Illinois Valley, October 21 / 55

    We the citizens of Deer Creek and Illinois Valley do consider our situation in rather a perilous condition on account of the Indians of this vicinity. Though we have fortified and prepared to resist them at the best advantage that our limited means will permit, yet we do not feel satisfied that our lives and properties is safe and for this reason we the citizens do petition to your honor and pray that you will grant that an armed force of volunteers be organized and stationed at different points in this vicinity so that they can concentrate at one point, if necessity and duty requires such. We do think that less than forty or fifty well-mounted men would be few enough to assist at the present time in this vicinity and we do further petition to your honor and pray that you will consider our perilous situation and grant said petition as we do verily believe that necessity and safety require such. Whereunto we do fix our names as citizens of said valley.

B. F. Dowell Papers, Bancroft Library Mss. P-A 137


Col. John E. Ross
    Sir, arrived in the Ills. Valley after leaving Head Quarters, on the evening of the 20th and nothing of importance transpired up to the 23rd and on the morning of that day I received one bell horse and six mules for transportation and bought some provisions and struck camp. On the morning of the 24th I started down the Ills. River and camped with 33 men and made some tents. On the 25th, information came to camp of the robbing of two pack trains on the Mooney Mountain, and the killing of all the men belonging to the train with the exception of two Spaniards who were behind the train fixing a pack, and that they heard the firing of some fifty guns. This information came late on the evening of the 25th. Early in the morning of the 26th I started with 16 men for the Mooney Mountain, leaving two men to guard our pack animals, and seven I sent out as scouts towards the head of Chetco River, supposing that the Indians were encamped near there in a placed called Onion Valley. On my arrival at Mr. Mooney's, I found that Captn. Williams had been there and brought in the men that were killed, two in number and both Spaniards, and he also drove in all the pack animals that he could find. He also found on the mountain 23 mules and two horses that had been killed by the Indians. I did not see the Captn. myself but I was told that he was on trail of the Indians and were making for the head of Deer Creek Valley. I also heard by two of my men that they heard the Indians [were] shooting and singing above Northcutt's house which is at the head of Deer Creek Valley, some three miles from Mooney's. I immediately turned my course from the mountain and struck for Northcutt's house, and when I arrived there I found them in a great state of excitement. They said that they had just had a fight with the Indians and saw some fifteen of them. They also saw them run into the willows, about 1½ miles above the house. I called a halt and tied our horses, and went on foot after them, and in about 150 yds. of the house we found two dogs killed and about 100 yards from there I found one colt, I suppose about 2 years old, that they had shot. I went on still further and saw an Indian on horseback. He rode within 300 yards of us and then whirled his horse and gave the Indian yell and struck for the brush. I followed on his trail and found where they had been the night before. I also found one axe and one mule that they had killed and had partly eaten them up. From the looks of the mule and the beef, I should think that they love mule meat the best. There the trail ended. We could not find which [direction] they went from there. I still kept up the creek and came to another camp where the fires were still burning. I think that they heard us coming and left there. We found 8 head of oxen and one horse that they had killed. We also found 4 mules; I suppose that they did not have time to kill them or they would have done so. We drove the mules out and they were proven [illegible] by the Spaniard and given up. The Indians shot at us once and run. We could not see him but we could hear him running. We camped at Northcutt's that night. The Indians were [several words cut off on scan] night. They hollered at us once. I asked them what they wanted. They then wanted to know what I wanted. I told them to come down, I wanted to make a treaty with them. At that, they sent two bullets over our heads. The 27th, I left for Kerby's ranch to buy a beef and left orders for the men to move Mr. Northcutt to Fort Smith, which was done that day, and on the 28th I sent a detachment of 18 men as an escort with Mr. Fowler and Davis and Lady, also two pack trains to go as far as Dr. Barkwell's and then return with the pack trains lying there for C. City which was done on the 29th, and on the 30th the whole command laid up at headquarters, Camp Cole, awaiting for the government train, which came that evening, and on the morning of the 31st I started with the command for Jacksonville and headquarters, Camp Stuart as an escort for the government train and 8 other trains, and that night camped at Camp Fort Hay. And on the 1st Nov. we camped at Mr. Pardee's and on the morning of the 2nd I left the escort in charge of the 2nd Lieut. and came to headquarters. The escort camped at Mr. Benedict's and on the 3rd they arrived at headquarters and on the 4th, 4th and 6th we laid at headquarters and on the 6th, according to order of Col. John E. Ross, I sent a detachment of eight men as an escort with Maj. Fowler, and pack trains, and at the crossing of Applegate between Vannoy's and Mooney's they took two squaws and one child prisoners which were afterwards killed by two discharged men of my company. This was on the 10th that they were taken. On the 11th, the squaws was killed. On the morning of the 7th Nov., according to orders, I started for Fort Vannoy as an escort with two pack trains and eight wagons and arrived there without any difficulty and camped that night below the mouth of the Applegate. On the 9th and 10th laid there and on the morning of the 11th I started to the assistance of Maj. Fowler, then supposed to be camped in the vicinity of Slate Creek, but I could not find him. He had went on to the Ills. Valley. And on the 12th I found the two squaws and one child that had been killed the day before by Thos. Moore and Peter Snellback, one discharged on the 7th Nov. and the other on the 11th of Nov. And on the 13th, about 12 o'clock, arrived at Vannoy's and transferred the men belonging to Company K to Company D., that is, all that wanted to go, the rest discharged.
B. F. Dowell Papers, Bancroft Library Mss. P-A 137

