, 1855-11-09
Editorial Correspondence The Puget Sound
Rangers.
FOKr SrEILAcOoM, Oct. 80, 1855.

COhi OlEhASOOAJ wv oOJ ASOO'
GEORGE B. GoUDY, ESQ.,:
SIR-Being separated from you through
the accident of war, and thinking that it
might not prove uuimportant to our read
ers to know the doings of the Puget Sound
RGagsrs, (Capt. EArON), l have permission
of leave from service for an hour, to inform
you and others as to the result of our late
expedition.
The election Of officers Of the Rangers
as you are already apprised, took place at
Mr.. NATHAN EAroN's, on Monday the 22d
ult. The choice Of commissioned officers
was determined by the selection CHARLES
H. EEToN, of course Captain), of Messrs.
McALLIsrER, TULLrs and Poe, Lieutenants
The non-commissioned officers were all good
men-it is unnecessary to recaptulate their
names.
The company left Mr.. EGToN's, nineteen
strong, on the Gath ult., in quest of the
whereabouts of LEscHI, Nisqually chief,
half Clickitat, audwho, it was apprehend-
ed, had for sonic time been preparing his
band for active hostilities against the set
Elements.
LEscHI is an Indian of more than ordi-
nary wealth and power. He is in possess
ion Of farming land, which he has hereto
fore cultivated, near the Nisqually river,
between Packwood's ferry and the crossing
of that stream at the Yelm. He has some
good, substantial houses on his place, and
outward appearances would Indicate that
he might live there comfortably. As Capt.
EAToN's command passed his farm, under
the pilotage Of his halfbrother, SEHr-ex-
pecting to find LEscHI at his residence
evidence having been afforded at the Indi-
an department that lie (Leschi) had as
sumed hostile attitude towards the white
settlers-the command found that the bird
had flown, but that the prairie around
abounded with his horses, aud other evi-
denee that his absence was only temporary.
Suffice it to say, we found not the Indian,
or satisfactory information of his wherea-
bouts We encamped on the evening Of
that day, and until morning, in Pierce
county, neaf the house Of Frenchman, Of
. the name Of Gravelle--about IL miles from
Stellacoom.
Next day, after a short stay for persons
who had joined the command-expecting
them up--and their not arriving at an Rp-
pointed hour-the command left-l9 in
all-for the Puyallup river-crossed the
river and encamped for the night about a
mile on the eastern side, at the house of
CHARLRs BADEN-good grass aud water.
Next morning, Capt. EAroN divided the
company into two dlvisions-one under his
own superintendence, and the other under
Lieut.. McALIIsTER- with on object Of ma
king reconnaissance Of both sides Of the
Puyallup river, above the settlements about
Eve miles along which stream II was re-
ported large bodies of Indians were ELL
gagged in fishing. Capt. EAToN took the
trail on the western side of the Puyallup-
crossed the i1ver at ford almost swimming
entered the settlements at the forks-a
large prairie entirely deserted, and passed
up the river some three miles-the trail
crossing and re-crossing the river-ex-
tremely rough and rugged-until juno
tion was formed with Lieut.. McALLIsrER,
who had secured the other side most thor
Oughly. No sign Of Indians was found of
later period than two weeks, as was sup
posed. The whole command returned to
their former camping ground, somewhat
late in the evening.
Next morning, provisions being exhaust
ed-we having only taken two days rations
from Mr.. EAroN's = after consultation
amongst the officers, it was, as suppose,
deemed advisable for Capt. EATON to send
Quarter Master and Commissary W. W.
MnLERto to Fort Steilacoom for supplies and
pack animals ut the same time, according
to Indian reports, it was thought to be
prudent, on the part of Capt. EATON, to-
assign Lieuts. Poe and TULLrs to the recruit
ing service, and dispatch them, the former
to Olympia and the latter to Mound prairie,
for the purpose ofraising additional recruits.
For the assistance of Mr.. MnLER, in the
obtaining Of provisions and pack animals,
Capt EAroS detailed, to accompany him,
two corporals and three privates In
mediately after the departure of the
above named gentlemen, Lieut.. McAL-
LISTER applied to the Captain for permis-
ainn N .o.o.....-. A. --:l..