USA > Oregon > A history of Oregon, 1792-1849, drawn from personal observation and authentic information > Part 25
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Arable land .- The arable land in this upper country is confined al- most entirely to the small streams, although further observation may prove that many of the extensive rolling prairies are capable of pro- ducing wheat. They can become inhabited only by cultivating timber ; but the rich growth of buffalo grass upon them will ever furnish an in- exhaustible supply for innumerable herds of cattle and sheep. I know of no country in the world so well adapted to the herding system. Cattle, sheep, and horses are invariably healthy, and produce rapidly ; sheep usually twice a year. The herding system adopted, the country at first put under regulations adapted to the scarcity of habitable places (say that no settlers shall be allowed to take up over twenty acres of land on the streams), and the country without doubt will sustain a great population. I am happy to feel assured that the United States government have no other thoughts than to regard the rights and wants of the Indian tribes in this country.
And while the agency of Indian affairs in this country remains in the hands of the present agent, I have the fullest confidence to believe that the reasonable expectations in reference to the intercourse between whites and Indians will be fully realized by every philanthropist and every Christian. But as the Indian population is sparse, after they are abundantly supplied, there will be remaining country sufficient for an extensive white population.
The thought of removing these tribes, that the country may come
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. HISTORY OF OREGON.
wholly in possession of the whites, can never for a moment enter the mind of a friend of the red man, for two reasons, to name no other : First, there are but two countries to which they can be removed, the grave and the Blackfoot, between which there is no choice ; second, the countless millions of salmon which swarm the Columbia and its tribu- taries, and furnish a very great proportion of the sustenance of the tribes who dwell upon these numerous waters, and a substitute for which can nowhere be found east or west of the Rocky Mountains, but in herds or cultivating their own land.
Your humble servant,
Dr. WHITE,
H. H. SPALDING.
Agent for Indian Affairs west of the Rocky Mountains.
DEPARTMENT OF WAR, OFFICE OF INDIAN AFFAIRS, Nov. 25, 1844.
Communications have been received from Dr. Elijah White, sub- agent for the Indians in Oregon Territory, dated, severally, November 15, 1843, and March 18, 1844. * They contain much of in- terest in considerable detail. The establishment of white settlements from the United States, in that remote region, seems to be attended with the circumstances that have always arisen out of the conversion of an American wilderness into a cultivated and improved region, modi- fied by the great advance of the present time in morals, and benevolent and religious institutions. It is very remarkable that there should be so soon several well-supported, well-attended, and well-conducted schools in Oregon. The Nez Percé tribe of Indians have adopted a few simple and plain laws of their code, which will teach them self-restraint, and is the beginning of government on their part.
It is painful, however, to know that a distillery for the mannfacture of whisky was erected and in operation west of the Rocky Mountains, which, however, the sub-agent, sustained by the resident whites, broke up and destroyed. There was, in February last, an affray between a very boisterous and desperate Indian and his party and a portion of the settlers, which ended in the death of several of the combatants. This unfortunate affair was adjusted, as it is hoped, satisfactorily and permanently, by the sub-agent, though he seems to apprehend an early outbreak. I trust he is mistakeņ.
Respectfully submitted, T. HARTLEY CRAWFORD.
Hon. WILLIAM WILKINS,
Secretary of War.
CHAPTER XXXII.
Dr. E. White's letter to the Secretary of War .- Excitement among the Indians .- Visit to Nez Percés, Cayuses, and Wallawallas .- Destitution and degradation of the Coast Indians .- Dr. White eulogizes Governor Mclaughlin and the Hudson's Bay Company .- Schools and missions .- Mr. Jesse Applegate .- Dr. White's second letter .- Letters of Peter H. Hatch and W. H. Wilson .- Seizure of a distillery .- Search for liquor .- Letter of James D. Saules .- Fight with Indians .- Death of Cockstock .- Description and character of him .- The Molallos and Klamaths .- Agreement with the Dalles Indians .- Presents to Cockstock's widow .- Dr. White's third letter .- Letter of Rev. G. Hines to Dr. White .- Letter of W. Medill.
WALLAMET VALLEY, OREGON, November 15, 1843.
