S3
.84
,1)52*
34TH CONGRESS, ) SENATE. C Ex. Doc.
1st Session. ( ) No. 66.
REPORT
F
THE SECRETARY OF WAR,
IN COMPLIANCE .WITH
./ resolution of the Senate of the 2lst ultimo, calling for copies of all
the letters of the governor of Washington Territory, addressed to him
during the present year ; and copies of all the correspondence relative
to the Indian disturbances in the Territories of Washington and
Oregon.
MAY 12, 185G. Read, referred to the Committee on Military Affairs, and ordered to be
printed.
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington, May 9, 1856.
SIR : In compliance with a resolution of the Senate of the 21st
ultimo, instructing the Secretary of War c - to transmit to the Senate
copies of all letters addressed to him during the present year by the
governor of Washington Territory, respecting the existing difficulties
with the Indians in that Territory ; and also all correspondence rela
ting to Indian difficulties in the Territories of Washington and Ore
gon not hitherto communicated," I have the honor to transmit here
with copies of communications from the governors of Oregon and
Washington Territories, and from Brevet Major General Wool, com
manding the Pacific division.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JEFF'N DAVIS,
Secretary of War\
Hon. J. D. BRIGHT,
President of the Senate.
The Governor of Oregon to the President of the United State*. .
TERRITORY OF OREGON,
Portland, February 5, 185G.
SIR : Herewith I have the honor to transmit a certified copy of a
memorial adopted by the legislative assembly of this Territory at the
late regular session of that body.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant/
GEO. L. CURRY.
Governor of Oregon.^
lo the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES.
S M-
INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
To Ids Excellency flic President of the United States,
..
Your memorialists, the legislative assembly of this Territory, re
spectfully represent that early in October last the people of Oregon
and Washington Territories were startled by a general outbreak
among nearly all the Indian tribes in the western and middle portions
of those Territories. These hostilities, unprovoked on the part of the
whites, were characterized by the usual modes of Indian warfare, and
indiscriminate slaughter of all our citizens who fell into their hands,
without regard to age, sex, or condition, and by the pillaging and
burning of dwellings, and the destruction of property.
The people in the most defenceless parts of the country, alarmed by
the dangers to which they were exposed, called upon the governor of
this Territory for that protection which they had a right to ask.
We are happy to say that this cry for relief was not unheeded by
the governor, and that our citizens, with a promptness and a zeal
which a sense of danger alone could call forth, volunteered to go out
in defence of their country, leaving their homes and the various avo
cations in which they were engaged. They have nobly discharged
their duties, under many adverse and trying circumstances, and are
still in the heart of the enemy's country, combating the Indians, or
holding possession of the country which they have conquered.
In this distressing state of affairs, and while the Oregon volunteers
were surrounded by hostile Indians, it was with no little satisfaction
that your memorialists, as well as the people of Oregon, hailed the
-arrival in this Territory of Major General John E. Wool, of the United
States army. His past services had led us to hope that he would at
once have sent the forces under his command to the assistance and
relief of our volunteers, who were desirous of returning to their homes.
It is with regret we confess that, in this respect, our hopes have been
disappointed. It is with regret that we are compelled to say that
General Wool has hitherto remained inactive, and has refused to send
the United States troops to the relief of the volunteers, or to supply
them with arms and ammunition in their time of need ; that he has
gone into winter quarters and left our settlements exposed to the rav
ages of our enemies ; that he has removed the greater portion of his
troops from the Indian Territory to Vancouver, a military point re
mote from the scenes of war, and that too, while our volunteers were
threatened by an overwhelming force of Indians ; that he refused to
go to the relief of a number of our citizens who had settled in the
Walla- Walla valley, and who had fled from their homes for safety,
and that he refused to send any of the forces under his command to
protect the people of southern Oregon, whose lives and property were
almost daily being destroyed or endangered by the Indians.
Your memorialists would have borne all these grievances in silence,
and left these public acts and omissions of General Wool to the just
judgment of the people of Oregon and Washington Territories, and to
the approval or disapproval of the proper officers of the United States
government; but so it is, that General Wool, not content with the in
active and inefficient course which he has hitherto thought proper to
TEREITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 3
pursue in this war, has departed from his inactive policy only to censure
the governor and people of this Territory for their commendahle zeal in
defending their country, and to thwart all their efforts to procure sup
plies and the means of subsistence for the Oregon volunteers now in the
field. Instead of offering aid and encouragement to our people, he
has shown a disgraceful activity in his endeavors to persuade our mer
chants and those of California not to furnish ammunition and supplies
for our volunteers in this trying time of their need. Instead of at
tending to the duties of his high office, he has become an intermed-
dler between the people of Oregon and the government of the United
States, and publicly declared that his influence will be exerted to
prevent the payment, by the United States, of the just claims incurred
in prosecution of this war.
Therefore, inasmuch as your memorialists, as well as the people of
Oregon, have lost all confidence in the willingness of General Wool
to assist and defend them in their present Indian difficulties, they
most respectfully ask that he may be recalled from the command of
the military department of the Pacific, and your memorialists will
ever pray.
Passed the Council, January 30, 1856.
Passed the House, January 30, 1856.
DELAZON SMITH,
Speaker of House of representatives.
A. T. DENNISON,
President of the Council.
TERRITORY OF OREGON, ss:
I, B. F. Harding, secretary of the Territory of* Oregon, do hereby
certify that the foregoing is a true and perfect copy of the original,
now on file in my office.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name and affixed
-, the seal of the Territory this 31st day of January. A. D.
L L - S 'J 1856.
B. F. HARDING,
Secretary of the Territory of Oregon.
The Governor of Washington to the Secretary of War.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON TERRITORY,
February 19, 1856.
SIR : Having been constantly and closely occupied since my return
from the Blackfeet council, I avail myself of this my first opportunity
to inform the department fully of the condition of the Territory in
the existing Indian war. And in order to arrive at a full understand
ing of the state of affairs, it is deemed necessary to state the facts con
nected with my return from the Missouri, where a treaty of peace and
friendship had been concluded with the Blackfeet and other tribes of
Indians.
4 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
On the 29th day of October, when two days march from Fort Ben-
ton on my return to this place, W. H. Pearson reached my camp with
an express from Acting Governor Mason, bringing the startling intel
ligence that the Yakima Indians, with whom I had concluded a treaty
in June last, had murdered a number of whites in their country, their
agent, A. J. Bolan, and had finally broken out into open war; had
defeated a detachment of United States troops, under Major Haller,
and had declared their determination to exterminate all the whites in
the country.
It was supposed that the Cayuses, Walla- Wallas, and Umatillas,
would join, and that the Spokanes and Cceur d'Alenes were disposed
to hostilities.
At this time my party of twenty-five men were in this condition :
Our animals were poor and jaded from the constant express service in
which they had been employed in the operations preliminary to the
Blackfeet council, for our expresses had ranged from the Saskatcha-
wan on the north to the Yellow Stone on the south. They possessed
but few arms and little ammunition, as we had in coming up found
no use for them, passing through the territory of friendly Indians.
Under these circumstances I halted the train, dispatched my secre
tary, Mr. Doty, to Forts Benton and Campbell to procure arms, am
munition, and fresh animals; and, on October 31, I pushed forward
to the Bitter Root valley, to make arrangements for fresh animals and
supplies, instructing Mr. Doty to come on as rapidly as the condition
of the train would permit.
I reached the valley November 4, making the distance of 230 miles
in four and a half days.
The train left the Missouri November 4, and reached Hell Gate, in
the Bitter Root valley, where I had established my camp, in eight
days,, a distance of 200 miles.
I had overtaken, before reaching the valley, the delegation of Nez
Perces chiefs, who had attended the Blackfeet council. A conference
was held with them at Hell Gate.
They had already heard, through Indian rumors, of the war below.
I stated to them fully the state of affairs, and requested that certain of
their number would accompany me, it being my determination to push
forward by way of the Cceur d'Alenes pass, although it was declared
to be impracticable on account of snow.
The result of our conference was most satisfactory. The whole
party, numbering fourteen men, among whom were Spotted Eagle,
Looking Glass, and Three Feathers, principal chiefs among the Nez
Perces, expressed their determination to accompany us, and share any
dangers to be encountered. .
They expressed a desire that, after crossing the mountains, I should
go to their country, whence a large force of their young men would
accompany me to the Dalles, and protect us with their lives against
any enemy.
Having replenished my train with all the animals to be had, on
November 14th we pushed forward, crossed the Bitter Root mountains
the 20th, in snow two and a half to three feet deep, and reached the
Coeur d'Alene Mission the 25th, taking the Cceur d'Alenes entirely by
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 5
surprise. They had not thought it possible we would cross the moun
tains so late in the season. With the Coeur d'Alenes I had a council,
and found them much excited ; on a balance for peace or for war, and
a chance word might turn them either way.
Kumors of all kinds met us here ; that the troops had fought a
battle with the Yakimas, and had driven them across the Columbia
towards the Spokane, and that the Walla- Wallas, Cayuses, andUma-
tillas, were in arms, and that they had been joined by a portion of the
Nez Perces.
The accounts were of so contradictory a nature that nothing cer
tain could be ascertained from them, excepting the evident fact that
several of the tribes below were in arms, blocking up our road, and
had threatened to cut off my party in any event. However, I deter
mined to push forward, having first dispatched Mr. Craig, my Nez
Perces interpreter, with all but four of the Nez Perces, who remained
to accompany me, to the Nez Perces country, with instructions to col
lect the Nez Perces, tell them I was coming, and wished a strong
party to accompany me to the Dalles ; and having done this, to dispatch
an express to me, at the Spokane, on the 27th November; accompa
nied by the four Nez Perces, we made a forced march to the Spokane,
reaching it the next day.
The Spokanes were even more surprised than the Cceur d'Alenes at
seeing us. Three hours before my arrival^ they heard I was going to
the settlements by way of New York. I immediately called a council,
sent to Fort Colville for Mr. McDonald, in charge of that post of the
Hudson's Bay Company, and also for the Jesuit Fathers at that point.
They arrived. A council was held, at which the whole Spokane
nation was represented. The Coeur d'Alenes and Colvilles also were
present.
The Spokanes and Colvilles evinced extreme hostility of feeling,
spoke of the war below, wanted it stopped ; said the whites were
wrong. The belief was current that Pee-u-pee-mox-mox would cut
off my party, as he had repeatedly threatened. They had not joined
in the war, but yet would make no promises to remain neutral. If
the Indians now at war were driven into their country, they would
not answer for the consequences ; probably many of the Spokanes
would join them.
After a stormy council of several days, the Spokanes, Coeur d'Alenes,
and Colvilles were entirely conciliated, and promised that they would
reject all the overtures of the hostile Indians, and continue the firm
friends of the whites.
Having added to my party twenty men on their way from Colville
to the Dalles, who had delayed some weeks at this point through fear
of the hostile Indians below, I organized my party as volunteers of
the Territory, and mustered them into the service.
I then made a forced march to the Nez Perces country, striking the
Clear Water at Lapevai. Here we found assembled the whole Nez
Perces nation, excepting those in the buffalo country.
Mr. Craig had received letters which informed me that the whole
Walla- Walla valley was blocked up with hostile Indians,, and the Nez
Perces said it was impossible to go through.
6 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
I called a council, and proposed to them that 150 of their young
men should accompany me to the Dalles.
Without hesitation they agreed to go. Whilst in council, making
the arrangements for our movement, news came that a force of gallant
Oregon volunteers, four hundred strong, had met the Indians in the
Walla- Walla valley, and after four days hard fighting, having a
number of officers and men killed and wounded, had completely
routed the enemy, driving them across Snake river, and towards the
Nez Perces country.
The next day I pushed forward, accompanied by 69 Nez Perces well
armed, and reached Walla- Walla without encountering any hostile
Indians. They had all been driven across Snake river below us, by
the Oregon troops.
It is now proper to inquire what would have been the condition of
my party had not the Oregon troops pushed vigorously into the field,
and gallantly defeated the enemy.
The country between the Blue mountains and the Columbia was
overrun with Indians, numbering 1,000 to 1,200 warriors, including
the force at Priest's rapids, under Kam-ai-a-kun, who had sworn to
cut us off it was completely blocked up.
One effect of the campaign of the regulars and volunteers in the
Yakima country, under Brigadier General Raines, was to drive Kam-
ai-a-kun and his people upon our side of the Columbia river, and
thus endangering our movement from the Spokane to the Nez Perces
country.
Thus we had been hemmed in by a body of hostile Indians, through
whom we could only have forced our way with extreme difficulty, and
at great loss of life. We might all have been sacrificed in the at
tempt. For the opening the way to my party I am solely indebted
to the Oregon volunteers.
Pee-u-pee-mox-mox, the celebrated Walla-Walla chief, entertains
an extreme hostility toward myself and party, owing to imaginary
wrongs he supposed had been inflicted upon him in the treaty conclu
ded with the Cayuses and Walla- Wallas last June, and had been
known to threaten repeatedly that I should never reach the Dalles.
He was the first to commence hostilities, by plundering Fort Walla-
Walla, and destroying a large amount of property belonging to the
United States Indian Department.
This chief was taken prisoner by the Oregon volunteers, while en
deavoring to lead them into an ambush. During the heat of the first
day's battle, he and four other prisoners attempted to escape by fero
ciously attacking the guard, and were at once shot down.
At Walla- Walla I found some twenty-five settlers, the remainder
having fled to the Dalles for protection. With these were 100 friendly
Indians.
Special Indian agent, B. F. Shaw, colonel in the Washington Ter
ritory militia, was on the ground, and I at once organized the district,
placed him in command, and directed him, if necessary, to fortify, but
at all events to maintain his ground, should the Oregon troops be dis
banded before another force could take the field.
The Nez Perces auxiliaries were disbanded and returned home.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 7
Thus we had reached a place of safety, unaided, excepting by the
fortunate movements of the Oregon troops. Not a single man had
been pushed forward to meet us, although it was well known we should
cross the mountains about a certain time, and arrive at Walla- Walla
about the time we did.
Why was this? Arrangements had been made with Major Raines,
by acting Governor Mason, to push forward a force under Colonel
Shaw, to meet me at the Spokane about the time of my arrival there.
A company had been enlisted, organized, and marched to Fort Van
couver, to obtain equipments, rations and transportation, which Major
Raines had promised both Governor Mason and Col. Shaw should be
promptly furnished them. Some little delay ensued, and in the
meantime Major General Wool arrived, who immediately declined
equipping the company, as promised by Major Raines, and stated that
he could not in any manner recognize volunteers, or furnish them
equipments or transportation, and declining to supply their place with
regular troops, when at Vancouver alone were some 350 men.
When remonstrated with by Captain William M'Kay, in command
of the company raised to push forward to my assistance, when informed
of the object for which this company was enlisted, and that if it was
not pushed forward at once, or if some other force were not sent, Gov
ernor Stevens and his party would be in the most imminent danger,
the general replied that in his opinion the danger was greatly exagge
rated ; that probably Governor Stevens would be able to protect him
self, but that if he could not, then Governor Stevens could obtain an
escort from General Harney.
What a reply was this ? A moiety of the Indians now in arms had
defeated a detachment of 100 United States regulars.
Major Raines had placed on record his opinion, that an insufficient
force would be defeated by these Indians, and my party was supposed
to number no more than 25 men. Yet Major General Wool very
coolly says, Governor Stevens can take care of himself. So, too, in
the remark, that I could obtain aid from General Harney. Did Gen
eral Wool know that the distance from Fort Benton to the supposed
position of General Harney was greater than the distance from Fort
Benton to the Dalles, and that to obtain aid from him would require
not less than six months ? and that an express to reach him must pass
through the entire breadth of the Sioux country? Such ignorance
shows great incapacity, and is inexcusable.
Mr. Secretary, Major General Wool, commanding the Pacific divi
sion^ neglected and refused to send a force to the relief of myself and
party, when known to be in imminent danger, and believed, by those
who are best capable of judging, to be coming on to certain death ; and
this, when he had at his command an efficient force of regular troops.
He has refused to sanction the agreement made between Governor
Mason and Major Raines for troops to be sent to my assistance, and
ordered them to be disbanded. It was reserved for the Oregon vol
unteers to rescue us.
There has been a breach of faith somewhere. I ask for an investi
gation into the whole matter.
The only demonstration made by Major Raines resulted in showing
8 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
his utter incapacity to command in the field. As has heen heretofore
said his expedition against the Yakimas effected nothing hut driving
the Indians into the very country through which I must pass to reach
the settlements. I have, therefore, to prefer charges against General
Wool. I accuse him of utter and signal incapacity, of criminal ne-
flect of my safety. I ask for an investigation into his conduct and
>r his removal from command.
After making my arrangements in the Walla- Walla valley, I pushed
to Vancouver, coming down the trail, the river "being still closed, con
ferred with Major Kaines, and then hastened to Olympia as rapidly
as possible, reaching my home on the 19th January. The legislature
was still in session. The greatest alarm prevailed throughout the
sound. The people were living in block houses. The enemy had
gained the advantage, and our regulars and volunteers had retired
before them. .Keinforcements were coming from the other side of the
mountains to the hostile Indians. In obedience to my own convictions
of duty, and in response to the sentiments of this entire community, I
issued my proclamation calling for six companies of volunteers for the
defence of the sound, appointed recruiting officers for the raising of
three companies on the Columbia river, to operate east of the Cascades,
and after remaining in my office but two days, went down the Sound
to visit the friendly Indians, confer with the inhabitants, and make
the necessary arrangements for the troops to take the field.
Since my arrival on the Sound, Seattle has been attacked and every
thing outside of its line of defences burned, except a small place named
Alki, on the same bay with Seattle. The whole county of King has
been devastated. Rumors of all our places being attacked have
reached us daily. The northern Indians have commenced making
depredations. They are now meditating to send sixteen war canoes
against us. These canoes carry seventy-five men each, and can be
urged with great velocity through stormy seas. To meet which dan
ger I have requested Captain Gansevoort, now commanding the naval
forces in the Sound, to keep the steamer Active cruising between Fort
Townsend, Bellingham bay, and Seattle, and I have advised Governor
Douglas, of Vancouver's island, of the fact, and requested him to keep
one of the Hudson's bay steamers cruising in the waters of his juris
diction, and to keep me advised of the movements of the Indians
alleged to be hostile.
I have also raised a force of friendly Indians to operate against the
hostiles from the line of the Snow-hou-mish. They are already in the
field, are supported by all the available strength of the northern bat
talion of the Washington Territory volunteers, and have struck two
decisive blows. The central battalion have moved from this quarter,
and are now establishing a depot at Montgomery's. They will on
Friday or Saturday move on the Puyallup, and will also be reinforced
by friendly Indians.
The most cordial relations exist between myself and Lieutenant
Colonel Casey, commanding the Puget Sound district, who appreciates
fully the imminence of our danger, and who urges me to push into
the field all the volunteers in my power. We shall act in concert
throughout.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON.
Since my arrival at the Sound I have revisited the Columbia river,
and conferred with Colonel Wright, 9th infantry, in command of the
Columbia river district. By letter I have urged both Colonel Wright
and Major Rains, previously in command of the district, to dispatch
troops to the interior. They are not permitted to do so by the strin
gent orders of General Wool, and, knowing the necessity of prompt
action, I have had no alternative but to call out volunteers.
In Colonel Wright I have entire confidence, and if he was allowed
to act according to his own judgment there would be nothing to ap
prehend. But it seems to be the determination of General Wool to
play the part of the dog in the manger, neither to act himself nor to
let others act.
As commander-in-chief of the militia of Washington, and in view
of my oath of office, I have taken the responsibility to act. Every
energy will be devoted to the work. The Indians now .hostile on this
side of the mountains will soon, I trust, be struck, and peace be
restored to our distracted Sound.
For my full views in reference to operations east of the Cascades, I
enclose a copy of a memoir which I have addressed to General Wool,
with an extract of a letter to Colonel Wright, modifying my views in
certain particulars, in consequence of the lateness of the season and
the condition of affairs on the Sound.
I also send a copy of my message to the legislature, and of the
message of Governor Mason, when that legislature first assembled.
