, 1865-05-05
]. II. LAsATER, Secretary. 7 :
LA GRANDE, OG'N, April 26th, 1856

EDS. STATESMAN In looking over the Daily
Oregonian of the 9th inst, l see it published
from rumor that fifteen men had been hung re-
Gently in Wala Walla Valley by the vigilance
committee of that place, and amongst the names
of those reported to have been hung, l see the
name of 'Joseph Pettis, which was probably
intended for me. -rrtr 9IrI0g :
Now, for the benefit of my family and friends,
wish to say that if the name referred to was
intended for me it is mistake, as said vigilance
committee have been so merciful and humane
to suffer me to be able at the present writing to
report myself in the land of the living.
And l wish to say through your columns, if
you will grant me the favor, for the benefit of
those who know no better, ii there be any
such, that am not thief or a robber; but that
have always tried to earn an honest living by
industry and attention to my own business. l
have lived number of years at the Orc Fino
mines. In fact have been there from the first
discovery of those mines until moved toWalla
Walla over year ago and during that time
have done business with great many different
persons and defy any one of them to say that
ever knowingly wronged him out of a quarter
of dollar, 1'
1t is true have bought a great many cattle
from different persons in Wala Walla Valley
many of whom | cannot now call by name, and
have always felt delicacy in asking such per-
sons whether they raised their cattle or stole
if l knew, or had good reason to believe that
any, person Offering property of any kind for
sale to me had not good title to the same, l
have always declined to purchase.
l understand since have been here that it is
reported that l harbored one CDR. Reed at my
place on Wild Horse Greek and furnished him
horse to escape on; but positively assert that
l have never had any dealings with said Reed,
and was only acquainted with him by reputation
when he came to my place and called for a meal
as any other person would do passing the road.
l did not furnish Reed horse and he did not
ask me for one.
also understand that it is charged against
me that something over a year ago while en-
gagged in the business of butcherng at Walla
Walla, | killed steer belonging to a Mr.. Tay-
lor, who was then in the same business, which
is true; but it was done through the mistake of
the herder and the mistake was recti6ed soon
afterwards r--- ,
Since left my home on Wild Horse creek,
am informed that a large number of persons
armed with deadly weapons came to my place
with hostile demonstrations and frightened my
wife and children and without provocation or
authority of law drove them out of doors and
seemed to be hunting for some one to add to the
list OF victims of their favorte system of legal
jurisprudence.
wish to know how long we are to have this
reign of terror in country where we have law
and officers to administer it, for if am to be
driven from my home, and my family turned out
of doors in the way that understand they have
been l should like to be excused from paying
taxes to support Government which claims to
be composed of law abiding citizens and pro
fesses to guarantee security of person ond prop
erty to them. i1 e
Yours &C, JOE, PETTY