HONORED SIR,-Since my arrival, I have had the honor of address- ing you some three or four communications, the last of which left early in April, conveyed by the Hudson's Bay Company's express over the Rocky Mountains, via Canada, which I hope and judge was duly received.
Immediately after this, I received several communications from mis- sionaries of the interior, some from the Methodists and others from those sent out by the American Board, representing the Indians of the interior as in a state of great excitement, and under much apprehension from the circumstance that such numbers of whites were coming in, as they were informed, to take possession of their lands and country. The excitement soon became general, both among whites and Indians, in this lower as well upper district ; and such were the constantly floating groundless reports, that much uneasiness was felt, and some of our citi- zens were under such a state of apprehension as to abandon their houses, and place themselves more immediately within the precincts of the colony. As in all such cases, a variety of opinions was entertained and expressed,-some pleading for me, at the expense of the general government, to throw up a strong fortification in the center of the col- ony, and furnish the settlers with guns and ammunition, so that we might be prepared for extremities. Others thought it more advisable for me to go at once with an armed force of considerable strength to the heart and center of the conspiracy, as it was represented, and if words would not answer, make powder and balls do it. A third party entertained other views, and few were really agreed on any one measure.
16
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HISTORY OF OREGON.
encouraged the measure, as it was so manifestly necessary for the col- lection of debts, securing rights in claims, and the regulation of general intercourse among the whites.
Thus far, these laws have been of some force and importance, answer- ing well in cases of trespass and the collection of debts ; but it is doubt- ful how they would succeed in criminal affairs, especially if there should happen to be a division of sentiment in the public mind.
The Indians of this lower country, as was to be expected, give con- siderable trouble, and are most vexatious subjects to deal with. In mind, the weakest and most depraved of their race, and physically, thoroughly contaminated with the scrofula and a still more loathsome disease entailed by the whites; robbed of their game and former means of covering; lost to the use of the bow and arrow; laughed at, scoff- ed, and contemned by the whites, and a hiss and by-word to the sur- rounding tribes, they are too dejected and depressed to feel the least pleasure in their former amusements, and wander about seeking gener- ally a scanty pittance by begging and pilfering, but the more ambitious and desperate among them stealing, and in some instances plundering on a large scale. Were it not that greater forbearance is exercised toward them than whites generally exercise, bloodshed, anarchy, and confusion would reign predominant among us. But thus far, it is but just to say, the Indians have been, in almost every instance, the aggres- sors; and though none of us now apprehend an Indian war or invasion, it appears to me morally impossible that general quiet can long be secure, unless government takes almost immediate measures to relieve the anxieties and better the condition of these poor savages and other Indians of this country. I am doing what I can, and by reason of my profession, with lending them all the assistance possible in sickness, and sympathizing with them in their numerous afflictions, and occasion- ally feeding, feasting, and giving them little tokens of kind regard, have as yet considerable influence over them, but have to punish some, and occasion the chiefs to punish more, which creates me enemies, and must eventuate in lessening my influence among them, unless the means are put in my hands to sustain and encourage the chiefs and well-disposed among them. Good words, kind looks, and medicine have some power; but, honored and very dear sir, you and I know they do not tell with Indians like blankets and present articles, to meet their tastes, wants, and necessities. Sir, I know how deeply anxious you are to benefit and save what can be of the withering Indian tribes, in which God knows how fully and heartily I am with you, and earnestly pray you, and through you our general government, to take immediate measures to satisfy the minds, and, so far as possible, render to these Indians an equivalent for
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WHITE'S ARBITRARY MEASURES.
their once numerous herds of deer, elk, buffalo, beaver, and otter, nearly as tame as our domestic animals, previously to the whites and their fire- arms coming among them, and of which they are now stripped, and for which they suffer. But, if nothing can be done for them upon this score, pray save them from being forcibly ejected from the lands and graves of their fathers, of which they begin to entertain serious fears. Many are becoming considerably enlightened on the subject of the white man's policy, and begin to quake in view of their future doom ; and come to me from time to time, anxiously inquiring what they are to receive for such a one coming and cutting off all their most valuable timber, and floating it to the falls of the Wallamet, and getting large sums for it; some praying the removal of licentious whites from among them ; others requiring pay for their old homestead, or a removal of the in- truders. So, sir, you see already I have my hands, head, and heart full; and if as yet I have succeeded in giving satisfaction,-as many hundreds that neither know nor care for me, nor regard in the least the rights of the Indians, are now flocking in,-something more must be done, and that speedily, or a storm ensues.
