An account of the Camp Grant Massacre by C.B. Rierly, U.S. Army Surgeon at Camp Grant

To the Editor:

"I think that Justice and humanity require that the particulars of an outrage perpetrated by the citizens of Tucson, Arizona Territory, upon a band of friendly Indians residing in the neighborhood of this post, and under the protection of the United States, be laid before the public."

"Notwithstanding the well-known fact that these Indians had been peaceable for over two months, they were attacked at daybreak on the 30th of April, and some sixty-five of their number killed and thirty-five taken prisoners; of the number killed, all but eight were women and children. The remnant who escaped have nearly all come in to camp from the mountains, where they fled for safety. They express themselves satisfied that we knew nothing of the affair until it was too late to help them, and only ask for protection and military aid towards the recovery of their captives."

"I feel no hesitation in denouncing the whole affair as an insult to the Government, whose honor was pledged for the safety of these people, and a most cowardly and brutal murder."

C.B. RIERLY,
Acting Assistant Surgeon U.S. Army, Camp Grant, Arizona

Arizona Citizen, June 24, 1871