    Dear Sir:--Six trains of mules left here this morning for Jacksonville with an escort of 20 regulars, under command of Sergeant Blase. After crossing Slate Creek, and traveling on about one mile without trouble, we met a party of ten men under command of Sergeant Moore, escorting Mr. and Mrs. Benedict, Mr. Melvin and three others. They had been attacked by the Indians about 300 yards from us. The Indians had fired several shots, no one hurt; one ball passed through Mrs. Benedict's veil, another through Melvin's horse's neck and still another grazed slightly one of [the] troop's horses. The trains then halted, the soldiers dismounted and marched to the place, where again several shots were fired without doing any damage. The Indians being in the brush, there was no other chance for getting at them than by charging through an open space of about one hundred yards. The force was not sufficient to undertake this and at the same time guard the trains. Thus we were obliged to retreat here for safety, and shall probably stay until more troops come. The Indians captured four mules and some baggage, part of which belonged to Mr. and Mrs. Benedict, who were on their way to Crescent City.
    The volunteers are still out in search of the Indians and had passed this very place this morning at 3 o'clock.
"The Indian War in R.R. Valley," Crescent City Herald, January 30, 1856, page 2


    Sunday March 23. Whilst preparing to start an escort with pack train to Fort Vannoy, an express came in camp, reporting 2 men killed by Indians on Slate Creek and a large band of Indians making their way to Mr. Hay's house. Lieut. Armstrong, with his command numbering about 50 men, immediately started and on arriving within 300 yards of the house, a heavy fire was opened on all sides by the Indians, who had completely surrounded Mr. Hay's house and numbered near 200 warriors. Orders were immediately given to go through and reach Mr. Hay's house, which was promptly obeyed. On arriving at the house, and finding the family secure, the men immediately returned to the place of their first attack. Discovered 2 men killed (John Davis & Alexander Caldwell), and one man (a packer) severely wounded. The dead men were carried off by six men during a heavy fire from the enemy. Had they done any good shooting, many a life must have been sacrificed. The fight then became general, which lasted until dark, when the Indians, after making a great number of fires, & as we supposed, burning their dead, which must have been five killed, several wounded, drew off. An express was immediately dispatched to Major Bruce, and likewise to the inhabitants of Illinois Valley. Major Bruce, with all the available forces under his command, arrived on the following morning. On Tuesday, while preparing the whole command to march in pursuit of the enemy, an express arrived reporting a pack train robbed by Indians on Deer Creek. 25 men, well armed & mounted, started direct for the place. Major Bruce with the remainder flanking out in different directions, on arriving at a low divide, a heavy crossfire was opened by the enemy, who were lying in ambush. Another engagement commenced. On the first fire 2 of Capt. George's company were killed, and two of Capt. O'Neil's company slightly wounded. The men took their stations, killing 3 Indians, sure. Major James Bruce on the point of outflanking them, they scattered over the whole country, and not having sufficient force to make a successful fight, Major Bruce, with a portion of each company, returned to Illinois Valley to get the families together for their own safety. The remainder of the force returned to Camp Hay. Major Bruce, with men from each company, started today with three pack trains to Fort Vannoy, and to get sufficient provisions, as well as men to make a more successful attack, as the Indians are in great force and will require a strong number to strike anything like a decisive blow.
    During the two engagements the following losses occurred--on the engagement of March 23rd:
Charles Abrahams--lost 1 mule killed in action; equipments
Orville Olney--1 horse killed in action; equipments 1 rifle, 1 revolver
John Davis--killed in action, lost 1 rifle
Alexander Caldwell--killed in action, horse severely wounded
Samuel Mooney--horse severely wounded
James Dugdale--1 horse lost in action, equipments: 1 revolver
Samuel Cowell--1 horse killed in action
Capt. Hugh O'Neil--1 mule killed in action
    March 25th 1856:
Henry W. Stanton--1 horse killed in action; lost equipments 1 rifle
Ray Geddes--1 horse killed in action
Eli McCoin--1 mule killed in action; equipments
John Driscoll--1 horse killed in action; equipments
William Clements--rifle injured
    The men lost considerable in blankets &c.
Cayuse, Yakima and Rogue River Wars Papers, University of Oregon Special Collections Bx47, Box 1, Folder 63.