I remove all licentious offenders from among them, especially if located at a distance from the colony, and encourage the community to keep within reasonable bounds, and settle as compactly as the general interest and duty to themselves will admit.
The large immigrating party have now arrived, most of them with their herds, having left the wagons at Wallawalla and the Dalles, which they intend to bring by land or water to the Wallamet in the spring. Whether they succeed in getting them through by land the last sixty miles is doubtful, the road not having been as yet well explored. They are greatly pleased with the country and its prospects. Mr. Applegate, who has been so much in government employ, and surveyed such por- tions of Missouri, says of this valley, it is a country of the greatest beauty and the finest soil he has seen.
The settlers are actively and vigorously employed, and the colony in a most prosperous state, crops of every kind having been unusually good this season. The little unhappy difference between the American set- tlers and the Hudson's Bay Company, arising from the last spring's petition to our government, has been healed, and we have general quiet,-both parties conducting themselves very properly toward each other at present. And here allow me to say, the seasonable services in which hundreds of dollars were gratuitously expended in assisting such numbers of our poor emigrant citizens down the Columbia to the Wal- lamet, entitle Governor Mclaughlin, saying nothing of his previous fatherly and fostering care of this colony, to the honorable considera-
246
HISTORY OF OREGON.
tion of the members of our government. And I hope, as he is desirous to settle with his family in this country, and has made a claim at the falls of the Wallamet, his claim will be honored in such a manner as to make him conscious that we, as a nation, are not insensible to his numerous acts of benevolence and hospitality toward our countrymen. Sir, in the midst of slander, envy, jealousy, and, in too many instances, of the blackest ingratitude, his unceasing, never-tiring hospitality affects me, and makes him appear in a widely different light than too many would have him and his worthy associates appear before the world.
The last year's report, in which was incorporated Mr. Linn's Oregon speech and Captain Spalding's statements of hundreds of unoffending Indians being shot down annually by men under his control, afflicts the gentlemen of the Hudson's Bay Company, and is utterly without foun- dation,-no company or gentlemen ever having conducted themselves more judiciously among Indians than they uniformly have done in this country ; and I am of the governor's opinion, who declares, openly, there have not been ten Indians killed by whites in this whole region west of Fort Hall, for the last twenty years, nor do I know of that number, and two of those were killed by our citizens. What were destroyed by the Hudson's Bay Company sufferered for willful murder, none pretend- ing a doubt of the propriety of the course adopted .*
There are now four schools kept in the colony, of which I shall speak more fully in my annual report : one at the Tualatin Plains, under the direction and auspices of the Rev. Mr. Clark, a self-supporting mission- ary ; a second (French and English) school is in successful operation by Mr. Blanchet, Roman Catholic missionary to this colony ; a third is well sustained by the citizens, and kept at the falls of the Wallamet ; a fourth (boarding and manual labor) sustained by the Methodist Board of Missions, for the benefit of Indian youth, of which Mr. Lee will speak particularly. The location is healthy, eligible, and beautiful, and the noble edifice does honor to the benevolent cause and agents that founded it. And while here, allow me to say, Mr. Jesse Applegate, from Mis- souri, is now surveying the mission claim, a plat of which will be pre- sented to the consideration of the members of our government, for acceptance or otherwise, of which I have but little to say, as I entertain no doubt but Mr. Lee's representation will be most faithful. Should the ground of his claim be predicated upon the much effected for the benefit of the Indians, I am not with him ; for, with all that has been
* This statement of Dr. White's shows his disposition to misrepresent his own coun- trymen, to favor the Hudson's Bay Company and the foreign subjects who were disposed to flatter his vanity.
