Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/394

376 was made by the territorial militia before the 12th, the armed companies being governed by the apparent necessities of the case.

On the 12th of October Colonel Ross began the organization of a volunteer force under the laws of the territory by ordering James H. Russel, major of the 9th regiment, to report to him immediately. Some of the captains of the militia were already in the field; other companies were headed by any one who had the spirit of a leader. These on application of the citizens of their neighborhoods were duly commissioned.