    On the morning of March 24th recd. an express from Capt. O'Neil stating that they were surrounded by Indians. Started from Vannoy's about sunrise for Hay's, a distance of 18 miles. We arrived at Hay's about 12 o'clock & found O'Neil's co. there, but the Indians had fled. On arriving at Hay's 12 men were detailed to assist the packers in looking up their animals. 12 men were also detailed out of the different cos. to go to Reeves' to see if the Indians were in that section. On the morning of the 25th recd. news that Evans' train was attacked on the dividing ridge between Deer Creek & Illinois Valley. We immediately started for the place in company with a band of Capts. O'Neil, Abel George, Alcorn, Williams & Wilkinson's cos. & found the Indians on the high mountain to the right of the road & attacked them. March 26th nothing transpired of note. Camped at Reeves' Ranch about 6 miles from Hay's. March 27th. Removed camp 12 miles & a half to Mulkey's Ranch. March 28th marched from Mulkey's to Vannoy's, a distance of 25 miles.
Return of Capt. Miller, Company D, 2nd Regiment O.M.V. March 31, 1856.  Silas J. Day Papers, Lilly Library, Indiana University.


    The Columbia has just arrived from the North. The Indian news from South Oregon is that Indian hostilities still exist in Illinois and Deer Creek valleys. Four white men were killed and 120 animals taken by the Indians.
    On Sunday, 23rd ult., Mr. Wright, a partner of Vannoy, in company with some six men, left Hay's place, at the head of Deer Creek Valley, for Vannoy's ranch. After traveling some six miles, they found themselves suddenly surrounded by Indians. Mr. Wright was killed, but his companions escaped and returned to Hay's, where, it appears, some seventy-five volunteers were encamped. A second party then went out to ascertain the whereabouts of the enemy, when they were also attacked, not far from the same place. Alex. Caldwell was killed. Four pack trains, consisting of some eighty mules, were encamped in the vicinity and are reported to have been captured. One of the packers had his animal shot from under him, and one man, John Davis, was killed. The Indians had all their own way in Illinois Valley from Sunday to Wednesday, the locality being marked by smoke from burning buildings and resounding of firearms. The Indians attacked the settlement while Capt. Smith had gone down the river to effect a junction with Col. Buchanan, at Big Meadows. About 200 Indians were in the attacking party.
Sacramento Daily Union, April 3, 1856, page 2




    In the attack on Sunday, near Hay's, three white men were killed and a number of animals taken, which the evening being far advanced, had already been unloaded by the packers and turned out. The number of Indians, as near as could be ascertained by the assailed parties in Hay's house, was at least 150. It is supposed that six Indians were killed.
"Late from the Interior," Crescent City Herald, April 2, 1856, page 2


