IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // m ^ >^ ^.^ ^A 1.0 I.I 11.25 lli|21 WU |jo "^^ III^^B ■^ lU |2.2 £ U£ 120 MHk 14 IIIIJ4 -► Hiotographic Sdences Corporatioii 73 WfST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)873-4503 z % ^*> F. ^ ARMY LIFE ON THE PACIFIC; A JOURNAL or THB %eliitioni0amstt^t fax^txn Intrians, THE TRIBES OF THB C(EUR D'ALENES, SPOKANS, AND PELOUZES, IN THE SUMMER OP 1868. BY LAWRENCE KIP, * . SBOOKD LIBUTENAKT OF THB THIRD REOIMENT OF ARTILLERY, U. g. ARMY. REDFIELD, No. U BEBKMAN STREEl', NEW YORK. 1869. PRINTED BY 26 Frankfort Street. If H '•- . If i \ ^ : i TO t ♦- - k- = . , ^ MAJ. EDWARD D. TOWNSEND, ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL UNITED STATES ARMY, THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS INSCRIBED, BY THE AUTHOR. ?210988 CONTENTS. Origin or the "War 1 Departure 16 Fort Dalles and tub March 93 Fort Walla Walla 81 Fort Taylor 80 Batilb op tub Four Lakes 61 Battle or the Spokan Plains 63 The CcBUtt d'Alenb Mission '76 The Cceur d'Alene Council 81 The Spokan Council 91 Own: AND Qualohien 09 The Dead op the Battle Field 109 The Pelouzb Council 116 The Return 121 Conclusion 127 li • APPENDIX. Colonel Wright's Ophcial Report after the Battle op the Four Lakes 131 Colonel Wright's Official Rbport after the Battle of the Spokan Plains 131 Extract from the " General Orders " 141 PREFACE. The following pages are merely a journal kept daring the expedition it attempts to describe, and afterwards prepared for the press. It is an attempt to show the manner in which such an expedition is condacted, and to picture some phases of " Army Life." It is the tendency in this country to decry the services of the army and of its officers ; and yet, most of the latter spend the greater part of their lives on the firontiers and in the Indian country. Weeks at a time are passed in scouting against their treacherous foe, enduring every hardship, and daily risking life itself, to open the way for the pioneer and settler. Tet, what is their reward ? When the papers come to them from the refj^ions of civilization, they find themselves stigmatised in editorials, and even in speeches on the floor of Oongress, as the drones of society, living on the government, yet a useless encumbrance and expense. But, one by one, how many lay down their lives in this cause I With- out counting those who sink into the grave from sickness produced by unwholesome climates, exposure and hardships, how many more actually meet their deaths on the battle field I During the last season alone, Taylor, Gaston, Allen and Van Gamp have thus shed their blood, and every year the list increases. Tet they fall in battle with an obscure enemy, and little are their suflferings appreciated by the -"gentlemen Who lire «t home at eue." Of the exposure and hardships, indeed, of our Army, the present jour Dal furnishes no fit illustration, for the country in which the expedition vi PIIKFACE. WM undertaken is comparatively a liealthy one. The itory it fbr dilRfr* ont when the sceno is among tho Kvcrglatlee of Florida, tho burning hoatii on the Oolorado, or the mountain poiwcfl of the Apaches. Yet thcM pages may give some idea of tho nature of these expeditions, and the manner in which thoy are conducted. Of tho two battles the descriptions are necessarily yery general, while for tho benefit of tho professional reader, the Official Reports have been printed in the Appendix. These pages having been pi^inted while tho writer is on the other slda of the continent, he would avail himself of this means of returning his thanks to George L. Duyckinck, Esq., for his kindness and the trouble he has taken in currying them through the Press. « Fort Vaneouvtr, W. T., Decmbtr 1th, 1868. M burning s. Yet >nfl, and kl, whilo ve been lersld* ing hii ible he I. ORIGIN OF THE WAR. — - - • M 1 1 CHAPTER I. O U I a I N OF T II K W A K . f^ -T^UK mouth of May, 1858, wuh a disaHtrous ono for the army on the Pucilic. On the Hth, Colonel Stoptoo set out from Fort Wnlla Walla, with a Hmall cotnmand gf one hundred and fitly Miino men, to make a reconnaisance of the country, to examine into affairs at Fort Colville, and to seize some marauders belonging to the Pelouzo tribe, who had stolen cattle from the Fort. As this is a feeble tribe, his force waa considered '^uite suflieient to overawe them, while the more powerful tribes through which he was to pass had always professed friendship, and there had been OS yet no reason to distrust them. On the morning of the 16th, however, after passing Snake river, he found himself unexpectedly in the face of a force estimated at from one thousand to fifteen hundred Indians. They were Spokans, Pelouzes, Coeur d'Alenes, Yakimas, and warriors of the smaller tribes, all painted and in their war dress, evidently meditating an attack. The hills around were covered with them, and it being evidently impossible under such circumstances to pene- trate into the country, it became necessary for his little command to return, and endeavor to make good its way back to Snake river. The train was therefore closed up, 2 10 ORIGIN OF THE WAR. and .1 retrograde move begun. The moment this was done, the attack commenced, and the fight wn kept up through the whole day. Most of the men, too, were new recruits, who had never before been under fire. Yet everything that could bo done by the officers was accomplished. It was a series of gallant charges, driving the Indians back with loss, to have them after a brief interval close up again around the tcoops. Night at last settled down upon the battle field, and found the little command perfectly exhausted, and with their ammunition almost gone. Two officers, — Captain Oliver II. P. Taylor and Lieutenant William Gaston, both of the First Dragoons, — had fallen, with a number of the men. The remainder were gathered on a rising ground, while every hill around swarmed with their exulting ene- mies, who seemed to have them now completely in their toils. A consultation of the officers was hastily held by Colonel Steptoe, at which there was but one opinion. The force against them was overpowering, and by the next morning would undoubtedly be still further increased : without ammunition they would be almost defenceless, — and it was evident, that long before the close of the next day, not one of the command would be left to tell the story of their fight. Nothing remained, therefore, but to attempt a retreat during the night. The bodies of the fallen, which were within their reach, were buried, — the two howitzers were cached* — and the command mounted and strucl off in the direction of Snake river. Fortunately the Indians did not make a night attack, and their retreat was unimpeded. * This is a word introduced by tlie first Canadian (French) voyagmra and trappers. Pits were dug, where they deposited provisions, or other things, and they were carefully covered so as to conceal all traces from the Indiana. They thus often remained for months till reopened by their owners. } ORIGIN OF THE WAR. 11 Still, they knew that the morning would bring their foes upon their track, and therefore they pressed on. They rode seventy-five miles by ten o'clock the next morning, and succeeded in crossing the river without the further loss of a single man, or even of an animal belonging to the command. Here Colonel Steptoe was met by Captain Dent, who, having received intelligence of the ambush, was advancing by forced marches from Fort "Walla Walla to his rescue. Among those who were reported as " missing" after the fight, were two non-commissioned officers. They were both wounded, but escaped from the Indians ; and finding that the command had retreated, commenced their own return on foot, Fortunately the Indians next day did not follow them, being probably engaged in the division of plunder, and their attention directed to the main body of the retreating command. After several days they reached the river, where they were seized by the Indians on its banks. One of them,— Sergeant Williams,— they killed, but permitted the other to cross the river, and he finally reached Walla Walla in safety. Such is a brief history of this unfortunate affair. I have recurred to it, because it is appropriately the opening chapter of the campaign, and indeed the cause and origin of all our operations through the ensuing season. In the newspapers, too,— many of which are always ready to decry the regular army, — -the greatest injustice has been done to this gallant little party. Surprised by an over- powering hostile force, they fought it out gallantly as long as fighting was practicable, and then made their retreat without any additional loss. The Indians of these northern tribes are the most bold and warlike on the continent. Splendid specimens of physical humanity, they are skilful in the use of arms, 18 ORIGIN OF THE WAR. and accustomed from childhood almost to live on horse* back. Thej have seen but little of the whites, except a few straggling miners who during the last year may have passed through their country, and the employis of the Hudson Bay Company, from whom they purchase their muskets and ammunition. For years it has been the object of the latter to inculcate upon them reverence for themselves, and a proportionate contempt for the Ameri' cans. The fight with Colonel Steptoe of course confirmed this impression, and brought out all the smouldering feel- ing of hostility which had before been excited by their fears of the future encroachments of the whites. In fact, the attack on Colonel Steptoe was probably produced by the news they had received of Lieutenant MuUan's party being on their way to survey and lay out a military road through their country. This they regarded as the first step in taking possession of their lands. The result was natural. At once a league was formed of all the most powerful tribes, — the Spokans, Coeur d'Alenes, Pelouzes and Yakimas, with a portion of the K'ez Percys; — a general outbreak took place, small par- ties of whites were cut off in every part of the country, and even the safety of Fort Walla Walla was threatened. The Indians became everywhere bold, defiant, and insulting. With the limited force on this coast, scattered in small parties over fifteen hundred miles, it was of course difficult to meet the exigency. Troops had to be withdrawn from posts at the South where they really were needed. Yet every possible step was promptly taken by General Clarke. As soon as expresses could reach them, companies were converging to the hostile country from every part of the Pacific coast, even from Fort Yuma on the far distant banks of the Colorado, and from San Diego on the borders of Mexico. II ve on horse- lites, except t year may employis of ey purchase bas been the everence for the Amen- le confirmed Idering feel- ted by their es. In fact, )roduced by lUan's party lilitary road as the first was formed leans, Coeur rtion of the I, small par- Bountry, and itened. The insulting, red in small urse difficult 1 drawn from ceded. Yet oeral Clarke, ipanies were T part of the 3 far distant L the borders I ' n. DEPARTURE. r^ (I «» I I M ll CHAPTER II. THE DEPARTURE. T this time I was in San Francisco, preparing to join my company at San Bcrnadino in Southern California, when I received orders from General Clarke to remain in the city, as my company would shortly be up, on its way to Oregon. Sunday morning, June 12th, it arrived in the steamer Senator, and being transferred to the Pacific, I at once reported for duty and went on board. Monday was a busy day. The soldiers, after their sea voyage, were naturally restless to visit the city, yet for fear of desertion they had to be watched and confined to the steamer. Military stores of all kinds were to be taken on board, — provisions, ammunition, cannon, and a lot of mules. The embarkation of the latter was by no means easy. It required the most forcible arguments to induce them to inarch up the plank, and one so successfully evaded it, as to drop himself into the water, to the infinite delight of the countless idlers around. Swimming out beyond the wharf into the bay, he seemed to have no set- tled plan for the future, and so commenced going round in a circle, an amusement which he continued until he was lassoed and dragged again on the wharf. The officers found themselves fully occupied in attempting to keep or- der in this scene of confusion. FT 16 DEPARTURE. Ill I' I i( (( At three in the afternoon we mnnngcd to get under way. The command on board consisted of companies A, G, and M, of the Tliird Artillery, and tlio following officers: Captain, Erasmus D. Kcyes. First Lieutenant, Robert 0. Tyler. " " James L. White. " " Dunbar R Ransom. Second Lieutenant, Uylan B. Lyon. Geo. F. B. Dandy. Lawrence Kip. Our voyage was a long one, as the coal was bad and we ran slowly. It was not until Friday, the 18th, that we crossed the bar at the mouth of the Columbia river, — from its shifting shoals the most dangerous navigation on the whole Pacific coast. A short distance up the river stands Astoria, rendered classical ground by Washington Irving. An old trapper stilUiving, who belonged to Mr. Astor's first party, says he has often seen one thousand Indian canoes at a time collected on the beach in front of the fort. When the Hudson Bay Company took charge of it, they removed their establishment up the river to Vancouver, and allow- ed the fort to fall into decay, till not a vestige of it now remains. A few houses, like the beginning of a village, are scattered along the banks which slope down to the river, wooded to the edge with pines. At evening we reached Fort Vancouver. Near the river are low meadow grounds, on which stands the post of the Hudson Bay Company, — a picketed enclosure of about three hundred yards square, composed of roughly split pine logs. Within this are the buildings of the es- tablishment, where much of its immense fur trade was once carried on. From these head quarters, their compa- nies of trappers, hunters, and voyageurs, generally Cana- dians, were sent out to thread the rivers in pursuit of the DEPARTURE. 17 1 1 beaver. Alone they traversed the plains, or passed months in the defiles of the mountains, far north to the Russian possessions, or south to the borders of California, returning in one or two years with the furs, to barter at the fort. Then came generally a short time of the wildest revelry, until everything was dissipated or perhaps gam. bled away, when with a new outfit they set forth on another expedition. From Vancouver the company sent their cargoes of furs and peltries to England, and thence they received by sea their yearly supplies. They possessed an influence over the Indians which was wonderful, and which the perfect system of their operations enabled them for years to maintain. But the transfer of the country to the Americans, and the progress of civilization around them driving off the Indians and beaver, have forced them to remove much of their business to other posts. Fort Vancouver is probably the most pleasant of our posts on the Pacific coast. The place is healthy and the scenery around beautiful, furnishing opportunities of fish- ing, hunting, and riding, while its nearness to Portland and Oregon City prevents the young officers from being, as at many other western posts, deprived of the refininginflaence of female society. Many are the occasions on which they find it necessary to drop down to these places. Deserters are supposed to be lurking there, garrison stores are to be provided, or some other of Uncle Sam's interests are to be looked after. Then, these visits must be returned, for the inhabitants of these places have an equal care for the wel- fare of their neighbors at the fort. Numerous, therefore, are the parties of pleasure which come from these tow^ns to enliven the solitude of the garrison. On these occasions they are welcomed by balls, and night after night music is heard floating over the waters of the Columbia river, and the brilliant glare of lights from the fort shows that tattoo is not the signal for all within its walls to retire. 