Show GENERAL P E CONNOR Biographical Sketch by I H Bancroft the Pacific Coast Historian Cantinucd From Yesterdays Second Edition HEADQUABTEBS DISTBIOT OF UTAH I CAM U T FebGth 1863 f Colonel I have the honor to report that from information received from various sources of the encampment of large body of Indians on Bear River in Washington Territory one hundred and forty miles north of this point who had murdered several sev-eral miners during the winterpassing to and from the settlements in this valley to the Beaver Head mines east of the Rocky Mountains Moun-tains and being satisfied that they were part of the same band who had been murdering daring emmigrants on the Overland Mail route for the past fifteen years and the principal actors and leaders in the horrid massacres of the past summer I determined although tho season was unfavorable for an expedition in consequence of the cold weather and deep snow to chastise them i possible Feeling that secrecy was tho surest way to success I determined to deceive de-ceive the Indians by sending a small force in advance judging and rightly that they would not fear a small number The chiefs Pocatillo and Sanpitoh with their bands of murderers are still at large I hope to be able to kill or capture them before be-fore spring I I succeed the Overland Mail route west of the Rocky Mountains will be rid of the Bedouins who have harrassed and murdered emmigrants on that route for a series of years I consequence of the number of men left on the route with frozen feet and those with the train and howitzerf and guarding the cavalry horses I did not have to exceed two hundred men engaged On the 22d ult I ordered Company K Third Infantry California Volunteers Cap tain Hoyt two howitzers under command of Lieutenant Honeyman and twelve men of the Second California Cavalry with a train of fifteen wagons conveying twelve days supplies to proceed in that direction On the 24th ultimo I proceeded with detachments detach-ments from companies A H K and M Second Sec-ond California Cavalry Surgeon Reid Third California Volunteers Captains Mc Lean and Price and Lieutenants Chase Quinn and Conrad Second California Cavalry Major Gallagher Third California Volunteers and Captain Berry Second Cali fornia Cavalry who were present at this post attending general court martial as volunteers leaving Colonel George S Evans 2d California Cavalry in command at Camp Douglas marched the first night to Brigham City about sixtythree miles distant and the second nights march from Camp Douglas I overtook the Infantry and artillery at the town Mondon and ordered them to march again that night I resumed march with the cavalry and overtook the infantry at Franklin W T about twelve miles from the Indian encampment As daylight was approaching I was apprehensive that the Indians In-dians would discover the strength of my force and make their escape I therefore made a rapid march with the cavalry and reached the bank of Bear River shortly after af-ter daylight in full view of the Indian encampment en-campment and about one mile distant I immediately ordered Major McGarry to advance ad-vance with the cavalry and surround before attacking them while I remainded a few minutes in the rear to give orders to the infantry in-fantry and artillery On my arrival on the field I found that Major McGarry had dismounted dis-mounted the cavalry and was engaged with the Indians who had sallied out of their hiding places on foot and horseback and with fiendish malignity waved the scalps of white women and challenged the troops to battle at the samo time attacking them Finding it impossible to surround them inconsequence in-consequence of the nature of the ground he accepted their challenge The position of the Indians was one of strong natural defense and almost inaccessible inacces-sible to the troops being in a deep dry ravine from six to twelve feet deepand from thirty to forty feet wide with very abrupt banks and running across level tableland along which they had constructed steps from which they could deliver their fire without being themselves exposed Under the embankment they had constructed artificial courses of willows thickly wove together from which they could fire without being observed After being engaged about twenty mutes I found that it was impossible to dislodge them without great loss of life I accordingly accord-ingly ordered Major McGarry with twenty men to turn their left flank which was in the ravine where i entered the mountain Shortly afterwards Captain Hoyt reached I the ford threefourths of a mile distantbut found it impossible to cross the footmen some of whom tried it however rushing into the river but finding it deep retired I immediately ordered a detachment of cavalry with led horses to cross the infantry which was done accordingly and upon their arrival on the held I ordered them to the support of Major McGarrys flanking party who shortly afterward succeeded in turning the enemys flank Up to this time in consequence of being exposed on a level and open plain while the Indians were under cover they had tho advantage ad-vantage of us fighting with the ferocity of demons My men fell thick and fast around me but after flanking them we had the advantage ad-vantage and made good use of i I ordered a flanking party to advance down the ravine on either side which gave us the advantage of an infilading fire and caused some of the Indians to give way and run toward the mouth of the ravine At this point I had a company stationed who shot them as they ran out I also ordered a detachment of cavalr across the ravine to cut off the retreat re-treat of any fugitives who might escape the company Captain Price at the month of the ravine But few