Page:History of Oregon volume 1.djvu/784

Rh In order to facilitate these operations, some Palouse chiefs, from mercenary motives now willing to lend their aid to the Americans, agreed to have canoes in readiness to ferry over the men and baggage. But on coming to the place determined upon, no canoes or Indians were visible, and Major Magone with four men was detailed to cross the Snake River on a raft to search the banks of the Palouse for the promised ferry-man. This was effected with difficulty, the river being high and rapid; the Indians returning with the major, but too late to prevent any further movement that day. A day and a half having been spent in crossing the army and baggage, the horses swimming, at noon of the 21st the march was resumed toward Lapwai under the guidance of an Indian pilot, who promised to direct the colonel directly to the camp of Tiloukaikt.

On the 22d Waters was surprised by an express from the Chemakane mission, bearing a letter from Eells in reply to one from himself inquiring concerning the temper of the Spokanes. Eells reported that they were not entirely harmonious, but that he knew of none who excused the murderers. As if to answer for themselves, a party of forty-three of this tribe accompanied the courier, and offered their services, informing the commander where a part of Tiloukaikt's cattle could be found, and offering to bring them to camp. They were sent upon this service, and brought in, besides the cattle, two Indians claiming to be Nez Percés, who were thought to be spies. On being questioned, they declared that Tiloukaikt had fled to the mountains, but that most of his stock was being herded by a few Indians near Snake River, and could be captured. Major Magone was at once ordered to take one hundred men and bring in Tiloukaikt's property; and to capture any Indians suspected with being in league with the guilty Cayuses.

The order to capture suspected Indians being lib-