Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-12-30
IL CAMP, NEAR FILLMORE. L. T.,
Dctnhar 90 1879

furnished by J. NJ. Benhsel, delegate to the House
Of Representatives from tLat territory:
IL CAMP NEAR FILLMORE L. T.,
October 20 1853
GovERNoR:-Deeming that it may be of interest
to you, hasten to send you snccinct account of
the late terrible massacre which occurred ia this VI
entity on the morning of the 26th inst On the
morning of the 18th inst, Capt j. W Gunnison,
with portion Of his scientific party, an escort of
seven men, and Mr.. William Potter on Mauti. as
guide, LETT our camp on Sewer for the purpose of
surveying the lakes. The same morning / moved
with the remainder of my command fourteen miles
up the Sewer, tsere intending to await the return
OF the late Capt q. On the morning of the 26tb
at ii A NJ, the non commissioned officer in cLaroe
OF the escort, came running breathessly into carnn
saying that their party had been surprised and he
believed, all had been killed immediately pro
ceeded 10 the fatal spot, with all the troops had
III hopes OF saving some of the party or rescuinp
the wounded. On my way, | met three more of nv
men who had escaped all of whom confirmed the
sad intelligence but knew not who had fallen
Pushing rapidly on, | reached at dark the spot
where three OF the party had fallen. Their bodies
were filled with arrow wounds though not other
wise muulated. l halted nv command here for the
night and waited until daylight, when proceeded
on. Reaching the vicinity of the camp ( found
the remaining cOrpses of the party, ali of which
were stripped and some muulated Capt Gunni-
son was killed by fifteen arrow wounds and had his
left arm cut off. Mr. Creuizeldt had both arms emf
of The statement made by the survivors is as
follows THAT Capt. G. reached the first pond or
lake at T. NJ, on the 25th inst and encauped he
tween the lake and river and on bend of the river
thlckly frnged with willows; that the party arose
at daybreak, and were in the act of breakfasting
when terrific yell raised on their left accom-
panied by discharge of rifles and shower of ar
rows. The escort seized their rifles and some few
shots were exchanged, when, finding that the In
dams were rapidly closing around their little marty
they all tried to reach their horses Those who
succeeded escaped while those who failed fell The
lowest number Of Indians is stated at sixty. The
American party consisted Of twelve men. all told
NAMES OF THE KILLED.-Capt j. w. Gunnison,
corps OF Typographical Engineers Z. s. Army: Mr..
VIM. Porter, guide Mauti, Utah Territory: Nr r
n, Kern topgrapher of the party; VIM. Creutzd-
ieldt botanlst of the party; Privates Garfield LIN
troot and Mehrteens company A. mounted rife
men, John Bellows employee.
The Indians secured eight rifles two douhla bar
relied shot guns, seven pistols, and about one thou
sand rounds Of cartridges or ammunition: all the
scientific instruments with the party. and some of
the notes of the survey all of those of the Wahsatch
Mountains, and, in fact most of the sketches and
topography between the San Rafael and this point.
In concluding this hasty note permit me to make
known my obligations to Mr.. Richards and Col
Call OF the city of Fillmore for their kind assis-
lance IN enabling me to send an express with this
Inteigence to the general government, and to your
Excellency.
am, SIT, with much respect your obedient SER
want r. NJ NORRIS
To his Excellency, Gov. BRIGHAM YOUNG. Utah
Territory.