, 1858-08-13
Letter from w. ii. Pearson.

Letter from w. ii. Pearson.
FoRT SmcoE, W. T.,
july 80, 1858.
Ny DEAR SIR Since l left Seattle,
have had many little turns to make, and
have finally turned up at this post-having
turned my back upon the Shushwop mines,
for the time being. Listen to my story /;
it is not q sad one, but laughable and
annoying
Myself and party-82 whites-arrived
on the Upper Wenatchee without the loss
of man or beast, although 1 learned that
trap had been set for us. This information
was from q reliable source, and l believed
| it to be true, and am now confirmed in
what was told by friendly Indians. Un-
Outstanding Indian character, dispatched
Patwinah for Ouhi's headquarters with
my words and heart, for one only good
and straight talk" 1t was some time be-
fore the messenger returned. / knew that
delays were dangerous and told the men
that we must either fortify, 10 save our
selves, or move on and fight our way
through. The majority carried for sure
thing, and we commenced work, and l
mounted horse with the intention of pro-
ceeding Immediately to Fort SimcOe for a
reinforcement. ....
had not been gone but q short time,
when Patwinah," with three sub-chiefs
returned to the camp with an invitation
from Ouhi and chiefs, to visit their village.
l was now satisfied that could manage
them, and told the party that on the next
day we would move on towards the mines.
We arrived within Eve miles Of the viii
lage, and by Ouhi's request, we stopped
and camped The council was now to
commence -" Qualchine," (Ouhi's SOM
the bravest of the brave -" Skaloom," ;"
and suit, Tee-wis-skilikin," and followers
all armed, and finely mounted - the
chiefs riding in the advance, and their men
following. They came to a halt in front OF
us, and seemed to look upon us with disdain.
l went forward to meet them = offered
them my hand, telling them | was for peace,
and had but one object at heart. Ska
loom said that he did not now know my
heart, for it had been long time since he
had seen me. "Qualchin " left his line
and rode up along ours-inspecting our
party, arms and position. knew his OBJ
jcct, and was determined to use discretion
for the position we occupied amongst them
would have resulted badly, if we did not
act quickly, one way or another. Fight,
or make peace were the only chances. II
had said peace, and intended that they
should be the aggressors. "Qualchin ,"
and "Skaloom laid their complaints be-
fore me, and l told them would do all
that l could for them. They said they
were glad they had found one white man
of their own hearts, and hoped that had
the influence with the whites that they had
with the Indians. / gave them to under
stand that had been FOR peace or war J;
but my heart was now good towards them,
and SO was the hearts Of my party. They
were incredulous, and told me repeatedly
to remember what was saying that day
to them-that they were listening to me,
aud if l did not deceive them, that should
have a voice in their councils, and that
they would abide by my decision
They left that night after ordering sup
per, and foasting to their hearts content
then bade me good night" They were
trying me.
Next day, by their request, l was to
visit the father and counsellor Of the Young
braves and warriors, and convince them Of
the fact that we were not afraid of them,
and to show them that l had influence
amongst or with my party. Morning came,
and with it came messenger from 0ubIs
headquarters, with an invitation to visit
him and his people. knew that had a
fine part to play, and l asked Judge YAM.
tbs and Mr.. ATKINS, q gentleman from
California, to accompany me- laid down
my arms, and we mounted our horses
1.-THE Judge carrying pistol concealed un-
der his shirt.) asked Mr.. ATKINS if he
was armed. He gave negative reply,
and wanted to know if thought every
thing was on the I" dead square" l laugh
cd at him. along the road, and told him
that understood them, and was willing to
risk the chances.
Arrived at the chiefs lodge, we were re-
ceived by the rules Of Indian etiquette. We
were now in the presence Of Ouh and his
warriors The pipe Of peace was passed
around, aud the council commenced
Ouhi speaking first. 1t was for peace,
and peace we should have, and 60 TO the
mines unmolested Ouhi was to open the
road for my party to pass through safe,
and was to return with bis words 10 Ft
Simcoe, with " Qualchin and his war