The red-skins seemed almost as ubiquitous as devils. Wherever they passed, the trail of blood was left behind them.
In order to put a stop to their murderous depredations, Major Ormsby, at that period, well known throughout the country, in the neighborhood of Carson City, formed a company. Another smaller company, which had organized in Virginia City, for the same purpose, and already started out for the Pyramid Mountains, near the Reservation, had also joined him. Altogether, this party numbered something over one hundred and fifty men.
Large as this body was, it was destined to meet with ill-luck, or, probably, I should give it a much graver name.
Finding that the Indians had retreated into the mountains, Ormsby determined on advancing upon them, and driving them from their stronghold.
In doing so, he probably counted upon punishing them with a severity, which should free the neighborhood for some length of time from their murderous presence.
Whether it arose from his ignorance of the mode of warfare pursued by the red-skins, or from his over-confidence in his own numbers, it would be impossible now to determine. All I know is, that Ormsby's command was met with a terrific fire, which drove them back.
Whilst they were in full retreat, their enemies broke from their cover, and created a thorough panic in their ranks.
This resulted in a frightful disaster. Out of the hundred and fifty men, barely nineteen made their escape, the Major himself being among the slain.
The news of this terrific slaughter spread from settlement to settlement in the vicinity, like wildfire. But, previously, having heard of Major Ormsby's intended movement, the Rangers had decided upon lending him a helping hand. I had consequently moved with them from Honey Lake, upon the opposite side of Pyramid Mountains. On our way there, we had picked up a considerable number of volunteers, and counted some forty-five or fifty men in all. On reaching the base of the mountains, I found that it would be impossible to use our horses in any farther advance. We consequently decided upon leaving our four-footed companions, and I detailed half a dozen of our party to look after their safety.
After carefully examining our weapons, we then cautiously commenced ascending the rocky declivity.