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FORT VANCOUVER IN 1855.
(From a drawing by Caplain Richard Covinglcn )

Legends and Traditions

-OF--

Northwesl History

--BY--
HON. GLENN N. RANCK
Author of "Pictures from Northwest History," "Letters from the
Philippines," Scenes from Washington History,"
"Dramatic Speeches and Scenes," etc.

Souvenir Edition
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS

'A people that take no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors
will never achieve anything worthy to be remembered by
remote descendants," — Macaulay.

American Printing and Stationery Company
903 Washington Street.
Vancouver, Washington, U. S. A

Among the many friends, living and dead, whose assist
ance has been of great help to the writer during the last twenty-
five years, we might mention the following: Col. B. F. Shaw,
the pioneer-warrior ; Judge Columbia Lancaster, the first dele
gate to Congress from Washington Territory; Captain Robert
Williams, hero of the Cascade Blockhouse ; Major Marshall R.
Hathaway, Adjutant-General of Washington and a member of
the Battle- Ground expedition; A. T. Coffee, the only surviving
member of that expedition ; his twin brother, A. L. Coffee,
also a member of the Clarke County Rangers; 0. M. Seward,
another member of that famous organization ; Phillip Christ,
who came to Vancouver with the first U. S. troops; Micheal
Damphoffer, Vancouver's oldest, living citizen, now in his 100th
year; descendants of Amos and Esther Short, and of Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Ough; Professor Hough, teacher and student
of history; the writer's father, Judge William Ranck, and
many other pioneer citizens of high character and unblem
ished integrity.

"And he shall see old planets pass and alien stars arise,
And give the gale his reckless sail in shadows of new skies.
He shr.ll desire loneliness, and his desire shall bring
Hard on his heels a thousand wheels, a. people and a king.
He shall come hack on his own track, and by his scarce cool camp,
There shall he meet the roaring street, the derrick and the stamp;
For ho must blaze a nation's ways, with hatchet and with brand,
Till on his last-won wilderness an empire's bulwarks stand."

Copyright Applied For
CriZ,

CONTENTS Page
1. Preface  7
2. Introduction and Appreciation  10
3. A Brief Historical Review  14
4. The Mariner 's Legend of Hope  16
5. The Coming of the Builders  19
6. An Historical Debating Society  23
7. Under the Greenwood Tree  26
8. Dedicating the Pacific Coast to Freedom  29
9. Raising the Banner of Freedom in the Northwest. ... 32
10. Legend of the Lost Galleons  35
11. The Silver Flagon  41
, 1 2. Chief Kessanah and the Waunamahs  43
13. The Ramparts of Old Fort Vancouver  46
14. Legend of the Apple Tree  51
15. Esther Short and the Redcoats   53
16. A Pioneer Witness Tree  61
17. Young Grant at -Fort Vancouver ¦  64
18. Hank Pearson 's Ride  65
19. The Castle on the Plains  69
20. Sheridan's First Battle-Ride  72
21. A Western Cromwell  74
22. A Jacksonian Democrat  77
23. Ballad of the Battle-Ground  80
24. The Old Harney House  87
25. Scenes from Washington History  90
26. Dramatic Speech of a Western Senator  96
27. Old Vancouver Seminary  101
28. A Pacific Coast Pocahontas  104
29. Clarke County in the Spanish War  Ill
30. A Romance of Old Manila  114
31. Clarke County and the Railroad Commission  118
32. A Typical Pioneer Family  121
33. A Barbara Frietchie of Vancouver Town  126
34. Pioneers and Builders of Clarke County  128
35. A Patriotic Toast  150

ILLUSTRATIONS

1. Frontispiece — Fort Vancouver in 1855
2. Map of Clarke County.
3. Abernethy 's Patriotic Speech.
4. The Old Stockade.
5. The Historic Apple Tree.
6. Pioneer Witness Tree.
7. Grant's Old Log-Quarters.
8. Another View of Grant's Quarters.
(Showing the rough-hewn logs.)
9. Cascade Blockhouse.
30. Colonel B. F. Shaw, the Hero of Grand Ronde.
11. A Scene on the Washougal River
12. Umtuxilla Falls.
13. The General Harney House.
14. Vancouver's Historic Banner.

PREFACE
It is highly desirable that the people of any State or
Nation should be familiar with its history. We take a just
pride in the settlement and early history of the United States.
The landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, the coming of the Puri
tans and Cavaliers, Catholics and Quakers, and the early
Colonial wars are known to all.
The "beginnings" of any State are always of absorbing
interest. This is especially true of Oregon and Washington.
Through our trackless forests roamed the dusky redman, the
swarthy French-Canadian, the reckless fur-trapper, the vent
uresome eourier-de-bois and other wandering "soldiers of
fortune." Adown our crystal streams floated the light canoe
of the French "voyageur, '' making the forests resound with
his boisterous mirth and musical chansons. Amid these
scenes of adventure and strife moved the somber frock of the
devout missionary — Roman Catholic and Protestant. Here
Fathers Blanchet and Brouillet, Jason Lee and Marcus Whit
man vied with each other in the spreading of the gospel.
And then came the pioneer, with his noble wife and his
children. His worldly possessions were few, but with his
indomitable resolve and ardent patriotism, he founded these
great sister-States and saved this region for the Union.
The history of the Pacific Northwest begins with the dis
covery of the Columbia River by an American sailor, Robert
Gray, on May 11, 1792. This was followed by other explora
tions on sea and land, including the famous expedition by
Lewis and Clark in 1805. Then came the fur traders and the
ill-fated attempt of John Jacob Astor to establish a trading
post at Astoria. On the other side the British spirit of ac
quisition was typified in that powerful organization, the
Hudson's Bay Company, which soon made its appearance upon
the scene The early missionaries came in the 30 's and the
first home builders in the 40 's. In 1818 the United States and
England signed the treaty of joint occupation. This treaty
was renewed every ten years until 1846, when it was abrogated

8 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
by a new treaty by which the Oregon Territory became an
undisputed part of the United States.
While waiting for the settlement of the boundary dispute
between the United States and England, the settlers of the
Oregon Territory organized a provisional government, with
George Abernethy as Governor. This lasted from 1845 to
1849, when the Territory was duly organized by act of Con
gress. The new Governor, General Joseph Lane, took the
oath of office on the last day of President Polk's administra
tion. Washington Territory was organized in 1853, Isaac I.
Stevens being the first Governor. Oregon was admitted to
statehood in 1859, and Washington in 1889.
Unti1 1853, the Oregon Territory included all of Oregon
and Washington and a part of Idaho.
The first Indian war in the Northwest began with the
Whitman massacer in 1847. Six years afterwards a short
campaign was carried on against the Indians of the Rogue
River Valley. In the winter of 1855-56 occurred the great
Indian uprising which lighted the Western hills with beacon
fires of burning log cabins from the lava beds of Klamath to
the blue shores of Puget Sound. This was the result of a
powerful coalition among the savage tribes, known as the
"Conspiracy of Kamiakin.'
The story of this great onslaught is replete with bloody
massacers and hard-fought battles. This terrible struggle
was a severe trial of the courage and fortitude of the early
settlers. It has left for us many thrilling traditions — a dra
matic story for every storm-swept crag, a tender legend for
every sun-lit vale. Shall we hear them?
This series of disconnected sketches is written with the
hope of awakening an interest in the hearts of all, especially
of the school children, in our long-neglected Northwest his
tory. A feeble attempt has been made to invest the scenes
with the same life and spirit with which they were enaeted.
It is hoped that these pages will not be found dull and color-
'fss to the reader. Indeed, to the sympathetic student any
account of the trials, hardships and the heroic deeds of our
gallant pioneer men and women, should never be found lack
ing in life or spirit.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY

Too much credit cannot be given our patriotic pioneers.
Leaving home and friends behind them, they traveled for
months across the desert plains, erected homes, schools, and
churches, "endured the hardships of Indian warfare, founded
three noble commonwealths, and fairly won this magnificent
domain for the Union.
To the writer the "short and simple annals" of the early
settlers — their strivings, their sufferings, their heroism, "their
homely joys and destiny obscure" are of entrancing, absorb
ing interest. He wishes to lay his faint but fervent tribute of
praise at their feet.
To the sturdy pioneer and his noble wife this little volume
is humblv and reverently dedicated.
GLENN N. RANCK.
Vancouver, Washington. January 1, 1914

10 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

INTRODUCTION AND APPRECIATION
(Note — Proffessor Hough, the writer of this introduction, taught
school in Vancouver thirty years, and was for many years principal of
the Vancouver High School. A quarter of a century ago he was the
beloved school teacher of the author of this work. GLENN N. RANCK.)
History furnishes a fascinating topic for both the author
and the reader. In special fields of historic research no writer
has a more important task, or a labor more interesting and
fruitful, than he who collects, records, and embelishes the
memories, the experiences, the traditions and legends of pion
eers in any extended region.
This is especially true of the historic birth of the Pacific
Northwest. Here the pioneer days teemed with events path
etic, heroic, even tragic, and always patriotic. The collection
and annotation of these memories is a useful and valuable
work. Such productions ought to be greatly enjoyed by the
immediate descendants and successors of those esteemed
pioneers. They will certamly be highly appreciated by the
future historian seeking source-material for more pretentious
historical tomes.
For these and other reasons — some personal — the follow
ing pages are greatly appreciated by me. I have known the
author intimately since his childhood, and have found him, in
his adolescent and mature years, to be a close student of his
tory, which he always read with a degree of patriotism, not
always apparent even in those we consider students of, or
authors on history. Mr. Ranck was born of intelligent and
patriotic pioneer parents in Vancouver, Washington. His
maternal grandparents also having been early pioneers of the
Oregon Territory. In childhood he inherited, absorbed and
assimilated this intelligent patriotism of the pioneers. For
him it has been a labor of love to sit with the pioneers of this
section — as they successively lapsed into the reminiscent age —
and to store his mind with their graphic descriptions of the
experiences, the deeds, the heroism, and the patriotism of the

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 11
men and women who laid the foundations of the present great
commonwealths of the Pacific Northwest — These reminiscen
ces and historic data he has faithfully collected and inter
estingly recorded in the following pages.
My friend and former pupil, Glenn Ranck, has had a
varied and interesting western career. His early days were
spent on his father's farm adjoining Vancouver and in the
village sehool. Some twenty and twenty-five years ago he
participated in government surveys among the wilds of the
Cathlapcodle or Lewis River, and was brought in close con
tact with the homesteaders and backwoodsmen of that region.
He taught in country schools and kept a country store, and
was for some years editor of a Vancouver newspaper. When
still a bey he planted the first tree ever planted on the public
school grounds at Vancouver and in recognition of this act,
a flourishing tree has been planted in his honor by the pupils
of the Columbia School of this city. With the sons of other
pioneers, he served as private, corporal and sergeant in the
Washington Volunteer Regiment during the Spanish war and
Philippine campaigns; has been trustee of the City Library,
President of the Volunteer Fire Department, Justice of the
Peace, has twice represented his native county of Clarke in
the State Legislature, and is at present Register of the U. S.
Land Office at Vancouver. His rich experiences as teacher,
editor, soldier and legislator, and the part he has played in
the public and political affairs of this state, add immensely to
his qualifications as a historian and writer.
Especially do I think this record is of value to the young
people, the rising and future generations of citizens. Here
they will find concrete and inspiring examples of that sturdy
spirit and patriotic individuality which has been so marked a
characteristic of the citizens of this region, and which we hope
will continue to predominate in the characters of succeeding
generations here.
To the citizens in general; to our youth especially; and
to the writer engaged in research may this modest work
prove as interesting, useful, and enjoyable as it has been to
the author's friend,
P. HOUGH.

12 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
OTHER WORDS OF APPRECIATION AND
ENCOURAGEMMENT
(From Eva Emery Dye, author of "McLoughlin and Old Oregon,"
"McDonald of Oregon," "The Conquest, The Story of Lewis and Clark,"
etc.) Oregon City, Oregon, November 4, 1913.
Hon. Glen N. Ranck,
Vancouver, Washington.
Dear Mr. Ranck, —
Wit.i very great satisfaction I have read the first install
ment of your "Pictures From Northwest History." Your
writings seem to bring us nearer to the heart of the soil, and
were an inspiration to me, full of anecdote and reminiscence.
Out of chronicles such as yours, history is made, real history,
the life of a time and a people. Back of all formal records
lie these traditions of a people.
I wish more would follow in your footsteps, ploughing
the ground for the future Shakespeare. Out of these bits of
heroism, plays may come, dramas, poems, operas, paintings,
statuary, — the future of Pacific literature and of art.
Giving you my best encouragement, I am, Yours truly,
EVA EMERY DYE.
(From George H. Himes, Secretary Oregon Pioneers' Association.)
Portland, Oregon, March 15, 1897.
Glenn N. Ranck,
Vancouver, Washington.
Dear Sir, —
I read with much interest your article in Sunday's Ore-
gonian, on "A Western Cromwell." I lived but a few miles
from Fort Steilacoom in 1856, and had for three years pre
vious, and knew all the persons you name.
As to the "powdered wig" business, that reads well —
but — well, so far as I know Judge Lander was never suspected
of wearing a wig, much less having it powdered. But little
things like these should not spoil a good story. I knew Col.
Shaw well. It was in 1854 or '55 that he stayed all night at my
father's house. The incident you refer to was true — and a
big mess grew out of it. Yours truly,
GEO. H. HIMES,

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 13
(From Edmond S. Meany, Professor of History, University of Wash
ington.) University Station, Seattle, Washington, Oct. 23, 1902
Hon. Glenn N. Ranck,
Camas, Washington.
Dear Sir. —
I have heard of you often and have wished to see you.
One thirg I wish you would do now for me. On November
10, I deliver an address in which I would like to use your
poem on ' ' Pearson 's Ride. ' ' Will you please send me a signed
copy for my archives? If this will take too much time, please
send me the poem to be copied here. Yours faithfully,
EDMOND S. MEANY.
(From Hon. Miles Poindextor, U. S. Senator from Washington.)
United States Senate, Washington, D. C,, July 24, 1911
Hon. Glenn Ranck,
Vancouver, Washington.
Dear Ranck, —
I appreciate exceedingly your booklet of historical sketch
es. I have read them over and will fully enjoy them later,
at greater leisure. They have real literary charm and local
flavor, and 1 would like to see you develope them a little furth
er and publish in book form.
With best wishes, Very truly yours,
MILES POINDEXTER.
(From former President Theodore Roosevelt, upon receipt of a letter
from the author, inclosing some of his historical articles and speaking
of his intention to publish them in book form.)
Office of Theodore Roosevelt,
The Outlook, 287 Fourth Ave., New York, Dec. 13, 1911
non. Glenn N. Ranck,
Vancouver, Washington.
My Dear Comrade Ranck, —
It was fine to get your letter, and I was glad to learn all
about your activities. Naturally I should like to receive a
copy of that little book which you have written. It is good
of you to suggest sending it, and I appreciate your kindness.
With all good wishes, Sincerely yours,
THEODORE ROOSEVELT.

14 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

A BRIEF HISTORICAL REVIEW
This book consists of a series of articles written and pub
lished in local papers at various times, extending thru a num
ber of years. An attempt has been made in this work to give
them sequence and order, and they have been strung together,
"as the Indians string their bright-colored beads." It is not
claimed for this book that it is profound and deep, but we
hope that it will prove interesting and entertaining, and that
it will develop an interest in local history and patriotism. The
articles should be read in the order in which they appear, and
it is hoped that this brief historical review, with the Intro
duction and Preface will be perused carefully.
An especial effort has been made in this work to revive local
traditions and preserve the poetical Indian names and legends.
The following important events and dates in our Northwest
history should be carefully studied and remembered:
1. The Columbia River discovered by Captain Robert Gray,
an Amei'ican navigator, on May 11, 1792, and named in honor
of his ship, the Columbia.
2. In 1803, the Louisiana Purchase, which gave the United
States another claim to the Oregon Territory.
3. In 1805, the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
4. The founding of Astoria, by an American, John Jacob
Astor, in 1811
5. The Treaty of Joint Occupation between the United
States and Great Britain in 1818; renewed every ten years
until 1846.
6. The founding of Fort Vancouver, by the Hudson's Bay
Company, in 1824.
7. The coming of the eai'ly missionaries, 1834-40.
8. The coming of the pioneer immigrants of 1841-42-43.
9. Organization of the Provisional Government of Oregon
Territory, in 1845, with George Abernethy as Governor.

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30 f££T Of l*/J9T£n /tr L OW 7/fff

Map of Clarke County, Washington.

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 15
10. Treaty of 1846, giving Oregon and Washington to the
United States.
11. Whitman Massacer and Cayuse War, in 1847.
12. Organization of the Territory of Oregon, with Gen.
Joseph Lane as Governor, 1849.
13. Organization of the Territory of Washington, with Gen.
Isaac I. Stevens as Governor, in 1853.
14. Indian Wars of 1855-56 and '58.
15. Later events, Civil War, Development, Spanish War,
etc.

16 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

THE MARINER 'S LEGEND OF HOPE
(Written in 1895.)
The early mariners sought for the mythical passage across
America as faithfully as did the .Knights of the Round Table
for the Holy Grail, and these expeditions finally led to the
discovery of the Columbia River. In 1875, De Heceta, a Span
ish navigator, after trying in vain to enter a bay on the Pacific
coast, reported that: "The currents and eddies caused me
to believe that the place is the mouth of some great river or
some passage into another sea." Several jears afterwards,
Captain Meares, an English sailor, made a futile attempt to
enter thf same bay. Vexed and chargined by his failure, he
named the northern projection Cape Disappointment. Robert
Gray, an American seaman, after many fruitless efforts, made
against the repeated advice of Captain Meares, finally suc
ceeded in entering the bay on May 11, 1792, and sailed up the
noble river, to which he gave the name of his sturdy ship, the
Columbia The name of Cape Disappointment was changed
to Cape Hancock, in remembrance of the revolutionary patriot,
John Hancock, while the twin point opposite was named in
honor of his compatriot, Samuel Adams.
Among the legends of the West
Clingeth the tales of the famous quest
For the Mythical Strait from sea to sea —
The quest of mariners, bold and free ;
Many a noble ship was lost —
Dashed 'mong the rocks and tempest-tossed,
And gallant seamen from every land,
Found a last rest on Pacific's lone strand.
First came De Heceta from far sunny Spain,
Swiftly sniling tin. watery main;
And seeking to gain both wealth and fame,
lie spied a bay from which there came
A deep, swift stream, inclosed by a sate,
That barred him out like the hand of fate ; i

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 17
His efforts to enter did not avail, —
'Gainst wave and rock he could not prevail;
So, turning his prow away from the West
He sailed back home from the bootless quest.
Soon Captain Meares, with English crew,
Came plowing through the ocean blue ;
Dense mists and fogs o'er the passage hung,
About the shrouds and masts they clung;
All efforts to cross the bar were vain, —
The hard-sought entrance he did not gain;
And vexed and baffled by rock-bound shape,
He named it Disappointment Cape !
It stood like a specter, gaunt and grim,
Pointing its stony hand at him. j
As Meares sailed back to his island home,
He met the Columbia crossing the foam;
'Twas manned by Gray and his gallant seamen, —
A dauntless crew of American freemen !
"We have sought in vain for the fabled stream,"
Quoth the British seaman, " 'Tis only a dream;
Turn back, turn back from the hopeless quest."
"Nay, nay," said the Yankee, "We'll do our best!"
Straight on to the rock-bound bar sailed Gray,
And there he remained from day to day,
Striving to enter o'er and o'er, —
Each time determined to try once more.
At last on a beautiful morn in May,
They sailed through the gate and entered the bay;
The mists and fogs before them flew,
Unfolding a fair enchanting view,
With green sloping shores, snow-covered mountains,
And high cliffs shrouded in silvery fountains.
On, on, they sailed, up the broad crystal stream,
Charmed by dear vision of fond fairy dream.
This lordly stream where they loved to float,
Now murmurs the praise of their gallant boat;
And, forsaking the name the Briton gave,
The Cape remembers a patriot brave.

18 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
We are all like Gray and his gallant crew,
Mariners saling the trackless blue ;
Tho dashed by wave and tempest-shock,
If, free as the wave and firm as the rock,
We follow the needle to hope's star ever turning,
Like magician with wand and true Faith ever burning
We may wondrously change, as by wave of the hand,
Disappointment 's bleak cape to bright, hope 's fair land
Doubt's mis ts in fright will take their flight,
"While visions of beauty will burst into sight,
And Hope's fair bay, unconcealed will lay,
As on that glorious morn in May.

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 19

THE COMING OF THE BUILDERS
(Written in 1895)
"I hear the tread of pioneers of nations yet to be,
The first low wash of waves where soon shall roll a human sea"
"The immigration of '43" was the largest of the early
movements to the Northwest and may be taken as typical of
the others. During their famous winter journey of the year previous,
Marcus Whitman and A. L. Lovejoy in addresses and letters
to their friends and to the newspapers pictured the glories
of the Pacific Coast and its importance to the Union. On
every auspicious occasion they faithfully preached the Gospel
of the Northwest.
Early in the spring while the melting snow still lingered
on many a wind-swept hill, the people began their pilgrimage
toward the appointed rendezvous in a grove near Independ
ence, Missouri. They gathered as if by magic, soon number
ing one thousand dauntless spirits. They came from all parts
of the Missippi Valley, bringing their families, horses, wagons,
cattle and house-held gods. They had takeu their last look
at the old home, had viewed for the last time the scenes of
their youthful joys, and had spoken their last good-by to their
dearest friends, for they were about to depart on a long jour
ney to a far country, never to return.
Notices were circulated through the various camps call
ing a meeting on May 17, for the purpose of drawing up a
compact and forming an organization. It was truly a motley
assemblage which thus came together. Peter H. Burnett,
afterwards Governor of California, was first called upon for a
speech, which he delivered from a throne of moss-carpeted
logs. Among the audience was a gallant youth, named James
"VV. Nesmith, who was destined to win glory for himself and
Oregon in the senate of the United States. Senator Nesmith
has left the following account of Burnett's address:

20 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS  ^^
"He appealed to our patriotism by picturing forth the
glorious empire we should establish on the shores of the
Pacific,- how with our trusty rifles we would drive out the
British usurpers who claimed the soil, and defend the coun
try from the advances and pretensions of the British, and how
posterity would honor us for placing the finest portion of our
country under the dominion of the Stars and Stripes. He
concluded by a slight allusion to the hardships and trials in
cident to the trip, and dangers to be encountered from hostile
Indians. He furthermore intimated a desire to look upon the
tribe of 'noble redmen' that the valiant and well-armed crowd
around him could not vanquish in a single encounter."
After other patriotic addresses, an organization was
formed by the election of Mr. Burnett as captain, and J. W.
Nesmith as orderly sergeant.
On May 20, 1843, this semi-military caravan took up the
line of march. Captain Gantt, an old trapper and mountain
eer, acted as guide to the Green River, where Dr. Whitman
overtook them and guided them to Fort Hall. From that
point they were lead by an old Cayuse Indian named "Stic-
cus. " Dr. Whitman strongly insisted that the settlers should
take their wagons all the way to the Columbia. They followed
his wise counsel and brought the first "prairie schooners" to
the "continuous woods, where rolls the Oregon."
They marched as did Crusaders to the Holy Land. Scouts
rode in advance to prevent surprise from bands of prowling
savages ; a specified number of men were continually under
arms, ready at all times to repel any attack, while faithful
sentinels kept the lonely vigils of the night, peering with tire
less eyes into the mysterious darkness for any flitting forms
or phantoms which might disturb the weird bivouac of the
wanderers. For full six months the home seekers journeyed on and
on, over barren deserts strewn with the ghastly skeletons of
men and cattle, across high mountains and swollen torrents,
till they came in sight of the beautiful valley of the promised
land. Having once put their hands to the plough-share, amid

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 21
all their trials and temptations they never failed; they never
for a moment thought of turning back.
Nor was the journey without its brighter sides. Many
an amusing incident occurred which kept the traveling com
munity in mirth for days; many enduring friendships were
formed which ceased only with life itself.
Gathering at eventide around the camp fire's fitful beams,
they sang the songs that Israel sang beside the deep Red Sea ;
they sang the songs of Home and Freedom beneath the green
wood tree, and of the land they would redeem for sweet lib
erty. In the serene and quiet night from some lone moun
tain-side rang the glad, clear song of the pioneer, rousing the
mountain lion from his downy couch, while trembled with
fright tho timid deer.
L THE HYMN OF THE PIONEER
From broad Mississippi's swelling maiu
We come over mountam and desert plain,
We come as did Israel's chosen \host
To seek Freedom's home on Pacific's fair coast;
To win for the Union, by strength of the Lord,
The fair land of Promise from Royalty's hord,
Swell the bold chorus, exultingly sing,
With Liberty's anthem the dim woods will ring.
Our homes in the West shall proclaim Liberty,
There from his bondage the slave shall be free;
We sing the glad songs of the brave and the blest,
For the spirit of freedom abides in the West.
Swell the sweet anthem, exultant and free, '
Sound the loud timbrel from sea unto sea,
JehoVah will triumph, his people be free,
All will be free — all will be free !
At length, their sojourn in the wilderness being o'er, from
some lofty mountain height they viewed the promised land.
When they beheld the fertile valley of the majestic Columbia,
and the beautiful waters of Puget Sound covered with so
many lovely isles, it all seemed to them like a. fairy picture of
that quest of the ages:

22 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
"The island-valley of Avalon,
Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow,
Nor even wind blows loudly; but it lies
Deep-meadowed, happy, fair with orchard-lawns,
And bowery hollows crowned with summer sea."
And here, soothed by the moaning of Old Ocean, pleased
by the melody of murmuring streams, and charmed by the
«heery welcome of the birds, they ceased from their quest and
founded the States of Washington and Oregon.

ABERNETHY'S PATRIOTIC SPEECH
(From a sketch by John D. Clancy)

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 23

AN HISTORICAL DEBATING SOCIETY
(Written in 1895)
History, as written by profound and pedentic Professor
Dry-as-dust, pays very little attention to the Debating Club.
In fact, most histories do not even mention the term. Still,
the Debating Society or Lyceum is one of the "institutions"
of America. It is a part of the great American system. From
the landing of the Pilgrims, during the Colonial period, in the
upbuilding of the mighty West, and on to the present time,
it has always played an important part in our history. This
institution had a share in the "Americanizing" of the great
Northwest, and helped to save it as a part of our glorious
Union. Among the first social organizations of this region was
the Lyceum and Debating Society formed by the early set
tlers at Willamette Falls, now Oregon City. From 1840 to
1843 the most important question in the minds of the pioneers
was the question of government. Under the treaty of Joint
Occupancy, neither the United States nor Great Britian could
take any steps towards controlling the political affairs of the
Oregon Territbry, which then included Washington. Thus
left alone, the pioneers found themselves torn by conflicting
emotions and desires. One party formed by the British and
French-Canadians connected with the Hudson's Bay Com
pany, and aided by some unpatriotic Americans, favored an
independent government — a Pacific republic. On the other
side a temporary government, based upon the principles of the
Americar constitution and providing for ultimate absorption
by the great Republic, was near to the hearts of the patriotic
Americans as a "consummation devoutly to be wished." This
great question was freely discussed at various meetings of
the Lyceum. At a meeting early in 1843 the following reso
lution was offered as a subject for debate: "Resolved, that it
is expedient for the settlers upon the Pacific coast to estab
lish an independent government." George Abernethy, after
ward first provisional Governor of Oregon, opposed the reso
lution, but after a warm discussion it was carried by a large

24 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
majority To cheek this drifting away from the Union, Mr.
Abernethy introduced as the subject at the next debate :
"Resolved that if the United States extends its jurisdiction
over this country within the next four years, it will not be
expedient to form an independent government."
By the time for the next meeting great interest had been
aroused, and the people attended in large numbers, some
bringing their wives and children. The men who thus came
together in that rude, dimly-lighted log cabin on that event
ful evening, in personality, appearance and traditions, pre
sented many strong contrasts.
The flickering light from the blazing fireplace and the
candles' fitful beams casting weird, grotesque shadows about
the room, served to bring the characters into bolder relief,
and made the contrast still more intense.
There was one of the early missionaries, a follower of
John Wesley, sitting by a group of French-Canadians; a
French-Huguenot, whose forefathers had fled across the sea
after the ill-fated eve of St. Bartholomew, sat near a venture
some courier-de bois, who had crossed the raging torrents
and roamed the trackless wilds from the isles of the St. Law
rence to the River of the West. A descendant of a gallant
cavalier who had fought that Prince Charlie might "come to
his own again" jostled against a Puritan whose forefathers
fought ox„ the side of Oliver Cromwell at Naseby and Marston
Moor. On the virgin soil of Oregon the Roundhead was again
to win a victory over the Cavalier; freedom was again to
triumph over royalty. The grandson of a British redcoat who
surrendered with CornwaUis was about to yield a bloodless
sword to an American whose grandfather had suffered with
Washington at Valley Forge only to triumph with him at
Yorkton *
Before this motley group George Abernethy arose to de-
*Rev. Cushing Eels was descended from Maj. Samuel Eels, one ot
Cromwell's officers. Hon. C. M. Bradshaw was a direct descendant of
John Bradshaw, who presided at the famous trial of King Charles I. Mr.
Bradshaw still preserves the relics of the brave "regicide" who boldly
voted to behead the tryant kinglet. Rev. G. Hines, Rev. D. Leslie, the
Crocketts, McBrides and the Applegates were from Revolutionary an
cestry. Of course, they were not all present at this particular meeting,
but they participated in many similar scenes. G. W. Le Breton, who,
doubtless was present, was a noble type of the patriotic Huguenots.

