Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1891-12-18
James Sanderson's Revenge.


There has just died in this place q
man who for ten years waged most
mereiless war on the Comanche In
dians OF this region. His career Is
over. but il was one OF the most re-
markable ever known outside of 8
dime novel. In 1862. James Sanderson
and his wife and one child were cross
ing the country. near the Arizona
line. with wagon and outfit.
4 band of Comanche Indians came
down upon them and killed the child
and also the woman, after horrible
outrages. Sanderson was tied 10
post and compelled TO witne" the
fearful scenes. After this, the In
dians began series OF tortures, and
his life was only saved be the timely
arrival OF a detachment OF soldiers.
v no drove of the savages, but not
until they had used fire to such an e1-
tent that the mans face was scanned
and Scared in horrible manner.
Sanderson said little about his ter
rible affection. but returned TO the
fort with the soldiers and remained
there until he recovered his health
Then he took solemn oath 10 be re-
yenged in a manner that would make
his name a terror to the Indians.
He supplied himself with rifle, re-
volver and ammunition, and left the
fort It was a month before he was
heard OF, and the affair had almost
passed from the minds ot the officers
and men. when one day Sanderson
walked in and threw down bundle
containing twenty nine scalps. lie
had followed the Indians and hung
on their trail, killing every one that
left the camp. until his presence be
came "A veritable terror 10 the band.
He made no distinction between men.
women and children, but killed any
that he could get near to. He seemed
endowed with charmed life, for the
Indians could not get near enough 10
do him harm, and he became known
a. the White Spirit The Indians
were frightened, and those who were
left made haste back 10 the home OF
the tribe, carrying with them the ter
rible tale OF the Nemesi. on their
track. Sandersou followed them 20
the mountains. and went where white
man had never been before.
Before his presence became known
i'm the neighborhood he had killed
10y, squaw, and two warriors.
Every time n band was sent out after
him they would return after losing
several members, and the Indians be
came afraid TO go about the country
alone. Within year he had thirty
nine scalps and said he had killed
twenty others whose scalps he was
unable to get. At the end OF the year
he raised the number to seventy
nine scalps, and said he would not re-
turn to the fort until he had one hun
dred. In July, 1864, IA coud-b burst oc
Cured above the village OF the bad
band OF Comanches, and the people
fed into a narrow gorge for safety.
The water came so suddenly that they
were compelled to fly with what they
could gather and run for their lives.
Sanderson came upon them as they
were huddled IN the gorge. and be
gan firing at them from above and
rolling stones down upon them. He
killed twelve and wounded Il great
number before they could get away.
By July. 1865, he had over 100 scalps
and had killed Mt least 140 Indians
and seventy ponies. He had no idea
OF abandoning his quest for revenge
but was more determined than ever
to wine out the whole tribe. After
the close OF the War OF the Rebellion
when the government turned its at
tention TO the Indians, n treaty was
made with the Comanches, and 1t WAS
stipulated by the Indians that San
derson be called away from the conn-
trv. He heard OF it, and for many
months kept out OF the way OF the
soldiers and continued his work OF
destruction. but at last was found
and told that he must give up the
work. He complied. but with great
reluctance, and has taken advantage
OF every Indian outbreak since then
TO 90 out aud kill the savages. - Fort
Sumner (N. NJ Letter in the Cincinnati
ENQUIRER.