, 1856-07-25
Letter from Major Planktlshlp.

. CAN'T ON Mill CAE-K. root OF Blue MOUNTAINS
July Il, ls56.
FRIEND WMEY-One month has elapsed
since we left the Sound for the east side Of
the Cascades, and we now find ourselves at
the foot Of the Blue mountains, on the
bead waters of the Walla-walla river. y
Our journey has been rather pleasant Of
the two-more so than could have been
expected. But the objects of our search
have fed in all directions, and left US their
old trails and sign to follow without moles-
tation.
Our route was on the cmigrant or mill
tary road to the Yakima, thence down on
the south bank to the rapids below the
mouth Of the Sataps, where We left the
Yakima and crossed the divide to the Co
lumbia, opposite the mouth Of the Una
tilla, thence up the Columbia to Walla-
walla, where We crossed the river on the
9th and 9th inst
So far we have met with no opposition,
and in fact have seen but little sign. The
boys succeeded in driving some Indians
from their canoes a short distance below
the, Fort, and by swimming part of the
river, obtained one Of them, which we of
terwards found that we could not have well
crossed the river without.
Our course from the Fort was up the
Walla-walla river 10 Whitmans station,
thence up Mill creek to our present camp.
We have seen no hostile Indians this
side of the Columbia. Where they have
gone, or where they are at present, is more
than we know From what information
we can gather, and Judging from the travel
on the trails which we have seen, they
must have divided and gone TO the Spo-
kan, Palous and eastern Cayuse country,
and have taken all Of their stock with
them.
Maj. Layton and Capt. Goff are in pur-
suit Of band on the head waters of John
Days river, but the result we have not
heard. Perhaps the express will get the
news on his way TO the Dalles. -
We met Lieut.. Col. Craig with one hun
dred and twenty Ncz Perce Indians near
Whitman's station. As we passed their
camp, they were formed, near our trail, in
a line, all mounted and dressed in their
uniform. As we passed, they fred a salute,
which was responded to with three hearty
cheers upon our part. Spotted Eagle, the
main chief with the band, sat upon his
horse, bearing aloft the stars and stripes,
and seemed to be proud in doing so.
In the afternoon Of the same day, they
passed our camp, and we returned the COM
pliment. Yesterday afternoon we met them
in council. They wished to know our
hearts, as they said, and wished to tell us
theirs Lieut.. Col. Shaw explained to
them the reasons why Gov. Stevens was
unable to meet them, and why the supplies
had not been forwarded sooner. All Of
these reasons, however, they seemed to au-
ticipatc, and were satisfied. They seem TO
have q decidedly friendly feeling towards
US, and wish it to remain SO.
The speech Of Spotted Eagle will en-
close to you. All the rest spoke in about
the same strain. If Ihave time l will copy
them all. The Colouel is making prepara-
tions to do all that is in his power If he
does not get fight with the hostiles. it
will not be the fault Of himself or men. If
anything should transpire, 1 will inform
you as early as possible.
- - Most respectfully yours,
tttf.r n n Rt.SvrNeu,p