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 25
fend his patriotic resolution. We have no record of his speech,
only that it was ' ' earnest. ' ' That is all. He doubtless remind
ed the Americans of the immortal Declaration of Independ
ence, of the suffering and trials of their Revolutionary fore
fathers, of the efforts of Washington, Madison and Franklin,
to establish this glorious Union. And how Clay and Webster,
Jackson and Benton, the great friends of the West, had pro
tected and preserved it. "Was it in vain that the embattled
yeomanry of Lexington and Concord had fought so bravely
"by the rude bridge that spanned the flood?" Was it in vain
that Warren had given up his life on that blood-swept slope at
Bunker Hill? Could they forget the blood-stained footprints
on the snow-clad hillsides of Valley Forge; the stirring mid
night ride of Paul Revere, or the recent perilous journey of
their gallant comrade, Marcus Whitman? Never while life
lasted could they forget the traditions and legends of their*
heroic ancestry! Never until liberty became merely a mem
ory and patriotism only a name, would they falter ia their
love or devotion to the great Republic ! ' '
While the patriot was speaking no sounds were heard
save the sound of the speaker's voice. But ere his voice had
died away a mighty shout arose from the hardy pioneers. All
patriotic Americans present "joined in," the mild tones of the
women and children blended with the strong, lusty voices of
the men in one grand triumphant note. It rolled through the
room, on out into the little clearing and penetrated the for
ests beyond. "The dim aisles of the woods rang with the
anthems of the free."
What was that shout and what did it mean? It was the
paeon of liberty. It was the victorious cry of triumphant
freedom. It meant that the resolution was carried by a large
majority and that Old Glory would yet wave over the homes
of the West. The fire on the hearth had burned low, smold
ered and died ; but in living hearts another fire glowed bright
ly, for those burning words had "kindled the land into flame
with their heat." It is now over half a century since this
scene was enacted, but the speech of Abernethy before that
historic debating society is not forgotten by the descendants
of the pioneers.

26 LEGENDS AMD TPADTTTONS

UNDER THE GREENWOOD TREE
(Written in 1895)
Owing to the noble efforts of the early missionaries, and
patriotic iiscussions in the Pioneer Lyceum, the demand of the
settlers of the Oregon Territory for a temporary government
based upon American principles and providing for ultimate
absorption by the United States, continued to grow rapidly
in the spring of 1843. This plan met with great opposition
from the British settlers, and the employees of the Hudson's
Bay Company. In order to quiet this opposition a meeting
was called for the purpose of adopting measures for the de
fense of herds against the attacks of wolves and other wild
animals. This meeting was held at the house of Joseph Ger-
vais in the Williamette Valley, and is known as the "Wolf
Meeting." It declared war against wolves, bears, panthers
and other predatory animals, and adopted plans for their de
struction A treasurer was elected and the organization of
the Wolf Association was completed.
But the meeting did not adjourn. As if moved by some
unseen inspiration, it then and there passed a resolution for
the appointment of a committee of twelve "to take into con
sideration the propriety of taking measures for the civil and
military protection of the colony." A written protest from
the subjects of the Queen was promptly laid on the table.
The committee of twelve called the colonists to meet at
Champoeg on May 2, 1843, to vote on their plan of govern
ment. Centuries before, the freeholders of England had met in a
meadow at Runnymede and there wrested their sacred rights
from the reluctant hand of a cowardly king. So now did
these free American citizens assemble in an open field to up
hold the scepter of freedom and justice against the determined
assaults of tyranny and royalty. The meeting which was
held on this beautiful day in May was one of the most inter
esting and picturesque in all history. There were emigrant

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 27
wagons, the earliest "prairie schooners" to cross the billowy
plains piloted by bolds captains of civilization, who had
pitched their tents near by. All around was the deep prime
val forest. On the branches overhead the birds twittered
softly while building their summer's abode; squirrels leaped
joyfully from bough to bough, and the fieet-footed deer,
"poor, dappled fools, being native burghers of this desert
city," lifting their heads from the cool brook which babbled
by, fled in terror from their favorite haunt. Here, under the
greenwood tree, with the blue sky above them and the voice
of nature in their hearts, the pioneers met to form an Ameri
can government. In these sylvan shades the scion of Revolu
tionary sires again opposed the haughty Briton; in this open
field cavalier and Puritan met once more in bloodless con
flict; in freedom's glorious sunshine, a freed negro struck his
first vigorous blow at those who had so cruelly torn his fore
fathers from the sunny clime of Africa.* A few dusky red-
men of the forest, looking warlike in their paint and feathers,
were interested spectators of this strange scene of which they
unconsciously formed a part.
The meeting was called to order with Dr. I. I. Babcock
presiding. G. W. Le Breton, acting as secretary, read aloud
the compact of government. It was then voted on, those in
favor shouting "aye," and those opposed "no." The vote
was almost even, but the motion seemed lost. Le Breton
called for a division. Everybody became excited. Noise and
confusion reigned. At this crisis Joe Meek, the pioneer ex
plorer and scout of the Northwest, sprang forward. As he
stood before that strange group with his strong, erect figure
drawn to its full heighth, his head thrown back, his black eyes
flashing and the Indians looking on with ever-increasing am
azement, the whole scene formed a most striking picture, with
the dark forest for a back-ground. Waving his hand, Joe
Meek shouted in his usual spirited manner: "All those who
favor the government, follow me!" Accordingly those fav
oring the organization followed Meek to the right, while those
•A mulatto named Winslow Anderson was among the early settlers
of the Willamette Valley. In 1843 "prairie chooners' were for the first
time brought all the way from the Missouri River to the "continuous
woods where rolls the Oregon."

28 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
opposed filed to the left. The count showed that the compact
was carried by the close vote of fifty-two against fifty. Free
dom had triumphed.
The provisional government thus organized adopted an
organic law "until such time as the United States of America
extend their jurisdiction over us," also providing that "There
shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude in said
territory, other than for punishment of crimes whereof the
party shall have been duly convicted." This provision adopt
ed eighteen years before the Rebellion, kept Oregon and Wash
ington firm in their devotion to the cause of the Union and
Freedom in the time of direst need. Truly, the result of this
open-air meeting held in the forest wilds of Oregon half a
century ago can hardly be overestimated.
What thoughts must have filled the brain of the
typical pioneer as he wended his solitary way home
ward in the deepening dusk of that May evening !
With his trusty rifle on his shoulder and his faith
ful dog at his side, he followed the many windings of the nar
row footpath through the darkening forest. Entering the
dark recesses of the forest dell, he leaned upon the trunk of
a large fir tree to rest his weary limbs. As he closed his tired
eyelids the elfin voices of the forest rang in his ears. He
seemed to hear the fairy foot falls of the guardian of the wood
as she waved her wand about him, and visions of the future
came and went before his enraptured sight. He saw the
Northwest peopled by a happy population, the beautiful val
leys covered with villages, farms and factories. Over it all
floated the flag of the glorious firmly-united Republic, remind
ing him strongly of the prophetic picture observed by Benja
min Franklin at the Constitutional convention. The setting
sun had long since disappeared below the horizon, but above
liberty's horizon, morning was to break anew on this far
Western coast and before the sun of the Union reached its
zenith, the day star of our hope was destined to glow with
still brighter lustre, like another sun risen on mid-noon."

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 29

DEDICATING THE PACIFIC COAST TO FREEDOM
(Written in 1896)
Under all circumstances, in peace and in war, the Ameri
can navy has gallantly upheld the dignity and power of the
United States. Among the most daring of this country's
heroes was Captain Charles Wilkes. This distinguished officer
explored the coast of Oregon and Washington in 1841, and
encouraged the early settlers in their patriotic efforts to win
this region for the great Republic. He disapproved of the
attempt to organize a Pacific republic, advising the Ameri
cans to wait until the government of the United States should
throw its mantle over them. The American sentiment was
greatly strengthened by his words of hope and cheer.
In 1841 Captain Wilkes and his merry crew signalized
the return of our Nation's birthday by holding the first Fourth
of July celebration on the shores of Puget Sound. The place
selected for this purpose was Mission Prairie, near Fort Nes-
qually, a trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company.
As the Fourth came on Sunday the celebration was held
on the fifth of July. On that morning all was bustle and
activity on board the ship Vincennes. At nine o'clock all the
crew was mustered on board in their clean white frocks and
trousers, and all, including the marines, were soon landed.
With music playing and flags flying, they marched to the
scene of festivity about a mile distant. They also carried
ashore two brass howitzers with which to fire the usual salute.
An ox, bought for the occasion, was soon roasted to a turn,
the bug].' was blown for dinner and all repaired to partake
of the barbecue. Captain Wilkes says: "By this time the
Indians had gathered from all quarters and were silently look
ing on at the novel sight, and wistfully regarding the feast
which they saw going on before them."
The neat, loose-fitting uniforms of the sailors, the bright-
colored garments of the savages, the rich, green shades of the
forest, the beautiful blue waters of Puget Sound and the

30 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
patriotic memories belonging to the occasion, all combined
to make this an interesting scene in Northwest history.
After dinner the usual salutes were fired and patriotic
sentiments were given voice. At sunset they returned to the
ship in good humor. While passing Fort Nesqually they gave
three hearty cheers for the American flag and waited, sailor
like, for the reply. The British response was given by only a
few voices, a circumstance which led to many jokes among tlie
seamen. To the English the cheer of the sailors was "a cry
of defiance and not of fear." No wonder thier reply was, »
feeble one !
In May, 1843, when the people of the region decided by a
vote of fifty-two against fifty to establish a provisional govern
ment based upon American principles, they appointed a com
mittee to draw up the organtic act. This committee selected
July 5 as the day on which the people were to meet to pass
upon their charter. However, the opposition was still strong,
and the Americans decided to hold a celebration on the Fourth
of July to strengthen the patriotic cause. Rev. Gustavus
Hines was chosen orator. His speech did not consist of part
isan denunciation; it was one of the dear old-fashioned kind,
It had its source in the higher springs of patriotism. Plis
theme was the Union ; his song was of Librety. His notes rang
clear and true upon the forest air. There may be those
who would prefer to hear their countrymen shamed rather
praised on the natal birthday ; but not so the hearty frontiers
man. The plain and simple words of the speaker went
straight to the hearts of the pioneers. Mr. Hines and many of
his listeners were descended from Revolutionary ancestry,
and memories of the sacred past were vividly recalled. As
the speaker concluded, his words took on the warmth and
glow of impassioned eloquence. "All the weary way from
Lexington to Yorktown our fathers proved true to the cause
of American independence. Who that has ever heard the
story of that struggle from the lips of a patriotic grandfather
can falter in defense of our sacred rights? Though it may be
of little importance what is said here, let us on the morrow
remember the examples and teachings of the Revolutionary
patriots and our work will be long remembered.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 31
"When the fathers signed their names to the immortal
Declaration, they pledged themselves to defend their rights
with their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor. So let
us now curry on their noble work, let us dedicate ourselves and
our homes to the cause of Liberty and Union, and pledge our
selves to support our principles with our lives, our fortunes
and our sacred honor."
After the oration the national hymn "America" was sung
by the entire audience. As they sang that, perfect verse where
the poet boldly strikes the pure notes of sublime eloquence
and invokes the sympathetic voice of nature in freedom's be
half, the sturdy pioneers felt profoundly moved :
"Let music swell the breeze,
And ring from all the trees
Sweet Freedom's song;
Let mortal tongues awake,
Let all that breathe partake,
Let rocks their silence break,
The sound prolong!"
And rock and rill, mountain and forest, all. gladly pro
longed the joyful sound.
Thus inspired, the Americans on the morrow won another
bloodless victory over the Britain, and provisional govern
ment was soon in successful operation. Thus freedom tri
umphed over royalty, and this region was peacefully- conquered
for the Union. Truly "Peace has her victories not less re
nowned than war."
Mr. Hines -was descended from Stephen Hopkins, one of the "signers."
The orator was elected chairman of the meeting of July 5, 1843.

32 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

RAISING THE BANNER OF FREEDOM IN
THE NORTHWEST
(Written in 1896)
"Aye, tear her tattered ensign down!
Long has it waved on high;
And many an eye has danced to see
That banner in the sky!"
History records no greater achievement than the glorious
victories won by America's naval heroes in behalf of the starry
emblem of our great Republic. From the eventful morning on
which Paul Jones first flung freedom's ensign to the expectant
breeze, or when the undaunted Perry bore his banner in
triumph from his burning flagship to that day when the noble
Farragut. while lashed to the rigging of the Hartford, with the
flag floating above him, achieved glory for himself and his
gallant crew the log book of the American navy speaks of
noble deeds. The memories aroused by the mere mention of
such names as Lawrence, Decatur, Hull, Foote, DuPont and
DaAdd Porter should remind us of the importance of a strong
navy. But not alone in the "purple testaments of bleeding war"
are the victories of the American sailor inscribed. American
commerce, American spirit and American civilization have
followed the American flag on the trackless paths of stormy
oceans, from port to port and from sea to sea. Into whatever
harbor our gallant tars have carried the starry emblem, they
have also taken that love of liberty and freedom for which it
stands. When Captain Charles Wilkes, of the United States navy,
appeared off the coast of Oregon and Washington in 1841 his
hearty assurance that the government would soon extend its
jurisdiction over them seemed like a message of hope and
cheer wafted by winds of ocean from the far Atlantic coast.
In 1S46 the United States schooner Shark, commanded by
Lieutenant Howison, was sent to explore the coast of Oregon.

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 33
Entering the Columbia River, the Shark reached Fort Vancou
ver July 24, 1846. Her officers and men were hailed with de
light by the patriots of the Northwest. In June of that year
a treaty had been completed by the United States and England
which finally designated the forty-ninth parallel of north lati
tude as the northwest boundary line. But as the news of the
treaty had not yet reached the Pacific coast, the ill-feeling be
tween British and Americans was becoming hourly more crit
ical. As there is no greater contrast than that existing be
tween a British officer and the American frontiersman, it re
quired the best efforts of Lieutenant Howison to prevent blood
shed. The Shark remained in Vancouver until August 23, when
she left for the mouth of the Columbia. She was wrecked while
crossing the bar on the 10th of September. Like the gallant
Cumberland, she sank beneath the waves with her colors still
flying. Her flag was all that the sailors rescued from the
sinking ship.
By this time news of the treaty of 1846 had just reached
the Pacific coast, and as it was known that the protecting
powers of the United States would soon be extended over this
region Lieutenant Howison presented this flag to the provis
ional Governor, George Abernethy, with the following eloquent
letter: "To display this national emblem, and cheer our citi
zens of this distant territory by its presence was the principal
object of the Shark's visit to the Columbia, and it appears to
me .therefore, highly proper that it should henceforth remain
with you as a memento of parental regard of the general gov
ernment. With the fullest confidence that it will be received
and appreciated as such by our countrymen, I do myself the
honor of transmitting the flag to your address nor can I omit to
express; my gratification and pride that this relic of my late
command should be emphatically ;the first United States flag
to wave over the undisputed and thoroughly American Terri
tory of Oregon."
Governor Abernethy gracefully received the starry flag in
behalf of the pioneers in his usual patriotic manner saying:
"We will fling it to the breeze on every suitable occasion, and
rejoice under the emblem of our country's glory, sincerely

34 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
hoping that the 'star-spangled banner may ever wave over
this portion of the United States."
On that glorious morn when liberty's emblem was first
unfolded on the virgin breeze of primeval Oregon, all plans of
a Pacific republic were swept aside. The ensign seemed to
retain within its folds some of the invigorating, purifying pow
er of the sea breeze in which it had so fondlly floated for so
many years. As free as the wild waves of ocean, as pure as
its freshest winds, as terrible as Neptune's mightiest storms,
it purged the Northwest of all taint of treason and became a
continual inspiration for an exalted patriotism.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 35

r LEGEND OF THE LOST GALLEONS
(Written in 1907.)
While this tale of buried treasure is not given as a strict historical
fact, it seems to contain many elements of truth. History records that
three ship* sent out by Cortez were hopelessly stranded on the Cali
fornia coast and that great wealth was lost by a colonization expedi
tion under Admiral Otondo. In the light of such facts it is believed that
this Tillamook tradition should be preserved to illuminate and adorn
our Northwest history. — Author.
There's a tale of dreams and stories drifting up the bitter main,
Strewn with wrecks of ruined glories, salt with streams of ancient pain.
Thru the fog-walls split in sunder, from the seas of sun and thunder,
And the Carib Isles of Wonder, dreaming still of scarlet Spain.
Massacers and ambuscadoes, rich armadas laid aboard,
lion-hearted desperadoes, seas of gold and blood outpoured —
Of these things the ports are keeping vengeful memory upsleeping,
From the years of wrath and weeping, when they lay beneath the sword.
— The Haunted Spanish Main.
Spain was very anxious to plant colonies and missions
along the shores of "New Albion," as the British called this
region, especially on the banks of a great river, of which they
had heard so much from the natives. History tells us that the
Spanish navigator, De Heceta, looking for the mouth of that
river in 1775, cast anchor in the channel between the mainland
and an island on the coast of Washington. Some of his men,
going ashore to explore the land, were attacked and killed by
the Indians, and De Heceta barely escaped with his ships. In
memory of this tragedy he named the island "Isle de Del ores"
Island of grief. It is now known as Destruction Island.
Several attempts were made by the Spanish to gain a foot
hold in Oregon and Washington, but as they all came to grief,
history makes scant mention of them. Their memory, how
ever, still survives in the traditions of the Pacific Coast In
dians, and it is one of these traditions which we call to the
reader's attention. The aged Princess of the Clatsops, who, at
the age of 100 years, resides in a commodious house near Sea
side, Oregon,- delights to regale her visitors with this ta]e. It
is, indeed, a familiar theme among the Tillamook Indians and
the seamen and others who frequent that locality.
Near the year 1750, or 'sometime about the middle of the
lS'th ' century,' a small" fleet' sailed from San Bias, Mexico, to

36 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
plant, a mission colony on the banks of that beautiful stream
now known as the Columbia, but called by the Spaniards "Rio
San Rocque." This fleet consisted of two fair sized ships
and three small treasure-vessels. The crew was composed of
Spanish soldiers, sailors, priests, adventurers and five or six
African slaves. Besides provisions the vessel was laden with
silver and golden candlesticks and various costly altar adorn
ments, and other articles to be used in the church they were to
build. They also contained quantities of beeswax for making
candles, and chests of gold and silver and other treasures
with which to trade with the Indians. All told, the value of
the treasure, it is claimed, amounted to nearly a quarter of a
million dollars.
Nor does this seem improbable if we recall that when Cor
tez left Mexico with four ships to establish a colony in lower
•California, the value of his treasure and supplies estimated by
historians at $400,000. Speaking of one of these expeditions
a Spanish writer says: "The barracks for the little garrison
were now built and a line of circumvallation thrown up. In
the center a tent was pitched for a tem poraiy chapel; before
it was erected a crucifix with a garland of flowers. The image
of 'Our Lady of Loretta,' as patroness of the Conquest, was
brought in procession from the boat and placed with proper
ceremonies." The expedition here spoken of by this Spanish
historian was similar in many respects to the one we are now
describing. Bill to continue our story, this fleet with the proud banner
of Spain And its rich treasures was proceeding al*)rig the rock
bound coast of New" Albion, when it was dashed by the storm
npoh a cruel' reef near where the Tillamook lighthouse nbvjr
stands to warn the mariner of danger. Most of the crew wer6
drowned in their frantic efforts to escape' from the sinking
ships, but a few were able to reach the snore in safety. After
the storm had subsided, with the' help of friendly C^latsop In
dians, they succeeded In bringing ashore th£ greater paxt of
the treasures and supplies.: These treasures they buried sec
retly at dead of, night in a secluded part df the forest;4'' it is
also, related that they' took the1 body of a" slave Washed as$bre
by the Waves ind placed it upon a little mound nearby.' This

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 37
was done in the belief that the natives, having never before
seen a negro, in superstitious dread would fear to approach
the haunted spot guarded by the forbidding presence of the
dead. As land-marks they set up square shaped stones, which
they had brought with them for altar stones, at regular inter
vals around the mound. These may still be seen by the visitor,
and are unlike any other rocks to be found in that locality.
Curious marks cut on the surrounding trees also add their
silent testimony to the romantic tale. Having thus effectually
hidden their rescued valuables, the survivors now started to
find their way to Mexico, intending to return with another
party. But they were ambushed and killed or captured by a
war party of the Siletz tribe, so no one returned to relate the
story of this ill-fated expedition.
For a long tim e the legend of the galleons and their buried
treasure slumbered in the breasts of the savages. Gabriel
Franchere, an adventurous French traveler, writing of his
first journey to the Cascades of the Columbia on May 8, 1811,
says: "We saw a hut of Indians engaged in fishing where
we stopped for breakfast. We saw here an old blind man who
gave us a cordial reception. Our guide said that he was a
white man, and that his name was Soto. We learned from
the mouth of the old man himself that he was the son of a
Spaniard who had been wrecked below the mouth of Colum
bia river, that a part of the crew got ashore but were all mas
sacred save four, who were spared and married native women.
These four, disgusted with savage life, attempted to reach a
Spanish settlement on the south coast, but had never been
heard of afterward, and when his father, with his companions,
left this country, he himself was very young.'
In their journal Lewis and Clark write of the Tillamook
Indian with a fair skin and blue eyes ; and John Minto, in 1 846,
at Morrison's, near the Tillamook coast, saw a fair Indian girl,
so paie that he thought she was sick. She was the daughter of
Cullaby. a friendly native for -whom the lake east of Clatsop
is named, and when Minto talked with Cullaby about the fair
haired Indian of Clark's acquaintance, Cullaby smote his
breast ard cried: "Nika papa" — "He was my father."
In alluding to these various traditions John Gill says:

38 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS 
"This story of old blind Soto will yet be connected with the
wreck of the beeswax ships on Tillamook beach. Being an
old man in 1811, he was probably born about 1750, 16 years
before Carver left Boston for his exploration of the Red River
country." Mr. Gill also suggests a connection between these
early Spanish expeditions and the derivation of the name
"Oregon," and adds:
"I wonder if some ship of Spain,
Far-wandering in this northern sea,
Touched haply on our Western main,
And all unknown in history,
Some bold Hidalgo named this land
With floating flag and flashing brand,
In memory of Aragon?"
With these explanatory remarks for the purpose of mak
ing the tradition more readily understood, we will proceed
with our narrative. Half a century went by since the vessels
had dashed against the cruel reefs, but the old tale of the Span
ish wreck still lived in the memories of the aged Indians. At
length it reached the ears of John Jacob Astor through some
of his fur-traders who had traversed the Tillamook coast
By order of the plucky founder of Astoria, a picked party of
eight forest rangers, under a most trusted leader, was sent
to look for the hidden treasure. Aided by an intelligent In
dian familiar with the Tillamook tradition from childhood,
they made a diligent search for the lost treasure. At last
their labors were rewarded with success, and the glittering
gold lay unearthed before them. Having come ostensibly on
a fur-trading journey, they packed the Spanish doubloons and
trinkets in absolute secrecy and spent some time in buying a
supply of furs before turning their faces northward. Under
the directions of Astor a liberal sum was given to each mem
ber of the party, but the great bulk of this "treasure trove"
was kept for the merchant prince who employed them.
Reaching Fort Astoria shortly before Christmas they cele
brated the Yuletide with uproarious laughter and song. The

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 39
rafters of the new fort rang with their mirth as they quaffed
large flagons of wine and wassail to the health of their dusky
Indian maidens and to their popular patron, whom they toasted
as the "king of f ur- traders. " But most popular of all was a
new drink known as "Hudson's Bay Company Rum." As
they drained their flagons of that now historic beverage they
sang in a rough, boisterous manner a rude chorus called :
THE FUR-TRADERS' BALLAD.
Bold and merry Astor-men are we,
We scour the valleys and sail the sea;
From swift St. Lawrence to Columbia's main,
From Mohawk's vale tc Willamette's plain,
We traverse the country o'er and o'er,
From forest to forest and shore to shore —
Yo-ho, for that soldier and sailor, ranger and raider,
So dauntless and daring, the fearless fur-trader.
Leaders of civilization are we,
Ranging the land from sea to sea ;
We trade with the savage and make love to his maid,
By campfire's glow and in green forest glade;
We trade, fight and frolic, and hunt for gold,
As free as Robin Hood of old- —
Here's to the venturesome, rollicking raider,
The gallant, true-hearted, care-free fur-trader.
The men were pledged to secrecy and, though in the miost
of gayety they let fall a few vague expressions about the dis
covered treasures, nothing very definite could be obtained from
them. An impenetrable mystery, as impalpable as the soft,
dreamy mist of the sea, seemed to envelop the weird tale of the
phantomlike wreck.
Within a year or two Astor had a new fleet or two at sea,
and some ancient mariners whispered that these white-winged
merchant ships were the ghosts of those sunken galleons of
Spain, sprung to a lustier life beneath a nobler banner. Math
ematicians have figured in vain to account for the sudden in
crease of the wealth of this king of the fur-traders at this
period despite several disastrous ventures. Even the highest
profits ever known in fur, we are told, fail to account for it.

40 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Certain it is that rapid and magical making of gold by this
famous wizard has remained one of the unsolved wonders of
Northwest, history. And if these old sailors' yarns be true,
the riches recovered from the Spanish wreck had, after all,
a worthy share in upbuilding our Pacific Coast commerce and
prosperity. Many years afterward a crew of sailors discovered the
hulks of some old-fashioned ships, far below the water's sur
face, on this reef of the Spaniard's woe, and a piece of one of
these ancient galleons was sent to a museum in Portland, where
it may now be seen. On account of the beeswax found in the
galleys of these old vessels, they are spoken of as the beeswax
ships. A golden candlestick found near the beach is now in
the possession of a prominent citizen of Tacoma who for a
long time held a commission in the revenue service of the
United States government. And many are the excavations
that have? been made in recent years by treasure seekers in the
vicinity of the charmed spot.
This was only one among the many disastrous attempts
made under the haughty banner of Aragon and Castile to gain
a foothold in this region, and even if true, only in part, it is
typical in a historical sense of the dismal wrecks of Spanish
hopes that strew our coast from the enchanting shores of
Strait of Juan de Fuca to San Francisco's Golden Gate. The
stormy waves of the ocean, the concealed caverns of the sea,
and "even the stars in their courses" fought against them.
Truth and myth intermingle in charming confusion in the
dim, mysterious tradition that has survived for more than a
century amid the wreckage of that storm -tossed strand.
Closely enshrouded in fog and mist still lingers among those
sunken hulks the mystical legend of the lost galleons.

OF NORTHWEST TUST^RY 41

THE SILVER FLAGON.
(Written in 1914.)
In 1813, Mr. John Clarke, a member of John Jacob Astor's Company,
¦while on a fur-trading expedition up the Columbia Valley, had with him
a beautiful silver goblet, the gift of Astor. One night th;s precious cup
was stolen from his tent, presumably by an Indian. ClarKe, who hated
the Indians, was extremely angry over the loss of the silver flagon,
and in revenge, hanged an Indian, who was caught pilfering in the ea>::p
i>n the succeeding night. The Indians watched the execution in silent
repressed anger, treasuring up the wrong for future requittal, and
Clarke's foolish act of vengeance is considered the initial cause of many
bloody massacers in the Northwest.
"Lift high", shouts Clarke, "The Silver Flagon,"
With carven image of the dragon;
The gift of good John Jacob Astor,
Who founded Astoria, our patron and master;
1 drink the curse of hated savage,
Always planning theft and ravage ! ' '
The natives gazed at the Silver Flagon,
And stood in awe of its carven dragon;
A gift, they thought, from God on high,
A sacred relic from the sky;
They stealthily entered the tent at night,
And seized the shining goblet bright.
"Who stole", shouts Clarke, "my Silver Flagon?
Now he shall feel the teeth of the dragon!"
So, swayed by revenge, of reason bereft,
He hanged a poor savage for petty theft;
The redskins sat sullen, in anger suppressed,
Nursing bloody revenge in each savage breast.
In hanging for theft of Silver Flagon,
Fierce Clarke had sown the teeth of the dragon; —
Years after, mothers and children dear,
Crouched low at night in deadly fear ;
And many a massacer and disaster,
Was due to revenge for Cup of Astor.

42 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
No trace could be found of Silver Flagon, —
In vain was all search for carven dragon;
For years it passed from hand to hand,
An omen of ill from band to band;
Nor love, nor friendship blessed the ground,
Till again Talisman by pale-face was found.
Now, this old tale of the Silver Flagon,
With carven image of the dragon,
A lesson for each of us will make : —
"Think well before revenge you take;
Beware of sowing teeth of the dragon,
In vengeance for loss of a Silver Flagon!"
FOOT NOTES
In speaking of the killing of the unfortunate John Reed and his
party by Indians the ensuing winter, Gabriel Franchere, the well-known
explorer, says in his journal: — "We had no doubt that this massacer
was an act of vengear.ce on the part of the natives in retaliation for
the death of one of their people, -whom Mr. John Clarke had hanged for
theft the spring before."
On the occasion of the death of Mrs. Clarke, in 1910, Mrs. Velina
P. Molson, a daughter of Senator J. W. Nesmith, wrote to the Oregonian:
"Montreal, Nov. 20  Mr. Clarke, the husband of the woman
who has just died, caused our Oregon country a great deal of trouble,
as he was the bearer of the Silver Cup that old John Jacob Astor sent
out to Alexander McKay, but McKay having been killed on the Ton
quin, Clarke brought it back across the continent, and while in the
Palouse country it was stolen, and Clarke hanged the Nez Perce who
stole it.
This Silvr eCup is now in Montreal and is owned by Alexander
McKay's descendants. I have seen this cup and held it in my hands.
The present owner brought it from the Trust Company to show it to
me. The inscription is: "From John Jacob Astor to his friend Alex
ander McKay, 1811." VELINA P. MOLSON.

