel was at her service. Mr. Kruger,
however, seemed to be much offended that his companion was not
shown more attention or taken into the quarters of one of the
officers; and as far as I am personally concerned, I confess I
would much rather have shown this attention to her than him, she
being a poor unfortunate woman, while Mr. K. is an intelligent
man, who had already so far degraded himself that Captain C.W.
Foster, whose chief clerk he was, discharged him, and that his
own brother- so at least I am informed by reliable partiesw
ould not recognize or speak to him while at Ehrenberg.
To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal- Continued.
There being no proper place in the post for Miss Sheppard,
Colonel O’Beirne told the Doctor that as soon as she was well
enough to be moved he would prefer if he (the Doctor) would have
her removed to Mr. Gilson’s ranch, a comfortable house about two
miles from the post, but on the reservation, where she would be
in every way better off, and where the post surgeon could go
every day to attend her. About a week after the arrival of the
“two surviving cripples,” the Doctor reported the woman well
enough to be moved, and they (Mr. Kruger of his own accord
accompanied her) accordingly went to Mr. Gilson’s, where Dr.
Evans attended them daily for several weeks and until they were
well enough to leave.
There is another point in Mr. Kruger’s statement that I desire to
contradict. I quote from the letter published in the Journal of
the 6th.
“That I left my mark with the Indians, there is no doubt, because
two Indians died from gun-shot wounds at Camp Date Creek
Reservation; but the commanding officer refused to have the thing
investigated, for fear he would find sufficient evidence that
they were his pets- that is, Camp Date Creek Indians. At all
events there is no doubt whatever that the outrage was committed
by Indians, and that by Camp Date Creek Indians, those so-called
friendly Indians whom Uncle Sam feeds These citizens
tracked the Indians from the place of outrage to Camp Date
Creek.”
Being myself issuing commissary for the Indians here— ApacheY
umas and Apache-Mojaves, each of whom comes daily to the post to
draw his rations from me, and knowing from my intercourse with
them each individual Indian, I can positively assure you that no
Indian or Indians have ever died from gun-shot wounds on this
reservation, and as on his arrival here, I particularly noticed
Mr. Kruger’s pistol, from which not one single shot had been
discharged, and which did not present the appearance of having
been recently reloaded, I am very much inclined to think that he
did not “leave his mark with the Indians.”
I am furthermore prepared to testify to the fact that every
effort was made by Colonel O’Beirne to discover if these so-
called Camp Date Creek Indians were the guilty parties. The iron
loop of a mail-sack was found with one of them, and at once sent
to the postmaster at Wickenburg, A.T., for identification, who
returned it saying that the mailsacks on the ill-fated stage were
only cut open, but no part of them was missing; some legalt
ender notes were found upon another and taken from him, but were
afterward identified by Mr. Charles B. Genung, of Peeples’
Valley, as money he had paid this Indian for work done upon his
ranch; every effort, in fact, was made, but nothing was elicited
to fix the crime upon the Indians here. Not only this, but
Colonel O’Beirne also went in person to Wickenburg and collected
To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal- Continued.
the effects of the deceased, which he forwarded to Lieutenant
Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, from which he received a very
handsome letter in reply.
In regard to the statement that the trail led from the place of
attack to this post, I have only to say that Captain Meinhold,
Third Cavalry, went to the place of attack and took up the trail,
which took the direction of this post for about one mile and then
turned southeast and continued in almost the opposite direction
from this place.
I have already taken up more of your space than I first intended,
for the unblemished and Christian character of Captain and Brevet
Lieutenant-Colonel R.F. O’Beirne is to well known throughout the
Army, to be stained with the mire thus thrown at him by Mr.
Kruger, but as his (Kruger’s) letter has been extensively
published and commented upon by the press, I merely wish, in
justice to a brother officer, to correct this foul slander.
Fred H.E. Ebstein,
Second Lieutenant Twenty-first Infantry.
CAMP DATE CREEK, A.T., January 26th, 1872.
20080, 20081. The Army and Navy Journal, Volume IX, Number 29, Saturday, March 2nd, 1872. To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal (letter)
The Army And Navy Journal
Volume IX, Number 29
Saturday, March 2nd, 1872
To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal.
Sir:
My attention has been called to a letter addressed to William C.
Peckham, Esq., Trinity Building, New York and signed by William
Kruger, chief clerk to Captain C.W. Foster, assistant quarterm
aster U.S. Army, pretending to give an account of the massacre
near Wickenburg, in which Mr. Fred Loring and others were killed.
Were I to consult my own inclinations and disregard the wishes of
my friends, I would pass this letter by with the contempt it
deserves. It is charitable to suppose that Mr. Kruger must be
insane, for it is only on this theory that one can account for
the falsehoods which his letter contains.
Without going into details I positively assert that every
statement Mr. Kruger has made in that letter as regards my
treatment of him and “Miss Sheppard” and my conduct in the
investigation of the sad affair, is false in every particular,
and that no one is better aware of this than Mr. Kruger.
The report of the attack on the stage reached me some twenty-
two hours after its occurrence. I immediately ordered Captain
Meinhold and Lieutenant Simpson, with a detachment of Troop B,
Third Cavalry, to proceed to the point of attack, to pursue the
assassins, and if not successful in overtaking them, to find out
if possible from whence they came. I also sent the post surgeon
to attend to the wounded.
Captain Meinhold in his report states that the tracks, which he
followed some twenty-five miles from where the stage was
attacked, after leading for some distance towards this post,
turned off in an opposite direction. There is not one particle of
evidence to show that the Indians on the Date Creek Reservation
had anything to do with the massacre. The statement that two
Indians died from gunshot wounds on this reservation shortly
after the sad occurrence is false; indeed I am informed by an
officer who examined Mr. Kruger’s revolver on his arrival at this
post that there was not one shot fired out of it.
With regard to the charge of inhumanity towards Mr. Kruger and
“Miss Sheppard,” I prefer to let others speak, and forward you
herewith, statements from Lieutenant Ebstein, Twenty-first
Infantry, and Dr. Evans, the surgeon of the post, which show
conclusively that every comfort and attention that could readily
be shown them was freely extended.
I am loath to add, but simple justice compels me to statew
ith the view of showing the character and standing of Mr.
Kruger, that “Miss Sheppard” who was travelling under his
To the Editor of the Army and Navy Journal- Continued.
protection and to whom he so feelingly alludes, is a notorious
prostitute (not—withstanding, I believe her to be much the better
character of the two) who has for a long time, I am informed,
enjoyed the questionable care and patronage of Mr. Kruger.
With great respect,
Your obedient servant,
R.F. O’Beirne,
Captain Twenty-first Infantry.
CAMP DATE CREEK, ARIZONA, January 27th, 1872.
December 30, 2018
20079. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 24th, 1872. The Indians. And, to crown all, they, on last Wednesday, attacked... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
February 24th, 1872
The Indians.
And, to crown all, they, on last Wednesday, attacked a station
kept by S.T. Cullumber, a few miles below the military post of
Camp Date Creek, killing Mr. Cullumber and a Mr. Harris, and
running off several head of stock, which belonged to Mr.
Cullumber and Mr. James Grant, proprietor of the mail line.
