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.

10148. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 12th, 1868.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory December 12th, 1868 Hereafter by order of Gen . Halleck , Camp Lincoln, in this County and Territory, will be known as Camp Verde, and Camp McPherson will be called Camp Date Creek .

10147. Daily Alta California, San Francisco, California, Monday Morning, November 30th, 1868. ARIZONA. (letter)

Daily Alta California San Francisco, California Monday Morning, November 30th, 1868 ARIZONA. The following extracts are from a letter from Wickenburg, dated November 5th, giving the particulars of more Indian depredations: On the morning of November 2d the mail rider and escort sent from Wickenburg to Prescott, A.T., were attacked by Indians when within ten miles of Walnut Grove. The mail rider, Mr. Riggins, received three arrow wounds in the arm, and one of the two soldiers allowed by Major Clendenin, commanding Fort Whipple, as mail escort, was killed, his mule and arms taken and the mail and mail pack mule also captured and taken off by the Indians.

10146. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 28th, 1868. From Camp McPherson- Under date of November 22nd, 1868

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 28th, 1868 Under date of November 22nd, 1868, Major From Camp McPherson . — Wm. Montgomery, Sutler at Camp McPherson, in this county, writes as follows: "I have just returned from La Paz, where I bought a large stock Cal of goods, which I expect here in two or three days. loaded for Prescott. with four wagons , Jackson is here, Lieutenant Jas. A. Buchanan has turned over all Quartermaster' s Stores to Captain Geo. W. Davis, and will leave in a few days Camp La Paz (the Indian Reserve) . While for his new post, new road , in passing Jones ' via Dr. returning from La Paz , I was met by seven through the Black Tank range of mountains , Indians. I happened to get sight of them first, and gave them a warm reception, or, in all probability, they would have served me as they have served many others. I wounded one, an the rest We are suffering for ran, so I escaped without any trouble. want of lumber to finish the quarters

10145. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868. John Graham, formerly of Prescott, died October 30th, 1868.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 John Graham, formerly of Prescott , died October 30th, 1868 at Camp McPherson, in this county. Deceased was a native of Scotland, aged about 40 years .

10144. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 Last week, we stated, upon the authority of parties who ought to have known, that thereafter the California mail would be carried via Camp McPherson, Kirkland and Skull valleys, to Prescott, but it seems our informants were mistaken. We have since learned that no change was or is intended to be from the Walnut Grove route, as the contractor has made all the arrangements for carrying it over that route for several months to come. Besides, he claims that the mail can be carried for much less money than by Camp McPherson, Kirkland and Skull valleys.

10143. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868, Recovery of Mails.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 RECOVERY OF MAILS.- It will be recollected that last week, after news brought to this place that the Indians had succeeded in capturing two mails, Major Clendenin, who commands Fort Whipple, sent Captain Hobart and part of his troop I, of the 8th Cavalry, to follow the trail of the Indians and if possible, recover the mails or a part of them, and we are pleased to be able to state that the command returned here Tuesday evening, after recovering the mails and turning them over to the P.M. at Wickenburg. Mr. Ed Peck, who accompanied the party as guide, called upon us and gave the following account of the trip: About dark on the 4th inst. they reached the place where the party was jumped, searched for the trail of the Indians, but did not find it until morning came, when it was discovered that about twelve Indians all that were in the party - kept the main trail towards Wickenburg for a short distance, when they turned in a westerly direction and stopped upon a hill, where they cut open one of the mail bags, and tore the ends off the letters for the purpose of rifling them. From thence their trail led to the canyon of the Hassayampa, which they crossed and proceeded twelve miles before stopping and opening the other mail bag. The troops followed their trail and picked up every letter and paper seen, and would have followed the Indians still further had it not rained and washed out their tracks. The Indians went into the mountains east of Wickenburg. Cavalry can do nothing in the country east of the Hassayampa, between Wickenburg and Walnut Grove, as it is too rough for horses. Mr. Peck picked up most of the letters and papers and says that but one out of several hundred was left unopened by the Indians. In some cases letters were taken out of envelopes, and in others, the savages satisfied themselves by tearing the ends off the envelopes and leaving the letters undisturbed. It seems they did not meddle with the newspapers as most of our exchanges came to us all right.

10142. Chronicles of War, page 145

CHRONICLES OF WAR. Kuhn, Berndt. Chronicles Of War, Apache & Yavapai Resistance In Southwestern United States And Northern Mexico, 1821-1937. Tucson: The Arizona Historical Society, 2014. PAGE 145: Nov. 2, 1868. 1 soldier killed: Jerome Booth; I civilian wounded: Riggins; 2 mules captured. Attack on a mail rider escorted by 2 soldiers Co. H, 14th Inf. 6 miles north of Wickenburg. (AZ). Clendenin to Devin, November 4, 1868. Unreg. LR. Dist. of Ariz., RG 393, NA; Arizona Miner, November 7, 14, 1868. Daily Alta California, November 30, 1868; Hawkins, History of Wickenburg, 40.