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DR. WHITE OPPOSES REV. J. LEE.
expended, without doubting the correctness of the intention, it is most manifest to every observer that the Indians of this lower country, as a whole, have been very little benefited. They were too far gone with scrofula and venereal. But should he insist, as a reason of his claim, the benefit arising to the colony and country, I am with him heartily ; and notwithstanding the claim is a valuable one, this country has been increased more by the mission operations than twice its amount in finance ; besides, much has been done in advancing civilization, tem- perance, literature, and good morals, saying nothing of the evils that must have arisen in this lawless country in the absence of all moral restraint. Mr. Lee was among the first pioneers to this distant land, has struggled in its cares, toils, and trials, has risen with its rise; and it is but just to say, he and his associates are exerting a considerable and most salutary influence all abroad among us. I hope his reception will be such that he will return from Washington cheered and encour- aged to pursue his benevolent operations in this country. The Catho- lic and the different Protestant missions have been prosperous during the last year, and are as generally acceptable to the whites as could, from their different pursuits, have been expected. *
Great expectations are entertained, from the fact that Mr. Linn's bill has passed the Senate ; and as it has been so long before the public, and favorably entertained at Washington, should it at last fail of passing the Lower House, suffer me to predict, in view of what so many have been induced to undergo, in person and property, to get to this distant country, it will create a disaffection so strong as to end only in open rebellion; whereas, should it pass into a law, it will be regarded as most liberal and handsome, and will be appreciated by most, if not all, in Oregon.
As to the claim for the Oregon Institute, I need say nothing, hav- ing said enough in my last report; but, as that may have failed in reaching, I would just remark, that the location is a healthy one, and the site fine, with prospect charmingly varied, extensive, and beautiful.
I leave this subject with Mr. Lee and the members of our liberal government, not doubting but that all will be done for this Institute, and otherwise, that can be, and as soon as practicable, to lay deep and broad the foundation of science and literature in this country.
Respectfully yours,
ELIJAH WHITE,
Sub-Agent Indian Affairs, W. R. M.
Hon. J. M. PORTER,
Secretary of War.
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HISTORY OF OREGON.
WALLAMET, March 18, 1844.
SIR,-On the evening of the 1st February, the two following letters came to me, finding me in the upper settlement of the Wallamet, distance forty miles :-
" WALLAMET FALLS, January 29, 1844.
" DEAR SIR,-The undersigned would take this occasion to inform you that there have been of late in this place some few cases of intoxica- tion from the effects of ardent spirits. It is currently reported that it is distilled in this place, and the undersigned have good reason to credit such reports. While, therefore, the undersigned will not trouble you, sir, with a detailed exposition of the facts, they must be permitted to express their deliberate conviction that that which has inflicted so much injury upon the morals, the peace, and the happiness of the world, ought not to be permitted to be manufactured in this country under any circumstances. And your attention is respectfully invited to this subject. " We have the honor to be, dear sir,
" PETER H. HATCH, President.
" A. L. LOVEJOY, Vice-President. "A. F. WALLER, Secretary.
" Dr. E. WHITE,
"Sub-Agent for Indian Affairs, Oregon Territory."
" WALLAMET FALLS, January 26, 1844.
" DEAR SIR,-I do not know but you have been written to already on the subject which is the cause of no inconsiderable excitement at this place, viz., the manufacture and use of that most degrading, wither- ing, and damning of all the curses that have ever visited our race since the fall of Adam. As much as we regret it, deplore it, and anathematize the men who make it, it is nevertheless made, and men, or rather biped brutes, get drunk, Now, we believe if there is any thing that calls your attention in your official capacity, or any thing in which you would be most cordially supported by the good sense and prompt action of the better part of the community, it is the present case. We do not wish to dictate, but hope for the best, begging pardon for intrusions. "I am, dear sir, yours truly,
" ELIJAH WHITE, Esq., "W. H. WILSON.
" Sub-Agent Oregon Territory."
I accordingly left at sunrise on the following morning, and reached the falls at sunset. Without delay, I secured the criminal and his
249
PETTYGROVE'S LIQUOR.
distillery, broke his apparatus, and buried it in the Wallamet River. I put the aggressor under bonds, in the strongest penalty the nature of the case would admit,-$300,-few being willing to be his bondsmen even for this amount.