Of this horrid deed, we have, through the kindness of Lieutenant
Ebstein, 21st U.s. Infantry, who is now here, been placed in
possession of the following account, received by him, Friday
morning last, in a letter from his wife, at Camp Date Creek.
That lady says:
“Have had a day of great excitement here. Cullumber and Harris
were killed last night. Jemaspie (a friendly Apache-Mohave
Chief), came in this morning and said the Tontos were near by.
Indians sent up a war whoop and forty or fifty went out. Captain
Dwyer, at the time, was down at the ranch. This afternoon, an
Indian came back; said they had found ten Tontos, and wanted the
soldiers to go out. Ten or twelve men, with Gilson, went. Have
just returned, having killed two Tontos. Apache-Mohaves and
Tontos were suspected, so we are very glad the real murderers
were found.”
The driver of the stage, which, owing to this murderous affair,
did not arrive here until late yesterday morning, informs us
that he examined the station where the men were killed, and
found the house plundered; and the walls, floors, etc., smeared
with blood. He also says that the Indians had dared the troops
at Camp Date Creek to go out and fight them; that there must
have been hundreds of hostile Indians in the mountains around
Date Creek; that, in all probability, they are there yet, and
that he will not return without a large escort.
20078. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 17th, 1872. The Wickenburg Massacre. Misrepresentation of Facts by One of the Survivors. (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
February 17th, 1872
THE WICKENBURG MASSACRE.
Misrepresentation of Facts by One of the Survivors.
It is not at all pleasant for us to have to brand Wm. Kruger,
who, with Mollie Sheppard, escaped death at the time the Indians
captured the stage near Wickenburg, in the early part of November
last, as a contemptible liar and slanderer; yet we do so in
behalf of humane men slandered by Kruger, as well as in
vindication of the truth. But, to the point.
About the 3rd of January last, Wm. Kruger and Mollie Sheppard
arrived at Los Angeles, California, about which date Kruger gave
to a reporter for the News, a detailed statement of the massacre,
in which we find the following paragraph:
Loring, Shoholm, Hamel and Adams, were all decently buried at
Wickenburg, but Salmon was interred in the middle of the road
near where the attack was made. And so little pains were taken to
cover him that portions of his remains are still exposed above
the surface. What portions of his body the coyotes could get at
they stripped the bones clear of the flesh. When the survivors
passed the scene on their way here, the bare bones protruded
above ground. The scoundrels who undertook to do this last act of
charity had the audacity to charge the estate $95 for the job,
that being the amount of cash found on the dead man’s person.
In the above we find four seperate and distinct lies.
The remains of Mr. Salmon were interred in a deep grave, dug in a
side hill several yards south of the road, and those who dug said
grave and buried the remains, assure us that no coyote or other
carnivorous brute has ever tasted of the flesh thereof; nor has
Kruger ever seen any bones in the vicinity save, perhaps, in
imagination. Again, the “scoundrels” referred to are honest,
brave, humane and generous men— citizens of Wickenburg, who,
instead of having “had the audacity to charge $95 for the job,
that being the amount of cash found on the dead man’s body,” gave
every cent of said cash to Lieutenant Lockwood, U.S.E., (attached
to the Wheeler expedition, of which the unfortunate Hamel was
likewise a member.)
So much for Kruger’s veracity in this matter, which is in keeping
with the lies he has spread broadcast over the country regarding
the treatment received by himself and paramour from the command
ant of Camp Date Creek, a false and lying account of which he
wrote to this paper during our absence in Southern Arizona.
20076, 20077. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, January 20th, 1872. We arrived at Camp Date Creek late at night... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
January 20th, 1872
We arrived at Camp Date Creek late at night, and we found the
sutler open, with the owner Geo. H. Kimball ready to receive us,
which he did, in a very hospitable manner. The buildings
comprising the military post of Camp Date Creek are of adobe,-
neat, clean and comfortable. The site and surrounding are as good
and fair to look upon as could well be found in the section of
country of which the post is, or ought to be, the protector of.
Imagine a bunch of whitewashed houses, many of them covered with
shingles, in the middle of a valley, surrounded by very rough
granite hills, which show and grow but few trees; then a creek,
in whose bed and along whose banks cottonwood and willow grow
thickly, and expand to goodly proportions. Upon first glancing at
the “creek,” a stranger would think it contained no water, but,
dig down into the debris which fills its bed, or follow its
course to some point where bedrock comes to the surface, and it
will be seen that Date Creek does contain water. The post was
located in this valley mainly with the object in view of
rendering protection to mails, trains and travelers, in which,
however, it has not distinguished itself, for various reasons. It
may, however, have, done some good. It might have done a great
deal more good. Near it are mines of gold, silver and copper,
none of which, however, are now being worked.
The stage with Captain 3.P. Hargrave, Mr. Bunken, John L. Taylor,
T. Gleason, Miss Dunn, Gertrude, the woman—slayer, and poor
unfortunate Adams, who soon after, met an untimely fate, at the
hands of Camp Date Creek Indians, having passed on, ourself and
traveling companion retired for the night, and soon after having
breakfasted next morning (Sunday), had the “pleasure” of
witnessing Lieutenant Ebstein and two assistants issue corn and
beef to a lot of Indians, which issue was squarely made. Most all
the Indians seen by us wore Apache-Yuma moccasins. Men, women and
children appeared pleased, and we turned away filled with hope
that at last our red brethren to the westward of Prescott had
made up their minds to be “good.” How badly we were fooled is
known to every person who has heard of the “Wickenburg Massacre,”
by Indians of the Apache-Yuma and Apache-Mohave bands; perhaps
Indians, who, with smiling countenances, had, on that pleasant,
peaceful Sabbath morning, taken bread and meat purchased with
funds supplied by the white people! Oh!, faithless, cruel red
men, what demon, or demons, is it, that incites you to murder,
rob and torture your fellow—creatures, when, were you to do
otherwise, peace, plenty, and protection from all harm would,
most certainly, be yours! But, perhaps, it is ordained of God,
that the mission for which your race was sent on Earth for, is
almost accomplished, and that, after its final accomplishment,
there will be no longer any need for your “services.” So be it,
say we.
Off for Wickenburg: It was 10 o’clock in the forenoon when Major
The Arizona Miner- Continued.
Veil got through with his business at the post, and, after having
bade goodbye to friends, we again took the road, passing on the
way down the creek, other “landmarks” where the Indian guests
just left behind; or others of their tribe, had lain behind rocks
and brush, and from such safe retreats, shot down unwary white
men. Only two ranches— those of S.T. Cullumber and Wm. Gilson—
were seen by us, yet there is enough good bottom land for several
other rancheros.
20075. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona, January 13th, 1872. Recent Arrivals. Dr. Herman Bendell, Superintendent of Indian Affairs... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
January 13th, 1872
Recent Arrivals.
Dr. Herman Bendell, Superintendent of
Indian Affairs for this Territory, Dr.
Tanner, Agent for Colorado River Indian
Reservation, Judge Chas. H. Brinley, and
Dr. Boone, ar•rived here Thursday last,
from the Colorado river.
M. Goldwater, of Ehrenberg, George H.
Kimball and Lieutenant Ebstein, of Camp
Date Creek, arrived here on the same
day.
