Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/255



tribes accepted presents and declared they would remain friendly with the whites ; still there are a great many that will unite with the murderers; all the restless and turbulent spirits among the dif ferent tribes, those that were guilty of robbing the immigrants last fall, and many who look with a jealous eye on the inroads of the white man. So that it is to be feared that a large party will take to the field against us. Our settlers are scattered through the different valleys, many of them isolated and lying in such a position that they could be swept off in a night, and the Indians be in the moun tains out of reach next morning. Our policy is to keep the Indian s busy in protecting their families and stock in their own country, and by this means keep them out of the valley ; and we hope we shall succeed, but we have no money, no munitions of war. Our patriotic volunteers are destitute of clothing, tents, and pro visions, even while in the field; still they are in good spirits, and determined to fight to the last. Our powder is gathered up in half pounds and parcels, as the settlers have brought more or less of it. This will soon give out. I have written to Governor Mason of Cali fornia for a supply of powder and lead, which I hope will come by first opportunity. I have also written to Commodore Shubrick to send us a sloop-of-war to lie in our river to show the Indians that we have force that can be brought into this country if necessary. Fear, and fear only, rules and controls Indians. Knowing this, they have been informed that we expect a man-of-war this summer, and as soon as our great chief hears that his people have been murdered he will send some of his chiefs to punish the murderers. Should this pass off, and we receive no visit from our man-of-war, and no troops are sent into the territory, our situation will not be an enviable one. The Indians will say, "All this has been said to frighten us. See, their ships have not come ; their soldiers have not come; do not let us be afraid any longer." Probably a large immigration will be on their way to this territory this summer. I hope that troops will accompany them, for the Indians are well aware of their route, and the time of their coining, and if not pro tected, they will very likely go on to meet them, and rob, plunder, and murder all parties not strong enough to resist them. Th?v robbed them last year ; they will, I fear, proceed further this year. I hope, sincerely, that whether congress passes a bill to extend the jurisdiction of the United States over us or not, that at least one regiment v/ill be sent into Oregon to protect us from the Indians, and to protect immigration on their way hither. Colonel Gilliam, as you will Percéive by the extra accompanying this, was acciden tally shot on his way from Waiilatpu to The Dalles. The colonel was a brave man, and his loss is much regretted. He was appointed by your excellency to the office of "agent of the postoffice depart ment," Nothing was ever effected in that department, as an adver-