USA > Oregon > The Oregon native son, Vol. I > Part 12
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Anyone visiting him at his home in East Orange, N. J., will readily see that although he is no longer a resident of the Web-foot state, in respect of charac- ter there has been no change. He works from the small hours in the afternoon until near midnight, at the New York Journal office, in the Tribune building. New York city, and after breakfast in the morning he and his two children live in his barnyard, which has a larger
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assortment of choice animals than his father's had. His rest, relaxation and in- spiration are with his earliest idols. Game chickens with long pedigrees, from the parks of United States senators and for- eign noblemen, aristocratic bulldogs with immaculate hides and no taint of cold blood, a beautiful Arab steed, Kou- bishan by name, and a real child of the desert, with a grace and style worthy his lineage of a thousand years, a Kentucky thoroughbred carriage horse, numerous parks of native and foreign pheasants, quails from the Pacific coast, and carrier
pigeons, suggestive of the legends of his youth. To be with these and of these is his only dissipation.
Every room in the house is ornament- ed with pictures by Nast, Remington. Frost, besides his own pen pictures of distinguished men, odd characters by nature, and the abnormal or excruciating shapes of humanity, the products of so- cial environment, religious mendicants of Rome, cockneys of London, colored Southern gentlemen, unscrupulous polit- ical bosses and less heartless thieves.
T. W. DAVENPORT.
"A POCKET FULL OF ROCKS."
In the early '40s this expression was used and no one considered it a slang term. Those who make use of it now probably never heard of its origin, and, unlike the pioneer, use it with a very dif- ferent thought in mind. When there is little if any money in a new country, es- pecially fractional change, traders with trappers for customers transact their dealings by the use of drafts, stock in
lehurst.
35 clJ
trade, etc. During the infancy of Ore- gon, coin was a scarce article, and frac- tional coins were almost if not entirely unknown. When the pioneer began to come here, coin began to circulate. but the smaller pieces were insufficient to supply the demand. As the character of the buvers changed. so with the busi- ness of the traders, and something beside drafts was needed. In 1844 there were but two places in Oregon which had grown beyond the customs of the fron-
cated at Vancouver and was in charge of Dr. McLoughlin: the other at Oregon City, Governor Abernethy the agent. The latter found the small-change question a most perplexing one, and he conceived the idea of surmounting the difficulty in rather a novel manner. The Indians used to manufacture arrow-heads at the falls out of pieces of flint rock, and from the refuse Mr. Abernethy collected a lot of pieces, which he shaped up and glued around them strips of paper, on which he wrote the date, the amount of the change and his name. These were handed out and passed current at his store for the sum indicated on them. One was liable to have a number of them at a time. through various transactions, and it wa- no more than natural that "a pocket full of rocks" became a term of frequent use. We give an illustration herein of one oi these "rocks," showing their size; a> stated, some were worth more than oth ers: this one was worth 35 cents. Thi- piece was presented by Governor Aber nethy to Hon. S. S. White many year- ago. We have also shown it to several old pioneers, who recalled using them for change. And there are others who will no doubt be carried back to memorie- long since forgotten when they view the illustration. It will, however, be a curi- . ... ..... ............ ............
AN INTERESTING LETTER ON THE YAKIMA WAR.
Jefferson City, Mo., Jan. 29, 1899. T. A. Wood, G. C. I. W. V. N. C., Port- land, Oregon:
My Dear Sir and Comrade-The world vi letters has always been democratic in the sense that all upon proof of merit are a Imitted to its privileges. I do hope you may find some merit in mine.
In reviewing the history and events of any country for a stated time or period, attention should be given to all histori- ans and fiction separated from truth. As I see it, men with prolific imaginations wrote fiction, while now and then one is inund who wrote truth pure and simple. Oiten I have been requested by friends to arite up my experience while in Oregon, and especially that part of it that found me a member of company K, First regi- ment O. M. V., in the Yakima war of 1855-6. This request I have continually refused. The fact is I have nothing to gain by so doing. Not many of my old friends and comrades in Oregon are now "ving, and the few living do not remem- her me. I am sure nothing I could write would flatter them, and I am not inclined :, fulsome praise of any class. Hero- worshipers did not exist in Oregon in :$55-6, and its inhabitants had not be- me "Hobsonized" as they are in this ountry today. If they had been, the world would have learned much about the First regiment, O. M. V., and espe- tally would they have learned a little about that noble and patriotic band of frenchmen, French half-breeds and Americans of Marion county, who com- ed company K, better known as the : 1 .. Curry scouts.
