Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/365



THE ROGUE RIVER WARS. 347

exception of Sam and his band, who, since the treaty of 1853, had apparently kept faith with the government. But so subtile is the Indian character that few trusted in this appearance. For while even one chief is friendly the treaty payments go on; the reservation is a refuge from avenging pursuit of robbers and murderers, and the pro tection of government troops is accorded so long as any portion of a tribe remains true to its obligations. It is, therefore, plainly to the interest of the Indians contem plating mischief to possess the privileges of a reservation, and the fact that a considerable portion of a tribe makes its home there, is no security against hostilities by the lusty warriors, who are excused by their chiefs on account of youth for the commission of acts of a criminal nature. This lesson had been impressed upon the people by the events of the past few years, and rilled them with doubt concerning any Indian probity.

It now behooved the inhabitants of southern Oregon to prepare to meet the emergency. Estimating the number of Indians who could be called warriors at no more than four hundred, four times that number of white men would be required to subdue them on account of their better knowledge of the country, their ability to appear simul taneously at several points, and of disappearing rapidly on the approach of troops, wearing out the horses and men engaged in pursuit. They were, besides, well armed and supplied with ammunition; whereas the volunteers had neither in any amount. The men mustered between the ninth and eleventh only numbered one hundred and fifty, because no more could be armed. The Indians had slyly bought up all the rifles and revolvers in the country, and were skilled in the use of them. The only thing that was attempted for several days was to protect the most exposed settlements, and keep open the roads north and south.

A company of which J. S. Rinearson was captain, was on the tenth, divided into squads, and sent, te