Governor Mason will soon be in Washington, from whom you will
be able to gain every information which this office could furnish.
I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient ser
vant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor and Super 't Indian Affairs, W. T.
Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War.
HEADQUARTERS, CAMP WASHINGTON TERRITORY VOLUNTEERS, '
Walla-Walla Valley, W. T., December 23, 18f5.
SIR : I reached this point, some thirty miles to the eastward of Fort
Walla- Walla, on the Columbia, on the 20th instant. We have had
extraordinary success in our long march from the waters of the Mis
souri, and I trust that the conferences with the Indian tribes on my
way will have some effect in preventing the tribes now peaceable from
becoming hostile.
A very important result has been gained by the operations of the
volunteers of Oregon in this valley. The Cayuses, Walla- Wallas,
Umatillas, the Tye of Deshute, and a portion of the Palouse Indians,
mustering five to six hundred warriors, have been defeated and driven
across the Snake river. They are now scattered along the north bank
of the Snake from its mouth to the Nez Perces country, and the bulk
of them are believed to be in camp in the first wood on the Palouse
10 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
river. From the best information I can gain, I am of opinion that
not more than five to six hundred Indians participated in the fight ;
these Indians are in constant communication with the Yakimas, under
Kam-i-a-han, and we have reports that he is meditating an attack
witli their combined forces upon the troops in this valley. These re
ports I do not credit ; I am of opinion that the Indians desire the war
to be put off till spring, in the hope that their numbers may be aug
mented by the Spokanes, Omahanes, Colvilles, Coeur d'Alenes, and
the tribes north of the line, and in case of defeat, by having the
means of retreat to the north and across the mountains eastward to
the buffalo country.
The Cosur d'Alenes, Spokanes, Colvilles and Omahanes number
about 2,100 souls, and some 400 to 500 warriors, only a portion armed
with guns. The former tribes, numbering about 1,700, I called into
council on the Spokane, early this month., and have received from
them the most unqualified assurances that they would reject all the
overtures of the hostile tribes, and maintain relations of friendship
with the government ; but they have been very much shaken by the
efforts made to invoke them in the war, and if operations are sus
pended till spring there would be great danger that they would then
be met in arms.
The Nez Perces are staunch and entirely reliable. Some seventy
of these warriors, well armed, accompanied me from their own coun
try and are now in my camp. I crossed the mountains with twenty-
five men, and by accessions from the mines, and citizens who had fled
for protection to the Nez Perces country, and from other sources, we
have a force of volunteers, organized in two companies and numbering
in all fifty-two men. The volunteers of Oregon in this valley num
ber about four hundred men.
I am of opinion that all the tribes, from the Dalles to the Nez Per
ces country and from the Blue mountains to the Spokane river, now
in arms against the government, have not over twelve hundred adult
males, and that they cannot bring into the field more than one thousand
effective men. My sources of information are good, and I write with
much confidence. The hostile tribes, throwing out bands known to
be friendly and in charge of local agents, do not number quite five
thousand souls.
On reaching this point, I exceedingly regretted to learn that the
Yakima country had been abandoned. In my opinion, it could have
been held by two hundred men, and have been supplied by Walla-
Walla. There is a good road from Walla- Walla to .the Yakima mis
sion ; the distance is about ninety miles. Little or no snow lays on
the ground for more than two thirds the distance, and at the mission
the snow is seldom more than six inches deep.
This whole valley is remarkably favorable for winter operations.
Grass and wood are abundant, and there are numerous streams of
excellent water. The snow lays on the ground but a short time, and
then but a few inches deep, and scarcely interfering with the grazing
of animals.
North of the Snake, the Palouse, and its tributaries, the grass is
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. II
also good, and there is a large quantity of pine. The pine on the
Palouse is found eighteen miles from its mouth.
From the Palouse to the Columbia, north of the Snake, the country
is not so favorable ; there is not much wood,, nor much running water,
and the grass is of inferior quality. There is nothing but drift wood
on the Snake^ enough, however, for camping purposes. There is
nothing but drift wood on the Columbia till you reach the mouth of
the Wee-nat-chap-pam, where the pine commences.
From the mouth of the Palouse, and from the several crossings
above, there is no difficulty in moving to the Spokane country all
through the winter. The grass is uniformly good, there is abundant
pine in the Spokane, and there will be wood for fuel at all the inter
mediate camps on all the routes.
The information here given so minutely is wholly the result of per
sonal examination, and I can vouch for the accuracy of it all.
I send you a map of the country from the Cascades to the Bitter
Koot mountains, showing the Indian tribes, their numbers, their
warriors, the points those hostile are now believed to occupy, the
several routes for the movement of troops, points for depot camps,
where there is abundant grass and abundant pine within reach, the
several crossings of Snake river, and the winter snow line, over which
the Indians cannot cross when pursued by troops, and the line within
which troops can operate all through the winter.
I will respectfully recommend that you urge forward your prepara
tions with all possible dispatch, get all your disposable force in this
valley in all of January, establish a large depot camp here, occupy
Fort Walla- Walla, and'be ready early in February to take the field.
February is generally a mild and open month. February and
March are the favorable months for operating. All the Indians are
destitute of food, the rivers are easy to cross, the mountain passes are
closed. In April the Indians can retreat in the Pearl d'Oreille route
eastward of the mountains. In May the Coeur d'Alenes route is also
open. The streams are swollen, and the salmon begin to run. In
June roots are abundant, and the streams most difficult to cross. If
operations be vigorously prosecuted in February and March, there is
little probability of any of the tribes now peaceable taking part in the
war. This is the conclusion to which I was brought by the recent
council held by me with the Indian tribes on the Spokane.
I do not entertain the idea that all operations can be brought to a
close in these two months. The strength of the combination can,
however, be broken, but the country should be held all through the
ensuing year.
As to transportation, I would urge that a line of barges be estab
lished on the Columbia ; that supplies be hauled in wagons from the
Dalles to the mouth of the De Chutes, and thence by water to Fort
Walla- Walla, then to the Yakima country, (the Mission ;) to the cross
ing at the mouth of the Palouse, and to any point which may be se
lected in this valley as a depot camp, supplies can be hauled in wagons.
The roads are all good.
When operations are extended to north of the Snake, and the north
12 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
"bank Is held, a new depot camp can be established, and the water line
extended.
The Hudson Bay barge should be adopted, only be increased in size.
The barge most commonly in use carries 6,000 pounds and requires
seven men. But the great difficulty in the river is at the falls, at the
mouth of the De Chutes river, which is avoided by hauling in wagons
to above that point. A barge could be constructed which would carry
12,000 pounds, require eight men, and make two round trips a month
from the De Chutes to Fort Walla- Walla. Supplies for 500 men, say
four pounds per day, including clothing, ammunition, &c., and forage
for 500 animals, 12 pounds a day, each animal, would require 10 of
these barges, 80 men, about ten (10) three-yoke ox teams, running
from the Dalles to the De Chutes. An ox team could not make more
than three round trips from the Dalles to Fort Walla- Walla, in two
months, and this would be more than ought reasonably to be expected.
To transport the above amount of supplies and forage in wagons
would require 100 ox teams and 100 men. Unless foraged on the road,
oxen, after making one round trip, must have rest, and a large number
of spare oxen must be at hand at both ends of the line to keep the
teams constantly in motion. It will probably be very difficult to get
early into the field so large a train ; a pack train will be still more ex
pensive, and it will be wanted in advance. Supplies, in my judg
ment, will mostly have to be transported from the depot in this valley
by pack trains.
The Hudson Bay people at Fort Vancouver can put their hands on
the men who understand making these barges. I estimate that five
barges could be built at Portland and be in readiness for their loads
at the mouth of the De Chutes in 20 days, and five more in 30 days.
It is a small affair to make them.
I derive my information in regard to the barges from Mr. Sinclair,
of the Hudson Bay Company, a gentleman of sound judgment and
large experience, and most favorably known to all the citizens of the
Columbia valley.
I believe it is practicable to run stern- wheel steamers from the mouth
of the De Chutes to above Walla- Walla, and as far as the Priests'
rapids ; but time will be required to get a suitable one on the route,
and to establish wood yards. There is nothing but drift wood on the
immediate banks of the Columbia, below the mouth of the Wee-nat-
chap-pan. I would respectfully urge, however, that your early atten
tion be given to the matter.
The plan of campaign which occurs to me as feasible is as follows :
Occupy the Walla- Walla valley in January ; establish a large depot
camp on the Touchet ; hold Fort Walla- Walla ; get up supplies by a
line of barges on the Columbia; have an advance post on the Tucanon,
and pickets at the crossings at the Palouse and opposite the bend of
the Tucanon. This disposition of the troops will make you master of
the Walla- Walla valley, give you the control of the country of the
Snake, and enable you to get information of the enemy. In February
cross the Snake, attack the enemy on the Palouse, establish a depot
camp at the first wood, extend the line of barges up the Snake to the
Palouse, and push forward a column to below Okinahane.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 13
These operations will probably drive all the hostile Indians into the
Yakima country, west of the Columbia river ; when more down the
Columbia, cross into the Yakima country and put the enemy to hi&
last battle. He cannot cross the mountains till May, and all the troops
left behind at Fort Wall a- Walla and at depot camps, except indispen
sable guards, marched up seasonably from Fort Walla- Walla by the
line of the Yakima river, would, with the movement of the column
from north of the Snake, drive him into a corner, from which he could
not easily escape.
There will be no difficulty whatever in making the crossing of the
Snake. To the upper crossings canoes could be brought from the
Nez Perces country. For the Palouse crossing, with a few tools, boats
could be made in a few days, on the Touchet, and be transported
thither on wheels. My India rubber boats for the Indian service were
unfortunately cut to pieces by the Indians, at Fort Walla- Walla..
During the winter months the rivers are low.
The question occurs, is the plan compatible with the force at your
command ?
In my judgment, 300 to 400 effective troops will signally defeat any
force which the enemy could bring together from the tribes now hos
tile. In my plan of operations at Fort Walla- Walla, at the depot
camp of the valley, and to hold the river crossings, 200 men would be
required. If a smaller force were left, it might tempt the Yakimas,
under Kam-a-a-hum, to move rapidly into his own country, if not
already there, cross the Columbia below the mouth of the Snake, steal
all the animals, and break up the communications. If very much
reduced, he might successfully attempt an attack upon the troops.
With 200 men, I do not think he would attempt anything on this
side of the Columbia. The barges in brigade of five each, manned
by 40 men, I do not think, with a small force on the Umatilla, would
be in danger of attack. They could destroy all the canoes, and take
from the enemy the means of crossing the river below Walla- Walla.
In the advance movement on the Palouse there should be five hun
dred men. This whole force will be disposable for the first blow on
the Palouse ; 200 men will hold the line of the Snake^ and 300 will
be left for the advance movement on the Columbia, below Okinahane.
When the enemy is driven into the Yakima country, from the de
pot camps north and south of the Snake, a strong column can be
thrown across the Columbia at the mouth of the Snake^ say 200 men,
which, with 150 from this column moving towards Okinahane, will
give 350 men. I would advise that 150 men of that column be left to
cut off retreat in any attempt to recross the river.
In this plan of the campaign, the troops are interposed between the
hostile tribes and the friendly ones, and they are brought to a final
stand, where there is scarcely a possibility of escape. If the Yakima
country were held simultaneously with this valley and with operations
upon the Palouse, it might drive the enemy upon the Spokane, and
thus cause them to embark in the war. The holding of the Yakima
country would, however, effectually protect the line of the Columbia,
and render it unnecessary to leave so large a force in this valley. But
this plan would require more troops than the other.
14 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
By the Wai la- Walla valley on this paper, I mean the whole coun
try in the re-entering of the Snake.
With a small force on the Umatilla, and the troops required at the
Dalles, 800 effective men will be required, and making allowances for
the sick list and for casualties, 1,000 men should he in the field.
There are here, or are on their way, 500 volunteers from Oregon ; I
hear that you have, or will soon have, 500 to 600 regulars.
The volunteers with me have been mustered into the service of the
Territory for a specific duty, and will be discharged when I go down
to the Dalles. On the Spokane, I was able to learn nothing of the
plan of the campaign, and only knew that Kam-i-a-hum, with all his
forces, was believed to be on the Spokane side of the Columbia, and
that the Cayuses and Walla- Wallas were assembled, some 600 war
riors,, in the Walla- Walla valley. I expected at that time to be
obliged to force my way through this body with my small force of less,
at that time, than 50 men, and the Nez Perces to the Dalles. The
Nez Perces chiefs, who accompanied me from the Blackfeet council,
tendered to me the services of 150 fighting men of the nation, and it
was not till I had been some hours with them in council, in their own
country, making the necessary arrangements, that I learned of the
defeat cf these tribes, and that the road was opened. I took with me,
however, some "70 Nez Perces, well armed, besides young men, to herd
and guard our animals.
OLYMPIA, W. T., January 29, 1856.
The above was written to be dispatched by an express to you at
Vancouver. I concluded, however, to come in person, and reached
Vancouver the day of your departure from Portland to San Francisco.
I have since my return carefully examined the condition of affairs
in the Sound, have visited nearly every point, and informed myself
thoroughly of our necessities.
We are now feeding 4,000 Indians on the Sound alone ; a band of
hostiles, numbering from 200 to 400 are in the field. The whole
country is opened to attack from them and the northern Indians. All
our people are living in block houses. The town of Seattle was at
tacked on the 26th instant, and the families compelled to go on ship
board. The whole of King county has been devastated, and the in
habitants driven within the line of defences of the town of Seattle.
We need at least six hundred troops to cope with the enemy, and the
war will, I fear, from the nature of the country, be a protracted one.
In conclusion, it is due to frankness that I should state that I have
determined to submit to the department the course taken by the mili
tary authorities in the Territory of Washington for my relief. No
effort was made, although the facts were presented both to Major
General Wool and Major Kains to send me assistance. The regular
troops were all withdrawn into garrison, and I was left to make my
way the best I could through tribes known to be hostile. It remains
to be seen whether the commissioner selected by the President to
make treaties with the Indians in the interior of the continent is to
be ignored, and his safety left to chance.
I had no fear of my own safety, but the facts in the settlements
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 15
did not warrant such belief. I simply, with 50 odd men and 150 Nez
Perces, vrould have been compelled to fight 600 Indians in the Walla-
Walla valley had it not been for the operations of the Oregon volun
teers.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor Territory of Washington.
Major General JOHN E. WOOL,
Commanding Pacific Division, Vancouver, W. T.
N. B. The map is not quite ready. I will send it to the post at
Vancouver.
Extract of a letter from Governor Stevens to Colonel Wright, February
6, 1856.
In view of the lateness of the season, my views, as stated in my
memoir to General Wool, and a copy of which I have sent to you, are
modified as follows :
1. Operate simultaneously in the Yakima country, and north of the
Snake river.
2. Send at least two companies of the troops now at Vancouver to
the Sound.
The volunteers on the Sound will be in the field this week, but the
force will be small, and unless operations are prosecuted with great
promptness and energy, we have reason to apprehend that many of
the Indians now friendly will become hostile.
I will urge you to push two companies to the Sound without delay,
and to push your troops against the Indians east of the Cascades.
Message of the governor of the Territory of Washington, delivered in
joint session of the council and house of representatives of Washington
Territory, Friday, December *l, 1854.
Felloiv-citizens of the Legislative Assembly :
In the absence of the executive, I have the honor to respond to
your call. To the people of this Territory, and to me especially, that
absence is, at this time, particularly to be regretted, for the present
juncture of affairs requires all the experience, ability, and energy so
justly conceded to the distinguished gentleman who has the honor to
preside over this Territory, and whose duties in such absence by law
devolves upon the Secretary of the Territory. With real sincerity I
will assert that many and grave doubts have arisen in my mind as
to my ability to discharge the weighty and responsible duties incident
to, and arising out of, our present Indian relations ; but, with a firm
16 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
reliance upon the patriotism of the people, and their hearty co-opera
tion, I have endeavored to compensate for want of experience by an
earnestness of purpose, and a zealous effort to discharge my whole
duty.
It is a subject of regret that pressure of business and multiplicity
of labors prevent as full and careful a review of matters as is de
sirable. Should, therefore, things seemingly important be omitted,
or slightly alluded to, the neglect must be attributed not to intention,
but rather to an attention to more pressing matters.
Since you were last assembled an important and, I regret to say,
disastrous change has taken place in our social prospects. While
peace and security seemed to reign about us, and every person was, as
usual, pursuing his customary avocations, an Indian war breaks out
in our midst, spreading alarm throughout the whole Territory.
Familes are murdered, property is destroyed, claims are abandoned
for the fort and the block house, and the whole country, instead of
portraying the usual peaceful occupations of American citizens, has
the appearance of desertion, and nothing but parties of armed men
are to be seen in motion. How long this state of affairs is to continue
it is impossible to say ; but, from the energy which our citizens have
shown, and the measures which have been adopted, it is earnestly to
be hoped that the end is not far off.
The extinguishment of the Indian title to lands within the Territory,
had been long and loudly called for by the people. This was a
matter absolutely necessary for our welfare, in order that there might
be no conflicting claims between the settler and the Indian, and that
the Indians might be placed in such a position that, while they were
taken care of and protected, they could at the same time,, as far as;
possible, be prevented from doing harm.
In the month of December, 1854, in pursuance of instructions from
the general government, Governor Stevens entered upon this delicate
and arduous task. The first treaty was made in the county of
Thurston, in the vicinity of the Nisqually river, on the 26th of
December; was ratified by the United States Senate before its adjourn
ment, March 3, 1855, has been proclaimed by the President, and
is now a part of the supreme law of the land. The basis of that
treaty is the basis of all that have been concluded since. Great care
was taken to explain the provisions and the objects of negotiation to
the various tribes. Careful interpreters were secured, and every in
dividual was allowed to speak his views. Similar treaties have been
concluded with all the Indians west of the Cascade mountains, with
the exception of the Chehalis, those residing in the neighborhood of
Shoalwater Bay and on the Columbia, as far east as the Dalles.
In pursuance of the instructions and line of policy marked out by-
the Indian Department at Washington City, Governor Stevens crossed:;
the Cascade mountains, and in conjunction with the superintendent,
of Indian affairs of Oregon, treaties were effected with the varioug>
bands known as the Yakima tribe, the Cayuses, the Walla- Wallas
andthe^Nez Perces. He then proceeded to Fort Benton, on the-
Missouri river, where a great council had been called, to conclude
and settle a definite peace between the tribes divided by the Rocky
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 17
mountains, hostilities between which had continued ever since the
whites have had any knowledge of the country.
This measure was of vital importance to the Territory of Washing
ton, as, while these hostilities continued, there could be no safe
travel or communication by the great northern route connecting the
waters of the Columbia and Puget Sound with the headwaters of the
Mississippi. It may be well here to state, that the latest information
received will justify the belief that that treaty has been concluded,
and the return of Gov. Stevens is daily looked for.
In the midst of this favorable appearance of things, while the ink
was scarcely dry with which treaties had been written, Indians, who
had entered into these stipulations, and solemnly pledged their faith to
preserve amity and peace towards all American citizens, have risen in
arms, treacherously surprised, and barbarously murdered our inof-
fending citizens, killed an Indian agent, while in the performance of
his official duties, and in defiance of all plighted faith and written
obligation waged a war, accompanied with all the horrid brutalities
incident to savage life.
The sphere alloted to this message will not justify a recital of the
preliminary aggressions. Satisfactory evidence, however, has been
afforded, indicating that both in Oregon and this Territory, for a
great length of time, preparations for war had been going on on the
the part of the Indians. Simultaneously with the murders committed
in the Yakima valley, southern Oregon became the scene of Indian
warfare, and the moment troops move from Puget Sound across the
mountains, an outbreak takes place on the White river prairies.
