3-/ VwL»-'^!iZv_-^te.-M \ -4' ,\- 2., "^ ''hi' ; .. 30th Congress, [HO. OF REPS. 1 Miscellaneous. 1st Session. j\o, 98. OREGON. MEMORIAL THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF OREGON TERRITORY, RELATIVE TO 'Their present situatio'n aiid wants. August 10, 1848. Referred to the Committee on Territories, and ordered to be printed. To the honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled : Your memorialists, the Legislative Assembly of Oregon Territory, would respectfully beg leave once more to lay before your honorable body a brief statement of their situation and •wants. Having called upon the government of the United States so often in vain, -we have almost despaired of receiving its protection; yet we trust that our present situation, ¦when fully laid before you, will at once satisfy your honorable body of the great necessity of extending the strong arm of guardianship and protection over this remote but beautiful and valuable portion of the United States dominion. f Our relations with the proud and powerful tribes of Indians residing east of the Cascade mountains, hitherto uniformly amicable and pacific, have recently assumed quite a different character. They have shouted the war-whoop, and crimsoned their tomahawks in the blood of our citizens. The Cayuse tribe, after committing numerous outrages and robberies upon the late emigrants, have, without the semblance of provocation or excuse, murdered eleven American citizens. Among the number were Dr. Marcus Whitman and his amiable wife, members of the American Board of For eign Missions. Called upon to resent this outrage,' we feel sensibly our weakness and inability to enter into a war with powerful tribes of Indians. Such out rages, however, cahnbt be suffered to pass unpunished. It will only be the- commencernent of further and more extensive murders, and our hitherte' peaceful settletnents "will become the scene of fierce and violent warfare.. We do not dotibt the readiness ofthe people of this country to defend their. lives and property, and to submit to all the privations incident to a state ot war in a new and remote settlement like this. ; Tippin & Streeper, printiars. ' 2 Mis. No. 98. Circumstances warrant your memorialists in believing that many of the powerful tribes inhabiting the upper valley of the Columbia have formed an alliance for the purpose of carrying on hostilities against our settlements. The number of the white population of Oregon is alarmingly insignifi cant compared with the swarms of Indians which throng its valleys. To repel the attack of so formidable a foe and protect our families and property from violence and rapine, will require more strength than we possess. We are deficient in many of the grand essentials of war, such as men, arms, and treasure; for them our sole reliance is on the government of the United States; we have the right to expect your aid, and you are iri justice bound to extend it. For although we are separated from our native land by a range of mountains whose lofty altitudes are mantled in eternal snow; although three thousand miles — nearly two-thirds of which is a howling wild— lie between us and the federal capital, yet our hearts are un alienated from the land of our birth, our love for the free and noble insti tutions under which it was our fortune to be born and nurtured, remains unabated; in short, we are Americans still, residing in a country over which the government of the United States have the sole and acknowl edged right of sovereignty; and, under such circumstances, we have a right to claim the benefits of its laws and protection. Your memorialists would avail themselves of this opportunity to invite your attention to other subjects of deep and vital interest to the citizens of this Territory. The very nature of our compact formed between the citizens of a republic and the subje^cts and official representatives of a monarchy is such, that the ties of pohlical union could not be drawn so closely as to produce that stabiUty and strength sufficient to form an efficient govern ment. This union between the democrats of a republic and wealthy aris tocratic subjects of a monarchy could not be formed without reserving to themselves the right of allegiance to their respective governments. PoUtical jealousy and strong party feeling have tended to thwart and render important the acts of government, from its very nature weak and inefficient. In establishing a regular fori-p of government, and creating tribunals for the adjustment ofthe rights of individuals, and the prevention and punish ment of crime, a debt has accumulated, which, though an insignificant amount, your me.moriahsts can devise no means of liquidatino-. The revenue laws, from not being properly executed, while they are^burden- some to classes of our citizens and sections of country, are wholly disre garded by others, and whole counties, which for numerical strength are equal to any in the Territory, and fully participating in all the advantages of our compact, have never contributed any assistance in bearing the com mon bui-.den. To coerce obedience to dur temporary government would at once de stroy thp great object which called it into existence — the peace and har mony of our country. Anxiously looking forward to that happy period when we should again be under the protection, of our revered and' parent republic, we have rather endeavored to maintain peace by forbearance than to command obedience by force, hoping that the dangers and diffi culties to be apprehended from domestic discord and from the savaaes around us.,, -^vould be postponed until \ye became an acknowledged neonle and under the protection of our mother country. r P j The action of your honorable body in regard to the land in Oregon Mis. No. 98. 