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Show INDIAN DEPREDATIONS 23 caused great excitement amongst the Indians, es-pecially the Timpanodes, located here. They first demanded the murderers, which, of course, was re-fused by the whites. They then required compen-sation in cattle and horses, but nothing was ever given, and shortly after this cattle and horses were found with arrows sticking in them, several per-sons were shot at while in the woods and other places. Meanwhile the people prepared for defense. Peter W. Conover was chosen Captain of Militia with E. T. Thomas and G. T. Willis, lieutenants, Miles Weaver, adjutant, Joseph Clark, sergeant. Guards were posted at night and armed herdsmen on horseback, kept the stock by day. The leading Indians ordered the people off their lands. They made serious threats in case of failure to leave and stock was stolen from time to time. About September 1st a bastion was constructed on the mound in the fort, of heavy posts, 30 feet square, with log railings, and a six pounder iron cannon placed on the pfatlorm of the bastion, which was sufficiently elevated to protect the fort and stockyards from attack, which was considered liable to occur at any time. About this time a large company of gold seekers enroute westward by way of southern California, made their camp alongside the fort and they hav-ing plenty of arms and ammunition, were a great aid, they stayed four or five weeks and had stock which was cared for together for mutual protec-tion. Our militia company continued to practice al-most daily, and through the liberality of the emi-grant camp powder was supplied for the cannon. |