USA > Oregon > Pioneer days of Oregon history, Vol. II > Part 11
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a courage greater than that which meets the shock of bat- tle ; for if he had been a coward he would never have con- tinued. When Agent Pambrun was at Fort Walla Walla he had successfully taken Whitman's part and protected him, but Pambrun died; then Archibald Mckinlay ruled at the fort, and he was also a friend. At the time these acts occurred Mckinlay had bargained with the Cayuses for horses to take the Red River immigrants to The Dalles, but when they brought them, he said he would have nothing to do with people who treated Whitman, his friend, so ill. This impressed them, and on his insistence Tilaukaikt and others who were guilty went and begged Whitman's par- don. On such occasions they would weep over their acts and denounce themselves like a parcel of children, to again re- peat the conduct at the first opportunity.
At Lapwai, the Nez Percés pulled down the mill, threat- ened Spaulding with a gun, and were insulting and abusive- to Mrs. Spaulding, who was a most admirable woman. The Nez Percés were of a higher nature than the Cayuscs, but every year, up to 1842, such things occurred. They claimed the mill to be theirs because on their ground; they forbid to cultivate land and were begging all the time and complaining because the missions did not make them rich; saying that Mr. Parker promised them everything, if they received missionaries ; and the promises made never had been performed. The Indians were most of them born liars, and many of them were as naturally thieves. It was at such a time, when they knew that the Indians had ill-used the patient missionaries, and that their presence could only cause harm, that Vicar-General Blanchet came to plant his mission among the Cayuses, intending to take advantage of
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existing complications to force the Presbyterians to leave the field. If it had been trade rivalry, it might have been permissible-or at least legal; but following the teachings of Christ, and the examples set in His life, there was abun- dant room for them to work in, and tribes to work with, that would not interfere with the efforts of the long suffering Whitman. There was no lie those Indians could invent they would not tell, and no mischief they could do that would not have been sport. To start another mission was to divide the Indians on religious questions and cause all the trouble that was possible.
The Indians claimed that they were to be paid for their lands every year, and that ships were to come loaded with goods for their use. It is possible that Mr. Parker had in view that, when the question of title should be settled with England, the government would purchase the Indian title, and he may have said something to that effect ; and that the government would always consider their interests, but they were capable to take his words for much more than he meant and to assert them to mean whatever they chose. McLough- lin had learned Indian character well, and knew better than to promise anything blindly. At Fort Walla Walla they had learned that the Indians were capable of treachery. Once on a time, they seized and bound Pambrun and threat- ened him until he had to agree to pay higher prices for furs. This was done by the head chiefs, but Pambrun pursued a policy of favoring and building up inferior chiefs who then supplanted the others. At another time Mckinlay was threatened by them, and seizing a keg of gunpowder, he stove in the head and stood over it with a flint and steel ready to blow all up. This suppressed them. It is true that the-
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Hudson's Bay Company managed them well, but it was by vigilance and authority and a thorough domination over them. The Northwest Fur Company before that had trouble all the time, and it was the excellent management and caution of the Hudson's Bay Company that maintained peace, yet it was with occasional conflict.
As the years passed, and the natives saw the immigrations increase each year, they felt that the tide must sweep them away if continued. They became aggressive and thievish ; the worst and most dangerous part of the route, by 1846, came to be the journey down the Columbia from the Glue Mountains to The Dalles. It was a common jest with immi- grants, that their worst troubles commenced when they got among "Mission Indians." Whitman had to warn immi- grants, as they passed, to take no chances, but watch their property. He told them any indiscretion of theirs might cause an Indian war. In the fall of 1847 many families who thought they were safe, as they had reached Oregon, were robbed of what they had brought so far ; four families lost everything they had in the world; even the clothing was taken and women and children left naked, while the men were looking for cattle that had been stolen. They had concealed a bolt of cotton cloth and made wrappers of this, when John E. Ross's company came by and gave them blankets. There was battle and bloodshed at The Dalles, when immigrants who were robbed seized some Indian horses to hold as reprisal. A Mr. Shepard was killed and two others wounded; the Indians had also killed and wounded.
