Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1873-05-23
n RB.u.sRM.sBLB C.fRRBR.

The San Joso Mercury OF the 2Glh ult
states that William Byrnes, a well-known
California pioneer, was sent 10 the insane
asylum from that place few days ago.
Capt. Byrnes, as he is generally called, Is
well known in this vicinity. His life has
been one Of remarkable experience. He
was born in Maine, but removed to Mis-
souri, with his parents when very young.
When, at the age of 20 years, the Mexican
government offered premium Of $50 for
every Apache scalp taken in Mexico,
Byrnes and others formed a company to go
into the scalping business in Chicbuahna.
Among those who were associated with
him were Robert Carson (brother OF Kit
Carson), Jim Beckwith and Jim Lansing.
This last-named individual was an ex-
pirate who had been associated with La
fitte, and had been pardoned by President
Jackson on account of service; rendered
against the British in the war of 1872
The first raid among the Apaches proved
profitable. "A second was projected, but
Byrnes experienced strange dream, In
which the inhumanity of the scalping busi-
ness was vividly presented TO his mind.
He at onco determined 10 return to Mis-
souri, and SO informed his companions,
who, without him, persevered in their
original design. The Mexican war com
menced soon afterward, and Byrnes Joined
Col. Prices regiment and served until the
end of the war. In this regiment he be-
came acquainted with Peg-leg Smith, who,
when wounded in the knee, amputated his
own leg because none of his companions
had nerve enough to perform the operation
for him. The two mon came 10 this state
together soon after gold was discovered.
Smith died a few years ago in the San
Francisco county hospital. Byrnes COM
menced mining at Hangtown, or Placer
vile. The Indians soon became trouble
some to the miners. and Byrnes was select
ed as captain of company to pursue them.
After an effective campaign, Byrnes ap-
piled himself to private business until 49,
SO, at which time the state became very
much excited on account of the murders
and robberies of Joaquin Murleta and his
band of highwaymen. The Legislature
authorized the organization Of a company
of "a men, under command of Capt. Harry
Love, to pursue and break up the Joaquin
gang. Byrnes Joined the company. Alter
a pursuit of three months, the company
encountered the Joaquin band on the
Tulare plains. A fight ensued, which last
cd half an hour. Byrnes and Joaquin ap-
preached within thirty feet of each other,
each shooting at his adversary. One of
Byrnes's shots struck joaquin, who fell
dead from his saddle. Three fingered Jack
and several others were also killed, and 10
of the band were taken prisoners. Byrnes
preserved the head of joaquin, which was
soon exhibited in San Francisco. Love
and his men were all allow ed extra pay by
the Legislature for their services, and
Byrnes was granted special reward, which
he declined. Byrnes afterward settled in
Carson valley and engaged in ranchng.
He was, at later date, called into the field
again to fight the Indians, and was active
throughout the war with the Pi. Utes under
Winnemucca. He was badly wounded by
the Indians and also shot by woman
while engaged in mining. He was at one
time engaged in the management OF the
state prison under Gen. Estel. During
his entire career he received 81 wounds,
three of which were near the heart and one
on the head.