Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/343



THE ROGUE RIVER WARS. 325

about one and a half miles from the mouth, one part on the north, and two on the south side, the huts on the north side being situated on open ground, and easy of approach, while those on the south were in the edge of a thicket connecting with a heavy body of timber.

It was supposed that if the Indians made a stand it would be at that part of the village occupied by the chief, namely, the lower division on the south side. Abbott divided his company into three detachments, Lieutenant Soap with one being sent to take position on a mound overlooking the village on the north side; Packwood took a circuitous route through the woods to a position close to the upper village on the south side, while Abbott ap proached the lower portion of it, also by a circuitous route. At a given signal, the firing of a rifle, a simultaneous attack was to be made. Except that Packwood did not get into position before the signal was given, all happened as had been planned, and before daylight the attack was made from three points. The Indians were completely surprised and unable to offer much resistance; some fled into the woods. Sixteen were killed and four wounded. Twenty old men, women, and children were captured, with their stores of provisions, and twelve canoes. Their huts containing their arms and ammunition were burned. " The Indians," wrote Abbott to the governor, " were thus severely chastised without any loss on the part of the whites, which will undoubtedly have a salutary effect on all the Indians inhabiting this coast from the Umpqua to Rogue river."

After the massacre, for it could not be called a battle, whatever may be said of the necessity for such measures, Abbott sent three of the captive women to invite the chief to a peace-talk. He returned for answer that a great number of his people had been killed, and he was himself wounded; all he desired was peace, and the friendship of the white people for the remainder of his band. His heart he declared was changed, and Abbott was requested to