The Shasta courier. [volume] (Shasta, Calif.) 1852-1872, 1854-10-28

The PHI River Indians.
We desire to c II the attention of Col. Henly
Superintendent of Indian affairs In California
TO the present condition of the Indians in this
portion of the State. 1t is perhaps necessary
In order To consider this subject intelgently.
that we first know something of the character
of these Indaus-their numbers and ability to
commit injury when inpelled by hunger-their
probable supply of food for the winter, by
which, as it is abundant or scarce, their actions
towards the whites will of course be regulated.
From reliable data, furnished us by several
gentlemen who have had every opportunity to
obtain correct information, satisfied that
the Indians commonly known as the Pitt River
Misunderstanding all those tribes living on
Pitt and McCloud rivers and their various tribu-
laries-nunber not less than three thousand.
They superior both physically and intel
lectuaily, to the great body of California In
eiians. This opinion is borne out by the superb
strategy and remarkable proves frequent
Iy displayed in their prosecution of hostiIities
against the whites. The history of this County
since 40 places beyond the reach of successful
contradiction the assertion that their men are
the most daring and intrepid warriors in Califor-
mia. Without protesting to absolute accuracy
but intending TO be considerably within bounds,
we do not hesitate to express the belief that the
files of the Courier will show that they have
killed more than fifty whites within the past
three years. And the instances are on record of
,heir having made the most desperate fights,
hand to hand, with white men.
They are also the most enterprising Indians
in the State. This is evidenced by the fact that
they have not, in their and plundering ex-
cursions, confined themselves strictly to those
settlements Immediately adjoining the district
of country which they inhabit, the usual Gus
tom with other tribes; but, with remarkable
boldness and success, have made excursions into
Trinity and Siskiyou on the North, and Colusa
and Butte the South-thus ranging over
country at least hundred and fifty miles in
extent.
So much for the character of these Indians
and their power, if so disposed, to iniure the
whites. Now let Us inquire as to their present
and prospective condition in regard to a supply
Of food for the winter. In the FIRST place, then
the mansineta crop has failed-the acorn crop
has failed-to a great extent the Salmon crop
has failed-n short the past has been most
unfortunate season to them for laying up sup
plies for the winter Their destitution long be-
fore the arrival of spring must follow as the in
evitable consequence. They will then be com
PEELED TO steal or starve, for the white settlers
are not able to supply them with food. Which
alternative they will adopt may be readily i'm
agined. Even follower of the meek and lowly
SAVIOR would take food from another mans
field rather than starve. We cannot expect the
untutored savage to do less The result of this
will of course be war to the knife. and the
knife to the hilt.
Now the important question arises: How
may this state of things be prevented? This is
matter for the immediate consideration of Col.
Henly and his sub-agents. We trust, for the
sake of the Indians as well as the whites. that
they will give the matter their earnest attention
at once. There is time TO spare 1t is too
late to endeavor 10 get them on the reserya-
ton III Colusa the present season, even if that
plan was practicable or desrable-neiher of
which we believe it to be. The only feasible
plan to be adopted under the circumstances
that We can see, is the establishment of post
somewhere in their vicinity, or even at Fort
Reading, and from thence supply them with suf.
ticient flour and meat TO keep them from either
stealing or starving 1t is believed that in this
way alone may recurrence of the dreadful
scenes of previous winters be prevented