Year: 1860

FORT WALLA WALLA,


WASHINGTON TERRITORY, Nov. s, 1860 {


The command of Capt Dent, z. s. A has lust reached
this point from the late Indian massacre
Fort Boise, bringing with him twelve men women and
children, who have been rescued from this massacre
which has been of the saddet which has ever occur
red on the emigrant route


These wreched creatures found almost naked and
eating the dead bodies of those had been
and IN one case eating the head of that had been
buried for ten days. The party numbered fortyfour
souls out of which twenynine were massacred and ff
teen saved They had moved from Wisconsin up to Fort
null %here they received an escort of dragoons who
guarded them to near Salmon Falls Snake river when
the dragons turning back they left alone for 500
miles, when they expected to reach Walla Wala W t.
Near Fort Boise they attacked by from $50 to 200
Snake Indians


They fought for two days, when finding their men fall
ing, they abandoned everything and fed for their ive
The next day they by smoke that their train had
been destroyed. They moved for several miles on
FOOT the mothers many them carving their infants at
their breasts until they small creed lined with
berries where they had remained five weeks until the
troops found them Two men had made their escape
ana gave the information upon which Colonel Wright
ordered out troops to their relief.


The troops moved rapidly, and when they came up
with the emgants it is said that the heart of every
soldier moved at the sadest spectacle that humanity
ever witnessed. The poor people, men, women and
children bowed themselves the sand desert where
they were found, and offered up solemn and fervent
prayer to God at their most miraculous escape and with
one feeling the soldiers swore vengeance against the
savages who have reduced this band Of emigrans to this
condition.


But the most horrible sight yet to be witnessed
They without food or clothing and had made shell
ers for themselves willows and grass and the in
fants that had been left after their mothers had been mas
sacred were eaten most ravenousy and lady two
OF her own children that had died starvation and af
dug up her husband and the troops found his
head roasting upon the fire when they reached them
Ihey said was not until starvation drove them to
that they could allow themselves be thus reduced IN
live upon humane flesh, and that too in putrid state
The women had been rayshed by the heish and
their naked dead bodies bore all the marks of horrible
brutality. When will our government take some action
to guard and protect emigrant roads Pacific
coast?


This last act calls for vengeance loud and deep. A
has also reached here that the Fathead Indians
in the Bitter Root Valley had risen, and giving
great trouble at Fort Owen. Everything has been done
by Colonel Wright, the commander of this department
that humane and noble commander could do and uch
credit due the officers and troops Captain Dent
Tor their efficient aid and kindness to these emigrants-
Eeutenants Anderson and Reno, and Dr. Taylor United
states Army, the officers with the command, did every
tress. O fON Pop 80 Ni ''


Dody OF troops had been sent out from this post as
~ was supposed to bring in and protect any emgrants


at De left on the road but the troops returned
mere IN august without bringing in any emgrants We
can only trust that the government NAV take warning
from this and initiate such steps as to its
renee. -
8, c., Is declinino ranidlv