New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-05-17
THE WAR ON THE COLUMBIA RIVER.

Col. Cornelms, Of the list Reg. o. N. ", writes
lengthy Official Dispatch, dated April 2, from the
camp at Yakima TO Gov. Curry, IN which be details
his proceedings in the Indian country during the pre-
yious MONTH Much Of the news contained in the dis
patch has BEEN already published. The following
ttter from A. J. Hsmbree tpublished in The Oregon
Tfmes dated from the camp at Yakima, April gives,
in comparatively short compass the essential
We les Camp Mil Creek the 9th of March, got to
Snake River the 10Th, aud crossed over When we
got TO the river we saw few Indians on the opposite
side A quick the rst boats got over few shots
were exchanged but tie Indians He'd 10 great coniu-
siop. A few Of Us followed after them, chasing them
some eight or ten miles, and killed four Of the red dew
u.s. got oil their horses and packs and then returned TO
camp. Next day party Of US went down snake
River TO its mouth. then up the Columbia kiver 20 the
mouth Of Yakima, chasing the Indians all day, killing
some four and wounding one. Saw number OF
broken down horses during the day. and captured some
twenty head OF CATTLE and then returned TO the camp
travelling distance Of seventy-fve miles that day.
Next day we moved camp, went up Snake River TO
the Pelouse River, distance Of about As or so miles,
there Law four or FIVE DAYS. having scouts out mp the
Peouse and up Clear Creek some 30 or 40 miles, came
back and reported that no Indians were seen, but
great deal Of recent signs all travelling In direction
for the Priests Rapids on Columbia River.
On the morning of the 22d Of March we moved camp,
went across the country the trail of the Indians
three days march to the Columbia, distance OF 20
horses suffered very much for water. II was very
evident that large party of Indians had just passed
the ALL though they were smart enough to keep out
of our way. The command lay by one day where we
struck the Columbia. 1 took seven men and went up
the Columbia some 25 miles-saw where a band OF
Indians had crossed over; saw three Indians, and
talked across the river. They said they did not wish
to fght had guns; had plenty Of guns up the ver
all the trails and tracks of the Indians, they have
nearly all gone north up the Columbia River. started
for camp that night and arrived there at m fhat
day we moved camp and went down the Columbia
River TO the mouth Of the Yakima River, distance OF
about 40 miles, Here five companies OF US crossed
over the Columbia into the Yakima country-the other
four companies went down the east side OF the Co.
lumba to the Walla Waa valley, TO hold the country
till such time the United States troops should take
the field.
We intend returning to the Dales through the Yaki.
ma country. We have been compelled to live on horse
beef for the last fifteen days. and but very little -four
coffee or sugar. We have had to leave great many
of oui horses account of their giving out, and what
we have are very poor and weak. We are lying by
at present to Craze horses and get supplies. We
viii move camp in two or three days.
believe, under the circumstances We have done all
that could have been DONE We have penetrated the
Indian country-we have driven them from their coun-
try end of course driven them from their homes and in
our present condition it is folly to pursue them further
as they know the country and we do not, and can
keen ont of our way. We have guide-we have
not man with us that knows about the country, and
our horses are too poor and weak, and our men TOO
badly fed to follow them with any hope of success.
know that we have not done much the people of
the valley expected of u.s. and if they not satisfied
with what we have done, want all such men to come
and try it themselves elk months as we have had 70,
and think they will be satisfied The regiment is in
fine health and boys that with me are all anx.
ious to give the red devils good whipping before they
return home.
LATEST FROM THE CAscADEs:-we learn from J.
O'Neil who is Just over from Vancouver, that news
came down yesterday that 1000 Indians were ap-
preaching upon the Daes from the north, and were
within ten miles Of that place. Also that Mr.; Pear,
son. the mountain expressman had followed the trail
of the Indians, who were defeated at the Cascades,
some ten miles toward the Daes. There Is no doubt,
therefore, but that those Indians who destroyed the
Cascades have gone back TO the main body OF kam-
adkins commsnd. lOregonian, April 5.