Capt. Bartlett Simms

Capt. Bartlett Simms, Nephews, Clark and Grant

Because of the several treaties and the number of chastisements received by the Indians, they were not so hostile from 1846 to 1857. Nevertheless, their depredations never ceased.

Capt. Bartlett Simms in company with his brother's sons, Clark and Grant, made a surveying expedition from Bastrop County to the Pedernales. While engaged in work, at a critical moment, they were charged by a large number of Indians, who had concealed themselves in the tall grass. The Indians first attacked the nephew of Captain Simms, and the youth shot one savage and knocked another down with the breech of his gun, but was then killed himself. Clark and Grant were also murdered by the Indians and their bodies almost obliterated by arrows. When Captain Simms reached his horse, a large Indian caught his bridle rein, but this warrior was wounded by the Captain with a pistol, and only Captain Simms reached the settlement in safety to relate the sad story.

The above story is from the book, The West Texas Frontier, by Joseph Carroll McConnell.

The above story is from Indian Depredations in Texas by J.W. Wilbarger.