Mr. Pettygrove, a merchant, of good habits and character, being accused of keeping and selling wine and brandy, I searched, and found, as he had acknowledged, half a gallon of brandy and part of a barrel of port wine, which has been used, and occasionally parted with, only for medicinal purposes ; and, to avoid all appearance of partiality, I required the delivery of the brandy and wine on the delivery of the inclosed bond, which was most cheerfully and cordially given,-amount $1,000. I searched every suspicious place thoroughly, aided by the citizens, but found no ardent spirits or wine in the colony. Since this period, no attempts have been made to make, introduce, or vend liquors ; and the great majority of the colonists come warmly to my support in this matter, proffering their aid to keep this bane from our community.
On the evening of February 20, I received the following communica- tion, accompanied by corroboratory statements from Mr. Foster, of Oregon City :-
" WALLAMET FALLS, February 16, 1844.
" SIR,-I beg leave to inform you that there is an Indian about this place, of the name of Cockstock, who is in the habit of making con- tinual threats against the settlers in this neighborhood, and who has also murdered several Indians lately. He has conducted himself lately in so outrageous a manner, that Mr. Winslow Anderson has considered himself in personal danger, and on that account has left his place, and come to reside at the falls of the Wallamet ; and were I in circum- stances that I could possibly remove from my place, I would certainly® remove also, but am so situated that it is not possible for me to do so. I beg, therefore, that you, sir, will take into consideration the propriety of ridding the country of a villain, against the depredations of whom none can be safe, as it is impossible to guard against the lurking at- tacks of the midnight murderer. I have, therefore, taken the liberty of informing you that I shall be in expectation of a decided answer from you on or before the 10th of March next ; after that date, I shall consider myself justified in acting as I shall see fit, on any repetition of of the threats made by the before-mentioned Indian or his party.
" I am, etc., with respect, " JAMES D. SAULES.
" Dr. E. WHITE, Superintendent, etc."
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HISTORY OF OREGON.
As I well knew all the individuals concerned, I resolved to repair immediately to the spot, and, if possible, secure the Indian without bloodshed, as he was connected with some of the most formidable tribes in this part of the Territory, though a very dangerous and violent character. Accordingly I started, and reaching the falls on the follow- ing evening, collected a party to repair to the spot and secure him while asleep, knowing that he would not submit to be taken a prisoner without resistance. The evening was stormy, and the distance some eight miles, through thick wood and fallen timber, with two bad streams to cross. Being on foot, my party declined the attempt till morning,-a circumstance I much regretted; yet, having no military force, I was compelled to yield. In the morning I headed the party of ten men to take this Indian, who had only five adherents, in hopes to surprise and secure him without fighting,-enjoining my men, from many considerations, not to fire unless ordered to do so in self-defense. Unfortunately, two horses had just been stolen and a house plundered, and the Indians absconded, leaving no doubt on our minds of their being the thieves, as, after tracking them two or three miles into the forest, they had split off in such a manner as to elude pursuit, and we were forced to return to town unsuccessful, as further pursuit was little more rational than chasing an eagle amidst the mountains. Cockstock had sworn vengeance against several of my party, and they thirsted for his blood. Having no other means of securing him, I offered $100 reward to any who would deliver him safely into my hands, as I wished to convey him for trial to the authorities constituted among the Nez Percés and Cayuses, not doubting that they would feel honored in inflicting a just sentence upon him, and the colony thereby be saved from an Indian war, so much to be dreaded in our present weak and defenseless condition.
· Some six days subsequent, Cockstock and his party, six in all, came into town at midday, rode from house to house, showing his loaded pistols, and not allowing any one, by artifice or flattery, to get them out of his bosom or hand. He and his party were horridly painted, and rode about the town, setting, as the citizens, and especially his enemies, construed it, the whole town at defiance. The citizens endured it for several hours, but with great impatience, when at length he crossed the river, and entered the Indian village opposite, and, as the chief states, labored for some time to induce them to join him and burn down the town that night, destroying as many of the whites as possible. Failing in this (if serious or correct in statement, which is much doubted by some, as the chief and whole Indian village were inimical to him, and doubtless wished, as he was a " brave," to make the whites the instru-
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