The Shasta courier., 1859-11-05
SHASTA COURT Err.
Interesting News from the Pit River
War.
K1BBE's HEAD QUARTERS, /
PIr RIVER, Oct. 81, 1859. {

PIT RIVER. Oct. 81, 1859.
EDITOR SHASTA COURIER :-Su-Having q
days respite after an arduous tramp of two
months amid the wild recesses of the Sierra Ne
vada, propose to give you condensed, made
quate though truthful statement of my expert
ence amongst these mountains.
Having been detailed in that portion of Gen.
Kibbe's expedition commanded by Bill Byrnes,
we proceeded towards the head waters of Fea-
ther River, and, as you are aware met with the
most pleasing success before arriving therein
paving the way for the transportation of the
various tribes which inhabited that region, by
the capture of all their chiefs and most promi-
nent of their warriors; after which it was only
necessary for Gen. Kibbe to send few I" sore
backs commanded by a commissary, to recov-
er the balance. Gen. Kibbe, in his plans, so
far, has been very successful and although his
whole heart and energy is devoted to the welfare
of the people of this State, in removing the In
dians with the least possible expense, and with
the greatest humanity towards the poor barba-
rous wretches whom he has to deal with, yet
am opposed to his ultra economical system in
not providing each volunteer with good horse
to ride.
am. positively serious, Mr. Editor, when af
hrm that ten men well mounted can capture
more Indians and effect more good with less
expense to the State, and less fatigue to them
selves, than thirty men on foot cannot stay
to argue this point, but in order to substantiate
my statement, will draw a simple comparison
The man who is mounted, after accomplishing
march OF fifteen or twenty miles, can dismount,
cook his supper, and feel fresh, and while his
animal is enjoying its repose, and replenishng
itself with the rich bounty which nature has so
laVishly distributed through these mountains,
he can take trip to some neighboring peak,
discover smoke or some other Indian sign, and
Is always ready for nightly scout or an attack.
Look at the footrnan, with his blankets on his
back, his rife On his shoulder, and (if lucky
enough to have 1T loaf of bread slung by his
shot-pouch, after performing a similar march,
and you will come to the conclusion that he
would much prefer going to sleep than advanc-
ing FIVE or six miles further in search of a
rancheria.
A very fine field for the capture of Indians
was opened a few days ago in the vicinity of
Eagle Lake, but being out of provisions, and at
a distance of sixty miles from head quarters, it
was impossible for US to remain and scout the
country with that diligence necessary to ulti-
mate success. There we encountered some of
the most reselute and determined of all those
hostile bands, inasmuch as they would neither
surrender nor accept Of quarter, but died like
warriors, fighting in defiance of opposing num-
bers. We saw but six, yet have reason to be-
lieve that they are numerous in that quarter
can only conjecture, that as soon as supplies
are received, Capt. Byrnes will proceed towards
the head ofP River, and from thence scout all
that country back again to Eagle Lake, where
we are all sanguine of ;nxck success
Since Gen. Kibbe's departure from head
quarters, there has been what may be termed
active service, in the shape of several battles
About eight days ago portion of our party,
consisting of 35 men, encountered several bands
of Indians about twelve miles from here, and
succeeded in taking twenty prisoners and
killing fourteen. One of our boys received an
arrow in the wrist, which was extracted without
difficulty or danger. After their arrival Capt
Byrnes divided the whole company into three
divisions, with q different route assigned tc
each. First, commanded by himself; second
by Lieut.. McCarty; third, by Orderly Sergeant
Elwees. The party commanded by McCarty en-
countered about one hundred Indians fifteen
miles down the river. The Indians were en-
camped on the opposite side, and discovered oul
party before any arrangement could be formed
to cross. They determined to escape without
fgbting or coming to terms but before accom-
plishing their object, thirty bucks bit the
dust. believe it is the intention of Captain
Byrnes to proceed in the wake of these Indian:
until he captures the last one.
Through the politeness of Mr.. Lockhart the
company was furnished yesterday with several
local journals, and in the perusal of one was
amused in noticing the frail attempt of that no.
torious squaw man, Harry Landt in his endeav-
ors, by false representation in the Plumas
Ar-gooss, to cast stigma upon the character and
fame of Gen Kibbe. How could Gen. Kibbe be
responsible for the actions of an independent
company of citizens who organized together for
the purpose of protecting their property and
their lives against the marauding depredations
almost daily committed by those ruthless say
ages2 who delight in the plundering and gloat
over the assassination of the white man whom
fortune may leave exposed to their vengeace.-
Nor is it reasonable to suppose that Gen. Kibbe
In negotiating with the Indians, could ever con-
descend to break faith with them. His character
for uprightness and integrity is sufficient of it.
self to repudiate the foul infamy of that grovel-
ing accusation, instituted by squaw-man Landt
Lieut. Van Shell is under medical treatment
at Fort Crook. He was bitten by a scor,io,,
some time ago. but is nearly returned to con
i valeseence. w, We have now in camp twenty-nine
prisoners taken by Van Shells comnan,, -
Gus to our arrival. Gen. Kibbe has No. p.eFl-
rived, but is looked for every day SHasT, al