Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/782

Rh Sticcas, Camespelo, and some lesser Cayuse chiefs, had returned to the Umatilla, and were professing to be friendly, but it was thought from the numerous herds in the valley that they were taking care of the stock belonging to the murderers, who had fled from the country. Welaptulekt was in confinement at Fort Waters, awaiting the judgment of the superintendent upon his conduct. Between some of the Cayuses and Nez Percés there was considerable ill feeling because the majority of the latter still declined to be forced into a war. On being requested by the Nez Percés to appoint a high chief, Lee nominated Richard, on account of his superior attainments; and also appointed Meaway, a man of little note, as war-chief, telling the natives if the selections made did not meet their approbation, to make a choice for themselves; but they simply left the matter in abeyance.

After settling affairs with the Nez Percés, Lee held a council with the Walla Wallas and the Cayuses of the Umatilla, and found that the accession of men and ammunition to Fort Waters had not been without effect. "The friendship of the Indians," remarked Colonel Waters, "increases with our numbers."

Peupeumoxmox, on being reminded of his threat to turn murderer, expressed much shame at having been guilty of such folly. "I told him, and all that were present," says Lee, "that we were bound to hold this country until the murderers were punished, the stolen property returned, and that which had been destroyed paid for; and then asked them what they were going to do. Whether they would try to settle the matter, and let us go home about our business, and leave them to theirs, or would