July 15, 1849
From letter published in
the Missouri Whig , Palmyra August 30, 1849
FROM SANTA FE---- The Indians in New Mexico are becoming very troublesome, the citizens being in open hostility with four powerful Tribes, the Eutaws, Camanches, Apaches and Navijos. There appears to be union of action and combination of purpose between these tribes.
A letter to the Republican, dated Santa Fe, July 15, says that hundreds of emigrants have passed thro’ that place, on their way to California. The city is filled with them; hundreds are daily arriving and departing; and nearly all destitute of the necessary means to take them safely through. The writer predicts that not more that three-fourths will ever reach their destination; the others will perish from starvation, fatigue or thirst.
A letter to the Hannibal Journal, dated 6th July, states that a few weeks previous, at a fandango House, a difficulty took place between Robert Willock, of Palmyra, and a man named Humphreys, which resulted as follows; It appears that Willock and Humphreys commenced sparring at one another, when Humphreys clinched Willock, both falling against a wall, which projected from one of the fire places, in a room adjoining the fandango room.---During the scuffle, it appears that Humphreys choked Willock and bit him severely on the left cheek. Willock found it impossible to utter a word, and consequently drew a knife and stabbed him severely in the right breast. The next morning Willock gave himself up, and gave bonds for five hundred dollars for his appearance at the next district court. Humphreys is fast recovering from his wounds.
Transcribed courtesy of Kathleen Wilham