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 43

CHIEF KESSANAH AND THE WAUNAMAHS
According to old legendary lore, the native tribes inhabit
ing Vancouver and vicinity at the time of the discovery of the
Columbia, were called the Waunaisses or Waunamahs, Wauna
being the legendary Indian name for the Columbia River. This
was a strong tribe and ruled and roamed over the valley of
the Wauna from Kalama to Washougal, their chief wigwams
being at Waunamah, the present site of Vancouver. Within
a generation or two the fur-traders of the Hudson's Bay
Company had corrupted the name of this tribe to Wau-
kanisses. and that name is given by some writers. When
Governor John McLoughlin established Fort Vancouver at
Waunamah, old Chief Kessanah was at the head of the tribe,
and greeted the pale-faces with friendship and hospitality.
This was somewhat in contast to the welcome which he
extended to the white men in his earlier years, before his
youthful pugnacity had been cooled by the sharp explosion
of powder and the invincible whiz of the bullets.
As our readers will recall, the Columbia River was dis
covered by Captain Robert Gray, an American navigator, May
11, 1792, and this discovery was followed up a few months
later by Captain George Vancouver, who sailed into the Co
lumbia and sent Lieutenant Broughton with a party to ascend
the river in small boats. Kessanah, then a young war-chief,
with a band of Waunamah braves, took a position on a rocky
projection near St. Helens, called Warriors' Point, and fired
a volley of arrows at the approaching boats; but the sharp,
explosive reply of the British muskets soou quenched their
warlike ardor, and they fled in terror. Lieut. Broughton
ascended the river until he reached a beautiful point where
the broad stream makes a graceful sweep toward the north
west. Regarding this as .the loveliest scene he had ever beheld,
Broughton gave this place the name of Vancouver's Point, in
honor of his commander. In his admirable book, "Astoria,"
Washington Irving gives this famous description of the

44 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
place: — "About eight miles above the mouth of the Wallamot
the little squadron arrived at Vancouver's Point, so called
in honor of that celebrated voyager by his lieutenant, Brough
ton. This point is said to present one of the most beautiful
scenes on the Columbia; a lovely meadow, with a sheet of
limpid water in the center, enlivened by wild fowls, a range
of hills crowned by forests, while the prospect is closed by
Mount Hood, a magnificent mountin rising into a lofty peak,
and covered with perpetual snow; the ultimate landmark of
the first explorers of the river."
Profiting by this early lesson, Chief Kessanah and his
followers extended a friendly welcome to the fur-traders of
the Hudson's Bay Company when they came to found Fort
Vancouver. Kessanah was a tall, strongly built man, big-
framed with a large, smiling face and keen eyes. His in
fluence was felt far and near, in his own tribe as well as among
the wigwams of his neighbors. In the course of time he be
came a welcome visitor at the fort, where he and his young
daughter. Princess Kessanahwie, were usually feated and en
tertained as honored guests. The Chieftain's daughter, Kas-
sanahwie, grew to be a charming Indian maiden and became
very popular with the young employees of the company. She
eventually married one of these ventursome fur-traders, Rich
ard Ough, who took up a homestead and became a useful citi
zen of Clarke County. She lived to an honored old age, re
spected by all, and her descendants are still numbered among
our worthy citizens. As their happy hunting-grounds near
Fort Vancouver or Waunamah were soon despoiled by the
"King George Men" the Waukanisses or Waunamahs retreat
ed to the hills and valleys of the Lewis River, and finally be
came merged into the Klickitats and Yakimas.
A year or two after the fort had been erected, so the leg
end runneth, the Wasco Indians, near Tha Dalles, became
angry at some of the company officials, and came dashing
down the river in their war-canoes, proudly arrayed in paint
and feathers, to make a night attack- on the stockade. Hear
ing of the approach of their heredity foes, a war party of the
Waunamahs under old Chief Kessanah, repaired to the assist?
ance of their friends in Fort Vancouver. Unaware of the

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 45
plans made for their reception, and confident of an easy vic
tory, the Wascoes stealthily crept in the darkness towards
the walls of the stockade. As they neared the ditch which
surrounded the fort, they sent a thick shower of arrows over
the walls. Suddenly the most unexpected, screaching, terrify
ing noise burst forth from the tower of the palisades. They
looked up quickly, — and there, clearly revealed by the light
of a torch, stood bold Colin Fraser, the plaided Highland piper,
"all belted and plumed in his tartan array", strutting up and
down and producing from a diabolical instrument held under
his arm, with gaudy streamers fluttering from long stems
growing therefrom, the most melancholy and penetrating
screams. At that moment the mouth of the Great Spirit
belched forth from the bastion tongues of living flame, with
a terrible roaring noise, louder than the roar of the cataract.
This was followed by a volley of quick, sharp noises, accom
panied with a shower of arrows and iron hailstones. Shaking
-with superstitious fear from this terrible rebuke of the Great
Spirit, the terrified Indians sprang into their canoes and rapid
ly paddled up the Columbia, leaving the Waunamahs and the
fur-traders to celebrate in undisturbed merriment their first
warlike triumph within the ramparts of Fort Vancouver.
FOOTNOTES — "Wau-na" is pronounced with the accent on the first
syllable; "Wau-na-mah" has the accent on the second syllable. It is
also Called "Wau-no-mah."

46 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

THE RAMPARTS OF OLD FORT VANCOUVER.
(Written in 1914).
Some three-quarters of a century ago, the great Northwest
was claimed by both the United States and England. The
"Oregon Territory", including Washington, was controlled
by these two nations under the Treaty of Joint Occupation,
and Great Britain was putting forth the utmost exertions to
have the Columbia River recognized as the southern boundary
line for her American possessions.
England's greatest stronghold was at Fort Vancouver,
the chief trading post of the Hudson's Bay Company in this
region. Vancouver lies on the north bank of the majestie
Columbia, about one hundred and ten miles above the mouth
of that broad, clear-flowing stream. The site is a most com
manding one, and the scenery in all directions is of surpassing
and enchanting beauty. Among the eternally snow-capped
mountains which may be seen from this favored place are
Hood, St Helen, Adams, Jefferson and other smaller but pic
turesque peaks.
At present Vancouver is a prosperous, . modern city with
a progressive, intelligent population of over ten thousand, and
the county-seat of Clarke County, one of tip; most fertile and
resourceful counties on the Pacific slope. It is an important
point on the Great Northern, Northern Pacific and North
Bank railroads, and is the site of the greatest double-track
railroad bridge in the world; and now another iron span, the
Inter-state Highway Bridge is in course of construction across
the mighty Columbia at that place. Adjoining this lovely and
historic city is the Vancouver Barracks, formerly Fort Van
couver — the most beautiful and most healthful military post
in America. This fertile land was fairly won for the Union by the
heroic efforts of the sturdy Pioneers. The British were finally
swept back before the incoming tide of American settlers, and
where the flag of St. George once floated in the breeze, the

THE OLD STOCKADE
(The fa-m is 'orest-castle "on the birdw." It brings "an indelible realization of the numerqus unsurpassed,
pi.-t.ir^que scenes, romantic adventures and historic events that have transpired around
the ramparts of old Fort Vancouver.")

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 47
starry emblem of the Great Republic now waves in undisputed
triumph '
Fort Vancouver was established in 1824 by the Hudson's
Bay Company, as their headquarters in the Northwest, and
the rude stockade and blockhouse were guarded by the soldiers
and retainers of that semi-military organization. The battle
ments were erected as defense against the savages, and in
many respects, resembled a medieval fortress. This famous
forest-castle "on the border", in the midst of a vast, unex
plored wilderness, covered several acres of ground, inclosed by
a strong stockade, some twenty feet in height. Against the
walls of the enclosure were built the log-cabins for the officers
and employees of the great fur-tracing company. In the?
northwest corner of the palisades stood a bastion, surmounted
by two small cannon. Around this tower, during the weary
watches of the night, the sturdy warden kept his guardfiil
inarch — "Low-humming as he paced along,
Some ancient border-gathering song."
The stockade was entirely surrounded, by a ditch, which
was filled with water, and was some twelve feet wide and
eight feet deep. This narrow moat was spanned by a bridge
of planks which was carefully taken up at nightfall, though
the removal of this rude drawbridge was unaccompanied by
such stirring commands as —
"What, warder, ho! Up with the drawbridge;
Let the portcullis fall!"
At that time Fort Vancouver was replete with variety
and romance. Here the brave red-man of the forest would
come in his warlike paint and feathers to trade his valuable
furs for worthless beads and ornaments. Here that hardy
fore-runner of civilization, the intrepid fur-trapper, would
come attired in his picturesque costume, and laden with the
spoils of his wild wanderings over the mountains and valleys
of the West. Here could be seen the daring courrier-de-bois,
with the latest tidings from Detroit and Montreal upon his
impatient lips. And. in this pleasant . haven these kindred
adventurous spirits were wont to loiter,, spending their well-
earned gains and rehearsing the tales of their many perilous

48 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS  ^^
adventures. Here the noble John McLoughlin, governor of
the fort would receive annual visits from the magnates of the
Company and the leading Indian chieftains.
At the merry Christmas-tide these "Barons of the forest"
would spend many joyous nights in the large banquet-hall
At these feasts the Governor would regale his guests and re
tainers with that famous beverage — Hudson's Bay Rum, which
was stored in the company's cellars and given only to those
bearing an order from commandant. Around the festal board
the forest barons and their vassals boasted of their bound
less dominions, while rum and ruddy wine flowed free, and
the rough rafters rang with shouts of laughter and bursts of
song. The favorite chanson of that romantic time has been hand
ed down by tradition and is given here as it was sung to me
in my early childhood days, many years ago: —
; AROUND FORT VANCOUVER'S OLD YULE-LOG
0, Christmas night at Fort Vancouver,
Is gayer, we swear, than at London or Louver ;
Heap high the fir logs in the huge fire-place,
By its blaze we can see each rough frontier face;
By one glance at each man you can tell whence we come,
As we seal our rude friendship with Hudson's Bay Rum.
Hero are men of King George, with coats of bright red,
And chiels who from Scotland and Erin have fled;
Swarth French Canadian and dusky Kanaka,
With gay voyageurs just returned from Alaska ;
A pioneer of America, a strong trapper and dog,
With half-breeds and Indians, around the Yule-log.
Rude dare-devils of ventures by land and by sea,-- . -.,.,
Hardy and brave, rough and true, faithful and free;
A kjng's Christmas feast at Vancouver we make, '
"VSTitb deer from lovely Lackamas and ducks from Shilli-
poo Lake; ' "-
Choice trout from Cathlapoojya's stream and bear from
Mount Turn-Turn; — . . ' ...... >• >}'_¦>'?
And. to wash it all down, rare, old Hudson's Bay Rum!
At dawn the fierce and untamed glarfe ¦-'¦' •¦•*¦•
Of mountain lion we boldly dare; \

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 49
But more joyfully face at night
The eyes of Indian maidens bright;
And we drink to the health of our ladies gay,
With frontiersman's rum of Hudson's Bay.
At morn we brave the wild-cat's lair,
At eve we twine dusky maids' black hair;
Face death by day, to dance at night,
With chieftain's daughter by candle-light, — -
With laughter and song, care-free as a dog,
Around Fort Vancouver's old Yule-Log!
That was the Romantic Age of Vancouver's history. Those
ancient glories have long since departed. The Red-coats were
forced to haul down their flag and evacuate. They retreated
before the peaceful but resistless invasion of the American
Pioneer-Yeomanry. The once powerful Hudson's Bay Com
pany now lives only in the past. Even the Red-man is now a
curiosity when he visits the haunts of his forefathers and
wanders in solitude down our lovely streets; while the daring
deeds of fur-traders, voyageurs and scouts linger only in the
memory of men tremulous with age. On the page of history
alone aro these scenes of the poetic past portrayed. There
alone do we see those romantic figurs as they pass and re-pass
in all the vigor of their lusty manhood.
When the Americans came into undisputed possession
of this region, a new fort was established some distance north
of the ' ' Old Fort ' ', and garrisoned by a force of United States
soldiers in 1849. One of the log-houses of that time still re
mains, being used as the officers' Club. Early in 1856 a block
house was built near where the general's residence noAv stands.
During the absence of the regular soldiers on an Indian cam
paign that year, the block-house was guarded by a company
of "Clarke County Rangers" commanded by Judge William
Strong. It was here that the indignant women of Vancouver
and vicinity presented the company with a bundle of femine
apparel as a mock compliment of their famous march to the
Battle Ground, a full account of which appears in another
place in this book.
Among the early comanders of this frontier post were
sturdy veterans of the Mexican War and Indian campaigns,

50 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Generals William S. Harney, John E. Wool and George Wright.
Other officers famous in our military annals have been sta
tioned here at various times, the list including Grant, Sheridan,
McLellan, Pleasanton, Ord, Miles, Howard, Canby, Gibbon,
Kautz Funston, Greeley and others. It was from here that
Col. Steptoe started on the campaign that led to his disastrous
defeat at the bloody battle of Spokane Plains. It was from
here that gallant Phil Sheridan started to the rescue of the
soldiers and settlers at the Cascade block-house, where ''Little
Phil" received his first baptism of fire; it was from here that
Gen. Howard started on his long fighting-pursuit of Chief
Joseph during the Nez Perce and Bannock campaigns ; and it
was from here that Clarke County Volunteers and other sol
diers entrained and embarked for their long trip to the Phil
ippines during the Spanish war in 1898.
About thirty-five years ago the Piute tribe of Indians un
der Chief Winnemucca, started on the war-path in Southern
Oregon. After a short campaign under Gen. Howard they
were captured, and, with the chieftain's daughter, Princess
Winnemucca, were brought to Fort Vancouver. They were
among the last bands of hostile Indians encamped at this
place. The writer was taken by his father to the fort to view
the strange sight. With other children he was led past the
tents in the oak grove where the braves and their squaws
and papooses were encamped. He remembers with what ter
ror he met the fierce, sullen gaze of the savage warriors. Re
cent tale? of savage cruelty were vividly recalled and visions
of blood rushed red on the sight. It was a living object lesson
in American history, more immpressive than any taught only
in books. It enabled the mind to realize, years afterward, the
heroism of the American home-builders — whether pilgrims
under Miles Standish, Cavaliers under Captain John Smith,
frontiersmen under Daniel Boone and Simon Kenton, or North
west Pioneers under Colonels B. F. Shaw and J. W. Nesmith.
It also brought an indelible realization of the numerous, un
surpassed picturesque scenes, romantic adventures and historic
events that have transpired around the ramparts of old Fort
Vancouver.

THE HISTORICAL APPLE TREE
("Pray plant these true love seeds of mine
On far Columbia's fertile shore.")

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 51

LEGEND OF THE APPLE TREE
(Written in 1913.)
At a dinner party in honor of officials of the Hudson's Bay Company
just before their departure from London for Port Vancouver, a young lady
playfully placed her apple seeds in the pocket of a gentleman sitting
at her side The seeds were carefully planted under the watchful eyes-
of Governor John McLouglin. One of the seeds germinated and the
sprout of a promising apple ti ee — the first apple tree on the Pacific
Coast — soon made its appearance.
After several years it bore one apple, which, when ripe, was picked
by Governor McLoughlin and carefully cut into seventeen slices, and;
one precious slice of the lucious fruit was served to each person at the
governor's table. The next year the tree bore twenty apples, and it is
still living and bearing fruit. The first account of this historic tree-
was written by Mrs. Marcus Whitman, in her Journal, on her visit to,
Fort Vancouver in 1836, when the tree was about ten years old.
In Eighteen Hundred and Twenty-Six on London's famous
strand,
On the eve of their departure for Oregon's distant land,
Hudson's Bay officials sat in festive banquet room,
"With wives and mothers dear, and sweethearts in their bloom.
They drank long life to ladies bright,
And to their lovers tall;
While glasses clinked and laughter light
Rang round that stately hall.
Fair Kate unto her love true,
Then blushingly did say: —
"These magic apple seeds take with you,
When at dawn you sail away;
And, that they may be a sign
That you will love me evermore,
Pray plant these true love seeds of mine
On far Columbia's fertile shore."
And so Love's apple seeds were carried to this far western.
slope ;
And here they thrived and prospered beyond the lover's
fondest hope ;
In far away Vancouver Fort, to Indians' wondering eyes,
A lordly apple tree soon flung green banner;* to the skies.

52 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Its offspring now are scattered wide
O'er the broad Pacific Coast;
Their luscious apples are our pride,
The orchard's queen, the poet's boast.
Their choice fruit they are lending,
With cool shade for you and me ;
While thousands we are sending
To old London o'er the sea.
So now we bless the lady fair
And bless her lover tall,
Who planted here with tender care,
Sweet apples for us all.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 53

ESTHER SHORT AND THE RED-COATS
r (Written in 1S97.)
As the time drew nigh when the Treaty of Joint Occupa
tion was to expire, Great Britain put forth great exertions to
have the Colubmia River recognized as the boundary line be
tween her American possessions and the Oregon Territory.
The best land in the Willamette Valley having been taken
the American home-builders began to push across the Colum
bia, as they had a perfect right to do, with the intention of
settling upon the north side of that stream. This brought
them into still closer contact with the British element, and
increased the bitter feeling between them, until, in some in
stances, it took on all the intensities of border warfare.
During those days the scenes presented within the stock
ade of the Hudson's Bay Company at Vancouver abounded
with historical interest and romantic beauty. There was the
French-Canadian trapper with his buckskin breeches, and his
picturesque cloak carelessly flung over his shoulders, engaged
in animated conversation with a party of voyageurs who had
just returned in their canoes from the headwaters of the Snake
River; before the company's store, a large building in the cen
ter of the inclosure, a group composed of stalwart redmen of
the forest, dark-skinned Kanakas from the far-off Hawaiian
Isles, and plaided Highlanders from the mountains of Scot
land, gave undivided attention to a venturesome eourier-de-
bois who was describing his latest travels among the frozen
regions of the north. An American settler paused while pass
ing out of the main gateway to shout a ringing defiance to the
commandant, who had threatened him with violence unless he
retraced his steps to the south side of the Columbia.
Alarmed by the growing frequency of such demonstra
tions, the commandant ordered that the ponderous gate should
be more securelly barred at nightfall, and that the draw-bridge,
should b.' raised promptly at the set of sun. From the tower

54 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
in the northwest corner of the palisades the guard peered with
greater vigilance into the gathering darkness. It may not be
out of place to add that the writer's father was often rudely
awakened at the witching hour of midnight by the sentry's
.shrill cry: "Twelve o'clock and all is well!" The bastion
was surmounted by two small cannon, and surrounded by a
narrow plank walk. Upon this short beat, the guard, who
-was frequently a Scotchman of the redoubtable Douglass clan,
-would march to and fro during the weary watches of the night.
"Above the gloomy portal arch,
The sturdy warden kept his march,
Low-humming as he paced along
Some ancient border-gathering song."
But even this stronghold of British influence was destined
to be invaded by the sturdy immigrants from the United
States A young settler named Henry Williamson was one
of the earliest Americans to brave the wrath of the Hudson's
Bay Company by staking out a claim upon the present site
¦of Vancouver. This venturesome home-builder had emigrated
from the State of Indiana, and upon leaving home he had
placed a ring upon the finger of a fair damsel who promised to
remain true to her gallant knight-errant during his wander
ings in the West. After choosing a dwelling place in some
pleasant vale on the Pacific coast, he was to return to take
hither his plighted bride. Impelled by such high hopes as
these, this bold pioneer scaled the rugged mountain peaks and
-crossed the burning desserts, until he paused one glorious
morning upon the banks of the majestic river of the West.
"With a lightsome ballad on his lips, and music in his heart
¦sweeter than the blithe carol of the birds among the leafy
branches - he began the task, of building, a home in this vast
-wilderness. To a French-Canadian boating song * wafted to
him from a party of voyageurs gliding down the stream, he
fitted the words of his own heart — words resonant with hop©
and love-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 55
THE YOUNG SETTLER'S LOVE SONG
Loud rings the axe of the woodsman brave,
In his forest-home by Columbia's wave,
On this chosen spot he builds his cot,
With logs from the evergreen tree.
Hewn with thoughts of thee, Mary,
Hewn with thoughts of thee.
Blithe is the lay of the settler free,
Resounding o'er river and lea,
At his daily toil on the virgin soil,
'Neath the shade of the evergreen tree,
He sings of love and thee, Mary,
He sings of love and thee.
Here will we dwell in Columbia's vale,
And sing with the birds in this happy dale; —
In deep forest glade, 'mid the fir's kind shade,
'Mong the boughs of the evergreen tree,
I dream of love and thee, Mary,
I dream of love and thee."
Despite the numerous obstacles thrown in his way by the
British, he erected his log cabin and made a small clearing in
the wilderness. At length all was ready for the coming of
the bride and our youthful pioneer journeyed all the way back
to the Hoosier state only to find that the form which he longed
to clasp to his breast had lain for months within the tomb.
The bright hopes which had lured his eager feet across the
dreary plain were not less illusive than the mirage or phantom
lake toward which he vainly hastened to quench his parching
thirst. The broken-hearted lover retraced his weary foot
steps back to his forest home. But it no longer possessed any
charms for him.' He wandered about aimlessly until he joined
the Argonauts of '49, and was finally lost to our view among
the gold fields of California.
The next American to invade this region was Amos M.
Short, who came here with his family in 1845. This intrepid
settler and his faithful wife, Esther Short, were true types of

56 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
the pioneer yeomanry of the Northwest. They were coldly
received by the officials of the fur trading company, who
refused to sell them either food or clothing so long as they
persisted in their intention of erecting their home altar here
as citizens of the great Republic. To those who came as neu
trals, these "King George Men" were the best of friends; to
those who came as American citizens, they were the bitterest of
enemies Undeterred by this spirit of hostility, the newcomers
staked out their claim and erected their humble log cabin.
While the husband was cutting the rails for a fence around
their little clearing the wife overhauled the spinning wheel
and was soon busily engaged spinning the wool for their home
made garments. Through the open doorway she could hear
the ring of her husband's axe and the sweet warblings of the
birds among the trees. The broad Columbia rolled in majesty
at her feet; in the distance that sentinel mountain, Hood,
matched his snow-crowned head against the fleecy whiteness
of the clouds. In tune to the grand scene about her, and in
time to the whirling of her spindle, her heart burst forth into
involuntary song. It was a song such as pioneer women were
wont to sing as they went about their daily tasks. Into it
were carelessly woven scenes and events of every-day life.
In it were blended the gay measure of some sprightly ballad
and the solemn notes of a religious hymn ; now free and wild
as the swollen current of Burnt Bridge Creek as it tore away
the dam by Priedmore's old mill — now soft and low as that
same stream's gentlest murmer when soothed by summer's
shallow flow. SONG OF THE PIONEER HOUSE-WIFE
We'll build us a home 'mid the forest wild,
Where sweeps the broad river, so clear and so mild:
Where blooms the wild rose by Columbia's main,
And savages roam o'er the boundless plain;
While 'round our cot the tall firs sigh,
And redmen raise their fierce war-cry.
. Bold forest- Amazons are we —
True help-mates of pioneer-yeomanry; . - •

OF NORTHWEST 1FSTORY 57
With husbands we work in solitudes wild
Fight savage or wild cat to protect our child;
We help hew logs for frontier roof-tree,
And raise in the West the flag of the free.
What though the Red-coats lay claim to this land ;
And madly molest us with fire and brand
Or threaten to drive us from hearth and from home —
From this favored place they'll ne'er make us roam;
We'll firmly protect sacred rights and roof-tree,
And win this fair land for flag of the free !
But the Hudson's Bay Company was not content with the
mere withholding of supplies from this American settler.
They tried to discourage him by sending parties of their em
ployees to pull down his fences, and commit other like depre*
dations. On one occasion when Mr. Short had gone to the
American settlement at Oregon City to purchase needed sup
plies, a party of the company's employees placed Mrs. Short
and her children upon a batteau which they then pushed
adrift into the current of the Columbia with but a single oar
on board. It was only by the utmost skill and exertion that
the poor mother was enabled to paddle the cumbersome craft
to the shore and save herself and the children from their per
ilous position.
Upon his return, Mr. Short announced his firm determina
tion to defend his hearth and home at all hazards. So when
the next crowd attempted to pull down his fence, he loaded
his rifle and fired upon them, killing an officer and a servant
of the company. For this deed, committeed in defense of his,
home, Mr. Short was arrested and taken before Justice Petrain,
father of C. A. Petrain, now a prominent attorney of Portland!
After an examination, Mr. Short was taken to Oregon City to
be tried by Judge Lancaster, of the Oregon provisional gov
ernment He was, however, finally released without trial.
During the enforced absence of the home-builder the Brit
ish prepared to renew their work of destruction. A small
squad of men were sent out under the lead of a French-Can
adian named FiCeatte, with the instructions to continue the
tearing down of the pioneer's rail fence. FiCeatte was ari act-"'

58 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
venturous courier-de-bois who had been in the employ of the
company for many years. Under British command he had
roamed the Western wilds from Montreal to Fort Vancouver.
He therefore represented the aggressive spirit and prowess of
Great Britain as truly as did those redcoats who were so badly
beaten by John Stark and his "Green Mountain" boys at
Benning+on. Moreover, he was sent out by Gevernor Ogden,
the son of a British tory who had been driven to Halifax by
the patriots of the Revolution. When Esther Short saw this
little army approaching her castle she became as indignant
as did the Boston school boys when the redcoats under Gen
eral Gage interfered with their games by breaking up the ice
on Boston Common. Like those free-spirited lads, she felt
that she had suffered from British cruelty long enough. Like
them, also, she was determined to bear their ts'ranny no longer.
So just as FiCeatte put his hands upon the topmost rail and
began to wrench it from its place, by a deft swing of her arm
she struck him with the palm of her hand a stinging blow
across the cheek. Before he realized it, the astonished fur-
trapper was lying on the green-sward at his conqueror's feet.
As soon as he could gather himself together the abashed
French-Canadian beat a hasty retreat to the fort, where he
gave the commandant, Governor Peter Ogden, a graphic ac
count of his disastrous encounter. During the recital of his
trusty courier-de-bois who had never be fore suffered defeat,
the sides of the gallant Governor fairly shook with laughter.
At its conclusion, with a merry twinkle in his eye, he sagely
remarked : "I guess we had better give it up ; we can never
hope to win against such brave women as that." And Mr.
FiCeatte himself, who still resides at Vancouver at the ripe
age of eighty-five, laughs heartily when he tells the story of
his humiliating defeat.
Governor Ogden was a brave, generous-hearted man, to
whom a petty- war-fare against settlers, and their. wives was
extremely distasteful. This incident taught him that the in
coming tide of American yeomanry would maintain their
rights with all the bravery of their forefathers. He was wise
enough to foresee that, a struggle against such a band of de
termined men and women could have but one result. He was

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 59
candid enough to admit his defeat, and withdraw gracefully
from the contest.
The salutary lesson taught by this sturdy American mat
ron was most wholesome in its effect. She did not ride forth
to battle, like Joan of Arc, encased in shining breastplate of
steel. She was panoplied only in the armor of her own right
eousness Other weapon had she none, save her good right
arm and the sublime justice of her cause. Her victory loses
none of its grandeur because unaccompanied by the roar of
artillery, the flash of sabers, or the cheers of victorious legions.
Her army was the brood of children at her knee; her banners,
the foliage of evergreen trees waving in the breeze overhead.
Standing with uplifted hand amid the rich wildflowers and
the swaying grass, the rough log cabin behind her, the rude
rail fence before, she presents as impressive a picture as that
engraved by our forefathers upon the storied bridge at Con
cord. Vancouver's coat-of-arms consists of a picture of Mount
Hood, with the Columbia River in the foreground. This
scene may be claimed in common by other towns in this neigh
borhood, and commemorates no achievements of America's
heroes Would it not be more appropriate to change
this for one representing our Joan .of Arc in the act of
defying and putting to flight the hirelings of Great Britain's
wealth and prowess? This would continually remind us that
the pioneer women of the Northwest displayed the same hero
ism as did their grandmothers in the days of Betsy Ross, Bessie
McNeal and Molly Pitcher. Then, in years to come, some fair
reader of this humble narrative, as she sits by the evening fire
with her grandchildren on her knee, will relate to the listening
little one a tradition not less inspiring than "Grandfather's
Tale of Yorktown" — The thrilling story of Esther Short and
her victory over the British Redcoats.

•JJQTE—rY ears ago, one of the writer's greatest Jpys was the annual
visit to his grandparent's old log cabin, ; on- the bariksS-of tW-Columbia.
near St Helens, Oregon. In the evening grandmother would bring her
spinning wheel to the fireside, where she would sing and spin. Her
songs consisted of a rude blending of patriotism, religion and romance.
Priedmore's old mil! on Burnt Bridge Creek was built by one of the
early French-Canadian trappers. Portions of the sills still remain.

60 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
It may of interest to the admirers of Walter Scott to know that
Sir James Douglas, one of the bravest bearing the dreaded Douglas
name, was for a time the commandant at Fort Vancouver.
Our heroine, Esther Short, was the true founder of Vancouver. She
laid out and platted the town, dedicating the City water front and the
park to the people forever. The park should be named Esther Square
in her honor.
Miss Esther Short, a worthy granddaughter of our pioneer heroine,
resides at Washougal, and is among the most respected, useful, and
patriotic school teachers of Clarke County.

PIONEER WITNESS TREE
(This tree has been washed away by the high water, but it is proposed to plant a slip of the parent tree on the
very spot where the old tree stood.)

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 61

A PIONEER WITNESS TREE.
(Written in 1898)
Of all the gifts of nature few are more beneficent, bounti
ful or beautiful than the forest tree. It not only enriches
mankind, but adorns the landscape as well. It absorbs many
poisonous gases and purifies the surrounding atmosphere. It
cleanses the air that loiters to play among its branches, and
sends it, loaded with fragrance and sweetness, on its joyous
way. Its graceful foliage shelters the nesting birds, while it
lends a charm to their sweetest songs.
As the loveliest of feins and mosses thrive within our
shady groves, so many of our most glorious traditions are in
separably associated with the tree of the forest. The tree is
the natural friend of freedom. Tyranny, corruption and im
purity need never expect a home in the forest. Their tainted
and deformed imps would be bereft of all power by the purity
and freshness of the breeze that rustles through the scented
grove, and stifled by the wild sweetness of the woodland
melodies. It was in complete harmony with nature's plan
for William Penn to conclude his treaty of peace with the
Indians beneath the kindly shade of a forest monarch, and for
Wadsworth to entrust the Charter of Connecticut's Liberty to
the constant heart of a stout old oak.
At the foot of Main Street in the City of Vancouver,
Washington, may be seen a large cottonwood tree, which has
an honored place in the early chronicles of our common
wealth. It has boldly reared its crest just upon the bank of
the broad. Columbia, and its antlered branches stand out in
clear relief against that silvery stream. In the records of
Clarke County this aged giant is officially known by the poetic
name of a "Balm of Gilead" tree, a name that seems to light
up that musty account of the deeds of the "rude forefathers
of the hamlet" with the soft glow of poetry and romance.
During the present century this forest monarch has beheld
many strange vicissitudes. From its foot the savage tribes

62 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
embarked in their canoes on many a war-like expedition; the
voyageurs of the Hudson's Bay Company moored their bat-
teaus near its roots when they came to establish a trading post
here in 1824; while the humble American settler landed be
neath its protecting shade when he came to battle with the
British for the possession of the soil.
From 1840 to 1850 that powerful organization, the Hud
son's Bay Company, exerted its utmost influence to deter citi
zens of the United States from settling on land north of the
Columbia River. The officials of this despotic company suc
ceeded in driving away all American settlers until the arrival
of the dauntless pioneer, Amos M. Short and his brave wife,
Esther Short. Ignoring all the insolent threats of the British,
Mr. Short proceeded to erect his log cabin, and stake out his
donation land claim, selecting the magnificent Balm of Gilead
as his witness tree and point of beginning. This tree thus
stood on the border-land between two contending powers, and
marked the boundary of the British company's possessions
from the land of the American pioneer.
But it was far more than a mere land-mark. It marked
"the point of beginning" to active resistance from the Ameri
cans to the haughty aggression of the British. From the
moment that Amos Short sunk his gleaming axe into that
noble cottonwood and marked its trunk with the blaze of
liberty, the power of the British steadily declined. That act
dedicate 1 the tree and the surrounding region to the cause of
freedom The bold yeoman had taken up nis claim in con
formity to the land laws of the United States, and in defend
ing his property ht was upholding the honor and dignity of
his country's emblem. He maintained his rights with all the
bravery of an American citizen. When the Hudson's Bay
Company sent a party of men to drive him away from his
home, he took down his musket and went forth to meet them.
After fair warning, he fired upon them, killing an officer and a
servant of the company, while the others retreated in utter
dismay. After a few more attempts to dislodge him, the
British desisted, leaving him to occupy his land in peace.
Other settlers came pouring in, and the entire region was soon
in undisputed possession of the Americans.

