, 1858-08-13
LETTER FROM W. II. PEARSON.
FoRr SmcoE, W. r., July 20, ls5s

70 ne Editor Of the Puget Sound Herald
Since leaving Seattle, have had many little
turns to make, and finally have turned up at this
post having turned my back on the Shuswap
mines for the time being. Listen to my story:
II is not sad one, but laughable and annoying.
But discretion told me that il must be so. and
party Cs2 whites) arrivedcn the upper weenatcha
without single loss Of man or beast. Though
! had been told that trap had been set for us.
1t was from 4 reliable source, and believed it 10
be true, and am now confident in What was told
by friendly Indians understanding Indian char.
Scter. dispatched Patwinah for 0uhi's head
quarters with my words and heart one only good
and one straight talk. II was some time before
the messenger returned KNEW that delays were
dangerous, and I told the men VIC must Iortify to
save ourselves, or move on and fight our way
through. Tho majority carried for a sure thing,
and We commenced work, and mounted horse
with the intention Of proceeding Immediately to
Fort Simcoo for a reinforcement | had not been
gone but short time when Patwinah with three
sub chiefs returned to the camp, with an invita-.
ton from 0uhi aud chiefs to visit their village.
] was now satisfied that could manage them,
and told the party that on the next day We would
move on towards the mines When we arrived
within Ave miles Of the village, by Ouhi's request
We stopped and campcd The council was now
tocommenee; Qualchin, (0uhi's SOM the bravest
Of the brave, SkaloOm and suite, Tu-wis Shilikan
and followers, all armed and finely mounted, the
chiefs riding in the advance and their men fol-
lowing. They came to halt In front Of Us, and
seemed TO look upon our party with distain. ]
went forward to meet them, offered them my
hand, told them was for peacr, and had but
one object at heart SkaloOm said that he did
not now know my heart, for il had been some
time since he had seen me. Ouhi's son DUAL
CHM left his line and rode up along ours, in
specting our party, arms, and position. know
his object, and was determined to use discre-
ton; for the position that wo occupied among
them would result badly if we did not act
quickly one way or tho other. Fight or make
peace was tho only chance had said peace,
and intended they should bo tho aggressors.
Qualchin and Skaloom laid their complaints
l could for them. They said they were glad
they had found ono white man Of their own
hearts, and hoped that had the influence with
the whites that they had with the Indians.
gave them to understand that had, for peace or
war; but my heart was now good towards them,
and so was my party. They were incrcdulOus,
and told mo repeatedly to remember what | was
saying that day to them; that they were listen
ing 70 me, and, II did not deceive them, that
should have voice in their councils, and that
they would abide by my decision. They LEFT
that night After ordering supper, and ieasting
to their hearts content they bid me good night.
They were trying me. sas Z. ~.
Next day Twas by their request TO visit the
father and councillor Of the young brave and
warrior, and convince them Of the fact that I
was not afraid Of them, and to show them that
! had influence among or with my party
Morning came, and with It came messenger
from 0uhi's headquarters, with an invitation to
visit him and his people. knew that had a
fine part TO play, and l asked Judge Yantis and
Mr.. Atkins q gentleman from California; to &C.
company me. l laid down my arms, and we
mounted our horses; the Judge carrying pis
tol concealed under his overshirt asked Mr..
Atkins Il he was armed; he gave me q negative
answer, and wanted to know Il thOughtit was
on the dead square. laughed at him along the
road, and told him that understood them, and
was willing to risk the chances Having arrived
at the chief'slOdgeswe were received by the rules