Page:Portland, Oregon, its History and Builders volume 1.djvu/928



In 1806 Lewis and Clark heard of "Hyas Tyee Tumwater," the Great Falls, and of the land where the "Clackamos" dwelt. In 1812 Astor's men had some trouble with the Willamette Indians. In 1816 Alexander Ross says the Indians at "Wallamitte Falls" demanded tribute, and would not permit hunting on their lands. Lining the river banks on both sides, they fired a shower of arrows, the men fired back and killed an Indian, then made the best of their way back to Fort George (Astoria). Then twenty-five men and a clerk were sent to pacify the natives, had another quarrel, and "the whole party owed its safety to the darkness of the night." By the advice of Peter Skeen Ogden, an experienced clerk of the northwest school, negotiations were now begun in earnest. Forty-five armed men in three boats left Fort George in charge of Ross himself, and reached the falls on the third day. Says Ross, "The Indians had assembled to resist any attempt to ascend the Wallamitte. We found them encamped on the west or left bank. We took up our position with two field pieces to guard our camp on the east, or right hand side, which is low, rocky and somewhat uneven. . . . Early the next morning we set the negotiations on foot and made several attempts, but in vain, to bring the Indians to a parley. I went to their camp, offered to smoke and held out the hand of friendship, but to no purpose. They refused holding any communication with us, but continued to sing their war songs and danced their war dance.

"We, however, were not discouraged by any demonstrations on their part. We quietly waited to see what time would bring about. The first day passed without affecting anything, and so did the second. Friendly offers were held out to them, but as constantly rejected. On the third day, however, the chief and warriors crossed over to our side, and stood in a group at some distance from our camp. I knew what was meant by this, so I took a flag in my hand, and went alone to meet them. Just as I had reached the party the whole Indian camp burst into a loud and clamorous scene of mourning. That moment the chiefs and warriors forming a ring, squatted down and concealing their faces with their garments remained silent and motionless for about the space of half an hour. During all this time I had to stand patiently and wait the result. Not a word was uttered on either side, but as soon as the lamentations ceased, the great men, uncovering their faces, stood upon their feet. I then offered the pipe of peace, according to Indian custom; but a significant shake of the head from the principal chief was my only reply.

"After a momentary pause, the chief, turning to me exclaimed in his own language, 'What do the whites want?' Rather nettled at his refusing the pipe, I answered, 'Peace—peace is what we want,' and in saying so, I presented him with my flag. 'Here,' said I, 'the great chief of the whites sends you that as a token of his love.' A moment or two passed in silence, a whisper went round;