There was a large immigration in 1847, and with it came the measles, with a virulent form of typhoid, that was fatal in many instances. As the Indians hung around the immi-
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grant wagons, or perhaps stole things they could lay their hands on, some of them caught the contagion and the re- sult was that pestilence swept through the Indian country. This brings us down to the terrible tragedy that resulted in the Cayuse war and breaking up of the various missions in the upper country. Sound judgment and good manage- ment on the part of the government of the United States, by the appointment of judicious men to control the Indians and a just policy for providing reservations and for the purchase of their lands, could have prevented much of out- rage, as well as have averted war. The Indians thought the Americans had no power back of them, and never wanted to recognize their rights or to pay for their lands. If we will look at matters from the aboriginal standpoint, we must concede that they had cause for suspicion, and cannot well wonder that when disease was sweeping them from the face of the earth they lost confidence in the teachings of Chris- tianity and their savage natures were roused to the utmost.
CHAPTER L
HOME LIFE AT WHITMAN'S
CONTINUING her story, Mrs. Pringle went on to give a pic- ture of the three years of home life with Dr. and Mrs. Whit- man, from 1844 to 1847, a delightful picture of a Christian household, governed by laws of love to God and charity for man. The mission seemed to be a refuge for orphan chil- dren of every class, and for all who were in need, even for that wretch Jo Lewis, who was detested, but tolerated be- cause he was supposed to be human, and repaid this kind- ness by inducing the Cayuses, by his falsehoods, to do the murder.
Our faithful friend, the German doctor, left us at last, safe in the motherly care of Mrs. Whitman. Well had he kept his promise to our dying mother.
For a week or two the house at Waiilatpu was full of company. Having no help, Mrs. Whitman was too much engaged in household affairs to pay any attention to us. Very lonely did that large house seem to me during that time. Being a cripple, I was not able to join the other children in their pastimes, and they were too busy enjoying themselves to attend to me. Seated by the cradle, I plied my needle at simple sewing. I saw my brothers only at meal-time. Mrs. Whit- man came occasionally to bring the baby her milk. I thought I could never be happy where everything was so strange, and shed many tears in solitude. I became so timid as to cry if addressed by the doctor or any one.
School commenced soon after our arrival, and most of the children attended. In course of time the company left the house; help was hired to do the housework, and Mrs. Whitman, having more time to herself, paid more to us. Gathering us around her in the evening,
HOME OF DR. MARCUS WHITMAN AT WAIILATPU AND SCENE OF THE MASSACRE
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she amused us with anecdotes, distributing pieces of calico and show- ing us how to make patchwork and rag dolls, conversing with us in a kind and familiar way. On one of these occasions she gave each of us a string of beads to wear, with the understanding that any one who had to be reproved for doing wrong must return the beads to her. We had been long without restraint, so that we had become quite unruly and difficult to manage. They were strict disciplinarians, and held the reins with steady hands. Any deviation from the rules met with instant and severe chastisement. Every effort to merit their approval was rewarded with smiles. While we were held under strict subjection, every effort was made to render us comfortable and happy and to win our love and confidence. Mrs. Whitman was particularly .adapted to raising children, having the art of uniting instruction and pleasure. She was a fine singer. I have never known any one who excelled her in this respect. She soon commenced teaching us vocal music. Refined and accomplished herself, she exercised over our rude natures that influence that refines and beautifies a home. We soon formed. a warm attachment for her, and fell into the practice of calling her and Dr. Whitman mother and father, as the other children did, and continued it while they lived. They were careful to have us remember our parents, and would speak of them with affection and respect. When necessary to administer punishment, she would set our fault before us and her own responsibility, and show that all was done for our own good, and would ask what we thought our parents would wish her to do.
