Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 9.djvu/141

 * 'Doctor" Robert Newell: Pioneer. 123 But he gave them the caudles just the same. His rigid manner of doing business, old fashioned perhaps we might call it, and his evident irritation under the system of Government vouch- ee acquired for him, with some, a reputation for eccentricity during those years. But with scarcely an exception, every one at Lewiston who remembers him testifies to his integrity and honesty. The Auditor of the Interior Department, in a final checking up of his accounts at the agency (not, however, until 1880) found an apparent discrepancy against him for which suit of equity was brought in October, 1881, against the heirs of the estate, but the judgment rendered in January, 1884, was in favor of the defendants. In reply to an inquiry sent to the Department, Mr. Larrabee, acting Commissioner, states (on April 22, 1908) that "an examination of the Auditor's settlement shows conclusively that there is nothing in the whole transaction which can be construed as being prejudicial to Newell's reputation. * * * in view of Mr. NewelPs in- experience, he having served as Agent for only nine months, the above discrepancies are not to be wondered at. It does not appear that Mr. Newell ever profited to the extent of a single penny by reason of dishonest dealing, and from other records on file in this office it appears that his honesty and uprightness were unquestionable. ' ' When it was learned that he was to be superseded, the Nez Perces themselves, in June, 1869, caused a petition to be drawn up stating among other things that he had been their friend for forty years and was the Agent of their own choice, and to which eleven chiefs and one hundred and thirty-three prominent men of the tribe affixed their names requesting oi President Grant his retention in the office. This petition is on file at Washington. Mention has been made of the visit to Washington. That journey was undertaken at the instance and expense of his friends, both Indian and white, and he jokingly remarked when starting that although going as cook, he expected to return as Captain. He traveled with the regular Agent, Mr.
 * ' First time I ever heard of running a raft by candle light ! ' '