The weekly Arizona miner., 1868-10-31


 A week ago to-day the Indians who infcst this country commenced the most daring, vigorous, persistent and, Live may add, success full raid against the whites of this section that we have ever known or heard of them to make, for in that short space of time they have made four successful attacks upon as many different parties, and, in every instance, have come out winners in the game of life and death, they having killed two men and wounded five others, three of whom are not expected to live These startling events have crowded upon Us in such rapid succession. that we scarcely know what to think of mat ters, and our people have been in high state of excitement ever since our willy foes started upon this their most brilliant campaign.
 Their first attack was made upon Joseph Melvin and J. J. Gibson, while they were go- ing from the Agua Fro to the Verde. The particulars of which. are nearly as follows While riding along the road, near Ash Creek, they were waylaid and fired into by a large band of Indians. when Mr Gibson received four large bullets in bis arm, and two Tn the right breast A bullet passed through Mir. Meyin's boot leg, and he, having so mracu- lously escaped unhurt, held his friend Gibson on the saddle, while they retreated towards the Agua Frio pursued by the murdercrs. When shot at, Mir Gibson, tried to take his shot-gan out of the gun-leather on the pum- mel of his saddle, but rope by which he was leading pack mule, was fastened to the pummel. and in order to facilitate matters, he pulled his knife, cut the rope and leather, when. unfortunately, the gun dropped to the earth and both it and the mule fell into the hands of the Indians. On reaching Willow Springs, Gibson, from loss of blood, became too faint 10 ride further, and Melvin was forced to leave him and ride to the ranches for assistance. A wagon was soon in readi- ness, went out and hauled him to his home. Sunday night, Messrs Banghart, Lount and others started from town for Gibson's ranch, and brought him 10 Fort Whipple Hospital, where he now lies This is the second time, within the past few years, that Mir. Gibson has been attacked by Indians.
 Sunday last, about o'clock in the after noon, as Josiah Whitcomb, Wm King and Mr. Boblett were coming to Prescott, from their ranches at the Toll-Gate, and when neal Burnt Ranch about four miles from this place fire was opened upon them from both sides o the road, when Mr. Whitcomb was shot dead and Mr King. while in the act of firing al the savages, received severe bullet wound in the left leg Mr. Bobleti, who rode on tn, seat along side of Mr. Whitcomb, escaped without scratch. A discharged soldier, whC rode behind the wagon, escaped. Upon be ing shot, Mr. Whitcomb, who was driving dropped the reins, and would have fallen out of the wagon had not AIr Bob,ett dropped his gun, (which fell out and was picked ul by the Indians) and caught hold of him. Mir B. then grabbed hold of the reins and droy out of the trap as fast as possible. Whel the attack was made upon this party, a larg party of recruits were coming on behin them, close enough to hear the firing, but nc near enough to render assistance. Mr Le, of American Ranch, who was with the so dierz. informed us that the ground in the Vi cinity of the place where the attack wa made, was literally covered with arrow Mr. Whitcomb was buried in this place } Monday last in the Masonic burying ground His funeral was attended by the members ( the Masonic and Odd Fellows societies an the citizens generally. He leaves a wife an three little children and an aged father an mother tall of whom reside in this vicinity to mourn his loss.
 Next day Monday) about ten o'clock, ar other or the same party of Indians, attacke party of five men. composed of George | Bowers, Jos. C. Lennon, and three soldier as they were coming from Camp Lincoln [ Prescott. The attack was made upon th party st point about a mile east of th Cienega. At the time of the attack, l Bowers was iE the lead, followed by sol dier; next came Mr. Lennon, who was fol lowed by two soldiers. The first intimatio the party had of danger was the seeing of blaze of fire issuing from the mouths of abou thirty guns, which the Indians had leyele upon them from both sides of tEe road, aC companied by showers of arrows and deafen ing savage yeIIs. Poor, brave George Bower' was shot in the abdomen, and the soldier Nyh rode behind him was shot from lis mul, wounded in six places. Mr. Lennon and th twV soIdiers wLo rode behind Linn cseapcl