Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 19.djvu/72

 60 BINGER HERMANN ran between Portland and San Francisco. He conceived the same idea as that of the Samuel Roberts Umpqua Expedition, to establish a base at Port Orford, from which supplies could be transported more directly over the mountains to the gold mines to the south, and for this purpose the location and con- struction of a trail or roadway. He selected a small com- pany of volunteers at Portland, and located them on June 9th, 1851, at Port Orford, and intended to continue onward to San Francisco and there enlist a larger number as an increased force, and promised to return with them within a short and fixed time. Those left at Port Orford made their camp upon a rocky islet, connected with the main land only at low water. They fortified themselves with the ship's cannon left with them, as from the appearance and character of the Indians there, they deemed such precaution necessary. Soon, as they had feared, they were attacked by a much larger force than themselves, and 1 a severe struggle ensued. The little cannon placed upon the narrow and steep ridge, or approach to the summit, faced the attacking Indians, and with an enfilading fire, swept those in advance into the sea, killing some fifteen of them. The others retreated upon the beach and awaited reinforcements. Not willing to hazard another engagament with their dimin- ished ammunition and confined 1 position, the little band of whites awaited the protection of night, and then stealthily made their escape into the trackless interior. This episode has since been known as the "Siege of Battle Rock," and its full nar- ration would furnish material for a Sir Walter Scott or a Feni- more Cooper. Another attempt was made to continue the proposed road construction by another party under Col. W. G. T'Vault, on August 23, 1851. They were all well armed and mounted, but becoming lost in the mountains, they were reduced to the verge of starvation but found an outlet to the Coast where they were beset by hostile Indians near the mouth of the Coquille river just as they were landing. A murderous con- flict ensued. It was an intended massacre of the whole party. The most of them were slain or severely wounded and the