Page:The History of Oregon Bancroft 1888.djvu/629

 ing he had for many years been acquainted with Indians; that he came to the council to have a kindly talk with them and conclude a peace, and that whatever he promised them they could rely upon. Meacham and Thomas followed, encouraging them to look forward to a happier home, where the bloody scenes of Lost River could be forgotten.

In reply, Jack said he had given up Lost River, but he knew nothing of other countries, and he required Cottonwood and Willow creeks in place of it and the lava-beds. While the conference had been going on, several significant incidents had occurred. Seeing another white man approaching along the trail from camp, and that the Indians appeared uneasy, Dyar mounted and rode out to meet the intruder and turn him back. When he returned he did not rejoin the circle, but remained a little way behind, reclining upon the ground, holding his horse. While Meacham was talking and Sconchin making some disrespectful comments in his own tongue, Hooker Jim arose, and going to Meacham's horse, took his overcoat from the horn of the saddle, putting it on, and making some mocking gestures, after which he asked in English if he did not resemble "old man Meacham."

The affront and all that it signified was understood by every man there; but not wishing to show any alarm, and anxious to catch the eye of Canby, Meacham looked toward the general, and inquired if he had anything more to say. Calmly that officer arose, and related in a pleasant voice how one tribe of Indians had elected him chief, and given him a name signifying "Indian's friend;" and how another had made him a chief, and Driven him the name of "The tall man;" and that the president of the United States had ordered him to this duty he was upon, and he had no power to remove the troops without authority from the president.

Sconchin replied by reiterating the demand for Willow and Cottonwood creeks, and for the removal