December 29, 2018
20072, 20073, 20074. The Army And Navy Journal, Volume IX, Number 21, Saturday, January 6th, 1872. Twenty-first Infantry. (letter)
The Army And Navy Journal
Volume IX, Number 21
Saturday, January 6th, 1872
Twenty-first Infantry.
From Boston a correspondent of the New York Times sends the
following letter from one of the survivors of the Loring
massacre, giving an account of that massacre, and reflecting on
the conduct of one of the officers of this regiment with
reference to it. We publish the letter as it bears a responsible
signature, but shall be glad to publish any correction of its
statements:
Ehrenberg, A.T., December 9th, 1871.
William G. Peckham, Esq.
Trinity Building, New York
Dear Sir:
In acknowledging the receipt of your letter of November 16th,
1871, I am pleased to be able to give you an account of the death
of my friend Loring, who was well known to me and whose untimely
death is deeply regretted by me. We left Fort Whipple, near
Prescott, Arizona Territory, on Saturday, November 4th, in the
best of health and spirits. To be sure, the stage was rather
crowded, but being all of such good temper we had a real nice
time, Loring being the most lively of us all, anticipating a
speedy return to his friends East. Well he retained his inside
seat until we reached Wickenburg, on Sunday morning, November
5th, 1871, when, after leaving there, he preferred to have an
outside seat, to which I most decidedly objected; but he insisted
on being outside for a short time. I had two revolvers and he had
none; in fact, no arms whatever. He rejected my offer of a
revolver, saying at the same time, “My dear Kruger, we are now
comparatively safe. I have travelled with Lieutenant Wheeler for
nearly eight months, and have never seen an Indian.” Well we
rolled on until about 11 AM, when the fatal attack was made. The
first warning I had was the warning of the driver, who cried
“Apaches! Apaches!” At the same moment the Indians, who lay
concealed, fired the first volley, killing poor Loring, the
driver, and the other outside passenger, a Mr. Adams. They killed
also the off lead horse and wounded the other lead horse. The
horses very much frightened, then ran forward about twenty yards,
when they came to a sudden stop. At the same time Loring fell off
the stage and so the other passenger. At the same moment the
Indians fired the second volley from three sides- the both sides
and rear— not more than four or five yards from the stage,
killing Mr. Shohoim, one of the inside passengers, and wounding
Miss Sheppard, myself and a Mr. Salmon, of Lieutenant Wheeler’s
party. The latter one was mortally wounded and fell out of the
stage, and crawled away, but was finally captured by the Indians,
scalped and otherwise mutilated. The only one not then wounded
Letter from Army and Navy Journal— Continued.
was Mr. Hamel, of Lieutenant Wheeler’s party. Both he and myself
commenced immediately firing. Each one fired six shots. Not
having any more ammunition I ceased firing. The Indians then
disappeared behind the bushes.
But what a terrible spectacle it was to see the six dead bodies
in plain sight! Loring was lying right under my very eyes, not
yet dead, but suffering, apparently, terribly. He was shot
through his left temple, his right eye, and his lungs. He
suffered for about four minutes, but I am positive that he died
before I made my escape. Knowing that it would be useless to
attempt to escape until the Indians would come back to plunder
the stage, I remained perfectly quiet, having in the mean time
ascertained that Miss Sheppard was yet alive, but badly wounded.
She succeeded in getting a loaded revolver from one of the killed
passengers, which she gave to me. I then told her to keep cool
and be ready to run as soon as I would give the signal. Well, in
about six minutes of terrible suspense I saw the Indians slowly
creeping toward the stage. I counted and saw plainly fifteen
Indians all dressed in blue soldiers’ trousers. When they came
within five yards of the stage I jumped up, yelled and fired at
them. The woman, at the same time, yelled also, and we succeeded
admirably in driving them off for the time being, and got time to
leave the stage. Before I left the stage I cried out as loud as I
possibly could if any one was left alive, but only Mr. Adams
answered; but he was mortally wounded and could not even move his
hands or feet, so I had to leave him to his fate. He was
afterward found with his throat cut and otherwise mutilated. The
Indians afterward followed me for about five miles, and I had a
running fight with them until I fell in with the “buck-board.” I
had to carry the wounded woman for over two miles in my left arm.
I myself received one shot through the right armpit, coming out
on the shoulder, and two shots in my back. The woman also had
three shots, one dangerous.
How I could escape with my life, and be able to save the life of
Miss Sheppard, is more than I can account for. That I left my
mark with the Indians, there is no doubt, because two Indians
died from gun—shot wounds at Camp Date Creek Reservation; but the
commanding officer refused to have the thing investigated, for
fear he would find sufficient evidence that they were his pets-
that is Camp Date Creek Indians. At all events there is no doubt
whatever that the outrage was committed by Indians, and that by
Camp Date Creek Indians, those so-called friendly Indians whom
Uncle Sam feeds.
After the news reached Wickenburg, we were brought to Wickenburg
after sixteen hours of terrible suffering and agony. I stopped at
the place of attack and closed the eyes of all my poor travelling
companions. Loring, poor boy, was not mutilated, but looked calm
and peaceful, excepting his fearful wounds through the head. He
wore soldiers’ clothing. His hat is in my possession now; if you
wish it you can have it. Loring and four of his companions in
Letter from Army and Navy 3ournal- Continued.
fate were decently buried the next day, Monday, November 6th,
1871, in nice coffins. I saw them buried. The other man who got
scalped was buried on the road. Mr. Sexton, of the Vulture Mill,
at Wickenburg, attended to the funeral. Rest assured that our
friend Loring had a decent funeral. Peace be with his ashes. I
forwarded everything belonging to Loring to Lieutenant Wheeler,
excepting his hat, which you can have should you desire it. There
are four bullet—holes through the same. What Loring lost I don’t
profess to know. I know, I lost everything but my life. The
Indians got, to my certain knowledge, about twenty-five thousand
dollars- nine thousand dollars belonging to me and Miss Sheppard.
There is not a particle of doubt in my mind that the attacking
party were Indians. I have known Indians since the last five
years, and cannot be mistaken; besides, all indications show that
they were Indians. Every citizen here will swear to it, because
these citizens tracked the Indians from the place of outrage to
Camp Date Creek. But the commanding officer, Captain O’Beirne,
Twenty-first Infantry, not only allowed the Indians to go
unpunished, but also refused me, Miss Sheppard, the two surviving
cripples, shelter. Yes sir; he ordered us off his reservation,
and I wish to heaven you would publish this act of inhumanity in
your New York papers. Please show this letter to Mr. Loring,
Boston, Mass., who wrote to me the same time you did.
I am sir,
Very truly yours,
William Kruger
Chief Clerk to Captain C.W. Foster, Q.M., U.S.A.