OF NORTHWEST FFSTORY 63
In the dusty, time-stained chronicles in the U. S. Land
office tho description of this pioneer's homestead is recorded
in the customary legal style, as follows: "Beginning at a
large Balm of Gilead tree on the north bank of the Columbia
River and running thence," etc.
From that Balm of Gilead liberty's lines have been ex
tended iii all directions, until the broad principles of American
Freedom and Justice now enfold this entire commonwealth
within their kindly grasp ; for the Tree of Liberty is not a
dwarfed shrub growing upon Tyranny's blasted heath but a
noble giant. And the blaze of Freedom which the settler cut
upon its trunk has broadened and deepened with age.
This historic witness tree still stands upon the bank of
the storied Columbia, the warm sap flowing freely through its
lusty vems. Its rich green leaves are as bright and fresh
as the principles of eternal justice ; its soft, snowy bloom not
less spotless than the sacred cause of Truth and Right. May
it long thrive — a living memorial of the past — a venerable
title-deed of American industry, courage and glory !
Foot notes: — The Indian name for cottonwood tree was "Wauko-
mah", which is the name of a neighborhood a few miles from Vancouver.

64 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
YOUNG GRANT AT FORT VANCOUVER.
(Written in 1914.)
In 1852 and '53, following his experiences in the Mexican
War, Lieutenant U. S. Grant was stationed at Fort Vancouver,
to assist in guarding this frontier region from Indian out
breaks. With brother officers, he was quartered in a large
log-house, which, with its old fire-place and rough-hewn logs
still remains, tho it has been boarded over and painted so that
but few of the logs are discernible. It is now used as the
officers' club house, and is sometimes styled "Grant's Head
quarters", but the term is misleading in view of the fact that
Grant was not the post-commander, but only a subaltern, when
he dwelt in this old log-house.
Yes, here dwelt Grant when life was young,
His brother officers among;
They talked and studied, jested and sang, —
These rough log-walls with laughter rang.
Tho these brave comrades have passed away,
The old fire-place remains today,
And its bright blaze with cheerful glow,
Reflects those days of long ago.
He flirted, 'tis said, with Indian lass,
The bright-eyed Mary Looking-glass;
And oft he turned from Columbia's main,
And rode six miles to old Fourth-Plain,
Thru forest- trails of Washington,
To sing with Dolly Covington;
And oft sat silent, still as a mouse,
By the bright fire-place in this old log-house.
He here pondered o'er his future fame,
And planned his fights in war's rough game;
Here grew thoughts that brought victory,
And made this Nation great and free; —
This frontier fort to Vicksburg spread,
Vancouver to Appomattox led; —
While we of Shiloh and Donelson boast,
To this old log-house let's drink a toast!

GRANT'S OLD LOG QUARTERS.

ANOTHER VIEW OF GRANTS QUARTERS

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 65

HANK PEARSON'S RIDE
(Written in 1898)
THEME
....At the beginning of the Indian uprising under Chiefs Kamiakin and
Kanaskct, in November of i860, Governor Stevens was near Fort Benton,
Montana, attending the Blackfoot council. As the people needed their
gallant leader' in this great emergency, Hank Pearson volunteered to
hasten onward with the dispatch.
His course lead him throught flve hundred miles of hostile land
filled with lurking savages, and over rough snow-covered mountains.
¦When one horse was worn out he jumped upon another and pressed on
¦without pausing for rest. When he reached his destination his clothes
-were frozen stiff to his body and he was so weak withal that he had
to be lifted from the horse and carried into the house. Pearson lived
at Vancouver, and was widely known for his expert horsemanship,
having served as a courier on many occasions.
While this dangerous ride did not result in the rider's instant death,
as related in the verse, it greatly hastened his untimely end; and the
etory of his heroic self-sacrifice remains a poetic truth. -
Among the famous riders of history none are more thrilling than
this, and it is rendered doubly precious by its associations with th#
name of ¦ our heroic Governor, Isaac I. Stevens. '
A COURIER OF THE WEST
"Heaven's cherubin, horsed upon the sightless couriers of the air.
Shall blow the horid deed in every eye.'
THE WARNING.
Around the firesides of the West lingers this tale of a hero
brave,
"Who breathed his last in storied past, while striving human
life to save.
During the fall of '55 on a dark and stormy night,
Adown the swift Columbia, like an eagle in its flight,
Darted the light canoe of friendly Indian Jack
To warn the people of Vancouver of dreaded ni^h* attack.
The startled villagers for self-defense prepared,
Then called for a volunteer, for one ^vho freely dared
To carry the news to Stevens, about the yar alt hand,
Through five hundred l°n?ty W\fk W!*9F? *u*ked ^e sava?e
band.
Then rose that gallant yeoman, Hanjj Pearson, bpld, and strong
And started^ on that 'mountain rid^ |p dangerous ai$I long.
Not his the classic 'lace, 'not Ijis t|§*rythnj^e*|j|i^

66 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
That sculptor on marble loves to trace, or minstrel softly gives
to fame.
But fitter for him by far, is granite's rude, enduring heart,
And sweeter rings his name afar, when comrade sings his
noble part. THE RIDE
Fast he rode by Columbia's stream,
Guided by day-star or moon's pale beam;
By day and night he hastened on,
Passing Celilo, whence had gone
All the braves of the fishing village,
The last to leave for war's rude pillage.
As he neared Walla Walla's lovely vale.
He spied a ploughman in the dale;
Telling his tale so fierce and new,
He asked for a horse to carry him through.
"Take 'Antelope,' a steed more true
Ne'er from the meadow dashed the dew."
Springing upon the gallant black,
He breathed his name, the rein held slack;
Forward flew the quivering steed,
Straining his limbs to their utmost speed.
Not faster the startled deer is borne
When soundeth anear the huntsman's horn;
Not surer flies the unerring dart
Seeking its rest in that trembling heart.
Leaving behind Walla Walla's plain,
He dashed on through the Coer d'Alene.
THE ARRIVAL AND THE PASSING.
So without pause by night or day,
He rode until one morning gray,
Spattered with variation of every ground,
That 'twixt The Dalles and Benton is found,
He was lifted tenderly from the back"
Of the gallant but all breathless black;
And was carried in through the open door
Straight to the side of our war governor,
Then striving to rise, bold Pearson spoke —

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 67
Though his words by frequent gasps were broke—
"Kamiakin and fierce Kanasket
Have raised on high the bloody hatchet ;
For their leader's return, your people pray,
Make haste, brave Stevens, haste away!"
In the arms of friends, his last words said,
The messenger falls with drooping head;
His eyelids close, his deeds are o'er,
The courier will ride on steeds no more.
Softly our Roman his orders told:
' ' Keep tender vigils o 'er hero bold ;
My people are calling, I hasten on.
I'd pause not now for my own dear son."
Stevens sped on to reach Hell Gate,
Where Spotted Eagle impatient did wait
To safely guide the Governor,
0 'er mountain path to seat of war ;
Where he led his men in gallant fight,
Till peac>. soon followed the war's dark night.
A CLOSING STRAIN.
Still by +he hearth-stones of the West
Lingers this tale of a hero brave,
Who breathed his last in storied past
While striving human life to save.
Still whisper gray sires 'round hearths at home,
That sometimes in the weird moonlight,
A phantom rider on horse afoam,
Comes and vanishes in the night ;
A sign that once more in time of need,
He will ride, as of yore, his gallant steed.
The tale is told, the hearth is cold,
But the heart throbs warm for the hero bold;
And ever may his memory last
While hearts are thrilled by tales of the past.
"For whether on the scaffold high,
Or in the battle's van,
The fittest place for man to die,
Is where he dies for man."

68 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
m —
FOOTNOTES.
My people are calling, I hasten on,
I'd pause not now for my own dear son."
"Stevens sped on to reach Hell Gate,
Where Spotted Eagle impatient did wait."
In describing the death of General Stevens, the New York Tribun*
«f September 5, 1862, says: "A moment after Stevens seized the colors,
his son ±iazzard fell wounded, and cried to his father that he was hurt.
"With a glance backward, that Roman father said, 'I can't attend you
now, Hazzard; Corporal Thompson, see to my boy.' "'
That was his last farewell; a few minutes afterwards he lay cold
and still on the field of Chantilly, his fingers still clasping, like bands
of steel, the flag he loved so well.
The Nez Perce chiefs, Spotted Eagle and Three Feathers, with
seventy followers, acted as bodyguard for Governor Stevens on bis
perilous return.
Spotted Eagle and his band proved faithful to the whites through
out the war,, and fought gallantly with them in several engagements.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 69

THE CASTLE ON THE PLAINS
Written in 1897.
It is hard to believe that, but a generation ago, Clarke
County was on the very verge of the Northwest frontier, and
as an outpost of American civilization was continually beset
by all the dangers and trials of a border community. In these
quiet, "piping days of peace," we hear little of those troub
lous times, when the hurrying messenager would draw rein be
fore the cabin of some lone frontiersman to tell him of the
latest Indian massacre, and then dash on to warn other re
mote settlements. At such a time there was as surely as much
need of haste as when the messenger of Rhoderick Dhue was
dispatched to carry the signal for the gathering of the clan.
Whether the courier was a white settler riding a cayuse pony
or a friendly Indian runner, his feet clad in moccasins orna
mented with beads glistening like dew in the morning sun,
the words of Walter Scott come unbidden to the lips ;
"Speed, Malise, speed; the dun deer's hide
On fleeter foot was never tied!"
As the Scottish clansmen quickly gathered at Clanrick
jifead, so did the frontiersmen of this county hastily meet at
some central locality to prepare for the defense of their fami
lies. In time of great stress, the home builders quickly be
came home-defenders. While we read thrilling tales of border
warfare in Scotland, we are scarcely aware of the stirring
scenes which have been enacted in our own neighborhood.
It was quite by an accident that the writer first heard of the
old fort at Fourth Plain.
When the news of the Indian depredations reached the
settlers of Fourth Plain, early in 1856, they determined not to
flee to town for protection, but to erect a stockade near their
own. homes. Trees were felled and the logs were hauled to a
small hil' on the place of Mr. Geer, where it had been decided
the castle should be built. The fort consisted of a stockade
about sixteen feet high, enclosing about au acre of ground

70 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
and was surrounded by a small trench. Within the enclosure
and against the walls of the fort, a dozen or more log cabins
were built, leaving quite an open space in the center. This
open court served as a drilling place for the embattled farm
ers, as well as a play ground for the children.
To this castle the freeholders of the Plain came with their
families when they heard of the attack of the Indians upon
the Cascade blockhouse, in March, 1856, and within these
friendly battlements they remained until July. Their com
mander was Captain Richard Covington, who drew quite a
good nicture of Fort Vancouver in 1855.
Tradition has it that Mr. Covington possessed the first
organ ever brought into Clarke County, and was wont to en
tertain his guests by playing upon the violin, while his wife
accompanied him on the organ. It is said that one of their
most frequent visitors in 1853 was Lieut. U. S. Grant, who
thought naught of the six-mile ride on the lonely trail that led
from Vancouver to the Plain.
Among the settlers who brought their families to the fort
for protection were Walter Maybray, John and Charles Byrd,
Valentine, John and Jacob Proebstel, Richard McCary, John
Bersch and Thomas Nerton. Sentries kept watch by night,
and sometimes scouting parties were sent out to keep the In
dians at a distance. In the morning the settlers went forth to
work, carrying their rifles upon their shoulders. Though no
attack was made upon them, the yeomanry of the Plain showed
that they possessed the courage to defend their homes and
were equal to any emergency.
Instead of being the scene of bloodshed and death, the
fort was a place of life and birth, for there Henry Bersch was
born, June 11, 1856.
After the people had returned to their homes, a term of
school was taught at the fort, and it was also used as a place
for religious services. Thus, within those walls which it was
feared would resound with the war-whoop of the Redmen,
the yeomanry and their families united in singing the sweet
songs of Zion; while from those battlements, erected as a de
fense against a savage foe arose the supplications of His peo-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 71
pie to the great Jehovah, imploring divine protection against
their moi:t insidious foe, the common enemy of man.
The fort and buildings are now completely obliterated and
have become only a dim tradition of the past. The land once
occupied by this grim monument of war is now covered with
flourishing fruit trees. This is another virtual fulfillment of
that beautiful prophecy: "Their spears shall be fashioned
into plougshares and their swords into pruning hooks."

72 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

SHERIDAN'S FIRST BATTLE-RIDE
Phil Sheridan was the greatest and most famous cavalry leader in
American history, but the story of his glorious career is not confined
to his stirring achievements in the Civil War. His first battle-ride was
made, not on the back of a coal-black charger, but on the deck of a
sturdy steamboat up the Columbia River from Port Vancouver, and his
unblemished knightly fame is inseparably associated with Vancouver
and Northwest History.
In the spring of 1856, Lieutenant Sheridan, then a gallant youth of
25, was stationed at Fort Vancouver, when after midnight on March
27th, word was brought by a friendly Indian-runnei that the settlers
and their families had been attacked by a large band of Indians at the
Cascade blockhouse, and would soon be overcome and murdered. Quick
ly gathering about forty dragoons and volunteer settlers, at two o'clock
in the morning, Sheridan jumped upon the steamer Belle and dashed to
the rescue; and after a bloody and brilliant combat, saved the lives of
the beseiged settlers and soldiers. Captain Robert Williams, for many
years a beloved citizen of Vancouver, was among the brave defenders
of the blockhouse and delighted to tell the story of Little Phil's baptism
of fire. From Fort Vancouver rode Sheridan,
To the rescue of woman, child and man,
Who, beseiged in the blockhouse at Cascade,
Sent friendly "Eagle Wing" for aid.
On deck of a noble boat rode he,
On that bloody day in our history.
A motley crew formed his company,
Troopers, trappers and frontier-yeomanry,
Rode on the Belle by Little Phil's side,
On fair Columbia's majestic tide;
Fast flew the boat thru the foaming spray,
With Sheridan forty miles away!
0, how the bullets and arrows did pour,
As the boat approached the Cascade's shore!
And how Phil and his troopers rushed pell-mell
"O 'er the gang-plank of the steamer Belle !
The savages scattered far and wide,
And fathers kissed children, and bridegroom kissed
bride.

CASCADE BLOCKHOUSE

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 73
Still old pioneers with rapture tell
How half a tribe on that day fell,
As Little Phil led his gallant charge,
From blood-stained deck of that brave barge;
And the Indians fled in wild dismay,
With Sheridan forty feet away !
Then, hurrah, hurrah, for Sheridan!
Hurrah, hurrah, for boat and man!
Hurrah for the soldiers and settlers brave,
Who fought, loved women and children to save!
And a ' ' Tiger ' ' add for those days ot old,
When women were true and men were bold!

74 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

AN OLD JACKSONIAN DEMOCRAT
(Written in 1910.)
In these happy, piping days of '"Insurgency" and "New
Nationalism" it is somewhat refreshing to hear of a real old-
fashioned Jacksonian Democrat, such as flourished in the
youthful period of our Republic. One of those now rare char
acters, a survival of those early, rugged days is still with us in
Clarke County and is before the voters as a candidate on the
Democratic ticket this fall. We allude to that sturdy, stalwart
Democrat of the old school. Capt. A. L. Coffee, Democratic
nominee for state representative. As a good Republican, the
writer cannot support Mr. Coffee's candidacy, but we consider
this old Democratic war-horse "good copy", and we know
our readers will be pleased to hear about him at this time.
So we present him as a living reminder of these early days.
Capt. Coffee is by birth and breeling a genuine, unadult
erated Jacksonian Democrat. He was born in the sunny
South in 1831, nearly eighty years ago, during the first admin
istration of his patron saint, President Andrew Jackson, canon
ized by he faithful as "Old Hickory." He has lived through
the eventful administration of Jackson, Van Buren, "Tippe
canoe" Harrison, Tyler, Polk, Taylor, Fillmore, Pierce, Buch
anan, Lincoln, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, Cleve
land, Ben Harrison, McKinley, Roosevelt, "The Strenous",
and is now basking in the sunny smile of big Bill Taft. He
has seen presidents, cabinets and congresses come and go; he
has witnessed glory-crowned generals, dignified dames, stately
statesmen, prominent politicians and powerful parties pass on
and fade away into the dim obscurity of the past. He has
listened to the inspiring eloquence of John Quincy Adams,
Clay, Calhoun, Hayne, Webster, Corwin, Giddings, Sumner and
Seward and has knelt at the sacred political shrine of Jackson,
Tom Benton, Sam Houston and Steve Douglas. During his
life-time this struggling Republic has developed into one of

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 75
the great nations of the earth and its former domains, with
their indefinite boundaries, have grown to imperial propor
tions and have been extended from ocean to ocean.
And Mr. Coffee has taken his part in this historic move
ment. When a young man of 21 he came "across the plains"
to the great Northwest and settled in Clarke County, Wash
ington, where he has lived most of the time ever since. At
the beginning of the Indian war in 1855 he enlisted in the
Washington Territory Volunteers and served under that in
trepid pioneer and Indian-fighter, Col. B. F. Shaw. This gal
lant regiment waged an extremely active and vigorous cam
paign. Its fields of operation extended to both sides of the
Cascade Mountains and took in Oregon as well as Washington.
These hardy frontiersmen and pioneer-yeomanry fought doz
ens of bloody battles and skirmishes, and chased the savages
over hundreds of miles of rugged mountains and desert plains.
Within a year's time they conquered peace for the greater
part of two large commonwealths. Mr. Coffee was a member
of Capt Strong's Clarke County Rangers, a detachment of
which had the famous encounter with the Indians at Battle
Ground, near Vancouver; being on duty elsewhere, he did not
participate in that stirring encounter, but his twin brother,
A. T. Coffee, who still resides at Washougal, was present at
that historic occasion.
Since those war-like times Capt. Coflee has devoted him
self to the peaceful development of this state, serving two
terms as Sheriff of Clarke County in the frontier days. He
resides a+ Camas, tho he is also interested in large wheat fields
east of the mountains. He and the writer's father were
"tillicums" or close friends for nearly half a century, and he
has always been esteemed as a helpful neighbor and a patriotic
citizen. He is very tenacious in upholding the timehonored
principles of Jacksonian Democracy and loves to recall the bit
ter struggle waged by Jackson, Benton and others against the
powerful United States Bank; and the other half forgotten
political political fights of those stirring times. He remembers
"Tippecanoe and Tyler too" and the "Log-cabin hard-cider"
campaign of 1840. But through all the political changes for
lo, these many years, he has proved faithful to the Democratic

76 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
party and remained unshaken in his support His steadfast
faith and his unselfish, unfaltering fealty evoke our surprise
and admiration, and we join in respect and reverence for this
old pioneer Indian-fighter and sturdy Jacksonian Democrat,
who is left among us as a living reminder of the rough frontier
period and the rugged days of ''Old Hickory" and Jacksonian
ascendency.

COL. B. F. SHAW. THE HERO OF GRAND RONDE
(From a picture taken many years after the war by Major Lee Moorerouse of Pendle'on, Oregon, showing the
famous Indian fighter in his old uniform and with his old battle sword.)

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 77

A WESTERN CROMWELL
Written in 1897
All students of history have read of that dramatic geene
•when Oliver Cromwell, England's great protector, at the
head of his invincible "Ironsides" marched down the great
hall where the "long parliament" was in session and dismissed
that dignified assemblage. An event somewhat similar to this
was enacted amid the primeval forests of the Teritory of
Washington more than forty years ago.
In 1856 the pioneers of Washington were engaged in a
bloody border warfare against the savage tribes. Governor
Stevens had appointed Col. B- F. Shaw, a gallant frontiersman
and Indian fighter, to the command of the volunteer militia.
Several French-Canadian fur-trappers, who were charged with
having given "aid and comfort to the enemy," had been cap
tured and placed under a military guard at Fort Steilacpom.
In order to keep these prisoners from the civil authorities*
Governor Stevens proclaimed martial law over Pierce and
Thurston Counties.
At this time Edward Lander was chief Justice of the
territory, haying been appointed by President franklin Pierce
Judge Lander was an upright, dignified, Jeffersoniari democrat
of the "old school." The declaration of* martial law had
aroused the indignation of the worthy jurist, and he proceeded
to open the spring session of the district court of Pierce cloudy
at Fdrtf Steilacoota/'v#thvthe ihtehtion of inffiepnk j#t" punish
ment upfcn those who hacl sbbwri contempt forth6 id&jesXf of
the. law aa.represented.Hi, his own aupfuta p^rsdh#g%..'W'was
also stiSjM^ed that a wrii of habeas corpus we-ipa" 'Eey^&ueif,
ordering ' the mihtary authorities to give xip the' prisoners %£
trial* byf ttfe civil 'courts*. 'This act Gdvern'or Stevens was de
termined t"6 prevent. Whetf «he* day da#*ied "upon which the
c<hsrtiWas to convene the etfoitSmeflfr Was intense. News of £&e
impending trouble- had' spread 4¥K©ad^ahd maaiy settlers from

78 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
the surrounding country had driven to the "settlement" to
witness the exciting event.
It was a pleasant May morning and the people gathered in
groups within the little clearing around the court house, dis
cussing the important questions of the day, including the gen
eral conduct of the war. It is hardly necessary to remark that
in conformity with their privileges as American citizens, these
stay-at-homes bitterly denounced the judge, the governor, the
militia officers and all others in authority. With slow, digni
fied steps the gallant judge walked by the noisy groups and
entered the court room. He was followed by the bailiff and,
at a more respectful distance, by the entire crowd.
After seating himself and carefully adjusting his powd
ered wig, the chief justice commanded the bailiff to call the
court to order. That gallant custodian of the law, mindful of
his great importance, arose and in his loudest tones shouted :
"Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye !" At this point he was interrupted
by the noisy tramp, tramp, tramp of a band of men marching
up the steps. The cry of "Soldiers, soldiers," was heard in
many parts of the room. ' ' Order in the court ! ' ' sternly shout
ed the judge. "Mr. Bailiff, proceed." Thus admonished,
that worthy continued: The district court of the fourth ju
dicial district of the Territory of Washington is now — "
' ' Forward, march ! ' ' Bang ! The door flew open with a slam,
and into the room rushed Colonel Shaw at th^ head of his com
pany of brave Washington volunteers. In spite of their vigor
ous protests, the judge and his bailiff were promptly seized
and placed under arrest; the room was quickly cleared and the
door locked.
It may be safely assumed that when the free American
citizens, who had been thus summarily ejected from a public.
building, again assembled on the outside, their arguments
were somewhat more heated than usual. The discussion was
taken up by the politicians of that time and became the burn
ing issue of an exciting political contest. Those who sided
with Chief Justice Lander were called "tories" and "confeder
ates of the savages," while Goveronr Stevens and Colonel
Shaw were denounced as "tyrants" and "military despots."

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 79
As 1he campaign progressed, old party ties were rent
asunder, and the war-governor received the support of the
volunteers and the "war whigs," as well as a large majority
of his democratic brethren. His vigorous war policy met with
the approval of the people and he was triumphantly elected
to represent the Territory in the halls of Congress.
At the conclusion of the political contest all patriotic
citizens joined hands in a united effort to restore peace to the
distracted territory. It is but fair to state that Judge Lander
himself shouldered a musket and proved himself a brave sol
dier as well as an honest judge.
Of the prominent actors in this stirring scene Col. B. F.
Shaw, the present state senator from Clarke County, now alone
survives. With his strong, giant-like form and vigorous in
tellect, he seems a fitting embodiment of the "heroic age'*
of Washington's history. He is a true type of the sturdy-
pioneer veomanry that fought so bravely upon Grand Ronde 'a;
Hills and Walla Walla's Plain.

FOOTNOTES — In a letter to the author, G. H. Himes, of the Oregon
Historical Society, says: — "I read with much interest your article in
Sunday Oregonian on "A Western Cromwell.". I lived hut a few miles
from Fort Steilaconm in 1856 and knew all the persons you name; Col.
Shaw very well. The incident you wrote was true and a big mess grew
out of it.
Harvey' W. Scott, veteran editor of the Oregonian, was a boy sol
dier at the time and has often told the author how he was placed on
guard over the arrested Judge.

80 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

BALLAD OF THE BATTLE-GROUND
THEME
At the beginning of the Indian war in 1855, the Klickitat Indians
were conveyed from their homes on the Cathlapoodle or Lewis River to
the Port at Vancouver, Washington^ This was done to prevent them
from being led to the war-path by the emissaries of Kanasket, the hos
tile chief. As the' regular soldiers had been sent away, the fort was
garrisoned by Company "A", "Clarke County Rangers." commanded
by Judge William Strong. These were joined by a company of trappers
from the Willamette Valley, under Captajn Robert Newell, a well-known
scout. But the greater part of these two companies were absent on
campaigns, leaving only about thirty men.
These were" also preparing to embark on the steamer Belle for the
seat of war, when it was discovered that, during the night, the Klick-
itats had "folded their tents like the Arabs, and as silently stolen away."
They were soon1 overtaken, at a place since called Battle-Ground,- about
fifteen miles from Vancouver and promised to return. But soon after
the council-fire the Indian chief; Umtux, was found dead near his tent,
having been killed by some unknown person, and the Indians requested
to be left alone to mourn their chieftain and bury him in secret, pledg
ing themselves, to come back the next' day. The whites trusted them
and returned without them. For this they were' severely criticised
on their return, some oi the impulsive women of Vancouver and vicinity
presenting them with feminine apparel as a proper costume for "squaw-
warriors"; as they termed them: These piiineer' women'were deeply in
earnest; with them it was too serious a matter for an idle jest But as
the Indians ' kept their pledge and returned, only" pleasant memories
remain, and this tradition of bygone days.
This tale was firs't told me by an old settler as we sat around the
ftre one winter's night. He has since passed away; "for him no more
the blading hearth shall burn", but to hear it: as he told it-^-h'is graphic
words, his dramatic gestures, his flashing eyes, and his hearty laugh at
th# clos_e — ah, that was poetry!
THE FLIGHT OF THE KLICKITATS
List to this dim tradition old,
As told be by a pioneer bold : —
In "55, in the moon of November,
As many old settlers still remember,
The fierce Klickitats were gathered around,
In Fort Vancouver's historic ground,
Near Vancouver's frontier village,
To keep them away from war and pillage,
The regular soldiers were all away,
On bloody campaign and fierce foray;
And Newell and Strong, with settlers brave,
Guarded the fort by Columbia's wave, —

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 81
The "Clsrke County Rangers" volunteers bold,
From Washougal's stream and Vancouver's fold.
All went well, till late one night,
'Twas found the Indians had taken flight; —
"Would they join Kanasket savage,
And aid in war's rapine and ravage?"
These words were whispered with dread and fear,
While mothers pressed their ehilddren dear.
Quickly did Strong and Newell then,
Pursue with thirty mounted men ;
The trusty scouts the foe soon found,
At a place since called the Battle-Ground. :?
THE COUNCIL-FIRE
The time of day was sitkum-sun,
For half the heavenly course was run;
At mid-day feast were seated the foe,
With sweet camas-root and wapato.
A council-fire was promptly planned : —
Chief Umtux, of the savage band,
Young Red- Wolf sitting by his side,
With feathered plume and war-like pride,
Scout Newell and his aid Dupwee,
True types of mountain trappers free,
With Strong and Sergeant Hathaway,
From yeomanry of Company "A."
Spreading blankets on the ground.
They formed a group the blaze around.
Newell then asked the chieftains bold,
To come in quiet to the fold;
Umtux said some treach 'rous knaves,
Had spread false tales among his braves;
But now, all thoughts of warfare o'er,
They would return to Columbia's shore.
He seized a coal of living light,
To place in Friendship 's Pipe so bright ;
And each, one blew a breath of Love,
WTafted by angel's wings above;

82 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS 
While Love's sweet incense rose in air,
All hate and anger vanished there.
The meeting o'er, with smiling face,
Each one resumed his former place.
THE DEATH OF UMTUX
Two scouts were started back to tell
The anxious town-folk all was well;
But as quickly on they push,
Beside a fragrant sallal bush,
Lying lifeless on the plain,
They find Chief Umtux, bullet-slain!
Back to camp they haste in fright,
And tell brave Strong the dreadful sight.
Who killed the chief no one could say,
Nor is it known unto this day ;
Did vengeful pale-face do the deed?
Or some young brave, eager to lead
The Klickitat tribe to camp of Kanasket,
And wave on high the bloody hatchet 1
For Chief Umtux was good and wise,
And did for peace and friendship advise.
Right well did Strong and Newell know
That some brave scout must quickly go,
To soothe the Indians' fear and alarm,
And quench all danger of bloodshed and harm ;
To swear that no white committed the crime,
And ask their return to Columbia's clime.
So they told the men of the urgent need,
Of messenger brave to relate the deed: —
"Who volunteers the tribe to tell?"
Forward sprang bold Isaac LaBelle,
Bared his breast to savage foe,
And briefily told his tale of woe !
Tho wails and threats were mingled loud,
The trapper soothed the tearful crowd;
At his kind words they wiped their tears,
So, touched by sun, snow disappears.

