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

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

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

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

20012. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, March 4th, 1871. Local Intelligence. From Camp Date Creek. Geo. H. Kimball... (article)

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory March 4th, 1871 Local Intelligence. From Camp Date Creek. Geo. H. Kimball post trader at Date Creek, is whiling away the time here, and attending to business. Together, George and ourseif passed away a “pleasant” day and night in Eastern Apache land, and from the knowledge then gained of him, we know him to be a man who “will do to tie to.” Col. O’beirne, commanding Camp Date Creek, came up Thursday last, and we learn, brought news of the burning of Ed F. Bowers hay-stack, in Skull Valley. Have not learned by what means fire was communicated to it.

10252. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, September 10th, 1870. The Bloody Roll Continued.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory September 10th, 1870 The Bloody Roll Continued. April 18th , P. Dorgan was shot and seriously wounded while prospecting near Camp Date Creek June 6th, Alfred Johnson and Mr- Watson were killed on the road between Skull Valley and Camp Date Creek.

10249. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, September 3rd, 1870. Local Intelligence. In Skull Valley...

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory September 3rd, 1870 Local Intelligence. In Skull Valley, last week, a soldier stood talking to a farmer who was chopp— ing wood, when the axe flew from the striking the handler foot of the soldier , severing the great toe and so cutting the foot otherwise that the man will be lame for life. The soldier belonged to Camp Date Creek , and the Surgeon at that point attended to the sufferer.

10205. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 4th, 1869, Local Intelligence, A Train Coming.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory December 4th, 1869 Local Intelligence - A TRAIN COMING.- Mr. Gross, who arrived here from Skull Valley Thursday night , says a large train laden with groceries and provisions for our merchants, was at Camp Date Creek, coming this way. Hope it will hurry up.

10203. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, December 4th, 1869, Local Intelligence, The California and Eastern mail

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory December 4th, 1869 Local Intelligence . The California and Eastern mail arrived Wednesday afternoon , many hours behind time. The driver of the mail stage said that the delay was caused by mud and water between Wickenburg and La Paz , the valleys of that section having been flooded by heavy rains. The road between this place and Camp Date Creek was also bad. The snow extended west as far as Skull Valley. The driver informed us that one of his mules gave out, but, luckily , a man came along, riding a bronco horse , which the driver pressed into service. The rider took a seat in the stage- Three passengers came in the stage; C.C. Bean , of this place John Timmons r and M. Smith -

10178. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, July 24th, 1869, Another Outrage by Indians, They Attack a U.S. Mail Party, Kill Two Soldiers; Wound the Mail Rider, and Capture the Mail.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory July 24th, 1869 Another Outrage by Indians . They Attack a U.S. Mail Party, Kill two Soldiers-, Wound the Mail Rider, and Capture the Mail . On the afternoon of Saturday, July 17th, 80 or 100 Indians, who lay concealed on both sides of the road, near Willow Springs , between Kirkland Valley and Camp Date Creek, made an attack upon the mail party— consisting of P. Conner, the mail rider, three soldiers, and P. McAteer, a citizen of Kirkland Valley. At the time the attack was made, Mr. Conner, and two of the soldiers— privates Mudgett and Stouffer, of Company I, 14th Infantry, were in advance of the mail, and at the first fire, the two soldiers named, were shot, dead, from their animals. The mail rider was badly wounded, had to abandon his animals and the mail, and fight his way to Camp Date Creek, where he arrived next morning . McAteer and the soldier, who were behind, were also fired upon , but escaped unhurt to Kirkland Valley, followed by the Indians who came very near cutting them off and capturing them. They say the pack mule that carried the mail, followed them some d is— tance. After the news reached Kirkland Valley, a party of men hastened to the scene of the attack and were preparing to take in the bodies of the soldiers, for interment , when Captain Somerby and a party of soldiers arrived from Camp Date Creek , and sent the bodies of the murdered men to Camp Date Creek , where they were buried on the morning of the 19th inst. Captain Somerby, his men, and some of the citizens, then made search for the mule and mail, but did not succeed in finding either. The Captain and party then came on to Prescott. He started back yesterday morning, with the greater part of his company and some expert guides and trailers , for the purpose of following the trail of the Indians, and, if possible, finding the mail, or a portion of it. Upon news of the disaster reaching Prescott, Postmaster Barnard procured an escort of soldiers from General Devin, and hastened to Skull Valley, in order to take charge of the mail, should it be found. The mail was a very large one, and contained many valuable letters, in which were some $18 , 000 or $20 , 000 in greenbacks, Government vouchers and checks, and checks of the Sterling Mining Company. The Postmaster has furnished us with the numbers of the registered letters sent by this mail, re— ceipts for which are now held by our citizens. The numbers are as follows: 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 380

10159. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 27th, 1869

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 27th, 1869 HEREAFTER , Wickenburg we learn , the mail from will be carried via Camp Date Creek, Kirkland and Skull Valleys , to Prescott, instead of by Walnut Grove , as heretofore. An escort of soldiers will guard it.

10157. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, February 27th, 1869, Still Another

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory February 27th, 1869 STILL ANOTHER - As we go to press, we learn by letter from Jos. Ehle, of Skull Valley, that on the 25th instant a party of murderous savages attacked and killed John Howell , in the canyon between Skull and Kirkland Valleys. A party of officers, and an escort, of Company F, Eighth Cavalry , who were on their way to Fort Whipple , arrived at the scene of the murder while the body Of the murdered man was yet warm, and went in pursuit of the Indi— ans. but did not catch up with them. Mr. Howell was an old and esteemed citizen of the Territory - His death will be regretted, and engender more hate in the breasts Of his friends for the sneaking race that murdered him. He came to the Territory from Texas, in 1863.