20071. Commanding Officers Quarters, Camp Colorado, A.T., C-1871, Charles Gentile Photograph, Library of Congress Transparency #LC-USZC4-4860 (photograph)
Commanding Officers Quarters, Camp Colorado, A.T., C-1871, Charles Gentile Photograph, Library of Congress Transparency #LC-USZC4-4860
20064, 20065, 20066, 20067, 20068, 20069. Map of The Military Reservation at Camp Date Creek, Arizona, National Archives R.G.77, Maps #1,3,4,2,5 (map)
20064. Map of the Military Reservation at Camp Date Creek Arizona, National Archives: R.G.77, Map #1
20065. Camp Date Creek, A.T., 1869, Diagram of Post, National Archives: R.G.77: Map #1(a)
20066. Diagram of North, East and West sides of Parade Ground, National Archives: R.G.77, Map #3
20067. Diagram of Officer's Quarters. Camp Date Creek, A.T., Forming South-side of Parade. National Archives: R.G.77, Map #4
20068. Diagram of Camp Date Creek, Arizona Territory, National Archives: R.G.77, Map #2
20069. Diagram of Commissary and Quartermaster's Storehouse with Neighboring Buildings, Camp Date Creek, A.T., National Archives: R.G.77, Map #5
20062, 20063. Outline Descriptions of the Posts and Stations of Troops in the Geographical Divisions and Departments of the United States (record)
OUTLINE DESCRIPTIONS
OF THE
POSTS AND STATIONS OF TROOPS
IN THE
GE 0 GRAPHICAL DIVISIONS A ND DEP4 1? TJIENTS
OF THE
UWITED STATES.
_______ ______—
COMPILED BY iNSPECTOR GENERAL R. B. MECV.
DY OflDEfl OF THE GEY E1AL !N CHIEF OF TIlE ARMY.
WAShINGTON:
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFTC1.
172.
DEPARTMENT OF ARIZONA. 259
CAMP DATE CREEK, Arizona Territory. Established, 1866, as Camp McPherson. Name changed
to Camp Date Crec1 by General Orders No. 29, Headquarters Military Division of the Pacific,
ovember 23, 186S.
L.ocqtion Latitude, 34° 45’ r.ortli; longitude, 112° 18’ west. Post office address, Vickenbnrg. A. T. Nearest town,
Wickenburg, A. T., twenty-aix miles distant.
Quarters For two companies, size 70 by 22 feet, built of abode. For officers, four acts of quarters. three of adobe
and one of stone; three sets having kitchens and dining-rooms of adobe attached. Officers’ quarters, 25
ly 18 feet; kitchens and dining-rooms, 32 by 16 feet. There are three sets of laundresses’ quarters, all
of adobe. two of them 20 by 20 feet, and one 18 by 12 feet. Cavalry and quartermaster’s corrals are
built of logs. Sheds cojered with corastalks and manure are erected to cover horses and mules.
Separate apartments for beef cattle an(l sheep.
Store-lao uses One building, 100 by 22 feet, built of stone, used both as quartermaster’s and commissary store-house. The
building is divided into four apartments, used respectively as office, subsistence store-room, owain.rooni
üud clothing-room, each of them provided with a stone floor and well ventilated.
Hospital hospital built of adobe, 8 by 14 feet; ward-room in the center, twenty-two feet deep; south wing, eon-
tinning three rooms, used respectively as dispensary, store-room, and surgeon’s qaarters; nnd north
wing, containing two rooms, UCe(l as (lining-room an kitchen. Capacity of ward, sixteen bode.
Guard-houSe, .fc... A tent used at present for that purpose. Two buildings, of adobe, each 20 by 20 feet, form the company
store-rooms and offices. Each company has an adobe kitchen, 20 by 20 feet. Temporary mess-rooms
of poles covered with canvas are attached. One building, 32 by 14 feet, used as blacksmith’s and carp
etiter’s shop, built of logs and covered with canvas.
Supply dcpot The nearest supply depot is at Fort Yuma. Cal., from which all commissary and quartermaster’s stores for
the Post are drawn. The route of supply is by water to Ehrenberg, A. ‘1’., and thence by wagon to this
Post, one hundred and seventeen miles. Supplies can be transported at all seasons of the year, provided
there is eiifiicient water in the Colorado River to allow steamers to come up to Ehrenberg.
Wutsr and wood. . -. The Post is supplied with water from a well fifty-six feet deep. Water for animals being taken from Date
Creek, where a good supply eau always be had for that purpose. Wood can be found in limited qinul.
tities some five miles from the Post, and is furnished to the Post by the labor of the troops. The quality
is poor, being only cottonwood and willow.
Iudins Nearest Indians are the Apache Mojavvs.
communication Between Post and nearest town is by wagon.
Reserration The reservation is six miles in length (east and west), and two and one-half miles in width (north and
south), and covers an area of fire thIoiiSafl(l six hundred and twenty-three and ninety-hundredths acres.
Declared March 30. 1870.
Deseripton of tLe Surrounding country hilly and mountainous. Soil sandy, except in the creek bottom, where (lie soil baa
country. been cultivated as a post gardeii with success. Grass plenty. Climate mild; very little, if any, snow
during the winter, but very warm in summer, the thermometer ranging as high as 1120 Fahrenheit in
the shade. Average temperature, 69.040 thermometer. Health of locality excellent.
Garrison
(‘em iaascling O.ffieer.
20061. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 30th, 1871. Local Intelligence. The Burned Government Warehouse... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
December 30th, 1871
Local Intelligence.
The Burned Government Warehouse At Camp
Date Creek, contained a great deal of
stores, all of which, with the exception
of some flour, were consumed. The walls
of the burned building were of stone;
the roof of pine shingles. Have not yet
heard how fire was communicated to it.
20060. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 23rd, 1871. Burning of a Government Warehouse. A letter from Lieutenant Ebstein... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
December 23rd, 1871
Burning of a Government Warehouse.
A letter from Lieutenant Ebstein to C.H.
Veil states that the large warehouse at
Camp Date Creek, with all its contents,
was destroyed by fire on Wednesday last.
If we are not mistaken, the walls of
this building were of stone. The loss is
considerable.
20059. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 23rd, 1871. Personal, Etc. There came to the Territory, by a recent stage... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
December 23rd, 1871
Personal, Etc.
There came to the Territory, by a recent
stage, a lady who had traveled “alone”
all the way from Pennsylvania to Camp
Date Creek, where she joined her
husband. This lady, with whom we had the
pleasure of traveling from Ehrenberg to
Wickenburg, is the wife of Dr. Evans of
the Army.
20058. Hd'qrs. Camp Date Creek, A.T., November 29th, 1871. Asst. Adjutant General, Department of Arizona, Prescott, A.T. (letter)
Hd’qrs. Camp Date Creek, A.T.
November 29th, 1871
Asst. Adjutant General
Department of Arizona
Prescott, A.T.
Sir:
In reply to your letter of Nov. 12th, concerning the reports
made with reference to the attack on the stage near Wickenburg
on the 4th inst.- I have to state that when Captain Meinhold was
sent with a portion of his troop to inquire into the affair, he
was authorized to employ and did procure a trailer for the
purpose of aiding him in properly prosecuting the pursuit, and I
entertained the hope that he would have succeeded in satisfact
orily determining who were the perpetrators of the outrage.
Owing however to the fact that there are neither aparejos nor
pack animals at this Post, he was only furnished with three days
rations, these he made last his Command for four days.
