The Washington union., 1858-03-02
WASHINGTON TERRITORY.

Our advices from Washington up to the 2Sth of
january at which time there appears to have been great
reference of the United States army officers at Fort Sei
to prevent the execution of Lsch the Indian chief
convicted Of murder and sentenced by the supreme court
to be hung the 22d of January. Lesch had been
confined at Fort Steacoom in the guard house for more
than year past having been found guilty of the murder
of Col Noses the former inspector of customs, and it
supposed that his execution would take place at the fort
petition signed by the friends of Lsch had been pre-
sented to the governor requesting his pardon
STRANGE also had been sent to the by the citizens
of the Territory against the petition and praying that
the decision of the supreme court be confirmed. Gov.
McMullin decided not to interfere with the of
justice, and the warrant for the execution duly
issued.
appears that the United States commissioner Batch
eldor sutter at Fort Seilacoom issued warrant against
the sheriff and his deputy the charge Of selling whskey
to the Indians, under which they, the day set apart
for the execution of Lesch arrested and prevented
from carrying the sentence of the court into effect The
warrant for arrest issued the testimony of
Indian
The greatest indignation prevailed among the citizens
who believing that all the officers at Fort Stelacoom,
with single exception, parties to the transaction
hung in efigy the commanding officer Lieut. Col Casey
The territorial legislature on the following day passed an
act authorizing the supreme court to appoint another
time for the execution of the murderer Leschi.
On the 9th Of January the legislative assembly passed
resolutions strongly condemnatory of the conduct Of
tain United States officers stationed at Fort Walla Wala
in driving off certain American citizens from their claims
under pretencc that the said claims located in In
dian territory.
On the 18th OF January resolution passed tender
ing the unqualified thanks of the legislature Of Washing
ton to Governor Curry, of Oregon Territory, for the
able manly, and truthful defence made by him in his
last annual message to the legislature of Oregon
ing the late volunteer organizations of the two Terrific
res as opposed to the hostile movements of the Indians
in the field against citizens and that the opinions
entertained by the executive of Oregon concerning Gen
Wool and all other aders and aettors who sympahzed
with his opinions and movements hereby endorsed
by this legislature and that the entire past volunteer
organization of both Territories has the thanks of this
legislature for the services performed by them"
The winter had been very pleasant but little snow
had fallen and at the last accounts the weather
usually mild Our correspondent writes that he has not
this winter any Ice thicker than common window
glass
Governor Douglas of Vancouvcrs Island has issued
proclamation forbidding all persons from digging gold
within the British territory in the vicinity of Frazer
river Thompsons river and the djacent country, with
out first obtaining license from him at Victoria, Van
couvers Island, and a trespasses that they will
be prosecuted both crimnay and cvilly the law al
lows The cost of license Is twenty shillings ster
ling and will designate the place where and the amount
of land the holder of the license is cntitle to dig
II is understood that the gold mines in the vicinity of
Fort Colvile paying well, and that the mines Of
Washington Territory be too easily and proftably
worked to render IL necessary for citizens to go
the boundary into the British possessions and be obliged
to obtain licenses of Gov. Douglas
The business Of the Territory increases rapidly and il
il anticipated that the coming will begin to de-
veop some of the vast resources of the country.