, 1882-03-11
So 90 PER YEAR

oi thc soiuieIs unuet tucil comH11oo.
They did their duty bravely and we'll dur.
ing those four trying days Of battle. To
I'd Maj. Chinn, who took charge Of the
companies in the bush BY the river, credit
is due for his bravery and skill Also to
Asst Adjt Monroe Atkinson for his et6-
cheney and zeal as well in the field - in
the camp. And here while giving to the
officers and men Of the regiment the
praise that is justly due, cannot omit
the name of Hon. Nathan Olney, although
he is not enc Of the volunteer Having
accompanied me in the capacity of Indian
agent, requested him to act - my aid,
on account of his admitted skill in Indian
warfare, and to his wisdom in council and
daring courage on the field Of battle, An
much indebted, and shall ever appreciate
his worth.
Companies d and E having arrived from
Fort Henrietta on the evening Of the 10th.
the next morning followed with all the
available troops along the Nex Percs's
trail in pursuit of the Indiana On Mil
Creek, about u miles from here, We
passed through their village numbering
l96 fires, which had been deserted the
night before Much of their provisions
was scattered by the wayside, indicating
that they had fled in great haste to the
north. We pursued them until it was
too dark to follow tho track Of their
horses, when We csmped on Coppei creek.
Ga the 18th We continued the pursuit un-
til We passed some distance beyond the
station of Brooke, Noble and Bumford on
the Touchet, when We found the chase wss
in vain, as many of our horses were com.
pletely broken down and the men on foot.
We therefore returned and arrived in
camp on yesterday evening with about
100 head of cattle which the Indiana left
scattered along the trail in their fight.
On the llth, while in pursuit of the
enemy, received a letter from Narcisss
Raymond by the hands of Tin-tin-metzy,
a friendly chief, (Which | enclose) asking
our protection of the Wrench and friendly
Indians under his charge.
On The morning of the 18th ! dis
patched Captain Cornoyer with his CON-
pany to their reiief Mr.. Olney, who Ac-
companied them, returned to camp this
evening, and reports that Capt. CornOyer
viii return to- morrow with Mr. Raymond
and his people, who now feel greatly re-
lieved from their critical situation. MIR.
Olney learned from these friendly Indians
what We before strongly believed, that
the Palouses, Walla Wallas, Umatillas,
Cayuses, and Stock whitley's band of
De Shutes Indians, were all engaged in
the battle on tie Walla Walla. These
Indians also informed Mr.. Olney that
after the battle. the Palouses, Walla
Walks and Umatillas have gone partly to
the Grand Ronde and partly to the coun-
try of IL, Nez Pernes, and Stock Whit
ley, disgusted with the manner in which
the Cayuses fought il the battle, mas
abandoned them and gone to the Yakima
country to join his forces with those of
Kamiakin We have now the undispated
possession of the country south Of Snake
river, and would suggest the propraty
Of retaining this possession until sS
time as it can be occupied by the regul,
troops. The Indians have left much d
their stock behind, which will doobtlesA
be lost to us if We go away. The troops
here will not be In a situation for some
time to go to the Paiouse country, as our
horses at present are too much jaded to
endure the journey, and We have no boats
10 cross Snake river, no timber TO make
them nearer than this place but would
suggest the propriety Of following up the
Indians with all possible speed, now that
their hopes are blighted and their spirits
are broken Unless this is done they
Will perhaps rally again
To day received letter from Gov.
Stevens, dated yesterday. which l enclose.
You will perceive that he is In favor Of
vigorous prosecution of the war. With
his views frlly concur.
must earnestly ask that supplies may
be sent forward TO us without delay. For
the last three days none CT the volun-
teens, except the two companies from
Fort Henrietta, have had any -four
None IS here, and but little at that post
We are NOW living on beef and potatoes
which are found ea cache, and the men
are becoming much discontented with
this mode Of living. Clothing for the
men is much needed as the winter sp-
proaches. Tomorrow we will remove to
a more suitable point, where grass can be
obtained in greater abundance for our
worn-out horses. A place hes been Sc
Iected about two miles above Whitman
station, on the same fnortb) side OF the
walla Walla, consequently will abandon
this fort, named in honor of Capt. Ben
nett Of Co. F, who now sleeps beneath its
stockade, and whose career Of usefulness
aud bravery was hers SO sadly but nobly
closed
Very respectfully your ob't serv't,
JAMES K. KELLY,
Lieut. Col Cong Left Col
| certify the foregoing to be . copy
from the original on file in my Office.
W. II. FARRAR.
Adj't Of Reg't. o. n "
OREGON ExPoKTs.-The valne Of the for