Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/310

292 coast mountains, had their numbers been sufficient; and utterly useless to protect miners or settlers in the interior.

A more intimate acquaintance had not led to a feeling of confidence between the white and red races in southern Oregon. The conditions of Indian warfare here were somewhat different from those of the Cayuse war. Less intelligent than the Cayuses, they were not less brave. Having nothing of their own, they were the more covetous of the possessions of others. Lacking a knowledge of any law, human or divine, except the law implanted by nature in the beginning of people "an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth," they were quick to find offenses and ready to avenge them. Without feeling under moral obligations to keep faith with others, they were ready to resent any appearance of duplicity in the superior race, of whom they were unavoidably jealous. On the other hand, the human nature in white men was apt to come to the surface after a few losses of property, or of friends, or both. Therefore, the peace which had been purchased with presents by agent Skinner in the autumn of 1851 was not lasting.

The Shasta and Rogue-river Indians were one nation, divided under several chiefs, whose followers ranged certain districts. For instance, Tolo was the head of the band living in the country about Yreka; Scarface and Bill in Shasta valley; John in Scott valley, arid Sam and Jo in Rogue-river valley, John s father having once been head chief over all. There were besides these, two chiefs living at the foot of the Siskiyous, on the north side, namely, Tipso, or the "Hairy," from his having a heavily bearded face, and Sullix, the "Bad Tempered." Both of these chiefs were very hostile to white men, and even fought other bands of their own nation.

Troubles began on the north side of Rogue river by the robbery of a citizen of the Wallamet valley in the Grave creek hills. Then came an attack on a party of five pros-