Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 19.djvu/80

 68 BINGER HERMANN The wild grasses and dense briars nearby seemingly refused to encroach upon the accursed spot, and a sense of loneliness and despair pervaded the scene. The escaping settlers all fled to a previously prepared fort on the north side of Rogue River, where for an entire month they were isolated and cut off from rescue. Many besides the Geisels were slain on that night, among them being the Indian Agent, Ben Wright, who was lured to his death. Time and space do not permit the full story of those events, or of the captivity and ransom of the captives, and the rescue of the forted settlers. The career of Chief John, his exploits in war and surrender, his impatience and royal demeanor, when under military cus- tody, on the reserve, his respect for and assumed equality with Lieutenant Phil. Sheridan, his custodian, in command, with the story of his enforced removal by ship to the California prison, and his attempted capture of the ship on the journey when opposite the mouth of Rogue River, all form a narrative of thrilling interest. As a memoir and fitting close to these observations upon the pioneer history of Southern Oregon, a less brief recital should do credit to many persons, men and women who achieved dis- tinction in those pioneer days and became in later years emi- nent in all walks of life, many in the state's history and others in the annals of our nation. And such is but a glimpse of early Southern Oregon. To its departed ones in the stirring scenes we linger in fondest memory and inscribe in tenderest words our thoughts : "Warm summer sun Shine kindly here. Warm southern wind Blow softly here. "Green sod above, Lie light, lie light, Good night, dear hearts; Good night, good night."