, 1860-05-18

and with but one exception, in the Terri
tory Of Oregon, deny those charges. The
commission instituted by government dis
credits entirely those charges. The special
agents of the government sent out TO that
coast for the express purpose Of inquiring
into Indian affairs, scout at those charges,
and declare them monstrous and absurd.
We have, upon one side, Gen. Wool and
some one or two officers, aud, upon the
other side, the entire population Of the two
Territories, and public fnnctionares in all
branches of the public service, many Of
them strangers to the country and entirely
disinterested. More than this, Gen. Wool's
own reports afford internal evidence that
those charges cannot possibly be true He
admits that in the Territory of Washington
many thousands of friendly Indians were
cared for, fed and protected, during this
Indian war. Now, under whose charge
were they? They were under the charge
of the very Territorial executive whom
Gen. Wool denounces as an Indian exter-
minator, and holds up TO the public as one
who did not want the war brought TO q
conclusion; for the executive of Washing
ton was also superintendent Of Indian affairs.
Now, it is obvions-eyery man of this COM
mittee secs it-that the authority which,
through disaffection upon the part Of the
Indians, and great suffering and exaspera-
ton upon the part Of the white people, did
protect, care for, quiet, and make entirely
friendly, thousands of Indians, could not
have been an authority in favor of extermi-
mating the Indians, and of prolonging the
war
Let us turn now to the origin of the war.
Our population was population Of families,
who for the most part had made their way
over the plains, and with great toll and
suffering, and at great expense, had estab-
llshed homes upon the western Shore
Their interests were peace they were
looking to the increase of population, the
enhancement in the value of property, and
especially to an overland emigration
Nothing did they desire so much as peace /;
nothing did they deplore so much as the
prospect of war. The war came upon them
like a thunderbolt. Every one was dis
posed.to discredit the many rumors which
obtained in that country months before the
war broke out, that hostiities were proba
BILE. They had few or no private arms.
Our miners passing through the Yakima
country, some twenty in number, we're
killed, and the regular troops under Major
Haller defeated The massacres in south.
ern Oregon and on White river closely fol-
lowed. Volunteers came into the service
in consequence Of the requisition Of Major
Rains, who called upon the executives Of
both Territories to furnish troops, the reg
ular force being deemed by him to be mad
equate. The defeat of Major Haler, and
the mOssacres in southern Oregon, on
White river, and Of the miners in the Yak
ina country, convinced all men, both Off
GERS Of the regular service and the Terrific
rial authorities, that general Iudan out
break was upon them, and that the most
prompt aud decisive course must be taken
to prevent infinite injury, and indeed the
entire wiping out Of the settlements.
Mr.. STANTON. Will you explain why
the volunteers were not mustered into the
regular service 7
Mr. STEVENS. l shall look to my friend
from Oregon Mr.. Stout to make the an
swer to this question to the committee, 50
far as Oregon is concerned. As regards
Washington Territory, the troops were
mustered into the regular service ut first ;
and not only this, but the regular officers
absolutely took the initiative, aud received
troops before the Territorial executive
could act, and then asked his approval
But as the danger increased, other compa-
MES were raised than those required by
Major Rains, some of which were mustered,
aud some of which were not mustered, into
the regular service. There were on the
Sound some five companies in oil mustered
into the regular service.
Mr.. OLIN. Will you explain this state
ment in your message to the Legislature
Whenever it is practicable expedent it is best
that volunteers should be mustered into the United
States service. IL should go TO the authorities at
home that endeavored to cooperate with the Tegu-
lar service. Bat there has been breach OF faith.
Troops mustered into service dsbanded In viola
ton Of positive understanding; and it is now proper
that the authorities Of this Territory should conduct
the movements Of their own troops cooperate with
the regulars when such operation can be effected.
therefore do not think the volunteers Of this Terri
tory should be mustered into the regular service.
ready to take the responsibility Of raising them
independent Of that service and 1t Is due TO the Terri
tory and to myself, that the reasons for assuming it
should go TO the President and the departments at
Washington"
Give all the circumstances in relation to
it.
Mr.. STEVENS. This statement can be
established by the most conclusive evidence.
When the war broke out was on the Mis-
souri, river, one of the commissioners to
make treaty with the Blackfeet and other
tribes Of Indians. The acting Governor of
Washington was exceedingly anxious about
my safety 1t was believed in the settle
ments, not only that the Yakimas who had
defeated Major Haler, were in arms, but
the Cayuses and the Walla-wallas and
even no confidence was placed in the Nez
Perces, the Spokanes, and the adjoining
tribes. There had been reports current for
two months previously, that my whole par
ty and myself had been cut of by these ln-
dans; and it was well known that would
deem it my duty to return home through
the country occupied by these hostile