New-York daily tribune., 1858-07-23
THE OREGON WAR.
COL. STEPTOES OFFICIAL REPORT
FoRT WALLA WALLA, May %, 1855

FoRT WALLA WALLA, May 23 1888.
MAJOR: On the I'd inst informed you Of my nten-
ton TO move rorthwsId with q part Of my command.
Accordingly the 18th left here with companies c.
and II, lat dragons, and T., 9th infantIy-in al !,
five companies, officers, and lj2 enlisted men. Hear
ing that the hostile Pelouses near AL pow-owwe
in the NeZ Perces land, l moved to that point, and
was ferred across snake River by Timothy, Nez
Perces Chief. The enemy fed toward the north and
/ followed leisurey on the road to Covle. On Sun
day morning. the 10th, when the To hos- nj me-
in the Spokane country, found ourselves suddenly
in the preeence of 900 200 Indians Of various
tribes-SpOkanes, Pelouses, CGur dAlenes, Yskimas
and some others-sn armed, painted and defiant. 1
moved slowly on until jus. about to enter ravine that
wound along the basis Of several hills which we're oil
crowned by the excited savsgee. Perceiving that il
their purpose TO attack in this dangerous place
turned aside and encamped yet the whole wild
nenzied mass moving parallel to US, and by yells
taunts and menac<s apparently trying to drive to
some initlStory act OF violence. Towardbig num-
Der OF chiefs rode up TO talk with ne, and inquired
what were our motives TO this intrusion upon them.
answered we were passing 70 Colville and had no
hostie intentions toward the Spoksnes VINO had Al.
ways been our friends, nor toward any other tribes
who weie friendly; that my chief aim 10 coming 80
far was to see the Indians and white people at Col
vile, and by friendly discussion with both endesvor to
strengthen their good feelings for each other They
expressed themselves sst hed but would not consent
to LET me have canoes, without which it would be m-
possible to crss the Spokane River. concluded for
this rea<on n retrace my steps at once and the neIt
morning l1tb) turned my back oward this post. We
had not N arched three milss when the indians. who
had gathered on the hills adjoining the line OF march
the fight became general We lsbored under the
great disadvantage Of having TO defend the psck
tram While IN motion, and 10 q rolling country
peculiarly favorable 10 the Indian mode Of war.
iaTe. We had only small quantity OF ammunition
but IN ther excitement the soldiers would not bs re.
strained from firing il in the widest manner. Tney did
however, under the Leading Of their respective com.
mancers sustain We'll the reputation of the army for
hF Fnra apa ~. -
sntry and success. The difficult and dangerous duty
Q, fsokrg the column wac assigned to brevet Cspi.
Taylor ana Lieut.. Castor, 10 both Of whom il proved
stsl 1hs atter fen about Il clock, and the enemy
ICON amer charging formally upon ms company it fel
rack II confusion, and could not be rallied. About
hs an hour after tais, Capt Taylor was brought no
moftaDy wounded, upon which immediately took
possession OF convenient high. and halted. The fight
continued mere with unabeted activity, the Indisns
occupying boring lights, and working themselves
Along 70 pick OF our men. The wounded increased
IN number continually. Twice the eneny gave un-
raittakesble evidence Of design to carry our position
by aesault, and their number aud desperate courage
caused e 70 fear the serious TO US
IRON such a. attempt on their part. II was manifest
that tie css Of their officers ard comrades began 70
becoming discouraged and not to be relied ueoo
WIN coLhdence. Some Of them were recruits
but recently joined. Two Of the companies
mad musketoons, which were utterly worth
less in cor present condition; and whs. was
most alarming only two or three rounds of CARTRIDGES
itmated to some Of the men, and but few 70 aay Of
them. II vu plain that the enemy would give the
troops 10 rsst during the night, and they Would be
s iurtoer oisquslhed o- sout resistance on the NOR
row, while the number Of the enemy would csrtsinly
De Ircressed determined for these reasons 70 maks
icrced march 20 Snake River a5,ut egh,y.fve
nHes distant, and secure the canoes 10 ADVANCE Of
Ine Indisrs, who had eiresdy threatened 10 do the
same N regard 10 Us. After coIsulnp. with .ls Off.
cei'-al Of whom urged ne 70 the step a. the only
heans in their opnion o: securing tbe safety Of tbs
cor msnd-i concluded to absr6ou everyth.ng tb.,
nSsn, iSped- our mach. Accordingly, We -: oa:
about 10 3clock II ps,fsc,y socd oder lesv,p, .h
osscsi .-,ns.s t,t such ~ ID. 10 coz ii,i,n
q rsTsN Il, k,s s5 :tst sd SI,a deep $50 .sys