    The expedition to the Rogue River country, undertaken by the regular troops under Col. Buchanan, has not been heard from. Neither have we had any advice as to the doings of the volunteer company which at the beginning of last month, under the command of Capt. Abbott, escorted a train up the beach intending for the relief of the people at the mouth of Rogue River. It is probable that these commands meanwhile have communicated with Port Orford, but the Columbia, not having touched at that port on her downward trip, failed to bring us any intelligence from that quarter.
    While the forces commanded by Col. Buchanan, U.S.A., which marched by the middle of the present month, and amount to about 400 regular troops, comprising detachments from this place, Port Orford and Fort Lane, must before this have effected the contemplated junction somewhere in the neighborhood of Big Meadows on Rogue River, the place where it was said the Indians boldly awaited and invited an attack on the part of the whites and while in hourly expectation of news from that quarter; the report of a sudden invasion of Illinois Valley by bands of hostile Indians unexpectedly awakens again, with the deepest sympathies towards the sufferers, the gloomiest forebodings for the future. Mr. Cobert, who arrived here on Thursday, left Althouse on Tuesday 25th, and as near as he could ascertain, the following were the reports then current there: That on Sunday, Mr. Wright, a partner of Vannoy, in company with six or seven men, left Hay's place at the head of Deer Creek Valley for Vannoy's ranch, and after traveling some six miles they found themselves suddenly surrounded by Indians. Mr. Wright was killed, but his companions escaped and returned to Hay's, where it appears some 75 volunteers were encamped. A second party then went out to ascertain more of the whereabouts of the enemy, when they were attacked not far from the house, Alex Caldwell being killed. Towards evening, four pack trains, consisting of some 80 mules, were encamped in the vicinity, and are reported to have been captured. One of the packers had his animal shot from under him, and one man, John Davis, was killed. Information of these occurrences was the same night sent to the neighboring localities, Althouse, Sucker Creek, Canon Creek, etc., and the number of Indians reported to be considerable, perhaps not short of 200. Later in the evening on Thursday, Mr. Dodson arrived here from Sailor Diggings bringing with him a copy of the following note by Mr. Sprague to Geo. Sam Rice: I am requested by Major Bruce and Mr. Briggs to warn the people of Sailor Diggings that they are in imminent danger of being attacked by a band of from two to three hundred Indians within the next 24 hours. You must get together within this day, and do the best you can to prepare for a vigorous defense. Tell the merchants to secure their ammunition. If you are attacked let us know immediately, and all assistance possible will be rendered. Thus it would appear that the Indians had it all their own way in Illinois Valley from Sunday to Wednesday, by which time it was thought not improbable that they were already in possession of the settlement on Canon Creek, some 14 miles this side of Hay's. There are but few volunteers now in the service, at any rate not a sufficient force to rout 300 Indians. To hold and defend certain posts or fortified places, bring the families under shelter, and endeavor to relieve such localities as may be attacked by the Indians will be the most they can accomplish. The Indians are evidently well posted as to the movements of the regular troops, and while Capt. Smith, with about 150 soldiers from Fort Lane, marched down Illinois River, to effect a junction with Col. Buchanan near the Big Meadows, the wily Indians passed him in an opposite direction, and made a descent upon the settlements and mining districts just beyond the Coast Range, about 60 or 70 miles from Crescent City, but along the line of communication between it and Rogue River Valley. Unhappily there exists neither concert of action nor any degree of confidence between the regular and volunteer forces, and of this the Indians have a keen perception, avoiding seriously any collision with the U.S. troops, but revenging themselves upon the "Bostons" settlers. By later advices from the interior, the news in its main features is confirmed. Maj. W. W. Fowler left Jacksonville on the 25th inst., and arrived on Saturday last, having in company of a party of thirty-five men traveled directly through the vicinity which was the scene of the depredations, and where the alarm still continues. In the attack on Sunday, near Hay's, three white men were killed and a number of animals taken, which, the evening being far advanced, had already been unloaded by the packers and turned out. The number of Indians, as near as could be ascertained by the assailed parties in Hay's house, was at least 150. It is supposed that six Indians were killed. On Tuesday, Mr. Evans, although advised of the danger, undertook to drive an empty train through from Canon Creek. The Indians captured all his animals, killed his Mexican arriero, while he himself barely escaped with his life. Fortunately, no pack or merchandise had fallen into the hands of the Indians, with the exception of a keg of molasses, a few coils of rope, and twenty-two pounds of powder, which they took from Mr. Evans. The present is a gloomy period in Southern Oregon. While admitting that the regular forces are actively engaged in pursuing the Indians, it is no less evident that the latter successfully endeavor to elude their grasp, pouncing meanwhile here and there upon the packers, the traders, the farmers, and breaking up every kind of business. Under the sudden threat of an attack by the savage foe, the community look for immediate assistance and relief to the volunteer companies, who in return are ignored by the commander of the regular forces. The Indians on the California side of the boundary line have hitherto continued at peace with the whites. But if this war near the frontiers is suffered to continue, complications may arise which will involve them also in the struggle.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, July 1, 1893, page 1

