Howdy, I recollect when we left the Mariposa Battalion, the Indians had just been given an ultimatum to come in - in 8 days, or else. While we wait this out, let's join Company C's Private Robert ECCLESTON for some random diary entries: "Mar.3rd[1851]. "It is reported from reliable source that the Indians have attacked & driven the White's from CASSIDY'S on the San Joaquin, nothwithstanding their fort, &c. It is also reported that new mines have been discovered in the most Northern part of this state exceeding in richness any yet discovered....." "March 4th. "We have heard sad intelligence today from the Region of the fine Gold Gulch. A train of 3 waggons were seen by a gentlemen who camped with us on his way thither, standing in the road deserted. It was late in the afternoon & being alone, he did not get off his mule, but wheeled & came back. He however saw one man that had been murdered. It was about 4 miles this side of the Gulch & 2 of the waggons are supposed to belong to a trader named THORNBURG, of Agua Fio, who was moving out with his stock of goods. The news leaves me in the most painful anxiety as my Brother and his partner went with them." "March 6....No Indians have come as yet in..." Our diarist continues on March 8th: "Capt. KEESE with a detachment of the 7th infantry[?] arrive here today. Also , some Indians, mostly friendly, came in. More are expected in a day or two... While we were enjoying a pleasant dance in the evening, our fun was broken up by a couple of Police Officers arresting a man in Capt. BOLEN'S comp named GRAHAM for whom a $1,000 reward has been offered, he is charged with a threefold murder..." [March 10th] "4 Indians started out this morning to meet a party that are on their way in & to assure them of the friendly intentions of Commissioners.." [12th] Some 8 or 10 warriors with squaws came into camp this afternoon & say more are coming in a few days... " [13th] ...An Indian named Bob[:-))))] who had been to the mountains to get his wife arrived this afternoon. Late in the evening 50 grown Indians besides smaller ones came in." [14th] One or two more Indians came in & report that the rest will not treat[retreat?] & are not afraid of White men. And then on Sat. March 15th: "We received...report a Bill before the House ....allowing the foll[ow]ing per diem and found to the Battalion: Major........ $12.00 Capt......... 10.00 Lieut......... 8.00 Sargts....... 6.00 Corpls ....... 4.00 Privates....... 2.00 FINALLY Eccleston writes: "March 18th.... "This afternoon Quartermaster MARVIN arrived accompanied by 20 mules packed & 6 waggons loaded with arms, ammunition, provisions, &c.[Aha! - the game's afoot:-))] "In the evening the Indians gave us a dance, the Commissioners having Given them presents & made them a feast during the day. They were most fantastically dressed & painted & acted in a ludicrous manner beyond description. Major SAVAGE says it was a poor represention to that which he has generally seen them perform." -------- TO BE CONTINUED - have one more Battalion/YoSemite episode. NOTE: From other sources, I realize I am omitting some important behind the scenes negotiating stuff. But for this episode, at least, I am sticking to the diary - gonna have to interpolate enough in our finale:-) If any of you Yosemite historians care to fill in for the folks, be may guest:-) Get a good nite's sleep, the Battalion moves out tomorrow - I hope:-)) Bob Norris in Dallas <BNorris166aol.com>