Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/149

Rh A letter from Mr. Douglas to Governor Abernethy ran as follows:—

, December 7, 1847.

George Abernethy, Esq.:

SIR : Having received intelligence last night by special express from Walla Walla of the destruction of the missionary settlement at Waiilatpu by the Cay use Indians of that place, we hasten to communicate the particulars of that dreadful event, one of the most atrocious which darkens the annals of Indian crime.

Our lamented friend, Dr. Whitman, his amiable and accomplished lady, with nine other persons, have fallen victims to the fury of these remorseless savages, who appear to have been instigated to this appalling crime by a horrible suspicion which had taken possession of their superstitious minds, in consequence of the num ber of deaths from dysentry and measles, that Dr. Whitman was silently working the destruction of their tribe by administering poisonous drugs, under the semblance of salutary medicines.

With a goodness of heart and benevolence truly his own, Dr. Whitman has been laboring incessantly since the appearance of the measles and dysentry among his Indian converts to relieve their sufferings ; and such has been the reward of his generous labors.

A copy of McBean s letter, herewith transmitted, will give you all the particulars known to us of this indescribably painful event. Mr. Ogden, with a strong party, will leave this place as soon as possible for Walla Walla, to endeavor to prevent further evil ; and we beg to suggest to you the propriety of taking instant measures for the protection of Rev. Mr. Spalding, who, for the sake of his family, ought to abandon the Clearwater mission without delay, and retire to a place of safety, as he cannot remain at that isolated station without imminent risk in the present excited and irritable state of the Indian population.

I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant,

JAMES DOUGLAS.

Frenchmen had died recently, and he wished to get others to occupy their places." Mr. Hinman, needing medicines for the sick Indians in his vicinity, offered to accompany him, leaving his wife and child, Mr. McKiuney and wife, Dr. Saffaraus, and Perrin Whitman at The Dalles. It was not until the messenger was below the cascades that he revealed to Hinman his errand, and the particulars of the tragedy at Waiilatpu. Mr. Hinman, naturally, was filled with anxiety for his family and friends, and very indignant because the Frenchman had not disobeyed orders or that he had received such orders. Yet, as it proved, this wasjthe very wisest course to have pursued ; for had the Columbia river Indians gotten hold of the matter at that time, before Mr. Ogden had time to see the Cayuses, he might not so easily have prevailed on them to release the captives. Hinman s letter, written at Vancouver, urges the governor to send a military company to The Dalles for his protection ; and also men to rescue the women and children. Knowing this, and not knowing what course the governor would take, compelled Mr. Ogden to say to the Indians that he could not promise what the Americans would do.