2* 18 D£FAKTUK£. On landing, the officers were distributed around, wliile Lieutenant AVhitc and myself were indebted for our quar- ters to the hospitality of Major Alvord. When I was here, three years ago, the post was quiet enough, there being but three companies stationed at it. Now it is as lively as can be, being the landing-place of all those on their way to the scat of war, and where they are equipped for the field ; — constant drills going on, and nothing but hurry and preparation from morning to night. The rattle of the drum and the notes of the bugle are the constant sounds we hear. June 20th. — Had a general review to-day. Lieutenant Colonel Morris, (Fourth Infantry), who commands the post, inspected our companies, together with those stationed here. June 21st. — Captain Keyes, with companies A and M, left this morning for the Dalles. My company must wait until next week for the arrival of the Columbia, as she brings up arms and ammunition, and the men must be equipped anew, before they can go into the field. Colonel George Wright, (Ninth Infantry), will take command of the expedition, while Captain Keyes will have command of the Artillery Companies in the field. Six companies of the Third Artillery will be collected at Fort Walla Walla ; a larger number of the regiment than have been together since they were wrecked, five years ago, on the ill-fated steamer San Francisco. June 2Srd. — Last night the steamer arrived, bringing General Clarke and Staff, Captain Kirkham, Quarter-mas- ter, Lieutenant Walker, A. D. C, and Lieutenant Sill, of the Ordnance Corps. They stopped at Umqua, and took in Company B, of the Third Artillery, commanded by Lieutenants George P. Ihrie and James Howard. A salute of eleven guns was fired this morning for General Clarke. Colonels Wright and Steptoe are ordered down to Fort Yancouyer to have a consultation with General Clarke. DEi'Aiu'i'ai!:. 10 This morning our company lefl Fort Vancouver in the 8ti;nmor for tlic Dalles; the odlcerH, lacutcnantH Wliite, liansoni, and myself. It is about fifty miles to the Cascades. The scenery of tl>e river ia in all j)arts beautiful, but very varied in its character. The pine forests stretch down to the banks, enlivened here and there by the cultivoted spot which some settler has cleared, whose axe awakened new and strange echoes as it rang through the primeval woods. On the margin of the shore, and particularly on one of the islands, we noticed the dead-houses of the Indiana, rudely constructed of logs. Within, the bodies of the deceased are placed for a time, attired in their best array, until the building becomes filled. Then the oldest occupants are removed and placed on the shore, till the tide launches them off on their last voyage, and they arc swept down to the ocean; which to the " untutored savage" as to his more cultivated brethren, symbolizes Eternity. When a chief dies, his body is sometimes wrapped in a blanket and suspended between two trees, as if swinging in a hammock. We saw one which had already remained in that situation more than six months. At six in the evening we reached the Cascades, the head of navigation. Here a portage has to be made, as the river for more than two miles flows over the rocks, whirling and boiling in a succession of rapids similar to those in the river St. Lawrence. This is the great salmon fishery of the Columbia river, the season for which is in the spring, when the fish ascend the river in incredible numbers. The banks are inhabited by the remains of the Indian tribes, (most of them having been removed to the Indian Reser- vations,) who display their skill in catching the salmon, which they dry for exportation. Little bridges are thrown out over the rocks, on which the Indians post themselves, with nets on hoops, to which long handles are attached. 20 MRAKTiritK, iil^ I With llicsc they Hcoop up the AhIi and tlirow them on the hliorc. Tlioy are then pouiKh'd Ihie between two Htones, cured, and tightly packeil in bales of grasH matting lined >vith dried fiHh-skin, in wliieh Htate they will keep for yenra. The process is now precisely the same as it was when des- eribcd by Lewis and Clarke. The aboriginal village ol" Wish- ram, at the liead of the narrows, which they mention as being the place of resort for the tribes from the interior to barter lor Ush, is yet in existence. Wo still notice, too, the dillerenco which those early explorers observed, be- tween these Indians and those of the plains. The latter, living on horseback, arc finely developed, and look like warriors ; the former, engaged only in their canoes, or stoop- ing over the banks, are low in stature, and seem to have been dwarfed out of all manhood. In every thing noble they are many degrees below the wild tribes on the plains. At the Cascades the men were landed, and camped for the night, while the officers were supplied with quarters by Lieutenant Mallory, (Fourth Infantry), who has com- mand of the company stationed at this post. During the last Indian war, three years ago, this little settlement was surprised and almost entirely destroyed by the Indians. June 24//i. — In the morning we marched the men about four niilcs, across the portage, and embarked in another little steamer which was to carry us to the Dalles. The scenery above was similar to that which we had already passed. In one place the mountains seem to come down to the river, ending in a huge rock perfectly steep, which has received the name of Cape Horn. Above, the preci- pices are covered with fir and white cedar; two small cas- cades, like silver lines, leap from point to point for a dis- tance of one hundred and fifty feet, while below, in the deep shadow, the waters sweep around the rocks with a sul- len sound. About six in the evening we reached the Dalles. III. FORT DALLES AND THE MARCH. t CIIAPTKU III F O n T n A I, L K S AND T 11 K M A K C H . HE'S last I saw Uiis post, three years since, it Hcemcd to inc to be the most unattractive on tlio l*aciflc. Without even the beauty of scenery which HurroutulH Fort Vancouver, its sole re* conunendation was its liealthincHs. Nor did the Government buildings add anything to its ap* pearancc. Planned and erecteil some years ago by the Mounted Rifles, when they were stationed in Oregon, they wen; remarkably primitive, and very little attention had been bestowed upon their architecture. In those days, the ornamental had not yet been- developed on the Pacific coast. The change now is a great one, for during the past year new quarters have been erected, under the direction of Captain Jordan, Quarter- master, which arc arranged in every way to promote the convenience of those for whom they arc intended. The officers' quarters are in the cot- tage form, and for taste arc superior to those we have seen at any other post. On our arrival, my company, together with the three of the Third Artillery already there, camped about a quarter of a mile from the barracks, while the officers' tents were pitched a short distance from those of the men. "We at once commenced our regular routine. At nine 24 FORT DALLES AND THE MARCH. ■lii II i'l K I ! in the morning, we have dress parade ; at half-past nine, we drill for an hour, (light infantry, Ilardie's tactics); at twelve, the men are practiced at firing at a mark, and esti- mating distances ; at five in the evening, we have drill ; and at half-past six, guard mounting. Drilling, too, is a very different matter from what it is at a post in time of peace. Then, it is a sort of pro forma business, in which neither officers nor men take much interest. Now, it is invested with a reality, since all are conscious that our sur»cess in the field depends perhaps upon the state of dis- cipline. Still, there is time for sociability, and the esprit du corps which prevails in the Army, renders a meeting of officers of different regiments a delightful reunion. We have our mess in camp, but are constantly dining with the officers at the post. This is the head- quarters of the Ninth Infantry, and their band is an exceedingly fine one. June 28/A. — Colonel Steptoe arrived from Walla Walla, on his way to Vancouver ; and on the same day. Major Mackall, Assistant Adjutant General, Major Allen, Quar- termaster, and Captains Ingalls, Kirkham and Jordan, came up from Vancouver. They all returned in a couple of days, except Colonel Steptoe, and Captain Jordan who is stationed her^. June SOih. — Major Mackall reviewed us ; after which we had muster. The officers are now mounted, and we are only waiting the arrival of the steamer with additional stores, to begin our march. The news brought in from the country of the hostile Indians is, that they have made a league among themselves to carry on this war for five years. This they consider to be the last struggle in which they will have to engage, as in that time they can exterminate the whites. July 7th. — At three in the afternoon we took leave of FORT DALLES AND THE MARCH. 26 the officers to whose hospitality we have been so much indebted, and commenced our march across the plains. The length of each day's march will have to be regulated by the water, which in some places is not to be found for a distance of twenty miles. The country over which we passed during the afternoon is barren and desolate, unfit for culture, except a few spots on the river. After a march of six miles, we reached Five Mile Creek, where we camped for the night. Our time of starting in the morning depends on the length of the march before us. When it is to be a long one, we have reveille at three o'clock in the morning, and get under way by five. With short marches, reveille was at five, and we marched at seven. It takes two hours to pack up and get the command started. Through the twelve and a half days which it took to reach Walla Walla, our march varied from five to thirty miles a day.* The soldiers in marching average a mile in twenty minutes. Our order of march was, to have two companies in ad- vance, — then, the train, — then, two companies more, — then, a rear guard of twenty men behind, under a lieu- tenant, with the hospital wagon. Their duty was to pick * "We give the list of each day's march to Walla Walla : July 1th. To Five Mile Creek, . 6 miles. 8" 9" 10" 11" 12 " 13 " 14 " 16" 16 " 17" 18 " 19 " " Des Chutes, 10 " Mud Springs, 11 " Camp beyond John Day's River, 20 " Rock Creek, 6 " Willow Creek 20 " Butter Creek, 30 » Umatilla River, 13 " Camp up Umatilla River, 6 " McKay's River, 16 " Wild Horse Creek 18 Camp, 13 Walla Walla, : -.9 «( (( u « l( <( t( l( ki (t <( i( rfl*r 26 FORT DALLES AND THE MARCH. up all stragglers and to iceep in the rear of everything. The companies in front and rear alternated every day. Our transportation was limited to ten pack mules to each company, and one wagon to two companies. We had thirteen wagons in the train. When about half way to Walla Walla, Colonel Steptoe, Captain Kirkham and Lieutenant Davidson passed us on their way to Walla Walla, with an escort of fifteen dra- goons. Lieutenant Davidson goes up to take command of one of the Dragoon companies, in place of Lieutenant Gaston, who was killed in the late action. During most of our march the weather was exceedingly hot. This was particularly the case the day we were obliged to advance thirty miles. It took the men exactly twelve hours, starting at half-past five in the morning. The sun — hot as the tropics — beat down on our heads with an intolerable glare, while there was nothing in the appearance of the country to afford any relief. Far as the eye could reach was only a sun-burnt plain, perfectly lifeless, — for the summer's sun, by burning up the herbage, had driven the game to seek refuge by the rivers. The prairie was covered with a miserable crop of salt week and wormwood, and even the horses of the ofiicers drooped when the sun began sinking towards the west ; still our camping-ground was not in sight. Yet, on the men inarched, loaded with their equipments, and through a stifling dust, which added to the exhaustion of the heat. The line of country through which we passed is varied, the plains generally barren and desolate, though some- times covered with thick bunch grass which affords good pasturage to cattle. It is rolling in its character, and probably ill adapted for culture, except along the rivers. The absence of timber tends to give it a more waste ap- pearance. Along John Day's river, (so called from a FORT DALLES AND THE MARCH. 27 hunter who was one of the original members of Mr. Astor's enterprise,) there is but little wood, and that of a small size, often not larger than brushwood. Along the Umatilla and Walla Walla, on the contrary, the timber is abundant and heavy, and the water is excellent. The valleys are the redeeming features of this country. The Des Chutes valley is admirable for grazing, as the temperature is such that cattle can be kept out the whole year and find subsistence. It is the place where formerly the Hudson Bay Company raised all the best horses they used. The Umatilla valley is one of the richest and best adapted for cultivation of any on this side of the Kocky mountains. It has plenty of wood, and much of it is heavy timber. The Walla Walla valley, too, is a large and fertile one, and in places where cultivation has been at- tempted, it shows that the products will amply repay the laborer, We saw no signs of Indians until the day before we reached Walla Walla, when before we broke up camp in the morning, two Indians (one a Walla Walla and the other a Cayuse,) came in, as they said, for protection. They told us that the Snakes and Cayuses had a fight two days before, and the latter had been defeated. IV. FORT WALLA WALLA. / CHAPTER IV. F 11 T WALLA WALLA. >E reached Fort Walla Walla, July 10th, after a march of twelve and a half days. The fort is almost on the ground of the Walla Walla Coun* cil which I attended three years ago, when those tribes we are now to fight were all represented, and their great leader, Kamiaken, was himself present. It is in a beautiful spot of the Walla Walla valley, well wooded and with plenty of water. Ten miles distant is seen the range of the Blue mountains, forming the south-eastern boundary of the great plains along the Columbia, whose waters it divides from those of Lewis river. It stretches away along the horizon until it is lost in the dim distance, where the chain unites with the Snake Tllver mountains. At this post are stationed four companies of the First Dragoons, and two of the Ninth Infantry. The Dragoon officers are Major Grier, Lieutenants Davidson, Pender, Gregg and Wheeler. The Infantry officers are Colonel Steptoe, Captains Dent and Winder, Lieutenants Fleming ?nd Harvie. Besides these, are Captain Kirkhara, Quarter- master, and Dr. Randolph, Surgeon. The dragoon can- tonment and the infantry post are about a mile apart, and we are encamped between them. The two companies of the Fourth Lifantry, which were If ii! ,1^' 82 PORT WATJ.A WALLA. lately ordered up here, have had their orders changed and go to Simcoc. A command, consisting of three hundred men, leaves there on the 15th of next month for the Yakima country, under Major Oarnett. One of the first persons who oame into camp to see us was a Cay use Indian, Cutmouth John, who was Lieuten- ant Gracie's guide through this country three years ago, when I accompanied him on his march with a detachment of the Fourth Irrfantry, to act as escort to Governor Stevens at the Walla Walla council. This worthy had a dreadful distortion of visage, from having been shot in tho mouth in a fight with tho Snake Indians, and hence his soubriquet, lie once lived with Dr. Whitman, physician to a Presbyterian mission which existed for a time near Walla Walla, and when the Doctor and his family (seven in number) were cut off in 1847, he defended them as long as possible and received at that time his wound. John seemed very glad to see me, after our long separa- tion, and during the expedition was a visitor almost every evening at our tent. He was exceedingly fond of talking about his former connection with the mission, and yet, it must be acknowledged that he had not retained much of the Christianity he learned while there. His sole stock consisted of two or three hymns, with which he always insisted upon favoring us, particularly when he had im- bibed too much whiskey, a contingency occurring far more frequently than was for his good. Colonel Wright, who is to tak*^ command of the expe- dition, has arrived, and drills and reviews ar' going on as usual. The Third Artillery drill twice a day in Light Infantry tactics, except Major Wyse's company, which practices at artillery drill, mounted battery, mules being used for horses. August IsU — Colonel Wright and staff this morning re- • • FORT WALLA WALLA. 