On the 23d of September, in addition to previous floating rumors,
positive information was received that two of our citizens had been
murdered in the Yakima valley, while travelling on the military
road across the Nachess pass. A requisition was immediately made
upon the commanding officers of the military posts of Fort Steilacoom
and Fort Vancouver for sufficient forces to proceed, by different routes,
into that country, to procure, if possible, the murderers, if not to punish
the tribe, and to furnish protection to such persons as might be tra
velling to, or returning from the Colville mines. Both of these re
quisitions were promptly complied with. Previous to this, Major
Haller, commanding Fort Dalles, being nearer the scene of action, and
having earlier information, had moved into the field, and on the 6th
of October was attacked by an immensely superior force, and, after a
gallant and desperate conflict of about forty-eight hours, succeeded in
driving off the enemy, losing five men killed and sixteen wounded,
together with a large portion of his animals and all of his provisions.
This last compelled him to return to the Dalles. Upon the receipt of
this information, Major Kaines, commanding the Columbia river and
Puget Sound district of the United States army, made a requisition
upon the governor of Oregon for four companies of volunteers, and
upon the governor of Washington for two The proclamations by the
respective executives,, calling for these forces, were responded to with
zeal and alacrity by the citizens of this and of our sister Territory.
In consequence of the scarcity of arms existing in this section of
country, in order to furnish the volunteer force being raised here, it
Ex. Doc. 66 2
18 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
became necessary to make a requisition both upon the United States
sloop-of-war "Decatur," and the revenue cutter " Jefferson Davis," for
such as could be spared. Much praise is due to the commanding offi
cers of those two vessels for the willingness and promptness with
which they responded to that request, thus enabling the first company
of Washington Territory volunteers to be equipped and ready for the
field the moment their organization was completed.
On the 30th of October, Major Rains, having received from me the
appointment of bridgadier general of the volunteer forces serving in
the Yakima war, moved into the field with all the disposable regular
troops, and having the co-operation of nine companies of Oregon
mounted volunteers, under command of Colonel Nesmith. After pro
ceeding as far as the Yakima Mission, having several skirmishes with
the enemy, capturing some of their cattle and horses, and destroying
several large caches of provisions, the whole command returned to
the Dalles, the unusual inclemency of the season preventing a winter
campaign. In the meanwhile, the command moving from Fort Steila-
cooni; under command of Lieutenant Slaughter, proceeded across the
mountains, through the Nachess pass, to within about twenty-five
miles of the Atahman Mission, \Uiere, learning of the return of Major
Haller to the Dalles, they fell back, first to the summit, and then to
the upper prairies on White river. Being reinforced with seventy-six
regulars and company B of the Washington Territory volunteers,
under command of Captain Grilmore Hays, the whole detachment,
under command of Captain M. Maloney, U. S. 4th infantry, again
advanced ; but, after crossing the summit, were overtaken by an ex
press, informing them that delay had taken place in the movements
of the troops from the Columbia river. Captain Maloney conse
quently fell back to the first grazing ground on this side of the moun
tains the White river prairies. During these movements, a band of
rangers had been organized, under command of Captain Charles H.
Eaton, whose duty it was made to guard the outskirts of the settle
ments, and watch the various mountain passes. Scarcely had the
command commenced its operations when a detachment of eleven
men, on regular scouting duty, were suddenly attacked by Indians,
heretofore supposed to be friendly. Taking refuge in a log house,
after gallantly sustaining a siege of some sixteen hours' duration, the
Indians were repulsed. The murder of several highly esteemed citi
zens travelling from Captain Maloney 's camp into the settlements,
and the massacre on White river, followed.
The return of the command under Captain Maloney cannot but be
looked upon as a most fortunate event for the settlers on Puget Sound,
as it is impossible to say what might have been the result, with the
settlements entirely unprotected, and many of the Indians at open
war, and the rest, to say the least, wavering. The battle on
White river, in which both regulars and volunteers so admirably
distinguished themselves, cannot fail to impress the Indians with the
superiority and power of the white man, and that, however protracted
the contest may be, ruin and desolation must necessarily come upon
them .
The calls upon the people of the Territory for their services i-n the
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 19
present war have been met by the organization of 12 companies,
consisting of two companies of rangers, and ten companies of the
1st regiment of Washington Territory volunteers, amounting, in all,
to upwards of seven hundred men. Of these about five hundred are
mounted. In addition to these, there is a company of rangers at the
Cowlitz Farms, under command of Captain Peers, not regularly mus
tered into service, but ready to perform such duty as may be re
quired of them.
I deem it my duty, here, to make public acknowledgements of the
services rendered by his excellency, JAMES DOUGLAS, governor of
Vancouver's Island. Upon the alarm naturally attendant upon a
serious Indian outbreak, almost within arm's-length of us, and owing
to the scarcity of arms and ammunition, application was made to him
for such an amount of these munitions of war as he could possibly
furnish. That application was promptly and cordially responded to,
to the extent of his power ; he at the same time regretting that he had
at the moment no vessel-of-war at his disposal, and that his steamers,
the "Otter '-'.and " Beaver," were both absent, but upon the arrival
of either,, she should be dispatched to the Sound, to render such service
as might be required of her. Since then the " Otter" has visited
this place.
This movement on the part of the executive of Vancouver's Island
cannot fail to have its influence upon the Indians residing upon our
waters, having a tendency, to show to them that whatever differences
may exist between the Americans and the Englishmen, in their social
and political organization, as far as savages are concerned they are
but one.
The Indians west of the Cascades, with the exception of those be
fore alluded to, still continue friendly. They have been collected at
various points, disarmed, and placed under the surveillance of local
agents, and arrangements have been made for their support. The
only fear at present entertained is that, by some act of indiscretion,
they may be frightened into the hostile ranks.
The disposition which has been subsequently made of the troops in
the field in this portion of the Territory has been with the design
while at the same time to keep the hostile Indians in check, adequate
force should be moving on the outskirts of the settlements in order
that the farmers might be enabled to return to their claims to provide
for the coming year's subsistence.
The general stagnation in trade and industrial pursuits, arising out
of the present state of affairs, loudly calls for prompt and speedy
action on the part of the general govenment. Should Congress adjourn
without affording the relief so pressingly needed in this emergency, it
will much retard our territorial growth and advancement. I there
fore earnestly recommend a memorial calling for a sufficient appropria
tion ^to remunerate the citizen soldiery for their valuable and patriotic
services, and the citizens generally for the supplies they so promptly
furnished, and for the property destroyed.
Beyond the limits of our Territory to the north, the coast and
innumerable islands are inhabited by numerous tribes of Indians of a
fierce and warlike character, bands of which are constantly in the
20 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
habit of descending into our settlements for the ostensible purpose of
procuring labor. Besides the alarm occasioned to the most exposed
settlers by the presence of these unwelcome visitors, complaints fre
quently arise from the various thefts committed by them. In case
punishment is attempted to be inflicted, isolated settlers, as we already
know from past experience, are liable, in revenge, to be cut off by
them. In view of these facts, in order to discourage their coming
within the limits of the Territory, I respectfully submit to your
consideration, whether or not it would be advisable to enact a law
making it penal for any person to employ for hire any of these northern
bands. In connexion with this subject, considering the nature of the
waters of Puget Sound, the numerous tribes residing on its borders,
the liability to incursion from foreign tribes, and the utter inefficiency
of sailing vessels for rapid communication, I will recommend that you
memorialize the Navy Department to station within our waters an
armed steam vessel.
I will here call your attention to the trade that has been too largely
carried on with the Indians in guns and ammunition. Our very self-
preservation demands that it should entirely cease, and that very
stringent laws should be passed upon the subject.
The present existing war has suggested many deficiencies in our
militia law. It provides for the election of officers, but on the
subject of enrollment of men, and the rendering the militia effective,
it is extremely defective. I would respectfully recommend the election
of the general staff, consisting of a brigadier, adjutant, quartermaster
and commissary general, by the legislative assembly, and a system
of enrollment of all capable of bearing arms in the various counties,
and that the formation of companies be entirely volunteer to elect
their own officers, and to be formed into battalions or regiments as
circumstances may require. The scattered nature of our settlements,
and the isolation of some of our counties, seems to dictate this as the
most effective means for their protection, and at the same time the
most expedient for combination or general action. I suggest it for
your consideration.
During the past summer, rumors of discoveries of gold fields near
Fort Colville induced many enterprising and energetic citizens of the
Territory to visit that region. Many have returned on account of the
war, and the impossibility obtaining provisions there, during the
winter. Although the extent of the gold bearing district is not
known, yet the fact is certain, that those who worked the bars and
prospected the country near Fort Colville found gold in sufficient
quantities to pay well for working. Wherever the more experienced
miners dug, either upon the bars or upon the hill-sides, gold was
found, and even with the rude mode of working with pans an average
of $10 per day has been made, and those who are still at the mines
report profitable employment. I have no doubt that, with improved
machines and better preparations for working to advantage, these gold
mines will prove amply remunerative to many citizens who may go
there, whenever the state of the country will permit communication
between the Columbia river and Puget Sound settlements and the gold
bearing region.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 21
The prosecution of the public surveys during the past year, has de
veloped large bodies of fertile lands, and made great addition to the to
pographical knowledge of the Territory, which will be useful to emi
grants in search of the best lands. As to the amount of work thus far
accomplished, the office of the surveyor general shows the following
results: Total amount surveyed while this Territory was under the
Oregon office, 1,876 miles; amount surveyed and under contract since
the organization of the Washington office, 3,063 miles ; proposed to be
surveyed in 1856 and 1857, as per annual report of the surveyor
general, 5,688 miles all lying west of the Cascade mountains.
The general government has made liberal appropriations for public
surveys in the Territory, but the surveyor general has found it
impossible to obtain surveyors willing to contract for the whole amount,
as the exceedingly difficult nature of the country, and the high prices
of labor and provisions, have subjected to loss those who undertook the
work, even at the maximum prices allowed by law. The present
Indian war has stopped all field work in this important part of the
development of our Territory ; but it is hoped that it can be resumed
in the spring, and that you, by your action, will second the urgent
request of the surveyor general to the General Land Office that an
increased sum per mile be allowed by the general government for
further surveys.
At the last session of Congress, appropriations were made for the
military roads in this Territory: One from Fort Benton, in
Nebraska, to Walla- Walla ; one from the Dalles to Columbia barracks ;
and one from Columbia barracks to Fort Steilacoom. A reconnoissance
has been made of the two latter during the present fall, and it is
expected work will be commenced thereon during the coming spring.
In addition to these roads, communication should be opened by
land to Bellingham Bay, on the north, and through the valleys of the
Chehalis and Willapah to Grey's Harbor, Shoal water Bay, and some
point near "the mouth of the Columbia, on the south. These roads
will be of great importance, in a domestic point of view, as opening a
large section of country to settlement, and communication with other
settlements ; and, in military affairs, as affording means of communica
tion with exposed points, and of rapidly marching troops into the
fastnesses, and lairs of those savages who may hover upon the outskirts
of the settlements. I call your attention to this as a subject of
memorial.
In the " act making appropriations for the support of the army for
the year ending the 30th of June, 1856, and for other purposes," it
was provided, that the Secretary of War shall equalize, as far as
practicable, the number of arms heretofore distributed, and now in
possession of the several States, so that each State which had received
less than its pro rata share shall receive a number sufficient to make
an equal pro rata proportion for all the States, according to the number
of their representatives and senators in Congress, respectively.
Under this provision, the amount falling due to this Territory is
2,000 muskets. An effort was made to draw them in rifles, but failed
from some regulation to the contrary. In addition to this, our annual
quota of arms is 137 muskets, which amount, consisting of 2,137
22 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
muskets, have been drawn in 1,980 muskets, 100 rifles and accoutre
ments, and 30 cavalry sabres. The whole amount to which 208,000
caps were added have arrived at Vancouver, in this Territory, some
mistake having occured in their shipment. Owing to the difficulty
of transportation at the present season of the year^ between the
Columbia river and Puget Sound., efforts have been made to procure
the proper portion suitable for the Puget Sound section of country,,
transported direct, by sea, from Vancouver to this place.
Your attention is urgentlv requested to the subject of the postal ar
rangements for the Territory. Mail routes have been established
throughout the Sound, and a large appropriation has been made for
carrying the mail from Olympia by sea to San Francisco.
The contracts of the former have not as yet been let, and the latter
has proved inadequate for the service required, and thus far been of
no avail.
In the present critical state of affairs our exposed position demands
from the general government a more rapid communication with San
Francisco and New York.
By an act of the last legislative assembly, the public buildings
of the Territory were located, and by subsequent resolution the
governor was requested to draw the amount appropriated by Con
gress to be used in the erection of the capitol.
During the vacation of the legislature, and as soon as a site for
the capitol could be cleared, the plan of construction was adopted,
and a contract entered into for its erection. The building was fast
reaching its completion when the Indian war broke out, taking from
said building the artisans engaged, and preventing the possibility of
securing others. Under these circumstances, a suspension of the
work was ordered, and I have been compelled to employ, temporarily,
the hall used by the legislative assembly at its last session. The
architect and contractor of the capitol assures me, however, that the
work will be finished shortly.
In reference to our boundary question, and the extinguishment of
the rights of the Hudson's Bay and Puget Sound Agricultural Com
panies, I refer you to the last message of the executive.
In conclusion I will state, that as far as my limited judgment ex
tends every effort has been made on my part for the protection of the
Territory. An Indian war, existing all around us, demands from every
citizen a unanimity of opinion and a concert of action.
From the uniform courtesy which has ever been extended to me by
the citizens of this Territory, as long as the duties of acting executive
devolve upon me, I shall rely upon your patriotism and earnest co
operation, and, having in view but one object that of duty shall
leave it to you how far that object has been accomplished.
C. H. MASON.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 23
Special Message of the Governor, delivered in joint session of the council
and House of Representatives of Washington Territory, Monday,
January 21, 1856.
Fellow-citizens of the legislative assembly of the Territory of Washington:
I have taked the liberty of departing from the usual custom of de
livering a written message. This arises from the exigencies of the case.
It did not seem necessary to follow the etiquette usual in such cases,
if by doing so time should be lost or public business deferred.
We are, fellow citizens, and have been for the past three months,
engaged in an Indian war. Our settlers, from the Cowlitz river to
the Sound, have been obliged to abandon their claims, to live in forts.
It is true that almost all the Indians are friendly ; that the number of
Indians hostile does not exceed the number of one hundred and fifty or
two hundred ; but from the peculiarity of the country, if this force is
not soon crushed, it will prove a source of serious annoyance upon
this side of the Cascade mountains and the other. Several tribes
have violated their plighted faith and broken out in open hostilities.
We are now in the midst of a war. What has brought it about,
and what is the remedy ? Gentlemen of the legislative assembly, it
is due to you that I should enter dispassionately and fully into the
policy which has marked the government in the making of treaties with
the Indians of this Territory. It is important that the honor and
dignity of that government should be sustained. That its course
should be characterized by humanity and justice. Those who have
done their duty and maintained the dignity and honor of the country
should not be struck down. Let the blow be struck in the right
quarter. If dignity and honor have been maintained,, then has no
citizen anything to blush for, and it is a bright page in the history of
the country and dear to every citizen.
When this Territory was organized there was a population of about
four thousand souls, widely scattered. No treaties had been made
with the Indians occupying the lands of this Territory, nor was there,
practically, an intercourse law. Congress had by law extended the
provisions of the Indian intercourse act, so far as applicable, over this
Territory arid Oregon. Congress had also passed a donation law, invit
ing settlers to locate claims, first west, and then east of the Cascade
mountains, and public surveys had been ordered to be made over this
domain. But the Indian title had not been extinguished. This was
a bitter cause of complaint on the part of the Indians. The Yakimas,
Cayuses, and Walla- Wallas were anxious to make treaties, selling
their lands to the government, and securing to themselves reservations
for their permanent homes, and they asserted that until such treaties
were made no settlers should come among them. These were the
reasons of public policy which induced the government to enter into
these treaties, and no time was lost in consummating them. The
people of this Territory urged upon Congress the necessity of such a
policy, and Congress made appropriation to carry out their wishes.
It fell to my lot to be appointed the commissioner to negotiate these
treaties. I entered upon those labors in December, a year ago, and
24 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
during that and the following month successfully treated with all the
Indians upon the Sound, the Straits, and the Indians at Cape Flattery.
In January a year ago, I dispatched Jas. Doty, esq., east of the
Cascade mountains, to ascertain the feelings and views of the Indians.
He visited the Yakiinas, the Cayuses, the Walla- Wallas, and the Nez
Perces in their own country, and they were desirous to treat and sell
their lands. Kamiakin advised the tribes to meet in council at Walla
Walla, saying that was their old council ground. The council was
convened, and lasted fourteen days. All those tribes were present.
The greatest care was taken to explain the treaties, and the objects of
of them, and to secure the most faithful interpreters. Three interpreters
were provided for each language; one to act as principal interpreter, the
other two to correct. At the close of that council, such expressions of joy
and thankfulness I have never seen exhibited to a greater degree among
Indians. Kamiakin, Peu-peu-mox-mox, the young chief Stickas, and
the Lawyer, all personally expressed their joy and satisfaction.
Kamiakin asserted that personally he was indifferent about the treaty;
but as his people all wanted it, he was for it, and that was the reason
he asssented to the treaty. The record of that council was made up
by intelligent and dispassionate men, and the speeches of all, there
made, are recorded verbatim. The dignity, humanity, and justice
of the national government are there signally exhibited, and none of
the actors therein need fear the criticism of an intelligent community,
nor the supervision of intelligent superiors. By these treaties, had
the Indians been faithful to them, the question as to whether the
Indian tribes of this Territory can become civilized and christianized
beings,, would have been determined practically, and as to whether
the intervention of an Indian service, for the supervision of the Indians,
might not become unnecessary, in consequence of the Indians being
able to govern themselves. This spirit lies at the basis of all the
treaties made in this Territory.
Another council followed, in which three considerable tribes were
convened, which lasted eight days the Indians,, at the close, again
expressing the utmost joy and satisfaction. It is due to gentlemen of
the legislative assembly to make this frank and full statement. The
printed record will show that the authorities and the people of this
Territory have nothing to blush for, nothing to fear in the judgment
of impartial men, now living, nor the rebuke of posterity.
As to the causes of this war, it is not a question necessary to dwell
upon. It has been conclusively demonstrated, that it has been plotting
for at least two or three years. I am frank to admit, that had I
known when the council at Walla- Walla was convened what I learned
afterwards, I should not have convened that council. I learned from
one of the fathers, some days after it had commenced,, and I was
satisfied that his information w^as correct, from the deportment of
several of the principal chiefs, that many of the Indians came to that
council with hostile feelings. But when I left Walla- Walla, I
thought that by the treaty such feelings were entirely assuaged that
those who were once for war were now for peace.
It is difficult to see how such a combination should have existed
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 25
and riot have been known ; and yet it extended from the Sound to the
Umpqua from one side to the other of the Cascade mountains.
Fellow citizens! War has existed for three months, and still exists.
A war entered into by these Indians, without a cause ; a war having;
not its origin in these treaties, nor in the had conduct of our people.
It originated in the native intelligence of restless Indians, who, fore
seeing destiny against them, that the white man was moving upon
them, determined that it must be met and resisted by arms. We
may sympathize with such a manly feeling, but in view of it we
have high duties.
I will not dwell upon the efforts made, the false reports circulated,
distorting the proceedings of these councils ; the stories of killing
friendly Indians, which those hostile have resorted to, to spread
hostility. The war exists; the question is How shall it be met?
There are duties to be discharged, difficulties to be grappled with.
The war must be vigorously prosecuted now. Seed time is coming,
and the farmer should be at his plough in the field. The summer is
coming. The snows will melt in your mountain passes. It seems to
me the warm season is not the time for operations. Day-light is
breaking upon us. The gloom which for a time hung over us is
giving way. There has been great energy displayed in handling the
whole question. Judgment and energy in driving back, into a com
paratively small region of country, the hostile Indians, and in keep
ing the great body of the Indians entirely friendly.
