Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/505

Rh to allow him to escape out of their hands without a tilt at arms, and had gathered to themselves a consider able force of Cœur d'Alenes in the neighborhood.

Before marching, Father Josét, of the Cœur d'Alene mission, had an interview with Steptoe in which he offered to explain the causes which had led to the hostile attitude of the Indians in this quarter; but not wishing to be detained, it was agreed that the principal chiefs of the Spokanes and Cœur d'Alenes with the father, should join him as he marched, and talk as they rode along. Not a chief of the Spokanes, however, came near, the interview being held between Vincent, head chief of the Cœur d'Alenes, Father Josét, and Steptoe. In the midst of it some Palouses, who had been dogging the heels of the command, commenced firing, and at the same moment Vincent was called away by his people. Soon firing from every side followed, and the battle was on.

Steptoe had not only to march and fight, but to defend a pack train moving over a rolling country favorable to Indian modes of warfare. He kept his column closed up, the supplies guarded by a company of dragoons, until he came to the crossing of a small stream. Here the Indians closed in to get at the head of the column; and Steptoe ordered Lieutenant Gregg with one company to move forward and occupy a hill which they were endeavoring to gain for that purpose. Gregg had no sooner reached this position than the Indians made a dash for one that commanded it, making it necessary to divide his company in order to drive them from it.

The action had now become general, the companies of Steptoe's command fighting by making short charges, being at a great disadvantage on account of the inferiority of their weapons to those of the Indians. On one of the companies making a run to reënforce Lieutenant Gregg, the Indians charged to cut it off; and Lieutenant Gaston, who was two thirds of a mile off with his company, made a dash to intercept them, and being met by Gregg's