, 1855-12-14

of the supreme law of the land. The basis
of that treaty. is the basis of all that have
been concluded since. Great care was taken
to explain the provisions, and the objects OF
negotiation to the various tribes. Careful
interpreters were secured, and every individ-
ual was allowed to speak his views. SINH
lar treaties have been concluded with all
the Indians west of the Cascade Mountains,
with the exception of the Chehalis, those re-
siding in the ncighborhood of Shoalwater
Bay and on the Columbia, as far east as the
Dalles.
In pursuance of the instructions and line
of policy marked ont by the Indian Depart
ment at Washington City, Governor Ste
vens crossed the Cascade Mountains, and in
conjunction with the Superintendent Of In
dian Affairs Of Oregon, treaties were effect
ed with the various bands known as the
Yakima tribe, the Cayuse, the Walla Wal
las, and the, Nez Perces He then proceed
ed to Fort Benton, on the Missouri River,
where great council had been called, to
conclude and settle definite peace between
the tribes divided by the Rocky Mountains,
hostilities between which had continued ever
since the whites have had any knowledge OF
the country.
This measure was of vital Importance to
the Territory of Washington as, while these
Ihostilities continued, there could be no safe
travel or communication by the great north
ern route connecting the waters Of the Co
lumba and Puget Sound, with the head
waters of the Mississippi 1t may be well
here to state, that the latest information re-
ceived, will Justify the belief that that trea-
ty has been concluded, and the return of
Gov Stevens is daily looked for.
In the midst of this favorable appearance
of things, while the ink was scarcely dry,
with which treaties had been written, In
dians, who had entered into these stipula-
tons, and solemnly pledged their faith to pre-
serveamity and peace towards all American
citizens, have risen in arms, treacherously
surprised, aud barbarously murdered our in
offending citizens, killed an Indian agent,
while in the performance of his official du-
ties, and in defiance of all plighted faith and
written obligation, waged war, accompa-
nied with all the horrid brutalities incident to
savage life
The sphere allotted to this message will
not Justify recital Of the preliminary ag-
greSSions Satisfactory evidence, however,
has been afforded, indicating that both in
Oregon and this Territory, for a great
length of time, preparations for war had
been going on, on the part of the Indians.
simultaneously with the murders committed
in the Yakima valley, southern Oregon be-
came the scene Of Indian warfare, and the
moment troops move from Puget Sound
across the mountains an outbreak takes
place on the White river prairies.
On the 2Sd Of September, in addition
to previous floating rumors, positive inform
nation was received that two Of our citizens
had been murdered IN the Yakima valley,
while travelling on the military road across
the Naehess pass. A requisition was imme-
diately made upon the commanding officers
Of the military posts Of fort SteilacOOm and
fort Vancouver, for sufficient forces to pro-
ceed, by different routes into that country,
to procure, if possible, the murderers, if not
TO punish the tribe, and to furnish protec-
ton to such persons as might be travelling
to, or returning from the COlville mines
Both of these acquisitions were promptly
complied with. Previous to this Major
Haller, commanding fort Dalles, being near
er the scene Of action, and having earlier
information, had moved into the field, and
on the 9Th Of October was attacked by an
immenselysupefior force, and, after gallant
and desperate conflict of about forty-eight
hours, succeeded in driving of the enemy,
losing five men killed and sixteen wounded,
together with large portion of his animals,
and all Of his provisions. This last com
peeled him to return to the Dalles. Upon
the receipt of this information, Major Rains,
commanding the Columbia, river and Puget
Sound district Of the United States army,
made a rcquisition upon the Governor Of Ore
gon for four companies Of volunteers, aud
upon the Governor Of Washington for two.
The proclamation by the respective execu-
ltives, calling for these forces, were respond
ed to with zeal and alacrity by the citizens
Of this and Of our sister Territory. In con-
sequence Of the scarcity of arms, existing in
this section Of country, in order to furnish
the volunteer force being raised here, it be-
came necessary to make requisition both
upon the United States sloop-oewar De-
catur," end the revenue cutter jefferson
Davis" for such as could be spared Much
praise is due to the commanding officers OF
those two vessels, for the willingness and
promptness with which they responded TO
that request, thus enabling the first compa-
ny of Washington Territory volunteers to
be equipped and ready for the field, the mo-
ment their organization was completed
On the 30th Of October, Major Rains,
having received from me the appointment
of Brigadier General Of the volunteer forces
serving in the Yakima war, moved into the
6eld with all the disposable regular troops,
and having the cooperation of nine compan-
les Of Oregon mounted volunteers, under
command Of Col Nesmith. After proceed
ing as far as the Yakima Mission, having
several skirmishes with the enemy, captur-
linpsome of their cattle and horses and de-