Frequent inquires have been made among the Indians, drawing
rations at this Post, concerning the affair, but no information
has as yet been obtained. Efforts to this end will be continued.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obd’t servt.,
R.F. O’Beirne,
Captain 21st Infantry,
Commanding Post.
20057. Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Pima County, A.T., Saturday, November 25th, 1871. The Government fed Indians at Date Creek... (article)
Arizona Citizen
Tucson, Pima County, A.T.
Saturday, November 25th, 1871
The Government fed Indians at Date Creek
undoubtedly committed the horrible
massacre of six men near Wickenburg. The
citizens of Prescott organized to go and
kill them all off, but some of the cooler
ones induced the others to let General
Crook inquire into the facts and settle
with the murderers, who proceeded to do
so at once. The Indians there should all
be killed, but we are glad that matters
took the course they did. The ApacheM
ohaves evidently heard how well the
Grant Indians were treated because of
their many and continued thefts and
murders, and hence their terrible
Wickenburg slaughter. Colyer is mainly
responsible for these six lives.
20056. Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Pima County, A.T., Saturday, November 18th, 1871. Another Wholesale Indian Massacre. Six more good men... (article)
Arizona Citizen
Tucson, Pima County, A.T.
Saturday, November 18th, 1871
Another Wholesale Indian Massacre.
Six more good men have been murdered by Indians. This
terrible massacre occurred on the 5th instant nine miles
west of Wickenburg. The western bound stage on that day had
on board as passengers Frederick Shoholm, Frederick W.
Loring, P.M. Hamel, W.C. Solomon, C.S. Adams, William
Kruger, Miss Sheppard, and John Lanz, driver. When passing
through an arroyo, the attack on them was made by, as is
variously reported, from nine to thirty Indians, and at the
onset all but Kruger and Mollie Sheppard were killed, and
they both wounded. One of the men was lanced and scalped—
name not reported. All the dead were brought back to
Wickenburg and there buried.
We heard the above last monday and the reliable details
waited till this morning, when our space is nearly occupied
and now can only say that Messrs. Loring, Hamel, and Solomon
were members of the Wheeler Expedition; Adams, Shoholm,
Kruger and Sheppard of Prescott. The murder was quite surely
the work of the Apache Mohaves. A friend at Prescott
promises us a complete account by next mail, which will
appear in our next paper. Week after week such sad and
sickening reports come to us for record, and yet there are a
few men so despicably mean as to say the Indians want peace.
Skylock was a saint in comparison to such heartless and
avaricious wretches.
December 28, 2018
20055. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 18th, 1871. Local Intelligence. A Movement Toward Vengeance. (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
November 18th, 1871
Local Intelligence.
A Movement Toward Vengeance.
The Wickenburg Massacre nearly called forth another terrible
retribution on the heads of the murderers, at the hands of our
citizens. It is not surprising that the people of Arizona should
have become well nigh frenzied by the criminal courtesy shown the
Assassin of the Indian Bureau: and the result of this frenzy
would, inevitably, have been the justifiable massacre of every
Indian on the Date Creek reservation, were it not for the
complete confidence which the people have in Gen. Crook, and
which, at the eleventh hour, influenced them to let the matter
rest in his hands feeling satisfied that he will do justice in
the matter, so far as he has the authority to act. No sooner had
it been established beyond the possibility of mistake that the
murder was perpetrated by Indians and that the Indians were in
part, if not wholly, from the Date Creek reservation, than a
party of some sixty citizens was organized to take vengeance upon
the murderers, and soon declared itself in readiness to move.
About this time, a few members of the party- more thoughtful than
their comrades— whose course we heartily commend, were instrum
ental in staying proceedings for the time, and finally in
causing the abandonment of the project, through deference for the
presence of Gen. Crook- knowing well that he would leave no means
untried to have the matter properly attended to. And here let us
add that this is not a case wherein justice can be done by simply
killing the actual murderers, provided they should be discovered;
there is not one Indian in the whole neighborhood, either on the
reservation or elsewhere, who was not aware that the murder was
to be perpetrated. These are all responsible- and the sacrifice
of the worthless lives of the whole tribe would not compensate
for the loss of the least one among the victims.
20054. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 18th, 1871. Local Intelligence. Accounts received from Camp Date Creek... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
November 18th, 1871
Local Intelligence.
Accounts received from Camp Date Creek,
about the early part of the week, state
during the 4th and 5th inst., a large
number of the reservation Indians were
absent, and did not return until the 6th.
The Wickenburg murder was perpetrated on
the 5th, and the murderers were traced to
Date C. In view of these facts it is
evident that the Apache-Mohaves, at Date
Creek reservation, were the guilty ones.
The evidence against them is circums
tantial, but so clear as to amount
almost to proof.
20052, 20053. Farish, Thomas Edwin., History of Arizona, Vol. VIII. pp. 298-301. The Report of C.B. Genung (excerpt)
Farish, Thomas Edwin.
History Of Arizona
Vol. VIII. pp. 298—301.
The Report of C.B. Genung.
-“In the fall of 1871 a man named J.M. Bryan, commonly called
“Crete” by his acquaintances, had the contract to haul government:
freight from Ehrenberg, on the Colorado River, to Ft. Whipple,
Camps Wood, Verde, Apache, and Ft. McDowell. His business called
him to different posts and he generally travelled by stage from
one post to another. When there was no stage route he generally
used a saddle horse or mule, of which he had several good ones.
Bryan had an acquaintance with whom he generally took his meals
when in Wickenburg, which was a central point for his teams. One
day Donna Tomase, as the woman was called, (she was a california
Spaniard. Her right name was Mrs. Bouns), called Bryan into her
house, and told him not to ride in the Wickenburg and Ehrenberg
stage any more. When questioned she told him that there was a
plan laid to rob the stage; that she had overheard some Mexicans
talking in a brush shack behind a saloon nearby where she lived,
and cautioned him again about going by stage. He took the advice
and did his traveling in the saddle from that on. It was not long
before the woman’s story was confirmed. The stage left Prescott
at night on account of Indians, arriving at Wickenburg before
daylight on the following morning. * * * At a point about nine
miles from Wickenburg toward Ehrenberg, the road crossed a small
sandwash which had scrub oak brush growing on either side. In
this wash, hidden by the banks and brush, lay the Mexicans. When
the stage was well into the wash, the horses were stopped and the
stage riddled with bullets. * * *
“Of course this was supposed by most people to be the work of the
Indians, quite a number of whom were at that time at Camp Date
Creek about twenty-five miles northwest of Wickenburg. The
Mexicans had worn moccasins and scalped Adams in order to mislead
the public. At the same time I was working from twenty-five to
thirty of the Date Creek Indians, gathering my crop of corn,
beans and potatoes on my ranch in Peeples Valley, twenty-seven
miles north of Wickenburg, and I had some men among them that I
knew I could trust. As soon as I heard the news I sent two
Indians across to Date Creek to learn if these Indians knew
anything about the matter. They returned the same day and assured
me their people knew nothing about the massacre, but that it
must be Tonto Apaches from the eastern country.