3 would seem to justify the expectation that liberal grants would be made to our citizens; yet the uncertainty of our title and the uneasiness which is felt upon this subject, urges us to press this subject upon your attention. Our cidzens, before leaving their homes in the United States for Oregon, have had the strongest inducements held out by Congress to settle this country, and their just expectations will not be met short of a liberal do nation of land. On the subject of fiUing the offices that will be created in the event of the extension of the jurisdiction of the United States over this Territory, your memorialists would respectfully represent that, as the pioneers ofthe American population in this country, the present citizens of Oregon have strong claims upon the patronage of the general government, and that it would be gratifying to have them filled by our fellow citizens; but as few of an equally deserving number can enjoy this mark of approbation of our parent republic, and in view of our peculiar and difficult situation, it is the opinion of your memoriahsts that it will be better for the future pros perity of our country, and that the great mass of the people will concur with them in requsting that important and responsible offices created here, such as the office of governor and the several judgeships, should be filled with men of the best talent and the most approved integrity, without regard to their present location. If it be at all the intention of our honored parent to spread her guardian wing over her sons and daughters in Oregon, she surely will not refuse to do it now, when they are struggling with all the ills ofa weak and tem porary government, and when perils are thickening around them and preparing to burst upon their heads. When tlie ensuing summer's sun shall have dispelled the snow from the mountains, we shall look with glowing hope and restless anxiety for the coming of your laws and your arms. The accompanying documents will afford additional information con cerning some of the subjects of which we have spoken. To insure the speedy convoyance of these papers to the federal govern ment, your memorialists have elected Joseph L. Meek, esq., a special mes senger to bear the same, and respectfully ask your honorable body to make him such compensation therefor as you may deem just. And your memorialists will ever pray, ifec, ROBERT NEWELL, Speaker. Attest: CALVIN VV. COOKE, Clerk. I, Frederic Prigg, secretary of Oregon Territory, hereby certify that the above is a full and correct copy of the memorial to Congress passed by the House of Representauves in the session of 1847, and now on file in my office at Oregon city. ' FREDERIC PRIGG, Secretary Oregon Territory. Dated at office this 23th January, 1848'. 4 Mis. No. 98. MEMORIAL TO CONGRESS. To the honorable the Senate ar.d House of Representatives of the United Stales in Congress assembled : Your memorialists, the Legislative Assembly of Oregon Territory, would respectfully beg leave once more to lay before your honorable body a brief statement of their situation and wants. Having called upon the government of the United States so often in vain, we have almost despaired of receiving its protection; yet we trust that our present situation, when fully laid before you, will at once satisfy your honorable body of the great necessity of extending the strong arm of guardianship and protection over this remote but beautiful and valuable portion of the United States dominion. Our relations with the proud and powerful tribes of Indians residing east of the Cascade mountains, hitherto uniformly amicable and pacific, have recently assumed quite a different character. They have shouted the war- whoop, aud crimsoned their tomahawks in the blood of our citizens. The Cayuse Indians, after committing numerous outrages and robberies upon the late emigrants, have, without the semblance of provocation or excuse, murdered eleven American citizens. Among the murdered were Dr. Mar cus Whitman and his amiable wife, members of the American Board of Foreign Missions Called upon to resent this outrage, we feel sensibly our weakness and inability to enter into a war with powerful tribes of Indians. Such outrages cannot, however, be suffered to pass unpunished. It Avill be the commencement of further and more extensive murders, and our hitherto peaceful setdements will become the scene of fierce and violent warfare. We do not doubt the readiness of the people of this country to defend their lives and property, and to submit to all the privations incident to a state of war in a new and j emote settlement like this. Circumstances warrant your memoriahsts in believing that many of the powerful tribes inhabiting the upper valley of the Columbia have formed an alliance for the purpose of carrying on hostilities against our settiements. The num ber of white population in Oregon is alarmingly insignificant compared with the swarms of Indians which throng its valleys. To repel the attack of so formidable a foe and protect our families and property from violence and rapine, will require more strength than we possess. We are deficient in many of the grand essentials of war, such as men, arms, and treasure- for them our sole reliance is on the government of the United States ¦ we have the right to expect your aid, and you are in justice bound to extend it. For although we are separated from our native land by a range of mountains whose lofty altitudes are mantled in eternal snows; although three thousand miles — nearly two-thirds of Avhich is a howling wild lie between us and the federal capital, yet our hearts are unalienated from the land of our birth. Our love for the free and noble institutions under which it was our fortune to be born and nurtured, remains unabated; in short we are Americans still, residing in a country over which the governrnent of the United States have the sole and acknowledged right of sovereignty and, under such circumstances, we have the right to claim the benefit of its laws and protection. Your memorialists would avail themselves of this opportunity to invite your attention to other subjects of deep and vital interest to the citizens of Mis. No. 98. 5 this Territory. The very nature of our compact formed between the citi zens of a republic and the subjects and official representatives of a mon archy, is such that the ties of political union could not be drawn so close ly as to produce that stability and strength sufficient to form an efficient government. This union between the democrats of a republic and wealthy aristocratic subjects of a monarchy could not be formed without reserving to themselves the right of allegiance to their respective governments. Political jealousy and strong party feeling have tended*lo thwart and ren der impotent the acts of a government, from its very nature weak and in sufficient. In establishing a regular form of government, creating tribu nals for the adjustment of the rights of individuals, and the prevention and punishment of crime, a debt has accumulated, which, though an in significant amount, your memorialists can devise no means of hquidating. The revenue laws, from not being properly executed, while they are bur densome to classes of our citizens and sections of country, are wholly dis regarded by others, and whole counties, which for numerical strength are equal to any in the Territory, and fully participating in all the advantages of our compact, have never contributed any assistance in bearing the com mon burden. To coerce obedience to our temporary government would at once destroy the