The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1877-06-21
Indian War !!
MASSACRE OF SETTLERS ON
SALMON RIVER.
Twenty.asvsu Soldiers Killed and Miss
ing At White Bird Canyon.
TROOPS BREAK RANKS AND RUN AT
THE FIRST FIRE.

Last Tuesday morning the people
of the Lower Columbia were excited
by the startling intelligence of an In
dian outbreak on Salmon River, in
Western Idaho, near the eastern line
of Washington and Oregon. The
Lewiston Ieller's extra, received at
Wallula on the 9Th, says Thursdays
stage brought down the news that the
Indians, embracing Joseph's band and
the Salmon river Indians, were assem-
bled on Camas Prairie and were MAX
ing demonstrations of hostilities. Fri
day morning news came that Larry
OFT and three other white men had
been killed on Salmon River, near the
mouth of White Bird, and that the
settlers on Camas Prairie had become
so much alarmed that they were gath
ering at Mount Idaho and asking for
troops to come to their relief. No
troops were ordered upon the request.
About P. NJ. of Friday, an Indian
messenger came through to the agen.
cy with a letter from L. P. Brown,
ESQ.,, to the effect that the Indians
had made an attack upon the settlers
on the prairie; had killed Ben Nor
ton, shot his wife and broke both her
legs; shot Mr.. Moore through the hips;
had badly wounded Norton's son,
aged about II, and MORALLY wounded
Mr.. Day; had attacked all the teams
on the road and forced the men to
abandon them, and at the time of
writing had possession of Camas Prai-
RE, save Mount Idaho, and were
threatening an attack upon that town,
and demanded immediate aid to be
sent to their rescue. 1t stated that
the roads were blockaded by the In
dams, and urged the mail and express
not to start from Lewiston. Upon re-
ceipt of this letter orders were given
at the garrison that two companies of
cavalry be ready and start for the
scene of hostilities forthwith.
Later dispatches from the upper
country say that the trouble is much
worse than has been represented.
The people at Lewiston blame Gen
eral Howard and Agent Monteith, and
charge that important dispatches have
been suppressed. The first statement
to the effect that the outbreak was
the result of horse trade is also de-
MED. The dispatches also refer to an
engagement between 125 Indians and
the command of Capt. Perry, consist
ing of 100 troops and 20 friendly In
dians; but if the details are correct, it
would appear to be farce to dignity
such a massacre as an engagement.
One of the scouts who claims to have been
present at this slaughter of the troops says
that it took place at the foot of White Bird
Canyon, instead of the head; that on the
first fire of the Indians the soldiers broke
ranks and retreated and the officers could
not rally them to face the enemy; that the
indians pursued them about Is miles to j. NJ.
Crooks lane, firing constantly; that the In
dams had better guns and their aim was
deadly from the first; that there were about
l25 Indians in pursuit well mounted; that
after the fight the Indians had war dance
on the prairie; that he, with Keneford
brought dispatches through from Capt. Perry
to the post; that off the road about four miles
north of the Board House they were attacked
by five Indians just as the moon was going
down; that they entrenched themselves be.
hind some rocks and Keneford strengthen.
ing their position by firing his Henry rife
till he fired IS shots by the declining light of
the moon. At day break the Indians fell
back, carrying one of their number dead or
wounded, upon a horse. They came on
without further molestation.
We can hardly credit this account, - Capt
Perry has the reputation of being prudent
officer and . brave soldier The following
are the two latest dispatches:
FoRr LAPvAI, June 10th, o. ~
Capt. Perry reports Lieut.. Theller killed
in the action of the 18th inst. Sent Perry
ammunition under escort to Mount Idaho last
night and shall collect enough force to make
sure work before pushing. The final Indian
position is reported 10 the toughest possible
country between Little SALMON and Snake
rivers. The trails are single and steep
through deep canyons.
LEWISTON. ]. T., June 18th, via
WALLA WALLA w. 7, June 10th,
Thirty-two soldiers and thirty citissns
killed yesterday. Safe here; end 1000
Henry rife cartridges. Lieut. zhpllsr vas
Further news is looked for With great AK.
isty.
Rev Mr. Stuhhn res<or ~ <ha n