10139, 10140, 10141. Camp McPherson, Arizona Territory, Nov. 14th 1868, Mr. L.D. Booth (letter)

Camp McPherson Arizona Territory Nov 14th 1868. Mr. L.D. Booth Dear Sir I seat myself to perform a painful duty. it is that of informing you of the untimely death of your Brother Jerome Booth. He was killed by Indians the 2nd day of this month while escorting the mail from Wickenburg to Walnut Grove. The mail party consisted of but three men a citizen mail rider and two soldiers. One of which was your Brother. they were attacked by about 60 who lay in ambush till the mail was within a few feet of them when they raised with a whoop and fired killing Jerome almost instantly, and wounding the mail rider. Jerome fell from his saddle. then raising himself on one knee and raising his Carbine to fire but life was to far gone and he fell dead without a struggle. he was shot three times. twice with bullets in the left side and once with an arrow in the left shoulder. I wish to inform you that you are not the only one to mourn his loss. by his death. I lost a dear and trusty friend he seemed like a Brother to me. he was always willing to assist when others could not. He was truly kind, generous and obliging. and I sympathize with you in the loss of so dear a Brother. There were many sad hearts in this camp when the news reached here. for he was liked by officers and men. perhaps you are not aware that he had left this camp. he and myself both left here at the same time to go to Walnut Grove to escort the mail. and he fell a victim to brutal savages the second trip he made. the escort has since been removed. I am sorry to say I could not go to assist in burying him as I was obliged to go to Prescott the next day to report it to the military authorities. the Corporal in charge of the escort went with some citizens and buried him. and they all say he was buried well as could be expected. The Indians took his cloths from him and a memorandum book some postage stamps and a few letters they are all probably destroyed. there has been nothing seen of them since. He had no money at the time but there is four months pay due him besides some clothing money. which I have no doubt Lieut. Western will attend to as soon as possible. he has some letters from Miss Alice Parsons. and one from you which I enclose with your picture I believe I will send the letters to Miss Parsons as soon as possible. I hope you will excuse my negligence in this matter as I have been moving all of the time since the sad event happened. I sympathize with you in your deep affliction by the loss of so dear a Brother. but we must remember that he fell a true and noble hearted soldier while in the performance of his duty. and thought well of by all who knew him. Should you wish any more particulars I will give them to you if possible. yours truly, Leslie G. Cutter co. H 14th U.S. Infantry. Fort Whipple Prescott Arizona P.S. The Company has gone to Prescott since he was killed. -- L.G. Cutter

10138. Private James Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, Camp McPherson, A.T., copy of handwritten death report

Private Jerome Booth Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry Camp McPherson, A. T. The following is a copy of the handwritten death report of Private Jerome Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, Camp McPherson, A. T. and is dated November 14th, 1868. Jerome Booth was killed by Indians November 2nd, 1868 near Walnut Grove, A. T. while on Mail Escort. The report is written by Leslie G. Cutter (a fellow soldier) of Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry and mailed to the brother of the deceased: L.D. Booth, Binghamton, Broome County, Box 900, New York. The original report is part of the Bill W. Smith Collection. No attempt was made to correct the spelling or punctuation.

10137. Gravestone of Private James Booth, Co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, Camp McPherson, A.T., Killed by Indians November 2nd, 1868 while on mail escort.

Private Jerome Booth co. "H" 14th U.S. Infantry, camp McPherson, A.T. Killed by Indians November 2nd, 1868 while on mail escort. 4, Remains relocated from the Camp Date Creek Cemetery to the San Francisco National Cemetery at the Presidio in May of 1892

10136. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 14th, 1868, Local Intelligence.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 14th, 1868 Local Intelligence . THE RECENT ATTACK ON THE MAIL PARTY: We were mistaken, last week, in stating that the Indians jumped the mail party at a place six miles this side of Wickenburg and that the soldier shot by them rode to Walnut Grove before dying, but we are not to blame for the mistakes , as we related the circumstances of the affair just as they were related to us , and until the arrival of Messrs . Coulter and Cory, from Wickenburg. Saturday night last, after our paper had been worked off , no other version of the affair was known here. Mr. Cory has furnished us with the fol lowing account of the sad affair, which we presumer is correct : "When within about twelve miles of Walnut Grover the mail party, consisting of the rider and two soldiers was jumped by a party of Indians. At the first fire one of the soldiers was shot through the heart, and fell dead from his animal- The rider while in the act of drawing his revolver, was shot with an arrow , which entered the arm above the elbow, and passing through, entered the wrist, which compelled him to drop his pistol (which was afterwards recovered) and take to flight. The remaining soldier dismounted from his mule and escaped to the Grove on foot. A party of citi zens from Walnut Grove went out to the scene of the conflict and buried the soldier. The riders wounds are not serious . "

