Mariposa Democrat., 1857-05-27
The On, nrca MASSACRE.

We have been permitted says the S. F. Herald to
make the following extracts from a letter written by
NJ Crabb at Sonoita to his brotherin-aw, 7. w. Tall
afero, in that city, and received about month since
SoSorrA, March 25th 1851
DEAR TALIAFERRo II arrived at this place with
the chief part of the command day before yesterday,
all in good health and fine spirits. Capt. Mckinney is
still behind one days march, with twenty men. He
will be up this evening tomorrow. We suffered
somewhat from thirst and hunger between this and
the Fort (Yuma) but all was borne with patience and
good feeling. ! left Capt. NICK. with one wagon,
which he will probably have to leave behind as all the
working animals broken down. Nearly all my
packmules abandoned in the desert and most Of
the baggage was thrown away. | brought nothing
entirely through except provisions very little at hat
and ammunition. ] fear for Capt. Mckinney as he
has one wounded man accidentally wounded on the
trp) with him and two three sick They will have
hard time of it (mosy account of the scarcity of
water) but will doubt get through safely, by great
exertion In few days will take up the
line of march to Altar, place Of some Importance,
with about two thousand twenty-five hundred souls.
understand that it is the intention OF the people in
that quarter to attack me- If So will endeavor to
defend myself as best may. They certainly have no
right to treat rudey and violently peaceabe emgiants
who come to their country under the patronage of
Their government. stout resistance will be made by
my men to such outrageous acts Of injustice
The following is copied from the S. F. Chronicle.
1t was translated from a Mexican paper
SoNoIrA, March 26th, 1857.
To Dos JOSE MARIA REDoNDo According TO the
colonization laws of Mexico, and by virtue of being
invited by influential citizens Of Sonora, have enter
ed the limits Of this State accompanied by one hun
dred men, in advance of nine hundred more, with the
intention of finding a happy hearth with you and
among you. have come with the purpose of offend
ing nobody, without private public intrgues, and
on my arrival here have given cause Of distrust
but proofs of friendly disposition. 1t is true that
provided with arms and munition, but you aware
that the Americans are not accustomed to go without
them and besides, we had to cross a territory where
continued depredations are committed by the Apach-
es. am thus astonished to see, by certain evidence
that you appear indignant, and you have collected
forces to extermnate me and my companions.
know and positively assured that you have given
orders to poison the wells and that you propose to
the vilest and most cowardy arms. But take care,
sir; for all we should suffer will fall your head and
those who follow you would never have believed
that you could such barbarous means Ialso know
that you have tried to raise by pernicous offers our
friendly tribe the Papagos Indians but most likely
your intentions will be foed by the situation keep.
come to your country because have a right to fol
low the maxims of industry expecting to be received
with open arms but now am to understand that !
shall find my death among an enemy who is void of
humanity. However, in the name Of those who ac-
company me, and those who will follow me, protest
against all bad proceedings.
Finally, make up your minds, and consider this,
that if blood should be shed it will fall your head
and not on mine Nevertheless, you may continue in
your hostile preparations this will not prevent me 70
march, without delay, to the point intended to reach
from the very beginning. ] am at the head of this
expedition and my intention is to act as our preserva
ton and the law Of nature will commend, till we shall
meet at Altar | remain, sir, yours respectfully,
(Signed) HENRY A. CRABB.