83 vicwo( I nil tlic troops, each corps HO) larately. The oxpc- (litioti will couHist of about acvcn liumlred men, while norning re- about a hundred will be left to garrison Fort Walla Walla, under Colonel Steptoo. A few days ago sixty Nez Percys arrived, under an old chief, named Lawyer, whom I knew at the council in 185i5. lie has been a great warrior in his day, and is still suffer- ing from a wound in his side which ho received many years ago in a fight with their old hereditary enemies, the Blackfect Indians. These arc the most dangerous banditti among all the tribes, — perfect Ishmaelites, — who, while they are at war with all the neighboring savages, have nourished the most implacable hatred to the whites, since they first met them in the days of Lewis and Clarke. War is their employment, and the booty they gain by it, their support. They are admirable horsemen, and as much distinguished for their treachery as for their headlong courage. Their hunting-grounds extend from the Yellow Stone and Missouri rivers to the Rocky mountains. The Nez Pered, or pierced-nose Indians, received this name from the early traders and trappers, but they call themselves by the name of Chipunnish, While they are the most friendly to the whites of any tribe in this region, they are at the same time one of the most numerous and powerful, roaming over the whole Rocky mountains, along the streams to the West, and across the almost limitless plains to the East, until they reach the hunting-grounds of the tribes of the Missouri. They hunt the elk, the white bear, the mountain sheep, and the buffalo, while they trap the beaver to sell the skins to the whites. They are celebrated for their droves of horses, which, after being branded, are turned loose to roam upon the fertile j)lainfl till needed by their owners : when this is the case, it requires but a few days to break them suffici^tly to answer the purpose of their bold riders. 8 r 84 rOBT WAM,A WAI.LA. \\ Tho warriors lonvo all labor to tlio women. Thoy p»r« form all tho iiKMiial ofticcn, arrangirig tho hnlgo, C(K)king, nnd bringing wood; for it would ho a disgrace to their lordH to ho Hoon ongagod in thcso things. It would pnKJuro for them tho titlo uf .squaws. Everything but tho perils of war and tho chaso are beneath their attention. When at home atid not occupied in preparing their arms, or in feats of horsemanship, they are gambling, lourging in groups on the mounds of the prairie, or listening to some story-teller, who recounts the exploits of the old warriors of the tribe. Tho Nez Percds are blessed with a more tractable dispo- sition than most of their brethren, and we have never seen any Indians who appear so willing to be instructed, not only in the arts of civilization, but also in the precepts of Christianity. At an early day the Presbyterian mission- aries went among them, and their labors met with consid- erable success. A kind of Christianity was introduced among them, strangely altered, indeed, in many respects, to bring it into harmony with Indian thoughts and actions, yet still retaining many of the great truths of the faith. The Methodists subsequently added their teaching ; and many of them have been brought into contact with the Jesuit Fathers, one of whose missions is established in the Coeur d'Alene country. We believe, therefore, that the theo- logical creed of the Nez Percds, if now investigated, would probably be an odd system, which would startle an ordi- nary D. D. Still, it exerted a very perceptible influence over their system of morality and their daily life. When with Lieu- tenant Gracie at the council, on this spot, in 1855, twenty- five hundred of the Nez Percds tribe were present; and as we were camped among them for three weeks, I had an opportunity of learning something of their habits. I found rORT WALT.A WALLA. 85 they hftd praycFH in their lodges every morning and eve- ning, Hervicc Hcvoral tiincn on Sundoy, — and nothing could induce them on that day to engage in any trading. On one occaMion, at that time, viniting the old chief Lawyer in his lodge, on some evening in the middle of the week, I found him surrounded by his family, and reading a portion of the New Testament. On another occasion, on a Saturday evening, he was employed with a number of liJM tribe in singing sacred music to prepare for the worship of the morrow. The next day, therefore, wo rode over to tlie Nez Percd camp, where we found they were holding service in one of the largest lodges. Two of the chiefs were officiating, one of them delivering an address, (taking the Ten Commandments for his text,) and at the end of each sentence the other chief would repeat it in a louder tone of voice. This is their invariable custom with all their speeches. Everything was conducted with the greatest propriety, and the singing, in which they all joined, had an exceedingly musical effect. We found indeed an odd mixture of this world and the next in some of the Nez Percys — an equal love of fighting and devotion — the wildest Indians' traits with a strictness in some religious rites, which might shame those " who profess and call themselves Christians." Colonel Wright has had " a talk" with the deputation of the tribe, and made arrangeiyients by which they have become our allies. This will have the effect of withdraw- ing some seventeen hundred Hudson Bay muskets from the ranks of the hostile Indians, though we understand there are some discontented lodges among the Nez Percys which will unite with them. Still, the great body of the tribe will p'-obably be faithful to their pledge. A party, too, is to go with us to act as guides and scouts. At night they had a spirited war dance to celebrate the forming of this alliance. V. FORT TAYLOR. CHAPTER V. 1/ FORT TAYLOR. UGUST 6th.— To-day the Third Artillery received orders to march in two days as far as Snake river (about sixty miles), to erect fortifications. This will take about a week. By that time the rest of the command will arrive there, when we will all start together. For some days Lieutenant Wliite has been employed in superintending the making of gabions for the field works, as there is no wood on Snake river adapted to this purpose. August 7ih. — We left Walla Walla at nine in the morn- ing, and marched eight miles to Dry creek, finding the country covered with luxurious grass, and an abundance of wood and excellent water. Our force, which is under the command of Captain Keyes, consists of one company of dragoons and six com- panies of artillery, with two twelve pounder howitzers and two six pounder guns. We transport with us, on pack mules and in wagons, thirty thousand rations. August Sth. — Marched thirteen miles to Touchy river, a well wooded stream, skirted by rich valleys, where the grass is too moist for the Indians to burn, as they have done that on the entire plains from Walla Walla to Snake river. They hope thus to drive us back, by depriving us of forage for our animals. About half-way on our day's march an express arrived from Colonel Wright to Captain Keyes, with the informa- tion that the night before a party of Indians had driven oft* thirty-six oxen from Walla Walla, and ordering him to send Lieutenant Davidson, with his company of dra- f^ ^\' I 1. ■ I ! \ i n 40 FORT TAYLOR. goona, in pursuit. Lieutenant G. II. Hill, (Third Artillery,) joined him in the expedition. After seouting over the country for thirty miles, as night aj)proaclied, they had discovered Jio signs of the Itulians, and being in a region with which their guides were unacquainted, they returned, reaching camp late in the evening. August 9th. — Marched seven miles through clouds of dust, the grass in most places having been burned by the Indians. The country is so rough and broken that Captain Keyes was obliged to send ahead an officer with a party of men, to act as pioneers in constructing a road. In the course of the morning two of our wagons were overturned, but with very little damage. An express came into camp in the evening, from Walla "Walla, informing us that Lieutenant Gregg, with his com- pany of dragoons, had pursued the Indians who had driven off the cattle, but only gained sight of them as they were crossing Snake river, and his command was not strong enough for him to venture over. We ascertained there were parties of Indians hovering around us and in our rear, but we could not discover their strength. During the day we took prisoner a Walla Walla Indian, but no information could be gained from him, and in a couple of days he was released. August lOih. — To-day we marched twelve miles, and encamped on the Tucanon, a narrow but in some places deep stream, and its valley fertile. It empties into Snake river, and somewhere in this vicinity we are to throw up the fortifications for our d^2)dt while we are in the hostile country. As soon as we arrived at camping ground. Captain Keyes sent Lieutenant Mullan, (Second Artillery,) who accom- panies us as Acting Topographical Engineer to the com- mand, with a detachment of dragoons, to find what kind of road there was to the river. He returned and made a (iL FORT TAYLOR. 41 very unfavorable report. At the same time, he decided that wc were in the best place for the camp, as he had examined the Tucanon to its mouth, and the Snake river to the mouth of the Pelouzc, to select the most favorable position for us. We are now camped for a week at least, until the forti- fications are thrown up, and Colonel Wright joins us with the rest of the command. August 11th. — This morning Lieutenant Morgan and myself were detailed with a party of sixty men to cut a road to Snake river, which we accomplished" by three o'clock in the afternoon. The command was then marched down and encamped on the river. While working on the road, about half way to the river, we heard musket shots ahead, and thinking that the hostiles might have crossed the river and driven in our pickets. Lieutenant Morgan ordered me on with ten men to support them. On reaching the river, I found that some Indians had crossed to our side, and, on returning, had been exchanging shots with our sentinels. At the same time a small party appeared on the opposite bank, but a single vollej'^ from our men caused them to wheel their horses and ride oflP. To-day Lieutenant Mullan had quite an adventure. Captain Keyes, with a detachment of dragoons, having gone to Snake river to select a site for the fort, while there captured two Indians, who were left under the charge of a sergeant and three men. They had not marched, however, a hundred yards, when the Indians broke from them and sprang into the river. The party fired at them without effect, as they were concealed by the growth of willows on the banks, which is dense and impenetrable, when Lieutenant Mullan dashed into the river to his waist, to secure one of whom he caught sight. The Indian was an exceedingly athletic savage, the sight of whose proportions would have 3* 11 Ijtr ! m '■ I V. I li 42 FORT TAYLOR. tempered most persons' valor with discretion. But my gallant friend is not one to calculate odds in beginning a fight. The Indian dived as the lieutenant fired at him, and came up with some heavy stones, which, hurled at his antagonist, bruised him severely. He then seized Lieutenant Mullan's pistol, which had got thoroughly wet, and the struggle commenced in good earnest, grappling each other, now under water, now above. It might have fared badly with my Spirited companion, but the Indian, stepping into a hole, got beyond his depth and was obliged to relinquish his hold, when he made off and escaped to the other side. The working parties have commenced throwing up the field work, which yesterday, in General Orders, was named Fort Taylor, after Captain Taylor, of the dragoons, who was killed in Colonel Steptoe's fight. It is in latitude 46° 33' North, longitude 118° 6' West, at the junction of the Snake and Tucanon rivers. It stands at the mouth of a canon, with high bluffs of basalt on each side, about eight hundred yards apart ; one being two hundred and sixty, the other three hundred and ten feet high. These, of course, command it, and with a civilized enemy we should be soon routed out. The Indians, however, are not scientific enough to give us any trouble in that way. This spot seems to have been used as an old Indian burial-place, for we are surrounded by graves. August 18th. — To-day a Roman Catholic priest, who belongs to the Mission in the Coeur d'Alene mountains, came to our camp. As the "black robes" can pass to and fro uninjured among the different tribes, he was sent by General Clarke to the Spokans and Coeur d'Alenes, to announce to them the terms on which he would make peace with them. The answer which they sent back to the General was exceedingly bold and insulting. They said, ^" that the whites were always talking of war, and L FOUT TAYLOR. 43 the first to propose peaco; that the Indians were ready for war and did not wish peace, but a war of extermination." It is evident that their Kite success has rendered them perfectly defiant. They warn us, that if we cross Snake river, we shall none of us live to cros.-) back. Dr. Perkins, who was at Fort Colville (the Hudson Bay Company's post) shortly after the battle with Colonel Steptoe's com- mand, in his narrative says, — " The sword of poor Lieu- tenant Gaston was waved in my face by the Indian who had taken it from him at the time of Steptoe's defeat. The saddle of Captain Taylor was also shown to me, covered with his blood. These things the Indians displayed with exultation, saying that the white soldiers were women and could not fight, and the more that should be sent into that country the better they would like it, for they would kill them all. They seemed to be very much elated, and were confident that the United States troops could not stand before them. The old chiefs told us they were going to fight till they died ; they had plenty of arms, ammunition, provisions, and everything they wanted ; and when their ammunition gave out, they would poison their arrows and fight with them." Such is the temper of the enemy, to whom we are to teach a different lesson. We have seen but little of the Indians for the last few days. Now and then they fire upon our sentinels, and shots are exchanged, but generally without effect. Last night, however, we had quite an excitement in the camp. About nine o'clock an Indian was heard shouting to us from the other side of the river. Captain Keyes, accom- pauied by the officer of the day and the interpreter, went down at once to ascertain what he wanted. On reaching the bank, the interpreter called to him, when he began cursing him in reply, and finished up by telling him that "he was a traitorous Boston (i e. white) soldier, and had no business to be with us." As he ended; another Indian 44 FOUT TAYLOH. aimed and fired at our interpreter, when four of our sen- tinels at once returned the fire, with what effect the dark- ness prevented our seeing. The companies turned out at once, and remained underarms for about nn hour; but the firing not being rencnved, tliey were disniissed with orders to sleep on their arms. AiKjust ISth. — An express was received last evening from Colonel Wright, saying that ho would be here to-day, and the supply train the day after. This afternoon his command arrived. The dragoons and infantry are en- camped about a mile from us. The fortifications are nearly completed, so that in a few days we shall be able to cross. The works consist of a parallelogram, with two towers at d* agonal corners. The Nez Percys tell us that the Indians are collected in large numbers at the Lakes, about five days' march from here, where they are going to meet us. We trust it is so, as it will give us an opportunity of finishing the war, irstead of making it a campaign of guerrilla skirmishing in the mountains. For several nights w.e have seen the light of fires ahead, made probably by the Indians burning the plains to cut off our supply of forage. As soon as we have crossed Snake river, the Indians will regard us as having "passed the Rubicon," and being in their territories. Then the campaign will begin in good earnest. Our transportation consists of six mules to a company, and a mule to each officer, besides the three hundred and twenty-five mules which the quarter- master has in his train. Our entire train, therefore, consists of about four hundred mules. Baggage wagons cannot go beyond Snake river. We shall attempt to take only one light vehicle, which Lieutenant MuUan needs for his ingtruments. Now as to ouy %hting force. The dragoons number one hundred ajid ninety, — the artillery, four hundred, — the FOUT TAYLOU. 