What the pioneers feared could happened, did happen this April 26th in 1847. Before dawn, the guard discovered 6 indians creeping into camp, presumably to steal horses. But the firing of a gun, sent the intruders running.

William Clayton:

"...THE PROMPT RECEPTION THEY MET WITH WILL HAVE A TENDENCY TO SHEW THEM THAT WE KEEP A GOOD WATCH AND MAY DETER THEM FROM MAKING ANOTHER ATTEMPT."

Another attempt came, perhaps, sooner than they thought. After blazing a trail for 17 miles along these ridges, they camped for the night near a small creek.

Just at dusk two of the pioneers' horses were last scene galloping away from camp and it was presumed, an Indian was on each.