Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/136



them not deceive themselves. If the Americans begin war they will have cause to repent their rashness; for the war will not end until every man of you is cut off from the face of the earth? I am aware that man} r of your people have died; but so have others. It was not Dr. Whitman who poisoned them; but God who has com manded that they should die. You have the opportunity to make some reparation. I give you only advice, and promise you nothing should war be declared against you. The company have nothing to do with your quarrel. If you wish it, on my return I will see what can be done for you ; but I do not promise to prevent war. Deliver me the prisoners to return to their friends, and I will pay you a ransom ; that is all."

The people then in Oregon, it should seem, could never be too grateful to Mr. Ogden for this happily worded speech, which left them free to act as they should deem wise, which compelled the Cayuses to yield to the Hud son s Bay Company or lose their regard, and which left the company in its former position of neutrality. It was this avowal of neutrality nevertheless which was an offense to many Americans. Yet how else could the company be of service? If they were one with the Americans in this quarrel, they could not offer blankets, but the sword. If they avowed hostility, the captives would be the sacrifice.

The chiefs, although they must have seen they were caught as in a trap, yielded. Tauitowe made it appear that he did so out of consideration for the compaii}-, who were his brothers because some of the Indian women were wives to some of the company s people.

Tiloukaikt also recognized this claim, but he had mere personal motives. "Chief!" said he, "your words are weighty, your hairs are gray. We have known you a long time. You have had an unpleasant journey to this place. I cannot therefore keep the families back. I make them over to you, which I would not do to another younger than vourself."