Page:The Early Indian Wars of Oregon.djvu/515

Rh to Polatkin what he had said to Garry; and as this chief was known to have been in the attack on Steptoe as well as in the recent battles, and was suspected also of certain murders, he was detained while the other Indians were sent to bring in all the people, with their property.

On the eighth the march was resumed, and after about nine miles the Indians were discovered driving all their stock into the mountains instead of surrendering as was required. A skirmish followed, in which the dragoons captured eight hundred horses, the foot troops assisting in driving them to Wright's camp sixteen miles above Spokane falls. At this camp an Indian detained with Polatkin, and who was suspected of certain murders, was tried, convicted, and hanged.

It being impracticable to take the large herd of captured horses, most of which were unbroken, on a long march, Wright determined to have them killed, except such as could be made immediately useful. The order was carried out on the ninth and tenth, and the Spokane nation was, in a large measure, dismounted. This humiliating policy had its effect, and Big Star, another Spokane chief, surrendered, with his village, in due form. His example was followed by the Cœur d'Alenes, who were told to make their submission at the Catholic mission on Cœur d'Alene lake.

On the seventeenth of September, a council was held at this place, Father Josét and chief Vincent being present. Wright sat in judgment in an arbor of green boughs in front of his tent, surrounded by his officers. Vincent opened the council by acknowledging that he had committed a great crime, regretting it, and hoping for forgiveness. To this Wright replied that he had spoken truly—that a great crime had been committed; but since he had asked for peace, his request should be granted on certain conditions, these being the delivery to him of the men who struck the first blow in the attack on Steptoe, to be sent to General Clarke; the delivery of one chief and four