Page:Oregon, her history, her great men, her literature.djvu/143

Rh was agreed to in which all engaged were to meet at Table Rock to make a treaty. Before this, General Lane came and also engaged the enemy. A son of Chief Joe was taken as a hostage for the Indians' attendance at the treaty grounds.

Second Treaty with Rogue River Indians. "Upon a little point under the shadowy walls of Table Rock was enacted the treaty of September 10, 1853, in which the Rogue River Indians relinquished their land titles and agreed to move to reservations provided for them. At the armistice preceding, it was agreed between the chiefs and military commanders that at the council at Table Rock all should be unarmed and equal in numbers. But when the whites approached the council grounds they were astonished to behold 700 Indians all armed and reclining upon the grassy arena. Captain Nesmith expressed to General Lane his fear that a massacre was premeditated, and as a precaution had previously concealed a small weapon within his garments. Being the interpreter, the Captain chose to sit close by the side of the old chieftain, Joe, so that in case of trouble, the chief's escape could be prevented. The treaty compact was then read aloud and when nearly concluded, there rushed into the assemblage an Indian in breathless haste and with wailing accents proclaimed his grievance. At once every Indian rifle was uncovered and poised for action. General Lane arose to his feet, gazed defiantly at the chief, and without a tremor in his voice, demanded to know the meaning of the threatening demonstration. He was told that the miners at Applegate had killed an Indian. The General replied by promising to punish the murderers and to make indemnity to the tribes, and expressed his astonishment that those present should so treacherously plan violence upon the few whites present. This pacified the Indians. As the officers were returning to their commands, Nesmith observed to Lane, 'When you have another council of war, I wish to be excused.' The general said in reply: 'Captain luck is always better than war'."—Binger Herman.