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.

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.

10103. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, October 26th, 1867.

The Arizona Miner Prescott, Arizona Territory October 26th, 1867 We rode back to town (Wickenburg) well pleased with what we saw, bade adieu to our friends and started by the way of Camp McPherson, in company with the mail rider and his escort, for Prescott. The distance from Wickenburg to Date Creek is about 30 miles over a very good road. The soldiers showed us the place where In— dians murdered the brave Mulligan , who was carrying the mail the previous week. We camped close to the Post until 12 o ' clock— midnight, when we again mounted our cava 110 and started homeward, passing on our way r Kirkland and Skull Valleys , where we found a great many old acquain— tances settled down on good ranches , enjoying themselves after the agricul— tura1 labors of the summer. We arrived in our own beautiful mountain town about four o clock Sunday evening last , and feasted our eyes upon the unequalled scenery, the neat and tasty houses, and the tall pines of this the most beautiful spot in Arizona

10090. The Arizona Miner, Prescott, Arizona Territory, August 10th, 1867. Indians.

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

10075. Post Return for May 1867. Remarks.

POST RETURN FOR , REMARKS 1867. Left Camp in Skull Valley , A. T May 9, 1867 pursuant to instructions received from Bvt. Brigd. Genl. J. I. Gregg Col . 8th U . S Cavalry and arrived at Camp McPherson in Date Creek, A. T. May 10, 1867. STATION: camp in Skull Valley, DATE : Part of May., 1867

10074. Post Return For October, 1866. Record of Events.

POST RETURN FOR OCTOBER, RECORD OF EVENTS. 1866. Company left camp on DATE CREEK, A. T. October 12th marched 18 miles and encamped on Willow Creek left Camp on Willow Creek Oct . 13th and marched 12 miles to Camp in Skull Valley where the Company is at present stationed. STATION: camp in DATE: October Skull 31st, Valley, A. T. 1866

10067, 10068, 10069. Copy of Original Inspection Notes on Camp Skull Valley, A.T. By James Fowler Rusling

10065, 10066. Original Inspection Report, Camp Skull Valley, Arizona Territory, by James Fowler Rusling

Original Inspection Report Camp Skull Valley, Arizona Territory by: James Fowler Rusling Skull Valley, A.T. April 3d, 1867- Capt. James W. Weir - 14th Infty. Comdg. & A.A. QM 1- 1 Co. of 14th. 40 strong - only 20 for duty - Object to protect the valley, & keep open road to Prescott, Wickenburg & La Paz - Distance to Prescott, 34 miles; to Wickenburg 60; to La Paz 140 miles - Proposed to move Post to junction of La Paz & Wickenburg roads, 30 miles S.E. - on Date Creek, to be called Camp McPherson - Will move as soon as orders from Gen. Gregg, who is expected every day - 2- The Reservation here: Part is on lands of Mr. Jos. Ehle - At Date Creek, on public domain - Will make it a mile square - water & wood there and good grazing - some bottom & some fair - 3- Hay now on hand cost $39 1/2 - per ton, coin; and $48 1/2 - 2 months supply - Grain, barley, from Yuma, $8.50, per bushel, coin, exclusive of transportation - which transportation was 8 cents per pound here, but Capt. Tuttle settled this - At Camp McPherson will come from Yuma - by La Paz - Ranches can not supply - Corn may be had - 4- Fuel cut by troops - 5-2 six mule teams; 26 mules altogether, some Page: 2 Five pack-mules - 6- commissary supplies come from Yuma by La Paz - 7- No General Orders; instructions to wait for them - 8-3 graves here now: no head-boards. In- structions given - no report made - 9- post established Oct. 13, 1866 - No Map - Instructions given for map of New Reserva- tion Post &e - 10- Accounts; none sent since Oct. - Ready up to March - No Blanks - could get none from Capt. Baker - Applied to Capt. Tuttle - 11- One frame building - 60 ft x 20 ft x 10 ft - Another 90 by 20 for barracks : will be taken down & sent to McPherson - Put up by enlisted men & one citizen mechanic - none em- ployed now - Lumber came from Prescott - cost 6 cents at Prescott per foot - and 4 cents delivered here: hauled Pine lumber - no storehouse - no hospital - no stable - tents used now - At new post - stone should be used - Not enough fuel to last - and adobe will cost more - 12- Funds on hand $69.61 - Jan. 13th, 1866 - recd from Bvt. Lt. Col. Sprague - Act. Pay - $2500 - no retums made - Disbursal for lumber for Page: 3 transportation of troops from Date Creek here &e - Bad - Don't know who ordered Col. S. to make transfer of funds - 13- Present indebtedness of Post $1482.83. coin - 6.75 29.00 440.00 $1958.58 14- No Reports made of Extra Duty - and none paid -

10061. District of Prescott, Fort Whipple, A.T. March 17th, 1867 (letter)

District of Prescott Fort Whipple, A. T. March 17th, 1867 To Captain J. W. Weir 14th Infty. Comdg. Camp at Skull Valley, A. T. Sir: In view of the expected abandonment of the Camp at Skull Valley , A. T. and the transfer of the Command now stationed there, it is recommended that you take measures to secure an additional supply of Beef Cattle, say, Twelve Thousand (12,000) pounds, for the use of your Command. In reply to your Communication in relation to the disposition of the Public Property at Skull Valley, I would respectfully state, that the Department Orders require the transfer from Skull Valley to be made by Bvt. Brig. Gen. Gregg, Col. 8th Cavalry, who is looked for at this Post, on or about the 25th March, 1867 . I am Sir, Very respectfully, Your obd 't. ser v t. , David Krause, Capt. 14th Infantry , Bvt. Maj. U.S. Army , Commanding District.