User:Asiaticus/sandbox/Mojave Desert Indian Campaign

Mojave Desert Indian Campaign

Origins of the conflict
Troubles with the Southern Paiute began following two incidents along the Mojave River. One was the killing of a cattleman in January 1860, on the Mojave River, reportedly by Southern Paiutes.


 * "Pursuit of Indians.

"We have great pleasure in being enabled to state that Col. B. L. Beall, commanding at Fort Tejon, has detailed a party of the First Dragoons, numbering twenty-five men, under Lieut. Carr, to go out in pursuit of Indians in the Mojave country Lt. Carr will proceed by the Soledad Pass, which he will leave guarded, in the neighborhood of which it is believed some thieving Indians are concealed, after searching this place, he will proceed down to the Cajon Puss, in search of the Indians who have been stealing horses in that section, and then out to the Mojave, the scene of the late murder, down the river to Lane's crossing. It is the intention of this officer to scour the country, and thoroughly chastise the rascals who have been committing such-depredations on stock-owners, as well as those concerned in the late murder. Lieut. Carr has had considerable experience among the warlike Indian tribes on Pitt River, and we are certain will efficiently perform the duty entrusted to him. He was at San Fernando, awaiting the arrival of Mr. David who is to act as guide to the party ; the latter left here on the stage for Fort Tejon, but had missed the party on the way."

Two months later of two unarmed teamsters and well-known merchants, Thomas S. Williams and his brother-in-law, Jehu Jackman from a wagon train on the Mormon Road were attacked at Bitter Spring by Native American men thought to be Paiute. They had posed as friends before suddenly turning on them, feathering them with arrows. Williams lived to warn the train of wagons he was leading before dying. Jackman survived to be rescued by his fellows on the train, to be carried to Lane's at the upper crossing of the Mojave. He lived for a time treated by Dr. Ainsworth of San Bernardino, but died after a month.

By that time in April 1860 Major James Henry Carleton was appointed commander of the Bitter Spring Expedition to deal with the Paiute raiders.