The Portland daily press., 1877-06-20
THE INDIANS.
The Outbreak in Idaho and Ore
g0n.
A Company Of Soldiers Surrounded
and Gut to Pieces.
Indians MaSsacreing Women and
Children,
THE INDIANS.

SAN FRANCISCO, June 19.-The following
particulars have been received of the Indian
outbreak in Idaho and Oregon: News was re-
ceived at Lewiston, Idaho, on Friday, that
party OF Salmon,riyer Indians and Joseph's
band had assembled on the Camas prairie, and
that four whites had been killed on Salmon
river near the mouth of White Bird river The
Indians attacked the settlers on the Camas
prairie and killed Benz. Norton, his wife and
two or three other persons. They attacked all
the teamsters on the road and took possession
of the whole prairie with the exception of the
town of Mount Idaho, which they threatened.
On Friday evening force of 100 troops with
two friendly Indians and several citizens left
thetLapmai garrison under command of Col
Perry tor Mount Idaho. Soon afterwards news
was received that Capt. James Baker, Samuel
Benedict and wife, and three or four children
with Harry Mason, Henry Eifere and War
rens, eXpressman had been killed on Salmon
river, also that pack train had been attacked
near Cold Spring and two whites named DAY.
export and Onsley killed. Two half breed In
dams escaped A despatch came through to
Lewiston to the effect that Col. Perry reached
Mount Idaho Saturday morning and found the
reports of the Strengthening of the whites true
that the Indians had gone to Salmon river and
that the troops were in pursuit Messages
from Kamakoi brought by an Indian runner to
the agency state that 30 whites had been killed
and that the whites had killed White Bird,
the chief of the band of hostles, together with
his family. Mr.. L. e. Mission has an organi-
cation of 90 men partly equipped for home
duty in case of emergency, Two companies of
infantry are expected at Lewiston by steamer
from Wallula tonight, and five companies of
cavalry from Walla Walla tomorrow There
are 800 Indians on Hagman'S creek, but there
are no hostlles there as yet.
LATER.
The troops with $50 citizens from Mount
Idaho encountered the Indians at the head of
White Bird canon. The troops dismounted
and left a few soldiers and twenty friendly H.
fire upon the troops and the fighting was con-
tinued for some time. The friendly Indians
became alarmed. The soldiers guarding the
horses could see that the Indians were getting
the best of the fight and that the soldiers were
retreating.. The captain of the party of clti-
known to have been killed. The whole OF the
horse guard, both Indians and whites, broke
and ran, some far into Idaho and some for
Lapmai, leaving the horses to run loose over
the prairie, those coming to Lapmai never
stopped till they reached the post.
Many houses on the prairie have been burn
ed. A soldier who reached the garrison at s
o'clock on the morning of the 18th, from the
fight, reported that the troops were on foot
and surrounded by Indians in the canon, and
in hand to hand fight Col. Perry and about
half OF the command are said to have been
kllleO. Lie reIndluuer were surrounded and
fighting against odds when the informa mt
left
The Indians engaged in the fight are nom
treaty Nez Perces. They, together with other
disaffected tribes, number about 200 effective
warriors. There is general uprising of saw
ages and the whole country is wild with alarm.
The Indians are massacreing women and
children on the Comas prairie and the settlers
are fleeing in all directions for safety. Gen.
Howard is now at Lewiston, but is powerless,
owing to inadequate military forces. Troops
have been ordered from a number of posts in
the department and will soon be on the way to
the scene of the disturbance.
Gen. Mcdowell, commanding the division of
the Pacific, has been telegraphed to for the
speedy assistance demanded. Further san
culinary details are expected at Lewiston. Gov.
Chadwick has been applied to for arms.