    Col. Kelsay arrived at Grave Creek about midnight of the 24th from Vannoy's, and was ordered on to the assistance of Major Latshaw on Cow Creek. It was thought by Kelsay that O'Neil's company had lost all their horses by going on to the assistance of Mr. Hay, when his house was attacked by Tyee John. He moved his men on foot and did not leave enough to keep off the Indians from his camp.
"The Indian War South," Weekly Oregonian, April 5, 1856, page 2


Lt. Keeler
    Sir
        You will be in charge of the fort at Camp Hay and Fort Briggs and all the forces in that district of country. You will receive the roll of minute men if raised and when actually necessary for service you will call upon the officers in command of said company by command of the forces there, I mean the military of course. I want you to so arrange the families & people [so] as to require the least possible number of volunteers. You will be expected to report weekly of the state of things in Illinois Valley. We expect to be off tomorrow. You will procure some minute men to escort Mr. Taylor with some mules for government and have him escorted out.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 2, Document 640.


E. M. Barnum
    Adjt. Gen. O.T.
            Dear sir, we the undersigned would respectfully call your attention to the defenseless condition of Illinois Valley and the many destitute families which are now living in dread and fear as there are no longer any doubts of hostile Indians prowling around in the vicinity, of which no doubt you have been informed of before this can reach you of their acts which has already been committed. We therefore hope you will order the raising of a comp. in this vicinity for the protection of the valley, which is now left entirely destitute of forces of either volunteer or regulars, and we further hope you will take the condition of affairs into immediate consideration and give the necessary protection at the earliest period possible. We all remain your most obedient friends. and servants

	A. P. Turner	G. W. Keeler, Lieut of
	C. R. Hamerford	2nd Regt. O.M.V.
	John Evans	and commanding Illinois V.
	James Thomas	Ander W. Wylona
	M. Rothchild	Bartlett Newman
	George Fraser	G. L. Hay
	Francis J. Sebastian	Stephen H. Ball
	Wm. Robinson	T. J. Richardson
	W. J. Hay
	John F. Qualey
	James Hope
	Wm. B. Hay
	Charles Flummerfelt
	Thomas Haise
	Wm. Brockus
	A. Platter

Oregon State Archives Military Department Papers 89A-12, Petitions folder 29/20.


E. M. Barnum
    Adjutant Gen.
        Sir
            Enclosed you will find the muster roll of the Illinois Valley or Josephine County minute comp. and likewise the order which caused the raising of the comp. at the time of the troops going down the river left this part of the country very much exposed, not only the families but a great amount of pack trains assembled in the valley from Crescent City loaded with provision and ammunition and which could not be safe in traveling or lying at a post as there was but few troops in the valley. Ten at Fort Hay and five at Fort Briggs constituted the forces in Illinois Valley, therefore it became necessary to protect the families and property of those trains and keep them from falling into the hands of Old John and his band of desperadoes. The minute comp. was energetic and industrious all the time of their service, and they performed good service in escorting trains and hunting the Indians.
    Therefore I hope this comp. will meet your approval and you allow them the same the others draw that perform the same service. If there is any further explanation necessary in regard to the aforesaid comp. you will please call on Col. Kelsay who had the comp. under his immediate command and can give all the particulars pertaining to the comp. &c.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 2, Document 641.


