, 1856-01-18
Message Of the Governor Of Oregon.
sllStO- Citizens of he Council

and House of Representatives.:
In compliance with your request, have
the honor to transmit the papers accompa-
nying this communication. .0.
The territory is now engaged in the sup.
preston of Indian difficulties of very for
midable character, and in the punishment
Of atrocities more serious and melancholy
than all our previous sad experience of In
dian turpitude, which for the past five
years has brought its annual desolation
and sorrow to the homes and hearts of our
people.
Hostilities up on our northern frontiers
began with the murder Of Sub-Indan agent
Bolon and other citizens of Washington
territory, which was succeeded by the re-
pulse Of an inadequate force Of U. S. troops
sent into the Indian country for the pur-
pose of inilicting chastisement upon those
guilty of these outrages
Partly in answer to a requisition made
upon me for this district; and more partic-
ularly to effectually check and subdue the
imposing combination of tribes threatening
the security Of our settlers and their prop
erty in that quarter, | called upon my fel-
low citizens for ten companies Of volunteers,
which was responded to with the utmost
alaerity by the counties Of Multnomah,
Washington, Wasco, Clackamas, Yanhill,
Marion, Polk Benton aud Linn: each coun-
ty displaying commendable spirit Of rival
ry in promptly enrolling and sending its
company into the field; so that in less than
twenty-five days from the appearance Of
the proclamation, q regiment of mounted
men, armed, equipped and supplied, were
on our extreme northern frontier, and the
greater portion advancing to the possession
Of the enemies country. 7''iAm rh .
While engaged in placing this regiment
in the field, received intelligence of the
ineursion of hostile Indians into the settle
ments on our southern frontier and the
massacre Of numbers Of the inhabitants Of
that section, and the pillage and destruc-
tlon Of their property. a.l lr s.7sa 4l lia
In reply to solicitation for aid and pro-
lection, an immediate call was Edde for two
battallons of mounted volunteers for dis
tinet service in the southern part of the
territory, which was answered in the most
prompt and gratifying manner by Linn,
Lane, Umpqun, Douglass, Coos and Jack
son counties.
For greater efficiency these battalions
have since been formed into regiment.
For particulars respecting the organiza-
ton and operations of the volunteer force,
beg TO refer you to the accompanying pa
pers and the Adjutant Generals report,
which will be submitted. 9l f.rI
The zeal and gallAntry displayed by the
officers aud men Of both regiments deserve
the warmeSt commendation.
The territory has to deplore the loss of
many of her excellent citizens, who have
nobly fallen in her defence. Their memo
ries will be cherished in the hearts Of q
grateful and generous people. tol.i ..'
Indian massacres already constitute o
most melancholy chapter in the history of
Oregon, and it is most sincerely to be hop
ed that the recent painful occurrences may
be the mournful means Of obtaining an am
pie satisfaction for the past, and providing
an eGectual security against Indian perfdy
in the future.
l do most earnestly recommed rigor-
GUS continuance Of operations to punish and
subdue all hostile tribes of Indians on our
borders, to the utmost extent Of the means
and power Of the territory. ,;.,....4 .....i
The lives and property Of our citizens
should no more remain in jeopardy. It's
time that certain security wasafforded both
that the Indians upon our frontiers were
made to learn and respect our power. -o1
The punishment, of Indian aggression
should be speedy and complete. Defer
ment Is only provocative Of additional hos
Itility. 5s3.s'-.vsLt. ,rr a.'i 70 s7,d,ssm
The means Of maintaining our volunteer
forces in the field have thus far been pro-
vided by the generous confidence of our
patriotic fellow citizens. In view Of the
necessity Of perspicuity and correctness in
the rendition Of the, accounts Of those ex-
penses, | would suggest the propriety of
authorizing some suitable person to act as
commissioner for. their adjudIcation.l ID
The several departments have been ,di-
rected to make reports of official transac-
lions without delay On account Of the
exciting and urgent circumstances attend
ing the organization of tue SERVICE, the Mt
most capacity and efficiency may not have
been secured, in all cases, and l respectful
ly recommend Reorganization Of the vari-
Gus branches of the service, by means Of
legislative action, so as to ensure the most
thorough and complete efficiency.
Confidently pelying upon yonr patriotism
and ability, toladopt such measures as will
meet the exigency Of affairs and promote
the welfare and prosperity Of the territory,
l beg to assure You oflmy desire to afford
a most cordial cooperation ID. -,
GEO. L. CURRY
Territory Of Oregon, Executive o6fce, H
Salem Dec n, 1882 bod y
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