Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1873-05-16
5fisceltamu.
A Remarkable Career.
THE MAN WHO WAS WOUNDED THIRTY.
ONE TIMES.
FrOm the St Louis Republican,

ONE TIMES.
From the St Louis Republican,
The San Jose Mercury of the 26th
ult., states that William Byrnes, we'll
known California pioneer, was sent to
the insane asylum from that place few
days ago. Capt. Byrnes, as he is gener
ally called, is we'll known in this vicin-
ity. His life has been one of remarka-
BILE experience. He was born in Maine,
but removed to Missouri with his parents
when very young. When, at the age of
20 years, the Mexican government of
fered premium of $50 for every Apache
scalp taken in Mexico, Brynes and 9th,
ers formed company to 60 into the
scalping business in Chihuahua. Among
those who were associated with him
we're Robert Carson brother to Kit
CARSON, Jim Beckwilh and Jim Ian
sing. This last named individual was
an ex-pirate who had been pardoned by
President jackson on account of ser
vices rendered against the British in
the war of 1912.
The first raid among the Apaches
proved profitable. a second was projected,
but Byrnes experienced strange dream,
in which the inhumanity of the scalp
ing business was vividly presented to his
mind. He at once determined to return
to Missouri, and so informed his COM
panions, who, without him, persevered
in their original design. The Mexican
war commenced soon afterward, and
Byrnes joined Col. Prices regiment and
served until the end of the war. In
this regiment he became 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 pcen came to this state together
soon after gold was discovered. Smith
died few years ago, in the San Francis.
co county hospital. Byrnes commenced
mining at Hangtown, or Placerville
The Indians soon became troublesome tc
the miners, and Byrnes was selected as
captain of a company to pursue them.
After an effective campaign, Byrnes
applied himself to private business until
1858, at which time the state became
very much excited on account of the
murders and robberies of Joaquin Muir
leta and his band of highwaymen. The
Legislature authorized the organization
of company of "a men, under com
mand of Capt. Harry Love, to pursue
and break up the Joaquin gang. Byrne'
joined the company. After pursuit o
three months, the company encountered
the Joaquin band on the Tulare plains
A fight ensued, which lasted half al
hour. Byrnes and Joaquin approached
within 80 feet of each other, each shoot
ing at his adversary. One of Byrnes'
shots struck Joaquin, who fell dead from
his saddle. Three-fngered Jack ant
several others were also killed, and /!
of the band were taken prisoners. Byrne
preserved the head of Joaquin, whicl
was soon exhibited in San Francisco
Love and his men were all allowed extri
pay by the Legislature for theirservices
and Byrnes was granted special re
: ward, which he declined. Byrnes after
!. ward settled ia Carson valley and en-
gagged in ranching. He was, at late
date, called into the field again TO fgh
the Indians, and was active throughou
the war with the Pi-Utes under Whine
mucca. He was badly wounded by th
Indians and also shot by a woman Will
engaged in mining. Hewas at one tim
engaged in the management Of the stat
prison under Gen. Estell. During hi
entire career, he received 81 wounds
three of which were near the heart, an
one on the head.