45 infantry (as Rifle Brigade), ninety. Total, about six hun- dred and eighty soldiers, besides about two hundred attaches^ as packers, wagcni-niasters, herders, &c. Then we have thirty Ncz Percd^, and three chiefs, to act as scouts and guides. They were placed under the command of Lieutenant Mullan, but in an engagement lie found their individuality developed so strongly that it was difficult for him to induce them to obey orders. Each one was fighting on his own responsibility. These, our allies, have been dressed in uniform, to distinguish them, during a fight, from the hostiles. Like all Indians, they are par- ticularly delighted with their clothes, and no young officer just commissioned, thinks as much of his uniform as they do. They insist, indeed, upon having every minute por- tion, even to the glazed cap covers. . ThtL, manner of our march can be best shown by the two following Orders, which I copy : — > ORDERS 1 Head-Quarters, Erpedition nsrainst Northern Indians. No. 5. J Camp near Fort Walla Walla. August im, 1858. I. The residue of the troops'Tor the Northern Expedition will march from Fort Wulla Walla to-morrow, and unite with the advance at the Snake river. II. Marching from Snake river, the order will be as follows : — Ist. The Dragoons. 2d. The Mountain Howitzer Company. 3d. The Battalion of Artillery, serving as Infantry. 4th. The Rifle Battalion of the Ninth Infantry. 5th. Pack train of Corps and Head-Quarters. 6th. One company of Lifantry as rear guard. 7th. General train of Quarter-master and Commissary. 8th. One troop of Dragoons as rear guard. III. The mounted troops will not precede the Howitzer Company more than four hundred yards ; and on approaching canons or defiles, where Dragoons cannot operate on the flanks, they will be halted and the Rifles advanced. IV. No fire-arms of any description will be discharged, either on the march or in camp, except in the line of duty, without the special au- thority of the commanding officer. V. No person, except the employees of the StaflF Department and the officers' servants, will be allowed to accompany the troops, or to encamp with them, without the written authority of the commanding officer. 46 FOItT TAYLOR. I. VI. Htihitually the Guard will coiuist of ono company, and mount at rctrout. VII. It Ih announced fur general information, that a body of friendly Nea I'urctvs Indians have bi'cn (Mij?u;^(i(l to acrvo witl» the troops. Tht'so Indians have been iMjuippud in .soldi(>rH' clotliin;^, in order to distin;(uiMli them from the hostiiett. Company commanders will caution tlieir men particularly in re^^ard to these friendly Indians. YIIl. \vhether in camp or on the march, the companies will parade with arms, at retreat and reveille roll calls, and the arm.4 and ammunition will be inspected. I'he men will habitually wear and sleep in their bolts. (By order of Colonkl Wright,) , P. A. OWKN, • Ist Lieut. 9th Inf., A. A. A. Gen. (CIRCULAB.) Head-Quarters, Camp near Fort Taylor, August 24th, 1858. The following rc<^ulations, in addition to tnose already published, will be strictly enforced on the march :— 1st The mules with ammunition will be led, and follow close in rear of the column, in compact order under a guard. 2d. The baggage mules and supply train will be kept in close order in rear of the amumnition, and under the special orders of the Quartermaster. 3d. The ammunition for the Mountain Howitzers will follow close in rear of the guns. 4th. The animals for the Hospital Department will move with the ammunition. 5th. Particular attention will be given by company and battalion commanders, to see that the men, at alt times, by day and by night, wear their belts ; that dieir rifles are always at hand and in order ; and that, on the march, the men keep in the ranks and in proper order. fith. The camp signals will be sounded at the proper times, by the buglers of the Artillery Battalion, and repeated by the other corps. At retreat inspection, the last roll call for the day will be made at 8 p. m., a signal will be given for extinguishing lights, after which no noise or loud talking will be allowed. 7th. When the troops are to march, the company cooks will be called up in season to have breakfast ready immediately after reveille. 8th. Should the enemy be met while on the march, and a combat ensue, the entire pack train will be closed up, and either picketed or the animals tied together, and the whole enveloped by the rear-guard. In case of a'arm at night, the companies on rear-guard the previous day will protect the train. 9th. The detachment of friendly Nez Perces, as well as the guides and interpreters, are placed under the special direction of Lieutenant Mullan, Acting Engineer, who will receive instruc- tion in relation to their position, &c. (By order of Colonel WriohTj) P. A. Owen, 1st Lieut. 9th Inf., A. A. A. Gen. FOliT TAYLOR. 47 1(1 moant at oae in rear August 2Sd. — Wo were to have crossed the river at day- break tliis morning, but at reveille Colonel Wright sent an order that the troops should not move until further orders. The detention was caused by a violent wind and rain storm. Colonel Wright sent a wagon this morning back to Walla Walla for tents. Two evenings ago wo had one of the most severe storms I have ever witnessed. It commenced about nine o'clock at night, and lasted until morning. The tents were blown down, and the boughs covering them scattered in every direction. The sand and dust were so thick that we could with difficulty see two feet ahead. In the evening an express arrived, bringing the news from Major Garnett's column of the capture of a party of Indians, in effecting which Lieutenant J. K. Allen (Ninth Infantry,) was mortally wounded. August 24u/(' IiKhnn. Al'lcr tho "talk," ho wwa Hoiit ovor to the othors who wore waiting for him. lli.s wtory may bo true, but more probably it iHcUiviHod to gain a(bnittance to our cnrnp. IIo told us, among other things, that the hos- tiloH were encamped in strong force on the Spokan river, a few days' march ahead, ^rhis is in accordance with the news brought in by the Nez Perc«5s scouts. During the day two more boys were taken, one on tho otlier side of the river, and one on this. One of them was driving n herd of about forty horses. We discovered that the boy taken early in the morning, and tliese two, were brothers, and had jiust escaped from the Spokans, carrying tliesc liorses off with them. Their father had been killed, and they taken prisoners, about five years ago. They were originally from tlie Yakima country. Auf]fi(.st 2ruh. — The artillery began crossing at five o'clock this morning. Everything crossed over in tho conr"> — then, half a dozen. Then some horses would dash madly forward, showing that the balls were telling upon them. The instant, how- ever, that the " braves" fell, they were seized by their com- panions and dragged to the reux', to be borne off. We saw one Indian leading off a horse with two of his dead com- panions tied on it But in a few minutes, as the line drew nearer, the fire became too heavy, and the whole array broke and fled to- wards the plain. This was the chance for which the dra- goons had been impatiently waiting. As the line advanced they had followed on behind it, leading their horses. Now the order was given to mount, and they rode through the company intervals to the front. In an instant was heard the voice of Major Grier ringing over the plain, as he shouted — "Charge the rascals I" and on the dragoons went at headlong speed, Taylor's and Gaston's companies were there, burning for revenge, and soon they were on them. We saw the flash of their sabres as they cut them down. Lieutenant Davidson shot one warrior from his saddle as they charged up, and Lieutenant Gregg clove the skull of another. Yells and shrieks and uplifted hands were of no avail, as they rode over them. A number were left dead upon the ground, when once more the crowd broke and dashed forward to the hills. It was a race for life, as the flying warriors streamed out of the glens and ravines and over the open plain, and took refuge in the clumps of woods or on the rising ground. Here they were secure from the dragoons. Had the lat- ter been well mounted, they would have made a terrible slaughter. But their horses were too much worn out to allow them to reach the main body. For twenty-eight days they had been on their march, their horses saddled all day 08 BATTLE OF THE FOlTR LAKES. and engaged in constant scouting,— at night picketed, with only a little grass after camping. They were obliged there- fore to halt when they reached the hill-side, their horses being entirely blown. Then the line of foot once more passed them and advanc- ed, renewing their fire, and driving the Indians over the hills for about two miles. As we ascended, the men were so totally exhausted that many had fallen out of the ranks, and Captain Keyes was obliged to order a short halt to let them come up. When a portion had joined, we resumed our march. The great mass of the Indians by this time had passed over the crest of the hill, and when we rode to the top but few of them were visible. Without again attempting to make any head, they had taken refuge in the woods and ravines, beyond the reach of the troops. A single group was seen at some distance, apparently left to watch us, but a shell fired from a howitzer by Lieutenant White, burst- ing over their heads, soon sent them to seek refuge in the ravines. For a short time we remained on the hill, but no new demonstration having been made. Colonel Wright ordered the recall to be sounded, and we marched back to the camp. A number of our men had never before been under fire, but begrimed and weary as they were, we could see in their faces how much they enjoyed the excitement of the fight. Certainly none could evince finer discipline or be- have more coolly. We had been absent from the camp about four hours, and had driven the enemy, from the point where the attack was first made, about three miles and a half As we rode back, we saw on the plain the evidences of the fight. In all directions were scattered the arms, mus- kets, quivers, bows and arrows, blankets, robes, &c., which BATTLE OF THE FOUR LAKES. 59 had been thrown away by our flying enemies. Iloraes too were roaming about, which our Indian allies were employ- ed in catching. It was amusing to see the troops return- ing with their trophies. One officer had two buffalo robes and a blanket wrapped around himself and horse. What the Indian loss was, we cannot exactly say, as they carry off their dead. Some seventeen, however, were seen to be killed, while there must have been between forty and fifly wounded. Among those killed, we subse- quently ascertained, were a brother and brother-in-law of Gearry, the head chief of the Spokans. Strange to say, not one of our" men was injured. One dragoon horse alone was wounded. This was owing to the long range rifles now first used by our troops, and the discipline which enabled them so admirably to use them. Had the men been armed with those formerly used, the result of the fight, as to the loss on our side, would have been far different, for the enemy outnumbered us, and had all the courage which we are accustomed to ascribe to In- dian warriors. But they were panic-struck by the effect of our fire at such great distances, and the steady advance of the troops, unchecked by the constant fire kept up by them. The following is a list of the officers engaged in the fight. Field and Staff. Colonel George Wright, Ninth Infantry. Lieutenant P. A. Owen, Ninth Infantry, Acting Assistant Adju- tant General. Captain R. W. Kirkham, Quarter-master and Commissary. Assistant Surgeon, J. F. Howard, Assistant Surgeon, J. F. Randolph, Lieutenant John Mullan, Second Artillery, Acting Topographical Engineer. 'H, j Medical Department. 60 BATTLB OF THE FOUR LAKES. (I , First Dbaoooms. TROOP I.— Brevet Major Wm. N. Grier. TROOP E. — Lieutenant Henry B. Davidson. TROOP C— Lieutenant Wm. D. Pender. TROOP H.— Lieutenant David MoM. Oreoo. • Third Artillery. Oaptain Erasmus D. Keyer, Commanding. Captain E. 0. C. Ord, Oommariding Company. Lieutenant Robert 0. Tyler, Commanding Company. Lieutenant Jambs L. White, Commanding Howitzer Detachment. Lieutenant Dunbar R. Ransom, Commanding Company. Lieutenant Ororob P. Ihrib, Commanding Company. Lieutenant Michael R. Moroan. Lieutenant James Howard. '"i Lieutenant Lawrence Kip, Adjutant of the Battalion. •» ' ' Rifles. — Ninth Infantry. • ii . Captain Frederick T. Dent, Commanding. Captain Charles S. Winder, Commanding Company. Lieutenant H. B. Fleming. ..;./. Captain J. A. Hardie, and Lieutenants Horatio Q. Gibson, H. B. Lton and George F. B. Dandy, were with the Companies left as guard to the camp. After a while, our Indian allies began dropping in. They had followed the hostiles eight or ten miles, and re- turned loaded with their spoils, among which were some scalps. Foremost among them, as indeed he had been in the fight, was our friend Cutmouth John, waving a scalp, and catching up loose horses. Our allies concluded the day with a grand war dance about their camp fire, which was protracted far into the night. r rt^. VII. BATTLE OF THE SPOKAN PLAINS. CHAPTER VII. BATTLE OF TIIH SPOKAN I'LAINS. j(nf» ^^ throe days nder our Lust figlit wc remained in camp, to rocruit the animals of the command, ex- hausted by their long march. Tiio Nez Percys .were sent ^it to reconnoitre, but returned reporting no Indians to be in sight. During this time the weather entirely changed, growing damp and cold. September bth. — We left camp at six o'clock in the morn- ing, and after marching about five miles, saw the enemy collecting in largo bodies on our right. They rode along parallel to us for some time, all the while increasing in numbers and becoming bolder. We had just emerged from the rough broken country and entered on a prairie, when they were seen occupying the woods on the right side of us, evidently about to make an attack. We had nearly reached the woods when they advanced in great force, and set fire to the dry grass of the prairie, 60 that the wind blowing high and against us, we were nearly enveloped by the flames. Under cover of the smoke, they formed round us in one-third of a circle, and poured in their fire upon us, apparently each cue on his own account. The pack train immediately closed up, guarded by Captain Dent's company of rifles, a company of the Third Artillery under Lieutenants Ihrie and How- 64 BAITLK or Tlir HPOKAN HAINS. aid, ami riitMitnumt DuvuIhoii'm cntnpaiiy of dragoons, while the t'oinmatnl |>rt'|)an'leHM. lie harefore, to close with his enemy. He grappled the Indian and hurled him from Ilia hor.sc, when a soldier behind dispatched hin». Yet our enemy <• )uld not thus leave the field, but groupfl gathered, and the flying Htragglers again united in the woods which surrounded us on every side. Lieutenant Tyler's company was therefore ordered to sweep a hill to the right, while the companies of Captain Ord and Lieu- tetmiit Gibson cliarged the woods till they drove the enemy out, alter a sharp contest. Towards the close of the en- gagement, Lieutenant Iiiri«;'3 company cleared a hill to the right and in advance of the column. A part of the troops then rejoined the column, flankers wero thrown out, and the command continued to advance until we reached the Spokan river, where we encamped. Skir- mishing continued all the way, the howitzer scattering the enemy whenever they collected in large numbers in !'■ woods, and the foot soldiers then advancing and charging them. We had marched during the day twenty-five Miiles, the last fourteen miles fighting all the way. ^T^, water could be procured for the whole distance, and the men by the time they reached the river were eutircly exhausted. Nothing kept them up but the excitement of the contest. We have again had a proof of the efiiciency of the new rifles', and the thorough discipline of the command, as but one man was slightly wounded. Some five hundred Indians are supposed to have been 4» 66 BATTLE OF THE SPOKAN PLAINS. ffliii;; i: :li engaged in the fight. How many were killed and wounded we cannot tell, from their custom, — which I have men- tioned V)eforc, — of carrying off their dead at once. They were removed generally before the troops could cross the ravines to get at them. We learned afterwards that Kam- miaken, the great war chief of the Yakimas, was almost killed. A shell bust in a tree near him, tearing off a branch which struck him on Xhe head, inflicting a wound. We discovered that some of the hostile Nez Percds were united with the enemy in this fight. A portion of the tribe has not acceded to the alliance which the rest have formed with us. The Indians apparently retreated but a few miles, as after dark we saw their camp fires in the distance, and also a great light which proved to be one of their villages they were burning. September 6th. — We remained in our camp on Spokan river to-day, to let the men and animals rest, and to have a reconnaisance made on the river. Indians were seen on the opposite side, and in the afternoon some few came over to our camp and professed friendship, showing us where we could find a good crossing. September 7th. — Hearing that the enemy were in force above on the Spokan, we broke up our camp this morning at seven, and moved up the river about seven miles, when we again encamped. Most of our way lay through the wood skirting the river, the scenery around being very beautiful. Just before reaching our camping-ground, we passed the great Spokan falls. It is a high, narrow, basaltic cafion, where the whole river passes over an in- clined ledge of rocks, with a fall of between forty and fifty feet. The view from every point is exceedingly pic- turesque. As high up as the falls, salmon are found in great abundance, while above them trout are very plenty. Boon aftey leaving camp, we observed a small party of BATTLE OF THE SPOKAN PLAINS. 