SUNDAY 26th 1851
Quite an unusual degree of Excitement has prevailed the people of Some of the Mining districts of late on account of the numerous depridations commited by the Indians. Many Oxen & Mules have been drove off the Mountains where the red Skins have their Strong holds, fortified on all Sides by nature. A party of Men Set out from this place a Short time Since, for the purpose of retaking the Stolen property. They proceeded toward the Mountains and on their way found a Small Indian camp and demolished it killing Some three or four of their number. the remainder fled to the Mountains and the whites persued them to the Bass of an eceeding high Mountain and a very preciptous one upon the top of this Mountain they had their fortified town, and as the wites drew near large numbers of the red.s were Seen preparing for a defence, and Soon commenced the Battle by rolling huge rocks down the tremendous Steeps causing the Snow (which by the way was about 2 feet deep) to fly in every direction, as well as peaces of the rock itself, makeing it a dareing undertakeing to proceed any farther up the Mountain. the wites therfore with drew and arived at this place quite exausted . the troubles however on the Mariposa, were rather more Serious. Mr Savage had a Store on the little Mariposa , which the Indians took possesion of killing the Man who was left in charge, first and then carried off the goods to the Value of about $8,000. Mr Savage amediately raised a party of about 70 Men, and pursued them to their Strong hold which was only accessable at one point and that was a narrow passage . the Indians were about 300 Strong. The wites rushed in upon them causing them to Scatter at first, but they Soon rallied again and fought with desperate courage. the wites took to the trees, and Made Such terable havoc among the Indian Ranks that they fled in disorder leaveing between twenty and thirty dead upon the Field. the wites loss was three or four killed and Some wounded. the wites then burned the Town composeing A large number of Huts. the wites then withdrew and returned to their camp for a fresh Supply of provisions and a reinforcement. The weather continues very dry. Goods very cheap of every kind. Wrote a letter to Charles and Em to day.