The work remaining to be done is comparatively small. It is my
opinion that it would be expedient forthwith to raise a force of three
hundred men, from the Sound, to push into the Indian country, build
a depot,, and vigorously operate against the Indians in this quarter ;
and nearly the same force should be raised on the Columbia river, to
prosecute the war east of the Cascade mountains. This last would
have a vast influence upon the operations in this section. It would
prevent reinforcements from either side joining the bands on the other
side, and would effectually crush both. But what is more important,
would be the influence upon the numerous tribes not yet broken out
into hostility. It is due to you to state what experience in travelling-
through the Indian country has taught me. There is a surprising
feeling of uneasiness among all the tribes who have not broken out,
except, alone, the Nez Perces. These tribes may be led into war if
delay attends our operations.
I regret on this occasion to be compelled to criticise the official acts
of a gallant and war-worn veteran, one whose name has been on the
historic rolls of the country for nearly half a century. But it is due
to the people and the authorities of the Territory of Washington
that the facts should appear and be known to the national goverment.
Gov. Mason, in obedience to the requisition of the commanding
officer of the United States forces upon the Columbia river, raised
two companies of volunteers, of excellent material. They were well
mounted and ready for the field. Another company was raised to
protect the commissioner appointed by the President of the United
States to make treaties with the Indian tribes in the interior of the
continent. These troops were disbanded, were brought down into
26 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
garrison, and the regulars were kept in garrison. And there stands
out the broad fact, that seven hundred Indians in the Walla- Walla
valley were met and defeated by volunteers, when the regulars were
in garrison. The President's commissioner, a high functionary,
deriving his powers from the President of the United States, arid not
from any department, was left without protection, and the troops
raised to protect him Major General Wool thought proper to disband
and bring into garrison. That officer acted unquestionably from a
sense of duty. His reputation as a gallant soldier, his long and
valuable services to the country, cannot be disputed. I do not wish
to impugn his motives. I only desire to submit facts for the judg
ment of superiors at home.
I learn, from good authority, that his plan of operations is to delay
till spring, probably until May. It is well known by those who have
experience and knowledge of their country, that February and March
are the best months for the prosecution of this war. I think it due
to the legislative assembly to state the reasons why all voyageurs,
and gentleman of experience in these matters, give it as their opinion
that now is the proper time for action. There is a vast plain between
the Cascade and Bitter Koot mountains. The Columbia, Snake, Clear
Water, and Spokane rivers are to be crossed. The snow is but a few
inches deep, and lasts but a short time seldom over a fortnight.
There is but one continuous period of cold weather, and that period has
now passed. The mountain passes are all closed up with snows,
which can only be scaled by snow-shoes. For these reasons the
Indians cannot escape, should vigorous operations be made. On these
plains our forces can operate well. There is abundant fuel for camps,
grass for animals, and the rivers are low. The Indians must be struck
now. But if we delay, in a few months the roots and fish will abound^
supplying the Indians with food. The snows will melt, and the
mountain passes will allow them hiding places. It is my opinion, if
operations are deferred till summer they must be deferred till winter
again.
What effect would it have on the Sound should nothing be done
until May or June? The whole industrial community would be
ruined ; the Sound paralyzed ; the husbandman would be kept in a
state of suspense by rumors of war, and could not adhere to his
pursuits ; fields would not be tilled, and the Territory would starve out.
I am of the opinion that vigorous operations should be prosecuted
on both sides of the Cascade mountains. Whenever it is practicable
or expedient, it is best that volunteers should be mustered into the
United States service. It should go to the authorities at home, that
we endeavored to co-operate with the regular service. But there has
been a breach of faith. Troops mustered into service were disbanded,
in violation of a positive understanding ; and it is now proper that the
authorities of this Territory should conduct the movements of their
own troops co-operating with the regulars where such co-operations
can be effective. I therefore do not think the volunteers of this Ter
ritory should be mustered into the United States service. I am ready
to take the responsibility of raising them, independent of that service,
and it is clue to the Territory, and to myself, that the reasons for
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 27
assuming it should go to the President and the departments at
Washington.
The spirit of prosecuting this war should be to accomplish a lasting
peace not to make treaties, but to punish their violation.
Gentlemen of the legislative assembly: I have done my duty. It
was a pleasant feeling- that actuated me on my mission, in making
these treaties, to think I was doing something to civilize and render
the condition of the Indian happier ; and while justice and mercy
should characterize the acts of our government, there should be no
weakness no imbecility. In nations, as well as individuals, we may
apply the precept a man who has deceived you once should not again
be trusted. Let the blow strike where it is deserved. I am opposed to
any treaties; I shall oppose any treaties with these hostile bands. I
will protest against any and all treaties made with them ; nothing but
death is a mete punishment for their perfidy their lives only should
pay the forfeit. A friendly Nez Perce informed me that in the Cayuse
tribe nineteen ill-disposed persons caused all the trouble. Could
these be punished, the tribe could be governed. These turbulent
persons should be seized and put to death. The tribes now at war
must submit unconditionally to the justice, mercy, and leniency of
our government. The guilty ones should suffer, and the remainder
placed upon reservations, under the eye of the military. In a few
years the policy might be changed. By such a decisive, energetic
and firm course, the difficulty may be grappled with and peace restored.
Let not our hearts be discouraged. I have an abiding confidence in
the future destiny of our Territory. Gloom must give way to sun
light. Let us never lose sight of the resources, capacities, and natu
ral advantages of the Territory of Washington. We have an interior,
soon to be filled up with settlements. Gold in considerable quantities
has been discovered in the northern part of that interior. There are
fine grazing tracts and rich agricultural vallies, and that interior
will Jill up when these Indian difficulties are at an end. Then, too,
will the Sound resume its prosperity. Gather heart, then, fellow
citizens. Do not now talk of leaving us in our hour of adversity, but
stay till the shade of gloom is lifted, and await that destiny to be ful
filled. Let us all put hands together and rescue the Territory from
its present difficulties, so that we all may feel that we had done our
whole duty in the present exigency.
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor , and Supt. Ind Aff's, Wash. Ter.
The Governor of Washington to the Secretary of War.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, WASHINGTON TERRITORY,
Olympia, March 9, 1856.
SIR : Referring to my previous communication, setting forth the
necessity of calling out volunteers to protect our settlements, and to
co-operate with our regular troops in waging war upon the hostile
'28 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
Indians, I have the honor to submit for the information of the depart
ment the present condition of the volunteer service.
The general plan of operations, and the staff arrangements made
to give efficiency to the service, will he shown in General Orders No.
4, herewith enclosed.
It will thus appear that three battalions are to operate against the
enemy.
The northern battalion is now rendezvousing at the falls of the Sno-
qual-mie, will number about ninety men, and will be supported by
Pat Kanim and his band of nearly one hundred friendly Indians.
This battalion is ordered to establish block houses on the prairie above
the falls of the Sno-qual-mie, and on Cedar creek ; will be supplied
with sixty days' provisions, and will prevent the Indians either cross
ing over the mountains by the passes of the Sno-qual-mie, or going
down the Sno-ho-mish, to tamper with the friendly Indians on the
reservations.
The central battalion, under Major Gilmore Hays, is now estab
lished at Council's prairie, on the south side of White river, a block
house and corral has been built, and the communication with the rear
is secured by a ferry and block house on the Puyallup, and by block
houses at Montgomery's and on the Yelm prairie. They have one
hundred days' supplies of provisions, taken in by ox-teams, which
have since been withdrawn, and will immediately establish block
houses at the crossing of White river, to communicate with the regu
lar force under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Casey, on the
Muckleshoot prairie, and at Porter's, higher up on White river.
The cordial relations between the regulars and volunteers, men
tioned in my last communication, still continue, and I have every as
surance that our volunteers will do their duty.
The department will observe that one of the companies of this bat
talion is a company of pioneers. They are experienced axemen, and
have rendered the most efficient service in opening roads and building
block houses. The war will be emphatically a war of block houses.
In the movement of the troops upon the Muckleshoot, a decisive
battle was fought with the Indians, in which the latter were signally
defeated. Their establishment at Porter's has since been broken up,
and they have been driven towards Green river. If they continue
their retreat further, they will be met by the volunteers and friendly
Indians of the northern battalion.
The southern battalion is still organizing, but their march to the
interior will be delayed for a short time, in consequence of my finding
myself obliged to order more than one company to the defence of the
Sound. A band of hostiles, under the notorious Qui-e-muth, had,
unknown to us, established themselves in the Nisqually bottom, within
twelve miles of this place and the garrison at Steilacoom. We be
came aware of their presence one week since, they having on that day
killed one of our citizens.
One of the teamsters had been for some days missing, and that he
also had been killed was ascertained the same day. The whole force
of the central battalion, except fifteen men, was then in the Indian
country on White river. Immediately an express was dispatched to
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 29'
the Columbia river, ordering Captain Maxon's mounted company to
the Sound, and to-night his company will be at Jackson's, ninety
miles on the road. The rapidity of the movement is the best evidence
of the necessity of action, and the disposition of the troops to obey
orders. In the meantime, I have raised the force of fifteen men to
sixty, and, in addition, have sent twenty-nine friendly Indians into
the field. These Indians are led by experienced white men.
These hostiles have, within ten days, driven off much stock, and
have alarmed our entire settlements ; we hope soon to rout them. It
is necessary, however, to have considerable guards to all our trains.
The mail from the Columbia river came in on Friday, with an escort
of four men.
The danger is not so much from the harm which this band may of
its own strength do, as it numbers not over forty warriors, but from
the facility with which it may communicate with the friendly Indians
on the reservations, and stir them up to hostility. Seattle is held by
a company of volunteers, consisting of forty odd men, commanded by
the chief justice of the Territory, Lieutenant Colonel Lander.
Lone Free Point, which commands a trail from the camp of the
hostiles to the Sound, whence they may communicate with the reserva
tions, is also held by a volunteer force of ten men. They have built
a substantial block house.
Our people are not discouraged. Wherever four families are, they
will build a block house, hold it against the Indians, and endeavor to
get in their crops. Over one half of the able-bodied men on the
Sound are bearing arms ; our people have patriotically placed at the-
disposal of the authorities all their available means. We need aid
from the general government ample appropriations to defray the ex
penses of the war.
I have refused to receive into service a single man for local defence;
all are enlisted for six months, subject to the orders of the executive.
In this way an effectual stop has been put to any attempt to enrol
troops for nominal service, with a view of extorting pay and rations;
from the government.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor Tey*ritory of Washington.
Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War, Washington, D. C.
GENERAL ORDERS No. 4.
1st. The 2d regiment of Washington Territory volunteers, called'
into the service of the United States against the Yakima and
other hostile Indian tribes, will be organized into three battalions, to
be designated respectively the northern, the central, and southern
battalions.
2d. The northern battalion includes company G, commanded by
30 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
Captain Van Bokkelin ; company I, Captain Howe ; a detachment of
company H, Captain Peabody, and will be commanded by a major, to
be elected by the command upon its concentration.
3d. It will receive supplies and transportation from Quartermaster
and Commissary Robinson, and move immediately up the river to the
Snoqualmie falls.
4th. The central battalion, commanded by Major Gilmore Hays,
will comprise company B, Captain Rabbeson ; company C, Captain
Henness, (mounted rangers ;) the train guard, Captain Shead, and
the pioneer company, commanded by Captain White, with detach
ment of scouts, commanded by Captain Swindall, of company F, and
be supplied by Quartermaster and Commissary Weed, at the post of
Olympia.
5th. This battalion will march to the Muckleshoot prairie, estab
lishing block houses at the Yelrn prairie, at Montgomery's station,
and the crossing of the Puyallup river, and, forming a junction with
the regulars, erect a depot, hospital, and block house at or near the
forks of White and Green rivers.
6th. The southern battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel
Shaw, will organize from the companies now forming by Captains
Maxen, Achilles, Higgins, and Pearson, upon the Columbia river,
and will march to the Walla- Walla valley as soon as possible.
*7th. The southern battalion will be supplied by Quartermaster and
Commissary Hathaway, at Fort Vancouver.
8th. Officers commanding battalions will appoint adjutants for
their commands.
9th. The battalion adjutant will conduct the military correspond
ence, make the necessary reports to this office, and keep the papers of
the battalion.
10th. Quartermasters and commissaries will make their reports to
Quartermaster and Commissary General Miller, at Olympia.
llth. Lieutenant Colonel Lander, commanding post at Seattle, will
organize company A, of the 2d regiment of Washington Territory
volunteers, with as many friendly Indians as may report to him, and
make war upon the hostile savages infesting the forests between El
liott's bay and the country lying adjacent to Seattle, and co-operate
with the naval forces now in the bay of Seattle, and will be supplied
by Quartermaster and Commissary F. Mathias.
12th. Jared S. Kurd and H. R. Crosbie, esq., are appointed aids
to the commander-in-chief, with the rank of lieutenant colonel.
13th. Eustis Huger is appointed acting adjutant to the 2d regiment
W. T. volunteers, with the rank of first lieutenant.
14th. Sidney S. Ford, jr., is appointed a captain, and detached for
the special service of organizing a force of friendly Indians of the
-Chehalis and Cowlitz tribes for operation upon the Puyallup.
15th. Captain C. W. Riley, with the force raised in Steilacoom,
will build a fort at " Lone Tree Point," north of the mouth of the
Puyallup, and occupy that post until further orders.
16th. Warren Gove is appointed quartermaster and commissary at
the post of Steilacoom.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 31
17th. A. H. Kobie is appointed quartermaster and commissary of
subsistence at the Dalles.
18th. G-. K. Willard to be surgeon and purveyor of medicine and
medical stores at headquarters.
19th. M. P. Burns is appointed a surgeon in the 2d regiment, and
ordered for duty with the central battalion.
20th. Dr. K. M. Bigelow, surgeon for the northern battalion.
21st. The officer commanding the southern battalion will appoint
a surgeon for his command, and report his name to this office, that a
commission may issue.
22d. Edward Furste is appointed chief clerk to the quartermaster
and commissary general.
23d. James Roberts is appointed military clerk to the office of the
commander-in-chief.
24th. In all service of combined volunteer and Indian military
forces, the military officer will take command of the whole.
25th. All officers commanding are requested to make reports to
this office as frequently as practicable.
By order of the governor and commander-in-chief.
JAMES TILTON,
Adjutant General W. T. Volunteer Forces.
HEADQUARTERS, Olympia, W. T., February 25, 1856.
The Governor of Washington to the Secretary of War.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON,
Olympia, March 21, 1856.
SIR : In my two reports, of February 19 and March 9, I laid before
the department the circumstances of my return from the Blackfeet
country, the condition of the Territory, and the measures taken by me
to call out volunteers and to apply them to the prosecution of the war.
I now propose to lay before the department a full view of the whole
matter, and to indicate the measures which, in my judgment^ are still
necessary to protect these distant settlements, and to inflict that sum
mary chastisement upon the Indians demanded both by their unpro
voked atrocities and the permanent peace of the country.
I have caused two maps to be prepared ; one of the country west of
the Cascades, showing the points now occupied by that portion of the
friendly Indians who, for five months, have been under the charge of
local agents ; the lines occupied by the regular troops now in the field
under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Casey ; the point occupied
by the naval forces ; the lines occupied by the volunteer forces now in
the field ; the block houses occupied by our citizens ; the lines of sup
plies ; the depots for their protection ; the country occupied by the
hostiles ; the lines over which reinforcements can come to them from
east of the Cascades ; and one of the country east of the Cascades,
showing the tribes, the lines of communication, and the points at the
32 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
latest advices occupied by the hostiles. The number of souls and of
warriors will be shown on this map.
A glance at the first map will show that the citizens of the Terri
tory have, for the protection of their families, and to get in and
harvest their crops, and in connexion with the military service of the
Territory, built some thirty-three block houses and depots. Of these
some are large establishments. Fort Henniss, in Mound prairie, is a
large stockade, with block houses at the alternate corners, with build
ings inside affording shelter to all the families of that flourishing
settlement. At Nathan Eaton's the defences consist of sixteen log
buildings in a square, facing inwards, the object being not only to
collect the families for protection, but to send out a scouting party of
some fifteen men when marauders are in the vicinity.
This point is within four miles of the Nisqually bottom, which was
the headquarters for four weeks of a band of hostiles, and is central to
many Indian trails.
On Skocham bay there is an establishment of the same character,
and nearly as large as Fort Henniss. The latter was built by one of
the volunteer companies of the new levies, but the former entirely by
the citizens, without any aid from the territorial authorities.
The settlements are now so secured by block houses that the citi
zens will hold them, even should every Indian in the Sound become
hostile, and be reinforced by large bands from the north.
The whole country on the eastern shore of the Sound, from the
Shookum creek to Snow-how-mish, is a war ground. No friendly
Indian is allowed there except he has a pass from an authorized agent
stating his specific business, or he be connected with the military and
naval service. Two parties of Indian auxiliaries are now in the field,
besides which, quite a number of Indians are employed as spies,
guides, and in canoe service.
I will now give you a condensed view of the present condition of
the military operations on the sound.
1. The regular troops now occupy the Muckleshoot prairie as their
central position. The line of communication to Steilacoom is secured
by a block house and ferry at the crossing of the Puyallup. A com
pany has been sent to Seattle to move up the Duamish and open a
communication with the central position. A block house will be es
tablished at the mouth of Cedar creek, and probably one at John
Thomas'. The force under Lieutenant Colonel Casey has been very
active, and this gallant officer has made the most favorable impression
upon our people.
2. The naval forces occupy Seattle. This place is also held by a
company of volunteers, who, for some days, have been under orders/
to occupy the line of the Dunamish, and who, in that duty, will co
operate with the company sent there by Lieutenant Colonel Casey.
3. The northern battalion have their headquarters at Fort Tilton,
near the falls of the Sno-qual-mie They number about ninety white
men, and about the same number of friendly Indians, under Pat
Kannim. They will establish block houses in the prairie above the
falls and on Cedar creek, and will extend their scouts to the Muckle
shoot and Dunamish.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 33
4. To circumscribe the field occupied by the enemy, I have sug
gested to Captain Swartwout, in command of the naval forces, a joint
operation upon the lake back of Seattle., a block house to be built on
the lake at the nearest point to Seattle, a good road opened with Se
attle, and boats from the navy, with one hundred men, to be placed
on the lake. Captain Swartwout does not, however, by his instruc
tions, feel authorized either to co-operate with the military authorities
of the Territory, or to take part in any operation carrying his force
away from the immediate shore of the Sound. I enclose a copy of rny
letter to Captain Swartwout and of his reply thereto.
5. The central battalion have their headquarters at Cornell's prairie
and at Porter's. The communication with the rear is received by a
block house and ferry, at the crossing of the Puyallup, and block
houses at Montgomery's, at the Yellem Prairie, at Nathan Eaton's,
and Jones'. This battalion numbers in the field, including the gar
rison of Yellem and Montgomery's and the crossing of the Puyallup,
about 150 men.
6. Our supplies are drawn mainly from the country between this
point and the Cowlitz landing. The route is well secured by block
houses.
"7. Lone Tree Point is also held by a volunteer force of ten men. It
guards several important trails.
8. Bellingham Bay has its block house defended by fifteen men of
Captain Peabody's company.
9. The southern battalion, on its arrival on the Sound, will be for
the most part dismounted and sent to reinforce the central battalion.
The two battalions will then operate up White river, towards the
Nachess pass, co-operating with Lieutenant Colonel Casey.
The map of the country east of the Cascades will show the large
number of Indians already hostile, or who may be incited to hostility,
the ease with which they may communicate with each other, the great
number of excellent trails, the large extent of country embraced in
the theatre of operations, and the facility with which reinforcements
can be sent over the Cascades.
Hence the importance of the most vigorous and decisive blows to get
possession of the whole country east of the Sound, now invested with
the savages, and to hold in our hands the routes over the Cascades,
before they become practicable in May, and hence the necessity of the
most vigorous measures east of the Cascades, in order that the Indians
may be simultaneously struck in the Yakima country.
It is probable that the hostile Indians rather exceed the minimum
estimate of two hundred men, as stated in my memoir to General
Wool, a copy of which has been sent to the department,, but I do not
think they will be found to exceed three hundred men.
Their headquarters have been on the Muckleshoot prairie, now oc
cupied by Lieutenant Colonel Casey, and now they have moved up
either White or Green river. But there are bands also on the lake
back of Seattle, and probably of Cedar creek.