great object which called it into existence — the peace and harmony of our countrJ^ Anxiously looking forward to that happy period when we should again be under the protection of our revered and parent republic, we have rather endeavored to maintain peace by forbearance than to com mand obedience by force, hoping that the dangers and difficulties to be ap prehended from domestic discord, and from the savages around us, would be postponed until we became an acknowledged people, and under the protection of our mother country. The action of your honorable body in regard to the land in Oregon, would seem to justify the expectation that liberal grants would be made to our citizens; yet the uncertainty of our titie, and the uneasiness which is felt upon the subject, urges us to press this subject upon your attention. Our citizens, before leaving theii; homes in the United States for Oregon, have had the strongest inducements held out by Congress to settie this coun try, and their just expectations will not be met short of a liberal donation of land. 1 On the subject of filling the offices that will be created in the event of the extension of the jurisdiction of the United States over this Territory, your memorialists would respectfully represent that, as the pioneers of the American population in this country, the present citizens of Oregon have strong claims upon the patronage of the general government, and that it would be gratifying to have them filled by our fellow-citizens; but as few of them of an equally deserving number can enjoy this mark of the ap probation of our parent republic, and in view of our peculiar and difficult situation, it is the opinion of your memorialists that it will be better for the future prosperity of our country, and that the great mass of the people will concur with them in requesting that important and responsible offices cre ated here, such as the office of governor and the several judgships, should be filled with men of the best talent and most approved integrity, without regard to their present location. If it be at all the intention of our honored parent to spread her guardian wing over her sons and daughters in Oregon, she surely will not refuse to 6 Mis. No. 98. do it now, when they are strugglina: with all the ills of a weak and tem porary government, and when perils are daily thickening around them and preparing to burst upon their heads. When the ensuing summer's sun shall have dispelled the snow from the mountains, we shall look with glowing hope and restiess anxiety for the coming of your laws and your ai'ms. The accompanying documents will afford additional information con cerning some of th^ subjects of which we have spoken. To insure the speedy conveyance of these papers to the federal govern ment, your memorialists have elected Joseph L. Meek, esq., a special mes senger to bear the same, and respectfully ask your honorable body to make him such compensation therefor as you may deem just. And your memo rialists will ever pray, &c. Oregon city, December 29, 1847. Gentlemen: It is made my duty to forward to your honorable body the memorial passed by the legislature of Oregon, and the papers contain ing the documents referred to in the memorial. All of which is enclosed herewith. I have the honor to remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, GEO. ABERNETHV, Governor of Ort-gon Territory. To the honorable the Senate and House OF Representatives of the United States in Congress assembled. GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. To tke honorable tke Legislative Assembly of Oregon : Fellow-citizens: Contrary to the expectation of all who reside in this Territory, you are again coi^vened under the provisional government of Oregon. After learning that the boundary-line question was settled, there was hardly a doubt resting in the mind of any individual with regard to the extension of the jurisdiction of the United States over this Territory. We have been sadly disappointed, and hope, which was so fondly cherished begins to sink into despair in the hearts of many. ' Our situation is not a very pleasant one on account of the uncertainty attending it; we may be in 'less than six months under the laws and gov ernment ofthe United States, and we may, on the other hand, exist in our present state for several years. This uncertainty will no doubt embarrass you in your proceedings. If we remain as we are for any length of time, ways and means must be devised for raising a more extensive revenue. The laws should be published in a convenient form, a fund set apart for treating with Indians and many other things provided for that we have thus far dispensed with' but which must be attended to, in order that we may carry out th'e princi ples under which we have associated. ^ This being the first session of the present Congress, they will have Mis. No. 98. 7 morp time to devote to the formation of a government for this Territory than at the last session. The probability is that peace between the United, States and Mexico will have been restored, and relieve Congress from the cares and anxieties attendant upon a war, and also relieve the government from a very heavy expense which must necessarily attend the carrying on of a war. These things lead to the hope, that among the first acts of Congress will be thepassage of an act to establish a territorial government in Oregon. This will release us from our present embarrassments and place us in a p rmanent form of government. Hoping that this may be the case, I will call your attention to such subjects as are most pressing in their character, and which cannot well be dispensed with. The judiciary as now regulated answers all the purposes required of it, and proves to be a far better system than the old one; there is one thing, however, needed very much in connexion with it, and that is a prison. Should an offender be sentenced to imprisonment by the judge, there is no place in the Territory to confine him, and consequently he escapes the punishment that his crime justiy merits. This should not be so, and I hope you will provide means during your present session for the erection of a jail. In my message of 1845, I recommended that in addition to gold and silver, wheat should be the only article used in the country as a legal tender; the legislature added treasury drafts and orders on solventmerchants. I would recommend the repeal of that part of the act which constitutes treasury drafts and orders on solvent merchants a lawful tender; receiv ing treasury drafts, however, in payment of taxes and debts due the gov ernment. Gold and silver is much more plentiflil in the Territory now than it was two years ago, and