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In the Heart of the Sierras by James M. Hutchings (1888)

CHAPTER V.

CLOSE OF THE INDIAN CAMPAIGN.

On the early morning following the day of their arrival in the much-vaunted fastness of the “Grizzlies,” when the order was given to “fall in,” every saddle was instantly occupied, and the advance commenced. The immense piles of talus lying beneath the granite walls of the Po-ho-no* [* All local objects of interest were without known names at this time.] Fall, intercepted their progress on the south side of the Merced, and compelled the fording of its ice-cold waters. The irregular depth of the river, with its obstructive bowlders, gave involuntary invitation to several for an unintentional bath; and which, but for the danger of being swept down by the current into the cañon below, and to certain death, was only the signal for additional hilarity.

SMOKE FROM A SLUMBERING PICKET FIRE

Near El Capitan* [* All local objects of interest were without known names at this time.] unmistakably revealed the presence of Indians, and that they knew of the advent of the whites, and were evidently watching their movements. The near vicinage of a large collection of Indian huts that had been but recently inhabited, and now gave evidence of hasty desertion, was proof positive that the game sought was near at hand, but had been driven away by lack of circumspection. A short distance from camp was an abundant supply of acorns, their article of bread-stuff. It would seem, however, by the tracks made, that their pretentious valor was, like their footsteps, rapidly taking departure. Far up the valley other manifest signs gave hopeful promise of nearness to the foe; but again “delusive hope” was to experience another dash of disappointment, as nothing but evidences in abundance of hasty departure were discoverable—except a very old woman “that could only be likened to

A VIVIFIED EGYPTIAN MUMMY,”

And who, when questioned of the whereabouts of her companions, curtly replied (in Indian), “You can hunt for them, if you want to see them!” Hunt they did for several days, but none were found, as the rocky talus over which the hostiles had made their escape, left no tracks of their course.

On all hands, and at every deserted camp, were found large stores of Indian food, such as acorns, pine and chincapin nuts, grass seeds, wild oats scorched, dried caterpillars, roasted grasshoppers, sun-dried larvae and pupae of flies, obtained mostly from Mono Lake; home-made baskets, of many sizes and patterns, and for different uses; a few rabbit or squirrel-skin robes, for bed coverings,* [* For full description of all such articles, with the fabrics and methods of manufacture, see Bunnell’s "Discovery of the Yo Semite,” pages 78-80.] obsidian (for arrow heads), pumice-stone, salt, relies of clothing and trinkets, the picked bones of horses and mules, and other property stolen from the whites, were found in liberal abundance—but not a single Indian was seen other than the old woman, and the “brave,” brought with them as guide.

Provisions becoming exhausted in the camp at Yo Semite, and the outlook for collecting the scattered Yo Semites very discouraging, without a prolonged search among the mountains around, after burning up the Indian food supplies, camp furniture, and huts, as the only available means now at command for compelling a surrender, this unsuccessful campaign was closed by a return of the battalion to camp at the South Fork.

CAPTIVES LEAVE SOUTH FORK FOR THE RESERVATION.

As the capture of any additional Indians, for the present at least, was strongly problematical, and supplies were running short, upon the arrival of the Yo Semite expedition, it was determined to break up camp, and convey such Indians as had been secured, to the reservation on the Fresno. On their way thither the complement of “captives” was increased by about one hundred by the voluntary surrender of that number to Captain Dill’s command.