10135. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, November 7th, 1868, Another Indian Outrage.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory November 7th, 1868 ANOTHER INDIAN OUTRAGE. Monday last at a point about six miles this side of Wickenburg, a party of 75 or 100 Indians attacked the mail party , killed a soldier——one of the escort— and wounded the mail rider, captured the pack animal and two bags of mail matter . The Indians cut the party off from Wickenburg and tried to capture the whole outfit, but the carrier and his escort got away from them and succeeded in reaching Walnut Grove , where the wounded soldier died - The captured bags contained two weeks , California and Eastern mails , which no doubt, will be destroyed by the red skins . ( Jerome Booth was the soldier killed in the attack. He was a private of Co 14th U.S. Infantry , stationed at Camp McPherson, A-T. )

10134. (letter) Head Qrs. Sub. Dist. of Prescott, Fort Whipple, A.T., November 3rd, 1868. To The Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Mail Escort

Head Qrs. Sub. Dist. Fort Whipple, A. T. November 3rd, 1868 To The of Prescott Non Commissioned Officer in Charge of Mail Escort Walnut Grove, A. T. The Major Commanding directs that the mail escort at Walnut Grove be withdrawn and hereafter the mail for this Post will be sent from Wickenburg via Camp McPherson and Skull Valley to this Post. You will therefore proceed with the escort now with the mail from this Post and such other men now with you from Walnut Grove to Camp McPherson reporting on your arrival at Camp McPherson to the Commanding Officer at that Post. The escort from Walnut Grove to Wickenburg will return from Wickenburg with the next mail direct to Camp McPherson. J. H. Mahnken, 1st Lieut. 8th U.S. Cavy. , A. A. A.G. " Copy " Bvt. Major U.S.A. Respectfully forwarded to Commanding Officer of for his information. Camp McPherson

10133. (letter) Head Qrs. Sub Dist. of Prescott, Fort Whipple, A.T., November 1st, 1868. Captain G.W. Davis, Comdg. Camp McPherson, A.T.

Head Qrs. Sub Dist. Fort Whipple, A. T. November 1st, 1868 Captain G. W. Davis of Prescott Comdg. Camp McPherson Captain : The Major Commanding directs me to state that owing to the great danger to which the mail escort between Prescott and Wickenburg via Walnut Grove is exposed he has determined to furnish the escort via Camp McPherson. You will therefore furnish escort from your Post to Wickenburg and to Skull Valley when the mail will be met at Howells Ranche by an escort from Fort Whipple. The escort which leaves here Wednesday morning will be directed to report to you after escorting the mail to Walnut Grove. The escort from Walnut Grove to Wickenburg will be ordered to report to you at McPherson with the mail from Wickenburg. You will then send the mail to Howells Ranche where it will be met by an escort from this Post on Friday morning next and the mail taken back to Howells next morning when your escort will take it to McPherson and Wickenburg . I am Sir, Very respectfully , Your obd t t. ser v t. , Mahnken , Lt. 8th Cavy. 1st A. A. A. General. and Bvt. Maj . U.S.A.

10132. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 24th, 1868. Letter from Wickenburg (correspondence of the Miner.)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 24th, 1868 Letter From Wickenburg ( Correspondence of the Miner. ) Wickenburg, October 19th, 1868. Sickness is abating here now. Business seems to be very lively here, at presente The new firm of Mannasse & Co. say they are doing better than they anticipated. Peeples' Saloon is in full blast, and I am told, his billiard tables are occupied day and night. Judge H. H. Cartter, Hon Is T. J. Bidwe11 and Oliver Lindsey, have en route to Tucson, the former to just arrived from La Paz , attend the session of the Supreme Court; the two latter are members of the Legislature from Yuma county. They report that Col. Young, from Fort Mohave, was at La Paz and had arrested a man by the name of Wilson, who is implicated in the killing of the Indians at that place. A writ of Habeas Corpus has, however, been sued out, and no doubt, Mr. Wilson will be discharged, as every one, with the justifies the killing of exception of Col. Dent and Gray & Co. , the red devils. Judge Cartter has made the writ returnable before Judge Tuttle, assigning as a reason, his absence to Supreme Court, but the actual reason is that he justifies the act and, I am told , expressed himself to Dent that way . D. Henderson

10131. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 24th, 1868. Capt. Weir, 14th U.S. Infantry

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 24th, 1868 Capt . Weir , 14th U.S. Infantry , who in formerly commanded Camp McPherson , this county , but who recently visited California on leave of absence, is, we are informed , on his way back to the Territory , to take command of Fort Grant, on the San Pedro, in Pima County.

