Page:Route Across the Rocky Mountains with a Description of Oregon and California.djvu/120

 between Elijah—which was the name of the Yellow Serpent's son—and an American, concerning a mule which Elijah said he had caught among the wild horses. The American claimed the mule, and a quarrel ensued. Afterwards, while they were disputing about the matter, Elijah went away, and got his gun, for the purpose, as his people said, of shooting a hawk. The American supposed, or at least he said that he was sure the gun was intended for him; and taking the hint, withdrew immediately. This happened in the camp of the Walawalas.

On the following day, Elijah came to Captain Sutter's Fort, where the American was; who, as soon as he saw the Indian enter, determined upon an immediate and more than savage revenge. Taking his gun, he entered the room where the Indian was sitting, presented the muzzle to his breast, and told him to prepare to die. No explanation or defence was permitted. It was said, that the Indian, who professed Christianity, kneeled to pray; and that, while engaged in that act of final preparation for another world, he was shot dead by the American. He was killed in the presence of his father, who, flying from the Fort, collected his people instantly, and hastened out of the country. They left a great portion of their property, which they feared to take time to collect; and although it was in the Winter, they rushed on, over mountains and snows, and through the files and ambuscades of other hostile tribes, and came, after suffering great loss of property, into their own country. This affair was frowned upon by almost the whole white population of Oregon. There were few persons in the country, unfriendly to the Indian who had been killed. And a letter was dispatched by the authorities, to the friends of the desceased, and Chiefs of his tribe, offering their services, whenever a favorable opportunity would present, to regain their property, and bring the offender to justice. The son of the Yellow Serpent, had been taught at the Mission, by Dr. Whitman, and had always been on terms of most intimate friendship with him. But because his son had been killed by an American in California, the Walawala Chief demanded the life of Dr. Whitman. He argued that it would be no more than just and equal, since his son was a preacher, to take the life of a preacher for satisfaction. This equivalent they all considered, must be given, in order to make the hearts of their people good.

In addition to this, they accused him of another crime; which was, that two Snake Diggers–Indians, living on the lower part of Snake River,