Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/456

438 were most required. It was also a point urged against Major Rains that he allowed himself to be commissioned brigadier-general of Washington territory by acting Governor Mason, it being considered by Wool beneath the dignity of a United States officer to accept a commission from a territorial officer; though the rank of each was given by appointment from the general government; and although the commission was necessary to give the command of the Washington volunters to a major of the United States forces. Oregon had a brigadier-general of her own, and all the other officers necessary to a complete organization of her militia, with no motive for handing over the command to a United States major.

On the tenth of October, Governor Curry wrote the following letter to his adjutant:


 * I have just received information as follows, mostly from Humason: Major Haller, who went out one hundred men against the Yakimas, is in a critical position in the Simcoe valley, being surrounded by some thousand hostile Indians. He had a fight with them and lost twelve men. They have him nicely "corralled." He pushed through in the nighttime an express to Major Rains for help. I understand the major has made a requisition on me for help. I have not received it, as it probably went to Salem. In the contingency that he has so called, or that the settlements along the Columbia may be in danger—for all the available force (regular troops) has gone to the assistance of Major Haller, and the settlements left without protection may be an inducement to Indian incursion—at any rate, will you do me the favor to come down and meet me at Portland. If I make a call it will be to rendezvous opposite Portland, and I would wish your services to muster the men into service, that all may correctly appear of record, and not in the loose irregular manner that the business has been conducted heretofore. Let me refer you to Terry, who may have more news than I have given you.
 * I have just received information as follows, mostly from Humason: Major Haller, who went out one hundred men against the Yakimas, is in a critical position in the Simcoe valley, being surrounded by some thousand hostile Indians. He had a fight with them and lost twelve men. They have him nicely "corralled." He pushed through in the nighttime an express to Major Rains for help. I understand the major has made a requisition on me for help. I have not received it, as it probably went to Salem. In the contingency that he has so called, or that the settlements along the Columbia may be in danger—for all the available force (regular troops) has gone to the assistance of Major Haller, and the settlements left without protection may be an inducement to Indian incursion—at any rate, will you do me the favor to come down and meet me at Portland. If I make a call it will be to rendezvous opposite Portland, and I would wish your services to muster the men into service, that all may correctly appear of record, and not in the loose irregular manner that the business has been conducted heretofore. Let me refer you to Terry, who may have more news than I have given you.

Haller has lost all his horses and provisions. You will readily perceive that this will embolden the Indians, and other tribes will join those already hostilely arrayed, and a protracted Indian war may not possibly be avoided. I should be pleased to see you