, 1854-12-02
Indian Depredati0ns.


session of the particulars concerning the
recent expedition dispatched by Acting
Governor Mason, and Superintendent o.
Indian AftIrs, for the capture of the fouI
Indians who escaped from Fort Steilnt oon
about month since, convicted Of the nur
der Of Capt. Jewel and another white mar.
The steamer took on board, at SteilLcoom
o file Of soldiers, under command Of Lient
Nugent, and with the Revenue Gutter
JEFF Davis in tow, proceeded to Hood''
Canal, where it was understood the Indi
ans were.
Col. Simmons, Indian Agent, had gone
in advance Of the expedition, having re-
ceived information at Steilacoom Of the ex.
act whereabouts Of Slah-ha, the murderer
of man named Church.
On Saturday morning last, the Colonel
was met by the vessels about rs miles from
the mouth Of the Canal, With the above
named Indian in charge and coming oil
board, ordered them TO proceed at once to
Clallam camp. lnear the head of the Ca
nal). at which place the remaining Indians
were concealed, aud where be had made a
demand for their surrender, and been re-
fused.
The vessels arrived at the camp, Hum
Humi, on Saturday night about 10 o'clock,
and Col. Simmons wishing to save the lives
Of the Indians, II possible, again went OIL
shore and demanded the fugitives, which:
was again refused. At daylight on Sltur-
day morning, the soldiers were landed, but
the camp was deserted-the Indians hav-
ing fed in the greatest haste into the
woods, leaving canoes, fishing lines, nets,
&C., upon the beach, and about tons Of
salmon. The camp was fred and entirely
destroyed with all the effects, and the
woods secured for circuit Of two miles
by the troops, without, however, meeting
any Of the Indians. After their return Oh
board, the Gutter opened her batteries u :
on the burning village and the woods in
the rear-throwing grape and canister,
and an occasional round shot, which tor
fesrfully through the timber. 1t was re-
ported by the Indians afterwards that Eve
Of the Clallams were killed in the woods
by this discharge. The vessels then got
undes way again and proceeded to the
head Of the Canal--stopping ut each OF
the camps as they passed; Col. Simmons
ordering all of the Clallams into their own
country. The greatest fear prevailed
along the whole borders Of the Canal, and
in some instances the Indians abandoned
their camps and took to the woods as soon
as the vessels came in sight. After visit
Ing the head Of the Canal, they started on
their return, Col Simmons desiring to ar
rest the Ddke Of York, the chief Of the
Clallams, and to hold him until the surren-
der Of the murderers. About half way
down the Canal, at place called Too
toosh camp, the vessels anchored for the
night; and while laying there. canoe with
Indians was seen crossing the Canal, and
on being hailed passed away with all speed.
4 boat was Immediately manned and sent
in pursuit from the Cutter, which, after o
hard chase, succeeded in taking the canoe,
and IL fortunately contained the Duke OF
York and Eve Of his people. The Indian
Agent, after talk, decided to return, ta-
king the Duke Of York and Tootoosh with
him, and felt confident Of being able to ar,
rest the remaining Indians-the chiefs hav-
ing assured him that they should be given
up. Col. Simmons was accompanied by
Mr.. Frank Shaw, and we may look for his
arrival in few days We had forgotten
to state that the Indian Jack" one Of
the convic'ed murderers, had died some
four or Eve days previous to the arrival Of
the vessels in the Canal. Col. Simmons
was shown his grave by party Of the
Scokomish tribe. Slah-ha was taken to
Fort Steilacoom, where he now is in saf,
custody.
The effect Of this expedition upon th,
Indians must certainly be important, az
heretofore the movements of the troop,
have been necessarily SO slow, and depend
ent upon canoes and boats, that Of
Tending Indians have been able 10 escsp,
long ere parties sent to punish could reacl
them. Now, with the presence of the Cut
ter in the Sound and steamer to convey
the soldiers, they are aware the most dis
tant point can be reached with promptncss
and certainty, and escape for those wht
may commit crimes almost impossible.
VoTcAvo ~ A crtoD o,antlap,a,