however tried to es ravne cape but continues fighting with unyielding unyield-ing obstinacy frequently engaging hand to hand with troops until killed in their hiding hid-ing places The most of those who did escape es-cape from the ravine were afterwards shot in attempting to swim the river or killed while desperately fighting under cover of the dense willow thicket which lined the I river banks To give you an idea of the desperate character of the fight you are respectfully re-spectfully referred to the list of killed and wounded transmitted herewith The fight commenced about 6 oclock in the morning and continued until 10 At the commencement commence-ment of the battle the hands of some of the men were so benumbed with cold that it was with difficulty that they could load their pieces Their suffering during tbe march was awful beyond description but they steadily continued without regard to huger cold or thirst not a murmur escaping es-caping them to indicate their sensibilities to pain or fatigue Their uncomplaining enduran during their four nibts marnh I from Camp Douglass to the battlefield is worthy of the highest praise The weather was intensely cold and not less than eventyfive had their feet frozen and some of them I fear will be crippled for life I should mention here that in my march from the post no assistance was rendered by the Mormons who seemed indisposed to divulge any information regarding the In dians and charged enormous prices for every article furnished my command I have also to report to the General commanding that previous > to my departure Chief Justice Kinney of Utah made a requisition for he purpose of arresting the Indian chiefs tear Hunter Sanpitch and Sagwitch I in ormed the marshal that my arrangements for expedition against the Indians were made and that it was not only my intention to take no prisoners but that he could ao company me Marshal Gibbs accordingly accompanied me and rendered efficient aid in oaring for the wounded I have great pleasure in awarding to Major McGarry Major Gallagher and Surgeon Sur-geon K K Reid the highest praise for their skill gallantry and bravery throughout the engagement And to the company officers the highest praise is due without invidious distinction for their courage and determination determi-nation evinced throughout the engagement their obedience to orders attention kindness kind-ness and care for the wounded are not less worthy of notice Of the good conduct and bravery of both officers and men California Cali-fornia has reason to be proud We found 224 bodies on the field among which were those of the chiefs Bear Hunter Sagwitch and Lehi How many more were killed than stated I am unable to say as the condition of the wounded redered their immediate removal a necessity I was unable un-able to examine the field I captured 175 horses some arms a large quantity of wheat and other provisions which had been furnished them by the Mormons I left a supply of provisions for the sustenance of 160 captive squaws and children who were released by mo on the field The enemy had about 300 warriors mostly all armed with rifles and having plenty of ammunition which rumor says they received re-ceived from the inhabitants of this Territory Terri-tory in exchange for the property of massacred mas-sacred emigrants The position of the Indians In-dians was one of great natural strength and had I not succeeded in flanking them the morality of my command would have been terrible In consequence of the deep snow the howitzers did not reach the field in time to be used in the action I have the honor of remaining very respectfully Your obedient servant Signed P ED CONNOB Colonel 3rd Infantry Cal Vol Comd Dist To Lt Col E 0 Drum Adjt Gen USA Department of the Pacific Eighteen of Colonel Connors command were killed fortynine were wounded and seventysix were confined to the hospital suffering from frostbitten feet making a total of 142 casualties When the battle was ended Colonel Connor gave every attention at-tention to his wounded men The dead were placed in the baggage wagons ready for transportation to camp He destroyed the lodges eighty in number and all the provisions of the Indians with the exception ex-ception of what would bo needed for the squaws and children or could be used by the troops or sold for the government On the morning after the battle the wounded were hurried on to camp in advance of the main body receiving on their way every attention possible The remainder of the force was detained by the mountain snows and die not reach Camp Douglas until the evening of the 4th of February 1863 The dead were buried in the graveyard of the post with all military honors On February 81863 while the volunteer were out on dress parade the following order was read by Adjutant Wm D Ustick HEADQUABTEBS DISTBICT OF UTAH CAMP DOUGLAS U T Feb 61863 f The Colonel commanding has the pleasure pleas-ure of congratulating the troops of this post upon the brilliant victory achieved at the Battle of Bear River Washington Territory After a rapid march of four nights in intensely in-tensely cold weather through deep snows and drifts which you endured without murmur complaint even when some of your number were frozen with cold and faint with hunger and fatigue you met an enemy who have heretofore on two occasions occa-sions defied and defeated regular troops and who have for the last fifteen years been the terror of the emigrants men women and children and citizens of those valleys murdering and robbing them without fear of punishment At daylight on the 29 of January 1863 yon encountered the enemy greatly you superior in numbers and had a desperate battle Continuing with unflinching courage for over four hours you completely