Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-04-16
PRICE ONE CENT,
por,,culors of the Humboldt I,ny r.r,ay. 9

Particulars of the Humboldt Bay Tragedy.
II is said that the total number killed in the
Humboldt Bay massacre was fifty-fve on In
dian Island fifty-eg on South Beach, forty
on South Fork of Eel River, and thirty-fve
on Eagle Prairie-one hundred and eighty
eight in all, principally women and children,
massaered in cold blood while sleeping in
their huts, by white men, none of whom
have been arrested or are publicly known.
A correspondent at Humboldt Bay gives the
following account; .1a 2 ll re. 9l--
For the last two or three years there have
been large settlements or Lodges of Indians,
on what is called Indian Island and South
Beach, both Of which are within short dis
tance of this pldce--say a mile. These In
dians-a great many Of them, at least--have
learned to speak the English language so as
to be understood; and great many have
earned an honest living by working in town
and among the settlers. There were not less
than ten or fifteen halfbreed infants among
the squaws, and all were living on the most
friendly and intimate terms with the whites;
and had all been assured Of the protection Of
the United States Garrison Of this place,
commanded by Major Raines. In the midst
of this fancied security the two camps were
rushed upon carly in the morning Of Sunday,
February 25 and literally and completely
wiped out. Yes, sir, my pen almost refuses
to record it. Nearly two hundred human
beings were put out of existence in the short
space of one hour from the commencement
Of the butchery; and, though you will hardly
believe me, | assure you that every squaw
and child was killed that could be found.
One man alone, captain OF the band, boasted
next day that he had killed thirty women
and children with his own hand, or rather
hatcheu Firearms were used to very lin
tied extent, but the work was chiefly done
with hatchsts iron bludgeons, knives, etc.
Next morning ] visited the camp, and
assure you that the scene was narrowing and
sickening in the extreme. Old squaws, de-
crepid and gray-haired; young squaws, the
mother of two or three children were lying
| in o pile. Sometimes and frequently, the
infant would be mortally woundedand cling
! ing to the dead mothers breast The stall
wart bucks lay scattered around quietly dis
patched with blow from hatchet and 6
thrust or two about the heart with Bowie.
| knife. Infants we're crawling around and
hiding among the rubbish, &c. Altogether
it was the most sickening spectacle that
ever beheld. And all this was done within
stone-throw of the United States barracks
| but let me assure you, that United States
barracks and United States troops are a
| perfectly useless here as they are anywhere
| Notwithstanding there isa petition, signed b.
all the families ON Eel River, praying Majo
Raines to protect the friendly Indians, yet h
lets things rip. I... ~. .....r -
The facts can hardly be credited in tn
Atlantic States, but | assure you they ar
strictly true. The same party are now ou
on the scout for more women and children
and when there are no more Indian womel
and children for them to kill, the blpod
thirsty fends will turn their hatchets ant
knives upon their own countrymeu. u 7