Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1856-01-18
Another Indian Battle in Oregon.


The last arrival from California brings
news of continued contests between the
natives of the Western coast of North
America and the encroa ching whites. The
writer of the following, will be recognized
as one of the graudsons Of Col. JOHN
KELLY, Zone of the earliest settlers and
most renowned Indian fighters of Buffaloe
Valley, whose remains rest under the mo-
nument in the Presbyterian grave yard,
Market street, Lewisburg James X.
Kelly removed to Lewistown and practised
law, but several years ago started with
number of others to Oregon or Califor-
MA The blood of the grand father seems
to show itself in him. In the battles de-
scribed below, s whites were killed, and
l. wounded.
HEADQUARTERS, LETT CoLuAy, lsr IEar. OM.v.C
Camp on W.lla ALA River, Dec. s, ls55.
To ". Ii. FARRAR, Adjutant-Sir ::
Yesterday morning, as my command was
Oh the line of march from the mouth Of
the Do Shute River to Whitman's Valley,
we we're attacked by about 400 Indians,
with whom VIC kept up a running fight all
day, and for a distance of about ten miles
along the Walla-Walla River. At dark
on yesterday the battle was suspended by
the Indians Withdrawing. We drove
them from every position which they took,
both in the brushwood, along the river
bank, and on the adjacent hills. This
morning the battle was renewed and ragged
all day. At dark this evening the Indians
again withdrew. The number of Indians
who fought US has been considerably grea-
ter than yesterday, aud is supposed to ex-
coed GOO. Tomorrow morning we expect
a renewal of the battle, which in all pro-
liability vii; last for some time to come.
I reg gret to say that yesterday and to-day
We have lost many brave and gallant men,
who fell nobly fighting for their country.
The loss of the Indians must be very great,
as their killed alone, during the two days,
cannot be less than fifty men
Among their killed on yesterday was
the noted chief of the Walla Walla Valley,
the celebrated feu-pcu Mox Mox lie
was taken prisoner by my command on
the 9th inst, near his camp on the Tou-
chct, and during the battle made an effort
to escape. On doing so he was killed,
together with four others who were made
prisoners at the same time, and who at
tempted to get away. Tomorrow, as
s5RfSSt eHsEa EHst Rs Of s shf Got III
situation to repel the attack Of the Indian:
with the yigor that is desired This arises
from our scarcity of ammunition and the
broken down condition of our horses.
The animals have become so poor and
iaded that it is impossible to make sue,
cessful charge against the Indians, who
are mounted on feet horses and can easily
escape. We are, therefore, in measure
compelled to act on the defense of oul
present position, which we are fortifying
by making a s:ockade fort. Our ammuni
ton will be exhausted, fear, with anOth
er hard days fighting, and unless We can
procure a supply from Fort Henrietta, oul
position will be critical indeed.
OF provisions we had only enough fo1
three days, but we expect to get supply
in two or three days. must insist upoI
a supply of all kinds being sent forward
at once, as do not intend to abandon The
position until the last extremity. BY do
ing SO the enemy will be greatly embold
ened.
This despatch is written in great haste
and is disconnected and exceedingly brief
and | know will be unsatisfactory, but
wish to send the messenger forward imme
diately, so that he can reach Fort Henri
eta by daylight. Respectfully, &c,,
JAS. h. KELLY, Lieut.Col. Reg.O.M.N