Dr. Whitman's family, before we came, consisted of himself and wife, Perrin P. Whitman, his nephew, who came out with him in 1843, when fourteen years old; Mary Ann Bridger, nine years old; Helen Mar Meek, seven years old, who had been raised from infancy by Mrs. Whitman, and David M. Cortez, seven years old. This boy's father was a Spaniard, his mother a Walla Walla Indian. Becoming tired of the infant, she cast it into a hole to perish. His grandmother rescued him and took him to Mrs. Whitman, naked, except a small piece of skin tied over his shoulders. We were in the schoolroom from Monday morning until Saturday noon. The afternoon was a holiday. If the weather was pleasant, the preparations for the Sab- bath being completed, Mrs. Whitman took us out for a ramble over the hills. In inclement weather we were provided amusement in the house; the doctor believed in young folks having plenty of exercise. The Sabbath was always strictly observed, yet made so pleasant that
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we hailed its dawn with delight. Every preparation was made the day before, and perfect stillness pervaded the house Sabbath morn- ing. In the winter season a Bible class met on Saturday night. All the family attended, and no effort was spared to make it interesting. A subject was given us to prove from the Bible, and Mrs. Whitman saw that each child had a proof to bring in. They were commented on, a chapter was read, each one reading a verse and giving their thoughts on it. These exercises closed by singing some Bible hymn. Sabbath morning we were reminded of the day and all kept still. Each sat with a book, and those too small to read were handed pictures. After breakfast we prepared for Sunday school, that met at 11 o'clock, while the doctor held his service with the natives. Each got seven verses, one being learned every morning during the week. This was an interesting hour spent together, especially when the doctor could spend some moments with us. At 3 P. M. we met for the regular afternoon service, when Dr. Whitman read a sermon. He was not a preacher, but a physician. We had to find the text after the service was over and repeat it to him. The evening was spent in reading, reciting the commandments, etc.
One evening in the week Mrs. Whitman would collect the young around her, holding a prayer meeting with them and conversing on religious subjects. The first Monday night in each month a meeting was held in behalf of missions, and Monday after New Year's was observed as a fast day. The housework was hired done in winter, so the children could follow their studies without hindrance; Mrs. Whitman and the girls did the work in the summer. Each of us had her alloted task and was expected to promptly do her duty. At 11 we bathed in the river; dinner was served at 12. When the work was done we all sat in a large room at our sewing, save one of us, who read aloud to the rest. Supper was at 5 o'clock, and after that was over time until retiring for the night was devoted to recreation. In the spring the evenings were spent in the garden putting in seeds; other- wise we did as we pleased. Sometimes the boys would bring horses for us to ride; at times we would go with the doctor to visit the lodges, where Indians were sick. Mrs. Whitman was always with us in all these occupations, adding to our enjoyment. She was very fond of flowers, and we assisted in taking care of her flower garden each season. Our time flowed on in one uninterrupted stream of pleasure; we were kept constantly gaining knowledge, and from morning until night our adopted parents labored to promote our
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happiness. The family was larger in the winter. From twenty to twenty-five, including children, sat around the table at meals. Besides the adopted children, there were others who came to attend the mis- sion school. Summers the doctor was gone most of the time, so there was only Mrs. Whitman and the children. Mr. Spaulding's daughter attended school with us. She came on horseback, in charge of an Indian woman, 120 miles.
The manner of living was simple. In winter we had beef, and in summer mutton and fish. Pork seldom came on the table. Dr. Whit- man ignored fine flour, and wheat flour and corn meal were used unbolted. Tea and coffee came to the table only on rare occasions. This was a matter of economy, as delicacies were not easy to get in the country at that time. There was an abundance of wild fruit to be purchased of the natives; a good garden supplied plenty of vege- tables. Cake and pastry only were seen on holidays. Milk, butter and cheese were in full supply, and thus you have our mode of living at Waiilatpu.
Some may ask how the washing for so large a family was managed. As early as 4 o'clock all hands were mustered for work in the kitchen, Mrs. Whitman at the head. Tubs and barrels were put in use, and all the implements needed were at hand. The boys, with long aprons tied around them, brought the water and did the pound- ing, while the women rubbed the clothes. Jokes were current and all were in good humor. By school time (9 o'clock) the clothes were on the line. It fell to the lot of myself and brother to get breakfast on wash days.
