The Nevada Democrat., 1860-05-23
TILE FIGHT NEAR PYRAMID LAKE.

paeeuent is already known to you, and would
fan never advert to the disgraceful affair." did not
the loss of man, whose memory is dear to most
Of devoted friends, make it impossible to restrain
not only the expression Of our sorrow, but also the
indignation which we all feel Of the puslanimous
conduct of the men through whose desertion Henry
Meredith was made the victim Of his chivarous
spirit
On the receipt Of the news OF the massacre at
williams station, party Of men, numbering 90,
mainly strangers to one another, agreed to place
themselves under the command Of Mr. Archy Nc
Donald Of Sacramento. A great many more would
have gone, had it been possible to procure horses,
and particularly arms Among those who went
we're Henry Meredith, young Baldwin, son Of Judge
Baldwin of Sacramento. have also heard that
man by the name Of Pat. McCourt and another
named JOS Hall; were with the party. These are,
ms far as have been able to learn, all the Nevada
men who we're able to join the expedition. Many
of Mr.. Meredths friends, knowing his chivalrous
spirit, had orebodiAg Of the fate that awaited him,
and some, myself among them, tried to dissuade
him from going, pointing out to him the little
amount Of reliability he could place in the heteroge-
neous crowd with whom he was starting But all
was iunayailing--ho had good mule, good weap-
ons and he thought it his duty, in view Of the scar
city OF these necessary articles to make them avail
able. This company was joined, whilst on their
march, by 4j more men from Genoa, Silver City,
and Carson City, under the command Of Major
Ormsby of the latter place. At Williams station
the got on the trail OF the Indians and followed this
As miles, when at 4 o'clock P. NJ. Of Saturday the
18th inst, they arrived at bend of the Truckee, in
view Of the Indians who were encamped on the hills
to their right, thus placing them between the river
and the Indians. 1t agreed that the whole
force should be placed under the command of Major
Ornsby. A report has been prevalent here that at
this stage of affairs Indian was seen approaching
with a white flag. The individual who spread this
rumor is one ofthe returned heroes, but all the men
who have arrived since, Che was one Of the frst,)
assert that this pretended flag nothing more nor
less than a battle axe which an Indian brave was
brandshing over his head. a man with telescope
rifle ascertained this first and then fired on the
brave. This was the signal for the Indians open
ing their FIRE, accompanying it with whoops and
yells. Major Ormsby then ordered the men to
charge, which they did, driving the mounted Indi-
ans before them, when some 300 Indians on foot,
who had been laying in ambush to the left, protect
cd and hid by the brow Of HILL Immediately closed
in behind them. The command was then given to
retreat to the timber the banks Of the river Upon
reaching this the men were ordered to dismount
and the order obeycd. But hardly had a few
taken up their position, when it was discovered that
the bulk of the party had re-mounted, put spurs,
and left the handful of brave men who were ready
to do their duty at the mercy of this savage horde.
All the efforts of Major Ormsby and Mr.. Melon
aid to rally proved unayailing-the men flew in wild
confusion. At the first stand which was made in
the timber, Mr. Meredith was wounded in the hand,
when turning on the Indians, he fired both barrels
Of his gun, bringing down two of the red devils.
The Indians, upon this poured vollcy into him,
and, AS Mr.. Baldwin says, riddled him with balls.
gentleman by the name OF Richard Lawrence Of
fered to take him ON his horse but he declined the
generous offer, replying "No sir, it might endan-
ger your life" During this time young Baldwin
was trying TO catch his mule, which had broke loose,
but the gallant warrior, the one who had seen the
white flag had already caught the animal. Mr..
Baldwin got hold Of the bridle however. and offered
this man the use of his own (Baldwins) mule, pro-
ydcd he could rido behind him, promising at the
same time, to dismount as soon as the mule should
show signs Of giving out He agreed to this, but
leaplng on the saddle, put spurs, and left young
Baldwin to take care of himself the best way he
could. During all this, young b. could see poor
Meredith, stretched the ground his head reclin-
ing on his hand looking steadily at 30 or 10 Indians
who, with whoops and yells, rushing upon him
with their knives. Mr.. Lawrence then took Bald
win behind him, bullet grazcd his side as he was
getting on. lie carried thus some eight miles,
when the horse giving out, he took to the willows.
Mr.. Mcdonald and others have no doubt that, had
the men stood at their posts when they reached the
timber, they would have easily repulsed the Indians
but instead of this, it was longer fight, but
fight on the part Of the whites, and pursuit or
that Of the Indians. Fortunately the night closed
in upon them, thus giving great number a chance
to strike through the mountains. The first ones
that in, reported at least Is killed, but have
every reason to believe this to be exaggerated, as
great many have come in up to this time in a most
pitiable condition and some wounded besides. Their
sutEerngs through hunger, thirst andexposure must
have been terrible. Young Baldwin was out three
nights after the fight, and had been reported as
dead by every one that came in, except one or two
who said there might be chance of his being saved
Major Ormsby was killed in the retreat; he was
then riding poor Meredith's mule. There is no
doubt that great many poor devils are wandering
through the mountains, some of whom are wound
cd. A few men, who have horses and arms, have
been scouting the country as far they dare, and
have succeeded in rescuing several. But the alb
senee Of arms prevents any thorough search being
made.
You may well imagine that this affair has thrown
this place into considerable trbulation. Should the
Indians, who are said to have gathered in great
numbers have much pluck as barbarity, moth
ing would be easier than for them to sweep the
town. There are men enough, but we without
arms-a great number not having even revolvers.
sort of military organization has been formed by
the few men who have guns, and they patrol the
streets through the night. In spite Of this, not
night passes without false alarm is circulating
through the camp, keeping nervous individuals in a
state of agitation ludicTous to contemplate. We
have besides, unfinished stone house wherein the
beauty of Virginia City will take refuge in case Of
attack. hope this fortress viii never be put to the