A SCENE ON THE WASHOUGAL RIVER
("Our sweet Washougal Illihee.")

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY" S3
The trapper his savage friends embraced.
Then back to camp his steps retraced,
Only a short time had gone by,
When Indian messenger came nigh;
At him a pale-face aimed his brand,
A comrade knocked it from his hand.
The brave was friendly Cowlitz Jack,
Who said the redmen would go back : —
' 'The fires of love still brightly burn,
The Klickitats for peace and friendship yearn ;
But give us one day to show our grief,
For brave Umtux, our fallen chief ;
And chant the death-song o'er his grave,
By Cathlapoolya 's silv 'ry wave ! ' '
Scout Newell had faith in the savage foe,
And the day was given to soothe their woe.
The volunters with hostages left,
While Klickitats mourned, of chief bereft;
In secret they buried their warrior, — -
Where no man knoweth his sepulcher.
THE KLICKITATS' LAMENT
At eventide dusky Indian maids,
Chanting the Klickitats' sad serenades,
Gather that hillside grave around,
Mingling moans and wails o'er their chieftain's mound;
With bodies swaying in mystic grace,
They dance the weird death-song of their race : —
' ' Gone is Umtux, gone forever !
No more down broad Wauna River,
Where he oft the wild deer slew,
Shall he dash in light canoe ;
He now rides his fleet cayuse,
On hunting-grounds of Memaloose!"

84 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
"Farewell Umtux, farewell forever!
You have crossed death's darkened river;
No more to fight in battle for us,
Nor sound with us dread war-whoop chorus;
You leave lone squaw and loved papoose,
For happy isle of Memaloose."
"Down Wauna 's stream who'll lead the way,
To fishing-grounds of Skamokaway?
Who'll hunt the bear thru brush and brake,
On the shores of lovely Lackamas Lake?
Who'll guard council-fire and wigwam-tree,
Of our sweet Washougal illahee?"
"Where Cathlapoolya flows along,
Who'll lead in sounding the wild war-song?
Who'll chase the deer from Speeleeyi's fountain,
By Serpent Lake and Tum-Tum Mountain?
In fair Chelatchie's sunlit vale,
Who '11 list to your maidens ' sweet love tale ?
"0, come, brave Umtux, come forever!
Return across the darkened river !
Lead again in war's fierce race
Lead in the merry hunting-chase ;
Come to lone squaw and loved papoose,
From meadowed vale of Memaloose ! ' '
As the maidens wai! o'er that lonely mouna,
The canyons the wierd death-song resound;
The coycfces' sad cry the echoes awake,
From Yacult Hill to Shillipoo Lake.
First rose the requiem loud and shrill,
Chanted on vale and lonely hill ;
Its closing cadence of deep woe,
Sank to a murmur, soft and low.
The music, borne by passing gale,
Sounds faint and sweet adown the dale.

"IN FAIR CHELATCHIE'S SUNLIT VALE."
(Umtuxilla Falls, on a tributary of the Lewis river, "where Cathlapoolya flows along."
Umtuxilla was a daughter of Chief Umtux, and married Skookum Charlie, a
Clarke County Indian.)

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 85
THE MATRONS' GIFT
Knowing full well the tribe would follow,
The men marched back over hill and hollow.
Fast flew the news about the town,
Of what was called "the squaws' back-down!"
' ' What ! let free those wild redmen ? ' '
Short time for explanation then,
Was given by angry dames of village,
Who thought of homes exposed to pillage,
And saw already their children dear,
Victims of tomahawk and spear —
They gathered apron, hood, and shawl,
As fit apparel for "Squaw-soldiers" all,
And quickly marching to the fort, ;
Presented the clothes in mocking sport : —
"These gifts as medals of bravery take,
For leaving precious lives at stake !"
Then rose fierce words and loud uproar,
But soon Strong and Newell order restore;
Answered then good Captain Strong,
With explanation full and long ;
E'en as he spoke a scout arrived —
''The Tribe is coming back," he cried.
Blushed for shame the women then :
' ' Forgive our hasty words, brave men ;
Those words from foolish anger came."
"We gladly forgive thee, worthy dame,
But still these trophies do we claim ;
To us they will be like the pillar of flame,
Which Israel followed o'er the plain,
When tomorrow we speed on Columbia's main,
Beyond Multnomah's silv'ry fountain,
Toward lovely Hood, our sentinel mountain,
To the cascades' roaring torrent,
Where foams with rage the rushing current.
On the mast of the Belle, our gallant boat,
This apron shall securely float;
While above will wave this bonnet free,
Speaking of home and victory!

86 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
This shawl, like Spartan matrons' shield,
To savage foe we'll never yield,
But bring it back with us in glory,
Or ne 'er return to tell the story.
'Twill be our boast in all sorts of weather,
That we show a white hood, not a white feather'"
Thus did the aged pioneer bold
Tell me this tender story of old.
AN AFTER-THOUGHT
Ever, women of Vancouver, be
Impulsive, generous, and nobly free,
As were your ancestors of yore,
Who settled on storied Columbia's shore;
Aud may all men of Vancouver town,
Ever tremble at a woman's frown;
Ever your colors bravely wear,
0, ye maidens, so bright and fair!

FOOT NOTES
Memaloose signifies death or the abode of the dead. Memaloos«
Island, in the Columbia River, was a favorite Indian burial ground.
-"Wauna" -was the ancient Indian name of the beautiful Columbia. Ser
pent Lake a small clear lake near Battle-Ground, was a sacred ere-
monial plpce. "Illahee' is the Indian word for home.
Isaac LaBelle was a famous French-Canadian trapper who possessed
the confidence of the Indians. His descendants still live near Vancou
ver. Friendly Cowlitz-Jack was a well-known Indian who risked his
life on several occasions during the war, to warn his white friends of
Impending massacer. Camas and Wapato were popular foodstuff among
the natives, both of them somewhat resembling a small potato.
T. N. Strong, a son of Captain Strong, is a prominent attorney of
Portland, Oregon; descendants of Hathaway, Dupwee and of Chief
Umtux still reside in Clarke County. A. T. Coffee of Washougal is,
perhaps, the only surviving member of the famous Battle-Ground ex
pedition. Cathlapoolya or Cathlapoodle was the old Indian name for Lewis
Ttiver; it is now the name of a voting precinct In Clarke County. Che-
latchie Prairie is one of the garden spotos in Clarke County. Speeleeyi,
Indian word fori coyote, isa mountain stream on the northern, boundary
of the county. Turn-Turn, Indian term for heart, is a beautiful heart-
shaped hill. Lackamas Lake, in the eastern part of Clarke County, is
«specially lovely, "when visited by the pale moonlight."
In ancient Sparta, as the husband went forth to war, it was the
custom of each matron to present her husband with a battle-shield, as
she said: — "Come back with this shield or upon it!"

THE GENERAL HARNEY HOUSE
"Lessons of courage and honor, incorruptible patriotism and stainless loyalty are brought home to us by this
old, deserted house on Harney Hill."]

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 87

THE OLD HARNEY HOUSE.
(Written in 1903.)
Nestling in a cosy nook amid the ridges of Harney Hill,
still stands one of the historic houses of Clarke County.
Though now old and deserted, in the days of its glory it was
the home of a conqueror of Mexico. The halls, now silent and
lone, once echoed to the tread of one who marched with Gen
eral Winfield Scott into the halls of the Montezumas.
It was built in 1859 by General Wm. S. Harney, who at
that time commanded this military department. He was a
leader in that victorious column that swept with irresistible
might over the rocky plateaus, and through the dense chap-
parrel thickets of old Mexico. With impetuous bravery they
stormed the heights of Monterey and the narrow pass of Cerro
Gordo, and with invincible valor planted the stars and stripes
on the walls of the ancient fortress of Chapultapec. The old
house is inseparably associated with the glories of this golden
age of the Republic.
General Harney was a southerner by birth and breeding,
having been born in the state of Tennessee; while in Missouri
he owned a plantation well stocked with slaves. He married
a wealthy French lady, and thus added to his worldly posses
sions. He was of patriotic ancestry, for his father was an
officer under Washington at Brandywine and Monmouth. It
was during Harney's stay here that the affair known as the
"Pig War" occurred on San Juan Island. The General
promptly sent Capt. Pickett, who afterward led the famous
charge at Gettysburg, to the aid of the American settlers.
Governor Douglas'«urrounded the Island with six British war
ships with 2000 men on board to prevent the landing of re-in-
forcements. Harney then dispatched Colonel Casey with three
additional companies on a small steamer. Colonel Casey safe
ly eluded the squadron by running the blockade at night, and
his gallant men marched ashore amid the enthusiastic cheers
of their comrades. At this juncture General Scott was sent

88 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
out by President Buchanan, and a peaceable adjustment was
effected. Scott came up the Columbia on a ship and anchored
at Vancouver, but did not come ashore. Harney went out in
a small boat to confer with his old comrade, and no doubt the
minds of these old veterans were filled with crowding recol
lections of their campaign in Mexico. The courageous and
patriotic action of General Harney during this crisis probably
saved San Juan Island for the United States.
In 1860 General Harney was given command of the De
partment of Missouri with headquarters at St. Louis. He left
the house on Harney Hill in charge of a negro servant, a young
man about twenty-five years of age. Soon after reaching St.
Louis Harney made a deed giving the place to this young
negro, and sent it in care of the Post Adjutant at Fort Vancou
ver. The Adjutant returned the deed with the information
that the negro had departed for British America. The place
Avas then sold to Wirt Nye, the original owner, whose de
scendants still retain possession.
The house is one of the old-fashioned kind with quaint
French windows and green shutters. In the main part of the
house are four commodious rooms, with a large fire-place in
each room. Along the front extends a large covered porch,
now crumbling to decay, and over-grown with a climbing rose
bush, which kindly conceals the ravage of time. This faithful
clinging rose-bush lends to the old verandah a pathetic charm
which it never knew in the proud days of its youth. Last
year while visiting this historic spot, I secured a slip of this
rose-bush and transplanted it at my home in Vancouver, where
it now thrives under the name of the "General Harney Rose."
At the beginning of the Rebellion some people thought
that Harney would follow many of his southern friends into
the camp of the Confederacy. While on his way from St.
Louis to Washington City, he was seized by a band of Con
federates and taken to Richmond, where many of his old army
comrades urged him to desert the Union, but the old hero re
mained loyal to the flag under which he had served so faith
fully in the years of his vigorous manhood, and which he had
followed with such devotion on a foreign soil.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 89
A pessimistic professor recently expressed the fear that
our homespun virtues would disappear with the "white house
"with green window shades." But the homespun virtues are
too deeply interwoven with the warp and woof of our national
character to be torn asunder by any mere outward change.
It should be our aim to earnestly cultivate and strengthen
these old-fashioned virtues so they will survive the fleeting
vicissitudes of life, and renew their springtime vigor, even
amid scenes of ruin and decay. This deserted dwelling is
filled with the thrilling memories of heroic deeds. Its tenant-
less rooms are haunted with the dauntless spirit of the old
hero. Its silent walls in mute eloquence relate to a generation.
that knew him not, the deathless story of his yalor and vir
tues. And lessons of courage and honor, incorruptible pat~
riotism and stainless loyalty are brought home to us by this
old, deserted house on Harney Hill.

90 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

SCENES FROM WASHINGTON HISTORY.
(Written in 1891.)
(Paper read by Glenn N. Ranck before the Clarke County Teachers'
Institute, 1891.)
To the school teachers in particular History cannot fail
to be an extremely interesting and useful study. There are
few books, if any, that can boast of a more interesting sub
ject. History is the record of humanity. It tells of its long
ings and its passions; its sins and virtues; its sorrows and
joys ; its hopes and despair ; its failures and its triumphs. It
is, in short, the story of the deeds and strivings of immortal
souls. There is nothing in History that does not bear some im
portant lesson. There are no lessons more valuable than those
which teach us to be honest and noble, to uphold the cause of
truth and right, and strive against the wrong. But all her
gems, like the, pearly drops of the fountain, finally merge into
one, and all the "syllables of recorded time" form but one
sentence : Morality is the golden legacy of History.
The history of the United States in particular seems to
abound with these gems of morality. We cannot read of
Arnold without detesting treason; we cannot read of Washing
ton without loving loyalty ; we cannot read of Lincoln without
partaking of his own courage and forbearance.
Nor is the history of our own state without its lessons of
hope, devotion and loyalty. AVith this thought in view, let us
turn our attention to the annals of that state, which in its
claim on our love, our loyalty and our patriotism is second
only to our glorious Union.
The first Governor of Washington Terrieory was Isaac
I. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was a graduate of West Point, and
had served as a gallant officer in the Mexican war. In 1853
he was appointed governor of Washington Territory, and he
thereupon resigned his commission of Major in the United
States Army. His duties as governor were many and arduous.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 91
An Indian war broke out in 1855 which lasted for more than a.
year, being brought to a close in 1856 by the vigorous man
agement of Gov. Stevens. Like all others, Gov. Stevens had
his political opponents, and the policy of Lis measures was
sometimes criticized, but his courage and integrity were never
questioned. Of the right or wrong of his policy we may never
know, but of the sincerity of his motives there can be no
doubt. From his last message to the Legislature we quote
the following eloquent words: "I have endeavored faithfully
to do my whole duty, and have nothing to reproach myself
with regarding intentions. I could have wished some things
had been done more wisely, and that my whole course had
been guided by my present experience. I claim at your hands
simply the merit of patient and long labor, and of having been
animated with the determination of suffering and enduring all
things in your behalf.
Whether in the wilderness contending with the hostile
elements, managing and controling the more hostile aborigines,
or exploring the country, or at the capitol struggling with
disaffection, the subject of obloquy and abuse, I have no end
but my country's good. It is for you to judge how I have
done my part, and for the Almighty Ruler to allow each man
his desert." The popularity of Gov. Stevens was shown by his election
as delegate to congress in 1857. At the close of his term he
was again elected, his second term ending March 3, 1861.
When the Rebellion began Mr. Stevens made a journey to
Washington City and offered his services in behalf of his
country They were promptly accepted and on account of his
service during the Mexican war, he was appointed colonel of
volunteers. He was soon made brigadier-general and for gal
lant conduct was again promoted to the office of major general.
On the morning of • September 1, 1862, his division was
attacked by the Rebel forces near Chantilly, Va. In the midst
of the battle the gallant standard bearer of Gen. Steven's
old regiment was shot down, and the long line was wavering.
With his usual dash Gen. Stevens grasped the "star span
gled banner" from the hand of the dying soldier and again
waved i+ in the breeze.

92 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
At this inspiring sight the hopes of the soldiers returned,
and they sprang forward to the support of their gallant com
mander When they would see their daring leader, they
lboked not for the white flowing plume as did the followers of
Henry of Navarre, but Oh ! " Flag of the free heart 's hope and
home," they looked anxiously for Thee! And when in the
thickest of the fray they saw Thy beautiful folds still flying
free, then they knew where to find their leader and sprang at
once to defend him and Thee.
On foot, at the head of his column he dashed, leading
and cheering his men, still waving o'er them the starry em
blem of the Free.
I have read somewhere that the Ancients believed that it
pleased the Almighty to dispatch the Angel of Death to seize
his favorite heroes while enacting the noblest duty it was their
destiny to perform, and concealing them in clouds, to bear
them to the Realms Above before their last noble deed could
be stained by any unjust act.
At such a time, in the very moment of victory, in the
strength of manhood's prime, was General Stevens shot down
by the iron Messenger of Death. As he fell the flag of his
love, robbed of its support, fell upon him and flung its folds
about him, as if to implore his protection even in death.
After the battle when his body was found among the
heaps of "undying dead," in his death-grip was still clenched
the flag for which he had given the "last full measure of de
votion!" Thus fell the hero-statesman of the Territory of Washing
ton. The story of his death was writ deep amid the smoke
of battle, by the fiery flash from death dealing guns. It shall
never be forgotton. Upon the assembling of the legislature,
the following resolutions were passed in memory of the la
mented hero :
"Whereas, In the conflicts and battles growing out of the
war now pending between the United States and certain states
refusing to acknowledge the power and authority of the gen
eral government, Gen. Isaac I. Stevens, formerly Governor of
this Territory, afterwards representative in Congress, and
lately a Brigadier General, in the army of the United States,

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 93
was struek down by the hand of death, and the people of this
Territory thereby deprived of a valuable citizen, the army
of a gallant soldier, and society of an inestimable member;
therefore. Be It Resolved, That the people of Washingon Territory
in Legislative assembly represented, hereby acknowledge with
deepest sensibility the sad intelligence of the death of General
Isaac I. Stevens.
Resolved, That the members and officers of the Legislative
assembly will wear the usual badge of mourning, as is custom
ary upor such sad occasions, for the period of ten days, as a
testimony of the profound respect that the members of this
Legislative Assembly entertain for the memory of the de
ceased." The story of the life and death of our first governor exer
cised a great patriotic influence upon the minds of our early
settlers It should have a still greater influence upon the
rising generation and upon ages yet unborn, for it illustrates
the eternal grandeur of noble motives, unimpeached integ
rity, and unfaltering devotion, sealed at last by his own heroic
life-blood Another of our early governors was Wm. Pickering who
occupied the executive chair during the civil war when the
minds of our people were filled with anxiety for the safety of
the Union, and with alarm over trouble with the Indians. But
through it all the courage and loyalty of oar governor never
faltered In his message of 1862 we find words of hope and
strength, followed by prophecy and prayer. After many use
ful suggestions regarding the welfare of the Territory, he
says: "Fellow citizens, I leave these views with you. It will
be my duty, as well as pleasure, to co-operate with you in fur
thering the interests of the people of this Territory. Let us
unite to develope their moral, social and political virtue. Let
us teach them to revere him whose name she bears, that they
may ever be loyal to that government which he contributed
so much to establish. Let us frown down treason, or sym
pathy with it, by our steadfast adherence to the government,
in its every effort to suppress this Rebellion. Let each one

94 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
of us stand by the Constitution and Union as the only harbor
of national safety, thanking God we are yet exempt from the
ravages of war, but feeling, none the less the pangs of woe at
our country's afliction. She will yet ride successfully
through the storm of treason and rebellion, and survive the
great crisis now being undergone. Out of this war America
must emerge brighter, more powerful, and dearer than ever
to every lover of human rights.
"God grant that our most anxious hopes may be realized.
In Him we trust, and our prayers cannot be in vain. '
Thus strengthened by the examples and teachings of their
leaders, the people of Washington stood firm in their devo
tion to the Union. So shall the living memories of our heroes
keep us ever true to the cause they held so dear. And in
moments of danger they will come forth from their graves,
unseen perhaps, and fly to the rescue of their country, as did
the heroes in the olden time. And, "In the hour of darkness
and peril, and need, we will awaken to hear" the patriotic
message of Governor Pickering, and will again see the gallant
Stevens seize the fallen standard of liberty and wave us on to
victory. In territorial days the motto of this commonwealth was
the Indian word "Alki." This word means beyond, and sig
nified the "time to come," when this would be a great and
prosperous commonwealth. It told the pioneers of the smil
ing land beyond the mountains and bid them struggle on
ward. On the great seal of the Territory this word appeared at
the head. Under it was pictured the Goddess of the Territory,
her finger pointing to the brilliant future ; her eager eyes, like
luminous stars, piercing the vanishing darkness; her face al
ready aglow with the glory yet to come.
When statehood was granted us, this expressive motto
and lovely image were discarded, and we were told that our
fondest hopes were realized. But this is not entirely true.
There is still much room for improvement ; still brighter prom
ise of a more glorious future. Let this old Indian word
"Alki" still be the motto of the patriotic citizen of Washing-

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 95
ton; let that prophetic finger still be his guiding star; let him
still enkindle his cooling ardor by the light of those glowing
eyes; let him still gaze on the enraptured face of the Guard
ian Angel of this favored state, and thus inspired and strength
ened, press on and on, in obedience to her high commands !

96 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

DRAMATIC SPEECH OF A WESTERN SENATOR
(Written in 1911.)
Under the heading, "Half a Century Ago," the Ore
gonian of October 31, 1911, contains the following extract,
which appeared in that paper October 31, 1861 :
"The dispatches received on Tuesday evening announced
the death of Colonel Baker in a battle on the Potomac on the
21st of October. The dispatches do not furnish the details of
the disaster, but his column of 1800 men was attacked by a
force of 6000 of the enemy and he fell gallantly leading his
troops. "Wt have been assured Colonel Baker expected this
result, and prepared for it by making his will some days
previous to the battle. His letters to Oregon spoke of the
event, as very probable, that he might never be permitted to
mingle again with his fellow citizen here. We feel our entire
inability to present to our readers the true character of their
fallen Senator and his great personal worth. He felt that in
the conflict now pending for the preservation of this Union
and Government his duty was plainly marked out before him.
He hesitated not to walk in that path, and his death proves
the deep love he had for his country. He could have honor
ably refrained from joining the Army, but he believed it
would be treason tc the great cause of human liberty to do so.
"Colonel Baker was a remarkable man in his indom
itable energy, in his great accumulations of useful knowledge,
in his brilliant eloquence, in his chivalrous bravery. 'Death
loves a shining mark.' All that is mortal of Edward D. Baker
has perished, but his memory will live."
This brief extract of 50 years ago reminds us of the time
when Oregon was so grandly represented in the Senate by
that eloouent and chivalrous statesman and orator, whose
name and fame still cast a halo of glory upon the state. It
also vividly revives the glorious recollections of one of the
greatest and most thrilling speeches ever delivered in the

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 97
United States Senate and one of the most picturesque and
dramatic scenes ever witnessed in that august assemblage.
This was Senator Baker's famous speech in reply to Senator
John O Breckinridge, of Kentucky, August 1, 1861.
The critical occasion, the over-heated excitement of the
war period, the ability and eminence of the orators, and the
historic surroundings, combined to make the event both inter
esting and important.
Mr. Breckinridge had been Vice-President of the United
States and Democratic nominee for President in 1860. He was
the favorite orator of the South, and, to a great extent, had
inherited the place so long held by Henry Clay in the hearts
of the Kentuckians.
Senator Baker was one of the ablest and noblest orators
who ever occupied a seat in the Senate. He was an intimate
friend of Abraham Lincoln, had served as a member of Con
gress from Illinois, and had fought gallantly as commander
of a volunteer regiment in the war with Mexico. At the
beginning of the rebellion President Lincoln had appointed
him colonel, with power to raise a regiment. His command
was stationed near Washington and the soldier-statesman
alternated between his seat in the Senate and his tent in the
field. One hour he would be drilling his men at camp, the
next his voice could be heard in patriotic eloquence in the
capitol. On the first day of August, the darkest period of the
Summer of '61, Senator Breckinridge made his celebrated
speech, in which he bitterly denounced the National Govern
ment and defended the slaveholders in their acts of insurrec
tion, making the following gloomy prediction : ' ' War is sepa
ration; it is disunon — eternal and fatal disunion. We have
separation now; it is only made worse by war, and an utter
extinction of- all those sentiments of common interests and
feeling which might lead to a political reunion; founded, upon
consent and upon a conviction of its advantages. * * * * *
Fight 12 months longer and the already opening differences
that you see between New England and, the great Northwest
¦vgill develop themselves. You h&ye two. confederacies now.

98 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Fight 12 months longer and you will have threr ; 12 months
longer, and you will have four."
While Breckenridge was speaking Colonel Baker entered
the room in his military uniform, with fatigue cap and riding
whip in hand, his sword clanging at his side. He sat down and
listened impatiently. As soon as the Kentuckian finished the
Senator from Oregon sprang to his feet, his face aglow with
excitement. Laying his sword upon his desk he replied to
those utterances with fervor and eloquence never to be for
gotten. Severely denouncing the position of Breckenridge he
passionately declared :
"I -tell the Senator that his predictions — sometimes for
the South, sometimes for the Middle States, sometimes for the
Northwest, and then wandering away in airy visions out to
the far Pacific, about the dread of our people as to the loss of
blood and treasure, provoking them to disloyalty — are false
in sentiment, false in fact and false in loyalty. The Senator
from Kentucky is mistaken m them all. Five hundred million
dollars ! Five hundred thousand men ! What then ? We have
them; they are ours; they are children of the country; they
belong to the whole country; they are our sons — our kinsmen,
and there are many of us who will give them all up before
we will abate one word of our just demand, or will retreat
one inch from the line which divides right from wrong.
"Sir, it is not a question of men or money in that sense.
All the money, all the men, are in our judgment, well bestowed
in such a cause. When we give them we hnow their value.
Knowing their value well, we give them with the more pride
and the more joy. Sir, how can we retreat? How can we
make peace? Upon what terms! Where is to be your
boundary line ?
"Where the end of the principles we shall have to give
up? What will become of constitutional government? What.
will become of public liberty? What of the past glories?
What of future hopes? Shall we sink into the insignificance
of the grave — a degraded, defeated, emasculated people,
frightened by the results of one battle, and scared by the

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 99
visions raised by Ihe imagination of the Senator from Ken
tucky upon this floor?
' ' We will rally — if indeed our words be necessary — we will
rally the people, the loyal people of the whole country. They
will pour forth their treasure, their men, without stint, with
out measure. The most peaceful man in this body may stamp
his foot upon this Senate chamber floor, as of old a warrior
and a Senator did, and from that single tramp there will
spring forth armed legions.
"Shall one battle determine the fate of empire, or even a
dozen? The loss of 1000 or 20,000, of $100,000,000 or $500,-
000,000' In 10 years of peaceful progress we can restore
them all. There will be some graves reeking with blood,
watered by the tears of affection. There wi'l be some priva
tion; there will be some loss of luxury; there will be some
what mere need for labor to procure the necessities of life.
When that is said, all is said. If we have the country, the
whole country, the Union, the Constitution, free government
— with these there will return all the blessings of well-ordered
civilization; the path of the country will be a career of great
ness and of glory( such as, in the olden time, our fathers saw
in the dim vision of years yet to come, and such as would have
been ours now today if it had not been for the treason for
which the Senator too often seeks to apologize."
"What would have been thought if, in another Capitol, in
a yet more martial age, a Senator with the Roman purple flow
ing from his shoulders had risen in his place, surrounded by
all the illustrations of Roman glory, and declared that advanc
ing Hannibal was just, and that Carthage should be dealt with
on terms of peace? What would have been thought if, after
the battle of Cannae, a Senator had denounced every levy
of the Roman people, every appeal to the old recollections and
the old glories? Sir, a Senator (Mr. Fressenden) far more
learned than myself in such lore tells me in a voice that I am
glad is audible that he would have been hurled from the
Tarpeian Rock.
"Are not the speeches of the Senator from Kentucky in
tended for disorganization? Are they not intended to destroy
our zeal? Are they not intended to animate tur enemies? Sir,

100 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
are they not words of brilliant, polished treason, even in the
very Capitol of the Republic?
For me, I have no such words as a Senator to utter.
For me. amid temporary defeat, disaster, disgrace, it seems
that my duty calls me to utter another word, and that word
is bold, sudden, determined war, according to the laws of war,
by armies, by military commanders, clothed with full power,
advancing with all the past glories of the Republic urging
them on to conquest ! ' '
The effect of these stirring sentences was electrical. "It
is impossible," wrote James G. Blaine, "to realize the effect
of the words so eloquently pronounced by the Oregon Senator.
In the history of the Senate no more thrilling speech was ever
delivered. The striking appearance of the speaker in the
uniform of a soldier, his superb voice, his graceful manner,
all united to give the occasion an extraordinary interest and
attraction." In his "Anecdotes of Public Men" Colonel For
ney says:"Never shall I forget the scene."
Events moved forward rapidly. Within a few weeks
the two Senators who had thus clashed in debate were fight
ing in a bloodier conflict with unsheathed swords in opposing;
armies. Senator Breckinridge carried his disloyalty to his
country from the forum of the Senate to the field of battle,
and drew his sword, as he had raised his voice, against the de
fenders of the stars and stripes. Colonel Baker sealed his de
votion to hie country with his life. He died on the field of
honor at Balls Bluff, October 21, 1861. His noble words and
beroic deeds can never be forgotten by the state and Nation,
which he served so faithfully.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 101

OLD VANCOUVER SEMINARY
(Written in 1897.)
They have torn down the old seminary; they have taken
apart the timbers which were joined together for the cause of
learning twenty-eight years ago. This is not said in protest.
It is merely the statement of a fact. For many years the
hand of the destroyer had lain heavily upon the deserted
school house. But one who attended school there in the olden
days expressed regret that due notice was not given so that
a photograph of the old landmark could be taken and pre
served. He showed the writer the original articles of incor
poration and asked him to pen a few lines "in memorium. "
And this is the elegy of the ancient temple :
In the fall of 1868, a few public-spirited citizens of Van
couver came together and organized a corporation "for the
purpose of establishing and maintaining an institution of
learning under the charge of the Methodist Episcopal church.
These articles of incorporation of the Vancouver Seminary
lie before me as I write. This historic compact is signed by
eight pioneers who should be remembered tho' the Temple
which they erected is now no more. The eight founders of
this institution were : H. K. Hines, A. G. Cook, Louis Sohns,
S. D. Maxon, S. R. Whipple, J. E. C. Durgan, J. H. Goddard
and S. W. Brown. One of these, Mr. J. E. C. Durgan, cele
brated his seventieth birthday, of which mention was made
in these columns last week.
The ancient Greeks built their temples of learning amid
the kindly shade of some sacred groves. So these early set
tlers built their seminary under the protecting shade of a
grove of lordly firs, near where the residence of Col. Pike now
stands For about ten years this was the chief educational
institution of Vancouver. Among those who taught the ris
ing generation within these walls were : H. K. Hines and
wife, Prof. Nichols and wife, E. D. Curtis, Miss Josie Curtis
and Miss M. Ella Whipple.