could be made the only lawful tender here after witliout detriment to the community,, still I' think wheat had better remain in connexion with gold and silver; it is a staple article, and can always be disposed of to merchants, and others. I would recommend an alteration in the law relating to the recording of land claims. The organic law requires that claims be recorded in the office of the territoi^ial recorder. This answered very well while our popu lation was small, and nearly all living in one district; but our population is increasing rapidly, and spreading out over a large extent of territory; new counties have been formed, and probably in a short time other coun ties will be set off, and lands taken up still farther from the Territorial office than at the present time. In view of this I think it advisable that you propose an amendment to the organic law, making the clerk of the county court recorder of all land claims located within his county, and dispense with the office of territorial recorder. The act entitled " An act to regulate the manufacture and sale of wine and distilled spirituous liquors," passed at the last session of the legisla ture,, I would recommend for revision- An act to prevent the introduc tion, manufacture, and sale of ardent spirits in Oregon would be far more preferable to a iT^ajority of the people' in this Territory,. In our early his tory, ardent spirits was unknown among us. Evqry effort was made to keep it out of the Territory, and. to a great extent successfully, until 1846, when, owing to the defects in the law passed at the session of 1845, some pfsrsons yiolated tl^e statute, and liquor was meide and sold in the Terri tory, but it was not done openly, nor carried on to a,ny great extent. The. last legislature licensed the nianufficture and sale of ardent spi;rits. I hope 8 Mis. No. 98. the present legislature wilt repeal the license law. Would it not be better to have the law opposed to ardent spirits than to have the manufacture and sale of liquor legalized by statute. It is argued by some persons that you have not the right to put it down ; by others, that it is interfering with the hberties of the people, aiid depriving them of their rights. I think you have the right to prohibit its introduction; no one can dispute your right to regulate it down to the wants of the medical profession. ' With regard to taking away the liberties of the people, prohibitory laws are passed by all legislatures. I will simply give one instance. In a law of Massachusetts, passed 23d of March, 1833, it is declared that "any per son who shall, in violation of tiie law, sell a lottery ticket, or knowingly suffer one to be sold in any building o-wned or rented by him, within the Commonwealth, he shall forfeit and pay a sum not less than one hundret^ nor more than two thousand dollars; and that if any one, after con'v^iction, shall repeat the offence, he shall be sentenced, for every subsequent offence, to labor in the house of correction, or in the common jail, for a term of time not less than three months, nor more than twelve months:"' This was not considered ' by . the people as ' taking away their liberties, though it deprived some of the liberty of ruining themsellves, and other from making money out of their ruini And is not this statute founded' on the true principle of legislation, not to license evil, but to defend the com munity from it. Other States have passed similar laws. When a crime is committed by any person while Under the influence of liqtior, where does the responsibility rest ? The individual, when sober, informs us he did not know what he was doing — the seller says, I have a license to sell liquor, and sold it to the man according to law. Would it not be for the advantage of the Territory to take away this plea from the seller? The license system throws a bulwark around the dealer in ardent spirits, behind which he entrenches himself. Remove this bulwark — plea the law against him — and public sentiment will put him down. The temperance cause is an onward one. We hear of State after State deciding through thei ballot box that no license to sell liquor shall be granted within its bor ders, and the Supreme Court at Washington, to "vVhich several cases had been carried up from the circuit courts arising from the hquor question, decided at the last term of the Court '' that the States have a right to reg ulate the trade in, and licensing of, the sale of ardent spirits." Our organic law says' the legislature shall have power to regulate the in troduction, manufacture, or sale of ardent spirits. In the United States some ofthe States prohibit the granting of .licenses. The Supreme Court says the States have a right tp regulate the sale of ardent spirits; and under this right to regulate, the States prohibit, and the court upholds them in it. The question, shall the license system be continued, or shall the introduction, manufacture, and sale of ardent spirits be prohibited, is in your hands; and I hope in deciding upon it, you will take the welfare, happiness, and future prosperity of the Territory into consideration. You are well aware of our situation with regard to the Indian population, and have seen the effect liquor has upon them. You may have heard them say, " if the Boston people would not furnish us the liquor we would not become such fools." I leave the question with you, sincerly hoping that should we come under the jurisdiction of the United States the coming year, we may be found with a la)y oh our statute books prohibiting the sale of liquor in this Territory. Mis. No. 98. 9 Our relations with the Indians becomes every year more embarrassing. They see the white man occupying their lands— rapidly filling up the country, and they put in a claim for pay. They have been told that a chief would come out from the United States and treat with them for their lands. They have been told this so often that they begin to doubt the, truth of it. At all events, they say " he will not come until we are all dead, and then what good will blankets do us? We want something now." This leads to trouble between the settler and the Indians about him. Some plan should be devised by which a fund can be raised and presents made to the Indians of sufficient value to keep them quiet until an agent arrives from the United States. A number of robberies hax'e been committed bythe Indians in the upper country on the immigrants as they were passing through their territory. This should not be allowed to pass. An appropriation should be made by you sufficient to enable the superintendent of Indian affairs to take a small party in the spring and demand restitution of th^ property or