An appetizing march of several days brought the entire cavalcade to within a few miles of their intended destination. The general deportment of the Indians had been such as to successfully win the confidence of both officers and men, so that a strict guard over them was considered as altogether unnecessary. Under these conditions, permission was asked for a large portion of the command to accompany Major Savage to the reservation. “The Major finally assented to the proposition, saying, ‘I do not suppose the Indians can be driven off, or be induced to leave, until they have had the feast I have promised; besides, they will want to see some of the commissioners’ finery. I have been delighting their imaginations with descriptions of the presents in store for them.’” Therefore Captain Boling, with nine men as camp guard, was the only force left. All apprehensions allayed, the kindly-hearted Captain told his men to take their sleep, and that he would watch, as he was not sleepy. “Towards morning I took another round,” relates Captain Boling, “and finding the Indian camp wrapped in slumber, I concluded to take a little sleep myself, until daylight. This now seems unaccountable to me, for I am extremely cautious in my habits. I confess myself guilty of neglect of duty; I should have taken nothing for granted. No one can imagine my surprise and mortification when I was told that

THE INDIAN CAMP WAS ENTIRELY DESERTED,

And that none were to be seen except the one asleep by our camp-fire. Consternation was in every face, as not one of the three hundred and fifty captives, seen in such apparently peaceful slumber that night, was now left to explain the cause of their hasty departure. Effort in pursuit only disclosed their successful exodus, and the utter hopelessness of one officer and nine men attempting to recapture them. No choice was left, therefore, other than for those to report themselves at head-quarters, and tell their own sad story. The long-delayed arrival of the expected caravan at the reservation, gave some cause for uneasiness there; but not one was prepared to realize the full force of such an appalling disclosure, as, that every one of the Indians, whom they had been months in collecting, were, in a single night, and when within a few miles of the anticipated goal, all scattered abroad. Still, however reluctant the admission, the startling fact stood boldly out, that

“’Tis revelation satisfies all doubts.”

With this came also the dawning consciousness of some unexplainable cause for their sudden departure. As Kee-chee had invariably proven himself to be unswervingly loyal to the interests of peace, he was immediately summoned, for both conference and service, and dispatched among the affrighted fugitives. Then developed the certainty that on the preceding eventful night several Chow-chilla runners had visited the camp, and cajoled the unsuspecting captives into the belief that they were being decoyed into a trap, and would all be murdered. They also assured them that Dr. Wozencraft, one of the Commissioners, had already killed Kee-chee, the principal chief of their united tribes, and that there was a plot on foot to slaughter every one, the moment they had them in their power. These grossly infamous representations, then, very naturally caused the totality of the stampede. Kee-chee’s appearance among them, alive, was not only conclusive proof of his safety, but of the fraudulently deceptive stories of the Chow-chillas. His personal explanations and assurances soon restored their confidence, and the major portion cheerfully consented to seek the comforts and protection of the reservation, where they expressed sincere regret for allowing themselves to be so readily imposed upon. One desire now was manifestly uppermost, the speedy punishment of the Chow-chillas, as being the cause of all their trouble.

As the Yo Semites had again returned to the valley, and with the Chow-chillas had refused to respond to the messages sent,

A NEW CAMPAIGN WAS RESOLVED UPON.

Accordingly about one hundred men, led by Captains Boling and Dill, and under the command of Major Savage (who was shortly afterwards summoned to return), commenced scouring the country in all directions for Indians—all now found being considered “hostiles.” A large band of Chow-chillas, having a war dance, was discovered upon the south bank of the main San Joaquin River, arranged to give battle; but, after crossing the stream, in full expectation of meeting them, the enemy had Red. Examination of a smouldering fire gave evidence that the body of Jose Rey, with his articles of value, had just been consumed.

All the lodges and stores were destroyed, and the trail of the retreating Indians taken; but after exploring this entire section, crossing and recrossing the swollen streams, and enduring many hardships, not a single Indian was either killed or captured. The destruction of supplies, and starving them out, was now considered about the only way of reaching and successfully conquering them, and the troops marched back to the Fresno. This view was proven to be correct, for not many days had elapsed after their return, when Tom-kit and Frederico, successors to Jose Rey, as chief of the Chow-chillas, with much bombastic gasconading, finally made a treaty, and accepted terms. This ended the war with this defiant and once powerful tribe, leaving only the “Grizzlies” to grapple with.

THE SECOND EXPEDITION TO THE YO SEMITES.

