Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1851-07-09
(From the San Francisco Herald, May 81
Fifteen Horse Thieves Shot.

suit and shooting of l3 horse thieves
in the northern part of our State, has
been furnished us by r. w. Gran
shaw. He says the people of that
region are determined to take sum-
mary measures to relieve themselves
of those scoundrels who are so sold
to crime as to conciliate the Indians
into their villainous practices. The
returning persons brought back l3
scalps of Indians, andt two Of the white
men as evidence of the truthfulness
of their statements.
On Sunday night April, goth, fifty
head of horses and mules were stolen
from the coral of Messrs Peaseley Il
Lookhart, on Trinity river. The
thieves-white men with Indians in
their employ-took the animals south
as far as the South Fork of Trinity
river, thence up the South Fork of
that stream through the Coast Range
Mountains to the headwaters Of Cot
tonwood creek, and down the Sacra-
mento Valley, crossing Sacramento
river above Ide's Ranch, over to An
telope creek. which empties into the
Sacramento Valley, crossing Sacra-
mento river, on the eastern side, near
Ide's Ranch,
On Monday following, IL men
started on footin pursuit of the thieves
and animals but finding the Indians
very numerous and dangerous on the
route, seven of the persons returned,
leaving four men to follow the trail
through the mountains. These four
-Bnj. F. Bradford, James J. McKin-
mis-, w. III. Mitchell, and Coleman
Jameson-fo'lowed the trail on foot
six days, and arrived at Mr.. J. Klan-
toms on Cottonwood, on the 26th, af-
terhaving been without food two days
X. very kindly furnished them with
food, &C., and they continued their
pursuit. When they arrived at Major
Reddings's weary and suffering with
sore feet, they were shown that kind
ness and hospitality which have ever
characterized that man, furnishing
them with horses and provisions to
continue the pursuit
They were joined by Mr.. Peasley,
who had taken the valley route on
horseback, and ascertained where
the thieves crossed Sacramento river.
While crossing the Coast Range
Mountains, they were attacked by
party of Indians numbering from so
to 100. The whites gave them a des-
perate fight, and killed thirteen of
their warriors, after which, they reach
ed the valley, having followed the
serpentine course of the thieves
through the mountains, distance of
some IT'S miles.
The pursuers now numbering five,
left Major Readings on Saturday the
Goth, and on the evening of the 9th
found the animals quietly grazing in
a secluded spot on Antelope creek -
When they recognized the animals,
they looked around for the thieves;
but from the fact that the encamp-
ment was almost surrounded by chap
parel, did not discover them. But
on entering the chapparel, they were
fred at by two of the thieves, but
fortunately without receiving any in
jury. Seeing, this two others more
bold and determined than the first,
rose to their feet. The first ]. Spaf-
ford, from Ohio, rose with his gun
levelled upon Bradford, when, at the
first glimpse, B. shot him. through
the heart; the second, John Emory,
known as Sailor Tom, with his gun
levelled at McKinnis, was shot dead
by that auick-sighted Texan before
he could pull trigger. George M.
Holiday, the third thief, supposed to
be one of the first that fired, escaped,
but is supposed to be wounded
There must have been fourth one,
as two guns were fired from the chap
parel, while Spafford and Emory fell
with loaded guns.
The camp seemed to be one long
frequented. They had a good stock
of provisions and cooking utensils,
seven riding saddles, pack Of cards,
and Lorenzo Dow"
The driving OF the animals seemed
to rave been done by about 50 Indi-
ans, who were doubtless sent back on
trail to kill those pursuing.
! U At meeting of the Board of
Trustees Of the University of Iowa,
held on the 9th, June 1851, to take
into consideration the disposition Of
the University Lands, it was
Resolred, That the University Lands
be appraised at a minimum price OF
five dollars per acre, and be offered
at public sale in the smallest legal
subdivisions, by the Superintendent
of Public Instruction, after due notice
given.
i On motion a committee of three
consisting of RoBERr LUCAS, GEO. w.
McCLEARY and ANsoN HART was APP
pointed to examine the bylaws and
if necessary suggest such alterations
as they may think proper, and, repor,
at the next meeting.
/. On motion Mr.. DowNEY was ad-
ded to said Committee.
On motion the Superintendent OF
Public Instruction was instructed to
procure the necessary books for the
use of the board.
Mr.. DuwNEY resigned the office Of
Secretary, wherupon a ballot, was
had and ANsoN HART, was duly cleo
ted Secretary.
On motion the board proceeded to
the election of vice President, where,
upon ROBERT LUCAS was duly elected
On motion the board adjourned tc
meet on Monday 2sth day Of July
next. ANSON HART, Sec'ty.