its equivalent in horses. Without an appropriation, a sufficient party could not be in duced to go up there, as the trip is an expensive one. The immigration the past season has been much larger than any pre ceding one — amounting to between four and five thousand souls. They have all arrived in the settlements, unless there should be a few families still at the Dalles and Cascades, and scattered themselves over the Terri tory. The majority of them are farmers and mechanics. They will add much to the future welfare and prosperity of Oregon. During the past season we have been visited by a number of vessels, some of them drawing more water than the vessels that have usually visited us. I am happy to' say they received full cargoes on board, and crossed the bar in safety. The provisions of the pilot law have been carried out, and its good effects are already visible. The able pilot at the mouth of the river has made himself fully acquainted with the channel and currents, thus diminishing the dangers that formerly attended vessels coming to the river. The time is not far distant when our river will be entered with more ease and facility than many of the ports in the United States on the Atiantic coast, and captains will wonder why the entrance was so much dreaded, forgetting that they are reaping the benefits of experience. The cause of education demands your attention. School districts should be formed in the different counties, and school houses built; teachers would be employed by the people I have no doubt, and thus pave the way for more advanced institutions. In closing, allow me to unite with you in expressions of gratification to that Being who has preserved us during the past year, and granted us the blessings of health, peace, and prosperity. May we continue to merit His mercies by acknowledging our dependence on him and keeping His law before us. GEO. ABERNETHY. Oregon city^ 7tli December, 1847. From the Oregon Spectator, December 9, 1847. Oregon City, December 8, 1847. Gentlemen: It is my painful duty to lay the enclosed communicaUons before your honorable, body. They will give you the particulars of the 10 Mis. No. 98. horrible massacre committed bythe Cayuse Indians on the residents at Waiilatpu. This is one of the most distressing circumstances that h^s. occurred in our Territory, and one that calls for immediate and prompt action. I am aware, to meet this case, funds will be required, and sug gest the propriety of applying to the Hon. Hudson's Bay Company and the merchants of- this place for a loan to carry out whatever plan you may fix upon. I have no doubt but the expenses attending this affair will be promptiy met by the United States government. _. The wives and children of the murdered persons. Rev. Mr. Spaulding and family, and all others who may be in the upper country, should at once be proffered assistance, and an escort to. convey them to a place of safety. I have the honor to remain, gentiemen, your obedient servant, GEORGE ABERNETHY. To the Hon. Legislative Assembly of Oregon. Fort Vancouver, December 7, 1847. Sir: Having received intelligence last night, by special express, from Walla Walla, of the destruction of the missionary settiement at Waulatpu- by the Cayuse Indians of that place, we hasten to communicate the par ticulars of that dreadful event, one. of the most attrocious which darkens the annals of Indian crime. , Our lamented friend Dr. Whitman, his amiable and accomplished lady, with nine other persons, haye fallen victims to the fury of these ^¦emorse- less savages, who appear to have been instigated to this appaling crime by a horrible suspicion which . had taken possession of their superstitious njinds, in consequence of the number of deaths from dysentery and mea sles, that Dr. Whitman was silently \yorking the destruction of their tribe by administering poisonous drugs under the semblance of salutary med icines. With a goodness of heart and benevolence truly his own. Dr. Whitman had been laboring incessantiy since the appearance of the measles and dysentery among his Indian converts,, to relieve their sufferings, and such has been the reward of his generous labors. A copy of Mr. McBean's letter herewith, will give you all the particu lars known to us of this indiscribably painful event. Mr. Ogden, with a strong party, will leave this place as soon as pos^sible for Walla, Walla, to endeavor to prevent further evil; and we beg to su<^- gest to you the propriety of taking instant measures for the protection of the Rev. Mr. Spalding, who, for the sake of his family, ought to abandon the Clear Water Mission^ wjthout delay and retire to a place of safety, as he cannot remain at that isolated station without imminent risk in the present excited and irritable state of the Indian population. I have the honor to be, sir, j^our most obedient servant JAMES DOUGLAS. George Abernethy, Esq. Mis. No. 98. 11 Fort Nez Perces, November 30, 1847. Gentlemen: It is my painful task to make you acquainted with a horrid massacre which took place yesterday at Waiilatpu, about which I was first apprised early this morning by an American who had escaped, of the name of Hall, and who reached this half naked and covered witii blood. As he started at the onset, the information I obtained was not satisfactory. He, however, assured me that the Doctor and another man were killed, but could not tell me the persons who did it, and how it orig inated. I immediately determined on sending my interpreter and one man to Dr. Whitman's to find out the truth, and, if possible, to rescue Mr. Man- san's two sons, and any of the survivors. It so happened that before the interpreter proceeded half way, the two boys were met on their way hither escorted by Nicholas Finlay, it having been previously settied among the Indians that these boys should not be killed, as also the American women and children. Teloquoit is the chief who recommended this measure. I presume you are well acquainted that fever and dysentery has been raging here and in this vicinity, in consequence of which a great number of Indians have been swept away, but more especially at the Doctor's place v/here he attended upon the Indians. About thirty souls of the Cayuse tribe died one after another, who eventually believed the Doctor poisoned them, and in which opinion they were unfortunately confirmed by one of the Doctor's party. As far as I have been able to learn, this has been the sole cause of the dreadful butchery. In order to satisfy any doubt on that point, it is reported that they re quested the Doctor to administer medicine to three of their friends, two of whom were really sick, but the third only feigning illness, and that the three