Suitable preparations completed, the advance was commenced under Captain Boling—”the services of Major Savage being indispensable to the Commissioners"—the main column following under Lieutenant Chandler. In the hope of surprising the Indians, if possible, or “cut off the escape of the women and children, and thus bring the warriors to terms,” a rapid and stealthy march was made, and the valley quietly entered, but no Indians were discovered. A few newly built but now deserted huts, with heaps of hulled acorns, some of which had been set on fire, and were still burning, that had evidently been prepared for human transportation across the Sierras, were the only visible signs of Indian life. The entrance of the pursuers to the valley had evidently been anticipated and closely watched.

THREE OF TEN-IE-YA‘S SONS TAKEN PRISONERS.

Their advance, however, was soon to be rewarded by the sight of living forms flitting from tree to tree, and from rock to rock; these proving to be a portion of the enemy of which they were in search, a lively chase commenced that resulted in the capture of five Indians, probably scouts, three of whom were sons of Ten-ie-ya, and as they had been caught near three singularly uniform mountain peaks, these peaks were called, and are still known, as “The Three Brothers.” Hence the derivation of that appellation.

An excited search in different directions speedily disclosed unmistakable indications of the near proximity of Indians, in considerable numbers, and who were manifestly secreting themselves among the rocky talus bordering the open meadows, or on the adjacent cliffs, and were then probably espying all their movements. Countless tracks, baskets, scattered acorns, and other “signs,” apparently indicated the way to their hiding-place, or trail of exit. These were at first eagerly followed, but gradually the conviction forced itself upon some that they had been intentionally placed there by the Indians to

LURE THEIR PURSUERS INTO A TRAP;

While others, more valorous than prudent, hurried for the foe, to “beard the lion in his den.” This incautious temerity was at the risk of their lives, for huge masses of rock came thundering down; fortunately, however, some projecting cliffs, under which they were enabled to speedily find shelter, saved them from extermination. One man, named Spencer, was struck by a fragment and hurled over fifty feet; yet he, although badly cut and bruised, eventually recovered. This was carrying out the threatened method of warfare indicated by Kee-chee.

Ten-ie-ya’s sons made no secret of the certainty that the old chief was near, and intimated that he would in nowise be averse to coming in, if sent for, to “have a talk with the white chief.” One son, and the son-in-law of Ten-ie-ya, were accordingly dispatched for him, in charge of Dr. Bunnell, the other prisoners being kept as hostages. Meeting the sorrowful and angry cavalcade with the wounded man, upon the way, it required all the doctor’s firmness to prevent their shooting the messenger prisoners under his charge upon the spot.* [* For full and graphic recitals of these adventures, read "Discovery of the Yosemite."] After safely escorting them to the foot of the mountain, where the trail leaves the cañon,† [† This is the old and long-used Indian trail by Mt. Watkins to Lake Ten-ie-ya and Mono.] he allowed the Indians to proceed upon their mission, and returned to camp; calling, however, on the way to dress the wounds of the suffering soldier.

ESCAPE OF A PRISONER.

While awaiting the arrival of tidings of, or from, Ten-ie-ya, and indulging in the restful recreation of witnessing the expert use of the bow and arrow by the Indians, the target having been set at long range; while pretending to examine the closeness of the shots, one of the hostages made his successful escape up the North Cañon—naturally to the indescribable mortification of those ostensibly in charge. To avoid a repetition of so undesirable a circumstance, the remaining two were tied together, and, for still greater security, had been fastened to a tree; but later, when supposing that their movements had been unnoticed, they succeeded in releasing themselves, and immediately started upon the run for the same cañon that had afforded escape for their companion. It is more than presumable that these proceedings had been approvingly watched by the guard, who, it is supposed, was longingly anxious for an excusable opportunity for killing them and effectually ridding both the camp and the country of their presence, although contrary to the orders and policy of those in command. Be that as it may,

TEN-IE-YA’S YOUNGEST SON WAS SHOT DEAD,

When scarcely twenty yards from the tree to which he had been bound; the other would have shared the same fate but for “a bullet-pouch that had been hung upon the muzzle of one of the guard’s rifles;” owing to this circumstance he escaped unharmed. The act was uniformly deplored and condemned by nearly the whole command, and its perpetrators deservedly shunned and despised by all, from that time thenceforward.