“In a very few days Bryan came by my place, on his way from
Wickenburg to Prescott, and told me the story. Among this band of
fifteen Mexicans was one who Mrs. Bouns was slightly acquainted
with, and whom she called Parenta; his name being the same as her
family name. She got him into her house, filled him up with wine
and he told her the whole story; how these men had all stayed at
a house out on the road a little west of the town the night
before the massacre, and went out to the place before daybreak.
The Report of C.B. Genung- Continued.
The place had been picked out some days before. This young
Mexican claimed that he was sick that night and did not accompany
the crowd that did the work, but told of Adams shooting one of
the party; that they had taken the wounded man to the Agua
Caliente springs on the Gila River to get well. The officers went
from Phoenix and got the fellow with the hole in his shoulder,
brought him to Phoenix, and he was killed in the jail by a man
who still lives in Phoenix. John Burger killed one of them in a
corral at the lower station on the Agua Fria near where the
S.F.P. & P.R. crosses that stream. The ringleader, a redheaded
native of Gibraltar, named Joaquin Barbe, with another of the
band, got on the warpath and run amuck in Phoenix, and Joe Fye
and Milt Ward, deputy sheriffs, chased them out of town and
killed both of them, and they all got what was coming to them,
but one. He got wise and left the country. Bryan was very careful
who he told the story to, and it was passed among the right men
to attend to such matters. The scalping of Adams was all right to
fool a tenderfoot, but oldtimers knew that Apaches never scalped,
although they frequently mutilated otherwise.”
20049, 20050, 20051. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 18th, 1871. A Corrected Account of the Massacre. (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
November 18th, 1871
A Corrected Account of the Massacre.
The Inquest.
Last week we gave a account of the capture of the mail stage and
the murder of five passengers and the driver, near Wickenburg.
Our account was gathered from a series of conflicting verbal
reports and although inaccurate in a few particulars, was, in the
main, correct. Subsequent mails have brought us the particulars
of the outrage, which we now propose to place before our readers.
In the first place, then, there is no longer a doubt as to the
authors of the crime. They were Indians— Apache Mohaves, from the
Date Creek Reservation. They were secreted by the roadside behind
piles of grass and shrubbery which they had collected and
arranged in a manner that must fail to attract attention— by
placing in an upright position, which gave them the appearance of
clumps of shrubbery produced by the natural process of growth. In
the second instance the murderers were not mounted, but were all
on foot. The hiding places which we have described, extended for
some distance along the roadside, and when the stage had reached
a point about the middle of the line it was raked by the fire of
the assassins in three directions— in front, in rear and directly
opposite the sides. The driver and three of the passengers were
killed outright at the first fire and the remaining four
passengers, with one exception, wounded. At this time the
survivors were Miss Sheppard, and Messrs. Kruger, Hamel and
Loring. The last-named had thus far escaped. As the Indians were
rushing upon the stage, after firing the first volley, Miss
Sheppard and Mr. Kruger sprang to the ground, at the side
opposite to that from which they were approaching, and escaped
with their lives. Unfortunately for Messrs. Loring and Hamel, in
the excitement of the moment they lost all presence of mind, and
sprang from the stage at the side occupied by the Indians. The
former being unarmed could offer no resistance and so endeavored
to escape by flight. But the effort was hopeless; he was in the
center of a group of savages and there fell, pierced by two
bullets and dispatched by a lance thrust in the breast. Mr. Hamel
was killed about the same instant; and those who are best
acquainted with the Indian customs believe that he must have
fought bravely for his life as he was the only member of the
party who was scalped- it being customary with the savages to
disfigure the bodies of those who fall while fighting to defend
their lives.
At a late hour on Sunday night the victims were brought to
Wickenburg, and on the following day an inquest was held, on the
bodies. The following is a copy of the verdict rendered:
We the undersigned—, summoned as a jury to hold an inquest on the
A Corrected Account of the Massacre— Continued.
bodies of the following- named persons found murdered in the
stagecoach, about six miles from the town of Wickenburg, on the
La Paz road, on the morning of the 5th of November, 1871, from
all the evidence obtained from the two surviving passengers, do
find that, C.S. Adams, John Lentz, Fred W. Loring, Fred W.
Shohoim, W.G. Salmon and P.M. Hamel (found scalped), came to
their death by gunshot wounds, received at the hands of Indians
trailed towards the Date Creek Reservation.
F. Purcella Julius A. Goldwater
David Morgan M.W. Webber
Aaron Barnett Dennis May
Chas. H. Richardson Chas. Barbour
Mack Morris, Foreman
In addition to the foregoing account, which we have received from
persons who visited the scene of the massacre, we append the
following letter from Wickenburg, written under date of November
12th:
Editors Miner:
In looking over the last issue of your paper, (Nov. 11th), a
report giving details concerning the late tragedy which occured
near our place, I wish to correct one error; the murderers were
not “mounted on horses,” but all on foot and wearing the Apaches
moccasins, leaving on their trail many Indian articles, (among
others, bone dust used by the Indians as a medicine), which were
brought in by Geo. Monroe.
The affair is a serious one and unprecedently bold, therefore our
citizens wish to have the blame attached to none but the guilty
ones, consequently they have spared no trouble nor expense in
thoroughly satisfying themselves. So soon in the morning as it
became light enough to see a footprint, a party of our citizens
were on the spot and took the trail. Judging from the indications
after killing the passengers, something scared the Indians,
causing them to leave in hot haste- scattering in different
directions. After following up those different trails a distance
of four or five miles, they all united, forming one large trail,
and heading towards the Date Creek Reservation. The trail showed
them to be a party of Indians, some forty or fifty in number. It
was useless for the few citizens then on the trail to follow them
further, the Indians having some twenty hours the start. They
returned to Wickenburg, where they met Capt. Meinhold, with a
detachment of troops from Camp Date Creek, with orders to use all
efforts to find out who the murderers were. Thereupon Mr. Monroe
and Mr. Frink, immediately returned with Capt. Meinhold and his
command, again took the trail and followed it until citizens and
soldiers were all thoroughly satisfied the perpetrators of this
horrible deed were Indians.
A Corrected Account of the Massacre— Continued.
We being the scouting party, subscribe to the above being a true
report: being the first on the ground, after the massacre, and of
the last who left the trail.
W.J. Barclay
Geo. Monroe
Edward Prentiss
Geo. Bryan
LJose M. Salallo
20047. Sacramento Daily Union. Sacramento, California, Saturday Morning, December 16th, 1871. The Murder of Fred W. Loring... (article)
Sacramento Daily Union
Sacramento, California
Saturday Morning, December 16th, 1871
THE MURDER OF FRED W. LORINGI
NTERESTING FACTS.
(From the Boston Advertiser.)
The following is an extract from a private letter
received in Cambridge from a member of Lieutenant
Wheeler’s party, dated Camp Whipple, near Prescott,
November 7th. It gives some new and, we believe, trustw
orthy particulars of the murder of Fred. W. Loring and
his companions:
boring, Hamel and Salmon, of Lieutenant Wheeler’s party,
were on the stage to go home. Besides these, the pass
engers were one Kruger, a German, one Adams, a jeweler
of Prescott, and “Moll. Sheppard,” a disreputable
character. The stage was an open box—wagon, topped with
canvas, with sides to let down; back being generally
down is somewhat protected from sight at least, while
the front is open to full view.