were corpses next morning. After they were buried, and while the Doctor's rnen were employed slaughtering an ox, the Indians came one by one to his house, with their arms concealed under their blankets, and being all assembled, commenced firing on those slaughtering the animal, and in a moment the Doctor's house was surrounded. The Doctor and a young lad brought up by himself were shot in the house. His lady, Mr. Rogers, and the child had taken refuge in the garret, but were dragged down and despatched (excepting the children) outside, where their bodies were left exposed. It is reported that it was not their intention to kill Mr. Rogers, in consequence of an avowal to the following effect, which he is said to have made, and which nothing but a desire to save his hfe could have prompted him to do. He said, " I was one evening lying down, and I heard the Doctor telling Rev. Mr. Spalding that it was best you should be all poisoned at once; but that the latter told him it was best to continue slowly and cautiously, and between this and spring not a soul would re main, when they would take possession of your lands, cattle, and horses." These are only Indian reports, and no person can believe the Doctor capable of such an action without being as ignorant and brutal as the In dians themselves. One ofthe murderers, not having been made acquaint ed with the a|)ove understanding, shot Mr. Rogers. It is well understood that eleven hves were lost' and three wounded. It is also rumored they are to make an attack upon the fort. Let them come ! if they will not listen to reason; though I have only five men at the es tablishment I am prepared to give them a warm reception. The gates are 12 Mis. No. 98. closed day and night, and bastions in readiness. In company with Mr. Hanson's two sons was sent a young half breed lad, brought up by Doctor Whitman; they are all here, and have got over their fright. The ring leaders in this horrible butchery are Teloquoit, his son. Big Belly, Tam- suchy, Esticus, Touraoulish, (fcc. I understand from the interpreter that they were making one common grave for the deceased. The houses were stripped of everything in the shape of property; but when they came to divide the spoils they fell out among themselves, and all agreed to put back the property. I am happy to state the Walla Wallas had no hand in the whole business. They were all the Doctor's own peo ple, (the Cayuses.) One American shot another and took the Indians' part to save his own life. ' Allow me to draw a veil over this dreadful affair which is too painful to dwell Upon, and which I have explained confbrrnably to information re ceived, and with synipathizing feelings. I remain, with much respect, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servant, WILLAM McBEAN. N. B. — I have just learned that the Cayuses are to be here to-morrow to kill Serpant Jaune, the Walla Walla chief. W. McB. Names of those wko were killed. 1. Doctor Whitman; 2. Mrs. Whitman; 3. Mr. Rogers; 4; Mr. Hofman ; 5. Mr. Sanders, (schoolmaster;) 6. Mr. Osborne, (carpenter;) 7. Mr. Marsh; 8. Jno. Sagen, ) r> ,, .9. Frs. Saieu'l^^^'^^'^s-youths; 10. Mr. Canfield, (blacksmith;) 11. Mr. , (a sailor;) Besides three that were wounded, more or less— Messrs. Hall Kemble and another whose name I cannot learn. ' ' W. McB. To the Board op M.4naGement. Fort Vancouver, November 4, 1848. Dear Sir: A Frenchman from Walla Walla arrived at my place on last Saturday, and informed me that he was on his way to Vancouver and wished me to assist in procuring him a canoe immediately. I was' very inquisiUve to know if there was any difficulty above He said four Frenchmen had died recentiy, and he wished to get others to occuoy their places. I immediately got him a canoe, and concluded to go down in company with him, m order to get some medicine for the Indians, as they were dying off with the measles and other diseases very fast. I was Mis. No. 99. 13 charged with indifference. They said we were killing them in not giving them medicines; and I found if we were not exposing our lives, we were our peace, and consequently I set out for this place. This side ofthe Cascades I was made acquainted with the horrible massacre that took place at Waulatpu last Monday. Horrid to relate ! The Doctor and Mrs. Whit man, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Osborn, Mr. Saunders, (a school teacher,) the two orphan boys, viz: John and Francis, together with all of the men at that place, numbering eleven in all. Some are hving at the saw-mills, which IS situated about twenty miles from the Doctor's. A party set out for that place to despatch them; also, a party from Mr. Spalding's to despatch them, and they are not satisfied yet; but a party is said to have started for my place, and doubtiess has, if true, reached there before this time. Oh ! had I known it when I was at home. I can neither sleep nor take any rest on the account of my family and those with them, viz: my wife and child, the Doctor's nephew, Doctor Saffarans, Mr. McKinney, and wife. If I had ten men I could defend myself with perfect ease by occupying the meeting-house, which is very roomy and close. You see my situation, as well as Mr. Spaulding's. I have perfect confidence in your doing all yx)u can to get a party to come up and spend the winter here; likewise, to go to the rescue of the women and children, and Mr. Spalding, if alive, which I think very doubtful. Delay not a moment in sending a few men for my protection. A few moments may save our lives. I expect to leave to-morrow for home, and perhaps the first salutation will be a ball. My family is there, and I must return if it costs my life. We are all in the hands ofa merciful God. Why should we be alarmed? I will close by saying again, send a smaU force immediately, without the delay of one day. Farewell. Yours, truly, ALANSON HINMAN. Mr. Geo. Abernethy. THE MASSACRE AT WAIILATPU. After the extreme solicitude that has filled the public mind since the intelligence of the horrible butchery at Waiilatpu for the survivors of that melancholy affair — those helpless women and children — it is with feelings of pain and pleasure that we announce their deliverance from captivity and safe arrival in our midst. The pleasure incident to their rescue from dan ger and captivity is marred, however, by the painful intelligence that a portion of them have been subjected to further outrage and insult, the basest, the deepest that can possibly be conceived, and from which our mind recoils with horror. In our carreer as a public journahst for the last five years, we have never shrunk from our duty in recording events how soever painful and abhorrent to our feelings, but