Owing to the location and the evaporation in the spring of alkali ponds near by, Waiilatpu was not healthy. The mill pond was near by, and we were more or less troubled with chills and fever in warm weather. I was very subject to it, and suffered every summer of my stay there, being often unable to labor. As the eldest daughter, I had supervision of the other girls, and from being confined to the house so much I became the constant companion of Mrs. Whitman. An attachment near to that of mother and daughter existed between us from this constant association. To me she told all her plans for the pleasure or improvement of the children, as well as her fears and troubles concerning them. When the doctor was long absent I sat with her and read or conversed, and was her bedfellow. She said often she could not get along without me.
The spring after we arrived brother Francis resolved to run away
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to the lower country with those who had wintered there. His reason was he disliked the strict discipline maintained. The doctor was away, and when Francis started to go Mrs. Whitman urged him pleasantly to stay, but he went on the run, mounted his horse, and was off before the wagons moved which he was to accompany. She had not succeeded in winning the boy's confidence and affection, and Francis was stubborn.
Efforts were made to overtake him and get him to come back, but they were unavailing. He went to the Willamette and remained there.
On his return Dr. Whitman talked with John and found he was willing to remain. He then made a proposal to aid the boys to get a start in cattle and horses, so that they would be acquiring property. This was made known to Francis by a letter, and a horse sent for him, so that in the fall we had the pleasure of again becoming a united family.
In the spring of 1845 the Cayuses were embroiled in war with the Snakes. A Cayuse family named Prince was going to the buffalo country to hunt, and on the way camped on a small stream in the Snake region, opposite a camp of Snake Indians. One morning Prince with his servant rode over to see the other camp. His horse stood all day tied at the Snake lodge, but the mother did not go to learn about him, because her daughter said it would be foolish. Toward night the horse disappeared, and during the night the Snake camp also disappeared. Going over there, the mother and daughter found the dead bodies of servant and master. War resulted, in which many Cayuses lost their lives, including some of their chiefs. We saw them come home from their war raids, and heard and saw them singing war songs, dancing their war dances, and then they would change to a funeral dirge for their dead warriors. After a successful raid they would spend days in celebrating their victory and reciting the prowess of their own warriors. The beating of drums and their war-whoops and songs filled the air with savage sounds. The monotonous tones of the Indian flute mellowed the horrors of the din a little.
One Sunday morning in the autumn of 1845 two men arrived at the station. One of them, Andrew Rodgers, was a young man of about twenty-five, tall and slender, sandy hair and sallow look that betokened ill-health. He sang hymns and played the violin, so the "Seceders," to which church he belonged, turned him out. His gentlemanly appear- ance and intelligence won the admiration of Dr. and Mrs. Whitman.
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He came to procure room and care for a friend who was ill with consumption. He succeeded in this and was also engaged to teach school the ensuing winter. Going to Umatilla, he soon returned with his friend, Joseph Finly, who took board with the family of Mr. Osborne, his relative. He had made the journey to Oregon hoping for improved health. For awhile he improved and seemed stronger. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman became much attached to him. He was one day taken worse when at their house and never left it. They made him comfortable and attended to him as if he were a son or brother. He died very happy, bidding all good-by and thanking his friends for all their care of him. All gathered round the death-bed, and the scene was very impressive as he gave his last farewell to all around him.
About this time the station had a visit from a band of Delaware Indians, under the leadership of Tom Hill, who was very intelligent and could speak English as well as Cayuse. Dr. Whitman made a feast for them and invited the leading Cayuses and others. The in- dispensable item of an Indian feast was corn mush. A large kettle was suspended over a fire in the yard and the mush was made by put- ting in tallow and stirring in meal or flour. When cooked the kettle was taken indoors and placed on the floor. The doctor was master of ceremonies and the rest came in order of rank. The doctor and the chiefs dipped their spoons in the big kettle, but common people had dishes served and ate out of them. Some acted as waiters. They had tea, sweetened. We children were looking on, and it amused us to see what a quantity of sugar they used-all that the tea could hold. It was evening and the family occupied a bench on one side of the big room, which was crowded. It was well lighted with candles, and they ate in silence, except the sipping noise peculiar to Indians eating. Their performances at the trencher were so amusing to us that occa- sionally Mrs. Whitman had to send us outdoors to have our laugh out. When the feast was over the room was cleared and put in order for the speech. Tom Hill delivered an address that lasted two hours and was quite eloquent. We could understand the Cayuse talk, but the Indians did not know it. We were not allowed to learn it, and kept as much as possible away from the Indians, but constantly hearing the language spoken, we could not help but learn the mean- ing of it, though we could not speak it well. After the massacre they soon found out that we understood their talk. Mrs. Whitman always treated them politely and kindly, thanking them for every little favor they did her.