The map will show that the hostiles are only within a few hours
distance of every reservation. There are many trails known only to
Ex. Doc. 66 3
34 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
the Indians, and it will not be possible, in any contingency, entirely
to prevent communication.
From the hostile camps marauding parties can steal out, and turn
ing the heads of the Puyallup and Nisqually, they can, in from six to
twelve hours, strike any settlement from Steilacoom to the Cowlitz
landing. More than this, there are places where they can on this line
of settlements establish themselves, and for many days defy all our
efforts to drive them out.
Consider the face of the country, prairies and heavy timber, and
many streams, almost impenetrable brushwood on the banks, and
heavy drift along either shore, there is not a road or trail of twenty
miles in the whole Sound country which does not afford one or more
excellent ambuscades.
Between this place and Cowlitz landing are two Indian reservations.
The Chehales and Cowlitz. The former can easily be incited to hos
tility and they number a little more than one hundred warriors. We
know of some three or four men who are endeavoring to stir up the
tribe to war. My plan has been to get up a small auxiliary force of
some fifteen of the best men of the tribe, who make scouts every few
days towards the head of the Shookum-chuck. It has been found to
work well. The difficulty is, that if the men of the tribe, believed
to be in alliance with "Leschi/' were summarily disposed of, the
whole tribe would break out. We have no positive evidence, except
the impression of their commander, Captain Ford, who is of opinion,
that in his last trip ten of the men tried to kill him. He has great
daring and presence of mind, and he believes he can prevent an out
break.
So of the reservation opposite Olympia, Lieutenant Gosnell has
made one scout in the Nisqually bottom of ten days, with fourteen
Indians. Yesterday morning he started out on a scout of three days,
with thirty Indians. The effect of the first scout was salutary. Such
will, I doubt not, be the effect of the second. Yet on the first scout
Lieutenant Gosnell went with his life in his hands. Some of his In
dians were more than suspected, and he went with them alone.
The most melancholy feature of this war is that the Indians
who have taken the lead in murdering our men, our women, and our
children were those who have received the most favors from the
whites, and were held by them in the most consideration. Many
cases have occurred of Indians killing their friends and benefactors.
Are you surprised that a general distrust of all Indians pervades the
public mind? Therefore, consider the task which has been imposed
upon the territorial authorities, to see to it that the Indians not taking
part with the hostiles are treated as friends.
In short, the whole country is a frontier, within a few hours of the
camp of the hostile Indians, and with four thousand friendly Indians
in our midst, of whose faith we cannot be certain.
Our safety lies in two things : first, to carry the war against the
hostiles with the whole force of the Territory, and to bring them to
unconditional submission ; and, second, to give no cause of offence to
the friendly Indians, even in the cases of persons more than suspected.
You have served in an Indian country, and know something of In-
TERRITORIES OP WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 35
dian modes of thinking, and can appreciate that, when, in a contest
like this, troops have once entered the field, they must not "be with
drawn till they have accomplished the object for which they were sent
into the field. There must he no changes of plan. We must push
forward and do the work we have undertaken, else the Indian will
say lie has driven us from the field, and thereby get large accessions
from tribes who otherwise would continue friendly.
General Wool has recently visited this Sound, and, with a full
knowledge of the course taken by me in calling out the volunteers of
the Territory, of the cordial spirit of co-operation between Lieutenant
Colonel Casey and myself, and of the fact that the volunteers were
actually in the field engaging the enemy, has ignored effectually the
necessity of this, but has practically admitted it in directing Colonel
Casey to make a requisition upon me for two companies of volunteers.
This requisition I have refused to comply with, for reasons which will
be found in my letter to Colonel Casey and Major General Wool, here
with enclosed.
Those reasons, it seems to me, are conclusive, and they show the
necessity of removing from the command of the department of the Pa
cific a man who has by his acts, so far as this Territory is concerned,
shown an utter incapacity.
I will most respectfully call your attention to my letter to General
Wool, and to his letter to which mine was an answer, and I simply
ask that justice may be done between us.
So long as I am the governor of Washington, and till I receive in
structions from my superiors, I shall pass on in the path indicated in
that letter to General Wool.
I beg leave respectfully to recapitulate, briefly, the points of differ
ence.
1. General Wool states that the movement of the Oregon volunteers
was entirely unnecessary, and precipitated the Walla- Walla and other
tribes into hostility.
I assert that this movement probably saved my party from destruc
tion, and that the Indians then hostile had been so even before the
Oregon volunteers moved against them.
2. General Wool states that Governor Curry had no right to move
his troops into the Territory of Washington.
I assert, and have shown, that the Oregon volunteers fought the
Indians mainly of Oregon, and that, near the confines of the two Ter
ritories.
3. General Wool states, that if the Oregon volunteers are with
drawn, he will have no trouble in managing affairs and keeping the
Nez Percys friendly.
I state, officially, to General Wool and to the department, that the
Nez Perces are in my hands, and that without an armed man I will
undertake to keep the Nez Perces friendly, if General Wool does not
interfere with me in the management of these Indians. But I also
state that General Wool, in addition to his regular force, will require
the best efforts of the Oregon volunteers, to strike such blows this spring
and summer as will protect the settlements. He can do nothing more.
86 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
He must wait till next winter to strike blows to end the war east of
the Cascades. I refer to my memoir.
The department will thus see that I consider the war east of the Cas
cades of great magnitude,, and that it would have been vastly greater
were it not for the concurrence of two things. 1st. The movement of
the Oregon volunteers to the Walla-Walla valley; and 2d. My return
by the direct route, and not by the way of New York.
It is simply an exigency to be met, and met by all the authorities in
the spirit of cordial co-operation, looking to the public good alone,
without any reference to personal considerations.
I have therefore suggested to General Wool the necessity of recog
nizing the services of the Oregon volunteers ; but I expect nothing
from him, and I shall therefore take my own course^ with the deter
mination that if disasters shall occur, not a tittle of the responsibility
shall be attached to me.
The war here must be ended as rapidly as possible, and all the dis
posable force kept in the field till the enemy's country is occupied and
his force be scattered.
All our horsemen must then be ready to cross the Cascades to move
against the hostiles, who may then, with greatly superior numbers,
be encountering the troops.
I have therefore ordered all the troops from the Columbia valley to
to the Sound, and have directed a train of 100 pack animals and 40
wagons to be ready to cross the Nachess the last of May.
I have ordered that supplies and transportation be engaged, to place
in depot at Walla- Walla 75 days' provisions for 250 men.
The Oregon volunteers have crossed Snake river, and have already
probably struck the enemy. Should they succeed in striking, on their
return, the enemy in the Yakima country, and should the movement
be followed up by the regular troops, I trust that my operations will
be confined to the country on the Sound.
Should, however, nothing decisive be done in the Yakima country
till the passes are open, our situation here will be critical, and the de
fence of the Sound, as regards the Indians east of the Cascades, may be
best accomplished by waging war against them in their own country.
I have looked to this exigency from the beginning ; hence volun
teers were raised for six months ; have supplies and transportation for
the same period. But we will be prepared for the worst and hope for
the best.
The following papers accompany this report:
1. Copy of General Wool's reply of February 12, 1856, to my me
moir to him of the 23d December and 29th January. This memoir
has already been transmitted to the War Department.
2. Copy of my answer to this reply, dated March.
3. Copy of my letter to General Wool, on his arrival at Steilacoom,
introducing Adjutant General Tilton, and expressing my desire to co
operate with the regular service.
4. Copy of Lieutenant Colonel Casey's letter, calling on me for two
companies of volunteers.
5. Copy of my answer to the same, declining to call out the com
panies.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 37
6. A copy of my letter to Captain Swartwout, commanding naval
forces in the Sound, proposing a combined movement of the military
and naval forces.
7. Copy of Captain Swartwout's letter, declining to co-operate.
I have thus endeavored to lay before the department the condition
of affairs, and the measures of preparation and precaution taken by
me to protect our suffering people, and I have the -honor, sir, to be,
very respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor Territory of Washington.
Hon. JEFFERSON DAVIS,
Secretary of War, Washington City.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
Benicia, California, February 12, 1856.
SIR: I received your communication of the 23d of December, and
29th January, 1856, on the 6th instant, but too late to reply to it by
the return steamer. For the information which it imparts you have
my thanks. When you know my instructions to Colonel Wright, of
the 9th infantry, at Vancouver, you will discover that many of your
suggestions have been anticipated. In presenting, however, your
plan of campaign, which is a very extended one, you should have
recollected that I have neither the resources of a Territory, nor the
Treasury of the United States, at my command. Still you may be
assured that the war against the Indians will be pros3cuted with all
the vigor, promptness and efficiency I am master of, at the same time
without wasting unnecessarily the means and resources at my disposal
by untimely and unproductive expeditions. With the additional force
which recently arrived at Vancouver and at the Dalles, I think I shall
be able to bring the war to a close in a few months, provided the exter
mination of the Indians, which I do not approve of, is not determined
on, and private war prevented, and the volunteers withdrawn from the
Walla- Walla country.
Whilst I was in Oregon it was reported to me, that many citizens,
with a due proportion of volunteers, and two newspapers, advocated
the extermination of the Indians. This principle has been acted on in
several instances, without discriminating between enemies and friends,
which has been the cause in southern Oregon of sacrificing many inno
cent and worthy citizens. As in the case of Major Lupton and his
party, (volunteers,) who killed twenty-five Indians, eighteen of whom
were women and children. These were friendly Indians, on their way
to the Indian reservation, where they expected protection from the
whites. This barbarous act is the cause of the present contest in the
Rogue Paver country, and as Captain Judah, U. S. A., reports, is re
taliatory of the conduct of Major Lupton.
By the same mail which brought me your communication, I received
38 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
one now before me, from a person who I think incapable of misrep
resentation which informs me that the friendly Cayuses are every
day menaced with death by Governor Curry's volunteers. The writer
says they have despoiled these Indians who have so nobly followed
the advice of Mr. Palmer to remain faithful friends to the Americans
of their provisions. To-day he says these same volunteers, without
discipline and without orders, are not yet satisfied with rapine and
injustice, and wish to take away the small remnant of animals and
provisions left. Every day they run off the horses and cattle of the
friendly Indians. These have become indignant, and will not be much
longer restrained from resisting conduct so unworthy of the whites,
who have made them so many promises to respect and protect them if
they remained faithful friends. The writer further says, if the volun
teers are not arrested in their brigand actions, the Indians will save
themselves by flying to the homes of their relations, the Nez Perces,
who have promised them help, and then all the Indians of Oregon and
Washington would join in the common defence. This information is
in a great measure confirmed by a person who, I am assured, enjoys
your respect and confidence.
I need not say, although I had previously instructed Colonel Wright
to take possession of the Walla- Walla country at the earliest moment
practicable, that I directed him to give protection as soon as he could
to the friendly Cayuses from the depredations of the volunteers. It is
such conduct as here complained of that irritates and greatly increases
the ranks of the hostile tribes ; and if the Nez Perces join in the war
against us, which I hope to prevent, we shall require a much larger
force than we now have in Washington and Oregon Territories to re
sist savage barbarities and to protect the whites.
I have recently sent to Puget Sound two companies of the 9th in
fantry. These, with the three companies there, will give a force of
nearly or quite four hundred regulars, commanded by Lieutenant
Colonel Casey. This force, with several ships of war in the Sound, to
which will be added, in a few days, the United States steamer Massa
chusetts, it seems to me, if rightly directed, ought to be sufficient to
bring to terms two hundred Indian warriors. Captain Keyes, in his
last report received, says there are not quite two hundred in arms in
that region. Lieutenant Colonel Casey has been directed to prosecute
the war with the greatest vigilance and activity. The gallant Cap
tain Swartwout, who goes in the Massachusetts, commander-in-chief
of the naval forces in the Sound, will, I am assured, zealously, efficient
ly, and, I trust, successfully co-operate with Colonel Casey to bring
the war to a close.
In regard to the operations east of the Cascade mountains, if Gover
nor Curry's volunteers have not driven the friendly Cayuses and the
Nez Perces into the ranks of the hostile tribes, (and they should be
withdrawn from the Walla- Walla country,) I have great hopes that I
shall be able to bring the Indians in that region to terms, notwith
standing the volunteers killed the chief, Pee-pee-mox-mox, scalped
him, cut off his ears and hands, as reported by volunteers, and sent
them to their friends in Oregon. All this, too, after he met them
under a flag of truce, declaring he "was for peace, that he did not
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 39
wish to fight, that his people did not wish to fight/' and that if any
of his young men had done wrong he would make restitution, while
he at the same time offered the volunteers cattle for food. Such con
duct may have caused feelings difficult to overcome. I trust, however,
I will be ahle to do it.
As soon as the war is terminated east of the Cascade mountains, I
will be able to send all my disposable forces against the Indians in
Kogue river and Puget Sound. It is, however, due to truth to say,,
at no time were volunteers required, or in any sense of the term neces
sary, for the defence of the inhabitants of Oregon, from the depreda
tions or barbarities of Indians occupying the country east of the Cas
cade mountains. Nor was there any circumstance to justify Governor
Curry in sending his troops from Oregon to Washington Territory to
make war on the Walla- Wallas, from whom the Oregonians had no
danger whatever to apprehend. On this subject I would refer you to
the report of the Secretary of War, dated the 3d of December, rela
tive to the affairs of the army, in which he says, " the department at
this distance, and in the absence of more definite information, espe
cially in regard to the extent of the combination among the hostile
tribes, cannot judge what volunteer reinforcements to the regular
troops may be necessary. This is a matter which must necessarily be
left to the military commander in the department of the Pacific."
At the conclusion of your communication you say "it is due to
frankness that I should state that I have determined to submit to the
department the course taken by the military authorities in disbanding
the troops raised in the Territory of Washington for my relief. No
effort was made, although the facts were presented both to Major
General Wool and Major Raines to send me assistance. The regular
troops were all withdrawn into garrison, and I was left to make my
way the best I could through tribes known to be hostile. It remains
to be seen -whether the commissioner, selected by the President to
make treaties with Indians in the interior of the continent, is to be
ignored and his safety left to chance."
In your " frankness" and determination to represent me to the de
partment, I trust you will be governed by truth, and truth only.
Perhaps it is equally due to frankness on my part to say, that your
communication is the first that I have received in relation to yourself,
or on any subject whatever touching the Indian war, from any civil
functionary either in Washington or Oregon Territories ; and I have
received but one from the military, and that was from Colonel Nes-
mith, who requested me to furnish him with two howitzers, which I
refused. I have only to add that I disbanded no troops raised for
your relief; and your communication gave me the first intelligence
that any were raised for such a purpose.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major General.
To his Excellency ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor of Washington Territory.
40 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
No. 2.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, WASHINGTON TERRITORY,
Olympia, March 20, 1856.
SIR : I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your commu
nication of the 12th February, and to state generally, in answer there
to, that the events of the past four weeks, in connexion with your own
official course, affords satisfactory evidence that the most objectionable
positions of your letter have been abandoned, and that you have finally
become awakened to the true condition of the Indian war, and are
seeking to make some amends for the unfortunate blunders of the
past.
You have probably learned how much you have been misled in your
views of the operations of the Oregon volunteers, and how much un
necessary sympathy you have wasted upon the infamous Pee-pee-mox-
mox. For your own reputation have I felt pain at the statements
made in your letter to me, for I am the authoritative witness in the
case, and in the letter which submitted your own action, in refusing
to send me succor, I have presented briefly the facts, showing the
unmitigated hostility of that chief. I assert that I can prove, by in-
contestible evidence, that Pee-pee-mox-mox had been hostile for
months ; that he exerted his influence to effect a general combination
of the tribes ; that he plundered Walla- Walla and the settlers of the
valley, distributing the spoils to his men and the neighboring tribes
as war trophies ; that he rejected the intercession of the friendly Nez
Perces to continue peaceful ; that he had sworn to take my life and
cut off my party ; and that he and the adjoining tribes of Oregon and
Washington had taken up their military position as warriors at the
proper points of the Walla-Walla valley ; and all this before the vol
unteers of Oregon moved upon him.
Pee-pee-mox-mox was slain fairly. I have investigated that matter
on the ground, having not only the testimony of the officers. of the
Oregon volunteers and the eye-witnesses of his death, but the testi
mony of the friendly Indians, both Cayuses and Nez Perces. He was
not entrapped by a flag of truce. I, of course, reprobate the indigni
ties subsequently committed upon his person.
Are you aware, sir, that the great victory achieved by the gallant
volunteers of Oregon, in the Walla- Walla valley, was fought near
the line separating the two Territories, and that more of the Indians
of Oregon were engaged in it than the Indians of Washington?
Your letter would seem to show that you were ignorant of this fact.
Where, sir, did you derive your information?
Half the Walla- Wallas live permanently in Oregon ; all the Uma-
tillas ; over one-half of the Cayuses ; all the John Days, Des-chutes,
and Tigh Indians.
These were the Indians that met the volunteers of Oregon, and all
these Indians were, by an arrangement made between General Palmer
and myself, under the charge of the Oregon agents.
These Indians were reinforced, after the first three days fight, by
one hundred Palouses, detached from the force under Kam-ai-a-kin.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 41
That some turbulent men of the Oregon volunteers have done injury
to the friendly Cayuses, is unquestionable, and it is reprobated by the
authorities and the citizens of both Territories. It has, however, been
grossly exaggerated. Had, sir, the regulars moved up to Walla-Walla
valley, as I most earnestly urged both Major Kaines and Colonel
Wright, both by letter and in person, these Indians would have been
protected. They could not act because they had no authority from
you.
The presence of a single company would have been sufficient. The
responsibility, if evil follows, will attach, sir, to you as well as to the
volunteers of Oregon.
The Nez Perces, though a portion live in Oregon, are, by the ar
rangement before referred to between General Palmer and. myself,
all under my administrative charge, and if left alone will continue
friendly.
I have heard from them long since the friend to whom you allude.
I have a staff officer in their country. They are organized for self
protection,, and if your operations are conducted with ordinary judg
ment, there will not a man of them join in the war. I have to refer
you, sir, to my memoir for my views, which will be found to bear the
test of experience, and I would advise you, sir, in considering that
memoir to bear in mind, that, as regards the opinion of men, who
with perhaps not very inferior abilities to your own, bring greater
special experience, and a knowledge of the country and the Indians,
to which you cannot pretend, it will be prudent not to despise them.
In your letter of the 12th January, you state, " I have recently sent
to Puget's Sound two companies of the 9th infantry. These, with
the three companies there, will give a force of nearly or quite four
hundred regulars, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Casey. This
force, with several ships of war in the Sound, to which will be added,
in a few days, the United States steamer Massachusetts, it seems to
me, if rightly directed, ought to be sufficient to bring to terms two
hundred Indian warriors. Captain Keyes, in his last report received,
says there are not quite two hundred in arms in that region."
Here you have expressed a very confident opinion ; you thought
proper to quote Captain Keyes as to the number of Indians. But you
found it did not suit your purpose to refer to the requisitions he had
made upon you for six additional companies, two of which only had
been sent forward. Nor could you find time to refer to the fact that
Colonel Casey had recommended, after the war was over, that eight
companies should be permanently stationed for the protection of the
Sound. You think volunteers entirely unnecessary. All this after
having received from the executive of the Territory information as to
the condition of the country.
It is now March, a month later, and you send two additional com
panies of regulars, and direct Colonel Casey to call upon me for two
companies of volunteers. Thus have you practically acknowledged
that you were wrong and that I was right, and thus have I your testi
mony as against yourself in vindication of the necessity of my calling
out volunteers.
As regards this call for volunteers, it is to be presumed "that
42 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
Colonel Casey informed you that the whole available force of the
Sound Territory was bearing arms, and that the great proportion of
them were actively engaging the enemy ; that, organized in two bat
talions, the northern battalion occupied the line of the Snow-how-
mish, where they are establishing block houses and closing the passes
of the Sno-qual-rnie ; that the central battalion was occupying the
military road on the Nachess, in relation to which road and its mili
tary bearings your aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Arnold, will be able to
give you full information ; and that on both lines decisive blows had
been struck ; and, also, that it was beyond the ability of our citizens
to raise an additional company of even fifty men to honor your requi
sition.