E. M. Barnum
    Adjt. Gen. O.T.
        Dear sir we the undersigned would respectfully call your attention to the defenseless condition of Illinois Valley and the many destitute families which are now living in dread and fear as there are no longer any doubts of hostile Indians prowling around in the vicinity of which no doubt you have been informed of before this can reach you of their acts which has already been committed. We therefore hope you will order the raising of a comp. in this vicinity for the protection of the valley which is now left entirely destitute of forces of either volunteers or regulars and we further hope you will take the condition of affairs into immediate consideration and give the necessary protection at the earliest period possible. We all remain your most obedient friends. and servants.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 2, Document 638.


    Magruder Bros. and J. W. Hays will, in a few days, complete a ditch from Sams Creek to their diggings on Rogue River, which is 990 rods [three miles] in length. They are quite sanguine that the enterprise thus inaugurated by them will prove a successful one.
"Southern Oregon," Oregonian, Portland, August 18, 1879, page 3


    The Sentinel mentions the death on the 7th inst. of Mrs. Benedict, a pioneer of the Rogue River Valley and a heroine of the Indian war of 1855. She was at one time in company with her husband overtaken in an attempted flight on Slate Creek and narrowly escaped with her life, four bullets piercing her clothing. One by one these actors in Oregon's early history depart.
"Southern Oregon," Grant County News, Canyon City, Oregon, May 22, 1880, page 3


    In the midst of these troublous times Forts Briggs and Hayes [sic] were built, the latter being situated between Deer and Slate creeks, the former on Sucker Creek. These were fortified farm houses, in which the surrounding settlers took refuge, and garrisons were maintained in each of them during the later Indian war. Fort Hay is on the Thornton place, nine miles north of Kerbyville. The Indians besieged it for a short time, but ineffectually. At the time of the battle of Eight-Dollar Mountain the troops rendezvoused there. The Hayes family who resided at the station gave name to it.
    Eight-Dollar Mountain, the scene of an important but indecisive battle with the Indians in the early months of 1856, stands at the south side of Deer Creek and in the angle formed by that stream and the Illinois. It is perhaps 3,000 feet in elevation above tidewater. A road passes over it which has been in use since the earliest years by travelers between the Illinois and Rogue river valleys. The mountain derives its name, it is said, from the price of a pair of boots which someone wore out in a single day's tramp over its rough surface. Who the wearer was is differently stated, but is of no consequence. The eminence is in the pine region, and good timber of that sort is abundant.
A. G. Walling, History of Southern Oregon, 1884, page 452


