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Rh silently away at ten o'clock at night, reaching Snake river on the morning of the ninteenthnineteenth [sic], and returning to Fort Walla Walla.

The reason given by Father Josét for the conduct of the Cœur d'Alenes was that ever since the first outbreak in 1855 they had said no white settlers should be admitted into their country, nor any roads made through it. Information had reached them of the road projected by Lieutenant Mullan from the Missouri to the Columbia, which made them very angry. They also had determined not to permit troops to be sent to Colville, as that would open the way for more troops and finally to the occupation of the country.

General Clarke seems to have thought this sufficient apology for the loss inflicted on the army, and offered, through Father Josét, who went to Vancouver to plead for his spiritual charge, to treat with them, sending passports to bring their chiefs to his headquarters. But the Cœur d'Alenes were not inclined to treat, being much puffed up by their victory over Steptoe, and denied having commissioned Josét to negotiate for a treaty. Their attitude affected the other tribes, who were again openly hostile.

After a consultation with his officers, including Wright and Steptoe, General Clarke in June determined upon an expedition which should not repeat the blunders of previous ones. Three companies of artillery were brought from San Francisco, one company of the fourth infantry from Fort Jones in California, and another company from Fort Umpqua in Oregon. The troops intended for the expedition were concentrated at Fort Walla Walla and thoroughly drilled, the artillerymen being instructed in infantry practice, less one company which was practiced at artillery drill, mounted. Nothing was omitted which could secure discipline in battle. The command of this body of troops was given to Wright.

At the same time a second expedition was prepared,