Clarence E. Bennett to J. McFerran, February 25, 1865

‘Fort Bowie, Ariz. Ter., February 25, 1865.

COLONEL: On the 17th instant the Apache Indians, to the number of about 100, attacked Fort Buchanan. They shot one soldier through the leg. The soldiers, after the Indians fired the roof, made their escape. The Indians got about 200 rations, suits of clothing of six men, 250 cartridges, six cavalry horses and equipments, and some arms from the cavalry detachment near the post. They murdered Mr. Wrightson and Mr. Hopkins. Missing, 1 soldier stationed at Buchanan, supposed to be killed, and the Mexican boy with Mr. Wrightson. Of course everything they had fell into the hands of the Indians. I suppose Captain Merriam will make to department headquarters a detailed report of all this. Mr. Hughes, of Tucson, recently found at the cienega a man recently murdered, horribly mutilated, and he reports seeing fresh Indian tracks at the road near Dragoon Springs, where Indians had apparently been waiting. At Sulphur Springs fresh tracks of Indians with a large number of horses and mules. The men at San Pedro report seeing Indians frequently. The mail is not considered safe the way It is now carried by one man. Mr. Davis, the quartermaster’s clerk, just informed me that he was afraid neither of these expressmen would make another trip. The service isa very hard one. They are all good men and if they quit there is no way to carry the mail except by cavalry until they can be replaced. I think it will be difficult to replace them. Lieutenant Norton, First Cavalry California Volunteers, says the cavalry horses captured at Fort Buchanan were good ones, The

26 R R—VOL L, PT I expressman would not go by Buchanan; he said the other route was more open and a better road, and not much difference in the distance. There is another consideration—I am informed Jones is paid $125 a month, and these men $75, and I would employ either of these men before Jones. I should be sorry to have these men leave; they are good men, sober, trustworthy, and take good care of their animals. In any event, I will have the express carried in some way. Killing these murderous Apaches will have to be systematically and energetically carried on before there will be security for life or property in this Territory.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,