102 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Among the "boys" who here played their youthful
pranks may be mentionsd : J. Eddie Smith, the poet, now in
Kentucky; Albert Messenger, Ilwaco ; J. R. Wintler, Lemuel
C. Thomlison, Harry Smith, C. C. Gridley, Charles Brown, E.
L. Brown, W. K. Curtis, of Forest Grove, G. W. Coplen, a
prosperous mine owner at Murray, Idaho, Homer Hathaway,
manager for Coplen, Hiel B. Hathaway and George Whipple,
both located on good farms in this county.
Among the "girls," most of whom have changed their
names since then were: M. Ella Whipple (now Mrs. Marsh),
Libbie Whipple (Mrs. Brown), Annie Wintler (Mrs. Hubert
Daniels), Dena Wintler (Mrs. A. J. Cook), Emma Hathaway
(Mrs. R. H. Caples), Abbie Hathaway (Mrs. J. E. King),
Olara Messenger (Mrs. S. S. Smith), Lizie Bowman (Mrs. Clar
ence Clark), Elmarene Bowman (Mrs. Eli Van Atta), Rose
Jaggy (Mrs. W. B. Daniels), Imogene Gridley (Mrs. W. J.
Higgins), and Laura Sturgis (Mrs. J. D. Harris.)
(The following account of its first commencement exer
cises appeared in the Pacific Coast Advocate:)
"This exhibition came off on Friday evening, July 2d,
18R9; prayer by Rev. Belknap. We give the students much
credit for the fine entertainment of the evening.
We will not speak of any one individual as being the best
speaker or doing the best, as all did so well. Allow us, how
ever, to name one or two, acknowledging that the girls did a
little the best.
"Miss Libbie Whipple's 'All is not Gold that Glitters.'
was handled skillfully and delivered with force. 'Pleasures
Derived From the Beauties of Nature,' Simeon D. Durgan,
reflected much credit to himself. Then came in the little gun,
Miss Lau A. Hines, subject: 'All Bright and Beautiful.' All
said well done, Lau. 'Advice to Young Men, by J. A. Hines,
was good. 'Moral Sublimity,' by G. A. Whipple; few boys
of his age could come up to it. 'Song of the Rail,' by Hines
Ollis. 'Beautiful Land,' Miss Belknap, were among the best
I ever heard. 'The Beautiful Above Us,' Miss E. Whipple;
'Materialization of Thought,' by Miss M. Smith; a diploma
was awarded her and it was well deserved. We must not
omit complimentary allusions to the remarks of Principal and

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 103
Preceptress upon receiving each a present from the students.
It was a rich intellectual treat, highly gratifying." ( C. A. R.)
After a few years the common school increased in useful
ness and the seminary was closed. In 1878, the deserted build
ing was purchased by Gridley & Whitney and moved to the
corner of 7th and west B Streets. Here it was used for a
place for storing farming implements and as a carpenter shop.
And now the ancient Temple has been torn down. The
useless timbers were heaped into a funeral pyre and given to
the flames. Amid the curling smoke and the blazing fire the
thoughtful listener could hear the voices of the past — the low
whisperings of the boys and girls and the stern reproofs of
the teacher. Nor has the old seminary been entirely destroyed. Its
ashes have been gathered into Memory's urn by those who
studied within its walls. But a spark is needed to kindle the
memory and make the ashes glow with warmth and fire. To
the students of that time the ancient Temple can never.be
destroyed . —
"E'c-n in its ashes live its wonted fires."

104 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

A PACIFIC COAST POCOHONTAS.
(Written in 1903.)
(The romantic tradition of Princess Winnemucca is a beautiful
blending of history and romance, and is connected "with both the edu
cational and military history of Vancouver. It is, moreover, well sub
stantiated on all essential points. The writer several times saw the
heroine and the Indian prisoners brought to Vancouver by Gen. Howard
after the close of the Nez Perce and Bannock campaigns in 1878. while
his father and other pioneers of his acquaintance were personally
acquainted with the Indian chiefs mentioned here. The circumstances
concerning- the two marriages of the Princess, now related for the first
time in print, were well-known by many Indian-war veterans. An
earnest attempt has been made to preserve the story of the chieftain's
daughter without slighting its historical lessons or robbing it of the
wealth of romantic charm and beauty that rightfully belong to it.)
Wild roved the Indian girl, bright Alfaretta,
Where sweeps the waters of the blue Juniata;
Fleet as an antelope thru the forest going,
Loose were her jetty locks in wavy tresses flowing
"True is my warrior bold", — sang bright Alfaretta,
''Proud waves his snowy plume along the Juniata;
Soft and low he speaks to me, and then his war-cry sounding,
Lifts his voice in thunders loud, from height to height
resounding."
"Strong and true his arrows are, all in their panted quiver,
Swift glides his light canoe adown the rapid river!" —
Fleeting years have borne away her love and Alfaretta;
Still flows the river on — the blue Juniata!" (Old Ballad.)
Away back in the early '60 's there could be seen roaming
the Alkali plains, near the present town of Winnemucca, Ne
vada, a bright and winsome Indian maiden. Some mornings
she would dash in her light canoe down the crystal streams;
at other times, jumping on her sturdy cayuse pony, with her
jetty locks waving freely in the breeze, she would ride over
to the new army post, known as Camp Winnemucca. Here
the darts from her flashing black eyes would create more
havoc among Uncle Sam's gallant young officers than could
be caused by the arrows of a dozen warriors. Men who had
unflinchingly withstood the onset of the fiercest redskins now
fell helpless victims to the resistless fasccinations and witch
eries of the proud native beauty. Figuratively speaking,
the hearts of the most of the gay young subalterns at that

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 105
distant camp soon dangled like so many bleeding scalps at her
brightly beaded belt.
It will readily be guessed that the fair possessor of all
these potent charms and witcheries could be none else but some
princess, at whose birth the fairy godmother had presided and
over whose cradle the fairy queen had waved her magic wand,
dispelling evil, bringing health, beauty and love. In all truth
our heroine was Princess Winnemucca, daughter of head-chief
tain of the powerful Piute tribe. As a toddling girl, little
Sarah had seen white men for the first time when her father
welcomed Fremont, "The Pathfinder", and his adventurous
scouts on their historic trip. To her childish fancy, so she
related years afterwards to her friends in Vancouver, these
men with huge black beards up to their eyes looked like large
owls, and, thinking that a large man with a red shirt on was
on fire, she ran away in fright and buried herself in the sand.
As became a great chieftain's daughter, she was educated
by the Catholic Sisters at the Convent of San Diego, California
and could write and speak the English language fluently.
Her father was an intelligent, broad-minded man, and her
moral and religious ideals, naturally far above those common
to her race, were carefully cultivated and developed, so she
possessed noble conceptions of life and its duties. Her manners
were pleasing, gay, and decidedly coquettish; her conversa
tion was sparkling, intelligent and refined. It is no wonder
that when this spirited, coquettish beauty first rode into that
frontier camp and appeared suddenly before those homesick
young cavaliers on that lonely desert plain to their excited
imagination the beautiful apparition seemed like the love
ly vision of a dream !
It was soon noticed, moreover, that the young Indian
braves vowed their devotion to distainful, unheeding ears,
for the favored warrior of this proud, haughty princess was
not arrayed with feathered plume, painted quiver or beaded
moccasin, but wore the sword, the gauntlets, and the shoulder-
straps. Her lover, who soon became her husband, was a young
lieutenant who had been formerly stationed at Fort Vancou
ver, and had many friends among the young ladies of the
town. His father was a well-known instructor at the military

106 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
academy at West Point. Soon after his marriage the young
lieutenant resigned his commission in the army to live in un
disturbed repose with his Indian bride.
A dozen years pass by before our heroine, now a bewitch
ing widow in the full bloom and charm of womanhood, and, it
must be confessed, a most alluring, fascinating and accom
plished flirt, is again brought to our attention by the events
of the Nez Perce War. Chief Ehegant, (called ''Egan" by the
settlers), with a portion of the Piute tribe, has joined the Ban
nocks under Chief Buffalo Horn, and they are trying to com
pel old Chief Winnemucca and his followers to raise the bloody
hatchet. But throughout his long life this worthy chieftain
has remained the constant friend of the whites, and he reso
lutely refuses to assist in their murderous attack upon the
settlers and their families. In this stand he is steadfastly
supported by his son, the young Chief Winnemucca, and es
pecially by his daughter, the Princess Winnemucca. At this
critical juncture, accompanied by his brother's wife, Indian
Mattie, the princess succeeded in breaking thru the hostile
lines and fled for assistance to the approaching army under
General Howard, who had started to the rescue from Fort
Vancouver. Lieutenant C. E. S. Wood, then on Howard's
staff, and now a prominent attorney of Portland, Oregon, says
in a letter to the writer : —
"Sarah Winnemucca appeared in our camp at Sheep's
Head on the Winnemucca stage-road, and in great excitement
said that they were going to kill her father and brother unless
they joined in the hostilities. We had already fought and
whipped the hostiles twice, and General Howard promptly
dispatched a company to the rescue, under the guidance of
the chief's daughter. She remained with us during the rest
of the campaign, acting as interperter, guide and scout."
By her intimate knowledge of the lay of the land, and of the
Indians and their ways, she successfully avoided all danger of
sudden attacks and ambuscades, while her acquaintance with
secret mountain trails enabled Howard's troopers to take ad
vantage of short-cuts thru mountain pass and ravine. Thus
the savages were overtaken and defeated and the campaign
was brought to a speedy conclusion. Surely we owe a debt

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 107
of gratitude and remembrance to this Pacific Coast Poco-
hontas and her friends.
Ridirg at the head of the column over the narrow moun
tain trail, along murmuring streams, and among the leafy
branches of the forest, she feared neither war-whoop nor
ambush. A brave sergeant, chief of Howard's scouts, rode by
her side, and was he not eager to protect her against the fierc
est foe ? With his lady-love to cheer him by her warm glances
of admiration, he performed numerous deeds of knightly va
lor. With ringing voice and swinging sabre he lead many a
gallant charge, driving the foe in terror before him. The
campaign was brief and bloody and the hostiles were soon
glad to lay down their arms. After the surrender of the In
dians, bowing in humble submission before his comrade, the
brave sergeant gallantly handed her his blood-stained sword
in token of his captivity. With a becoming, but most unsol-
dierlike blush, the princess-scout graciously accepted his cap
itulation, and at night, when the moon's pale beams shone
softly o'er the sleeping camp and the deep shadowy forest be
yond, tin chief of the scouts, with his fiddle under his arm,
would conceal himself behind the fragrant sallal bushes near
the tent of his beautiful Indian Amazon and soothe her
changeful dreams with a soldier's song of love and war: —
THE SCOUT'S SERANADE.
By day, by night,
We scout and fight;
O'er mountains steep,
Thru valleys deep ;
In front we go,
To charge the foe,
And lead the race,
In war 's wild chase !
By your dear side,
Tis sweet to ride,
O'er hill and dale,
And lonely trail;

108 LEGENDS AND TRADITIOTnS
Thru narrow pass,
And wide morass;
To win the race,
In love 's sweet chase !
Thus, by your side,
I 'd ever ride : —
On storm-swept trail,
In sun-lit vale;
With saddle and saber,
Together we'll labor,
And ride the race,
In life's long chase.
In this rude but romantic manner was our soldier-prin
cess wooed and won, and thus did she plight her troth upon the
bloody battlefield. This love, welded and tested in the fiery
flames of war, was the deep and lasting affection of her life.
Soon after the return to Fort Vancouevr, the wedding was
duly solemnized by all the religious rites and ceremonies of
the pale faces, General Howard, with several of his officers
and their wives, gracing the occasion with his presence.
General Howard was always anxious to do something
for the uplift of the down- trodden and unfortunate, and he
was not long in organizing a school for the children of the
Indian prisoners whom he brought to Vancouver with him.
Princess Winnemucca was selected as the teacher for this
worthy educational establishment and nobly did she acquit
herself in. this important task. She resided here for some time,
while waiting for her husband to receive his discharge from
the army, and it was at this period that the writer, visiting the
fort with his parents to view the Indian braves, would gaze
with eager interest at this chieftain's daughter, as she flitted
from tent to tent on her kindly visits. It is pleasing to relate
that some years ago the pupils of the Columbia School at Van
couver planted a beautiful tree as a monument to this native
school-teacher, to proclaim her name and good deeds to future
generations of an alien race.
Literature knows no character more ennobling than the
true Christian-soldier. He marches across the pages of his-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 109
tory with a divine light that warms even the cold blood of
the cynic. He is at once courageous and gentle, stern and
tender, loving and daring. He elevates the cause for which he
fights, and uplifts war from a bloody butchery to a sacred
crusade. Such a man was General Howard when we saw him
in the prime of life at Vancouver, — a veteran of the empty
sleeve, the leader of the Union army at a critical moment on
the hights of Gettysburg, and the hero of a score of hard-
fought fields. This modern Puritan fought with the same
earnestness that animated his ancestors under Cromwell at
Marston Moor or under Mad Anthony Wayne at Stony Point.
When his corps was overcome by superior numbers at Chanc-
ellorsville, he placed the horse's reins between his teeth and,
seizing a flag from a fleeing standard-bearer, led his men back
upon the enemy. But when the shades of night fell upon that
field of carnage, he laid aside his weapons of war to visit the
wounded and dying, the Holy Bible under his sword arm.
There was much of the spirit of knight-errantry in his nature,
and in his last years this white-haired warrior visited the
feud-distracted districts of Kentucky on a friendly mission of
peace and good-will. During his Indian campaigns he was
bitterly criticised by some for showing kindness and mercy
to the Indians, but the time is coming when this rare jewel
will be considered one of the most precious diadems in his
crown. The narrow-minded Duke of Norfolk, present head
of the Howards of England, represents one of the oldest among
the noble families of the realm. But our noble Howard did
not owe his knighthood to the touch of any tyrannical mon
arch. He was one of Nature's noblemen and, as the great
Macaulay would say, "received his title of nobility by the
imposition of a mightier hand."
Let us take a parting glance at our Indian Princess.
Upon receiving his discharge/ her husband took her to
the Eastern states. Here she visited the President of the
United States as an honored guest, and used her influence to
secure the removal of her people, as she always loved to call
them, from the Yakima reservation to their old hunting
grounds in southern Oregon. She also delivered many leo-

110 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
tures in behalf of better treatment for her unfortunate race.
And here in this noble work let us leave her, fondly believing
that, like the princess in the fairy tale of our childhood, "she
lived happily ever after."

VANCOUVER'S HISTORICAL BANNER AT THE BRIDGE ELECTION
(Glenn N. Ranck, register of the United States Land Office, was color-sergeant in the Spanish- American War
and today he again unfurled the old flag he had carried for 18 months in the Philippine campaign. The flag is
brought forth only on historic occasions, and Mr. Ranck considered today an epoch in Vancouver's history. The
flag was carried by Company G, Washington Volunteers and was presented to the company by the patriotic
women of Vancouver.--Portland Oregonian, August 13, 1913.)

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 111

CLARKE COUNTY IN THE SPANISH WAR
During the stirring days of the Spanish War Vancouver
lived up to her inspiring history and the historic town and
Clarke County in general were well represented by patriotic
sons at the front. The Clarke County Company was officially
known as Company G, of the First Washington Volunteers,
but it was more generally known as the "Prune Pickers' Pla
toon", because prune-growing is one of the leading industries
in Clarke County and many of the members of the company
were directly or indirectly connected with that flourishing in
dustry; the company was also sometimes styled the "Dutch
Company", from the fact that its commander, Captain M. P.
Ellrich was a German-American and spoke with a marked
German accent. Captain Ellrich had seen previous service in
the U. S. Army and had participated in Indian campaigns on
the plains of Washington. The ladies of the Vancouver Relief
Corps presented Company G with a beautiful company flag,
which the boys carried with honor in their campaigns in the
Philippine Islands and which they brought back with them in
glory on their return. As Sergeant Glenn N. Ranck was
standard- bearer of the company at the time of its disbandment,
this historic banner remains in his keeping, as its guardian on
behalf of his comrades. It is needless to add that upon its re
turn Co. G was given a royal welcome by the citizens of Clarke
County in recognition of its arduous service of eighteen months
under the glorious stars and stripes.
Many of the patriotic young men of Clarke County- also
entered the 14th Infantry, U. S. Army, others the Oregon regi
ment,, and some joined various other organizations, and we.
feel safe in stating that no other county of the same popula-
iation furnished such a large number of soldiers for the Span
ish war and Philipine campaigns. The pioneer families of
Clarke, County .were especially well represented and among
the pioneers and builders of this county whose sons and grand-

112 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
sons upheld the patriotic traditions of tlieir ancestry we re
call the following: Hayden, Boutelle, Dupwee, Ranck, Hen-
richsen Tempes, Fletcher, Tooley, Brant, Wintler, Cresap,
Thompson, Goddard, Damphoffer, Barlow, Wilson, Walker,
Protzman, Van Vleet, Baker. Fleming, Moore, Waite, Pancoast,
Weston Mills, Wooli, Kays, Parcel, Hasson, Geogehan, Clancy,
Lawrence, Boyer, Swank. Spurgeon, Sturges, Hall, Bundy,
Coahran. O'Connell, Trisler, Elwell, Becker, Bessener, John
son, Bush, and many others. The following letter written a
few days after the opening battle in the Philippines, may be of
interest in depicting the sentiments and spirit of the Clarke
County soldiers on the field of battle :
San Pedro, Feb. 9, 1899.
Editor Independent : — Hurrah for Old Glory !
The long expected battle has at last taken place, and re
sulted in a glorious victory for the American forces. Co. G
and the rest of the Washington regiment were in the very
thick of the fight.
At about 8 o'clock on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 4th,
the Vancouver company returned from 24 hours outpost duty
on Artillery Mound, near Blockhouse No. 12. By nine o'clock
the boys were all in bed enjoying a well earned rest. At 9 :45
some fellows came rushing into the Palace, shouting that the
firing had commenced. We tumbled out of bed and began
falling into line without waiting for orders. By 10 o'clock
Company G stood impatinetly waiting for marching orders.
We marched across the Paco Bridge, where we halted until
Gen. King came up and gave the order to advance. We
reached Blockhouse No. 10 at 11 o'clock. Here we lay down,
while an occasional bullet whistled over us, until 3 :30 Sunday
morning, Feb. 5th. We then started forward again under a
heavy fire. We moved slowly by zigzag lines, and it was 5 :30
before we reached a good position on the firing line. We fired
our first volley at 6 o'clock, most of us taking the trouble to
save the empty cartridge.
An overwhelming bpdy of insurgents, was firing at us from
strong retrenchments on a knoll over 15 feet in height, about
350 yards away, and also from a banana grove on a hill 4^0;

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 113
yards away. At 9 o'clock gallant Captain Ellrich gave the
welcome command '' Charge ! ' ' and we sprang forward with
cheers. On the way we came to a creek over 25 feet wide and
from 5 to 6 feet deep. Captain Ellrich and Sergeants Reigle
and Bundy sprang into the muddy water, and the boys fol
lowed with a yell, fording the stream with bullets singing all
about us
By this time Co. I, of our battalion, was charging on the
other side of the knoll. The enemy became demoralized and
those who could not escape put up the white flag before we
reached the breast-works. Then we all stopped to give three
rousing cheers.
No one of Co. G was killed and only three were wounded,
and these not seriously. Co. G's wounded are Sergt. Clancy,
in the neck ; and Private Will Kays and Geo. Duncan, both in
the arm. Lieut. W. E. Wiegle and Private John Barlow were
also graced by Mauser bullets. Two heroes of Co. I gave up
their lives in the onset. But the insurgent's loss was very
great. Seventy-four lay dead in the trenches on the knoll,
while others lay thick over the fields. We also captured 91
prisoners on the knoll and in the banana grove. So we drove
the insurgents back all along the road. The entire American
loss is estimated at 54 killed and 250 wounded. Of these the
gallant Washington's lost 15 killed and 60 wounded and the
brave 14th Infantry 13 or 14. The insurgents loss is in the
thousands We are still in pursuit of the fugitives, our bat-
allion being in the field seven miles from the Palace. We have
not slept in quarters since the battle. Up with the Stars and
Stripes !
GLENN N. RANCK,
Co. G., lst Washington Volunteers.

114 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

A ROMANCE OF OLD MANILA
(Written in 1898.)
(In December of 189S, the writer was stationed with the 2nd Bat
talion, First Washington Volunteers, in the Paco District of Manila,
Philippine Islands. We were quartered in a spacious mansion -which,
years before, had been the residence of the Bishop of Manila. As this
was some weeks before the beginning of the Philippine Insurrection
¦which broke out on the evening- of February 4, 1899, we had consider
able leisure and spent much time in talking to the natives and in writing
letters home. A short time ago my sister showed me a letter which I
had written to her at that period, and as it deals with a Christmas tradi
tion of the Philippines and shows the bitter race hatred then existing
between the Spaniards and Filipinos, it might be of interest to your
readers at this season. It is given here with only a few unimportant
changes.) Bishop 's Palace, Manila, P. I., Dec. 25, 1898.
Dear Sister: —
Christmas day finds us in the old city of Manila, living in
a palace Our battalion has taken up its residence in the
former abode of the Bishop of Manila, and i: makes a beauti
ful home. If any of the soldier boys ever "dreamt that they
dwelt in marble halls" they can now say that their dreams
have been realized, for the halls are of marble and mahogany
(and it might be well to add that a marble floor, though very
nice to look upon, does not make a very soft bed, for we have
to spread our blankets on the hard, cold floor.) The com
modious grounds are laid upon a magnificent scale, and con
tain many beautiful flowers, shrubs and palm trees so that
we can always find plenty of shade during these warm Decem
ber days in the tropics. We ate our humble Christmas dinner
today in Palace gardens under the sheltering shade of the
palms, rice pudding with raisins in it, being our only "extra."
Our quarters are in the Paco district, some distance out
side of the historic Old Wall, which surrounds the old part of
Manila, and is the great glory of the Philippine capitol. The
city is interlaced with numerous canals from the Pasig River
and its branches, and is widely known as "The Venice of the
Orient " A great part of the travel and traffic is carried on
in these canals by flat-bottomed boats called "cascoes, " and
it is a strangely interesting sight to watch the "casco" boat-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 115
men propel a "casco" up the stream with their long bamboo
poles. These half-naked boatmen pole the boat by running
rapidly back and forth on the narrow bamboo platforms ex
tending along each side of the "casco."
Of course such a lovely and picturesque place as the Bish
op's palace is sure to have some romantic traditions connected
with it and here is one which I hope will be of interest to you.
It was related to me yesterday by an aged Filipino while we
watched Christmas procession as it marched up the street with
flying banners and filed into the Paco Cathedral near by.
Many years ago, when the Bishop of Manila occupied this
beautiful palace with its gardens, he numbered among his
parishioners a wealthy Spanish planter from the ancient city
Seville, by the name of Manuel Roderigo. The planter's lovely
daughter, Senorita Rosario, had fallen in love with Pedro Riz-
aldo, a Filipino gentleman of part Spanish blood, who owned
a line of cascoes on Pasig river and on canals of Manila. But
the haughty Spaniard, with bitter hatred for the native race,
coldly refused to consider the marriage of his daughter to any
one with Filipino blood in his veins. But the young couple
found sympathetic friends in the broad-minded Bishop and
his assistant, an aged Filipino friar. They took many sacred
walks beneath the darkening shadows of the graceful, swaying
palm trees in the palace garden and sometimes enjoyed a
moonlight, casco ride on the Paco Canal, which flows by the
palace grounds. At such times Rizaldo would unsling his Fili
pino harp and sing to Rosario the favorite ballad of the casco
boatmen, of which the following is a rough translation into
English : THE CASCO BOATMAN'S BRIDE
(The grand Old Wall, a survival of the Middle Ages, still stands un
harmed after all the ravages and invasions of 30U years. It is a strange
sight to be seen in a city flyinsr the stars and stripes of our Repuiil c.
The Lunetta is a lovely park extending along the shore of Manila Bay.
A carametta is a light carriage, very popular in the Philippines. Beau
tiful view" of the sacred starry constellation, the Southern Cross, can
be obtained from Manila.)
Within the Old Wall of Manila,
Is many a senorita fair;
But none so sweet as my Sanilla,
With sparkling eyes and lustrous hair;

116 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
On starlight nights with her at my side,
'Neath the Southern Cross I gently glide.
Within the Old Wall of Manila,
Is many a carmetta neat;
And dark-eyed maids from old Castilla
Along the gay Lunetta meet;
But we leave them all for a moonlight ride
In my light casco on Pasig 's tide.
Within the Old Wall of Manila,
Is many a gallant cavalier;
And of noble name is sweet Sanilla,
Courted by dons and haughty peer —
But she turns from all with love and pride,
To become the casco boatman's bride!
By decree of the Governor-General of the Philippines no
Spanish senorita could marry a man with Filipino blood in his
veins without the written consent of her parents and of the
Governor-General. Thus the union of the lovers seemed to be
effectually barred. But upon the approach of Christmas the
aged Friar told the couple of an almost-forgotten law
by which their obstacles might be overcome. According to
this immemorial law and custom of Manila, to all persons ap
pearing before the Bishop in his chapel at the witching hour
of midnight of December 24, while the cathedral chimes were
ringing out the blessed message of the Saviour's Nativity, for
that one fleeting moment, all laws regarding race or caste
were swept aside. So pursuant to an arrangement made by
the friar, Rizaldo and his senorita appeared in the palace chap
el at the appointed time, and as the bells of Paco Cathedral
pealed forth their joyous tidings, the happy old Bishop prompt
ly pronounced the words that joined the loving couple as man
and wife Just at this juncture Rosario 's father rushed into
the room accompanied by a young Spanish lieutenant, a suitor
for her hand, rejected by Rosario, but favored by the wealthy
owner of banana groves. In the confusion this jealous rival
slipped up behind Rizaldo and vengefully raised his dagger to
strike his unsuspecting victim in the back. Quickly throwing

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 117
himself forward to ward off the treacherous blow, the old
Bishop received the flashing stilletto in his breast. Horrified
by the terrible result of his revengeful act, the treacherous
Spaniard fled screaming from the place and was never seen or
heard of again. And there in his chapel, even before the alter
high, his robes and vestments streaming with blood, the Bishop
of Manila died in the arms of the lovers whom he had joined.
Deeply moved by the sad tragedy he had witnessed, the
haughty Spanish planter became reconciled to his daughter
and son-.'.n-law, and the casco boatman proved himself a worthy
and loving husband to his faithful wife.
And here it might be of interest to note that the sleeping
place assigned me is on the very spot where the tragedy was
enacted and my head rest'i against the step upon which the
hapless prelate was slain, but my sleep is peaceful and his
ghost disturbs me not. Last night as I lay listening to the
Christmas chimes of Paco Cathedral all the scenes of this
Manila romance seemed to present themselves to me and I
could see the Filipino lover and his faithful Spanish senorita,
while they sang the soft refrain of the boatman's ballad:
"But she turns from all with love and pride,
To become the casco boatman's bride."
The tradition of this tragedy and romance has made a
deep impression upon the minds of the superstitious Filipinos
and they still believe that Palace and gardens are haunted by
the ghosts of those who loved and suffered on this romantic
spot, and that when comes the weird hour ot midnight, when
the pale moonlight is shining upon the Old Wall of Manila
and every mango tree is illuminated by thousands of brilliant
fire-flies, the spirits of the faithful lovers meet at the foot
of the graceful stairway, all heedless of the sleeping Washing
ton volunteers and of the weapons of warfare upon the floor,,
and, hand in hand, they walk out through the wide doorway,
past the murmuring fountain, and along the winding path
ways of the garden, in the moonlight and the starlight.

