New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-10-21
THE OREGON INDIAN WAR.

~ n. Editor Of The n. y TribVss
SIR: Having been reque sted by several genemento
give detailed statement of the Border Rufhansm in
the Territory Of Oregon submit the following for
your columns.
A few months ago there was not paper in Oregon
which was not 80 far subservient TO the Slave Power
as to exclude free expression upon that subject. At
the same time il was secretly hoped, and by some
openly advocated, that Oregon should be organized
as State under the welknown proclwtes of its
present Representative in Washington. To resist such
attempts and TO maintain Constitutional freedom, Re-
publican party was formed in Southern Oregon, the
writer Of this was there nominated for the Legislature
When the open war commenced and determination
avowed regardless of age SEX of peaceful or war
Ike and scenes of rapine and cruelty-dssraceul to
eny age or nater-were being enacted could not but
apply the prDcplesof the platform upon which stood
10 the parties in conflict could not find any argu-
ment in reason or nature, why the Indian, placed as
he by the Great Father of ALL not equally with us
endowed with the right Of life, liberty and the pursuit
Of happiness.
And yet our people were treating them the prin-
ciple that Knight gives right" Men were all around
Boosting Of shooting them and svowing their intention
10 do 40 whenever they could with safety to them
selves and when retala;ory shot was received, or
white man killed the press teemed with exciting state
ments and urgent for veDgeance-the worst passions
being thus aroused and encouraged to outrage The
following are some among the many tragedies which
occurred: On Rogue River the Indians were assured
by certain men of peace and protection, purposey TO
put them off their guard. These same men came into
Jacksonville reported low they had arranged with
the Indians then immediately organized companies
with the intention of attacking different points by sur
prise but the organization was not completed when an
attack war made upon three ranches before
and thirty killed, fourteen of whom were women
and children. On another occasion party OF twenty
Indians were invited 10 eat on preiense OF making
treaty of peace, and while doing so, were surrounded
and shot Another time a wigwain was approaches
in the night fire put to its light material OF bark
and poles over its sleeping occupants; and as one
after anoher-part Dts and children scorhed and ter
rf,d fed for refuge, they were feed by the deadly
rihe little boy scarcely in his teens, was taken and
bung Another, employed as o muleteer and highly
esteemed by his employer was shot at as mark by
company While riding in his employers sevice
Another peacsable Indian anxious t,linprove and an
industrious aborer found 10 tho street ciuobed 10
death.
These, and hundreds of similar cases, were con-
santly coming TO my ears besides the gross outrases
committed on the females were horrible in the extreme
OF couse, the Indians were driven to desperation;
they had no alternative but 10 fight. Destruction and
not conquest was the oleot OF the assaants, and the
authorities made no effort iu behalf of justice and
peace. The good and peace.oving citizen were panic
stricken, while others who had influence sanctioned
the wrong A Methodist preacher of the Church
SCUM, earned round subscription paper to collect
iunds 10 pay $40 for each extra scalp and with an
other reverend brother forgetting their office as peace
makers eAhorted TO war. With the deep convictions
iet, and the platform espoused necessity compelled
me, though sngle-hsnded, to plead for the Indian as
fellow human and brother man. lp psiyate and pub
he rDd sy mgOment ann rcut6ustfancc to 4NIkol,
tetctiehilp favor OF n scs ao DE paSnS wssa 1ssEe
0ss p6 1855 etesy ksvss hsa pGDtcosiOu' hat'
treaty or no treaty. they would kill Indians, and
'CSctf SAa worto FAR roS IT," THUS things pro-