Near the junction of the Colorado and Gila
source date: 1891
availability: public-domain

Near the junction of the Colorado and Gilarivers, a ferry was erected over the Colorado sometime in March last, by a company of Americans. The business done by the ferry was large, and several men stopped at the place to carry it on. For some reason which has not been explained, the Yuma Indians, heretofore considered a harmless and inoffensive tribe, had very unexpectedly shown decided evidence of hostility. By a dispatch from Abel Stearns, first alcalde of the district of Los Angeles, sent by extraordinary express, we learn the following facts: On the 21st of last April, six of the company crossed over the Colorado to the Mexican side for the purpose of bringing over some animals of some Sonorians, and the rest of the company, numbering eight, remained on the American side of the river. Three of the com- pany left the horses and were engaged in cutting some poles in the woods near by, and while thus engaged some fifteen or twenty of the Yuma Indians came to them, saying that the captain of the ferry had sent them to help cut the poles. As they had never before been thus employed, their motives were mistrusted. A hatchet however, was given to one of them, with which he commenced cutting, and was ob- served to strike very near the head of one of the Americans.

f the ferry had sent them to help cut the poles. As they had never before been thus employed, their motives were mistrusted. A hatchet however, was given to one of them, with which he commenced cutting, and was ob- served to strike very near the head of one of the Americans. The Americans hereupon drew their pistols, and the Indians ran, circling round toward the houses belonging to the company. The three Americans started for the houses also; but before getting out of the woods they heard a yell, and as they emerged from the brush into the open country, the Indians fired upon them. There being little chance of escape, the party commenced firing back, running at the same time to gain the houses.