Silas Skinner to Currey, July 13, 1864

Captain CURREY:

DEAR SIR: We are compelled by force of cireumstances to communicate to you a few facts in relation to the depredations committed by the Indians within the last few days. On Friday night last they made an attack on ranches a few miles below this place, stealing and taking all the stock in the valley, and what is still more shocking, killing and mangling one of our citizens in a most brutal manner. On Sunday morning a party of about twenty men organized and started in pursuit, and overtook them yesterday, the 12th, when a fight ensued, resulting in our defeat, killing Mr. Jordan and wounding two others. If they are not promptly punished I fear there is but little safety of the lives and property of our citizens.

Very respectfully, your obedient servants,