67 torce ning when the very we row, H in- and pic- d in Indians on the other side of the river, riding in the same direction with us. When we had marched about three miles, they stopped and had a tallc across the narrow river, when we found one of them was Gearry, one of the head chiefs of the Spokans, who has received some educa- tion from the priests in the Red river- country, and talks English tolerably well. He expressed a wish to have a " talk" with Colonel Wright, and was told by the Colonel to meet him at the ford two miles above the falls. It is evident their spirit is broken by the two lessons they have received. Soon after we had halted at the ford, Gearry crossed over and came into camp. He said, " that he had always been opposed to fighting, but that the young men and many of the chiefs were against him, and he could not control them." This, we have reason to believe, is true ; for Dr. Perkins, in his narrative from which I have already quoted, when at Fort Colville, attended the Spokan council, and makes the following mention of Gearry : — " He says * his heart is undecided ; he does not know which way to go ; his friends are fighting the whites, and he does not like to join them ; but, if he does not, they will kill him. During the whole time that we were in the council, Gearry never said a word, but merely looked on." The "talk" administered by Colonel Wright, in reply to his excuses, was very plain, but by no means pleasing. It was thus : — " I have met you in two battles ; you have been badly whipped; you have had several chiefs and many warriors killed or wounded ; I have not lost a man or animal. I have a large force, and you, Spokans, Coeur d'Alenes, Pelouzes, and Pend d'Orcilles may unite, and I can defeat you as badly as before. I did not come into the country to ask you to make peace ; I came here to fight. Now, when you are tired of war and ask for peace, ) 68 BATTLE OP THE SPOKAN PLAINS. I will tell you what you must do. You must come to me with your arms, with your women and children, and every- thing you have, and lay them at my feet. You must put your faith in me and trust to my mercy. If you do this, I shall then tell you the terms upon which I will give you peace. If you do not do this, war will be made on you this year and the next, and until your nations shall be ex- terminated." The Colonel ordered Gearry to communicate to all the Indians he should fall in with, what he had said, and also to tell them, if they did as he demanded, their lives should be spared. He also directed him to send a messenger at once to Moses and to Big Star, (other Spokan chiefs,) to bring in their people, and to return himself to«morrow with his people, at one hour after sunrise. All this he promised to do. Schroom, we hear, is at Gearry's lodge, and Kamiaken is believed to be not far off. At noon, the son of Big Star came, in the name of his father, to ask for peace. After going into camp, nine war- riors arrived to "talk" with Colonel Wright. He sent two over the river to bring in their arms, which they had left on the other side. After crossing, one mounted his horse and rode off, probably not having nerve enough to meet the Colonel again. The other returned, bringing the guns, which were found to be of British manufacture, marked London^ 1847, and had evidently been purchased of the Hudson Bay Company, at Colville. C« lonel Wright retained as hostages, their leader, who proved to be Po- kantken, the head chief of the Spokans, who had been in the fight against Colonel Steptoe, and was the leader in the battles against us on the first and fifth, and also another Indian, who is believed to have been engaged in the mur« der of the miners in May last, September SiK — We left camp at sunpse, and marched BATTLE OF THE SPOKAN PLAINS. jen in in the Lother ichecl up the river on the Coeur d'Alene prairie. Af!;*>r advanc- ing about ten miles, the Nez Percds (our usual scouts on the march,) came in to say they had discovered Indians on the right. At the same time we saw clouds of dust between us and the mountain, as if some large bodies were in motion. The column was halted, the train closed up in the rear, and the artillery companies of Captain Ord and Lieutenant Gibson, together with Lieutenant Gregg's company of dragoons, were left to guard it. The rest of the command then moved rapidly on, the dragoons under Major Grier at a trot. We found it difficult to advance as fast as we wished, there being a very high hill to climb. The dragoons and Nez Percds, therefore, outstripped us, and we soon saw them passing over the hills. They had discovered that the Indians were driving off their stock to the mountains, which they had nearly reached. Our horsemen were obliged to disn^ount on account of the nature of the ground, and, after a sharp skirmish, succeeded m capturing the whole band, consisting of nine hundred horses. The In- dians who had charge of them escaped to the mountains, after exchanging a few shots with the Nez Perc^^s. These horses belonged to Tilkohitz, a Pelouze chief, and a noto- rious freebooter, who has stolen a large number of cattle, at different times, from the whites and from Walla Walla. They were captured near a wide lake, to the right of the great Coeur d'Alene trail, a place where large numbers of the four tribes winter. When the foot passed the first range of hills, they met the captured animals returning, under charge of Lieutenant Davidson, with his dragoons dismounted, and the Nez Percys. . When we r^;. jmed our march, as we had gone several miles out of ou road, an express was sent to Captain Ord to march with his command and train along the river and I) n BATTLE OP THE SPOKAN PLAINS. I 91 join us. After a march of four miles, we reached Spokan river and encamped. The Nez Percys having reported that there were some cattle on the prairie above us, and some lodges filled with wheat, after sundown, Colonel Wright dispatched two companies of artillery and one of dragoons, to burn the lodges and grain and drive in the cattle. They returned in the night, reporting that the cattle proved to be so wild that they could not be captured, but took to the moun- tains. The lodges were burned. We had marched to- day twenty miles. In the evening, the case of our Pelouze prisoner was investigated, and it having been proved beyond uoubtthat he was engaged in the murder of the miners in May last, he was hung. On leaving camp in the morning, we saw two Indians on the opposite bank of the river, who were watching our movements. During the morning they came down to the river, where the train and its guard were waiting for us, shouted over and demanded that the old Spokan chief whom we had detained should be sent back. The answer was a volley, wounding both of them, killing one horse and wounding the other. The Indians, however, both managed to escape. They were the sons of our Spokan prisoner, and one of them was in our camp yesterday, when his father was arrested, lie then seemed very much ex- cited, but we did not know of his relationship until he had gone^ September 9ih. — This morning at daybreak, three com- panies of dragoons were sent out, and destroyed seven lodges used by the Indians as storehouses of wheat. Some were filled ; from others the contents had been carried off and probably cached. At nine o'clock, Colonel Wright convened a board of BATTLE OF THE SPOKAN PLAINS. 71 officers to determine what should be done with the cap- tured horses. They decided that one hundred and thirty should be selected for our use, and the rest shot. It was a disagreeable necessity, but one which could not be avoided. Most of them being wild, they could not be taken with us on our march, and must be prevented from falling again into the hands of their former owners. Nothing can more effectually cripple the Indians than to deprive them of their animals. Two companies were tliercfore ordered out to perform this duty. A corral (enclosure) was first made, into which they were all driven. Then, one by one, they were lassoed and dragged out, and dispatched by a single shot. About two hundred and seventy were killed in this way. The colts were led out a;jd knocked in the head. It was dis- tressing during all the following night, to hear the cries of the brood mares whose young had thus been taken from them. On the following day, to avoid the slow process of killing them separately, the companies were ordered to fire volleys into the corral. During the afternoon, our herders shot five of the wild beef cattle on the plains. In the evening, two Indians, one of whom claimed to be a chief, came into camp with a white flag. They said they came from Big Star, and belonged to his party, — that he had started to overtake Colonel Wright, but found the command had moved on, and as they had lost their horses they were obliged to travel on foot. Colonel Wright told them to remain in camp to-night and return early in the morning to Big St:ir, to inform him that he should remain where he was, and when we came near his village he should come in with his women and families. In all these offers of submission, we see the effect of the last battle on the Spokan plains. Defeated in the open 72 BATTLE OF THE SFOKAN PLAINS. ;.»' country, at the Four Lakes, thny determined to try it once more, where they had the shelter of the forests from which to annoy uo. They had again the selection of their own ground ; and this second lesson seems to have broken their spirit, and it is doubtful whether they can again make head with any force against us. n ■ I '♦ '• VIII. THE CCEUR D'ALEKE MIS- SION. ff r^\ CHAPTER VIII. THE CCEUR d'aLENE MISSION. 1 EPTEMBER 10th.— This morning an Indian run- ner came in from the Coeur d'Alene mission, bringing a letter from Father Joset to Colonel Wright. Its import was, that the Indians were en- tirely prostrate and desired peace ; and that they had requested him (the priest) to intercede for them. A few days' march will now bring us to the Mission. To-day two companies more were detailed to shoot the rest of the horses. The officers and others selected theirs, about two hundred being saved in this way, and the re- maining seven hundred shot. Most of those, however, which were retained, were shot afterwards, or escaped from us. They broke their fastenings or tore up the stakes to which they were tied at night, and dashed back again to their native wilds. They were entirely too wild to be of any use. We learned subsequently, that nothing we had done so much prostrated the Indians as this destruction of their horses. At the time they were taken, there were some Indians witnessed it from the neighboring hills, who said, as we afterwards learned, "that it did not make a great deal of difference, as they would get them all back in a few days." Their plan would have been to stampede them, in doing which they probably would have run off our animals with them. They were therefore very much taken by surprise, when, the next day they saw them killed. One Tl THE Cped. At noon, we came across four Indian lodges, filled with wheat, which we burned. Some caches, filled with dried cake and wild cherries, were also discovered and destroyed. This outbreak will bring upon the Indians a winter of great suffering, from the destruction of their stores. Just before reaching our camping-ground, we piissed an Indian burial-place. Each grave was covered with a low log house, surmounted by a cross. The house answers both as a monument, and a protection for the remains against the wild animals. It is a peculiarity, we were told, about these Indians, that if one of their number is killed, his family have to decide the question, whether or not the tribe shall go to war. The chiefs have no voice in the matter. If the family decide for war, all the warriors have to go, as those who refuse are outlawed. September 12th. — When we were about to leave camp this morning, Vincent, the head chief of the Coeur d' Alenes, rode in, bringing a pass from the priest, giving his name, and saying that he was on his way to bring the hostiles into the Mission. irongh joloncl to us vcrk'88. 1 river bot sol- ^i) hour the riv- le pino river is a lake 1 mi lea I'Alene L'd with h dried 3troyed. nter of • ussed an h a low jrs both linst the Indians, lave to go to If the as those e camp Alenes, name, hostiles THE COtUR D*ALRNK MISSION. ft All day we have toiled alotip;, through beautiful sconcry, yet a country difficult for a force to make itH way, as our march has \mm through the foiv.st in itH primeval state. For the first few miles alotig the bord(Ts of th«' lake, the trees wr ^ho nni- luftls. An Ht'f'ii from the lops of the inounlniiiH, wlinn wo orofied, the .sct'ncry \\i\n very j^rand, the denHoly covered hillfl, i!)t»rspors« (I with lake;*, rolling, M far m the eye could roach, to tlif horizon. IMoasin;^', however, as this might he to the lovers of the picturesque, the inarch, ah though only eighteen niih's, was a very toilsome one to the men and animals. Thr rear guard did not reach can»p till nine o'clock at night. On these nmrches, the ofHcera were mounted, and yet it vas not so exclusive a privilege as might he supposed. "When the march was lotjg, and particularly during some of the excesHivclv sultrv weather, some of the tn«Mi who were trudging along utider the weight of their arms and oquipments, would give out from <'xhauslion. Kvery lit- tle whil«! one would full out of tlu^ ranks. Then the sur- geon stops, administers to him a restorative, and, as wo liad heen ohliged to ahandon the hospital wagon on cro.ss- ing Snake river, scmieofRcer dismounts and gives him his horse. So it often happened that we went on foot for half or even the whole of the dav's march. We first came in sight of the Cceur d'Ah^ne mission when about live miles olV. It is situated in a beautiful val- loy, surrounded by the Cocurtl' Alone mountains. A pretty Btrcam, a branch of the Occur d'Alene river, with clear cold water, runs along side of it, furnishing means of irri- gation. In the centre of the Mission staiids the- church, and round it cluster the other buildings, — a mill, a couple of houses for the priests, the dwellings of the Indian converts, and some barns to store their produce. We encamped about a quarter of a mile from it. The priests, in the evening, s^nt a waG^on full of vegetables to the ofBcers. Sejytemher Wlh. — ^Fhis morning, in company with .several other officers, I visited the Mission. There are two priests, Fathers Joset and Minitre, with three lay brothers, attached THE Cmvn D*AT.ENR MI5«8T0K. 70 \e ant- icn wo ovorcd iie <*y« rcli, nl* 5 to th« ,mp till I yet it ppoMod. ^ HOMIO 311 who [nH aiitl i'vvy lit* the sur* as wc n croas- lim his foot for mission it'ul val- prctty ;h clear of irri- Ichurch, puplc of m verts, ;amped in tho >flicers. several I priests, Ittached to it, by whom wc wore rccrivwl with groat kindncM nnd p<)lit«nc?