I have a right to hold you to a full knowledge of our condition here.
If you say you were uninformed, then you are not fit for your position
and should give place to a better man. If you were informed, then
your measures, as a military man, manifest an incapacity beyond ex
ample.
Therefore, the call upon me for two companies of volunteers is a
call upon me to withdraw the troops now in the field with sixty to
eighty days' provisions, after decisive blows had been struck, and
when everything is ready to strike a, and, perhaps, the decisive blow
to end the war.
I am too old a soldier ever to abandon a well considered plan of
campaign, or to do otherwise than to push forward, with all my ener
gies, in the path marked out, promising, as it does, the speedy termi
nation of the war ; and, sir, I am too wary a man not to detect the
snare which has been laid for me.
You never expected, sir, that the requisition would be complied
with ; you knew it was a practical impossibility. But not having the
courage to acknowledge your error, it was resorted to, in the hope
that my refusing your requisition might enable you to occupy my
vantage ground and throw me on the defensive. I hold you, sir, to
the facts of the case, clearly demonstrating, and by your own confes
sion, too, the propriety of my course and the necessity, on my part,
of a steady adherence to it.
I enclose a copy of my letter to Lieutenant Colonel Casey, in which
my views in regard to this scheme of yours is given in full.
You have referred to the atrocities committed upon the friendly In
dians by the whites. I know nothing of what has occurred in southern
Oregon, but I have to state that no man, to my knowledge, in the
Territory of Washington, advocates the extermination of the Indians.
The authorities here have not only used every exertion to protect
them, but their exertions have been completely successful. Did you
learn, sir, in your brief visit to the Sound, that nearly four thousand
friendly Indians have been moved from the war ground on the eastern
shore of the Sound and its vicinity to the adjacent islands, and have for
nearly five months been living in charge of local agents? That not
an Indian, in the whole course of this war, has been killed by the
whites, except in battle? That when a military commission, com
posed of a majority of volunteer officers, tried, some months since,
eight Indians, only one was convicted, and that the sentence of death
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 43
passed upon him lias not not yet been executed? It is the good con
duct of our people, sir, that has so strengthened the hands of the au
thorities, as to enable them to control these friendly Indians and pre
vent any considerable accession to the ranks of the hostile.
And yet we have daily rumors, and have had for the last five
months, that this tribe and that would break out. For at times great
uneasiness has prevailed amongst them ; and they are Indians, and,
as such, they sympathise with their brethren. But the course of the
authorities has been firm, energetic, and decisive, commanding the
confidence of the community and the affections of the Indians.
Besides these four thousand on reservations in charge of local
agents, we have three thousand more, on the western shore ot the
Sound and on the Straits of Fuca.
I have recently heard from the Nez Perces, the Coeur d'Alenes, and
the Spokanes. The former are firm in their allegiance. But the
Spokanes urge me to have a military force in the great prairie, be
tween them and the hostile Indians, so these latter may not be driven
to their country, and thus incite their young men to war.
The letter of Garry, the chief of the Spokanes, is a most plaintive
and earnest call for help, so his hands may be strengthened in keep
ing his people to their plighted faith ; and the coincidence is remark
able, that this Indian chief, a white man in education and views of
life, should ask me to do the very thing I have urged upon you ; for
you will remember, in my memoir, I urge that the troops in operat
ing against the Indians should be interposed between the friendly and
hostile tribes, to prevent those now friendly from joining in the war.
I have, sir, studied the character of these Indians, and my views as to
the influence upon the friendly Indians, of the mode of carrying on
the war against the hostiles, are confirmed by the only highly edu
cated Indian of either Oregon or Washington, and the head chief of
the very tribe in reference to which I made this recommendation and
felt the most solicitude.
Not a word has ever passed between us in reference to the subject.
You are doubtless informed that the Indians have commenced offen
sive operations east of the Cascades, and have attacked the steamers
plying between the Cascades and the Dalles, and the trains moving
towards Walla- Walla.
This bold course will enable them to operate upon the Spokane,
the Colvilles, the Okinekanes, the Lower Pend d'Oreilles, the Coeur
d'Alenes, who have five hundred warriors, and the tribes north of the
line, who had three to five hundred more, unless struck east of the
Cascades before the close of May, you will have to meet a combination
of from 1,800 to 2,000 warriors. Their families and stock will be in
secure retreats in the mountains, and unless before that time the
Indians here are completely subdued, the passes over the mountains
secured by block houses, it will be within the range of probabilities,
that a large portion of the friendly Indians on the Sound can be inci
ted to hostilities. The Clikatats and Yakimas know all the passes of
the Cascades, and can readily cross after the month of May. Hence
the necessity of the most vigorous blows now, of no changes of plan,
of having troops in the settlements, to guard against any sudden out
break of the friendly Indians.
44 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
Two men have recently been killed within sixteen miles of the capi
tal of the Territory, by a band of marauders who have only been
driven out within the last few days.
It seems to me that the present condition of tilings imposes upon
you the necessity of recognizing the services of the volunteers of the
two Territories now in the field, and of your doing everything to facili
tate their operations. But if you waste your exertions in the fruitless
effort to induce either the authorities to withdraw their troops, to aban
don their plan of campaign, in order to comply with your requisitions
or to meet your peculiar notions, 1 warn you now, sir, that I, as the
Governor of Washington, will cast upon you the whole responsibility
of any difficulty which may arise in consequence, and that by my firm,
steady and energetic course, and by my determination to co-operate
with the regular service, whatever may be the provocation to the con
trary, I will vindicate the justice of my course, and maintain my repu
tation as a faithful public servant. I warn you, sir, that unless your
course is changed, you will have difficulties in relation to which your
own salvation will be the firm and decided policy of the two Territo
ries, whose services you have ignored, whose people you have calumni
ated, and whose respect you have long ceased to possess.
You have erred in your judgment as to volunteers being needed at
all here, and, as I have before observed, in calling for volunteers after
increasing a force deemed by you sufficient, two companies, you
have vindicated the justice and necessity of rny acts in organizing the
people of the Territory, as its executive.
I have thus practically your own endorsement that I have judged
rightly, when you were in error, and my judgment having thus been
sanctioned in calling out volunteers, I prefer to rely upon it in the
matter both of the number required and the organization which will
give them the most efficiency.
Can you presume, sir, to be able to correct your opinions by a hasty
visit to the Sound for a few hours, and do you expect that having
taken my deliberate course, that I shall change my plans on a single
intimation from you, without even a conference between us? Were
you desirous, sir, to harmonize and unite the elements of strength on
the Soimd, you would have seen that it was your duty, at least, to have
informed me of your presence, and to have invited me to a conference.
There was ample time for it. For it was less difficult for me to reach
you on receiving notice than Colonel Casey, and I have shown
throughout the most anxious desire to co-operate with the regular
service.
Whilst in the country in the fall and winter you complained that
the authorities of the two Territories did not communicate with you^
why did you not inform me of your presence in the Sound, on your
arrival at Steilacoom ?
I learned of your probable arrival by simply learning on Saturday
morning, by my express, of your having left Vancouver, and I im
mediately dispatched the chief of my staff to wait upon you with a
letter. But you were gone, and whether you did not know the cour
tesy due to the civil authorities of this Territory, who had taken the
proper course to place themselves in relations with you, or whether
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 45
you were unwilling to meet a man whose safety you had criminally
neglected, and whose general views you had been compelled to adopt,
is a matter entirely immaterial to me.
I enclose a copy of the letter transmitted by the hands of the Ad
jutant General James Tilton, esq., the surveyor general of the Ter
ritory of Washington.
After the defeat of the Indians in the Walla- Walla valley, they
were completely cowed, and for weeks spies only crossed the Snake
river to examine the country. Gradually becoming emboldened, they
have since come over in small parties, and got some small successes
in running off horses, and now they have more than recovered from
the prestige of that defeat. They are making attacks on the whole
line of communication, and are now firm and united, more hopeful,
and have more strength than when the war was commenced.
What, sir, would have been the effect if Governor Curry had not
made the movement which you condemn, and my party with the
friendly Nez Perces had been cut off. Sir, there would have been a
hurricane of war between the Cascade and Bitter Eoot, and three
thousand warriors would now be in arms. Every tribe would have
joined, including the Snakes, and the spirit of hostility would have
spread east of the Bitter Root to the Upper Pend d'Oreilles.
I believe, sir, I would have forced my way through the five or six
hundred hostiles in the Walla- Walla valley with fifty odd white men
and one hundred and fifty Nez Perces. Would you have expected it?
Could the country expect it ? And what was the duty of those having
forces at their command ? Governor Curry sent his volunteers, and
defeated the enemy. You disbanded the company of Washington
Territory volunteers raised especially to be sent to my aid.
I have reported your refusal to send me succor to the Department
of War, and have given some of the circumstances attending that
refusal. The company was under the command of Captain William
McKay. Before your arrived, there was a pledge that it should be
mustered into the regular service and sent to my assistance. Major
Raines informed me that he did everything in his power to induce
you to send it on. William McKay informs me that he called on you
personally, and that you would do nothing. I am informed that your
own aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Arnold, endeavored to get you to change
your determination . What was your answer ? l ' Governor Stevens
can take care of himself. " u Governor Stevens will go down the Mis
souri." " Governor Stevens will get aid from General Harney." "If
Governor Stevens wants aid he will send for it." These were your
answers, according to the changing humor of the moment.
And now, sir, in view of your assertion that you disbanded no
troops raised for my relief, and that my communication gave you the
first intelligence that any were raised for such a purpose, I commend
the chalice to your own lips, " that I trust you will be governed"
hereafter "by the truth, and the truth only."
I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor of Washington Territory.
Major General JOHN E. WOOL,
Commanding Pacific Division.
46 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
No. 3.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON,
Olympia, March 15, 1856.
SIR : I have this morning heard of your arrival in the Territory of
Washington, of your having left Vancouver in a steamer for the
Sound, and that you are now probably at Steilacoom.
In the discharge of my responsibilities as the highest federal officer
of the Territory of Washington, and in view of my oath of office,, I
have called out a large force of volunteers and a band of Indian aux
iliaries, who are now actively engaging the enemy in the field.
Actuated by no motive than the public good, I have endeavored to
co-operate with the military and naval forces in the Sound, with the
object that all and every available means of carrying on the war should
be applied as a unit to its prosecution.
I therefore send the adjutant general of the volunteer forces, James
Tilton, esq., to confer with you. He is instructed to advise you of
the plan of operations which I have adopted, the force in the field,
and the condition of the country.
I have to assure you of my desire to co-operate with you in any
plans which you may think proper to adopt, and I shall be pleased to
hear from you in reference to the prosecution of the campaign.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor and Commander-in-chief.
Major General JOHN E. WOOL,
Commanding Pacific division.
No. 4.
HEADQUARTERS, PUGET SOUND,
District Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, March 15, 1856.
SIR: I respectfully request that you will at once issue your procla
mation, calling into the service of the United States two companies of
volunteers, to serve on foot, for the period of four months, unless
sooner discharged. Each company to consist of one captain, one first
and one second lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, and seventy
privates.
I wish both companies to be mustered into service at Fort Steila
coom.
The authority for calling for the above named troops has been given
by the general commanding the department of the Pacific.
I received, yesterday, an accession of two companies of the ninth in
fantry. With this accession of force, and the two companies of vol
unteers called for, I am of the opinion that I shall have a sufficient
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 47
number of troops to protect this frontier, without the aid of those now
in the service of the Territory.
Very respectfully., your obedient servant,
SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant colonel $th infantry,
commanding Puget Sound district.
His Excellency I. I. STEVENS,
Governor Washington Territory,
Olympia, Washington Territory.
No. 5.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, WASHINGTON TERRITORY,
Olympia, March 1P>, 1856.
SIR: I have received your letter of the 15th instant, advising me*
of the accession to your command of two companies of regulars, and
requesting me to issue my proclamation calling into the service of the
United States two companies of volunteers, to serve on foot for the
period of four months, unless sooner discharged. These companies
you wish to be mustered into the service at Fort Steilacoom.
You also express the opinion that if this requisition be complied
with you will have a sufficient number of troops to protect this fron
tier, without the aid of those now in the service of the Territory.
I am also advised that you have been authorized to make this requi
sition for troops by the general commanding the department of the
Pacific.
You have been informed by me not only of the volunteer force
which has been called out to protect the settlements and to wage war
upon the Indians, but of the plan of campaign which I have adopted,
of the position which these troops occupy, and of the blows already
struck by them against the enemy.
I take it for granted that this information has been communicated
to General Wool, and has been considered by him in his official action.
In the two visits which I have made to Steilacoom to confer with you,
one of them made at great personal inconvenience, I have waived eti
quette in my anxious desire to co-operate with the regular service. I have
communicated unreservedly my plans and views, and have endeavored,
so far as my sphere was concerned, to conduct affairs in a way to in
sure the whole force operating as a unit in the prosecution of the war.
I am happy to say that in our several intercourses and communica
tions you have met me in the same spirit of co-operation, to the extent
that the impression has been made upon my mind, that such disposi
tion had been made of the volunteers, in your opinion, as to make
them an efficipnt element in the general combination.
Now your requisition on me to issue my proclamation to call into
the United States service two companies of volunteers, in connexion
with the expression of your opinion, that if the call be complied with
the services of the troops now in the service of the Territory may be
48 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
dispensed with, is, in fact, a call on me to withdraw all the troops
now in the field with their sixty to eighty days' provisions, to abandon
the block houses, to leave the settlements both north and south open
to the attacks of the marauding Indians, and at the very moment
when our troops were prepared to strike a, and, perhaps, the decisive
blow, to abandon the campaign and re-organize anew.
Are you aware that, in the patriot response of the citizens of the
Territory to the call of the executive, over one-half of our able bodied
men are bearing arms ; that the people are almost entirely living in
block houses, and that it is entirely beyond the ability of our citizens
to organize an additional company of even fifty men.
The two companies you call for can, therefore, not be raised, except
by the withdrawal of the troops, and abandoning the campaign at the
very moment the prospects are flattering to end the war.
For these reasons alone it will be impossible to comply with your
requisition, nor can I suppose that in making the requisition either
Major General Wool, or yourself, believed for a moment that the requi
sition would be seriously entertained by me.
But I am of opinion that even were the requisition complied with,
your force would not be adequate to the protection of this frontier and
the settlements. Having the highest respect for your opinion, know
ing how conscientiously and carefully you approach any field of labor,
and how thoroughly you investigate it, and reach your conclusions, I
am constrained to express my judgment that you would soon be obliged
to call for an additional force, fully equal in all to the force which has
l>een called out by my previous proclamation.
In such a case I have no alternative than to act according to my
own deliberate judgment, for if, waiving my own judgment to yours,
injury should result, the responsibility would attach to me not less
than to yourself.
Otherwise why is the militia organized and the executive made its
commander-in-chief ? It is to meet emergencies like the present.
But were it practicable to comply with your requisitions, and were
those requisitions for a force, in my judgment, competent, I should
not deem it expedient to place the force thus raised under the command
of the officers of the regular service.
The war has now gone on five months. It is a war emphatically
for the defence of the settlements, so much so that I have ordered to
the Sound four companies from the Columbia river, and at this critical
period it is important that there should be no changes in the com
mand or in the plan.
In view of this, and also in view of the changes of opinion and of
plan on the part of the officer in chief command on this coast, growing
out of a want of understanding of the difficulties to be encountered, I
am of opinion that the whole force will be more efficient, and that
there will be a better spirit of co-operation, if the regular and volun
teer services are kept distinct.
Be this as it may, the campaign is, I trust, approaching its consum
mation, and changes of plan can only be fraught with mischief.
The citizens of this Territory have very great confidence in the
officers of the regular service, and especially is this the case with the
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 49
people of the Sound. Their relations have been more than cordial
They are the witnesses of the efficiency of the troops stationed here,,
and their gratitude has been announced on several occasions since the
organization of the Territory.
The force now in the field has not been mustered into the service of
the Territory, but into the service of the United States. My author
ity, as the highest federal officer of the Territory, is derived from the
same source as that of the Major General commanding the Pacific di
vision. I am commissioned by the President, and I act under the laws
of Congress and the responsibility of my oath of office.
For these reasons your requisitions cannot be complied with. At
the same time you may rest assured of my doing everything in my
power to co-operate with you, and I hope that through the action of
us all the war may soon be closed, and the suffering inhabitants of the
Territory be rescued from their present unhappy condition.
Truly and respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor and Commander-in-chief.
Lieutenant Colonel SILAS CASEY,
Ninth Infantry ? Commanding Puget Sound Division,
fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory.
No. 6.
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON,
Olympia, March 15, 1856.
SIR: I have dispatched my aid-de-camp, Lieutenant Colonel Cros-
bie, to confer with you in relation to a combined movement of the naval
and military forces from Seattle.
I have selected Colonel Crosbie for this duty in consequence of his
great familiarity with all portions of the country, its geography, its
Indian tribes, and its people.
If an operation could go on from Seattle, say a boat expedition to
the lake, the establishment of a block house on that lake, and a good
wagon road opened therefrom with Seattle, it would combine admira
bly with the operations now going on from this quarter, and from the
Sno-ho-mish, would much circumscribe the country now occupied by the
hostiles, would promise opportunities of striking immediate blows, and
would probably pave the way for the final blow to end the war.
I am, very respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor Territory Washington.
Captain SAMUEL SWARTWOUT,
Commanding Naval Forces, Puget Sound, Seattle.
Ex. Doc. 66 4
50 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
No. f.
UNITED STATES STEAMER MASSACHUSETTS,
Harbor of Seattle, Washington Territory, March 16, 1856.
SIR: Your letter of the 15th instant was handed to me to-day by
Lieutenant Colonel Crosbie.
In reply, I would state that my instructions, upon assuming the
command of the United States naval forces in Puget Sound, direct me
act in concert with the military forces under Major General Wool,
where the same can be done within the immediate vicinity of the
Sound, but not to permit any portion of my command to go into the
interior. If, however, I were at liberty to co-operate with your volun
teers in prosecuting the expedition you have projected, it would be
impracticable, as I understand that the river from here to the lakes is
not navigable for our boats, and besides, when the volunteers leave
this place the inhabitants will be entirely dependent upon the naval
forces here in the event of an attack by the hostile Indians.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SAMUEL SWART WOUT, Commander,
Commanding United States Naval Forces, Puget Sound.
To his Excellency ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor and Commander-in-chief W. T. Volunteer Forces.
General Wool to the Commanding General.
BENICIA, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT or THE PACIFIC,
San Francisco, March 20, 1856.
COLONEL : Last evening I returned from visiting the several military
posts of Crescent City, Fort Orford, and Vancouver, and in Puget
Sound, Fort Steilacoom. To each commandant of posts and districts
I gave such instructions as appeared necessary for an active, vigilant,
and successful prosecution of the war against the Indians.
From Vancouver I took with me two companies of the 9th infantry,
commanded by Major Garnett, and landed them at Steilacoom on the
14th March. The same day I inspected the post and supplies. The
latter were abundant and of good quality.
Lieutenant Colonel Casey appears to have conducted the operations
of his command with great skill and judgment. With the additional
companies under Major Garnett, he will soon bring the war to a close
on Puget Sound, unless prevented by Governor Stevens' determina
tion to carry on the war independent of the United States troops.
This remark is equally applicable to the conduct of Governor Curry,
of Oregon, who is still carrying on the war against the Indians east
of the Cascade mountains. These two governors appear to be run
ning a race to see who can dip the deepest into the treasury of the
United States. In the dense forests of Puget Sound another Florida
war can be easily carried on, and at an expense of twenty or more
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 51
-
millions ; The same remarks will apply to the mountain region of
Rogue river^valley. It is only necessary to carry out the intentions
of many citizens of Oregon and Washington, as practiced in several
instances,, to exterminate the Indians, friends as well as enemies.