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The next spring Mr. Rogers was away much of the time at the Spokane mission, conducted by Messrs. Walker and Eells. Dr. Whit- man was absent at the saw mill or breaking up land for the Indians and putting in their crops. Mrs. Whitman and the girls spent the time at home and found enough to employ them to prevent feeling lonesome. We studied botany with her and rambled over the country in search of flowers and plants.
A bad man was named Tam-a-has, meaning murderer, as he had once killed a man. One day the doctor was at work in his field when this man rode up and ordered him, peremptorily, to go and grind a grist for him. When the doctor objected to his talking and acting so, he said he could grind it for himself, and started for the mill. The doctor could walk across sooner and did so. Tam-a-has came at him there with a club, but saw an iron bar in his hand. They had a seri- ous time of it, both with words and blows, but the iron bar was a full match for the club, and Tam-a-has finally agreed to behave him- self and have his grist ground. Exhausted in body and mind, the doctor came to the house and threw himself down, saying that if they would only say so he would gladly leave, for he was tired almost be- yond endurance.
It is hardly possible to conceive of a greater change than Dr. Whit- man had worked in the life of the Cayuses. They had now growing fields, could have good homes, a mill to grind their meal, and they were taught things of the greatest use, yet some of them could not realize that he was unselfish in all this.
The following winter was very cold, the coldest ever known in the country, and the Indians charged the whites with bringing the cold weather upon them. Old Jimmy, a Catholic Indian, claimed the power of working miracles, and said he brought the cold upon them to punish them for their unbelief and wickedness. They paid him liberally to bring about a change, and finally a thaw did come and he claimed all the merit of it.
The doctor made his fall visit to the valley, bringing back something for each one of us. He always remembered the children when he- went to the valley, and brought us all some token of his love. He piloted the emigrants by a nearer and better route to The Dalles, and learned with apprehension that the last of the train were afflicted with measles and whooping cough. He knew they would spread through the native camps and feared the consequences. None of his. own family had had the measles and but few of the others.
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This fall brother John had his horse saddled to return to The Dalles to reside, but at Mr. Whitman's earnest request he consented to remain. Had he gone there he might now be living! Laying aside his gun, he now devoted himself to his studies. He rose early, at 4 o'clock, and wrote, but I never knew what he wrote about, as the papers were all destroyed after the massacre.
The measles were among the natives, and in the doctor's absence Mrs. Whitman was their physician. All arrangements were made for the winter, teachers were employed, and all things were in order. The emigration had brought a Canadian half-breed named Jo Lewis, who was so disagreeable that they refused to let him travel farther in their company. Dr. Whitman reluctantly gave him some work. He tried to send him below with a company, but in a few days he was back again, so the doctor reluctantly engaged him for the winter. He was destitute of clothes and was supplied. We all disliked him, but he was well used and kindly treated. Yet this wretch laid the careful plans and told the terrible lies that led to the massacre, and took an active part in murder and robbery.
CHAPTER LI
WALILATPU MASSACRE, 1847
THRILLING story of one who, as a young girl, was an eye witness.
Mrs. Clark Pringle, whose maiden name was Catherine Sager, and who was one of the children adopted by Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, was thirteen years old at the time of this notable massacre. She was an eye witness to all that preceded it, as well as to much that occurred. Her experience was dreadful in the extreme. The following article, and a second relating the story of her captivity among the Cayuses, were written by her as a contribution to Pioneer Days.
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