To be a teamster in the region during the 1850s and 1860s one encounter many hazards. While poor road conditions was one item one of worst was the conflicts between the Indians and the Anglo settlers. In Fairfield’s Pioneer History of Lassen County e devotes nearly a quarter of its content about these conflicts.
In October 1867, Susanville merchants Griffin and Williams hired Charles League to take a load of merchandise to Summit Lake is far northwestern Nevada. After League unloaded his wagon, he began to make the journey back to Susanville. He stopped at Flowing Springs Station for the night operated by two Honey Lakers, L.M. Crill and C.P. McClelland. During the night the dogs barked continuously, a good indicator that Indians were around. With that in mind, Crill and McClelland tried to convince League that he should stay as a matter to safety precaution. It did not work, and League hitched up his team and wagon and started for Honey Lake Valley. It was not too long after, Crill and McClelland spotted smoke on the horizon. Crill and McClelland mounted their horses to follow League. They had only travelled a little over a mile, when they spotted some Indians going up the hillside with League’s horses. Near the wagon they found League’s dead body. The authorities at Camp McGarry were notified and a crude coffin was made, and League’s body brought back to Susanville for burial. This would be one of the last conflicts in the region.