«H, nnd all the information for which we nuked, both with regard to their mifwicn and tho Indiana, wan readily j(i von. The Mitwion wn« e«tabli«hed in 1846, nnd is nn offHhoot of the Mission of St. Joseph, about thirty milcH from here. Their chapel is a prominent buildinj^, constructed of hewn timber, and mortar mixed with straw. It will hold al>out three hundred persouH, but is still unthuHhed in the inside. We found but about forty IndiatJH living at tins Mission, who are in8truct<'(l and employed by the priests. With their own lodges and gardens about them, tliey appear to bo perfectly happy and contented. There is no doubt but what the priests have had a most happy influenoo over them. Most of the tribe, it is true, in a moment of excite' ment, and, it is believed, in opposition to tho priests, rushed into this war, yet generally they arc easily managed, and no Indians with whom wc have met have impressed us so favorably. And so it may continue to be while they are buried in these mountains. But as soon as the stream of population flows up to them, they will be contaminated by tho vices of the white men, and their end will be that of every other tribe which has been brought into contact with civilization. At the same time, from their courage and the natural defences of their country, they can prove most dangerous enemies. The priests told us that the Cceur d'Alenes cannot mus- ter more than one hundred warriors, nor does the whole tribe contain more than four hundred souls. Most of them were engaged in the recent fights. The Spokans amount to about four times that number. Had we delayed our coming a few days longer, the priests informed us, wc should have found the Mission de- serted, as they were ordered by their Superior to break it up, if the Indians went out to fight. They were about 80 THE CCBUR D'ALKNE MISSION. removing into the Blackfeet country. If the Indians come in and submit to the terms proposed, they will remain. We learned too from them, that in one of the lodges burned by the dragoons the night we were on Spokan river, was the carriage belonging to one of the howitzers taken in the fight with Colonel Steptoe. This afternoon Vincent returned and reported that the Coeur d' Alenes were afraid to come in ; but since then some few have arrived. The priests will now be exceed- ingly useful to us. The Indians, terrified by the lessons they have had, although desirous of peace, seem afraid to come near the whites to sue for it. They are scattered, and hiding in the mountains and ravines, and it will be through the agency and influence of their priests alone, that ive shall be able to reassure them and induce them to accede to the necessary terms. September Ibth — We are waiting for the Indians. Some Cceiir d' Alenes came in to-day, and turned over to the quarter-master all the property in their possession taken in Colonel Stei)toe's fight. It consisted of two horses, two mules, and a variety of small articles. Septemher IQth. — Our mail was sent out to-day in charge of four Coeur d'Alene Indian runners. We must take our risk of its reaching the settlements in safety, without being intercepted by Indian parties, or perhaps carried off by our new "mail agents." Some few more Indians canie in to-day. The old Spo- kan chief was released this morning and sent to the Mission. He promises to join his people and try to bring them in. Septeinher 11 th. — About a dozen Indians, with their fam- ilies, came in this morning. Now that some have tried the experiment and find themselves unharmed, we may hope that the rest will follow their example. With some other officers I made a visit to the Mission, and then re- turned to attend the council. IX. THE CCEUR D'ALENE COUNCIL. CHAPTER IX. THE COEUR d'ALENE COUNCIL. lIIE Coeur d' Alenes have always been remarked for their determined opposition to the whites. They perseveringly set themselves against any intrusion into their country, and if they had possessed strength to carry out their wishes, their hunting- grounds would never have been trodden by the foot of a white man. It was from this trait that they re- ceived their name — Coeur d'Alene — pointed hearts, or hearts of arrows. They were now for the first time to meet the whites in council, where their only hope was in unqualified submission. It was the first meeting of the kind on our expedition, and we were now to witness the ef- fect of the severe lesson which the Indians had been taught. The council met in front of Colonel Wright's tent. A bower had been hastily constructed of branches of trees, and in this sylvan saloon we were to meet the sons of the forest. At one end was the Colonel, surrounded by his officers, while the rest of the space was filled by the Coeur d' Alenes, generally (as an Indian chief once expressed it) " resting on the bosom of their mother earth." About a hundred and fifty were present. Our two reguhir Inter- preters were there, and also Father Joset from the Mission, who lent us his aid in interpreting to Yincent, when the latter repeated it to the other chiefs present. The Council was opened by Yincent, the Coeur d'Alene chief, who addressed Colonel Wright thus : '' I have committed a great crime. I am fully conscious 84 THE CGSUR d'aLKNE COUNCIL. of it, and atn deeply sorry for it, I and all my people are rejoiced that you arc willing to forgive us. I have done." Colonel Wright. (To the Indians.) "As your chief has said, you have conunitteda great crime. It has angered your Great Father, and I have been sent to punish you. You attacked Colonel Steptoe when he was passing peaceably through your country, and you have killed some of his men. But you asked for peace, and you shall have it, on certain conditions. " You see that you fight against us liopelessly. I have a great many soldiers. I have a great many men at Walla Walla, and have a large body coming from Salt Lake City. What can you do against us ? I can place my sol- diers on your plains, by your fishing-grounds, and in the mountains where you catch game, and your helpless fam- ilies cannot run away. " You shall have peace on the following conditions. You must deliver to me, to take to the General, the men who struck the first blow in the affair with Colonel Steptoe. You must deliver to me to take to "\V alia Walla, one chief and four warriors with their families. You must deliver up to me all property taken in the affiiir with Colonel Steptoe. You must allow all troops and other white men to pass unmolested through your country. You must not allow any hostile Indians to come into your country, and not engage in any hostilities against any white man. I promise you, that if you will comply with all my require- ments, none of your people shall be harmed, but I will with- draw from your country and you shall have peace forever. " I also require that the hatchet shall be buried between you and our friends, the Nez Perces." The Nez Percos were called, and the part of the speech referring to them was repeated to the Coeur d'Alenes in their presence. Vincent replied ; — '' I desire to hear what the Nez Per- cys' heart is." THE CCEIJR D ALP:NE COUNCIL. 86 IIai-^zemaliken, (tlic chief of the Nez Percds,) stood forth ainl said: — " You behold me before you, and I will lay my heart open to you. I desire there shall bo peace between us. It shall be as the Colonel says. I will never wage war against any of the friends of thei white man." ViNCEN'i'. " It dees my heart good and makes also my people glad, to hear you speak so. I have desired peace be- tween us. There shall never be war between our people, nor between us and the white men. The past is forgotten." The propositions of the Colonel were then formally ac- cepted, and having been signed by him and his offcers, they were signed also by Vincent and the other chiefs and head men. They then smoked the pipe of peace all round, and the council broke up. The old Spokan chief whom we formerly held as pris- oner, was also there, and made a' short speech, the import of which was, that he was also satisfied, and would go and try to bring in his people. He left the camp as soon as the council had adjourned. Everything seems to be settling down on quite a pacific footing. The Indians, thip, afternoon, returned quite a number of things taken in the fight with Colonel Steptoe. Trading, too, goes on quite briskly. Blankets and shirts are exchanged for robes, moccasins, and arms. The Fathers send us vegetables every day, besides milk and butter ; two luxuries which we have not seen fcr a longtime. To-day we noticed at the Mission a number of women, who were evidently in great distress and weeping bitterly. Some were mourning for those who had fallen in battle, and others for the hostages who were to be taken off by us. The Indians seem amazed at our being so friendly with them, after their hostilities. Father Joset told them, as a solution of the matter, that ''the soldiers were like lions in war and lambs in peace." We find, from conversing with the Indians, what v^as the system of tactics they had arranged Ibr the campaign. They expected to be attacked first by the dragoons, whom 86 THE C(EUU D ALENE COUNCIL. tii> they intended to fight as they did Colonel Steptoe, and ex- pected the same result. To this purpose they devoted their powder and ball. Having disposed of the dragoons, they would have the infantry in their power, eut oft' fi'om all succour in the midst of a hostile country. They were then to keep riding round them, as they would have far outnumbered them, and shooting them with their arrows. They well knew, too, that their first success against our force would have dQubled their numbers. Indian runners would at once have si)rcad the news through tlie country, the wavering aiid aiulocided would have cast in their lot with them, wa/i'ors from the most distant tribes have hur- ried on Lo F'iar'> in the spoil, and on both sides of the mountains we sh >uld have had on our hands a war of cxtermii -Xtion ;.'\:,'"nst the whites. The Ic 'g range '^"floi:^ upset this beautiful scheme. They expected, they told ns, that as soon as the infantry fired ihey would rciTc and load again. They were very much surprised, therefore, to see them advance all the time, keep- ing up a steady and Uiiinterrupted fire. They compared the soldiers to bears, that when they fired a shot, the soldiers advanced always to the spot where it fell instead of retiring. We learned that, on our march to the Mission, a war- party of the Pelouzes were following in our rear, and when Lieutenant Mullan's wagon and the limber of the llo .viiizer battery were abandoned, they burned them. September \d>th. — This morning we resumed our march, and once more plunged into the whlerness. We have now reached the most distant point of our expedition, and begia our retrograde movement. It is the object of Col. Wright to look after the Spokans and other tribes, on his march down through the country. We left the Mission at seven o'clock, and after advancing about two miles, struck the Coeur d'Alene river, our way at first for a few miles passing through a thickly wooded country, and then over au. open bottom running along the bank of the river. The THE CCEL'U d'ALENE COUNCIL. 17 ', and ex- devoted Ini^oons, oft' from ley wore liavc far arrows, inst our runners country, their lot ave liur- i of the war of They' ry fired y niucli le, keep- ared tlie soldiers retirinnf. a war- d when ovvii;zer march, e have )n, and of Col. on his Jsion at struck miles 1 over The Coour d'Alenc is natrow and winding, and deep enough, it is said, for a line-of-battle ship, though not sufficiently wide. Our marcli of the day was tliirteen miles. Some of our hostages and guides went with us, while others came down the river in canoes and met us ut our camp. During the afternoon, one supply train, one company of dragoons, and the howitzer battery, crossed the river. They were taken over in two canvas boats belonging to the quarter-master, assisted by the Indians in their canoes. Se2demhcr Idth. — This morning the rest of the command crossed the river. One dragoon horse and two mules were drowned in making the passage. Sept. 20th. — Marched at six this morning. About a mile from the river we entered the thick timber, through which we toiled with great exertions for nine miles, until we emerg- ed once more on the banks of the St. Joseph's river. After marching along its banks for about four miles, we encamped, having advanced thirteen miles, the greater part of the way through the dense forests. The St. Joseph's is a beautiful stream, — narrow and deep, and its banks lined with timber. Had we been in a mood for the picturesque, we might have been delighted with the scenery through the day. The views from the mountains over which we passed, were most beautiful. At times, a large number of lakes, streams and ponds were in sight at once. Just before reaching the river, we passed the spot where the Mission of the Sacred Heart (to the Coeur d'Alenes,) formerly stood, before it was removed to its present location. This evening the express came in with the mails, bring- ing us eighteen days later news from the regions of civiliza- tion. The rest of our hostages came in to-day, having been off to get their families and horses. They turned over to our quarter-master some horses and mules taken from Colonel Steptoe's command. In the beginning of September, Doi^ati's comet appeared, and night after night it has been streaming above us in all its glory. Strange as ic may seem, it has exerted a 88 THE COSUH I) ALKNK COUNCIL. powerful iiiflucfico over the Indians, in our bolialf. Ap- pearing just afl wc entered the country, it seemed to them like sonic liugc bosom to sweep them from the earth. The effect wjiH prohubly much increased by the fact, that it disappeared about the time our campaign ended and tho treaties were formed. They must have imagined tliat it had been sent homo to their Great Father in Washington, to be put away until required tho next time. iSepiernber 21«<. — Last evening the supply train was crossed over the river, and this morning tljo rest of tho command made the passage. The Indians again , W'- fonnd that the head chiefs and warriors of the Spokans had come in, accompanied by 1' ither Josct. Kamiaken and Tilkohitz were in last evening, but their courage fleemed to have failed before the time of meeting Colonel Wright, and they went olT again. Colonel Wright sent Gearry (the Spokan chief) and Big Star out after Kamiaken, telling him to como in and he should not bo harmed; but if he did not Surrender himself, he (the Colonel) would hunt him down until he captured him, and then put him to death. Kamiaken has been for years the most powerful chief among all these tribes, find at the same time the most re- IcRacss enemy of the whites. lie is the head chief of the Yakimas, his mother having been a Yakima, and his father a Pelouze. This gave him great influence with both these tribes, and by his talents he has acquired authority with all the northern Indian nations. He seems to occupy the same position with them that Tecumpsah formerly did with our north-western tribes. ^, ^f^f-' IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A ^ .<.\ 1.0 1.1 1.25 |25 Ui M2.B S IS IIM 111^4 Illlli4 ^ p^ >^ Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. US80 (716) 872-4503 iP i\ ^V \\ <> <» <6 V 6^ THE SPOKAN COUNCIL. n»i My first acquaintance with him was at the Walla Walla Council, three years before. There, it was evident that he was the great impediment in the way of any cession of the Indian lands. While the other chiefs, one by one, came into the measure, and even Looking Glass, the war chief of the Nez Percys, at first entirely hostile, at last yielded to the force of some peculiar arguments which are equally potent with savages and white men, nothing could move Kamiaken. With more far-reaching wisdom than the rest, he probably saw that this surrender of their lands and intrusion of the white men, would be the final step in destroying the nation. Governor Stevens was unable to induce him to express any opinion, but he sat in gloomy silence. Several times, when the governor appealed to him with the inquiry, — " We would like to know what is the heart of Kamiaken," — his only answer was, — " What have I to say 1" He was the leader in the outbreak which took place shortly after, when Major Ilaller's force was defeated, and has been, we have no doubt, the moving spirit in arraying all these tribes against us this season, and bringing on this open warfare. It is not to be won- dered at, therefore, that he is afraid to put himself in the power of the whites. September 23c?. — We did not move camp this morning, as it was the day appointed for the Council, Avhich after breakfast assembled in front of Colonel Wright's tent. The Indians numbered one hundred and, seven. Besides the Spokans, were Pend d'Orcilles, Colvilles, lies des pier- res, and delegates from other smaller tribes. We heard to-day a fact, showing what will be the influ- ence of our two fights even upon the Indian tribes which were not engaged in them. One of the chiefs of the Col- ville Indians, whose hunting-grounds are far north of the Coeur d'Alenes, just on the borders of the British posses- THE 8P0KAN COUNCIL. 