Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/418

400 Under the new call two companies were raised; some who had served in the first northern battalion, after remaining at home long enough to put in a few acres of grain, reënlisted. These were still at Eugene City waiting for arms when April was half gone.

The intermission of aggressive operations greatly emboldened the Indians. The 2d regiment was scattered, guarding isolated settlements. Colonel Williams had resigned on account of the strictures passed upon his official management, and Lieutenant-colonel Martin had resigned for a different reason. By election on the 19th of March, 1856, Kelsey was made colonel, Chapman lieutenant-colonel, and Bruce and Latshaw majors of their respective battalions. The southern companies were ordered to rendezvous at Vannoy Ferry, and the northern at Grave Creek, to be in readiness to advance on The Meadows, the stronghold of the enemy, and toward which all the trails seemed to lead. At length, on the 16th of April, Chapman and Bruce moved with the entire southern battalion down the south side of Rogue River toward the supposed camp of the enemy, the northern battalion on the 17th passing down the north side under Lamerick, each division with supplies for twenty-five days. Three detachments were sent out to drive the Indians to their retreat, and Lamerick announced his intention to the governor to stay with the enemy until they were subdued or starved out.