, 1856-02-29

! lnH!ahS can never recover from the defeat
= they at that time encountered. More
troops are being sent into the field by Gov.
Curry, and | have the assurance Of that
gentleman, that he will cordially cooperate
with the Washington volunteers from the
. Columbia river. | have ordered three
commpanes of volunteers to be raised in
The Columbia valley for operations east of
the Cascade mountains, with ample sup
plies and transportation. The regular
troops concentrated at Vancouver. and the
DalLes will, it is hoped, tako the field at an
early day With the combined forces
which will act in concert cast of the Cas-
cadc mountains, and the known bravery of
our troops, there cannot he q shadow of
doubt as to the result. In short period
Of time, in my opinion, the hostile Indians
in that quarter will be totally annihilated
A military post viii be established at the
Yakima mission, which win elfectualy keep
in check the Indians in that quarter The
operations going on now will, believe, my
fellow-ciJizens, in very short time bring
peace to our distracted people. Much has
been done in short time past our citi-
zens have freely furnished oil the supplies
they could upon the credit of the govern
ment volunteer companies have been
raised aud are now in the field, with ample
supplies for their subsistence; the war will
be.carricd on vigorously; the enemy must
and shall be punished they must surrens
der Internationally, and throw themselves
upon the justice aud mercy Of the govern
ment. TGese men, who so wantonly vio
late their plighted faith, must meet with
that punishment they so richly deserve.
When left Wallawalla council to pro-
ceed to the scene of my abors in the Black
foot country, the most cordial assurances
were given me by the chiefs of the different
tribes at the council Much JOY and salts
faction was expressed by Kamiakin, Pcu-
peu-mox-mox, the Young Chief, Stickus
and Lawyer Renewed assurances of the
utmost good will were made by them at the
time Of our parting. Then, fellow-citizens,
what were my feelings, when at Fort Ben
ton concluding treaties with the Blackfeet
and other tribes of Indians, to learn that
open hostiities had broken out near my
home ? My feelings were reused 1 felt,
and who would not, indignant at the peril
dy and treachery which had been endisplayed
by these Indians. / felt in my heart as
though the last ono of them shonld be
taken from the face of the earth. Upon.
the receipt of the news of war having bro
ken out, l immediately prepared to return
where knew my duty called me-honie.
The people Of the Territory were in danger,
and knew my duty could be nowhere but
in their midst. turned my face again to-
the west My course was plain. With
twenty-five brave, stout hearts, the perillous
Journey was commenced l did not know
how many Indians had Joined in hostilities
against the whites The Bitter Root and
other mountains covered with snow had to
be crossed bands Of Indians that we sup
posed were hostile, had to be passed
Through, but our hearts never for moment
quailed - our course was honeward.- -
Crossing the Bitter Root, what was my
surprise to Rnd that large party offriend-
lily Nez Porces had preceded us, and had
! broken road through the deep snow, Civ
ling an easy passage to my little party.
Their dead horses were strewn all along the
lroad We pushed among the C@ur d
j Aleines and Spokanes, and thence crossed
over to the Nez Perez country to the house
of WIN. Craig, who had lived for seventeen
years amongst the Nez Perces. i there
learned the extent to which hostilities had
been carried / found the Spokanes, CGur
d. Aleines, Nez Perces and other tribes
still friendly. | Immediately pushed on,
being accompanied by large party .ol
friendly Nez Perces, who told me they
were ready and willing TO fight for me-
They had confidence in me, for l had told
them when they accompanied me to the
i Blockfoot council they should be protected,
and their property should not be molested
i They had been so projected, and now they
would protect me. soon after learned Of
the signal victory gained by the Oregon
\ volunteers on the Sth, 9th and 10th Of De-
ccmber, a victory Of which they may well
1 be proud arrived at my home soon af-
ter, and ever since that time have been
nnceasing in my efforts to- push this war to
its utmost tension, and shall contiule to do
SO until lasting peace is conqucred-until
the enemy are driven tolsue for an uncon-
4 ditional peace, and until the people are
I freed from the disasters which have befallen
them Then / shall consider that n great
end has been accomplished--tha have
done my duty towards the people Of the
Territory and the general government.
call upon tue young men to come Tor
! ward and enroll themselves-let companies
be formod-let every one put his shoulder
to the whecl-now is the time for united
I action. We Hust all be united--We must
i not be discouraged The gloom that for a
4 1while surrounded US has given way to sun
blight. We can nov see our way clear, and
by one united, vigorous effort on the part
Of our citizens, the dark shade which hangs
lover US will be lifted-soft peace will again
/, assume her sway, and all will be gadness
and sunshine. 1 feel confident that in a
very short time this war will be at an end.
The farmer can then return again to his
T.. a. I l. III ' 4Hatt ~ l