The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-02-21
FROM OREGON.

Indian War-HerOisns Of a Woman-KnoW
NothingS-DemOcrats.
PRAIRIE HOME, NEAR UNION POINT,
OREGON TER, Dec. u, 1855.
To the Editor Of THE National Era:
North and south of us there have been, and
still are, exciting times. About the same time,
the Indians commenced depredations north,
above the Dalles and south, in Rogue River
Valley. AS to the origin of the difficulties east
OF the Cascades, it is difficult to determine. 1t
is thought by many, that the Indians were dis
satisfied about the treaties made by Governor
Stevens. The latest report is, that the Indians
have threatened the lives of Governor Stevens
and his company, who were, when last heard
OF, on their way to Washington Territory 1t
is hoped, however, he will escape their savage
barbarity.
Troops and volunteers are in the field but
the difficulties attending winter campaign in
that section of country will render it almost
impossible to subdue them this winter. 1t is
supposed that nearly all the tribes are com
bined, except the Mes Perces.
In the vicinity of Rogue river there has been
an Indian now and then, and white man now
and then, killed, ever since the war of 1853 !;
and In this principally, l think, originated the
outbreak, though for the most part the whites
so? Has not the white man always transgress-
ed, and thus been the cause of all the blood
shed occasioned by border warfare? True, as
our Lyceum will have it, the Negro has more
right to complain of the whites than the In
dan; but the principal difference is, the In
dian dares to revenge his wrongs, the Negro
does not.
The citizens Of Rogue River Valley had
hoped that, after the war Of 1853 and the trea-
ties made by General Lane, that they could
live in security; and but for the rascality and
recklessness of few whites, might have done
so. There are always few scoundres at the
start of it. Now we hear Of horrible massa
ere, and scenes of cruelty too shocking to re-
late.
One act of heroism, on the part of Mrs.
Harris, deserves to be recorded; The family
were attacked by Indians, who had previously
been friendly. AS they neared the house. Mr.
Harris, seeing their savage looks, began to
close the door, when he was shot, and fell
Mrs. Harris shut the door, and barred it. She
then took the gun and a revolver, and receiving
directions how to load, from her wounded hus
band, shot from the window and cracks of the
house, keeping the Indians at bay, until she
found chance to escape to the brush, where
she remained, with her child, until found by a
party of soldiers. Volunteers are now in the
field, and have skirmish every few days, but
cannot get fair fight.
Governor Curry has been very busy since
the commencement of the war. Having APP
pointed some who voted the Know Nothing
ticket to fill certain Offices, such as surgeons,
&c, he incurred the censure of the organ of
the Democratic party, (OregOn iStatesmdn,)
whereupon petition circulated to have
them all removed from office. The Governor
said he only intended the appointments for the
present, and would refer the matter to the Lee
gislature.
The Know Nothings are completely whipped
out in Oregon. The Democratic l,drty is tri
umphant, although it comes far from sustain,
ing the principles of tyas Democracy.
great many horses and cattle have been
bought for the Government, appraised by Gov
eminent officers, for use in time Of the war.
Stock and provisions are appraised at double
prices, and the scrip is cashed by spectators
at half price. What will Uncle Sam think of
it?
The Legislature met on the Sd ult. they
seem disposed to debate the Capitol question
at present.
The rainy season has fairly set in. Compar.
atively little wheat was sowed last fall; and
IT the war lasts six months, or a year, as it is,
most likely to do, wheat will bring fair price
year hence, Yours, &c, ID. B. GRAY.