Thos. F. Wright to James Ulio, May 15, 1864

SIR:

In accordance with Orders, No. 2, current series, from headquarters of the District of Humboldt, I have the honor to report the operations of the troops of this command during the preceding part of this month:

May 1 Lieutenant Geer, of the Mountaineers, was absent on a scout with a detachment of his own company, and Lieutenant Taylor, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, with ten men of Company E, of the Sixth Infantry, in the vicinity of Kneeland’s Prairie. Having struck a trail of hostile Indians, he on the morning of the 1st directed Privates Mills and Berry, of Company E, to proceed to the trail with the mules and baggage of his command, and there await the arrival of the supply train coming from Humboldt, join them, and come in to this post. Instead of doing so they kept on, without waiting, in advance of the train. On arriving at Booth’s Run, about six miles from here, they were about a mile in advance of the train when they were fired upon by some Indians, five in number, concealed in the rocks. Mills was mortally wounded and overtaken by the Indians, who cut his throat. Berry was shot through the hand, but succeeded in escaping with the loss of his gun and ammunition. The mules were then stripped and the blankets, overcoats, and cooking utensils taken away. This unfortunate affair was the result of the disobedience of orders on the part of the victims, and can be attributed tono one else. Lieutenant Geer continuing on the trail came up with the Indians at sundown. While planning his mode of attack the Indians engaged in the attack of the morning came in and joined them with all the plunder. The lieutenant then resolved to wait until daylight, in hopes more might arrive during the night. At daylight on the 2d he had completely surrounded them, when he made the attack successfully, as shown by his official report heretofore forwarded. One more body has since been discovered, making thekilledseveninstead of six. Thekilling of the squaws was unavoidable on account of the thickness of the bushes and the early hour of the attack, the camp being quite dark still. All who were recognized or gave themselves up were spared. Most of the property was recovered. On learning of the murder I immediately sent Lieutenant Hackett, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, with twenty men to search for Berry. The body of Mills was brought into this post by the train. May 2 Captain Greene, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, was ordered to scout to the southward of this post for five days. On the 3d Lieutenant Hutton was sent in charge of the prisoners taken to Fort Humboldt. On arriving at Brown’s ranch he found the missing man Berry, who had been shot three days previous, just arrived. He was taken in to Fort Humboldt. On the 4th First Sergeant Bellon, of Company G, Sixth Infantry, with thirteen men was sent in search of Berry and to scout over in the direction of the fight. Sergeant Bellon discovered that the Indians had returned and buried their dead. On the 5th Lieutenant Taylor was sent to the head of Mad River, with instructions to protect a drove of cattle and some families who were desirous of crossing the mountains. This was accomplished, and on returning the country was scouted. Allof the above scouts had returned on the 9th. On the morning of the 10th Captain Greene was, with forty men and twelve days’ supplies, directed to scout on Kel River to within ten miles of Camp Grant, thence to Larrabee Valley and the headwaters of Mad River, by Fort Baker home. Lieutenant Geer to scout with twenty-five men and ten days’ supplies north of Mad River along Boulder Oreek to its head, thence toward the head of Mad River. On the 11th Sergeant Holt with ten men of Company G, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, and ten Mountaineers [was detailed] to escort a party of citizens and a drove of cattle up Mad River to the head of Pilot Creek; thence scout in a southeast direction toward the head of Mad River and join Lieutenant Hackett, who on the 12th started for Fort Baker with twelve men, with instructions to go thence east toward the spot designated for the meeting. On the 13th Sergt. F, Bellon, of Company G, Sixth California Volunteer Infantry, was sent in pursuit of some Indians reported to be near Harris’ house, five miles southeast from the post, with twelve men and five days’ rations. When heard from Sergeant Bellon was on the trail. On the 15th Lieutenaut Taylor left with twelve men to escort the train toward Humboldt. On arriving at Freshwater Slough he is to leave the train and scout the country, joining it at the same place on the 18th. After seeing the train over the dangerous part of the road to Iaqua, Lieuten: ant Taylor will scout toward Mad River until the 23d instant.

very respectfully, your obedient servant,