The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1862-12-20
LATE INDIAN mASxACREs.

LATE INDIAN rrASxACREs.
| Correspondence ofthe Quincy Union, Oct. 2sthl
Seeing an account OF the massacre by
| the Indians on the train of George w.
Adams, while crossing the Plains, recent
| ~ published in the Sacramento Union,
and observing some inaccuracies. ] deem
it Of sufficient interest that correct state
ment Of the circumstances should BE- pub
lished, as Adams was formerly resident
of this county, and quite number Of
those who were killed at tho time have
friends in this and the adjoining coun-
iei.
The trAin Was quietly vending its way
on the road, about ten miles this side Of
the American Fails Of Snake river, but
were very much scattered, when, with
out any previous warming, they we're at
tackled by from seventy-fve to one hun
dred mounted Indians, who commenced
rapid fire from their ponies. Adams
formed his wagons as speedily as possible
into croral shape, and his men prepared
themselves as well AS circumstances would
permit to make defense, but 10 little ac.
count, for the Indians would ride IN. on
their ponies to within long range Il e, and
add then retreat 10 soloed. Meantime
they were rapidly forming circle around
the camps. when the little band. finding
that their only hope was in retreat, left
their wagons. II was in this retreat that
three men we're killed and several wound
ed-among the wounded was lady. To-
| wards evening several trains came along
and the fugitives gathered into camp
Newman d Kennedy's train took up the
survivors, and that night corral Of eighty
SIX wagons was formed, while little lat
er Thompson's train Of twenty wagons
came up and camped in the vicinity,
which made us feel more safe. The mex!
morning, August 10th, company of 40
we'll armed and mounted men. under the
lead of Captain kennedy, started out to
recover if possible the stolen stock. -
About FIVE miles of from the road they
came upon camp where there were
about 500 we'll armed Indians, who
charged upon the little band of Kennedy
and forced them to retire. In this Skin
mish three Of our party were killed by the
first FIRE and several acknowledgement
Kennedy mortally. On arriving ut camp
we found that Capt. John Walkers train
of forty-six wagons had come in during
our absence; double guard was posted,
the 6res put out, and the band of emf
grants spent the night in administering
such remedies for the wounded as we're at
hand. The next morning company of
volunteers went back to the place Of at
tack and found FIVE bodies, which they
brought in; and, beneath the shadow Of
the inhospitable Snake river mountains,
We laid them down in their final resting
place. On Tuesday morning, Miss Eliz.
abeth Adams, highly accomplished and
beautiful young lady, who was wounded
in the retreat Of Saturday while assisting
her mother to escape, died. and was buried
amid the sobs of strong hearted men, anc
the qniyering lips and moistened eyes o
the company, showing that she had en-
deared herself to all by her gentlenes,
and self-sacri6cing bravery. The plac,
where the company was camped was al
the junction of the Oregon with the mair
California road, and here Kennedy s traiu
left ~. taking the Oregon road. Capt
Kennedy and one of his men undoubted
{ " died afterward, as they were very seri
ously wounded.
II We had now company of one hun
dred and twelve wagons, and the severa
trains Joined for the purpose Of mutua
defense. .'ohn Walker was unanimous
; ly elected Captain of the company. H,
) made selection Of twenty well armet
/ men, and mounted them on the best hor
ses in the company. who acted as scouts
keeping in advance and closely cxamin
ing the ravines and and canons near tn,
road. A similar number were placed i,
the rear to guard against surprise from
that quarter, while all who were not en-
gagged IN driving teams or stock were re
CURED to keep at q convenient distanc,
! from each other on each side Of the train
In this manner We started from Raft riv
er. Wednesday We passed place where
train had been destroyed, but could find
no graves. On Thursday We came to an
other place who're wagon had been rob
, bed and burned here we found the bod
, les Of 1--WE meamurdered, and almost en-
tirsly dsnudsd Of flesh. They we're
doubtless, returning Californians
This night We were attacked again, blu
> the night WAS dark, and none Of our part,
y were wounded; some of the stock va
! out Of the corral, but under the cool al
3so.;oas u CAPT. Walker we got them al
safely in, and then whenever the fash Q
: gun could be seen, our IRE was direct
/ ed to il. Several rounds were fred, bu
without any apparent effect, while tn
savage war.whoop served to keep US Wild
awake. AT last loud shrek from GU
!. beslegers, and the sudden cessation 0
. their fire, led US to believe Il We has