, 1856-03-28
IA, WASHINGTON TERRITORY, FRIDAY MARCH %, 1885,


to me, if rightly directed, ought to be Suili-
cient to bring to terms two hundred Indian
warriors. Capt. Keys, in his last report
received, says there are not quite two hun
dred in arms in that region.
Lieut.. Col. Casey has been directed to
prosecute the war with the greatest vigi-
lance and activity.
The gallant Capt. Swartwout, who goes
in the Massachusetts, Cammander-in-C Chief
Of the naval forces in the Sound will, am
assured, zealously, efficiently, and l trust
successfully cooperate with Col. Casey to
bring the war to a close.
In regard to the operations east Of the
Cascade mountains-if Governor Curry's
volunteers have not driven the friendly
Cayuses and the Nez Perces into the ranks
of the hostile tribes, and they should be
withdrawn from the Wala-walla country
l have great hopes that shall be able to
bring the Indians in that region to terms,
Notwithstanding the volunteers killed the
chief, Peu-peu-mox-mox, scalped him, cut
OF his ears and hands, as reported by vol
unieers, and sent them to their friends in
Oregon. All this, too, after he met them
under a flag Of truce, declaring he was
for peace, that he did not wish to fight, -
and that if any of his young men had done
wrong, he would make restitution while
he at the same time offered the volunteers
cattle for food. Such conduct may have
caused feelings difficult to overcome.
trust, however, 1 will be able to do it.
As soon as the war is terminated east
Of the Cascade mountains, l will be able
to send all my disposable force against the
Indians on Rogue river and Puget Sound.
1t is however due to truth to say, that at
no time were volunteers required, or in
any sense Of the term necessary for the de-
fense Of the inhabitants Of Oregon from
depredations or barbarities of Indians oc-
cupying the country east Of the Cascade
mountains Nor was there any circum-
stance to justify Governor Curry in send
ing bis troops from Oregon to Washington
territory to make war on the Wala-wallaS
from whom the Oregonians had no danger
whatever to apprehend On this subject
l would refer you to the report Of the sec
rotary Of war, dated the Sd Of December,
relating to the affairs of the army, in which
lie says, the department at this distance,
and in the absence Of more definite infor-
nation, especially in regard to the extent
Of the combination among the hostile
tribes, cannot judge what volunteer rein
forcement to the regular troops may be
necessary. This is matter which must
be necessarily left TO the military command
er in the department Of the Pacifc.'
At the conclusion of your communica-
ton you say, "it isdue to frankness that
should state, that have determined to
submit to the department the course taken
by the military authorities In. disbanding
the troops raised in Washington territory
for my relief. No effort was made, al
though the facts were presented both to
Major General Wool and Major Rains, to
send me assistance. The regular troops
were all withdrawn into. garrison, and /
was left to make my way the best l could
through tribes known to be hostile. It re-
mains yet to be seen whether the commis-
sioner selected by the president to make
treaties with Indians in the interior Of the
continent is to be ignored, and his safety
left TO chance"
In your "frankness " and determination
to represent me to the department, trust
you will be governed by truth and truth
only. Perhaps it is equally due to frank
ness on my part to say, that your commu-
nication is the first that l have received in
relation TO yourself, or on ony subject what
ever touching the Indian war, from any
civil functionary either in Washington or
Oregon territories, and l have received but
one from the military, and that was from
Col. Nesmith, who requested me to furnish
him with two howitzers which refused
have only to add that l disbanded nc
troops raised for your relief; and your com
munication gave me the FIRST intelligence
that auy were raised for such purpose.
am, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
[Signed, JOHN Z. WOOL,
Major General