in this case our pen re fuses, we dare not chronicle the' terrible story of their wrongs. Pity for the poor sufferers, for the greviously injured; let there be, for them at least, an oblivion of the past ; let- human kindness assiduously strive to assuage the" bitterness of the pang and again replume the spirit that has been crushed in the violation of its honor. But for the barbarian murderers and violators let there be an eternity of 14 Mis. No. 98. remembrance, let them be pursued with unrelenting hatred and hostility until their life blood has ;.toned for their infamous deeds ; let them be hunted as beasts of prey, let their name and race be blotted from the face ofthe earth, and " the places that once knew them, know them no more forever." Oh! how terrible should be the retribution. There are no mitigating circumstances. They knew the enormity of their conduct. Theu unpardonable insult was achieved with the coolest determination and the most unmistakable intention. Then let the knife be bared, and in throwing away the scabbard, let the cry be " war to the knife and the knife to the hilt. " Peter Skeen Ogden, esq., chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company, reached this place on Wednesday evening, accompanied by the survivors of the massacre, whom his courageous energy and indefatigable efforts had delivered from fearful servitude. Thanks would seem but a trifling recompense for such distinguished service. To him we are indebted for our principal information and the various documents subjoined. Mr. Ogden arrived at Walla Walla on the 19th of December last, having accomphshed the journey from Fort Vancouver in ten days. Immediately upon his arrival at Fort Nez Perces, in the evening, and during the second day, he despatched couriers to call a meeting ofthe Cayuse chiefs; on the third day, in the evening, two chiefs arrived accompanied by about thirty men, Cayuses. The council assembled on the 23d ult., in which the several speeches were made, the substance of which will be found append ed. The council coiitinued until late at night and was concluded upon the savages agreeing to deliver up the captives within six days, on the promise of a ransom being paid for them. In the intermediate time speeches were made to the Nez Perces in regard to the surrender of Mr. Spalding. During this space of time Mr. Ogden suffered considerable anxiety of mind, fearing from the various reports in circulation and con stantly reaching the fort, that the attempt had been fruitless and that the prisoners would not be restored. On the evening of the 29th ult. a few of the principal men of the Cay uses arrived at the fort, bringing with them the captives, who, with some of their property, were conveyed in five wagons. Every preparation had been made to receive them so far as the limited means of the post would allow, and sure we are that the hospitalities extended on the occasion were the source of as much pleasure to the gentlemen of the Hudson's Bay Company as to the numerous recipients thereof. The day after the res toration the promised ransom was paid, and many speeches followed. A day or two thereafter brought Indian reports of the arrival of our troops at the Dalles, and the excitement consequent thereupon among the Indians was so great that Mr. Ogden assured us that it was his firm conviction that had not the women and children been given up, they undoubtedly woulcl all have been murdered. At the same time Mr. Ogden could make no downward movement in consequence of having pledged himself to await the arrival of Mr. Spalding and family, who happily made their ap pearance on the ensuing Saturday evening, escorted by a formidable body of Nez Perces. 'I'he greater part of that night was passed in council with these Indians, and on the following morning the line of departure was taken up for Fort Vancouver, the Safety of the party, and their arrival at which place, was flrst communicated by the subjoined letter from James Mis. No. 98. 15 Douglas, esq., which was received on Sunday wqekand its gratifying con tents imparted to the congregation ofthe Methodist church. We have received considerable other information relative to this melan choly affair, but so desultory in character that we hardly think it worth while at present to give it publication. One of the most horrible circum stances of the tragic event is, that of the two men who were prostrated by sickness at the time of the massacre, and nine days afterwards dragged fi-om their beds, killed, and mangled in the most shocking manner. This shows plainly that there had been no reaction of feehng after the first massacre, nothing like regret for what had been done. There will be many painfully interesting incidents, doubtiess, hereafter to be told of this terrible tragedy — of intense suffering and hair breadth escapes — but the force of circumstances will prevent us telling them; may they find amore efficient chronicler. We cannot close, however, without alluding to the surprising escape of our friend, Mr. Stanley, the artist, who was returning from the mission of Walker and Eels, and on the day of the massacre encamped on Snake river. Two days after the sad event he reached within less than two miles of Waiilatpu, before he was apprised of it, when he took the trail to the fort, where he arrived in safety, havin.g encountered, in his unarmed condition, but one of the mur derous villains, who, by ready stratagem he succeeded in gitting rid of. Messrs. Walker and Eels, whose inission is situated in the " Spokan" country, it is thought are not in danger; in the event of it, however, they will, of course, fall back upon Fort Coiville, the nearest place of safety. It is intended we understand, to discontinue the Catholic mission among the Cayuses for the present. Fort Vancouver, Saturday I2h 40m. P. M Sir: Mr. Ogden has this moment arrived with three boats from Walla Walla, and rejoice to say that he has brought down all the women and children from Waiilatpu, Mr. and Mrs. Spalding, and Mr. Stanley, the artist. Messrs. Walker and Eels were safe and well — they were not con sidered to be in danger. The reports of the later murders committed at Waiilatpu are all absolutely without foundation, not a life having been lost there, since the day of Dr. Whitman's death- , Mr. Ogden will visit the Falls on Monday and give you every informa tion in his power respecting the Indians of the interior. The Cayuse, Walla Walla, Nez Perces, and Yakanias are said to have entered into an alliance for mutual defence. In haste, yours respectfully, JAMES DOUGLAS. George AeernEthy, esq., Governor: Clear Water, Decerriber 10, 1847. ^ My Dear Sir: Will you have the kindness