MESSENGERS SENT TO TEN-IE-YA.

The morning passed* [* “Discovery of the Yosemite."] and the hour of ten arrived, without Ten-ie-ya. Captain Boling then sent out Sandino and the scouts to hunt for him, and, if found, to notify him that he was expected. Sandino soon came back, and reported that he had seen Ten-ie-ya and talked with him; but that he was unable to reach him from below, on account of the steepness of the ledge. Sandino reported that Ten-ie-ya was unwilling to come in; that he expressed a determination not to go to the Fresno. He would make peace with the white chief, if he would be allowed to remain in his own territory. Neither he nor his people would go to the valley while the white men were there. They would stay upon the mountains, or go to the Monos.

CAPTURE OF TEN-IE-YA.

This positive, though somewhat unexpected answer from the old chief, could not well be misunderstood, and Captain Boling promptly resolved upon the execution of such measures as would compel acquiescence in his wishes. Having ascertained from Sandino the probable locality occupied by Ten-ie-ya upon the cliff, he dispatched Lieutenant Chandler and a necessary force, accompanied by a few Noot-chü and Po-ho-no-chee scouts, for the purpose of surrounding and bringing him into camp, according to orders, alive if possible. He was found near the expected place, eagerly scanning every movement passing below, and, to appearance, utterly unconscious of the approach of the platoon.

The unwelcome discovery made, and seeing that his retreat above had been cut off, Ten-ie-ya at first ran along westerly, on the slope of the mountain towards Indian Cañon;* [ * This was the name given to the “North Cañon” after the escape of the Indian fugitives up it; and by which it has ever since been known.] but finding that he was cut off in that direction also, by the Noot-chü and Po-ho-no-chee scouts, he turned and came down a trail, through an oak tree top to the valley, which Sandino had by this time reached, and where he had been attracted by the noise made in pursuit. Lieutenant Chandler had not climbed up the trail, and hearing Sandino’s cry for help, and the noise above him, he was able to reach the place where Ten-ie-ya descended, in time to secure him. Ten-ie-ya said the men above him were rolling down stones, and he did not like to go up, as they broke and flew everywhere; for that reason he came down. Ten-ie-ya accompanied his captors without making any resistance, although he strongly censured the Indians for being instrumental in his capture.† [† Bunnell’s "Discovery of the Yosemite."]

With the proud bearing of a chief who represented a long line of ancestors, and a tribe that commanded the respectful fear of surrounding bands, although a prisoner, he walked almost defiantly erect into camp. The first object that met his gaze upon arrival was the dead body of his favorite son. Here let us silently drop the mantle of sympathetic sorrow over the feelings of a bereaved father, while we make sad confession that

“When all is past, it is humbling to tread
O’er the weltering field of the tombless dead.”

The most benignant condolence, followed by the fullest regretful explanations, could not restore his latest-born son. Not a word escaped his quivering lips for many days. The most persistent of questionings elicited no articulate response.

As Ten-ie-ya would give no clew to the whereabouts of his people, even if he knew (and which was very doubtful) a well-organized and scrutinizing search was instituted in many directions, and mostly on foot. While these were being systematically conducted among the mountainous surroundings of the valley, there arose considerable excitement within it, from

TEN-IE-YA ATTEMPTING HIS ESCAPE.