    . . . the Illinois Indians, previously at the Indian encampment at the Meadows on Rogue River, had become tired of the monotony of life sufficiently to induce them to make trips to their old hunting grounds in search of plunder and excitement. On the twelfth of February they killed John Guess in his field on Deer Creek, leaving him dead in the furrow. On the morning of March 24, news came to Vannoy's that the enemy had ambushed and killed two travelers, Wright, Vannoy's partner, and Private Olney, of O'Neil's company, who were encamped at the foot of Eight-Dollar Mountain, and that the attacking party had at a later hour met another party consisting of five men, and mortally wounded John Davis. Orders were at once went by Major Bruce to the various companies of his battalion to repair instantly to Fort Vannoy. Captain Hugh O'Neil, who with his company was nearest to the scene of action, had immediately set out for Hay's ranch, or Fort Hay, as it was called. Hoping to reach there before the Indians could do so, as that post had but few defenders. A sharp skirmish ensued when within a few hundred yards of the post, and Private Caldwell was mortally wounded and some pack mules loaded with provisions etc. were taken by the Indians, who besieged the fort after the volunteers had taken refuge within it. The enemy abandoned the ground during the night, and returning along the road southward met and attacked Evans' pack train which was coming from Crescent City. They killed a Mexican packer and wounded "Big Dave." Evans escaped to Reeves' farm, but the mules and packs were all captured by the marauders, who gained a large amount of ammunition by the capture. On receiving the news of this late attack, Lieutenant Colonel W. W. Chapman (recently elected to that office) ordered Major Bruce to attack the enemy with all his available force. There were perhaps 125 men who proceeded under the major's orders to the scene of Evans' misfortune. The foremost of these engaged the enemy while yet the remainder were dismounting. All horses were left at the foot of the hill, which it was necessary to ascend to find the enemy; and a long line of battle, reaching several hundred yards along the side of the mountain, was formed and the troops advanced up the rise. Private Collins led the way up but was shot dead when near the top, falling in the road. John McCarty was also shot, dying soon after, and Private Phillips was mortally wounded. Abel George's men dismounted and, tying their horses to a fence, started uphill on the side next Deer Creek, intending to outflank the Indians, while Captain M. M. Williams engaged them in front, assisted by members of Alcorn, Rice's (Miller's) and other companies. Major Bruce with about fifty men kept along the road to the place where Collins fell. The battle was now a lively one; the rattle of rifles and revolvers was almost continuous, and frequent attempts were made by each party to charge the other. All sought cover, and there was little chance for life for the man who neglected thus to protect himself. At this interesting juncture a shout was raised that the Indians were making off with the horses, left at the foot of the hill. A number of the savages, spying the condition of affairs, ran hastily to the spot and mounting some and leading others, escaped with some fifteen of the animals belonging to Abel George's Yreka company.
    The most of the fighting for a time was done by M. M. Williams and about a score of his bravest men, who stood their ground valiantly and only retreated when the Indians had nearly or quite surrounded them. Alcorn's men and others fought well also, but the general applause was marred by the conduct of a great many who either ran away during the fight, or else could not be brought into it at all. Over 200 men were within sound of the firing, but not one-half that number took any part in the fight, and probably not over fifty engaged in it with energy and resolution. A hundred or more of the readiest fighters ever known among the Indians of this continent held with determination the hill and the thick woods and successfully barred the way. Against this force the volunteers effected nothing. Shortly they began to retire, and gaining the base of the hill, they mounted and returned to Fort Hay, hardly yet sensible of a defeat. The Indians withdrew in their characteristic manner, and hostilities for the time were over.
    Lieutenant Colonel Chapman now established a permanent camp at Fort Hay, making it the headquarters of the companies of Alcorn, George, O'Neil, Wilkinson and Williams, and of himself, Major Bruce and Regimental Surgeon Douthitt.
David D. Fagan, History of Benton County, Oregon, 1885, page 264


    On March 24th [1856] Captain O'Neil, with a company, was besieged in Fort Hay. In the morning the Indians retired southward, pursued by Major Bruce. The enemy established themselves on a hill; the troops dismounted to dislodge them, and while they were so engaged a party of Indians stampeded a number of the horses. Some of the troops fought well, but many ran away, and more failed to enter the engagement at all. Finally they all retreated to Fort Hay, leaving the enemy masters of the field.
Julian Hawthorne, The Story of Oregon: A History, with Portraits and Biographies, vol. 2, 1892, page 176

    A Boise City (Idaho) dispatch of the 14th days: "All old-time miners will remember George H. Ish, who died here today, aged 78 years. He came to California from Virginia in 1849, and along in the fifties removed to Jacksonville, Or., near where in 1860 he discovered what was known as the great Ish lead. He found a big deposit of gold-bearing quartz and after taking out thousands of dollars worth of precious metal formed a stock company for the purpose of working the mine. The company put up a fine quartz mill, Ish spending all he had. The company never realized enough to pay for the mill, for the lead was not a mine at all, but merely a pocket. Ish was disappointed, and he left Oregon for Idaho. He went into the butchering business, then started a dairy and died quite wealthy."
    There is one discrepancy in the above statement, where it refers to the quartz discovery on Gold Hill. Jimmy Hay [James Willis Hay], and not Mr. Ish, found that immensely rich pocket, although Mr. Ish was one of the number who afterward became owners of it.
Democratic Times, January 22, 1892, page 3




    The ANDERSON STAGE STATION, 18.6 m. [from the intersection with Hwy. 99 on Hwy. 199], on the banks of Clear Creek, was known also as Fort Hay for the Hay family that lived here. It stands on what is now the Smith Ranch and was built in 1852 as a tavern and stage station. During the Rogue River Indian Wars of 1855-56 it was a refuge. One of the bloodiest battles of the wars was fought there on March 24, 1856. A group of volunteer soldiers and miners besieged by Indians succeeded in repelling them after an all-night battle. There were several casualties, but the number is not of record.
Federal Writers Project, Oregon: End of the Trail, 1940, page 359