Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/202

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child s father. But the commissioners were not intent on a criticism of the evidence; they were only glad to find that a part of the Cay uses would refuse to take up arms in defense of the conspirators.

General Palmer then followed with an address. He gave praise to the Nez Percés for their good behavior, and furnished them a motive for continuing quiet by telling them the Cayuses by their conduct had forfeited their lands. He declared the Americans did not want their lands; they only wanted a road through them kept open, and for that purpose a fort would be built, and troops sta tioned at Waiilatpu. It would be futile for the Cayuses to oppose this ; it would be wiser for them to assist in bringing the criminals to justice, so that the innocent might be at peace. The Nez Percés were advised to return to their homes and their planting, and William Craig, with whom they were well acquainted, was appointed agent to reside among them, with the authority of magistrate to settle all differences. A teacher and a blacksmith were promised them when peace should be restored, and no white men were to be allowed to settle on their lands ex cept by their consent. On their part they were required to refrain from molesting the missionaries at Chemekane, or interfering with travelers passing through their coun try or coming to trade with them, to all of which they assented.

The other commissioners made friendly and advisory addresses, after which the American flag, with tobacco, was presented, and the business of the council was fol lowed in the evening by a war dance for the entertain ment of the convention of white and red men.

Gilliam, as one of the commissioners, could not avoid acting his part; but as commander of the army he was ill at ease. He saw the Cayuses passing by unharmed, going to the Nez Percé country in the hope of inducing their relatives and former allies to join with them against