, 1856-07-04


stated by some Of the reports put in circu-
lation, but numbering, thieving set, who
were in the habit of waylaying on the road,
and robbing and killing, the unwary travel
er.
The Indians who were upon the reserva-
ton near Fl. Lime were under the care Of
ON agent who had done all in his power to
maintain friendly relations, and was ably
seconded by an able and gallant officer Of
the army, Capt. 4. j. Smith, in command
OF the fort A portion Of these Indians
have not since made war upon the whites,
and have not Joined the war party. The
bands which did not come into the peace
terms have been waging war ever since,
and Maj. Lupton was right in Furnishing
them. That was no just canse Of var.
Now, let me give you an idea Of the
character of these Indians; their mode Of
warfare, and their ability to cope with our
forces. Soon after the massacre Of our
people, on the 9Th or 9th of October, Capt
A. J. Smith, of the army, attacked the In
dians in their position, with about three
hundred and fifty men. The indians had
about the same number. He fought them
from daylight until dark, but was not able
TO dislodge them; and was at length oblig,
ed to fall back, leaving them in their posi-
tion; and the same Indians, with reinforce
mentS from other bands, have Sipce attack
ed the settlements and destroyed. many FAM
lilies; and they will contjRGe 10 do so until
they are met with Sufficient force to SUBJ
due them. That is>the only way to secure
peace with the Indians.
l will here read, for the information Of
the house, an extract from the New York
Tri6yAe, presentinga graphic, but truthful,
sketch of the condition of things existing
IN portion Of Oregon; and will ask the
apologists of general Wool, after reading
this whether it was provoked by the ag-
gressions of the whites and what plea they
sean offer in defense of the conduct of gen
eral Wool in leaving the territory, prey
to Indian rapacity and outrage? Under
stand me, sir, am not the accuser of Gen.
Wool. The people Of Oregon are his ac-
cusers. will not say that he stands in
the attitude Of Hastings when accused by
the people of India Of oppression and cor
ruption in Office; but will sayN that he
stands arraigned before the great tribunal
Of public opinion; and, as one who was
once his comrade in arms one who follow
ed where he led, l sincerely hope that no
severer verdict may be pronounced against
him than that he has committed an error
Of judgement But here is the extract:
Yesterday (Sunday morning we were
favored with the perusal Of letter written
by Robert Smith, settler up the coast, to
Mr.. Miller, living in the neighborhood of
Whaleshead, informing the latter that OIL
the 22d Of February, while William Hens
ly and Mr.. Nolan were driving some horses
toward Rogue river, two shots were fred
at them by the Pistol river Indians Mr..
Hensly had two of his fingers shot of, be-
sides receiving several buck-shot wounds in
the face. The horses fell into the hands of
the Indians.
The letter also contains request to
urge forward from Crescent city any volun-
teers that may have been enlisted.
From F. H. Pratt, Esq, a resident at
the mouth Of Rogue river, who arrived last
night in the schooner Gold Beach, we re-
ceiyed the startling news that the Indians
in that district have united with party of
the hostile Indians above, and commenced
q war of determination against the white
settlers.
The station at Big Bend, some fifteen
miles up the river having been abandoned
several weeks previous, the Indians made o
sudden attack on Saturday morning, Feb
rnary 23d, upon the farms about four miles
above the mouth, where some ten or twelve
men Of Capt. Poland's company of volun-
teers were encamped, the remainder of the
company being absent attending ball on
the 22d, at the mouth of Rogue river.
1.-THE Gght is stated 10 have lasted near
ly the whole Of Saturday, and but few of
the whites escaped to tell the story. The
farmers we're all killed.
1t is supposed there are now about
three hundred hostile Indians in the field
including those from Grave and Galaise
creek and the Big Meadows They are led
by Canada Indian, named EnoS, who was
formerly favoritc guide for Col. Fremont
in his expedition,
List Of Kikled-Captain Ben Wright,
II. Braun, L. W. Howe, Mr.. Wagner,
Barney Castle, George McClusky, Mr.. La
ra, W. R Tullus, Capt John Poland, Mr..
Smith, Mr. Seaman, Mr.. Warner, John
Geisell and three children, p. Mccullough,
S, Heidrick, Joseph Serroc and two sons.
" Besides three or four, names unknown,
Mrs. Geisell and daughter are prisoners, in
the hands of the Micano band Of Indians,
about eight miles up the river. DR.. NJ. c.
White escaped by jumping into Yuca creek,
and Secreting himself under pile of drift
wood, remaining there for an hour and
half, and until the Indians had given up the
search"
will say no moro upon this subject, but
begths house to pass this appropriation, SO
that it may go ont under the direction of
the president of the United States, for the
purpose of maintaining the friendly disposi-
tion which now exists among many Of the