118 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

CLARKE COUNTY AND THE RAILROAD COMMISSION
In 1902 the citizens of Washington were deeply interested
in the question of a Railroad Commission, there being no ade
quate laws to determine railroad taxation or adjust the num
erous disputes continually arising between the transporta
tion lines and their patrons. Clarke County took an active
part in this agitation, and after a warm campaign elected A.
H. Parcel and Glenn N. Ranck as Representatives to the state
legislature on a Railroad Commission platform. Soon after
the convening of the legislature a few well-meaning citizens
sent a petition to Representatives Parcel and Ranck requesting
them to disregard the platform upon which they had been
nominated and elected, and vote against any Railroad Commis
sion Bill whatsoever. Mr. Ranck promptly replied to this
petition in the following letter :
Olympia, Wash., January 19, 1903.
W. P Crawford and Others, — -Dear Friends: — Your peti
tion, with thirty-eight signatures, requesting me to work
against any railroad commission bill, has been duly received
and carefully noted. As the petition has been given publicity
it is proper that my reply should be made public also, and I
trust it will be received by you in the same kindly spirit in
which it is given.
You are doubtless aware that the platform upon which I
was nominated, instructed the legislative candidates to work
for the passage of a commission bill, and that it was publicly
stated by me that the platform met with my approval, and
that I would stand firmly upon it. With a full knowledge of
these facts, the voters of Clarke County gave me ^ majority of
nearly seven hundred votes. This pledge was not made mere
ly to " get it on, ' ' but is regarded by me as sacred, and I desire
to keep it inviolate, "as stainless as a soldier's honor, as sacred
as a lover's vow."
The petition asserts that the railroad company "is hand!-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY U9
capped by threatened legislation. ' ' There is nothing threaten
ing in the simple proposal that the State of Washington create
a railroad commission. It is the only method by which the
vexed question can be taken out of our politics, and will help
to bring justice and prosperity to all. it not only contains no
threat, but it will prevent future threats of dangerous legis
lation. It yet remains for us to hear any arguments against
its fairness and justice. In Olympia the arguments against it
are confined chiefly to threats by an unprincipled railroad
lobby. And this bill is "threatened legislation" only because
it threatens to banish these Hessian hirelings from the legisla
tive sessions. They tremble lest they will soon be repeating in
chorus, the wail of Othello : ' ' My occupation 's gone ! ' '
Exception must also be taken to the statement in petition
that it will not bring us "one cent of tribute,' ' for it will bring
us thous?nds of dollars in taxation, which is being paid by our
over-burdened farmers and workingmen. Somehow this car
ries the mind back to the early days of our Republic, when
the insolent demand of the French Directorate for tribute,
drew from Pinckney the spirited rebuke— " Millions for de
fense, but not one cent for tribute." It ill-becomes us to sur
render our birthright of liberty to the insolent pirates of the
railroad lobby.
The time has come when we must place proper checks
upon our great corporations, or else turn the commonwealth
bodily over to them. We should act in this matter, unshaken
by timid fears or foolish threats, but with true manly courage,
prudence and justice. We should enact a law which is pro
perly conservative, and which carefully safeguards alike the
just interests of the corporations and the public. We should,
of course, see to it that these helpless railroad companies are
not imposed upon or tyranized over by the common people of
the country. The lobbyists here will kindly lend us their
powerful assistance in this.
Gentlemen, it is my earnest desire to represent the people
of Clarke County faithfully, and loyally, and when fully con
vinced that I do not truly represent them, I can at least re
sign, but I cannot make myself the mere appendage of an ir
responsible lobby. And I confidently appeal to you, and to

120 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
all the voters and taxpayers of our beloved county to sup
port me in this position. With kindest regards,
Yours sincerely,
GLENN N. RANCK.
The Railroad Commission Law was finally passed in 1905
and the citizens of Clarke County endorsed the stand taken
by Representative Ranck by re-electing him to the legislature
in 1906 During the year following the passage of this
alleged "Threatening legislation", work was begun on the
North Bank Railroad and on the big bridge across the Col
umbia at Vancouver, and more railroad construction was done
in Clarke County that year than in any ten years before.
This was true in other parts of the state also, despite the dis
mal predictions of the opponents of the great reform.
It will be found almost universally true that no public
good can come from slavish subservience to any class or special
privilege. Patriotic and considerate legislation, just to all
interests, and without demagogy or cowardly cringing, will
bring about the best conditions and result in justice and true
prosperity for all. When corporation lobbyists or narrow-
minded demagogs ask that unfair and unjust laws and con
ditions be perpetuated merely to give an artificial prosperity
to a few. they are seeking to stop the grand, majestic march
of civilization and justice, and should be swept aside for the
general good of humanity.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 121

A TYPICAL PIONEER FAMILY.
(Written in 1911.)
A few days ago the following item of current history ap
peared in many of the newspapers of the United States :
"Sheriff Ira Cresap, of Clarke County, Wash., was shot
at 7 :30 o 'clock tonight near the Spokane, Portland & Seattle
railroad shops at Vancouver, by an unknown character,
thought to be the murderer of W. H. Shores, the brakeman who
was killed at Butler Station Tuesday night. The bullet struck
in the neck, between the laiynx and the jugular vein, but for
tunately glanced off, inflecting only a flesh wound. Hastily
binding up the wound with his handkerchief, the sheriff pur
sued the thug, who turned and ran as soon as he had fired the
shot. The sheriff sent several shots after the fleeing man, and
it is believed that the fugitive is wounded."
There is a strange resemblance in this stirring engage
ment between the sherifl and the desperado amid the cabooses
and freight cars of the dark railroad yards and the running
fights which took place between the frontiersmen and the sav
age red men among the trees and thickets of the dense forests.
In hastily wrapping his handkerchief about his wound while
he continued the pursuit of his desperate foe, the plucky sher
iff was merely repeating the deeds of his forefathers for sever
al generations. His father, Robert V. Cresap, was not only a
gallant veteran of the Civil war, but was also a fearless fronts
iersman and Indian fighter in many conflicts with the redmen
in Oregon and Washington sixty years ago. Where his chil
dren now hear the hum of industry and the scream of the
locomotive, he heard the whirr of the tomahawk and the war-
cry of the painted warriors. He was born in Ohio in 1836-
and "crossed the plains" to the Pacific Northwest in 1859.
Mr. Cresap took part in Indian campaigns in Oregon, Idaho
and Washington, and served in the Union army during the
four years of the great rebellion. In 1866 he settled at Battle
Ground, Clarke County, Washington, being one of the early

LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS 122
pioneers and backwoodsmen of that locality. He married,
cleared his farm and spent the remainder of his active life
as a home-steader and farmer at Battle Ground, Washington.
He passed away in this county at the home of his son, Sheriff
Cresap, on August 31, 1911, at the age of 75 years.
But he was not the first member of his family to strike
boldly into the pathless forests of America, for his great-grand
father, Col. Michael Cresap, was one of the best known back
woodsmen along the Ohio, and the family has an unbroken
record of nearly two hundred years as frontiersmen and Indian
fighters Thomas Cresap came to this country from England
about two centuries ago and settled in the western wilds of
Maryland, where he took up the fierce struggle against the
wild animals and the wilder redmen, becoming a leader in
his community and an active member of the Ohio Company.
His son, Col. Michael Cresap, was born in Alleghany
County, Maryland. June 29, 1742. He became a famous hunter
and furtrader and moved west to the Ohio river, where he es
tablished a settlement near Wheeling, West Virginia. He
took command of the settlers in that vicinity, and upon the
declaration of hostilities against the savages by the deputy of
Governor Dunmore, in 1774 he attacked and defeated a party
of Indians in a skirmish on the Ohio. Speaking of this period,
Theodore Roosevelt, in his excellent work, "The Winning of
The West." says:
"There were on the border at the moment three or four
men whose names are so intimately bound up with the history
of this war that they deserve brief mention. One was Michael
Cresap, m Maryland frontiersman, who had come to the banks
of the Ohio with the purpose of making a home for his family.
He was one of the regular pioneer type; a good woodsman,
sturdy and brave, a fearless fighter, devoted to his friends and
his country; but also when his blood was heated, and his sav
age instincts fairly roused, inclined to regard any redman,
whether hostile or friendly, as a being who should be slain on
sight. "Such a letter from Lord Dunmore 's lieutenant amount
ed to a declaration of war, and there were plenty of back
woodsmen who would put a very liberal interpretation upon

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 123
the order given them to repel an attack. All the borderers
prepared for war. Cresap was near Wheeling at the time
with a band of hunters and scouts, fearless men, who had
adopted many of the ways of the redskins, in addition to their
method of fighting. As soon as they received Connolly's letter
they proceeded to declare war in the regular style, calling a
council, planting the war-post, and going thru other savage
ceremonies, and eagerly awaited a chance to attack their foes."
About this time another party of whites treacherously
slew the family of Chief Logan (Taga Jute) on Yellow Creek.
Chief Logan, who had been friendly to the whites, mistakenly
accused Cresap as the leader of the whites in that vicinity,
as responsible for the deed. To messengers from Lord Dun
more the Indian Chief made the following pathetic speech :
"I appeal to any white man to say if he ever entered
Logan's cabin hungry and he gave him not meat; if ever he
came cold and naked and he clothed him not? During the
course of the last long and bloody war, Logan remained idle
in his camp, an advocate for peace. Such was my love for the
whites that my countrymen pointed as I passed and said, 'Lo
gan is the friend of the white man.' I had even thought to
have lived with you, but for the injuries of one man. Col.
Cresap, the last spring, in cold blood and unprovoked, mur
dered all the relations of Logan, not even sparing my women
and children. There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins
of any living creature. This called on me for revenge. I have
sought it. I have killed many. I have fully glutted my ven
geance. For my country I rejoice at the beams of peace ; but
do not harbor a thought that mine is the joy of fear. Logan
never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his life.
Who is there to mourn for Logan? Not one."
This pathetic speech was brought back by the messenger
and read to Col. Dunmore 's backwoods army. Col. Roosevelt
thus ' describes/ the scene : ' ' The tall frontiersmen, loung-
ing in a circle round about, listened to the reading of
the speech with eager interest; rough Indian haters though
they were, they were so much impressed by it that in the even
ing it was a common topic of conversation over their camp
fires, and they continually attempted to rehearse it to one

124 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
another. But they knew that Greathouse, not Cresap, had
been the offender in the murder of Logan's family; and when
the speech was read, George Rogers Clark, turning round,
rallied Cresap at being so great a man that the Indians put
everything on his shoulders; whereat Cresap, much angered,
swore that he had a good mind to tomahawk Greathouse."
It has been conclusively proven by Roosevelt and others that
Cresap was absent in Maryland at the time of the murder of
Logan's family and had nothing whatever to do with it.
Cresap received a commission as Captain from the Gover
nor and served gallantly thruout Lord Dunmore 's war. At
the beginning of the revolutionary war he was appointed to
the command of a battalion of frontier riflemen, with
whom he joined Gen. Washington at the seige of Boston. Be
coming seriously ill from camp exposure he secured a leave of
absence and started for home, but died on the way in New
York City, Oct. 16, 1775. He was buried with military hon
ors in Trinity church yard, New York. While on a visit east
last year Sheriff Cresap, of Vancouver, visited the tomb of his
revolutionary ancestor in that ancient churchyard.
Col. Cresap 's sons and grandsons were also backwoods
men and Indian fighters as was his great-grandson, Robert V.
Cresap. In the present generation he is represented by Ed
ward E Cresap, a pioneer settler of Clarke County and by Ira
C. Cresap, the present sheriff of the county, also a pioneer and
backwoodsman, whose early years were spent in hunting bears
and cougars and in clearing the ground on his father's farm.
But in 1898 the bugle call of the Spanish-American war
aroused the patriotic blood of his revolutionary sires and as
a Clarke County volunteer he fought under the flag of his
fathers in the Philippines. It was the writer's fortune to serve
as a comrade with him in the thickets of Luzon Island and it
can truthfully be said that he gallantly upheld the courage
and honor of his warlike ancestry.
We will close this sketch by giving from a faulty memory
a somewhat imperfect version of an old backwoodsman's bal
lad, su-.h as was sung by the followers of Boone and Kenton.
Wayne and Harrison. It has been handed down by tradition
thru several generations of these rough frontiersmen of the

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 125
West, and is thought to express the rude courage and stead
fast friendship of this bold yeomanry of th.± border: —
THE BKAVE BACKWOODSMAN
Away in the West we'll ever be,
Whtre nature is wild and man is free,
We till our own soil, we clear our own land;
We build our own homes with rifle at hand.
A friend, fearless and faithful, to yours and to you
Is the brave backwoodsman, sturdy and true!
Afar in the woods we ride and we roam,
Hunting cougar and bear in their forest home;
Or with Kenton and Boone, Cresap, Sevier and Clark
We fight the wild redmen from daylight till dark.
A fierce foe, but kind friend, to yours and to you,
Is the brave backwoodsman, sturdy and true !
On the slope of King's Mountain we fought in our might,
With Morgan at Cowpens we stood for the right;
Under Clark at Vincennes, with Wayne at Maumee,
We struck savage and tyrant with the strength of the free.
A hard grasp and firm clasp, for yours and for you,
From the brave backwoodsman, sturdy and true!

126 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

A BARBARA FRIETCITIE OF VANCOUVER TOWN
(Written in 1914.)
On a warm day in July, 1913, a stranger passing thru the lower
part of Vancouevr Barracks, paused at the home of Mrs. Mary Williams,
wife of J'-hn Williams, U. S. Forage-master, and asked for something-
to eat. While the kind-hearted woman was supplying him with food.
he launched forth into a bitter denunciation of the American Flag, and
shaking his fist at the glorious banner waving in the breeze overhead,
he called it a dirty rag, and declared he would like to tear it down and
tread it underfoot. This was too much for his patriotic hostess. With
out an instant's hesitation she seized a pan of clear water, intended
for the dog, and dashed it upon him. As soon as he could recover
from the unexpected shock, he hung his head and slunk away in humili
ation. This incident is authentic in every particular, and the writer is well
acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Williams and their family. The heroine
who thus upheld the honor and patriotism of Vancouver women of to
day is the daughter of a veteran of the Civil War and of frontier Indian
campaigns, who was stationed at Fort Vancouevr in 1859 and took part
in the "Pig War" at San Juan Island under General Harney. Her hus
band ex-Sergeant John Williams is a veteran of the Spanish War and
Commander of the Vancouver Camp of Spanish War Veterans.
The green hillsides of Vancouver Town,
To broad Columbia slope gently down;
A sight more fair can ne'er be found,
Than this historic and lovely ground;
And here 'neath the shade of our flag so dear,
Dwells brave Mary Williams, true and sincere.
One day a stranger paused at her door,
And said: "I am hungry and foot-soro."
The good-hearted dame with kindness sweet,
Hastened to bring him bread and meat;
But still the wretch was not content,
And gave no thanks for kindness meant.
"Now why", growled he, ''am I in need,
While some on cakes and sweet-meat feed,
And drink the rich wine's ruddy dreg,
While I must either work or beg?"
And shaking his fist at the starry flag,
He called it "a dirty, treach'rous rag!"

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 127
Now Mistress Williams all her life
Had followed stirring drum and fife ;
Had served with father and husband brave,
From Potomac's stream to Columbia's wave;
A patriot's daughter, a patriot's wife,
She loved ' ' Old Glory ' ' above her life !
Without a pause, without a fear,
She seized a pan of water clear,
And dashed him o'er from head to hip,
Washing the foul words from his lip ;
With hang-down head he fled in dismay,
From brave heroine in battle-array.
The flag flies o'er Dame Frietchie's grave,
By Shenandoah, 's silvery wave ;
Where Columbia's vale slopes gently down,
Lives heroine brave of Vancouver Town;
All honor to her on Maryland's hill,—
All praise to her by Wauna 's* rill !
("Footnote — Wauna was the ancient name for the Columbia.)

128 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

TYPICAL PIONEERS AND BUILDERS OF
CLARKE COUNTY.
The pioneers and founders of Clarke County were a
strong, sturdy, patriotic people ; they were domestic and home-
loving, and, as time went on, they developed a deep love for
this locality. This love for Clarke County they instilled into
their children and so we find their descendants, their children
and grand-children among the most patriotic, public-spirited,
intelligent and industrious citizens of our county today. We
believe the histor yof our county and its pioneers and builders,
their legends and traditions, can be developed into a great
pati'iotie and commercial asset for Vancouver and Clarke
County. It should unite us and make us more harmonious
aud active in our lahors for the public welfare. This sentiment
of loyalty, patriotism and pride in our community and its
glorious traditions will bind us together and help to draw
others to us, and should be a great help in the developement
and building up of our beautiful and historic county. With
all these inspiring legends and traditions, memories and mu
tual affection, the true citizen of Clarke County cannot be
truly happy or content in any other place; he wants to live all
his life among its lovely valleys and fir-clad hills, and he
wants other progressive, patriotic citizens to join us here and
make this the most happy, prosperous and progressive com
munity in all the world.
Among the pioneer-builders whose descendants still live
and labor in Clarke County may be found the following: —
Short, Shaw, Bird, Williams, Crawford, Hathaway, God
dard, Sohns, Jaggy, Leiser. Fales, Heitman, Lockwood, Lan
caster, Knight, Marsh, Marble, Timmen, Durgin, Christ, Brant,
Bozorth. Coffee, Caples, Bersch, Burlingame, Messenger, Pet-
rain, Ernst, Ough, Proebstel, McAllister, Nerton, Henrichsen,
Panck AVhipple, Dupnis, Burgy, Le Belle, Parker, Morrow,
Nye, McCarty, Carty, Simmons, Stanger, Tooley, Proulx, Van

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 129
Vleet, Brown, Steward, Bier, Carter, Padden, Wise, Bateman,
Smith, Schofield, O'Keane, Daniels, Cook, Duback, Dillon,
Hidden, Laver, Love, O'Donnell, Scheule, Slocum, Spurgeon,
Tenney, Alexander, Knapp, Gillihan, Goodnight, Gridley,
Dietderich, Bell, Russell, Wintler, Young, Wall, Bybee, Tem-
pes, Spencer, Fletcher, McMaster, DuBois, Surber, Sturgess,
McCavet. Davis, Blair and many others. And the author
wishes at this time to express his thanks to those who, by their
advanced subscriptions to this little volume, made this work
a possibility. In this biographical chapter we submit a few brief sketch
es of pioneers and modern builders, whom we believe to be
typical of the sturdy settlers and of the patriotic builders of
today. COLONEL B. F. SHAW.
This famous pioneer-warrior was undoubtedly the most
historical character in the history of Clarke County. He was
born in Missouri, May 8, 1829, of patriotic ancestry. His
grandfather, Captain James Shaw, was a soldier in the Revo
lutionary War; his father, William Shaw, served under Gen
eral Andrew Jackson at the battle of New Orleans in the War
of 1812 and was Captain in the Cayuse Indian War in Oregon
in 1847-48; while his uncle, Col. Cornelius Gilliam was a Cap
tain in the Black Hawk and Seminole Indian Wars and Colonel
of the Oregon Regiment in the Cayuse War in 1847. B. F.
Shaw crossed the plains with his parents in 1844 and spent the
fall and winter of that year working for the Hudson's Bay
Company at Fort Vancouver. In 1845 he went to Puget Sound
settling at Tumwater, and in 1848 he served in his father's
company in the Cayuse Indian War. Early in 1854 he was
selected by Governor Stevens for special duty in the Indian
service, a duty for which he was especially well-fitted, owing
to his sound judgment, his excellent knowledge of Indian
dialects as well as of the Chinook jargon, and his clear under
standing of Indian character, n this account he accompanied
the Governor thruout Western and Eastern Washington, visit
ing nearly every tribe and making treaties, acting inthe capac
ity of Interpreter. This Was the longest and greatest treaty-

130 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
making trip in American history and of vast importance to
the future of the Northwest, tho, perhaps, some of our citi
zens could tell much more about some unimportant treaty
with the Penobscots or Narragansetts.
In 1856 he was commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel by Gov.
Stevens and in July of that year, at the head of the Washing
ton V0iunteers, he won the decisive battle of Grand Ronde,
thus bringing the war to a speedy close. This was one of
the bloodiest and most brilliant victories in Indian warfare,
more than 50 Indians being killed, while in killed, wounded
and captured the less of the savages was fully 200. In his
official report Gov. Stevens says: "Col. Shaw, moving in the
night by an unused trail, fell upon the main body of the
hostiles and struck the hardest and most brilliant blow of
the war " After the war Col. Shaw settled on a farm near
Vancouver, where he spent the remainder of his active life.
He served the peopl of Clarke County as County Commis-
sionr, County Treasurer, Representative in the Legislature
and as State Senator ; and was also Register of the U. S. Land
Office at Vancouver. Col Shaw died in his eightieth year,
leaving three children, B. F., J. W., and Frank Shaw. The
author of this work was intimately acquainted with Col. Show
for many years and found him modest and unassuming, of
high character and integrity, and of tenacious memory.
In an editorial in the Portland Oregonian the well-known
editor, Harvey W. Scott, who served under Col. Shaw in 1856,
thus speaks of his old commander: "The death of Col. B. F.
Shaw, of Vancouver, removes one more link of the chain that
connects the old Oregon Country with the Oregon Country of
today Shaw was a pioneer of 1844. He was an active man,
a thoro frontiersman, a pioneer of pioneers. He was one of
those men who, in the parly settlement of a country, would
always be regarded as a leader; for he was slow and careful
in judgment, yet intelligent in action. In person he was tall
and thin, of immense physical endurance, the type of the
western backswoodsman, hunter and Indian -fighter. His
recognized qualities called him to the front as commander of
the Washington Territory Volunteers in the Indian War of
1855-56, which he conducted successfully, in the open field,

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 131
thru one of the severest winters the Northwest has known.
In the following Spring, passing with his command over the
mountains, Colonel Shaw gave the finishing blow to the Indian
coalition that had come perilously near to extermination of
the white settlements of Washington. Even the stronger
settlements of Oregon were in danger, and in Southern Oregon
all the people had to fight for their lives. In all the hardships
and dangers and struggles about Puget Sound, the person who
pens these lines, then a youth of seventeen, bore his part, in
one of the companies under Shaw's command. Needless to
say, Col. Shaw knew every man personally; and during all
the years since then, no survivor of the command, upon meet
ing a comrade, has failed to ask with affectionate regard when
he last saw Colonel Shaw."
His son. J. W. Shaw, is at present among Vancouver's
most respected and patriotic citizens. He has spent much
time in the forests as a timber cruiser and is the author of a
book on timber cruising, which is accepted as an authority on
that subject in Washington and Oregon and i« used by private
and by government timber cruisers. He has also written some
interesting articles on pioneer history and it is hoped will
resume his work along those lines. He is Exalted Ruler of
the local lodge of Elks, Secretary of the Commercial club, and
City Judge of Vancouver, and many of his friends bespeak
for him higher honors and usefulness.
CHAPLAIN JOHN McCARTY.
Rev. John McCarty, known in the Northwest as "Vancou
ver's Fighting Chaplain," was born in New York and served
as Chaplain in the U. S. Army in the Mexican War. He re
signed in 1852 and came West, but was again appointed Chap
lain, this time from Washington Territory, in 1853, and was
Post Chaplain of Fort Vancouver. He went into the field with
the troops during the Rogue River campaign of 1853, and in
the Yakima War of 1855, and on account of his militant act
ivities in these campaigns became widely known thruout the
frontier as "Vancouver's Fighting Parson." He was the or
ganizer of the Episcopal Church of Vancouver and that useful
institution is a grand monument of his piety and perseverence.

132 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
We have mentioned Chaplain McCarty largely on account of
his historic and picturesque military experiences and his direct
connection with the Indian Wars, but there were many other
missionaries like Bishop Blanchet, Rev. Jason Lee, Rev. H. K.
IL'ues, Father Schram and others who played a most important
part in the evangelization of this region and we regret that
this work is too limited in scope to give them more than a
brief mention. Their work was all-important and they de
serve the highest praise and reverence.
The example of Chaplain McCarty was followed by an
other well-known Vancouver minister, Rev. John R. Thompson,
the pioneer organizer of the Presbyterian Church in this city.
Rev. Thompson took an active part in all public questions and
represented Clarke County in the Legislature and owing to
his prominence in political affairs of Washington, he was
called by some the "Political Parson." But in later years
this <->•;) vt place to the term of "Fighting Parson," for he went
to the f^ont during the Spanish War as Chaplain of the Wash
ington Regiment and gave up his life while serving the flag
of his country in Manila, Philippine Islands.
CAPTAIN ROBERT WILLIAMS.
Robert Williams was a noble type of soldier and citizen
and played an important part in the history of this region.
He was born in the northern part of Wales, England, May 13,
1834, and came to America in 1846, living for awhile with his
•uncle at Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He always evinced a great
love for military life, and this, combined with a romantic dis
position, led him to enlist in the United States Army on Febru
ary 28, 1855, at Philadelphia. With a detachment of 150 re
cruits he wa"s sent by way of Panama, to Fort Vancouver,
where he arrived on June 7, 1855. He was attached to Com
pany H, Fourth U. S. Infantry, the same company in which
Lieutenants IT. S. Grant and P. H. Sheridan served when sta
tioned at this historic frontier post.
The first engagement in which Mr. Williams participated
in was in a hot fight in the fall of. that year at Cascade Gap,
where Colonel Nesmith and Major Rains defeated the Indians;
In March, 1856, with a small band of soldiers and settlers, he

OF NORTHWEST HISTOPY 13?
aided in the successful defense of the blockhouse at the middle
Cascades, against an overwhelming force of savages. For this
act of unsurpassed bravery, he and his comrades were officially
thanked by the Washington Legislature, being mentioned by
name in the resolution. Mr. Williams was honorably dis
charged from the army in 1860, but at the begginning of the-
Rebellion he re-enlisted in the First Iowa Infantry, April 22,
1861. He participated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Fort
Donelson. Shiloh, Jackson, Vicksburg, Tupelo, and other en
gagements, being taken prisoner at Shiloh; and for six months
he suffered the indescribable hardships and privations of
Libby Prison, until finally paroled. He was promoted to Sec
ond Lieutenant, First Lieutenant and Captain, commanding
his company of veterans during the last year of the Civil War.
At the close of the war Captain Williams retired to his
farm, but after a few years, he again enlisted in the U. S.
Army and was again stationed at Fort Vancouver, this time
for nearly twenty consecutive years. He was retired from
the army in 1896, after thirty years of honorable and meritor
ious service, receiving medals of honor and his gallant deeds
being mentioned in general orders. Captain Williams con
tinued to reside at Vancouver until his death a few months
ago; he was the first honorary member of the local camp of
Spanish War Veterans, who acted as a Guard of Honor at the
hero's funeral. The author of this little book knew Captain
Williams well for a quarter of a century, and always regarded
him with dep admiration and aflection.
JOSEPH SMITH BRANT.
This early settler of Vancouver was bom in Germany in
1822, and came to the United States at the age of six years;
was a wygon and carriage builder by trade. He was married
to Louisa Francis Burget at Dayton, Ohio, from which place
they crossed the plains in 1852, and took up a Donation Land
Claim on the Lewis or Cathlapoodle River, in Clarke County,
Washington. They moved to Vancouver during the Indian
troubles of 1855, and made that place their permanent resi
dence. Mr. Brant erected a large building on Main Street, which
was for a long time the best hotel in Vancouver; also a hall

134 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
for theatre and dances. He conducted a carriage-shop and
livery stable and was for many years Justice of the Peace.
He died in 1872 ; his wife, who was born in 1828, died in 1890.
They had thirteen children : Louis P., now a Major in the
U. S. Army; George W., now a resident of Portland, Oregon;
Rosanna. (deceased) ; Joseph A. O, foreman of The Oregon,
Portland; Mary A. C. ; Adeline F. ; Rosetta A.; Emma L. Al
bert, (deceased) ; A. O, (deceased) ; Cecilia C., Nellie, (de
ceased) ; Charles and Elizabeth. The block where the old
home-place stood is now the most prominent one i nthe city,
being occupied by the five-story U. S. National Bank, Palace
Theater. Spark's Hardware Store, etc.
ROBERT W. DOWNING.
R W Downing, one of the few surviving Indian-war vet
erans lefl in Clarke County, was born in England, in 1838, and
came to the United States with his parents when nine years of
age. In 1857 he crossed the plains to the California gold
mines, and as a member of a government exploring expedition
traversed Arizona and New Mexico in 1859 ; he first came to
Vancouver in 1860.
Mr. Downing enlisted in the Union Armv in 1861 and
was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg: in November, 1863,
he re-enlisted in the First Oregon Cavalry and campaigned
against the Indians in Oregon, Nevada and Washington, being
mustered out of the service in 1866. He returned to Vancou
ver in 1866 and has resided here ever since, engaging in busi
ness as carpenter and contractor. Mr. Downing is the owner
of the Downing Block on Washington Street and has retired
from act.'ve labor. JUDGE WILLIAM RANCK
William Ranck was born in Butler County, Pennsylvania,
July 30. 1829; he was of "Pennsylvania Dutch" stock, and of
Revolutionary ancestry, his grandfather having been a soldier
under Washington at Brandywin and Germantown. He came
across the plains in a "prairie schooner" to the gold mines in
California in 1852, and participated in the organization of the
Republican party in that state, voting for "Fremont and Free
dom" in 1856; he was afterwards one of the six men who or-

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 135
r-  ¦ ' ¦¦— — ¦ 
ganized the Republican party in Clarke County in 1860.
He came to Vancouver in 1858 and established the pioneer
wagon-making shop there, and planted one of the early prune
orchards in Clarke County on his farm adjoinging Vancouver ;
he also worked for some years as government wheel-wright
at Fort Vancouver. He was Married to Kate Neer in Vancou
ver in 1864, and had three childrden, Lulu, Bertha and Glenn.
He was member of the City Council, Chief o fthe Fire Depart
ment, School Director, Justice of the Peace, Representative in
the Legislature, County Commissioner and Probate Judge for
four terms. One of his monuments is the present court house,
which was built while he was Chairman of the Board of
County Commissioners. He was for fifty years a public-spir
ited and ppatriotic citizen of Clarke County.
GLENN N. RANCK.
Glenn N. Ranck, the son of William and Kate Neer Ranck,
was born in Vancouver, Washington, November 24, 1869 ; his
maternal grandfather was also a pioneer of the Northwest and
a veteran of the Mexican War, and some members of the
family served in the Civil War and in the Indian campaigns
of the Northwest frontier. He attended the public schools,
worked on his father's ranch and particcipated in the govern
ment survey of the Northeastern part of Clarke County, spend
ing some time with the backwoodsmen of that frontier district ;
also taught several terms in country schools and worked for
several years as assistant to the City Engineer and the County
Surveyor. He served as private, corporal and sergeant in Co.
G, First Washington Volunteers during the Spanish War and
in the Philippine Insurrection, sustaining a slight wound at
Guadaloupe Ridge, and being in the military service for about
eighteen months.
After the war he conducted a general merchandise store
at Camas and for several years was editor and publisher of the
Vancouver Chronicle ; has served the people as Trustee Public
Library, Clerk of the School Board, President Volunteer Fire
Department, Chairman County Committee, Justice of the
Peace, twice as Representative of his native county in the
state legislature, and is at present Register United States Land

136 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
Office. He is the author of "Pictures from Northwest His
tory." "Legends and Traditions of Northwest History," and
other historical writings.
Mr. Ranck is blessed with a happy home, an estimable
wife, and two twin children, William and Winfred. He is
among those who believe that wealth and commercial gain are
not all there is to this life; that deep affection and friendship
kind deeds and pleasant memories, and sentiment, song and
poetry are, after all, what brings the warmth and glow to
life, and "makes the world go round."
LOWELL M. HIDDEN
This well-known citizen was born in Craftsbury, Vermont,
December 16, 1841, and went to San Francisco, California, by
way of Panama, in the gold mining days of 1864. He came to
Vancouver the following year, 1865, and has resided here ever
since. In 1869 he returned to Vermont and was married to
Mary S. Eastman, bringing her back to the new home in the
West. Four children were born to them. W. Foster, Oliver
M. ; Mabel Lucy ; and Julia.
Mr Hidden has taken a prominent pai't in the develop
ment of this city and served for a number of years on the City
Council and also as County Commissioner. He has engaged
in many enterprises in the city and county, but spent most of
his time in the manufacture of brick and in farming. He is
now Vice-President of the United States National Bank of
Vancouver, but has retired from his general activities, and
enjoys nothing better than a fishing trip to Four Lakes. His
sons, who are among our enterprising citizens, have succeeded
to his business. J. J. HENRICHSEN.
J. J. Henrichsen, Vancouver's pioneer cabinet-maker, was
born at Utland, Denmark, November 12, 1832, and learned his
trade as an apprentice at Apperadee, Denmark. He served in
the Danish army during the Schleswig-IIol stein War, in which
Prussia took those provinces from Denmark; and during part
of his military service he was stationed in the barracks in gay
Copenhagen, near the palace of the King.
He left his native country for the United States in 1858,

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 137
and that same year came by sea to Vancouver, going ''around
the Horn", as it was called when they came via Cape Horn.
He established the pioneer cabinet-making shop in Vancouver
in 1858, and also worked as cabinet-maker and cooper at the
military post for several years. During the later part of his
life he operated his ranch on Burnt Bridge Creek, adjoining
Vancouver, spending his last days quietly at his home.
Mr. Henrichsen was a man of quiet, retiring disposition,
of an earnest, sincere, industrious character, and was one of
Clarke County's useful and reliable citizens. He was mar
ried to Hannah Christina Hansen, December 26, 1861, and had
eight children, namely : Yetta, Neils, Christina May, Tobey
L., Hannah, Lawson, Jens, and Elsie.
His son, Tobey L. Henrichsen, was born in Vancouver,
November 14, 1869, and educated in the public schools, work
ing for some years at fruit-raising and at prune drying and
prune packing ; he served for a while in the Washington Regi
ment during the Spanish War, until discharged on urgent calls
from home owing to the feeble health of his father. He has
served several terms in the City Council and is a member of
the firm of Higgins & Henrichsen, a leading grocery firm of
Vancouver. JAMES PADDEN
James Padden was born in County Mayo, Ireland and
came by sea "around the Horn" to Vancouver about 1859.
He took up a homestead a few miles from Vancouver, on
which he lived until a few years before his death, when he
resided for awhile in Vancouver. This homestead is still in
possession of the family and is now operated by his son,
Thomas Padden. Mr. Padden was a patriotic, industrious
citizen, who did his share in the development of Clarke County
and was the father of a worthy and respected family.
His son, James J. Padden, is the proprietor of Padden 's
Clothing Store, one of Vancouver's most prosperous and pro
gressive business houses. He is a most progressive, public-
spirited citizen and has been active on the Board of Managers
for the Commercial Club, as Chief of the Volunteer Fire .De
partment, member of the City Council, and is Past Exalted
Buler of the Vancouver Lodge of Elks.

