in the early 1860s, population pressures in the washington territory near the present-day idahoutah border led to conflicts between immigrant settlers and native americans. after an attack on miners with depositions given in salt lake city by the survivors, connor marched his regiment 140 mi over the frozen winter landscape to "deal" with the indians. on january 29, 1863, connor's troops encountered a shoshone encampment along the bear river. connor and his militia crossed the river and attacked the camp, then feigned a retreat only to encircle the camp and renew their attack.