cut him to pieces captured his property and arms destroyed his stronghold and burnt his lodges The long list of killed and wounded is time most fitting eulogy on your courage and bravery The Colonel commanding returns you his thanks The gallant officers and men who were engaged in this battle without with-out invidious distinction merit the highest praise Your uncomplaining endurance and unexampled conduct on the field as well as your thoughtful care and kindness for the wounded is worthy of emulation While we rejoice at the brilliant victory you have achieved over your savage foe it is meet that we do honor to the memory of our brave comrades the heroic men who fell fighting to maintain the supremacy of our arms We deeply mourn their death and acknowledge their valor Wllile the people of California will regret their loss they will do honor to every officer and soldier who has by his heroism added new laurels to the fair escutcheon of the State By order of Colonel Connor Signed War D USTICK First Lieutenant and Adjutant Third Infantry In-fantry C V Acting Assistant Adjutant General When the report of this victory reached the War Department at Washington through official reports the following ac knowledgemnt was made Headquarters of the Army I Washington D C March 291863 BrigGeiieral Geo Wright Condg Dept of the Pacific San Francisco Cal GENEBAL I have this day received your letter of February 20th inclosing P Ed Connors report of his severe battle and splendid victory on Boar River Washington Territory After a forced rnarch of one hundred and forty miles in midwinter and through deep snows in which seventysix of his men were disabled by frozen feet he and his gallant band of only two hundred attacked at-tacked three hundred warriors in their stronghold and after a hard fought battle of four hours destroyed the entire band leaving leav-ing two hundred and twentyfour dead upon the field Our losses in the battle were eighteen killed and fortynine wounded Colonel Connor and the brave Californians deserve the highest praise for their gallant and heroic conduct Very respectfully Your obedient servant Signed H W HALLEOK GeneralinChief This victorytho result of vigorous strategy and bold execution completely subdued the Indians who never afterwards were troublesome trouble-some in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho In recognition of this conduct in the battle of Bear River Colonel Connor was promoted on March 291863 to the rank of Brigadier General of Volunteers he wan now noted as the best Indian fighter in the West The news of Colonel Connorapromotion reached Camp Douglas late at night and was at once celebrated by the firing of cannon and martial music The sudden demonstration breaking out in the night alarmed the Mormons Mor-mons whose relations with the United States Government representatives there were at that time in an exceedingly tense state They thought it the signal of attack by the troops upon Salt Lake City and rallied at once for defence at Brigham Youngs residence but in this they were disappointed dis-appointed General Connors position in Utah in view of the growing bitterness of the Mormons required cool judgmen and determined strength How he met these difficulties is shown by the following circular letter HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF UTAH CAMP DOUGLAS U T March 11864 Circular The undersigned has received I numerous letters of complaint and inquiry from parties within and without the district ho former alleging that certain residents of Utah Territory indulge in threats and menaces against the miners and others de irons of prospecting for precious metals and the latter asking what if any proteo ion will be accorded to those coming inner to develop time mineral resources of he country Without giving undue importance to the thoughtless words of misguided prejudiced or badhearted men who may be guilty of such throats as those referred to and indulging in-dulging in the hope that they are but individual indi-vidual expressions rather than menaces issued is-sued by any presumed or presumptuous authority whatsoovertho undersigned takes occasion to repeat what no loyal citizen will gainsay that the Territory is the public property of the Nation whose wish it is hat it will be developed at the earliest pos ibly day in all its rich resources mineral as well as agricultural pastoral and mechanical To this end citizens of the United States and all desirous of becoming such are freely invited by public law and national policy to come hither to enrich themselves and advance the general welfare from out the public store which a bountiful Providence has scattered throughout these richly laden mountains and fertile plains The mines are thrown open to the ha and industrious and it is hardy announced they will receive the amplest protection that life property and rights against aSSSfo in from whatever source Indian or whit The undersigned has abundant know that the mountains of Utah reason t ° south east and west are prolific of north wealth Gold silver iron mineraj coal are found in almost every d5ectil and quantities which promise the richest rp iln results to the adventurous explorer and the trious miner indus In giving assurance of entire all who may come hither to protectj0 to mines the undersigned wishes prospect at thfa for most earnestly and yet ffrmly to wm time whether permanent residents or not all Territory that should violence be nff of thj5 attempted to be offered to miflen offerij ° r pursuit of their lawful occupation in the fender or offenders one or manV the of tried as public enemies and pnnishpri many Till i S utmost extent of martial law to the i Continued in Tomorrows issve i |