East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1918-09-19

Taking 100 men with ten Gays ra-
tions he started over the Blue moun-
tains by night by a secret trail with
Captain John, the Nez Perce, as
guide. intending to fail upon the hos
tiles unexpectedly in their safe re-
treat.
The range was crossed without in
cident in quick time and on the even-
ing of July 16 the volunteers camped
on what is now the site of Summer
Vile, in the northern extremity of
Grand Ronde valley. on the MORN
ing of July II the command started
southwark along the emigrant trai
leading toward the crossing of the
Grand Ronde river near the present
site of La Grande.
While riding in advance of the main
command Colonel Shaw, in company
with Major Maxon. Michael March,
mean. Captain John and DIR. Burns,
first sighted the Indian village about
ten miles from the last camping place
of the volunteers. about o'clock in
the morning, and immediately the
command was formed in line of bat
tie and advanced cautiously upon the
village, which was deserted. How
ever. only a short distance away on
the low lands of the river bottom the
large company of fleeing squaws and
children with pack horses. was sight
ed, and upon arriving upon the brow
Of a slight hill the volunteers saw the
main body of warriors, 800 in mum
Der, riding through the brush on the
river banks in battle array.
One hundred and ffffv man Of the
company of volunteers were in the
force which was to, attack the war
riors. forty men in command Of Cap /
tain Williams, now of Union, Oregon.
being left behind the main force in |
charge of the pack animals and com.
Story of the Battle.
As Colonel Shaw stood beside me
upon the battle-ground recently, aft /
er We had reared a rough stone mon-
lment to mark the spot, he talked
most entertainingly of the engage
nent. He is yet a giant in stature,
being over six feet in height. with
'ugged face, showing something OF
he daring and determination which
Won the victory 81 years before.
In my command" he said, were
number of the most daring and ad-
'enturOus men ever brought together
n any country They were always
eady for any hazardous undertaking,
nd the more perlous 1t appeared the
nore zest they exhibited in the en7
agement. SO when we sighted the
indians on the river bottom. it was
18th difficulty that / prevented my
zen from charging them fiercely.
tut as the Indians made signs that
Dey wished to talk, sent Captain
ohn down TO meet them and learn
heir desires.
"As John approached the Indians
e saw that one carried white mans
alp upon a pole, and before John
,uld say dozen words to the war
ors they shouted to each other to
N him and half dozen Indians
ished after him IN an effort TO cut
m OF from my company.
AT sight of this hostile act, COM
itted under a white flag. also gave
e command to charge the warriors.
ID. with a shout which can yet
ar. in fancy1 my men dashed down
e hih ON a gallopf 20 atfnck the
intcd savaRes.
Fearing an ambush on the river.
NIX. I directed my command TO the
q Of the main body 81 warriors. in
e direction of the sauaws and pack
iin;i and the warriors Immediately
'ided. one body going to the sup
rt 81 the squaws and the other GO
3 straight Into the brush on the riv-
My command soon engaged those
Itch came TO defend their pack