93 I Walla that he n of the e, came ar chief yielded equally d move lan the r lands lal step unable gloomy ;aled to what is " What c which 'ce was moving season, )e won- in the ling, as after s tent, esides s pier- influ- which ie Col- of the Posses- sions, told his tribe that he had heard a groat deal about the soldiers, but never having Been them, he would go down and bo a witness of the fight which they knew was nt hand. So ho joined the other tribes, and was present at the battle of the " Four Lakes." When the fight was over, he turned his horse and rode until he reached his own people. There he called his tribe together, and told them he had seen the soldiers, but never wished to see • them again ; that they stood as firm as the oaks when the Indians fired at them ; that they could march faster and further in a day than horses; that their guns carried a mile, more than half way as far again as those of the In- dians, and he ended by advising them always to remain friends with the whites. The Spokans being assembled at the Council, Colonel Wright addressed them. He promised them peace on the same conditions he had imposed on theCceur d'Alenes, and announced that he expected to see them come forward like men. The CcBur d'Alenes had done so, and were now the friends of the government. Besides, this was the last treaty which would be made, and he wished the friendly Nez Percys Indians to be included in it. The hostile Nez Per- cys, who had engaged in the war against us, he would have driven out of the Spokan country ; that the govern- ment would make roads through their country, where and whenever it pleased, and the workmen employed on them must not be molested. .. ^ The Spokan Chief replied: — "I am sorry for what has been done, and glad of the opportunity now offered to make peace with our Great Father. We promise to obey and fulfil these terms in every point." Another old Spokan Chief said; — "My heart is the same. I trust everybody is included in the Colonel's mercy." . . \ 94 THE 8P0KAN COUNCIL. Colonel Wkight. '* It embraces everybody, and those who go with me to Walla Walla as hostages for the good behavior of the nation shall not be hurt the least, but well taken care of until their safe return at the expiration of one year." The treaty waa then signed by all the chiefs present, on the part of the Spokans. During the council, Gearry and Big Star returned, and reported that they had been hunting all night for Kamia- ken without success, when at daybreak they found him, and Schroom, his brother, on the other side of Spokan river. They were unable, however, to induce him to come in, as he said he was afraid he should be taken to Walla Walla. The conditions of peace were then interpreted to these two chiefs, and the treaty signed by them. Among those present at the council, was Milcapzy, a Coeur d'Alene chief, who was not at the treaty made with his own nation. As the council was closing. Colonel Wright singled him out and addressed him thus : — " Milcapzy ! I saw your letter to General Clarke. You say to the General, — ' Perhaps you think that we are poor and want peace. We are neither poor nor do we want peace. K you want peace, you must come and ask for it. And take care that you do not come beyond the battle ground.' "Who now asks for peace? I do not. And where stands the battle ground? Milcapzy thinks he is rich. He has bands of horses, and houses, and farms, and lodges full of grain. Let him remember that riches sometimes take wings and fly away. Tilkohit^* was rich once, but * Tilkohitz waa the owner of tho nine hundred horsoa captured by us and shot, September 9th. TIIK SPOKAN COUNCIL. 06 id those le good )ut well ation of present, ed, and Kamia- id him, Spokan ;o come ► Walla to these apzy, a ie with kJolonel You re poor e want for it. battle where 3 rich, lodges etimes je, but is poor now. Milcapzy I look upon the banks of the Spo- kan. I should like to hear Milcapzy speak." Milcapzy reflected for a moment, spoke a few words to another warrior at his side, arranged his head-dress, and rising, said : — " I am aware that I have committed a great crime. I am very sorry for it. My heart is cast down. But I have heard your talk just made in this council. I have confi- dence in what you say, and I thank you for it. I am ready to abide by the terms you propose." The priest then explained to him the conditions on which peace had been granted to the Cosur d'Alencs, and he expressed his willingness to sign the treaty, The coun- cil was then dissolved. Among the chiefs at this council, were Polatkin, the head chief of the Spokans, whom we formerly held as a prisoner, and released, — and one of his sons, the one who visited our camp on the Spokan the day his father was detained. His brother ai d himself were the Indians who were fired at by the guard, across the river, when demand- ing the release of the old chief. He is one of the most splendid looking men I have ever seen. He was shot in the arm below the elbow, and his brother was shot through the body. From what we could learn of him, he will probably not recover. One of our hostages is Anthony, a Coeur d'Alene chief, who was in the fight with Colonel Steptoe. When Lieu- tenant Gaston fell, he took his body and covered it with leaves, intending afterwards to go back and bury him. When, however, he returned, he found the body had been removed. 5. by us / XI. OWHI AND QUALCHIEN. CHAPTER XI. i own I AND QUALCHIEN. HIS evening, Owhi, the brother-in-law of Kaniia- kcn, came into camp, as ho said, to make peace. I first saw him, as I did Kamiaken, three years ago at the Walla Walla council, where he opposed all treaties to cede their country, not only with great zeal but with much ability. His speech, of which I took notes ot the time, particularly impressed me. It was thus : " We are talking together, and the Great Spirit hears all that wc say to-day. The Great Spirit gave us +Vic land, and measured the land to us. This is the reason vi <\t I am afraid to say anything about this land. I am afraid of the laws of the Great Spirit. This is the reason of my heart being sad. This is the reason I cannot give you an answer. I am afraid of the Great Spirit. Shall I steal this land and sell it ? or, what shall I do ? This is the reason why my heart is sad. The Great Spirit made our friends, but the Great Spirit made our bodies from the earth, as if they were different from the whites. What shall I do ? Shall I give the land which is a part of my body, and leave my- self poor and destitute ? Shall I say, I will give you my land? I cannot say so. I am afraid of the Great Spirit. I love my life. The reason why I do not give my land away is, I am afraid I shall be sent to hell. I love my friends. Il U|...i OWHl AND giALCIIIKN. I lovt- my life. Tliin is tlio rcftsou wliy I do not j^'ive my lain I away. I h.'vvo one word more to say. My people are far awav. ^rhev do not know your words. This is the reason I eai»not ^'ive yon an answer. 1 show you my Iieart. Tliis is all I liave to say." Defeated at the eouneil, and the other chiefs agreeing to the cession of their lands, his next move was, in conjunc- tion with his son Qualeliien and Kamiaken, to organize the outbreak which took place tlie following winter. That was repressed, and now he has probably l^on one of the instigators of these last hostilities. His greeting by Colonel Wright was stern, and the ex* amination brief. A priest was sent for to act jis intcrpret(uiiH, but iiicluding rorirgiulrrt nml oulla\vr(i Ifuliaiis from ovcry triho. Tlioy would not uttiK'k a jmrty of any hI/a', but cut olV Htray in- (lividiialM. It is impos-siblo, thorcforc, to bring tbcni to a (Iglit, but tli(»y will liavt! to bo liuntiul down like ban ruin Ik'^mii pouring dovvi). Wti tMu::iin)K(l on u triluitary of tlio IVluuzi*, about two iniU'H abovo ilM junction. JuHt bcl'oro K«)inK into aunp, wo pMMd tlio grave of Moint5 (lintingui.shcil Indian chii'f. It wan large, covered with htoncH, and Hurroundi;d willt a svoixlcn paling. On a long Htioi<, juHt williin the paling, was a tin eup, and un- derneath waH tietl Hoine horne hair. Outsitlo the paling, from a polo HUpported by two other poles, wan hanging the tail of a horse. It m u eoniinon euHtoin among theno Indian.s when a ehief dies, to kill liio favorite horse and bury him near him. SfptamUr 2\)th. — Moved from eamp at six tld.s morning, and after marching about two mile.M, Htruck the Pelouzo river, nloiigwhieh we marched llfteen miles ami encamped on its bank. Our march was over a rocky, hilly country. About an hour after leaving camp the express overtook us, bringing the mail. Our place of encamping seems to have been an old battle ground of the Indians, as arrow heads, and remains of other weapons, are scattered about. A short time before reaching camp, a band of the Pe- louzo Indians, about nineteen in number, came in. iSi'ptomhcr SOlh. — We did not march to-day. Early this morning a large number of the Pelouzo Indians arrived with tlicir families, and the Colonel determined, therefore, to hold the council. At ten o'clock the Indians assembled in front of his tent for their "talk." The Interpreter be- ing present. Colonel Wright delivered to him the following complimentary and gratifying address, to be communicated to thorn : — " Tell them they are a set of rascals, and deserve to be hung ; that if I should hang them all, I should not do wrong. Tell them I have made a written treaty with the Coeur d'Alenes and the Spokans, but I will not make a TIIK 1'^I.olZK Oi>UNCiL. 117 g ilown. out two j;ruvc of covered \\y^. On uiul un* ) paling, hanging mg tlicHO LiFBO and morning, Pclouzo ncninped country, overtook seemH to na arrow )d about. tUc I'o- nrly this arrived lercforc, scmbled »rctcr be- bllowing unicatcd TO to be not do with the make a written treaty wlili thomj and if T cateli one of them on th miles a e we left ^en hun- Vancou- mpaign. XV. CONCLUSION. » * • « • > CIIAPTEU XV. CONCLUSION. • • 'IIE older officers regard the c»ampaign we liavd just past through, as one remarkable in many re- spects. One is, the little loss which has been sus- tained. But two men have died, and those from eating poisonous roots. But one man has been wounded in action ; and we have lost, by all the difficul- ties of marching through the forests and crossing rivers, but three horses and about fifty mules. It is a proof of the skill and judgment with which the expedition has been conducted. For our freedom from loss in the two battles, I have already stated we are indebted to the fine discipline of the men, the skill of the commanders, and to the long range of our rifles. Had we been armed with the old muskets, the result might have been very different. The whole campaign, indeed, would undoubtedly have ended, as it now has done, in the humbling of the Indian tribes, but we should probably have missed many from our ranks, when the column marched back to Walla Walla. The object, too, was most thoroughly accomplished. The Indian tribes, hitherto so troublesome and defiant, have been entirely subjected. They have been taught the power of the government, their worst chiefe have been cut off, 128 OONCLUrtlON. I k{_. i nnd liostn^os given fliifflcitMit to k(y'p tlioiii in f)b'Mli(M»cc. Of tludr Im'.'hI iik'm who nro liostilo, none rctniiiti Ixit K.un- iakon, and Sclirooin, liis hrotluT. The r(»rin(T is ivporti'd to Ijiive fl('(l into tlic Blacivfcot coimtrv, and tlu; latter U I)rol)ably witli him. Thoy will certainly havo no disposi- tion to place th(Mnselve>j n^^ain in colli iion with tlw; whites. It is probable, too, that among their own countrymen their influence and authority are gone. The tribes have suirored too much again to submit to their counsels. That immenao tract of splendid country over which ", o marched, is now opened to the white man, and the timo \\ not far distant when settlers will bjgin to occupy it, and the farmer will discover that he can reap his harvest, and tho miner explore its ores, without danger from their former savago foe. An Oregon paper, (and the newspa- pers ai'o not accustomed to indulge in any unnecessary huidation of the Regular Army,) after the battle of tho " Four Lukes," says : — " No event has ever done so much to secure the safety of our settlers as this victory. T\ui people of this Territory owe a debt of gratitude to the officers and soldiers under Colonel Wright." For this success, we are indebted to the energetic meas- ures of General Clarke, concentrating at once, even from the banks of the Colorado, so strong a force in tlie coun- try of the hostile Indians, and mapping out the campaign, the result of which proved the foresight and wisdom by which it was dictated. For tho conduct of the column when once it was on its march, none could have won " golden opinions" more thoroughly than Colonel Wright. Entering an unknown country, everything depended on his energy and talents. Of these I need say nothing, for they arc shown in the history of our march, the arrangement of tho two bat- tles, the decision with which the Indian Councils were I! "J CONCIil'SION. 129 )iit K:nu- J lattrr in (lisposi- 10 whites, men IIkmi' 13 sullored which v/o 10 time U ly it, j'.ucl 'Vest, and rom the-ir ! ncws[)a- ncocssary lIc of tho HO much ry. UMio I) to tho 3tic moiis- vcn fi'om ho coun- n-mpuign, isdom by vas on its is" more unknown d talents. m in the two bat- cils were conducted, nnd tlie entire Fueec«fl with whicli all WM crowned. ' )j I mi'^ht speak of th(> gallantry of my comrades, but this is recorded in the oHieial reportH of their Huperior ofHcerrt. But none who had an opportunity of witnessing these bat- tles, and seeing the st(»ady advance of tho Third Artillery and Kifles, as they drove the enemy on, mile after milo, from point to point, the gallant charges made by tho Dragoons under Majr)r Gricr, and the conduct of tho Howit/AT Battery under Lieutenant White, can forget the admiration they felt at the perfect manner in which all was accomplished. In our own battalion, — tho Third Artillery, — but few of the men had ever before been under fire, yet no vete- rans could have shown greater coolness. This was tho result of discipline, for which they were indebted to tho untiring energy of our Commander, Captain (now Major) Keyes. Through his exertions the battalion had been brought to the highest point of discipline ; and in the hour of battle, by his presence every where at tho right moment, he contributed materially to secure tho victory. Tho column has now been scattered, and tho officers have been dispersed to their different posts, yet they all look back with pleasure to this campaign, when they re- member the unity of feeling by which it was marked. Seldom, indeed, has an expedition been undertaken, the recollection of which is invested with so much that is agreeable, as that against the Northebn Indians. APPENDIX. OFFICIAL KEPOKT OF COLONEL WRIGHT, AFTER THE nATTLE OF TUB "FoUB LAKES." Head Quarttra, Expedition ii^am*/ Northern Indinnn, Camp at •• Fimr Lakes," IV. T. Ut 47" 89 Dortb. Look. 117" 89 woit. September 2d, 1808. SiK : — / I havo tho honor to Hiibmit the following Report of tli« battle of the " Four Lakt'H," foujfht and won, by tho troopH under my command, on the Ut innt. Our enemies were the Spokan, Cauir d'Alene, and l*elouze Indiann. Early in the morning of tho Int, I obHervcd tho Indians collectinLC <>" ^^^^ Hummit of a hi^Ii hill, about two miles dis- tant, ana I immediately ordered the troops under arms, with a view of driving the enemy from his position, and making a a reconnaissance of the country in advance. At half-past U A. M. I marcheil from my camp with two squadrons of tho 1st dragoons, commanded by IJrcvct Major W. N. Grier, four companies of the third artillery, armed with ritle mus- kets, commanded by Capt. E. D. Keyes ; and tho rifle bat- talion of two companies of the 9th infantry, commanded by Capt. F. T. Dent ; also one mountain howitzer, under com- mand of Lieut. J. L. White, ;)rd artillery, and thirty friendly Nez Perec's Indian allies, under command of Lieut. John Mullan, ;:ind artillery. I left in camp all the equipage and supplies, strongly guarded by company " M," 3rd artillery, commanded by Lieuts. H. G. Gibson and G. 13. Dandy, ono mountain howitzer manned, and in addition a guard ot fitly- four men under Lieut. 11. 