Revered Cross Stolen from St. Mary’s Church in Backworth, England. January 5th, 1879

During last mass one evening a gang of brigands assaulted the parishioners of St. Mary’s during the rite of communion. The masked men in dark clothing seemed to be only interested in an old Cross from medieval times that had hung in the church since it’s founding in 787 AD.

Information from witnesses mention that the thieves were coordinated and made sure no one interfered with their work to remove the Cross from the Church. Local constables have formed search parties and have been combing the woods and hills for the bandits but so far they have not been able to find anything. A reward has been posted by the people of Backworth in the amount of $500.00 to anyone that can return the town’s lost artifact.

CSA Troops Retreat back to Shannonsburg, January 4th, 1879

The Confederate Army of Western California led by General John Sibley fell back to their bastion of defense at Shannonsburg, California after suffering another defeat at the hands of Grimme’s army of Avenging Angels. A few weeks earlier armies led by the Reverend's lieutenants began the bloodiest fighting the Maze has seen since the War Between the States. One army has moved south of Lost Angels and has taken up a position of holding in the Mojave Desert, keeping out any reinforcements from the Mexicans or the CSA. Reports have also started to come in that the majority of the Mexican Army has joined Grimme’s Crusade. This turn of events will give Grimme the largest military force in the Maze.

So far, based on the few battles that we have heard of, the CSA forces have been decimated. Currently they have lost their Calvary Corp under Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest Jr., when they were caught unaware by an assault by Grimme’s forces at Sandee Creek. Rumors have been heard about Grimme’s men rising from the rivers of the creek while the CSA forces were setting up camp. It seems like dangerous times for any opposed to Reverend Grimme and his Crusade to free California of interlopers.

Stage Coach Assaulted Outside of Freedom, November 28th, 1878


Sad news for the people around Freedom this day. We have been notified that a local scientist from the Maze, a Mr. Harmon Kelly, has been found murdered a few miles outside of Freedom. A Union patrol found the remains of Mr. Kelly and his compatriots strung along the side of the road for about a mile. "Whoever did this is one nasty sonnuva bitch, it had to be some Injun or some beast, because no man could do somethin' as horrific as that." stated Sergeant Holmes.

Currently the Union Army has closed off the area while they wait for the nearest U.S. Marshall to investigate the matter. It is has been whispered that Mr. Kelly was working on some big project for the military which has gone missing. Stay tuned fellow readers as we will keep you up to date on the TRUTH.

Mail & Telegraph are Back, November 10th, 1878


After months of communication being down in the Northern part of the Great Maze, the telegraph lines along with the postal service, are back up and running. Due to the efforts of Congressman Conkling of New York and his allies in the Maze the destructive activities by the bandits and criminals in the wake of the resent unrest have been counteracted. Bringing a measure of peace the terrorized people of the Maze from the horror that exploded from Shan Fan a few months back.

With the news that communications are back in order and that Union troops have been stationed in key areas to keep such any acts of terrorism from happening again, Congressman Conkling has stated that he will soon be visiting the Great maze. He will also be bringing with him an additional Corp of Union troops. Their purpose wil be to help quell the rebellion and chaos that has taken over the Maze since the brazen attacks by the Mexican Army and Navy on the innocent people of California.

In addition to this pardner, we have heard rumours, but are unable to confirm this as of yet, that CSA forces have retaken territory that was lost during Santa Anna's brief blitzkrieg and have started to encroach on territory close to the City of Lost Angels. Currently Reverend Grimme has sent no emissaries or troops to meet the CSA forces even though he has made numerous proclamations over the last year that he is the leader and savior of the Maze.

Seems like the Great Maze can never calm down!!!

Hellstromme Industries Places Bounty on Joseph Donnelly & Family, November 5th, 1878


Mr. Kuranni Suresh, lawyer for the esteemed Mr. Darius Hellstromme, has made it known that Hellstromme industries has put out a $5,000 bounty for the live capture of Joseph Donnelly. Though less, monies will be also be paid out for any information leading to his capture or for his proof of death. Mr. Donnelly is wanted for crimes against Hellstromme Industries and Wasatch Railroad. He is being sought out for the nefarious deeds of murder, theft, and industrial espionage. Hellstromme industries is also paying for any information in regards to the whereabouts of his family, the least of which include a daughter, name unknown at this time, who is last known to be out West and son, known as Patrick William Donnelly Jr. Any information regarding either of these children or any other known associates of Joseph Donnelly will fetch a sizable reward. Please provide such information to any office of Hellstromme Industries or Wasatch Railroads. Remember Hellstromme Industries keep you safe!!

Hellstromme Angry at the United States

August 5th, 1878

Darius Hellstromme has demanded that the United States Government pay compensation for the loss of six of his newest Mark 10 Automatons. His words on the matter were "I have evidence that points to the United States sending their agents into Deseret to sabotage my newest invention and to stop me from selling them. I will be waiting for compensation for my monetary loss and it will hurt the Union more if I close down my armament sales to the United States Government." stated Darius Hellstromme. So far there has been no comment from the U.S. ambassador in Deseret.

Battle in the Maze

July 28th, 1878

Union troops and naval forces fought off an attack by the Mexican Armada on Fort Lincoln a day ago. The Mexican forces attempted to destroy the Union's naval forces in the Maze by attacking the docks at Fort Lincoln. Luckily General Strong had received intelligence on the tactics used by the Mexican forces from his military intelligence and was able to prepare defenses for his base of command in case of such a situation. As the Mexican forces moved closer, this reporter who was there for assignment saw the tent city that was housing the Union forces ripped off and under them a whole trench network around the fort, stocked with soldiers and Gatling rifles and Gatling tripods spraying the battlefield with lead.

Amazingly the Mexican forces still pushed forward and it seemed that many of the Mexicans would get back up after being shot. Maybe as others have written, the Mexicans have bought in bulk bullet proof clothing from Smith and Robards who have stated that they have not. As the Mexican forces were shambling forward under the intense fire from Fort Lincoln, the Union Calvary attacked from their flanks. This was one of the most intense battles I have ever witnessed as I saw soldiers shooting the Mexicans in the head while cutting off the heads of others. After 7 hours of intense fighting and hand to hand combat around the fort, the Mexican forces retreated down the coast where they must have been able to rendezvous with their Armada which was forced to stay at bay due to the long range cannons of Fort Lincoln. As of today no sightings of the Mexicans have been seen, but be glad to know that Fort Lincoln stands to protect the people of the Union in California.