An escort went with them, as usual, through the dangero
us country, i.e., as far as Wickenburg. Six miles
beyond this place they were suddenly fired into. I do
not know how much damage was then done except that the
driver’s arm was broken. Still he drove on some dist
ance, till shot through the head, when the unguided
horses turned back toward home, and into danger. Kruger
and “Moll.” were on the back seat, not easily seen, and
escaped with wounds. Both emptied their pistols and
managed to jump out before the horses turned back, and
ran on ahead. In a mile or two they met the “buckboard”
going the other way. The driver took them on, and,
fearful of being followed, turned back. Finally he left
them and the mail in the bushes, took a horse, and by a
trail reached the Vulture Mill, near Wickenburg, got
assistance and returned to the scene of the murder. Two
of the victims were found to be shot in the eye, two in
the forehead, and one in the back of the head. An old
man with a black beard, who had fought hard, was missi
ng, and may have escaped. This man must have been
Hamel.
Heavy rifle cartridges were found, and their use prob—
Murder of Fred. W. Loring- Continued.
able from the great number of shots fired- there being
twenty through the stage. The mail had been opened, and
such letters as contained money examined, and the
baggage searched for money. No horses, nor harness, nor
guns, nor bright blankets, nor any such things as
Indians covet, were taken. There is no doubt about it;
they were not Indians, nor Mexicans, as the shooting
was to good; white men did it— “road agents,” as they
are technically termed here. They generally simply rob.
It was reported that a man was asked some time ago at
Wickenburg to rob the stage that brought “Moll. Shepp
ard” down, as she would have much money. Kruger also
had much money with him, as he was a Government Agent of
some kind. The murderers did not find the greater part
of the latter’s money and seem to have left precipi
tately.
20046. Headquarters Department of Arizona, Prescott, November 12th, 1871. Date Creek Camp, Commdg. Officer (letter)
Headquarters Department of Arizona
Prescott, November 12th, 1871
Date Creek Camp
Commdg. Officer
Sir:
Referring to the reports of the late attack upon the stage near
Wickenburg and the massacre of the passengers, the Department
Commander directs me to say that he regrets that suitable Indian
guides, trailers, were not sent out with Captain Meinholds
Command, and that pursuit was not kept up at any sacrifice to
determine definitely whether the perpetrators were Indians or
Mexican bandits or both.
You will as far as possible remedy the defect by diligent
inquiry among the Indians now drawing rations at your post, and
by such other investigation as you think necessary to determine
that matter definitely, and make report thereon without delay.
The importance of a thorough searching investigation of this
matter cannot be too earnestly impressed upon you.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obd’t. servant,
A.H. Nickerson,
Captain 23rd Infantry,
A.A.C. and A.A.A. Gen’l.
20045. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 11th, 1871. Sylvester Mowry. The following dispatch is dated at Providence... (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
November 11th, 1871
Sylvester Mowry.
The following dispatch is dated at
Providence, Rhode Island, October 19:
Hon. Sylvester Mowry. of Arizona, died
in London England, on Tuesday.
This is sad news for Arizona. In the
death of Mr. Mowry this Territory has
lost the most faithful friend it has
ever had, in the person of one man. At
the present hour, when all departments
of the Government seem combined in one
great effort against us, we can illy
afford to lose the advocacy of a man so
influential and so earnest in our beh
alf. An appropriate tribute to his
memory will be found in our Tucson
correspondence.
20044. Arizona Citizen, Tucson, Pima County, A.T., Saturday, November 11th, 1871. Army Orders. We have recently been favored... (article)
Arizona Citizen
Tucson, Pima County, A.T.
Saturday, November 11th, 1871
ARMY ORDERS.
We have recently been favored with Gene
ral Orders 18, from Headquarters Dep
artment of Arizona. Number 18 bears the
date September 1, and announces Second
Lieutenants W.J. Ross and John G. Bourke
Aids-de-Camp to the Department Commander
— General Crook.
December 27, 2018
20041, 20042. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 11th, 1871. THE WICKENBURG HORROR. Murder and Robbery on the Highway (article)
The Arizona Miner
Prescott, Arizona Territory
November 11th, 1871
THE WICKENBURG HORROR.
Murder and Robbery on the Highway.
Were they Indians or Mexicans?
The mail due at this place on Monday, arrived early in the aftern
oon of Tuesday, bringing the particulars, so far as known, of
one of the bloodiest deeds ever committed in Arizona. At an early
hour on Sunday morning, the 5th inst., the mail stage on the
route from Wickenburg to Ehrenberg, left the former place with
the driver, 3ohn Lanz, and the following named passengers:
Frederick Shoholm, Frederick W. Loring, P.M. Hamel, W.G. Salmon,
C.S. Adams, Wm. Kruger and Miss Sheppard. At a point about nine
miles from Wickenburg a party of mounted men-
EITHER INDIANS OR MEXICAN BANDITS
Disguised after the fashion of Apache warriors- rushed down upon
the stage as it was passing through a canyon, and fired a volley
into the passengers, killing all but two persons and slightly
wounding these. The wounded- Mr. Kruger and Miss Sheppard-
not being disabled, immediately sprang from the stage, which was
now brought to a halt, and started together toward Culling’s
Station. While one detachment of the bloodthirsty demons
surrounded the stage, the balance went in pursuit of
THE FUGITIVES,
And kept up a desultory fire; but being all mounted, their aim
was unsteady, so that beyond a slight wound received by Miss
Sheppard, neither sustained further injury than the wounds
inflicted by the first fire. This pursuit was kept up for a
distance of nearly half a mile- the pursuers being, meanwhile,
kept at bay by Mr. Kruger, who still retained his revolver, and
fired upon them whenever they drew too near, causing them to
scatter and retreat, but only to rally again to the pursuit,
until finally they withdrew and joined their fellows. The
fugitives continued on their way toward Culling’s Wells until
they hailed the eastward bound mail, a few miles from that
station. Here they were picked up by the driver who retraced his
steps to the station, from which point information of the
calamity was sent to Wickenburg via the Vulture mine; the bearer
fearing to proceed by the direct route. The despatch reached
Wickenburg about midnight when two parties of citizens
STARTED FOR THE SCENE,
One to bring in the dead and the other, under command of Geo.
The Wickenburg Horror— Continued.
Monroe, to take the trail of the murderers. Upon reaching the
stage a most horrible picture was presented to their sight. Six
men— Messrs. Loring, Shohoim, Lanz, Hamel, Adams, and Salmon,
who, eighteen hours previous, left Wickenburg, full of life and
hope and in the happy anticipation of soon again greeting their
friends, after a prolonged absence- lay side by side, rigid in
death and drenched in blood— the unavenged victims of a murder as
dark and as damnable as ever stained the hands of an assassin.
THE MYSTERY
Which surrounds the identity of the murderers exists in the
disposition which was made of the mail and baggage: One mail sack
was cut open and its contents scattered over the ground; the
other was left untouched. The baggage of the passengers was
broken open, and while articles of but little value were carried
away, large sums of money and other valuables remained. All this
would suggest the work of ignorant savages; but, as neither the
arms, ammunition nor animals had been removed, some are inclined
to the opinion that the outrage was perpetrated by a band of
Mexican bandits from Sonora. Mr. Kruger, who has really had the
best opportunity of deciding this question, states positively
that they were Indians. But, at all events, the next mail may
bring reports which will place the guilt of this terrible crime
where it properly belongs; when we hope it will not be left to
the local authorities of Arizona to redress the wrong, or,
rather, to avenge an outrage against this Government and people
at large.