to lend me four blankets? Give two of them to these men, one to each. The five you had the kind- 16 Mis. No. 98. ness to let me have were among the goods plundered at Waiilatpu. Please to send also 10 shirts, 10 lbs. tobacco, l2 scalpers, and 20 awls. I am in great need of these things to pay for moving my property and family up the valley, some 10 miles where the Nez Perces are camped. I reached home on foot, travelling six nights, suffering from hunger, cold, and sore feet. Mr. Canfield escaped wounded, and reached this place three days before me. There are here 5 Americans, 2 Frenchmen, and my family, except my daughter, who is yet at Waiilatpu. Please let me know about the women and children, and give other information. These people have pledged to protect us if we will do all we can to make peace, to prevent the Americans from coming up to avenge the late deaths. We have agreed to do so, and hope you will have the goodness to send to Governor Aber nethy and request for sake of our lives, that they will keep quiet. Should the Americans come up I think it would prove our ruin and involve the coun try in war. We beg you to keep, quiet. The Nez Perces wish to have peace continued. Could Mr. Grant come to see us it would be a great re lief. May the God of peace protect us and stay the work of blood. Yours in love, H. H. SPALDING. Mr. McBean. Clear Water, December 10, 1847. Reverened and Dear Friend: This hasty note may inform you that I am yet alive, through the astonishing mercy of God. The hand of our merciful God brought me to my family, after 6 days and nights fiom the time my dear friend furnished me with provisions, and I escaped from the Indians. My daughter is yet a captive, I fear, but in the hands of our kind. Heavenly Father. Two Indians have gone for her. My object in writing principally is to give information through you to the Cayuse, that it is our wish to have peace, that we do not wish Ameri cans to come from below to avenge the wrong; we hope the Cayuse and Americans will be on friendly terms ; that Americans will no more come into their country, unless they wish it. As soon as these men return, I hope, if alive, to send them to the governor, to prevent Americans coming, up to molest the Cayuse for what is done. I know that you will do all in your power for the relief of the captive women and children at Waiilatpu, that you will spare no pains to appease and quiet the Indians. There are 5 Americans here, my wife and three children, one young woman, and two Frenchmen. We cannot leave the country without help. Our hope, under God, is your hands, and the hands ofthe H. H. B. Co. Can help come from that source? Please let this be known to the H. H. B. Co. Ask their advice and let me know. I am certain that should Americans attempt to come, it would be likely to prove the ruin of us all, in this upper country, and would involve the country. God grant that they will not attempt. At this moment I have obtained permission of the Indians to write more, but have but a moment. Please send this, or copy, to Governor Abernethy. The Nez Perces held a meeting yesterday ; they pledged to protect us from the Cayuse if we would prevent the Americans from coming up to avenge the murders. This we Mis. No. 98. 17 have pledged to do, and for this we beg for the sake of our lives at this place and at Mr. Walker's. By all means keep quiet; send no war report, send nothing but proposals of peace. They say they have buried the death of the Walla Walla chief's son, killed in California. They wish us to bury this offence. I hope to write soon direct to Governor Abernethy; but as yet the Indians are not willing, but are willing that I should send these hints through you. I hope you will send by all means and with all speed, to keep quiet in Wallamette. Could Mr. Grant come this way it "would be a great favor to us, and do good to the Indians. I just learn that these Indians wish us to remain in 'this country as hostages of peace. They wish the communication for Americans to be kept open. We are willing to remain so if peace can be secured. It does not seem safe for us to attempt to leave the country in any way at present. May the God of heaven protect us and finally bring peace. These two men go to make peace, and when they return, if successful with the Cayuse, they will go to Wallamette. We have learned that one man, escaped to Walla Walla, was crossed over the river and went below; he would naturally suppose that all were killed; besides myself, another white man escaped, wounded, and reached my house 3 days before I did. Late Indian report says that no women, except Mrs. Whitman, or children were killed, but all are in captivity. This peo ple, if the Cayuse will consent, will bring them all to this place. I travelled only nights and hid myself days, most of the way on foot, as my horses escaped from me — suffered some from cold, hunger, and sore feet — had no shoes, as I threw my boots away, not being able to wear them; also left blanket. God in mercy brought me here. From the white man who es caped, and from Indians, we learn that an Indian from the States, who was in the employ of Dr. Whitman, was at the head of the bDoody affair, helped to demolish the windows, and take the property. We think the Cayuse have been urged on to do the dreadful deed. God in naercy forgive them, for they know not what they do. Perhaps these men can bring my horses and things. Please give them all the particulars you have been able to Inarn, and what news has gone below. How do the women and children fare ? How extensive is the war ?_ In giving this information, and by sending this letter below to Goveiinor Abernethy, you will oblige your afflicted friend. I would write directly to the governor, but the Indians wish me to resti till they return. Yours in affliction, and with best wishes, H. H. SPALDING. To the Bishop of Walla Walla, or either of the Catholic Priests. Fort Nes Perces, December 23,. 1848.. Dear Sir: I have assembled all the chiefs and addressed them in re=- gard to the helpless situation of yourself and the rest at Waiilatpu, and t have got them to consent to deliver them all to me — yourself and those ¦with you, save the two Canadians who are safe enough among the In dians. And have now to advise you to lose no time in joining me; at the 18 Mis. No. 9a same time bear in mind,: sir, you have no promise to make theffl, Of pay-- ments to make ; oace more, use all the diligence possible to overtake us. Yours truly, P, S. OGDEN. Rev. Mr. Spalding. Clear WaTek^ Decern^er 25'y 1847.- My Dear S1ri Your kind fevor of 23d instant came to hand this* iCvening; it gives .us great joy W fearn that you are about to rescue the"