As I now remember them they were a rolle, brave lot of dare-devils, ever rady for duty or battle. Clever feilows, rue friends, who would die for a comrade. admit all the chains that bind me to
those old associates and neighbors are made of beautiful roses. Mrs. Frances Fuller Victor loses the First regiment, or a part of it, near The Dalles, and no trace of company K, after that march from the Palouse country to the Columbia river. My aim now is to locate company K, and keep it in view until it returns to the Wil- lamette valley and is disbanded in Salem by order of Governor Curry.
After the four days' battle at Laroque's farm, in the Walla Walla valley, the First regiment went into winter quarters on the dry fork of Touchet river, having found the friendly Indians and white settlers further up. It is now necessary for me to introduce some history not mentioned in Mrs. Victor's work. The reorganiza- tion, the election of Captain Narcesse A. Connoyer as major, the election of Lieu- tenant Revais as captain and the election of T. J. Small as first lieutenant, all of company K. The settlers, their families, and Howlish Wampool and his band of friendly Indians, were removed to the Walla Walla valley, and First Lieutenant Thomas J. Small, with a detachment of company K, detailed to guard them dur- ing the winter, which he did. The rest of company K remained with Captain Revais in the main camp. I located the camp of settlers and Indians on the Walla Walla river, fourteen miles from main camp. The winter was an extremely hard one. It snowed and sleeted often, and in our three tents and thin clothes we suffered much. Provisions grew scarce, and many of my men were almost shoe- less, but there was no complaint from them. It is true we had bread and frozen beef and some vegetables during the win- ter. We often satisfied our hunger on camas and corn, with pure mountain snow water, but my men seemed happy, doing camp duty and scouting for In-
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dians without a murmur. It was while guarding the Indians and settlers and their stock that the Indians were on a raid. Colonel Cornelius warned me to be on my guard or I would lose all the command's horses. Scouts came and reported seeing the Indians drawing off a part of the regiment's horses. In early spring I received orders to join the regi- ment and immediately did so, thus get- ting K company all together again under the command of Captain Revais, and the regiment was complete. During the winter, in storms and snow, and in the Indian country, the regiment had built boats and made arrangements to cross Snake river in the spring of 1856, and re- new our fight on the Indians. The new battalion came up in March, when the boats were loaded on wagons by the old battalion-company K with them-and marched for Snake river, the new bat- talion following. When we came to Snake river we found a small Indian vil- lage. The bucks gave a war whoop and fired shots at us across the river, but we soon crossed over with a sufficient num- ber of men and horses to disperse them, to burn their village and kill several of the Indian beauties. We captured many horses from them and recaptured some stolen from us. Company K was among the first to cross the river and did much to scatter the Indians. At night they had a scalp or two to show that they had been in a fight. We camped on the battle- ground until the regiment came up and crossed over. The next day we spent in scouting the country, trying to locate a body of Indians at any place. I started down Snake river with company K and when we struck the deep sand my horse gave out and I started to return to camp. I was soon joined by a soldier whose horse had also given out. We traveled slowly together until we came in sight of the river and camp. The trail led us to
the river bank and then up the river. At this point six Indians came up the bank with their guns. I fired on them, pulled my horse back and ordered my compan- ion to fire. He put spurs to his horse and left me alone, when I jumped from my horse and kept him between me and the Indians, guiding him up the bluff. The Indians fired two shots at me and ran off. My brave companion reported seeing me killed on a scout on Snake river, and it was so reported and pub- lished. I am happy to know it was a mis- take, and that my bones are not bleaching on Snake river.
