Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/490

472 On the eighth negotiations were still delayed, as those present wished to send for a son of Peu-peu-mox-mox. Wright on the following day broke up his encampment and marched to a range of hills in front, when the Indians sent messages after him. Arrived on the Nachess, Wright sent a messenger to say he would receive them. The messenger found the chiefs Skloom, Showwawy, Owhi, Kamiakin, and Teies seated in council with young Peu-peu-mox-mox in their midst, who was haranguing in an excited manner. The chiefs did not agree as to who was responsible for the war. The young Walla Walla chief was for continuing the war all summer; and finally it was decided not to see Wright that day, though several messages were subsequently sent to him. But word was returned to Kamiakin that no more messages would be received unless peace negotiations were desired, and every Indian approaching his camp would be fired upon. This brought a reply from Kamiakin that all the chiefs desired peace, and would visit Wright's camp the following day, first sending away their young men.

The morning of the tenth came, however, without bringing the chiefs, and a large party was seen moving northward towards the Wenass. Dragoons in the afternoon made a reconnoissance up the Nachess to find a crossing, but the river was found too swollen to be forded. During the evening a friendly Klickitat informed Colonel Wright that Skloom and Showwawy were the only chiefs in favor of peace; that all the others were against it, and an attack on his camp would be made that night or the next day. On this information, an express was sent to Colonel Steptoe to join him with all the disposable force on the Columbia.

No further communication was had for five days. On the fifteenth, Indians were seen on the hills, and came to the brink of the river, which was still so swollen as to be impassable for troops. However, word was sent to Wright's camp that most of the chiefs were assembled, and desired to talk, when Lieutenant Van Voarst crossed over and had