Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/333

282 deck, whereupon the search was relinquished as hastily as it had been begun. Private individuals also came in for a share of his officious attention. For instance, F. W. Pettygrove, described as "a merchant of good habits," was put under bonds in the sum of one thousand dollars for having in his house wine and brandy for his own use. White also attempted to confiscate the whiskey-barrel of an Englishwoman named Cooper, but thought it advisable to desist when the Amazon vigorously protested "in the name of Great Britain, Ireland, and Scotland."

There was but one instance of serious trouble with the Indians in the Willamette, and that was brought about by the quarrel between the negro Winslow and the Molallas, to which I have already alluded. It appears that Winslow overreached an Indian named Cockstock in some business transaction. To right the account, the latter appropriated a horse belonging to the negro, but was compelled by White to restore it. Thereupon Cockstock, who was a bold and vicious fellow, vowed vengeance against Winslow and another negro named James D. Saules, who was in some way involved in the dispute. Saules complained to White, who offered a reward of a hundred dollars for the safe delivery of the Indian into his hands, intending to send him to the Cayuses and Nez Percés to be tried by their laws. This so enraged the turbulent Cockstock that on the 4th of March, 1844, he called together a few followers, and putting on his war-paint, rode into Oregon City with many hostile demonstrations. After creating some alarm, he crossed the river to a village in search of recruits. When shortly afterward he reappeared on the Oregon City side, his landing was opposed by a confused crowd of white men, who, without a leader, or concert of action, endeavored to capture him, some for the reward, and others with a more deadly purpose. Fire-arms were discharged on both sides simultaneously, and in the mêlée