Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/489

Rh of quartermaster or commissary stores or supplies, ammunition, or a wagon."

On the other hand Major Haller had lost in the Indian country nearly all the horses of his command, with a large amount of government property; Major Rains had conducted a costly campaign without any definite results; and lastly, Colonel Wright, by the advice and with the sanction of General Wool, had advanced his command into the Indian country leaving his army stores and supplies of every kind unguarded in his rear, causing not only their loss, but the death of seventeen innocent persons; the wounding of a dozen more, and the destruction of the property of almost the entire settlement.

This last misadventure had delayed the opening of the spring campaign as arranged by the commander of the army in the Columbia division. It was nearly the last of April when Wright returned to The Dalles. The snow was still two feet deep on the mountains when the troops and artillery were crossed. By the thirtieth all were encamped twenty-five miles above The Dalles, on the north side of the river, and Lieutenant Davidson was sent on a scout to look for the Indians, who were already out of reach. The command was advanced to Ahtanahm creek, seven miles north of the mission, when a few scattering Indians were seen, but the dragoons were unable to capture any to guide them to their encampment.

On the night of the sixth of May, Wright's command was attacked and the prairie set on fire to the windward. The night being dark the sentinels failed to discover the attacking party until firing commenced. On being promptly met by the troops they retired until morning when they again appeared in large numbers on a long range of hills in front of the encampment; but upon being followed and charged by the dragoons, precipitately fled. The following day a party of Yakimas was overtaken with whom was the chief Skloom. A brief talk was held, but this chief would not commit himself to any policy without consulting Kamiakin and others, who were sent for.