138 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
HON. J. W. BLACKBURN
Tho still a comparatively young man, Mr. Blackburn, is
Ridgefield 's pioneer merchant and postmaster, a position which
he still holds. He has always taken a great interest in politi
cal affairs, having represented Clarke County at many con
gressional and state conventions, and is among our most ener
getic and public spirited citizens. Mrs. Blackburn, who is
an accomplished musician, has taken an active part in all
social, religious and education affairs.
During the Civil War Ridgefield was given the name of
Union Ridge on account of the strong loyalty and love of the
Union displayed by the patriotic citizens of that locality. The
Post Office Department afterwards changed the name to Ridge
field, but the change has wrought no alteration in the deep
patriotism and loyalty of its citizens.
JOHN K. GAITHER.
Mr. Gaither, the present pioneer Postmaster of LaCenter,
Clarke County, Washington, was born in Monroe Copnty, In
diana, January 6, 1838, and came to Clarke County in 1873;
he married Mary E. Gourley, who was born in North Carolina,
November 19, 1835, by whom he had six children: P. T. Gaith
er, born June 8, 1863; S. P. Gaither, born March 12, 1865;
Sadie C. Gaither, born December 24, 1869; F. 0. Gaither, born
February 22, 1873; W. T. Gaither, born April 6, 1875; J. C.
Gaither, born May 13, 1880.
Mr. Gaither was in the mercantile business at La Center
for fifteen years and has been Postmaster there since 1875,
with a brief intreval during Cleveland's second term, and he
still fills that office faithfully and efficiently. His son, S. P.
Gaither, was for two terms County Clerk of Clarke County.
HON. A. A. QUARNBERG.
Andrew A. Quarnberg, Clarke County's pioneer in the
nut-growing industry, was born in Sweden, August 16, 1849;
attended public school and Galun College until 1869, when he
came to America with his parents, settling on a homestead in
Dakota Territory. He was married to Lydia E. Norelius, Sep
tember 17, 1876, and engaged in the hardware business until
1884, That year he was elected Register of Deeds and County

OF NORTHWEST HTSTORY 139
Clerk, serving three terms in succession; also served as school
District Treasurer, Member Board of Directors, etc.
In 1891 he located in Clarke County on a fruit farm near
Vancouver, making prune-growing and nut-eulture a specialty,
and in that capacity has invented fruit dryers and has done
much valuable work along the lines of nut culture. Mr.
Quarnberg has developed several new varieties of nuts and
has demonstrated that Clarke County can raise the best wal
nuts and filberts in the world, and the nut-growing business
promises to be one of this county's most lucrative industries.
In 1892 Mr. Quarnberg was elected County Commissioner,
and dwas re-elected in 1894, serving six years ; in 1909 he was
appointed District Horticultural Inspector for the Counties of
Clarke, Skamania and Klickitat, serving as such for over four
years, rendering valuable services to the horticulturalists of
this district. His wife died in 1909; they have had four chil
dren : Roland A. ; Amy N. : Carl N. ; and Ruth E. Quarnberg.
JOHN E. MESSENGER.
This pioneer and homesteader of Clarke County was born
in Ohio, March 7, 1832, and there he grew to manhood; was
married to Miss Catharine E. Lord, April 25, 1852; that year
he started across the plains to the gold mines of California.
In 1853 he settled in Clarke County, first on a farm at
Salmon Creek and in 1864 at Brush Prairie, where he lived and
labored until his death. He had six children, of which three
gre to maturity: Albert, Clara and Anna. Clara married S.
S. Smith of Brush Prairie, and they are now residents of Van
couver. HENRY C. LIESER
H. C Lieser, a pioneer school-teacher, was born in Frank
lin, Wisconsin, August 21, 1848, but in 1851 came to the Pacific
Coast with his parents and settled in Clarke County. Having
received his education at Forest Grove College, he subsequent
ly taught school in Yamhill and Washington Counties, Oregon,
for about ten years, and also in Vancouver, but shortly was
admitted to the bar and opened a law office in Vancouver, but
shortly afterwards abandoned the practice and has since oc
cupied the farm, where he still resides. He has been Principal
of the Vancouver schools, County School Superintendent and

140 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
more recently Public Librarian of Vancouver.
His sons, Doctors Miles and Herbert Lieser are among
Vancouver's most prominent and progressive medical practi
tioners. RICHARD T. COWAN.
Richard T. Cowan, one of the founders of the flourishing
city of Camas, Washington, was born in Iron County, Miss
ouri. January 15, 1834, and came to Clarke County in 1884,
engaging in the mercantile business at Camas, where he re
sided until his death in 1898; he platted Cowan's Addition to
Camas, which now comprises the most important part of the
town. Mr. Cowan served the people of Clarke County as
County Commissioner and in the Legislature.
His son, John A. Cowan, was born at Iron Mountain, May
17, 1868, and came to Clarke County with his parents in 1884,
He worked at the paper-mill until 1894, when he was appointed
Postmaster of Camas, which position he held until 1899. He
then engaged in the cigar and confectionery business, which
still occupies his attention. He served as Mayor of Camas
from 1900 to 1911, having the honor of being the second mayor
of that town, and of seeing the first street graded during his
administration. JOHN H. FLETCHER.
This pioneer fruit-raiser of Clarke County was born in
Franklin County, Vermont, December 27, 1841 ; he moved with
his parents to Wisconsin and Kansas, and finally settled in
Clarke County in 1870. Mr. Fletcher made his home on a
beautiful tract of land east of Vancouver, and overlooking the
broad Columbia, and here he started a prune orchard, which
he gradually increased until it became the largest orchard in
the county. He was the first to raise prunes on a large scale
in Clarke County and did much to develope that industry.
He was married to Miss Ellen Wells, September 3, 1866, and
has seven children : Albert J. ; Arthur H. ; Mary L. ; William
R. ; May ; Edward ; and Harry.
Mr. Fletcher has taken an active and honorable part in
public affairs, serving for many years on the Vancouver School
Board, two terms as County Sheriff, and two terms as County
Assessor, and in other positions.

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 141
His son, Arthur H. Fletcher, served as Corporal and Ser
geant in Co. G, Washington Volunteers, during the Spanish
War and the Philippine Campaigns in 1898-99, served as a
member Board of Governors Commercial Club, was twice
elected County Treasurer, and is at present manager of an
Abstract Company in Vancouver. Another son, William R.
Fletcher, is serving his second term as County Treasurer,
while Edward is a partner in a prosperous drug store in this
city. S. N. SECRIST.
County Commissioner Secrist was born in Grant County,
Indiana. January 17, 1845, his parents having been pioneers
of Ohio and Indiana, and his ancestors having come to Virginia
with the early colonists in the Seventeenth Century. He was
of Revolutionary ancestry and his grand-fathers, Henry Se
crist and William McMahill were patriotic soldiers in the War
of 1812. When sixteen years of age, Mr. Secrist "crossed the
plains" with his parents and in 1862 enlisted in the Union
Army, serving in Indian campaigns and on frontier service.
Mr. Secrist came to Clarke County in 1872 and took up a
homestead a few miles northwest of Vancouver, on which he
still resides. In 1898 he joined the stampede to the Alaska
gold-fields, going over the ice and thru the Chilcoot Pass,
Where hundreds of people perished in the sliding snow; he
and his sons, John and George, built a small boat, with which
they went down the Yukon and Klondike and engaged in
mining on Bonanza Creek. He was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth Odern, March 22, 1865; to this union thirteen
children Avere born, of whom seven are still living, namely:
John T ; Fred N. ; George W. ; William H. ; Grace A. Secrist ;
Mrs, Mary, M Wood; and Mrs. Fannie M. Sowers.
Mr Secrist affi liat.es, with the Odd Fellows and Patrons
¦of HiisbjrOdry,, having been Master of the local. Grange for sev
eral years. He has served as School Director for twelve years,,
two terms as County Sheriff, and is at present County Com
missioner ; in this latter position he is taking an aetive part
in the construction of the Intjer-S^a^e Highway Bridge at.
Vancouver. His son, John T. Secri&t h Chief of Police of Van,-
¦eouver

142 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
A. J. MILLS.
Hon. A. J. Mills was born in Lake County, Illinois, May 8,
1841, his ancestors having been among the Dutch settlers of
New York, then called the New Netherlands; his grandfather
served in the Revolutionary War and some of the accouter-
ments used by this compatriot of Washington are still in the
possession of the family. In 1861 Mr. Mills enlisted in the
Union Army and served through the Civil War with courage
and patriotism. Some years after he moved to Dakota, being
among the early settlers of that Territory, where he took a
prominent part in public affairs; he was elected as Represen
tative in the Legislature in 1870 ; also served as County Com
missioner and Deputy Warden of the Penitentiary.
Mr Mills came to Clarke County in 1888 and settled on
an orchard in Fruit Valley, where he has resided ever since;
has served as School Director for several years and as Repre
sentative in the Washington Legislature. He was married
November 22, 1866 to Miss Marie McCollum and has five child
ren, namely: Mrs. Alma Myers; Miss Edmcnia Mills; G. M.
Mills; A. C. Mills; and B. Fay Mills; two of his sons, G. M.
and A. C Mills served in the Washington Regiment in the
Spanish War and Philippine Insurrection. Tho seventy-two
years of age Mr. Mills takes a lively interest in all that per
tains to the welfare of the state and nation and "his eyes
undimmed and his mental powers unabated."
CHARLES S. IRWIN.
Mayor Irwin, one of Vancouver's modern builders, was
born in Pike County, Missouri, November 7, 1868; he received
his general education in the public schools, being a graduate
of the local High School, and received his diploma as a dentist
from th'- Western Dental College, the best known institution
ot that kind in Missouri. His parents and grandparents were
early pioneers of that state and his grandfather was killed in
an engagement with the Indians.
Dr. Trwin came to Vancouver in 1901 and has since prac
ticed dentistry in this city. He has been very active in social
and public affairs, being a member of the Masonic Order, be
longing to the Vancouver Knights Templars and to Afifi Tem
ple, Mystic Shrine ; he has also served as Exalted Ruler of the

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 143
Vancouver Lodge, B. P. 0. Elks, and represented that Lodge
at the Grand Lodge in 1908, at Dallas, Texas.
Mayor Irwin was for eight years a member of the State
Board of Medical Examiners, having been appointed by Gov
ernor McBride and re-appointed by Governor Mead and Gov
ernor Hay. He was on the Board of Governors for the Com
mercial Club and a member of the first Inter-State Bridge
Committee, which conducted the soundings and surveys of the
Columbia for that project; he was elected Mayor of Vancou
ver in 1911 and re-elected in 1912.
HON. R. H. BACK.
Judge Roscius Harlow Back, son of Roscius and Plarriet
Cutler Robbins Back, was born at Union, Connecticut, May 28,
1865; educated in the common schools and Hitchcock Free
Academy; graduated in 1889 from Boston University School.
of Law, LL. B. ; practiced his profession in Massachusetts fromi
1889 to 1 903 ; located at vanc0uver, Washington, in, February*,
1904, and has practiced law here ever since. One of his pater
nal ancestors, Captain Judah Back, was a soldier in the Amer
ican Revolution, and his maternal great-grandfather, Eben
ezer Robbins, was also a Revolutionary patriot and served
under General Washington at Valley Forge.
Judge Back was elected City Attorney of Vancouver in
1908 and Superior Judge of the State of Washington for
Clarke County in 1912, taking his seat on the bench in Janu
ary; 1913. He was married to Anna Phillips, October 1, 1906,
and has three children: Roscius II. Back, Jr.: Helen R. Back,
and Harriet E. Back. AENEAS McMASTER.
This pioneer merchant of Camas, was born in Inverness
County Scotland, October 15, 1830, and learned the trade of
carpente1, and joiner in Glasgow. He settled in Canada in
1874, and in 1883 became a citizen of Camas, Clarke County,
Washing+on, being the first person to break ground in that
town. There he established the pioneer general merchandise
store, which he operated with great industry and success until
his death some years ago. He married Miss Elizabeth Mcln-
d-oe, now deceased, and had nine children : • Isabella, Mary,
Lizie, Hugh, Jessie, Donald, Agnes, Violet and Annie.

144 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
His son, Hugh McMaster, still operates the pioneer store
established by his father at Carnas and is one of the substan
tial, public-spirited citizens of that thriving town. Another
son. Judge Donald McMaster, was raised in Camas, where he
attended the public school, worked in the paper mill, and
studied law while working in his father's store; he was ad
mitted to the bar and began the practice of law in 1898 at
Vancouver, where he enjoys a large practice. Judge McMast
er is a patriotic citizen of wide intelligence, industry, courage
and Scotch determination ; he has served as School Director,
Justice of the Peace, Attorney of Clarke County, Trustee
Public Library, and Superior Judge.
JOHN S. BELL.
Mr. Bell, one of the early settlers of the Brush Prairie
District came to Clarke County nearly half a century ago,
and took up his homestead on the slope of Bell's Mountain,
which was named in his honor. Here he raised a large family
and was active in clearing the land and in opening the locality
for settlement. He was also active in public matters, serving
on the School Board and representing this county in the Legis
lature. During the latter years of his useful life he operated
a general merchandise store at Brush Prairie.
His s-'on, Ben J. Bell, is a well-known pioneer merchant
of Yacolt. and has clone much work for the prosperity of that
growing town. Mr. Bell has as his help-mate, Olive Daly Bell,
a most estimable lady and daughter of pioneer parents, and to
gether they labor for the advancement and well-being of their
community.
0. B AAGAARD.
Representative 0. B. Aagaard is a native of Sweden and
came to Clarke County when a mere lad, some thirty years ago.
He took up a homestead a few miles from LaCenter, on a part
of which he still lives with his family, and where he has a
handsome and, hospitable home. For the last quarter of a cen
tury he has been actively engaged in farming and logging,
that part of the county being very well timbered.
Mr Aagaard. is, exceedingly desirous of seeing this county
improved and developed, as, he recognizes its wonderful1 re^-
sources and possibilities, and he is especially active in good-

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 145
road work. It is his firm belief that nothing will help this re
gion so much as good roads and that no effort or expense
should be spared to extend improved roads throughout the
county. He has served the public as County Commissioner
and as Representative in the State Legislature.
CAPTAIN H. C. FUNK.
With the single exception of Col. John L. Clem, Captain
Funk was the youngest veteran of the, great Civil War. He
was born in Nantzic, Germany, in 1849, and was brought to
this country by his parents when very young. His father
was a surgeon in the U. S. Army during the Civil War, hold
ing t^he rank of Major. Herman C. Funk enlisted in the navy
in 1863. seeing service in three gunboats in engagements on
the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers. Afterwards he re-enlisted
in the First U. S. Cavalry and in 1865 was sent to Arizona,
where he participated in an Indian War. He was discharged
in 1868 and became a clerk in the subsistence department of
the army, being stationed at Portland, Oregon, but was trans
ferred to Vancouver Barracks in 1878, remaining a resident
of this city until his death in February, 1913. He was married
to Miss Elizabeth Carr, who with two children, Mrs. George
Walter and Herman Funk, survive him.
Captain Funk was an extremely enthusiastic and active
member of Ellsworth Post, Grand Army of the Republic, of
which he was Post Commander. For twenty years he served
as Adjutant of the post and was presented a gold medal by
his comrades in recognition of his long and faithful servicess.
His son, Herman Funk, is a popular citizen of Vancouver and
and active member of the local lodge of Elks.
THOMAS DORMAN
Thomas Dorman was born in 1836, and spent his early
years on a farm. At the beginning of the Civil War he enlist
ed in the 12th Iowa Infantry, the same regiment of which the
late Captain Robert Williams was a member. He participated
in the battles of Fort Donaldson, Shiloh, Jackson, Vicksburg,
Tupelo and others, suffering severe wounds and hardships
and spending some months in Confederate prison pens.
. Mr. Dorman came to Calrke County and settled on a farm
in Fern Prairie and labored diligently in the development of

146 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
that portion of our county. He was an unassuming, indus
trious citizen and raised a family of intelligent and useful
children who are today among the reliable citizens of thi3
county. His son, Bert Dorman, taught several terms of pub
lic school, and for some years was assistant to the Civil En
gineer force of this city. He is now Vancouver's energetic
and efficient City Engineer.
H. H. GRIDLEY
Was born May 2, 1831, in Tioga County, New York State,
where he lived until fourteen years old when he, with his
parents, came by way of the Lakes to Chicago, Illinois, on
their way to a farm in Kendall County, about forty miles
southwesterly from Chicago. That metropolis was smaller at
that time than Vancouver is now, and had but one or two
brick buildings and no such streets as Vancouver now has.
He grew to mandhood on the farm and Dec. 10, 1856, married
A. Ellen Cook and in 1906 they celebrated their golden
wedding at their home 414 Eleventh Street, Vancouver, the
author of this work being among the guests on that occasion.
In April, 1871, he arrived in Vancouver with his family
by way of San Francisco and in 1876 started the first furniture
store here. His wife passed to the better life February 4,
1913 and he now resides with his only daughter, Mrs. Emogene
Higgins, wife of W. J. Higgins. They have a daughter, Nellie
Higgins, who graduated from the State University at Seattle,
securing a Denny scholarship and is now taking post-graduate
work. They also have a son, Hubert Gridley Higgins, younger
than his sister, but a good student. Father Gridley is proud
of his grandchildren. His eldest child and only son, Charles
Clinton Gridley was born on the old farm in Illinois, Oct. 12,
1857, was the pioneer abstractor of Washington; he sold his
abstract plant and now conducts a mortgage loan business in
Vancouver. II. H Gridley was an Abolitionist, a Republican and now
a Prohibitionist, always leading in moral reform. In Illinois
he was deacon and Sunday School Superintendent of the Con
gregational Church for many years and after arriving here
was soon made Superintendent of the M. E. School. He was
Justice of the Peace, Councilman, County Commissioner, and

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 147
one of the five men who formed what was called the "Short
Claim Committee" formed to purchase the interests of the
ten heirs and clear the title to all the city west of Main Street,
trus saving the homes then under litigation. He can read
without glasses and is active for his years.
MICHAEL DAMPHOFFER
Michael Damphoffer, the oldest living citizen of Vancou
ver, is now in his 100th year, and was born in France, serving-
in the French Army from 1846 to 1852, and participating in
the European wars of that period. He came to America in
1852 and enlisted in the U S. Army in that year, arriving in
Vancouver with the Ninth Infantry January 12, 1856, and
participated in the Indian campaigns of that year. Not long
after his arrival Fort Vancouver was besieged by a band of
about 300 Yakima and Cascade Indians, and as almost all
the soldiers were absent on campaigns the situation was con
sidered critical. But the small force of regulars, volunteers
and settlers in the fort succeeded in defending until the
arrival of re-inforcements, when the savages beat a hasty
retreat. Mr. Damphoffer also took part in the campaigns against
the Indians in 1858 under General George Wright, and with
his son, Michael Damphoffer, Jr., served duding the Civil War
and also in the expedition against the Indians of Southern
Oregon in 1865 lie was honorably discharged in 1865 and
since tha time has been a citizen of Vanveouver, and always
takes part in the parades and exercises on the National Birth
day. Another son, Peter, enlisted in the armv in 1873 and par
ticipated in the Nez Perce War in 1877-78. He also had a
grandson in the Spanish War of 1898.
EDSON M. ROWLEY.
This pioneer real-estat? dealer was born in Grant County,
Wisconsin, June 3, 1860, and graduated at the University of
Michigan in 1884. That year he enlisted in the 14th U. S. In
fantry and served at Vancouver Barracks, and at other places
on the frontier. He was also Chief Clerk of the Ordinance
Department and in 1898 was Commissory Clerk of the Second
Army Corps under Col. Allison, during the Spanish War. In
May, 1899, he resigned his position and returned to vancou-

148 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
ver, thus severing his connection with the military service,
with which he had been identified for fifteen years.
Mr. Rowley then established his real-estate and insurance
business, in which prosperous business he is still engaged. He
has large property interests in Vancouver and is one of the
city's public-spirited citizens, having taken an active part as
member of the Comercial Club, in the work for the Inter-
State Bridge, and as a member of the City Council.
CHRISTOPHER KALAHAN
Judge Kalahan was born in Illinois in 1844, and was
raised on a farm in that state. In 1861 he enlisted in the
Union Army and served thruout the Rebellion, being in thf
battles of Fort Donaldson, Jackson, Vicksburg, Tupelo and
others: was severely wounded at Vicksburg, the bullet going
through his cheek and coming out of his mouth. Soon aftre
that war he crossed the plains and settled on a homestead in
Clarke County, on the Lewis or Cathlapoodle River, being
one of the early pioneers of that district at a time when the
neighborhood was full of the noble Redmen. During those
years he became closely associated with the Indians of that
locality and he still retains a splendid memory of the Chinook
jargon. In 1889 Judge Kalahan moved to Kalama, Washington,
where he practiced law until the fall of 1912. He is an ex
ceptionally well-read man and has taken an active part in
public affairs; he has served as U. S. Commissioner, Mayor of
Kalama, Probate Judge, and is at present Receiver of U. S.
Land Office at Vancouver. His son, Elmer Kalahan, is a
popular conductor on the Northern Pacific Railway and an
active member of Vancouver Lodge of Elks.
J. M. LANGSDORF
Mr. Langsdorf is familiar with pioneer life in all its
phases. He was born in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania,
and, as the name indicates, comes from German ancestry, the
name originally having been Von Langsdorf. He lived on the
farm until fifteen years of age, and in 1861, with three older
brothers enlisted in the Union Army. During the war he
crossed the plains with a military expedition, driving a six-

OP NORTHWEST HISTORY 149
mule team. After the war he was employed as clerk and
paymaster for contractors engaged in the construction of the
Union Pacific railroad in Kansas.
Since 1868 he has been engaged continuously in the bank
ing business and organized the Commercial National Bank at
Ogden. Utah in 1884. In 191Q he organized the U. S. National
Bank of Vancouver, Washington, of which he is president.
It is" a most reliable, progressive institution, with responsible
and reliable men as stockholders and on the Board of Direc
tors, and under his management has made rapid and substan
tial growth, having erectea the large and handsome five-story
brick building, in which this prosperous bank is located. Mr.
Langsdorf is an active member of the Masonic Order and of
the' Commercial Club. HJ« son, J. S. G. Langsdorf is the able
cashier of the bank.
There are many other prominent and useful citizens of
Clarke County whom we would like to mention at length if
time and space pei mitted. Among these are Fred W. Bier,
Vancouver's oldest native-born citizen and the present Secre
tary of the Clarke County Fair Association; Professor Hough,
our beloved pioneer teacher, for many years Principal of the
High School; E. R. Schofield, son of early pioneers, and for
many years active in the City Council, and now a prominent
business man; Captain Patrick Hasson, a gallant veteran of
the Civil War and of Indian .campaigns ; Col. J. A. Munday,
our silver-tongued orator from Kentucky and former Receiver
of the U. S. Land Office ; J. R. Harvey, ex-mayor and developer
of the electric light system ; J. P. Kiggins, ex-Mayor and Span
ish War veteran of the 14th Infantry; Mayor-elect Henry
Crass ;., prominent business men. like John L, Marsh, son of
Vancouver's pioneer blacksmith; Lloyd DuBo.is, Joseph Carter,
pioneer telegraph operator : A. C. Chumasero, C. D. Hayes, J.
J. O'Keane, Frank Eichenlaub, ex-County Treasurer and
former, member of the 14th Infantry, C. E. Cook, a Spanish
War veteran of the old 14th, James MeSparren, Spanish War
veteran .and Commercial club worker, and many others. But
our space and time are both limited so we must bring this
chapter, tp a close. ¦ ,....- ,:-., .- „ ;; •,• »;

150 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS

A PATRIOTIC TOAST
(Written in 1905.)
"At the feast of Balshazar and a thousand of his lords.
As they drank from golden vessels as the Book of Truth records.
In the night as they reveled in the royal council-hall,
They were seized with consternation-'twas the hand upon the wall!"
From the day of Queen Esther's banquet, when the
haughty Haman was humbled, to day of the Bryan ' ' dollar din
ner", when the plutocratic Democrats were severely rebuked,
the banquet-hall has occupied an important and picturesque
place in history, both in the Old World and in the New. It
was at a banquet, that Washington impetuously hurled de
fiance at "Citizen" Genet and his followers; it was at a ban
quet that the gallant Captain Coghlan, his blood still warm
from the tropical glory of Manila Bay recited "Hoch der Kais-
•er" so dramatically that he severely strained the diplomatic
relations between this country and Germany, and caused his
countrymen almost to split their sides with laughter, while
the German Kaiser gave a more war-like twist to his imperial
mustache. It was a speech at the festive board that brought
reproof from the war department to General "Auguinaldo"
Funston for denouncing the "antis" in plain Anglo-Saxon;
and it was by a "feast of reason and flow of soul" and spirits,
at a Seattle dinner, that the "tie that binds" was so strength
ened among the supporters of Senator Piles that they were
Anally enabled to quaff the wine of victory, along with that
of other vintages.
And only a few days ago two Jefferson Day banquets were
added to the long list. One was held in New York City; the
other in Chicago. At the former the "late lamented" Judge
"Park fir Was" the guest of honor. At the latter Mr; Bryan ap
peared ic the limelight, and for a moment cast a shadow over
that golden-tongued and golden-whiskered orator, Colonel J.
Hamilton Lewis, who adorned the table by his presence and
delighted the diners by his eloquence. The speeches of the
leaders at these banquets show that th Democratic party i*

OF NORTHWEST HISTORY 151
divided into two powerful factions, with widely diverging
principles. Nor is this the first time that the birthday anni
versary of its patron saint has found the Democratic party
bitterly divided. Three-quarters of a century ago the admin
istration of Andrew Jackson was torn into. factions by the nul
lification issue, President Jackson and Senator Benton being
the leaders of one faction, and Vice-President Calhoun and
Senator Hayne of the other. The echoes of the great debate
between Webster and Hayne had not yet died away, and the
whole country was on the tiptoe of expectancy.
The disunion leaders planned to take advantage of the
coming Jefferson birthday banquet, to be held at the Indian
Queen Tavern, in Washington City, by proposing poisonous
toasts of treason and uttering polished phrases of disloyalty.
So on the evening of April 13, 1830, the Nullifiers jubiliantly
gathered in large numbers at the Indian Queen, but just as
the feast was to begin, ''Old Hickory" himself walked stern
ly into the room, followed by Martin VanBuren, the Secretary
of State ; General Eaton, who had married the charming Peggy
O'Neil, and Senator Benton, Marcy and other friends. The
first toast was : "The memory of Thomas Jefferson," and was
drunk in silence. The grim-visaged countenance of the hero
of New Orleans dampened the ardor of the Nullifiers. After
a few perfunctory toasts, the toastmaster, Mr. Lee, of Virginia,
called for volunteer toasts. This was the opportunity desired
by Calhoun, and he instantly presented a paper to Lee, who
took it and read :
' ' The Federal Union — Next to our liberties the most dear.
May we all remember that it can only be preserved by respect
ing the rights of the states and distributing equally the bene
fits and burdens of the Union." As these words were read
all eyes were fixed intently upon the President. Seizing a
pencil he hastily wrote one short sentence, which he quickly
handed to the chairman. With breathless interest everyone
leaned forward to hear this patriotic toast: "Our Federal
Union — it MUST be preserved. ' ' This inspiring sentiment elec
trified the Union men in the crowd, and was received by them
with hearty applause. It fell as a stunning blow upon the dis-
nnionists. The iron hand of Jackson had written so elearly

152 LEGENDS AND TRADITIONS
that it needed no prophet to interpret the writing on the wall.
As the Nullifiers emerged from the Indian Queen Tavern they
realized that the defiant declaration delivered in the banquet
hall would go forth as a ringing message of cheer to the Amer
ican people. In his "Thirty Years' View," Senator Benton
says: "This brief and simple statement, receiving emphasis
and interpretation from all the attendant circumstances, and
from the feeling which had been spreading since the time of
Mr. Webster's grand speech, was received as a proclamation
from the President to announce a plot against the Union, and
to summon the people to its defense."
It was a happy thought that led this eminent Missouri
statesman thus to link Webster's historic speech with Jack
son's historic toast These two great patriots will be forever
associated together in the public mind, and their memory will
forever join in an unbroken chain, the grateful hearts of their
countrymen. The words of Webster and the action of Jack
son, during this crisis, should always be treasured among the
glorious traditions of our Republic.
GLENN N. RANCK,
Vancouver, Washington.

THE END.

YALE
RLG-GCMP III
AMERICAN HISTORY
MICROFILMING
SUPPORTED BY NEH

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