10130. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 24th, 1868. We have received several letters from citizens of La Paz

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 24th, 1868 We have received several letters from citizens of La Paz, Yuma county, complaining bitterly of the Governor of this Territory for ordering the arrest of citizens implicated in the killing of at that place recently The a band of cut—throat Indians , it seems , military and the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, back up this action of the Governor, and complaint is made of Things have corne to a pretty pass when U.S. them also. officials, instead of laboring to protect our people, imprison Former Iy Governor them for daring to protect themselves . McCormick went in for the strongest kind of measures against these Indians, even going so far as to advise their destruction whenever found. In Kansas and Colorado, Government furnishes citizens arms and In Arizona, ammunition with which to kill hostile Indians . citizens are arrested and placed in irons for killing a few of the red scoundrels who make a business of robbing and murdering white citizens. A stop has got to be put to this mode of procedure, else those who back up the Indians in their murderous doings will find out, when too late, that Arizonians are not the ignorant, cowardly people they take them to be.

10129. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 24th, 1868, From La Paz.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 24th, 1868 From La Paz. Under date of October 12th, 1868, a correspondent at La Paz, Yuma county, in this Territory, furnishes us the following facts in relation to the recent killing of Indians at that place. His account of the affair may be relied upon as correct, and has been vouched for by those who took part in ridding the Territory of the scamps: "Being a resident, pro tem, of this place, and seeing an article relating to an Indian fight in your paper of October 5th, I take the responsibility of correcting the report and giving plain, unvarnished facts concerning the affair. On the night of Sept. 25th, 1868, a band of Apache Mohave Indians were camped about one—fourth of a mile from La Paz. They numbered some 25 or 30 warriors and remained gathered in a circle during the whole night, around a camp fire , plotting for the purpose of destroying the citizens living on the out—skirts of La Paz. They were over heard by spies who had been sent there to listen and observe their actions. The head chief , Co jackama , and his braves , called at the Reservation on their way to La Paz and endeavored to persuade the red skins there to murder the Agent and join in a grand scheme of robbery. Iretaba, the head chief on the Reservation, refused, and warned the whites of their danger. Co jackama and his band of thieves then came on to La Paz, marched up in savage glee to Cole's store and demanded flour , — they were refused. The above facts becoming known to the citizens of La Paz they almost unanimously determined to wreak revenge on the copper demons for their many depredations. Only a short while had elapsed since some of Co jackama 's band ambushed Mr. Wm. Brown in the canyon known as Granite Wash, and mortally wounded him. He died a few days afterward in great agony. Gustavos Chenowith , who was at La Paz with his train, took his brave boys, and joined the residents. They were then guided cautiously to the spot where the demons were encamped . Some two or three Chemehuevi Indians led the advance. Precisely at 3 0' clock in the morning the attack commenced. Co jackama, old Captain Jack , and ten more of this band were killed. Some 20 escaped, but all were undoubtedly wounded, as pools of blood were found by a pursuing party. None of the citizens of La Paz objected to the punishment meted out to the Indians, save Manuel Ravena , and he swore like a maniac, although his squaw consort had forsaken him— left him desolate— left his bed and board without cause or provocation , and joined her tribe. On the heels of this comes an order , tonight, from Governor McCormick to arrest all engaged in what he terms "an Indian murder. " This odious and tyrannical 'l order" caps the climax. The Governor of our Territory arresting free white men for killing hostile Indians! "

10128. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 10th, 1868. From La Paz. Indians Threaten To Take The Town.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 10th, 1868 FROM LA PAZ. INDIANS THREATEN TO TAKE THE TOWN . Next mail may bring us bloody news from La Paz, but we hope not . At latest accounts the hostile Indians were reported to be about 25 miles below the town, marching to attack it. The citizens and some 70 or 80 Chemehuevi Indians were prepared to defend the place against the combined hostile force of Apache—Yumas , some 40 in etc . All the families— Apache—Mohave s , Yavapai s , number— had moved into Ravena's large store, pickets were placed outside the town and the Chemehuevis were actively scouting the country and advising their white friends of the movements of the at Tyson s well ; hostile Beach s teams were savages . Chenowith' s train had left and was en route to Prescott ; and Jake Miller Miller' s train was being loaded at La Paz, intended to start out as soon as possible, catch up with Beach's wagons and come on with them to Prescott. The situation at La Paz was anything but pleasant, and it is to be hoped that troops from forts Yuma or Mohave were despatched in time to help the citizens and their Indian allies to overawe or whip the recusants.