Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/193



proud style of fighting is not maintained in actual Indian tactics, but the painted brave soon seeks cover, and shoots from behind rock? or other defenses a mode of warfare in which a good deal of powder is wasted.

The numbers on the field were about equal on both sides, although not more than three-fourths of the Indians were engaged, the remainder being spectators or Indian women, waiting for victory and their horrible part in the sanguinary business the mutilation of the dead and wounded. The Cay uses had chosen their ground, but tho volunteers advanced steadily, and the battle raged all along the lines, which were thrown out to enclose the wagons and cattle. On the northeast, where the Indians seemed to push the strongest, an advance was ordered in double quick. The Indians seemed surprised, and the yell of the volunteers dismayed them. After one volley poured in the face of the advancing column they retired to an eminence further away. This was several times repeated when they made a disorderly retreat leaving their dead and wounded. The troops went into camp about dark, without water or wood.

The loss of the volunteers was five wounded, Lieutenant- Colonel Waters, Green McDonald of Linn county, and three others. The loss on the side of the Oayuses was eight killed, and five wounded. At the commencement of the fighting Gray Eagle and Five Crows rode up near the wagons, as if boastful of their prowess, Gray Eagle exclaim ing, " There s Tom McKay; I will kill him;" but before he could execute his threat, Captain McKay had shot him dead. At the same time Lieutenant Charles McKay shot Five Crows, shattering his arm.

This outcome of the day s fighting was a disappoint ment to the Cayuses, who had hitherto held no high opinion of American prowess, having seen them avoid fighting when weary with travel and encumbered with families and herds. They had boasted among themselves that they would beat the Americans to death with clubs,