15. Lyon, the whole commanded by Captain J. A. Ilardic, the Field officer of the day. 1 ordered Brevet Major Grier to advuiice to the north and east, around the base of tho hill occupied by the Indians, with a view to intercept their retreat when driven from the sum- 182 ArPENDIX. ^i I mit by the foot troo])s. I mnrchcMl with the artillery and rifle battalion and Noz Percen to the right of the hill, in or- der to gain a position where the asoent was more easy, and also to push the Indians in the direction of the dragoons. Arriving within GOO yards of the Indians, I ordered Captain Keyes to advance a company of his battalion deployed, and drive the Indians from the hill. This service was gallantly ac- complished by Captain Ord and Lieutenant Morgan, with Company" K,"3rd artillery, in coiiperation with the 2nd squad- ron of dragoons under Lieutenant l)avidson ; the Indians were driven to the foot of the liill, and there rallied under cover of ravines, trees and bushes. On reaching the crest of the hill I saw at once that the In- dians were determined to measure their strength with us, showing no disposition to avoid a combat, and firmly main- taining their position at the base of the hill, keeping up a constant lire upon the two squadrons of dragoons, who were awaiting the anival of the foot troops. In front of us lay a vast plam, with some 4 or 500 mounted warriors, rushing to and fro, wild with excitement, and apparently eager for the fray ; to the right, at the foot of the hill, in the pine forest, the Indians were also seen in large numbers. With all I have described, in plain view, a tyro in the art of war could not have hesitated a moment asto the plan of battle. Captain Keyes, with two companies of his battalion, com- manded by Lieutenants Ransom and Ihrie, with Lieutenant Howard, was ordered to deploy along the crest of the hill, in rear of the dragoons, and facing the plain. The rifle bat- talion under Captain Dent, composed of two companies of the 9th Infantry under Captain Winder and Lieutenant Flem- ing, was ordered to move to the right and deploy in front of the pine forest ; and the howitzer under Lieutenant White, supported by a company of artillery under Lieutenant Tyler, was advanced to a lower plateau, in order to gain a position where it could be fired with effect. In five minutes the troops were deployed, I ordered the advance. Captain Keyes moved steadily down the long slope, passed the dragoons, and opened a sharp, well-directed fire, which drove the Indians to the plains and pine forest. At the same time Captain Dent with the rifle battalion, Lieutenant White with the howitzer, and Lieutenant Tyler with his com- pany, were hotly engaged with the Indians in the pine forest, constantly increasing by fugitives from the left. Captain Keyes continued to advance, the Indians retiring APPENDIX. 133 lery and II, in or- sasy, and ragoona. [ Captain yed, and antly ac- an, with id sqiiad- ans were 3r cover t the In- with us, y main- tig up a ho were us lay a shing to for the 3 forest, [le art of f battle, on, com- utenant e hill, in ifle bat- lanies of Flem- front of White, t Tjrler, position red the slope, ed fire, At the utenant is com- 5 forest, retiring slowly ; Major Qrier, with both squadrons, quietly leading his horses in the rear. At a signal they mount, tliey rush with lightning speed through the intervals of skirmishers, and charge the Indians on the plain, overwhelm them entirely, kill many, defeat and disperse them all, and in five minutes not a hostile Indian was to bo seen on the plain. While this scene was enacting. Dent, Winder, and Fleming, with the rifle battalion, and Tyler and White Avith Company " A" and the howitzer, had pushed rapidly forward and driven the In- dians out of the forest beyond view. After the charge of the dragoons, and pursuit for over a mile on the hills, they were halted, their horses being com- pletely exhausted, and the foot troops again passed them about a thousand yards ; but finding only a few Indians, in front of us, on remote hill-tops, I would not pursue them with my tired soldiers ; a couple of shots from the howitzer sent them out of sight. The battle was won. -I sounded the recall, assembled the troops, and returned to our camp at 2 P. M. It affords me the highest gratification to report, that wo did not lose a man either killed or wounded during the action, attributable, I doubt not, in a great measure, to the fact that our long range rifles can reach the enemy, where he cannot reach us. The enemy lost some eighteen or twenty men killed, and many wounded. I take great pleasure in commending to the Department the coolness and gallantry displayed by every ofiicer and sol- dier engaged in tnis battle. Ist. Brevet Major Grier conducted his squpdrons with great skill, and at the decisive moment, after Captain Keyes had driven the Indians to the plain, madethe most brilliant, gallant, and successftil charge I have ever beheld. The Major com- mends particularly the coolness and gallantry of Lieutenants "Davidson, Pender, and Gregg, each in command of a troop, tor the handsome and skilful manner in which they brought their men into and conducted them through the fight. The Major also speaks in the highest terms of Assistant Surgeon Randolph, who was with the 2nd squadron during the action, exhibiting great coolness and courage, and ever ready to attend to his professional duties. Major Grier also reports the following named men of his squadrons, as having been mentioned by their company com- manders for distinguished conduct. . ■' n « UM-m (it ' 134 APPENDIX. i 13 J; ■ *'C" Troop, IsT Dragoons. Ist Sergeant James A. Hall; Sergeants Bernard Korton, and Patrick Bynie ; Bugler Robert A. Magan ; and privates James Kearney and Michael Mcara. **E" Troop, IsT Dragoons. iBt Sergeant C.Goetz; Sergeant J. F. Maguire; and privates J. G. Trimbell, J. Buckley, Wm. liamage and F. W. Smith. "H" Troop, 1st Dragoons. 1st Sergeant E. Ball ; Sergeant M. M. Walker ; and Bugler Jacob MuUer. " J " Troop, 1st Dragoons. 1st Sergeant W. H. Ingerton; and Sergeant Wm. Dean. Lieutenant Davidson reports of Ist Sergeant E. Ball, " I saw him charge upon some Indians, unhorse one of them, dis- mount himSelf, and kill him." - 2nd. Captain E. D. Keyes, commanding the 3rd Artillery, brought his battalion into action with great skill, and after deploying, made a gallant and successful charge in advance of the dragoons, driving the Indians from the hill-sides far into the plain ; and again, after the dragoon charge. Captain Keyes pushed vigorously forward in pursuit as long as an enemy was to be seen. Captain Keyes reports the gallantry of the officers and men of his battalion as admirable, and so uniform among the offi- cers, that he cannot attempt to discriminate ; the position of some of the officers, however, brought their conduct under the special notice of the Captain, and in that connection he mentions Lieutenants Tyler, White, and Ihrie. The Captain also says, — " The activity and intelligence displayed by Lieutenant Kip, Adjutant of the battalion, in transmitting my orders to all parts of the line, were most commendable." 3rd. Captain F. T. Dent, commanding the rifles, composed of two Companies " B" and " E," 9th Infantry, with Captain Winder and Lieutenant Fleming, brought his battalion into action with great spirit, and after deploying on the hill in front of the pine forest, dashed gallantly forward, and sweeping through the woods, drove the Indians before him, and came out on the plain, forming the right wing of the whole line of foot troops. Captain Dent speaks in high terms of Captian Winder and Lieutenant Fleming, and the men of both companies, for the intelligent and fearless manner in which they behaved through- APPENDIX. 185 Korton, privates privates . Smith. i Bugler Dean. Ball, " I iiera, dis- Lrtillery, nd after advance sides far Captain ig as an and men the offi- sition of ct under sction he stain also eutenant •rders to omposed Captain ilion into 11 in front sweeping nd came le line of nder and 1, for the through- out the battle, and further says, " I feel I have a right to be proud of my battalion." 4th. Lieutenant John MuUan, 2nd Artillery, Top. Engr., and commanding the friendly Nez Perce Indians, moved gallantly forward in advance, and to the right of the foot troops, in the early part of the action, giving and receiving from the enemy a volley as he skirted the brush to the east of the main hill. Lieutenant Mullan speaksin glowingterms of the Nez Perccs throughout the action, at one time charging the enemy lurk- ing in the brush and timber on the Spokan plain, driving him out, and pursuing him beyond view ; and again a small party under the chief Ilutis-e-mah-li-kaw, and Captain John, met and engaged the enemy, that were endeavoring to attack our rear ; recapturing a horse lell by an officer, while moving over the rocks and ravines. Lieutenant Mullan expresses his approbation of the good con- duct generally of this band of friendly Nez Perces, and mentions Hutis-e-mah-li-kaw, Captain John, Edward, and "We-ash-kot, as worthy of special notice for their bravery. 5th. It affords me additional pleasure to present to the De- partmentj the gentleman on my staff — Ist Lieutenant P. A. Owen, 9th Inf. Acting Assist. Adjt. General. 1st Lieutenant J. Mullan, 2nd Arty. Engineer officer. Captain R. W. Kirkham, Assist. Quar. Master. Assist. Surg. J. F. Hammond, Chief of the Med. Dept. These gentlemen were with me on the field, cool and col- lected, ever ready to convey my orders to every part of the line, or to attend to their professional duties as circumstances might require. Their good conduct and gallantry commend them to the Dept. Inclosed herewith is a topographical sketch of the battle field, prepared by Lieut. Mullan, illustrating the tacti- cal part of this Report. Very respectfully your obt. servt. G. Weight, Col. 9th Inf'y Commanding. Major W. W. Mackall, Assist. Adjt. Gen. Head Quar. Dept. of the Pacific, Fort Vancouver, W. T. r- IL OFFICIAL REPORT OF COLONEL WRIGHT. Htad. Q,varten, Etpedition against Northern Indiana, Camp on Spokan River^ W. T.) li mUs below the Falls. September %,\^h9. To Maj.W. Mackall, Assibtant Adj't. General tJ. S. Army :— Sir : — I have the honor to submit the following report of the battle of the Spokan Indians fought by the troops under my command on the 5th inst» Our enemies were the Spokans, CcBur d^Alenes, Pelouses and Pend d'Oreilles, numbering from five to seven hundred warriors* Leaving my camp at the " Four Lakes" at 0^ A. M. on the 5th, our route lay along the margin of a lake for about three mileS) and thence for two miles over a broken country thinly scattered with pines, when emerging on to the open prairie^ the hostile Indians were discovered about three miles to our right and in advance, moving rapidly along the akirt of the woods, and apparently with a view of intercepting our line of march before we should reach the timbers. After halting and closing up our long pack train, 1 moved forward, and soon found that the Indians were setting fire to the grass at various points in front and on my right flank. Captt Keyes was now directed to advance three of his companies, deployed as skirmishers, to the front and right. This order was promptly obeyed, and Capt. Ord with Company K, Lieut. Gibson with Company M, and Lieut. Tyler with Company A, 3d Artillery, were thrown forward. At the same time Capt. Hardie, Com- pany G, 3d Artillery, was deployed to the left, and the how- itzer under Lieut. White, supported by Company E, 9th In- fantry, were advanced to the Ime of skirmishers. The firing now became brisk on both sides, the Indians attacking us in front and on both flanks. The fires on the prairie nearly en- veloped us, and were rapidly approaching our troops and the pack train. Not a moment was to be lost. I ordered 138 APPENDIX. ii' ' i the advance. The KkinniHherH,* tlie howitzer, and the 1st Mquadron of Dracoons under Major Grier, daslied callantly through the roaring flanu'H, and the Indiana were (iriven to Hcek shelter in the forest and rocks. As soon as a suitable position could be obtained, the howitzer under White opened tire with shell. The Indians were again routed from their cover, closely pursued by our skirmishers, and followed by Grier, with his squadron leading. All this time our pack train was conccntr.nted as much as ])ossible, and guarded by Capt. Dent, l)th Infantry, with his Co. ii, Lieut. Davidson, 1st Dragoons, with his Company E, and Lieut. Ihrie, JJd Artillery, with his Company B, advancing. The trail bore off to the right, which threw Ord and Tyler with their skirmishers to the left. A heavy body of Indians had concentrated on our left, when our whole lino moved quickly forward, and ♦he firing became general throughout tne front, occupied by Ord, Hardie and Tyler, and the how- itzer under >Vhite, supported by Winder, with Gregg's troop of Dragoons following in rear, waiting for a favor- able opportunity to make a dash. At the same time, Gibson, with Company M, 3d Artillery, drove the Indians on the right front ; an open plain here intervening. Major Grier passed the skirmishers with his own and Lieutenant Pender's troop, and charged the Indians, killing two and wounding three. Our whole line and train advanced steadily, driving the Indians over rocks and through ravines. Our point of direction having been changed to the right. Captain Ord found himself alone with his company, on the extreme left of the skirmishers, and opposed by a large body of the en- emy. They were gallantly charged by Captain Ord, and driven successfully from the high table rocks where they had taken refuge. Captain Ord pursued the Indians, until ap- proaching the train he occupied the left flank. Moving forward towards the Spokan river, the Indians still in front. Lieutenants Ihrie and Howard with Company B, 3d Artillery, were thrown out on the right flank and instantly clear- ed the way. And after a continuous fight for seven hours, over a distance of fourteen miles, we encamped on the banks of the Spokan river — the troops exhausted by a long and fati- guing march, twenty-five miles without water, and for two- thirds of the distance under fire. The battle was won, two chiefs and two brothers of the chief Gearry killed, f besides * The three companies of 8d Artillery above mentioned. t Since the battle w« learn that Kamiaken, war chief of Takimas, was nearly killed by a shell. APPKNDIX. 139 «r1y killed by many of lesser note cither killi'd or wouiulod. A kiiul Prov- idence nj^ain rnoteetcd ns; aitliouijh at many tiinen the balls rteu' thick an[eara, Company C. Ist Sergeant C. Gootz; Sergeant J. F. Maguiro; and Pri- vates J. G. Trimbell, J. Buckley, Wm. Ramago and T. W. Smith, Company E. Lst Sergeant E. Ball ; Sergeant M. M. Walker; and Bugler Jacob Mullor, Company II. lst Sergeant W. IL Ingerton ; and Sergeant Wm. Davis, Com])any I. *drd Artillery. — 1st Lieutenants Tyler, White and Ihrie, and 2d Lieutenant Kip. Qth Infantry. — Captain Winder and Lieutenant Fleming. Nez Perces. — IIuto-E-Mah-li-kah, Captain John, Edward and We-ash-kot. XV. Sej^fetnber Wi tolWi. — Colonel Wright, 9th Infantry, after defeating the united hostile tribes at the Four Lakes, in Washington Territory, on the 1st (as noticed above, par. XIV.), continued to advance in the Indian country with the same force, and on the 5th of September, w^as again met by the Spokan, Pelouse and Ca'ur d'Alene Indians who had been joined by the Pend d'Orcilles. After a continuous conflict of seven hours, over a distance of fourteen miles, and a fatiguing march, in all, of twenty-live, the Indians were completely routed w^ith the loss of two chiefs — two brothers of the Chief Gearry — and many others of AITKNDIX. 143 iittorly >n killi'tl iidcd. ;o credit 1, :id iir- MulhiDf inniund- kven, Dth ill Kirk- m J. F. I highly )h. 2d Lieu- Korton privates und Pri- 1 T. W. 1 Bugler 1. DaviH, liric, and leming. Edward [nfantry, r Lakes, ove, par. kvith the met by lad been distance nty-iive, vo chiefs others of IcNHcr note killed and wounded. The troopii Inid but one nuin — nrinif not ;(ivrii -\v«»tn>d«'d, and he but Kli;^htly. Colon*'! Wrii;ht Im'mis witncMHto the zeal, energy, pcrsever- mentions the following: •nco and gallantry of his ortlccrs and men. Tie (nwcially Ilrt'Vit Major (Jrier, 1st Dragoons, j'ommanding squadron; (\'iptaln Kcycs, :M Artilh»ry, cominiuiding artilU-ry battalion, acting as infantry ; Captain Winth Lifantry, with his Company (B), and Ist Lieuteiumt Davidson, Ist Dragoons, commanding Company E, together with the friendly Nez Perces, guarded the train efiectually. After resting on tlieOth, Colonel Wright continued his pur- suit of the Indians through their c(mntry, arriving at the Cceur d'Alene Mission on the loth of Se])teniber. During this nuvrch he had a skirmish with the enemy, on the 8th of Sep- tember, took from them some nine hundred horses, a large number of cattle, with ([uantities of wheat, oats, roots, &c., o country inva