The command then moved on to Craw- fish creek and went into camp. No sup- plies having arrived, we took our first meal of cayuse beef, which caused the new battalion to "buck so strong." Canned roast and embalmed beef had not been invented in 1856, and the soldiers of Oregon had to eat horse meat, an article of diet far superior, but at this time it was revolting to many of the men. That action of "bucking like an Indian pony," came near resulting in a bloody tragedy that would have startled the people of Oregon and Washington. The murmurs of the men at night became serious on the morning following. A mutinous spirit was rampant. Members of the new battalion mounted their horses to return to the valley. During this time Lieuten- ant-Colonel Kelly was feeling the old battalion to see if they would stand by the officers and enforce order. Finding the old men ready and willing to obey orders, and to see that others did the same, the old battalion was formed, guns in hand, facing the sullen mutineers. Lieutenant-Colonel Kelly then addressed them, asking if they had enlisted for a May day picnic or merely for sport. He informed them he would bleach their bones on the prairie if they attempted to return. He then ordered them to dis-
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LIEUTENANT SMALL ON THE YAKIMA WAR.
mount, which they did. Obedience to this order saved many lives and the repu- tation of the regiment, all by the gentle, yet firm hand of that noble, brave and true man, Lieutenant-Colonel James K. Kelly.
The next day the regiment marched for the Columbia river. I will never for- get that march, across a sandy desert. No water, no grass. The first night we camped at a spring of salty, sulphur wa- ter that had in it several dead Indian horses, maggots and filth. We removed the horses and filth as best we could, and used the water, which turned our horse meat blue, besides being very disagree- able to the taste, and increased rather than diminishd thirst. Early next morn- ing we resumed our march through hot sand and scant grass. "Water, water, oh, for a drink of water," became the cry vi every man. Horses gave out, the minds of some of the men gave way. Men walked and packed their saddles and bridles besides their arms. I could see water everywhere, but none cooled my parched tongue. My mouth was dry and my breath hot. I did all in my power to encourage the boys and keep them to- gether. Some that I could trust scouted for water, but did not find it. In the evening we came in sight of the Colum- bia river. Welcome sight to half-fam- ished men. The sweetest drink ever taken was the one each man took from the Columbia river. Here we camped and drank water, bathed in it and at night dreamed of it. On this march company K lost all its horses but sixteen, but not a saddle or rope. At this point the com- ¡hand was divided, a portion crossing the Columbia river into the Yakima country at the remainder marching to the Walla Walla valley. Company K proceeded with the latter and was ordered to re- mount the members if possible, then to
The Dalles. Major N. A. Connoyer, Captain Revais and several others of com- pany K crossed to the Yakima country, and I never met them again. I marched with cx mpany K down the Columbia to the mouth of Snake river. On this march we saw a poor Indian seated on a rock on the Columbia river. He was- wounded in the head and his brains could be seen with maggots in them. He was wounded at the crossing of Snake river by our men. After I left him one of the boys shot him and thus ended his troubles. With company K I crossed Snake river near its mouth and camped, then sent out scouts to see if any Indian horses could be found. The boys were lucky and drove in a band of them, so that we were soon mounted and ready for duty. We marched to Walla Walla, se- cured of the quartermaster a few supplies and went into camp for a much-needed rest.
We then scouted the Walla Walla val- ley, found some Indian caches, in which were jerked beef, camas and potatoes, crossed over the divide to the Umatilla valley and camped near Fort Henrietta. Scouted Birch and Butter creeks, secured some horses and a few cattle and had a running fight with a small roving band of Indians, then moved to John Day and camped. Scouted a portion of it and moved for The Dalles. Having received notice from Major Connoyer not to turn over property at The Dalles, and of a movement to keep company K in the field, I sent there for supplies and moved to Indian creek, thence across the Cas- cade mountains to Foster's, and by slow marches on to Salem, where I surrendered stock and equipment, and by order of Governor George L. Curry, company K was disbanded. In our dirt and rags they turned us loose without money or sympathy. Fortunately most of the boys lisa in Marion county and had friends or
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families to go to. In my poverty I re- turned to Champoeg and found employ- ment. In 1857 I returned to Missouri where I have resided ever since.
I hate men and nations who have kind words only for the dead. Why not be just and sympathetic while they live, and laugh while they are dead? The world and governments never give their defend- ers justice while living, and Indian war
veterans must learn to do without it. The East has the power and pensions only those who benefit it. The government did not reward the First regiment, O. M. V., with much trash called money, and we did not get our pay from sacred white hands or more sacred red lips. No such fools lived in 1856.