This can be done, but it would cost the United States from fifty to
one hundred millions, all which can be avoided by a just and judicious
course pursued towards the Indians. I have no doubt that in a very
short time I could settle all difficulties with the Indians if the gov
ernors (Stevens and Curry) and their volunteers withdraw from the
contest. Their object is Avar, and not peace. I have on Puget Sound
seven companies of regulars, in the Rogue river valley seven compa
nies, and one near by, at Humboldt. Brevet Major Wyer, with his
company, has been ordered^to Fort Lane. This force, I am confident,
will be all sufficient to bring the war to a close in southern Oregon.
It certainly will be sufficient if Governor Curry's volunteers will cease
their practice of indiscriminately killing the Indians, friends as well
,as foes.
In a former communication I mentioned the conduct of Major Lup-
ton and his party, in killing twenty-five Indians, of whom eighteen
were women and children. This occurred in October. Captain
Smith, commanding at Fort Lane, reports, that u on the 23d of Decem
ber last, a party of volunteers, unarmed, belonging to a company then
stationed on or near Butte Creek, made a visit to a camp of friendly
Indians, on the north side of Rogue river, some fifteen miles from this
post, and assured the Indians of the friendly disposition of the whites
towards them, and their desire to live in peace. The object of this
visit, on the part of the whites, was to ascertain the strength, position,
&c., of this. Indian camp, and finding them unarmed, with the excep
tion of a few bows and arrows, marched there on the following night,
surrounded the camp, and killed nineteen men, burned their houses
and stores, and left the women and children exposed to the severe
cold weather.
"The squaws and children are now at this post, suffering severely
from frozen limbs. Old Jake, (chief of this same band,) with his im
mediate family, was encamped near Butte creek, on the south side of
Rogue river. A party from another company of volunteers paid a
similar visit to his camp, and for the same dastardly purpose, and at
night surrounded his camp and massacred all the men. The squaws
and children from this camp are also here, suffering with frozen
limbs."
Herewith I enclose a copy of a letter from Captain H. M. Judah, re
lating to Indian affairs. It deserves attention. Certainly the Indians
referred to have been greatly neglected. They ought to have been
treated differently by the superintendent of Indian affairs for Cali
fornia.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
T . Major General.
Lieutenant Colonel L. THOMAS,
Assistant Adjutant General,
Headquarters of the army, New York.
52 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
FORT JONES, CALIFORNIA, March, 8, 1856.
SIR ; I have the honor to make the following statement in reference
to the Scott's valley Indians collected at this post.
About three weeks since, I was called upon by Willian Steele, esq.,
a prominent citizen of this valley, who exhibited to me a letter of
authorization from Colonel Henly, superintendent of Indian affairs
in this State, to take with him two of the most prominent of the
Indians to the Nome Lackee reservation, in order that they might, if
possible, become favorably impressed with its advantages as a future
home for the tribe.
Mr. Steele was accompanied by a gentleman named Weeks, who is
conversant with the Shasta language, and who returned a few days
since with the two Indians, (John and Jack.)
Mr. Weeks informed me that both Mr. Steele and himself were
very coldly and impolitely (if not rudely) treated by the residing
agent, a Mr. Stevens, who informed them that Colonel Henly had
gone to Washington, and that he had not been informed of their in
tended visit. Mr. Stevens offered no facilities for carrying out the
purposes of the visit, and finally evinced his utter ignorance or inten
tional display of the most ordinary politeness, by leaving his office
with his friends for a social purpose, expressed in the presence of
Messers Steele and Weeks, who were left to carry out the purposes of
their visit as they best could.
They shortly after left the office, and walked with the Indians for
a couple of hours upon the reservation, returning to Tehama, with
out further notice from Mr. Stevens.
Enough information was gleaned during their short visit to warrant
the conclusion that the Indians upon the reserve are grossly neglected,
and that the government is imposed upon in the conduction of the
affairs of the reservation. This information, with the exception of
one item, afforded me by Mr. Weeks, was obtained by Tye John from
conversation with the Indians themselves. The item referred to is the
following: "Some few days before their arrival, a man living in the
vicinity of the reservation came upon the same, and deliberately
killed twelve of the Indians from one rancheria for killing, or
suspicion of having killed some hogs belonging to him." Mr. Weeks
states that the occurrence seemed to excite little comment, and was
not adverted to by Mr. Stevens. If such acts are really permitted
upon that reservation, Indians had better take their chances as out
laws in the mountains.
The Indian, Tye John, informs me that the Indian with whom he
conversed assured him that they were uncomfortable, unhappy, and
that their numbers were being very rapidly reduced by death ; that
they had no fires in the winter, were not supplied with clothing, and
received neither flour nor beef, their sole food being wheat. John
also informed me that both he and his tribe preferred to be killed and
buried upon the soil of their fathers to being removed to Nome
Lackee.
Although the officers upon the reserve would probably deny the ex
istence of such a state of affairs as above represented, I am convinced
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 53
that it exists, and that no arrangement pertaining to Indian affairs in
this State bears investigation. I am led to this belief through per
sonal observations made during the past two years.
In view of the facts that the visit of the Indians to Nome Lackee
was reduced to a farce, and that no further action in reference to the
Scott's valley Indians may be expected from the Indian department
in this State, I respectfully request more specific instructions in refer
ence to them than any I am acting under. They are entirely dis
armed as far as fire-arms are concerned, and cannot possibly subsist
themselves with their bows and arrows. They are daily supplied with
beef and flour by the acting assistant commissary of subsistence at
this post, and have been since collected upon the military reserve for
protection against the whites, which is still necessary. As a continual
source of annoyance to the post, as well as to the people of Scott's
valley, in view of the probability of a "descent by hostile Indians upon
some of the sparsely settled portions of the State during the summer,
in which case the Scott's valley Indians would, though innocent, suf
fer through revenge ; of their uniformly good conduct, and through
considerations of humanity, they should be removed as soon as possi
ble. I would, therefore, recommend that Lieutenant Crook, or some
other officer, be permitted to take two of the most prominent of their
number to the reservation upon the Lower Klamath, for purposes of
inspection; and that, upon their return, f be authorized to remove
them to that place.
The Indians have within the past two days assumed their bows and
arrows, which they constantly wear upon their persons, undoubtedly
with a view to escape in the event of a forcible attempt to remove
them to the Nomo Lackee reservation.
Apologizing for the length of this communication, into which, from
the interest I feel upon the subject, I have unintentionally been
drawn .
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
H. M. JUDAH,
Captain 4th infantry, commanding.
Captain D. R. JONES, U. S. A.,
Asst. Adj. Gen., Department Pacific, Benicia, California.
Upon a perusal of the above communication, I respectfully beg
leave to withdraw the paragraph which unfavorably characterizes the
administration of Indian affairs in this State, as irrelevant.
A true copy.
D. R. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant General.
Indian affairs. Highly interesting.
Respectfully submitted.
WINFIELD SCOTT,
HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY,
New York, April 17, 1856.
54 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
The within communication presents evils which, under the existing
organization, this department has not power to remedy. The conduct
of the officers of the army on this occasion is in keeping with that
which they have generally observed, and is fully approved.
JEFF'N DAVIS,
Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 22, 1856.
General Wool to the Commanding General.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
Benicia, California, April 2, 1856.
COLONEL : Having "been wrongfully and unjustifiably assailed and
denounced by the governors of Oregon and Washington Territories
and the legislature of the former, who have demanded of the Presi- "
dent of the United States my recall from the command of the Pacific
department, I have deemed it proper to transmit, with the request
that it may be forwarded to the War Department, the following sum
mary statement of facts in regard to the Indian war now waged in
those Territories, and which I could hope might claim attention.
A year since I ordered Brevet Major Haller, with about 150 rank
and file, to go as far as Fort Boise to give protection to emigrants go
ing to Oregon and Washington Territories, and to demand the mur
derers of some twelve or thirteen emigrants near that place the year
before.
The Major not only went to Fort Boise but 150 miles beyond. He
remained in that section of country until near the close of September,
1855, when he returned to his post at the Dalles, having previously
captured and executed a number of the Indians concerned in the mur
ders abov.e alluded to.
Shortly after his return, and early in October, he was called on by
Major Kains to execute a similar mission against the Yakima Indians,
occupying a portion of the country east of the Cascade range of moun
tains. It is said that the Yakimas, having become dissatisfied with
the treaty made with them the summer before, by General Stevens,
determined on war.
This was hastened, as it would seem, by some miners forcibly car
rying away and ill-treating some Yakima squaws. The Yakimas,
according to their own story, complained of this wrong to A. J. Bolon,
sub-Indian agent, who was at the time in the Yakima country, and
demanded redress. An altercation took place, when the Indians
threatened revenge. The agent, in turn, threatened if they executed
their intentions to send against them the troops of the United States.
It was under such circumstances that the agent and the Indians sepa
rated.
The former, however, was followed and overtaken by the Yakimas,
when they demanded to know if he intended to send the troops of the
United States against them. On answering them in the affirmative,
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 55
as the Indians say, they killed him, and afterwards, as reported, some
miners, on their way to the Colville mines.
On this information being conveyed to Major Rains, Brevet Major
Haller was directed to proceed against the Yakimas, to chastise them
and demand the murderers of the agent Bolon.
Accordingly, with one hundred and four rank and file, he pro
ceeded on his mission, hut without the precautions necessary against
savage warfare.
About sixty miles from the Dalles, on emerging from a deep ravine,
he found himself, as he reports, confronted hy 1,500 Indians. After
losing two men killed, and some thirteen or fourteen wounded, one
mortally, he escaped from his perilous condition to an eminence, on
which was neither wood, water, or grass. He reported that he was
surrounded hy Indians, and asked for a thousand men to relieve ^ m "
This was communicated to the Dalles hy a person who succeeded in
passing the Indians without being observed. Relief was immediately
ordered. In the meantime, after remaining on the hill thirty-six or
forty hours, water being indispensable both to men and animals, the
major determined to force his way to water. He broke up his encamp-
ment and commenced his march for the stream in his front.
He met with no resistance, and after allaying the thirst of his men,
horses, and mules, he commenced his march towards the Dalles.
In his effort to make good his retreat, he became separated from his
rear guard, the front and rear taking different trails. The guard,
supposing that it was following the front of the column, continued its
march towards the Dalles without interference or molestation from
the Indians. This left the major with only forty effective men, and
the wounded and baggage.
With this small force he succeeded in making good his retreat, fol
lowed two days and nights by 1,500 Indians.
I think the number greatly exaggerated. However this may be,
under the circumstances, I did not consider such an enemy greatly to
be dreaded. The repulse of Major Haller created great excitement
and alarm throughout Oregon and Washington, lest all the Indian
tribes in the Territories should at once combine and come down upon
the settlements. As soon as I was informed of Major Haller 'a defeat,
I ordered all the disposable troops at my command to the seat of war,
and I followed. At the same time I called upon the United States
government for at least an additional regiment. This was promptly
responded to, and the 9th regiment of infantry arrived early in Janu
ary, but, owing to the unusually severe winter, could not enter upon
a winter campaign. In the meantime, Major Rains, who had
authority for such purposes, made preparation for a second expe
dition against the Yakimas.
He mustered, with the reinforcements which I sent him, five hundred
regulars, with three mountain howitzers, besides other artillery an
ample force, if properly directed, to have defeated all the Indians in
the country. The Major, however, partaking somewhat of the alarm
pervading the country, increased and stimulated by political dema
gogues, called on Acting Governor Mason for two companies of vol
unteers, which was promptly and favorably responded to; and upon
56 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
Governor Curry, of Oregon, for four companies, which he refused,
because, as he said, the Oregonians would not serve under United
States officers. At the same time he called into the territorial service
two mounted regiments, one to serve against the Indians in Washing
ton Territory., and the other to serve against the Indians in southern
Oregon. Of the former, no part of it, in any sense of the term, was
necessary to defend the inhabitants of Oregon against the Indians in
Washington Territory, east of the Cascade mountains, from whom
they had no danger whatever to apprehend. Major Eains having
completed his preparations, with 350 regulars and three mountain
howitzers, set out about the 1st of November for the Yakima country,
followed by six companies of Governor Curry's troops, commanded by
Colonel Nesmith, no doubt a very capable and enterprising officer, and
about seventy miles from the Dalles met the Yakimas, who, after sev-
eral skirmishes, without any loss on either side, excepting one Indian
killed and scalped by an Indian who accompanied the troops of Major
Kains, fled over the mountains to the Yakima river,, about forty miles
distant. But in consequence of the snow, then fast falling, being
several feet deep on the intervening mountains, the Major could not
follow at least, he so reported. He therefore commenced his return,
having lost fifty-four animals captured by the Indians, but not until
the volunteers, unfortunately, had destroyed the Atahnum mission,
an important position, and one which ought to have been occupied by
the Major. On his return he crossed mountains which he had pre
viously passed, which were covered with snow from two to five feet
deep. His command was ordered to the Dalles, and he reported to
me in person on the 24th of November.
I arrived on the 17th. having been detained on the passage from
San Francisco eleven days, owing to gales and a fire, which crippled
the steamer on board of which I was a passenger, by which she came
very near being lost.
Anxious to establish a post at Walla- Walla, in order to prevent
what followed, a war against the Walla- Wallas by the troops of Gov
ernor Curry, I ordered a critical inspection of all the troops and ani
mals, when it was discovered that many of the soldiers were without
shoes and proper clothing for the season, and that all the animals,
with very few exceptions, owing to constant service during the sum
mer and fall, and especially in the last two expeditions of Majors
Eains and Haller, were rendered unfit for service. I had determined,
however, if it was possible, to take possession of the Walla- Walla
country before winter had fairly commenced. Not because I consid
ered it in any respect necessary for the defence or protection of y the
inhabitants of Oregon or Washington Territory.
The Indians in that region, two hundred miles distant, could not
pass the Cascade range of mountains, then covered with several feet
of snow.
The only route by which they could reach the settlements of Oregon
was by the Dalles, where we had a sufficient regular force to repel all
the Indians in Washington Territory.
My object was simply to overawe these tribes, and to prevent them
from uniting with the Yakimas the authors of the war. They had
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 57
not yet taken part in the war ; at least they had not then killed a
white man. To accomplish my purpose no time was to he lost. Accord
ingly, I directed Major Cross, chief quartermaster in my staff, to pro
cure, if practicable, the means of transportation. This could not be
obtained in Oregon or Washington without great delay and at an
enormous expense, which the state of the war did not call for, owing
to the resources of the country being very much exhausted by the
large requisitions of General Curry to fit out his several expeditions.
This compelled me to seek elsewhere for means of transportation.
Hence, I directed Major Cross to have wagons, horses, and mules
sent from Benicia, and boats and forage from San Francisco, to Van
couver.
Before the animals, &c., arrived the river Columbia froze over.
This cut off all communication with the Dalles and the Indian coun
try east of the Cascade mountains. For three weeks I was ice-bound,
not being able to communicate with the Dalles or San Francisco.
Governor Curry, however, had brought two regiments of mounted
men in the field, at an enormous expense. Nothing had yet been ac
complished by them, and certainly not by the regiment intended to
operate against the Indians in Washington Territory.
Something had to be done. A fight with the Indians, no matter
whether friends or enemies, was indispensable to excite the sympathy
of the nation, and especially Congress, or the propriety of paying
contributions, so profusely levied on the people of Oregon, might be
questioned. Accordingly, Colonel Nesmith was ordered by Governor
Curry with his command to march against the Walla- Wallas, where
Major Chinn, with five companies, had been previously ordered.
On an inspection of the horses of the colonel's command, although
but twenty days in the field, they were pronounced unfit for that ser
vice. Several companies, however, were prepared, and, under the
command of Lieutenant Colonel Kelly, a member of the legislature of
Oregon, joined Major Chinn, who, instead of going to Fort Walla-
Walla,, where he was ordered by Governor Curry, took post on the
Umatilla, thirty miles distant, because, as he reported, there were
one thousand Indians in and about the fort.
Although in this position for several weeks, and frequently sending
scouts within a mile or two of the Indians, he was neither molested
nor interfered with. Lieutenant Colonel Kelly, on joining Major
Chinn, moved against Fort Walla- Walla, but found no Indians there.
He then moved up the river Touchet, where he was met by the chief
" Piu-piu-mox-mox," with a flag of truce. He said he was for peace ;
that he did not wish to fight ; that his people did not wish to fight,
and that if any of his young men had done wrong he was prepared to
make restitution. If he could not return the goods wrongfully taken,
he would pay for them, being abundantly able to do so. When the
volunteers said they were in want of provisions he offered them cattle.
He was rich in money, horses, and cattle.
The volunteers replied he had better go back and fight. He refused,
and with his companions, four (Lieutenant Colonel Kelly says six) in
number, was taken prisoner, and sent guarded to the volunteer camp.
The volunteers then commenced the attack upon his people, which was
58 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
continued for four days, without any great loss on either side, when
the Walla- Wallas, having secured their women and children, crossed
Snake river. The second or third day of the engagement, the volun
teers barbarously killed " Piu-piu-mox-mox " and his companions.
They took from the chief's head some twenty scalps, cut off his ears
and hands, and sent them as trophies to their friends in Oregon.
As the volunteers, having no boats, could not cross Snake river,
the retreat of the Indians closed their winter campaign, except to
plunder the friendly Cayuses of their horses and cattle. (See my letter
dated the 12th February, 1856, to Governor I. I. Stevens.)
Owing to the severity of the winter, except those captured by the
Indians, most of the volunteers' horses died from fatigue and the want
of forage or grass. Major Chinn said that about two hundred and
twenty-five of their best horses were captured by the Indians.
It is reported that Governor Curry has in part replaced them with
a fresh relay.
In February thirteen wagons loaded with supplies, including am
munition^ for the volunteers, guarded by only four men, were captured
by the Indians, between the Umatilla and Fort Walla- Walla.
Such have been the results of one of the most unwise, unnecessary,
and extravagant expeditions ever fitted out in the United States, and
for no other reason than to plunder the treasury of the United States,
and to make political capital for somebody.
It could not have been projected for the defence of the inhabitants
of Oregon, nor for the protection of Oregonians in Washington Ter
ritory, for none resided there. What then could have been the object?
Nothing but a crusade against the Indians, and a long war to enrich
the country.
If such was not the object, Governor Curry., instead of sending his
troops against the Indians in Washington Territory, and beyond his
jurisdiction, would have sent all of them to southern Oregon, where
the war raged, and nowhere else in his Territory. The Oregonians
say that the war " is a God-send to the country."
It would appear, however, from the governor's proclamation, that
he did send a regiment to southern Oregon ; but from all the informa
tion 1 have received from that section of country, they have been of
little or no service, so far as giving protection to the inhabitants is
concerned, and yet the war has been carried on between the volunteers
and the Indians in a most singularly barbarous and savage manner.
My information is derived from citizens and regular officers under my
command, and not from any of the civil or military functionaries of
the Territory of Oregon.
I have never been informed by any one, not even by the governor,
of the military wants of the Territory. He has never called on me for
troops to defend it, or to protect the inhabitants from savage barbarity.
Although he has, as it would appear, purposely avoided all communi
cation with me on the subject, I have not been unmindful of the con
dition and wants of the Territory. I have not failed, as far as it was
in my power, to defend and protect such parts as were exposed and
assailed by the Indians, and I have no doubt but {or the indiscrimi
nate warfare carried on against them, and the massacre of several
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 59
parties of friendly Indians by the troops of Governor Curry, the war
would have long since been brought to a close in Oregon.
Although the Indians are retaliating with fearful vengeance on in
nocent citizens, for the murder in October last, by Major Lupton and
his party, of 25 friendly Indians, 18 of whom were women and chil
dren, all going to the military reservation at Fort Lane, for protec
tion, and notwithstanding the massacres on 23d and 24th December
last, when volunteers murdered about forty unarmed friendly Indians,
belonging to the band of the chief, Jake, who was among the killed,
I think if the volunteers, who expect to be paid largely for their ser
vices, were withdrawn, and private war prevented, I could soon end
the war in Rogue river valley, and, indeed, throughout Oregon and
Washington.