THE VICTIMS - WHO THEY WERE.
Frederick W. Loring was 22 years of age and a native of Boston.
He graduated from Harvard in 1870 and immediately engaged in the
business of journalism, in Boston. Early in the present year he
joined the Wheeler Expedition which he accompanied throughout all
its rambles, arriving here two weeks ago, on his way home.
Although a boy in years Mr. Loring was a mature man in mind,
whose name had become familiar to almost every reader, as an
author and “contributor” of rare merit.
Messrs. Hamel and Salmon were likewise members of the Wheeler
Expedition. Both gentlemen were residents of San Francisco, where
the latter leaves a wife and two small children who were entirely
dependent upon his labor for support.
Mr. Shoholm was returning to his home in Philadelphia after an
absence of many years, part of which time he was a member of the
firm of Jewell & Co., of this town.
C.S. Adams leaves a wife and three small children in San
Francisco. For the last ten months he had charge of the flour
depot of W. Bichard & Co., at this place, and was on his way to
join his family in San Francisco.
The driver, John Lanz, was recently from California, had obtained
a situation as driver a few days before, and was making his first
trip from Wickenburg.
20038, 20039, 20040. Camp Date Creek, A.T., November 9th, 1871, Lieutenant F.H.E. Ebstein, 21st Infantry, Post Adjutant (letter)
Camp Date Creek, A.T.
November 9th, 1871
Lieutenant F.H.E. Ebstein
21st Infantry
Post Adjutant
Camp Date Creek, A.T.
Sir:
In obedience to Special Orders No. 120 Cg. Hd’qrs. Camp Date
Creek. I proceeded on the 6th instant to the point on the La Paz
road where the mail stage was attacked on the morning of the 5th
instant to ascertain the particulars connected with the attack,
and by what parties it was made.
I submit the following as the result of my investigation:
I arrived late on the evening of the 6th, at Wickenburg, where I
found in the house of Mr. Sexton proprietor of the Vulture Mine,
Mr. Kruger, Clerk of Captain Foster, A.Q.M. Mr. Kruger was
slightly wounded. From him I learned that the following
passengers were on board the stage:
1st— The driver (whose name has escaped my memory.)
2nd- Miss Sheppard of Prescott.
3rd- Mr. F.W. Loring.j Employees of
4th- P.M. Hamel. j Lieutenant Wheeler,
5th- W.G. Salmon. U.S. Engineers.
6th- Mr. Adams, formerly agent of the Firm of Bichard & Co.
7th- Mr. F.W. Shohoim of Prescott.
8th- Mr. Kruger.
At a distance of about eight miles from Wickenburg, and at 8
o’clock AM, on the 5th, the stage was attacked by a party of
Indians (10-12 in number.) The party fired into the coach from
both sides, killing at the first fire one horse, and all the
passengers but himself, Miss Sheppard and Mr. Salmon. The two
former were slightly, Mr. Salmon mortally wounded. Mr. Kruger
and Miss Sheppard got out of the coach and ran, pursued by some
of the Indians, into the bushes on the left side of the road.
The pursuit was however, soon abandoned, and Mr. Kruger and the
wounded woman walked along the road towards Culling’s ranch
until they met the Mail from Ehrenberg. The driver obtained
assistance in Wickenburg, and Mr. Kruger and the woman were
brought in and taken care of.
Mr. Kruger is positive in his assertions that the attacking
party were Indians.
On the following morning I examined in person the spot where the
attack was made. It is at a distance of about eight miles from
Wickenburg, at a point where the road turns down a little hill
into a dry arroyo; on the right side of the road, and close to
Camp Date Creek, A.T.
November 9th, 1871
Continued-
it, is a large mesquite bush, under which I discovered three or
four moccasin tracks, of the pattern used by the Apache Mojaves,
on the left side, and at a distance of 20-30 paces from the
road, on an eminence which commands the view for a long distance
of the road from Wickenburg. I found as many more tracks of the
same description, also two tin cans (butter cans, apparently)
thrown away at some Military Post, picked up and used by the
attacking parties to carry water; a pack of Spanish Cards,
rounded at the corners, in a manner I have seen cards in the
hands of Indians at this Post. On the right side of the road,
and a short distance from the place where three or four had been
in ambush, I found the place where some of the party had
defecated. The excrements consisted of indigested melon seeds
and mesquite beans. On the left side of the road, about sixty
yards back towards Wickenburg, is the grave of Mr. Salmon, who,
mortally wounded, got out of the coach, and was killed and
scalped (the only one scalped) by the attacking party on the
spot where he was buried. I then proceeded to ascertain the
direction the party had taken after the murder and robbery had
been committed. About one half mile from the place of attack,
the party divided, three tracks leading in a direction direct to
Camp Date Creek; four towards the Hass—ayampa. At a distance of
about three miles both tracks joined, pointing towards the
Hass-ayampa. I took measure in starting of one unusually large
track, re-noticed it five or six times on the trail, and
followed the seven plain and distinct tracks for a distance of
twenty—two miles until near the Hass—ayampa Cañon, so many
tracks crossed, recrossed and followed the trail, that I found
it impossible to trace the seven tracks any longer.
On the morning of the eighth, I started out along the base of
the range of mountains bordering the Date Creek Wickenburg road,
in hopes to find the trail of the party in starting for the
place where they lay in waiting for the stage. I did not strike
it. I then crossed the mountains into Peeples Valley, where I
found many Indians quietly working for the settlers.
Today I returned to the Post, crossing the mountain range known
by the name of Date Creek Mountain.
I beg leave to add what I have heard in Wickenburg in regard to
the attacking party, whether it consisted of Indians, or
Mexicans, or White men. Some suspect the Mexican rancheros of
Hass—ayampa Cañon— others assert that such a scheme had been
planned for some time; that it was intended to rob the Mail of
the bullion generally shipped on, or shortly after the first of
every month. Others, and I found them rather in the minority,
accuse the Indians living at this Post. The woman Sheppard is
under the impression that White men were amongst the robbers,
but she had no other reason to advance than that she had heard
Camp Date Creek, A.T.
November 9th, 1871
Continued-
that certain parties in Prescott who disappeared suddenly about
the time she left Prescott had made inquiries about the time of
her departure, and what amount of money she was likely to carry
with her.
I ascertained that no horses were stolen not any baggage, that
even the persons of the passengers were not searched and robbed
except Mr. Adams, whose pockets were found to be turned inside
out. Mr. Adams is or has been the Agent of Mr. Bichard, and was
likely to be thought carrying a large amount of money. I also
noticed that while many letters were not interfered with almost
every one addressed to an A.Q.M. or A.C.S. was opened, and that
all the letters I saw opened had been opened carefully at one
end, and the contents restored in many cases.
I am Sir,
Very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
Chis. Meinhold,
Captain 3rd U.S. Cavalry.
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