But “as he rushed from his keeper, Cameron dashed after and caught him before he was able to plunge into and swim the river.” Supposing that he was to be condemned and shot for this, when led to Captain Boling, whom he considered responsible for the loss of his son, his feelings at last found utterance in the following characteristic speech, as presented by Dr. Bunnell:—

Kill me, sir, Captain! Yes, kill me, as you killed my son; as you would kill my people if they were to come to you! You would kill all my race if you had the power. Yes, sir, American, you can now tell your warriors to kill the old chief, you have made me sorrowful, my life dark; you killed the child of my heart, why not kill the father? But wait a little; when I am dead, I will call to my people to come to you; I will call louder than you have had me call [referring to the expressed wishes of the officers that he should call in his people]; that they shall hear me in their sleep, and come to avenge the death of their chief and his son. Yes, sir, American, my spirit will make trouble for you and your people, as you have caused trouble to me and my people. With the wizards I will follow the white men and make them fear me. You may kill me, sir, Captain, but you shall not live in peace. I will follow in your footsteps, I will not leave my home, but be with the spirits among the rocks, the water-falls, in the livers and the winds; wheresoever you go, I will be with you. You will not see me, but you will fear the spirit of the old chief, and grow cold.* [* It is claimed by all Indian “Medicine Men” that the presence of a spirit is announced by a cool breeze, and that sometimes they turn cold and shake as with an ague.—Dr. Bunnell.] The great spirits have spoken! I have done.

Instead of killing him, however, they regaled him with a good supper, their sorrow changing into admiring veneration for his fearless bravery.

As sundry explorations in the immediate vicinity of the valley had brought no hoped-for results, an expedition was resolved upon to the High Sierra, and, if necessary, across them. Ten-ie-ya was taken with them.

SURPRISE OF THE INDIAN VILLAGE.

Before advancing over twenty miles above the valley, the blue ascending smoke of some camp fires indicated the near vicinity of an Indian village. Cautiously approaching it, and after capturing their outlying pickets, they found the Yo Semites in force by a beautiful lake. Judiciously moving upon it, before they were discovered they succeeded in surrounding and surprising the whole, so that not one of them had time or opportunity for escaping. This was a master-stroke of good fortune. Finding themselves utterly powerless, they piteously cried out for peace. There was not even the semblance of resistance or of apparent objection. Here Ten-ie-ya rejoined his four squaws, and their re-union once more was a joy-giving event. As all seemed worn out with watching, and they were in a starving condition, they gave abundant proof of abject willingness to accept almost any terms.

THE NAMING OF LAKE TEN-IE-YA.

“Looking back to the lovely little lake,” writes Dr. Bunnell, “where we had been encamped during the night, and watching Ten-ie-ya as he ascended to our group, I suggested to Captain Boling that we name the lake after the old chief, and call it ‘Lake Ten-ie-ya.’” In concurrent response to this, the Captain, addressing those assembled, replied: “Gentlemen, I think the name an appropriate one, and shall use it in my report of the expedition. Besides this, it is rendering a kind of justice to perpetuate the name of the old chief.” This, therefore, was the origin and time of naming one of the most charmingly picturesque lakes of any country, concerning which more will be said in a future chapter.

THEY MARCH FOR YO SEMITE.

The total number of Indians found here was thirty-five, “nearly all of whom were in some way a part of the family of the old patriarch, Ten-ie-ya.” All of the remainder of those that had escaped were supposed to have joined the Tuolumne and Mono Indians, among whom they had intermarried. Deeming it better to proceed with, and care for, those already in safe-keeping, than to pursue others at the neglect of these, and against orders, the men were placed under guard, and the women and children allowed to go free, and in this manner the motley cavalcade took up its line of march.

ON THE MARCH.

END OF THE MARIPOSA INDIAN WAR.

Diversified by numerous scenes and experiences by the way, every captive with which they had started was eventually delivered safely over to the Indian Commissioners at the Fresno, and the expedition formally commended for its success. This virtually terminated the Mariposa Indian War. That accomplished, the Mariposa Battalion was mustered out of service, July 1, 1851.* [* See Elliott’s “History of Fresno County,” page 181.]

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