But the determination of the Oregonians to exterminate the Indians,
which I am wholly opposed to, if not discountenanced by the United
States government, may prolong the war almost indefinitely.
Another Florida war can be had in Rogue River valley, owing to
the mountainous character of the country. The same remark will
apply to Puget Sound, where it is exceedingly difficult to follow the
Indians in the dense forests of that region. Yet, by a proper and
judicious course, the war may be brought to a close; when, by estab
lishing posts at proper points, a recurrence of the past might be pre
vented. But to do this, I repeat, the extermination of the Indians
should be abandoned. No doubt they could be exterminated, but it
would cost from fifty to one hundred millions, besides thousands of in
nocent and valuable lives.
Still, with all the difficulties presented and staring us in the face, I
do not despair. With eight companies of regular troops in Rogue
River valley and another on the way, with not to exceed two hundred
warriors in arms, increased to that number by the barbarous conduct
of the volunteers towards the friendly Indians, and seven companies
in Puget Sound, where there are not one hundred and fifty in arms
against the whites, commanded by active, vigilant, and intelligent
officers, I cannot but hope that the war in those two sections will soon
be brought to a close, when we will meet with no difficulty in bring
ing the Indians to terms, east of the Cascade range of mountains.
To show how determined the people of Oregon are to exterminate
the Indians, it is only necessary to represent their conduct towards
four hundred friendly Indians waiting, on* the military reserve at Fort
Lane, to be conducted to the coast range reservation. Captain Smith,
commanding at that post, with two companies of regulars, reported
to me that it took a large part of his command to prevent the citizens
from murdering those four hundred Indians.
I have been informed, by those whose character for truth and vera
city is not to be questioned, that meetings of the citizens of Oregon
had been held, when it was resolved, if the attempt was made to con
duct those Indians to the coast reserve, they would not only kill them,
but all who might accompany them.
After the Indians recently started for the reserve, although escorted
by one hundred soldiers, they were followed by a citizen who shot one
of the Indians, declaring, at the same time, he intended to follow
60 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
them and kill all he could. I regret that I am compelled to say that
such conduct is too much encouraged by persons holding high offices
under the government of the United States. And because I have op
posed this inhuman and barbarous practice, and the wholesale plun
dering of the treasury of the United States, which there is no circum
stance to justify, I have been denounced by the governors of both Ter
ritories and the legislature of Oregon.
The latter has demanded of the President of the United States my
removal from the command of the Pacific department. To discover
how much truth is contained in the charges presented against me in
the memorial to the President, it will only be necessary to read this
communication .
I am, however, surprised to find that the legislature does not know
the boundaries of its own Territory. Walla- Walla is in Washington
and not in Oregon Territory. No citizens were there, except two or
three, besides those who were, or had been, attached to the Hudson's
Bay Company, and these were mostly half-breeds and Canadians.
It is well known that they are in no danger of being killed by the
Indians. All not Americans, or " Bostons," as the Indians call
them, not found in arms against them are respected, at least they are
in no danger of being killed by them.
In conclusion, it only remains for me to notice a letter, lest it should
create false impressions and mislead the public, of I. I. Stevens, gov
ernor of Washington Territory, dated the 8th of March, 1856, and
published in San Francisco.
The governor in his letter of appeal to the citizens of San Francisco,
would induce them to believe that there were not to exceed 900 regu
lars in Washington and Oregon, and that there were but four compa
nies of regulars at one point in Puget Sound.
At the date of his letter there were five companies of regulars ac
tively operating against less than two hundred warriors in arms
against the whites, and six days after, seven companies, 500 strong,
under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Casey and Major Garnett.
At the date of his letter, instead of 900, as he asserts, there were 1,900
regulars, and at this time 2,000. Of the 33 companies in the Pacific
department, 27 are operating in Oregon and Washington, distributed
as follows, viz : nine in southern Oregon, 700 strong, actively operat
ing against, certainly not to exceed, 200 warriors in arms against the
whites ; seven companies, as before mentioned, in Puget Sound, with
less than 200 warriors in arms against them ; one company at Van
couver, and ten companies at the Dalles, under command of Colonel
George Wright, of the 9th infantry. The latter will be efficiently,
and I trust successfully, employed against the Indians east of the Cas
cade range of mountains as soon as the season will permit, that is, as
soon as grass can be had to support animals.
A force amply sufficient to terminate the war in all. parts of the two
Territories, and afterwards to prevent past occurrences, if the volun
teers could be withdrawn and private war prevented. But as long as
governors of Territories make war, and exercise powers, as I believe,
unknown to the President of the United States, and individuals raise
volunteers and make war on the Indians whenever they please, and
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 61
Congress will pay the expense, so long will we have war in Oregon
and Washington Territories.
It is said by intelligent men that the expense of Governor Curry's
army will amount, in scrip, from two to four millions. If Congress
should foot the bill, some governor of another Territory will make a
bill of ten millions.
I do not know how the question will be considered. One thing,
however, is certain, that it is an example which, if countenanced by
the United States government, may. when least expected, lead to no
less embarrassing than disastrous results.
Herewith I forward copies of instructions, marked 1, 2, and 3, to
Colonel George Wright and Lieutenant Colonel Silas Casey, in regard
to the employment of volunteers, and the course they should pursue
in conducting the war against the Indians, and the protection of the
inhabitants of Oregon and Washington Territories.
I also send copies, marked 4 and 5, of a correspondence between
Lieutenant Colonel Casey and Governor Stevens, on the subject of
calling into service two companies of volunteers.
Governor Stevens, like Governor Curry, refuses to place volunteers
under the command of United States officers. Colonel Wright, March
1, on this subject, says that ''from the best information I can obtain,
the presence of the volunteers in the Walla- Walla country during the
last two months has been highly injurious, and tended to increase
the number of our enemies."
Similar reports are made from most of the regular officers, of the
volunteers acting under their observation.
I also send a copy of a report of Lieutenant Colonel George Nau-
man, marked 6, who was ordered to southern California to examine
into the condition of affairs in that region, and to ascertain the feel
ings and disposition of the Indians on the Colorado.
His report is highly favorable to peace. AMCHOTT u*** Y
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL, Major General
Lieutenant Colonel L. THOMAS,
Assist. Adjutant General, New York.
Indian affairs. Highly interesting. I have full confidence in Gen*
eral Wool's statement of facts, and fully concur in his views and sen
timents.
Respectfullv submitted,
WINFIELD SCOTT.
HEADQUARTERS, New York, May 2, 1856.
62 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
No. 1.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
Benicia, California, January 29, 1856.
COLONEL : No doubt ere this you have received special orders No. 6,
and a letter of instruction, dated the 19th instant, assigning you to
the command of the troops in Washington Territory and northern
Oregon, which includes Puget Sound, Vancouver, and the Dalles, and
all the country north and east of the Cascade mountains.
You will exercise supervising control over all, and direct such ope
rations as you may deem proper.
As soon as the season will permit, preparatory to operations in the
Indian country east and north of the Cascade mountains, you will
establish the headquarters of your regiment at the Dalles, where all
the troops intended for the Indian country will be concentrated. Pre
vious to which every attention will be given to perfecting them in the
rifle or light infantry drill, as also in the duties of guards. The lat
ter is an important duty, and should receive every attention. I found
but few of the younger officers of the 4th infantry acquainted with
that duty. Your own headquarters you can establish either at Van
couver or the Dalles. You will, of course, be most of your time at
the latter place during the period of preparation for the field.
The points which I intended as the base of operations are the Selah
fisheries, on the Yakima river,, and some point on or near the Colum
bia river in the neighborhood of Fort Walla- Walla. It is my inten
tion to establish a permanent post somewhere in this region at the
most eligible point for controlling the surrounding Indian tribes, and
to command the river and its crossings. On account of the scarcity of
timber, it may be necessary to go some distance up the Touchet river
before a suitable position for the establishment of a post can be found.
Between the Dalles and the Selah fisheries an intermediate post, with
one company, may be necessary, to prevent the Yakimas from taking
fish in the streams which empty themselves in the Yakima and Co
lumbia rivers. This intermediate post should be given to some active
and energetic officer.
Herewith you will receive a memoir and sketches, by Captain Cram,
chief of the topographical engineers, of the country in which your
command will be required to operate. I would recommend it to your
attentive perusal. From this you will perceive that the Selah fisheries
;are one hundred miles from the Dalles, and from the latter to the
Atahmun river mission it is seventy miles, which position may be im
portant as an intermediate post between the Dalles and the Selah
fisheries. From the Dalles to Fort Walla- Walla it is one hundred
and forty-two miles, and from the latter place to Selah fisheries ninety-
five miles by the road to Steilacoom.
With boats to cross the Columbia river, your forces at either point
could be in four days concentrated ; by forced marches, in three days
or less. For crossing the Columbia river I ordered four portable boats,
and a flat to be prepared in pieces, to be put together on the arrival
of the troops at or near Walla- Walla.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 63
Expeditions should be prepared to leave at the earliest moment,
that is, as soon as grass can be obtained for animals, for Fort Walla-
Walla, and the Selah fisheries. It is not probable, however, that
you will be able, on account of snow on the intervening mountains,
to go to the Selah fisheries as soon, by three or four weeks, as to the
Walla- Walla country. Hence, as soon as the season will permit, you
will conduct yourself a force of four or five companies, with three moun
tain howitzers and one six-pounder, to Wall a- Walla.
It is desirable that you conduct this expedition with reference to the
selection of a proper position for a post, and to ascertain the feelings
and dispositions of the several tribes in that section of the country.
I do not believe that the Walla- Wallas, the Cayuses, Pelouses, and
Umatillas, had resolved on war until the attack of the volunteers on
the Walla- Wallas.
The murder of the chief, Piu-piu-mox-mox, whilst a prisoner, by
the volunteers, has united those tribes against us. I do not believe,
however, that they will continue the war a great while. The occupa
tion of the country between the Walla- Walla, Touche, and Snake
rivers, and the opposite side of the Columbia, will very soon bring
* those tribes to terms.
The occupation at the proper time of the Yakima country from the
Atahmun mission, and the country on the Yakima river, extending
above and below the Selah fisheries, will compel the Yakimas, I think,
to sue for peace or abandon their country. Supplies for the Selah
fisheries must be packed, unless they should be sent by the way of
Walla- Walla and the Steilacoom road.
It is desirable that at least sixty days' provisions should be sent
with either expedition, to Walla- Walla or the Selah fisheries.
After the return of Major Eains, I ordered an inspection of all the
animals, some 450, when very few were found to be fit for service.
Since then. Major Cross, chief quartermaster, has sent about 225 horses
and mules to Vancouver.
It is very desirable that all the animals, including the dragoon
horses, should be well taken care of, in order that they may be fit for
service as soon as the troops can take the field. I have again and
again given orders and instructions on that subject, and especially that
, the dragoon horses should have the best of care, and be put under
cover.
I ordered, I think, as early as August last, stables to be put up at
the Dalles, for the company of dragoons at Vancouver. I understand
they were nearly completed when I left, the 12th January. When
this company goes to the Dalles, you will direct Major Fitzgerald to
put his horses in the building designed as a stable for him. If the
quartermaster occupies any part of it for quartermaster's stores they
will be moved out. The horses of that company must be put in a con
dition for active services by the time you will be ready to move.
In conclusion, I would remark, that we have no authority to call
for volunteers, to employ them, or to furnish them with supplies.
Therefore the less you have to do with them, unless in extreme cases,
which I do not anticipate, the better it will be for the service. Many
64 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
of them, as well as most of the Oregonians, are for exterminating the
Indians, and accordingly do not discriminate between friends and foes.
The course thus far pursued by Governor Curry and the volunteers
has only tended to increase our Indian enemies, whilst it has subjected
the regular service to great inconvenience and expense. This, too, by
exhausting the resources of Oregon and Washington, and without ac
complishing the least good.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major General.
Colonel GEORGE WEIGHT,
Commanding at Vancouver.
P. S. Applications are frequently made for clerks in the commisary
and quartermaster's departments. I have issued an order prohibiting
any clerks being appointed in the disbursing departments, except by
special instructions from the War Department, without my sanction
and approval. If clerks are required by any disbursing officer under -
your command, the application should be made through you, with
your approval or otherwise.
By the memoir of Captain Cram, you will perceive that obstacles
on the routes to the Selah fisheries and to Walla- Wall a will require
your attention. On fitting out expeditions, pioneer parties should be
organized, to go in advance and to remove, as far as practicable, all
obstacles that would retard your progress.
No. 2.
HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
Benida, February 22, 1856.
SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, last evening, of
your communication of the 4th instant.
In reply the general commanding directs me to say that you will
receive by the steamer Massachusetts, Captain Swartout commanding,
his instructions and views in regard to the course you should pursue
in prosecuting the war against the Indians. With five companies of
regular troops, not less than three hundred and fifty strong, with sev
eral ships- of- Avar, including the steamer Massachusetts, he had great
hopes that you would be able to bring the war to a close without the
aid of volunteers. On this subject, however, the commanding general
directs me to say that volunteers cannot be recognized or employed
unless received and mustered into the service of the United States.
Therefore, if volunteers should be considered indispensably necessary
at any time to aid in defending the inhabitants of Puget Sound and
in that vicinity, or to bring the war to a close, you will call on the
governor of the Territory for the number you might require, not to
be mounted, and when forwarded to you have them examined and
regularly mustered into the service.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 65
This course will be adopted only in case of absolute necessity, as the
general has no authority to call volunteers into the service, and he
will not sanction or 'tolerate it, unless absolutely necessary for the
protection of the inhabitants of the Territory. He will send you, as
soon as practicable, one or two companies of the fourth or ninth infan
try. From necessity they will be compelled to go by land. At the
present time, it is said to be impracticable on account of high water,
the streams not being fordable.
Your requisition for quartermasters' stores will be complied with.
Neither horses nor mules can be sent from here. They must be
obtained by purchase in either Washington or Oregon Territory.
Your requisition for ordnance and ordnance stores was anticipated and
the articles sent by the Massachusetts, except the expanding rifle
cartridges. Twenty thousand have been ordered. Five thousand
rifle cartridges were sent by the Massachusetts.
In conclusion, the general directs me to say that whilst he approves
of your efforts to induce the Indians to come in and give up their
arms, under promise of protection, he does not doubt that you will
by your energy and activity, as well as by that of all your officers,
bring the war to a close without the employment or aid of volunteers.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
D. R. JONES,
Acting Adjutant General.
Lieutenant Colonel S. CASEY,
Ninth Infantry, commanding Fort Steilacoom,
Washington Territory.
True copy. RICHARD ARNOLD,
First Lieutenant Third Artillery and Aid-de-Camp.
No. 3.
BENICIA, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PACIFIC,
On board of the Steamer Columbia, March 14, 1856.
COLONEL : I have just arrived and landed at Steilacoom with two
companies of the 9th infantry, commanded by Major Gar net t. By the
enclosed order you will perceive that I have directed the Major to have
his command prepared for immediate and active operations.
Your communication of the 9th instant was received on my way
down the Columbia river. In regard to your co-operating with vol
unteers ordered out by Governor Stevens, I will simply remark that
no co-operation should take place on your part, unless you received
them into the service of the United States, subject to your orders. If
your position required volunteers to aid you in the protection of the
inhabitants of the Territory, you should have called for them, and
when received, to have had them mustered into the service of the
United States. Any other course is decidedly wrong.
I know of no authority which authorizes governors of Territories to
Ex. Doc. 66 5
66 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN THE
raise troops and direct their operations, independent of the officers of
the United States, and certainly not independent of myself. I have
been kept wholly ignorant of the state of the country, except through
the regular officers of the army, and from their communications I
have yet to learn that any essential service has been rendered to the
country by volunteers.
I, however, approve of your course as hitherto pursued, with the
above exception, and I cannot doubt but that, with the two companies
under Major G-arnett., you will very soon bring the war to a close.
I will be here until to-morrow, when I will leave in the steamer
Active for San Francisco, I hope, in the meantime, to see you. It is
important that I should see you before I leave.
I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JOHN E. WOOL,
Major General.
Lieutenant Colonel S. CASEY,
Ninth Regiment Infantry, Commanding at Steilacoom,
Washington Territory.
No. 4.
HEADQUARTERS PUGET SOUND DISTRICT,
Fort Steilacoom, Washington Territory, March 15, 1856.
SIR : I respectfully request that you will at once issue your procla
mation calling into the service of the United States two companies of
volunteers, to serve on foot, for the period of four months, unless
sooner discharged.
Each company to consist of one captain, one first and one second
lieutenant, four sergeants, four corporals, and seventy privates.
I wish both companies to be mustered into service at Fort Steila-
coom.
The authority for calling for the above named troops has been given
by the general commanding the department of the Pacific.
I received, yesterday^ an accession of two companies of the ninth
infantry. With this accession of force, and the two companies of
volunteers called for, I am of the opinion that I shall have a sufficient
number of troops to protect this frontier, without the aid of those now
in the service of the Territory.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
SILAS CASEY,
Lieutenant Colonel ninth Infantry,
Commanding Puget Sound District.
His Excellency I. I. STEVENS,
Governor of Washington Territory, Olympia, W. T.
TERRITORIES OF WASHINGTON AND OREGON. 67
No. 5. *
EXECUTIVE OFFICE, WASHINGTON TERRITORY,
Olympia, March 16, 1856.
SIR : Your letter, calling upon me for two companies of volunteers
to be mustered into the regular service, has been received, and, in an
ticipation of my full reply, I will state that the requisition will not be
complied with. I do not consider it expedient to change the plan of
the campaign, nor the organization of the troops, so far as the volun
teers are concerned,
Truly and respectfully, your most obedient,
ISAAC I. STEVENS,
Governor Territory of Washington.
Lieutenant Colonel SILAS CASEY,
Commanding Puget Sound District.
No. 6.
FORT YUMA, CALIFORNIA, February 27, 1856.
SIR : I have the honor to state, that since my last report, dated the
12th instant, nothing whatever has occurred between the Indians and
whites to disturb the tranquility of this portion of California, and that
the former at present manifest towards us and each other the most
amicable dispositions. I entertain no apprehension whatever that
this desirable condition of things is likely soon to be changed. In all
directions are seen unusually vigorous and extensive preparations of
the soil of the river bottom for cultivation, and there can be no better
guarantee of the sincerity of the friendly protestations of the natives
than this manifestation of a disposition to provide for themselves so
immediately in our vicinity.
The Indian whom I mentioned in my letter of the 28th ultimo as
having been dispatched on the previous day to endeavor to ransom a
white woman from the Mohaves, and bring her to the fort, I am
extremely happy to say, returned on the 22d instant, having entirely
succeeded in his mission. The young woman proves to be a Miss-
Oatman, whose parents were murdered by the Indians somewhere on
the Gila, about eighty miles from this place, in, I think, 1850. Her
self and a sister were captured on that occasion, and reduced to-
slavery. The latter is represented to have died about six months ago.
Miss Oatman seems to be about sixteen years of age, and has, unfor
tunately, almost entirely lost the use of the English language, speak
ing nothing but that of the rude people among whom she so long
resided, and which no one here can interpret well. She, however,
retains a recollection of her name, and says it is Olive Oatman.
It is believed she has a brother residing at Los Angelos ; the neces
sary measures have been taken to ascertain that fact, and if it should
68 INDIAN DISTURBANCES IN WASHINGTON AND OREGON.
turn out to be so, to apprise him of the agreeable intelligence of the
recover^of his sister.
Meanwhile, every proper care is being taken of her, and it will
afford us all infinite satisfaction to restore her to her friends and civil
ization.
It gives rne much pleasure to add that the commandant of Fort
Yuma, Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Burke, has manifested the most com
mendable zeal and interest in accomplishing the very desirable object
I have just detailed.
As my services, in my opinion, are no longer required at Fort
Yuma, I shall, in accordance with instructions, Headquarters Depart
ment of the Pacific, February 12, 1856, set out to-morrow for my post
at Benicia barracks.
Very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
GEORGE NAUMAN,
Brevet Lieutenant Colonel Major 3d Artillery.
To Captain D. E. JONES,
Assistant Adjutant General Department of the Pacific,
Benicia, California.,