LIEUTENANT T. J. SMALL.
OREGON-PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
We know its past; the present is with us and the future will be molded as we put forth effort. The contrast between the 4 . present and what it was fifty years ago is a remarkable one. Inventive genius and scientific research have so changed the conditions that it seems but a dream to the pioneer, and he can hardly realize the boon it is to be surrounded by the blessings of the age which progress and improvement have brought to pass. Had you told him back in the early '50s that the long and weary six months required to cross the plains would in so short a time be reduced to three days he would · not have believed you. As he contem- plates the changes wrought by the iron horse, electricity and other improvements and inventions, he is lost in amazement. Great has been the reward of those who braved privations to reach, claim, build up and make Oregon one of the grandest states of the Union. But the pioneer is fast passing away; his work so grandly begun will be left to more recent arriv- als and to the native born to carry for- ward. If the industries, institutions and development of the state are to keep pace with the revealed sciences and aids to progress and prosperity, those to whom its destiny is entrusted must be on the
alert when and where a move for advance- ment of interests can be made. The his- tory of the world reads that no state or nation ever became wealthy which de- pended upon agriculture alone for sup- port, relying upon other countries to pro- vide the products of mechanical industry. Millions have come to us through the salmon, stock, lumber and mining indus- tries ; still, candor will compel all to admit that our main source of revenue has been produced by the tillers of the soil. Shall we rest content with these and give no heed to the encouragement of manufac- turing interests? Most assuredly not: if we hope to reach that high degree of stable prosperity to which we can attain. and which is necessary to place and keep Oregon in the ranks of the leaders, we must begin to foster and support them. The raw materials, in part, we now raise and we can raise others; what our soil and .climate is capable of bringing to a state of perfection are by no means limited in variety, and nowhere can be found greater natural facilities for their being turned into finished products. A people who look out for their own interests wil! have wealth at their call and happiness and prosperity will brighten their homes and firesides.
THE REGALIA OF THE NATIVE SONS.
We show here- in the badge or NATIVE SONS OF OREGON regalia adopted +F.P.C.+ by the Grand Cabin as the re- . galia of the Or- 4 der. It consists of a bar on which is in- scribed the words "Native Sons of Ore- gon"; suspended to this isa small- er bar having Photo by Browning. thereon the let- ters "F. P. C."; to this is suspended, by an American flag, a wreath of oaken leaves encircling a log cabin set in a back- ground of royal purple. In the event of the wearer being an officer, the emblem of his rank is placed between the flag and the wreath, as shown in the above, a Past President's badge. The letters on the bar are indicative of the cardinal prin- ciples of the order-"Friendship, Protec- tion and Charity." "Old Glory," with its thirty-three stars, indicates Oregon's rank in admission as a state, and the loy- alty of her sons to our country, its main- tenance and support. The wreath, to re- mind the membership of the steady and sturdy manner in which each should per- form the duties incident to the perpetu- ity of the Order and of the Cabin of which he is a member. In the selection of the cabin as another feature of its composition, they have called to mind the obligations which they-which all-owe to the pioneers, who braved the trying hours and hardships of a long and dan- gerous journey across the plains, that the iairest land under the sun might be made a home for themselves and their descend-
ants-a land ultimately to become the brightest ornament in the galaxy of our United States. In the royal purple back- ground it is plain that roval birth is out- lined-that the boys of Oregon are de- scended from as noble, brave and true as any who ever wore a crown. The motto of the Order is "Klose Nesika Illa- hee," the Chinook for "Our Country Is the Best."
The marguerite has been adopted as the special flower of the Order, and, though it may not be, as some will tell, a native of the soil, its claims to being a pioneer cannot be denied. Its selection was the most appropriate that could have been made, for no language could bet- ter portray the purposes of the organiza- tion than is found in its signification-"to uphold." The lessons of the ritual teach that the members should be true to themselves, the welfare of the pio- neers, the fostering of the interests, institutions and progress of our Photo by Moore state, and to "uphold" it in all ways beneficial.
As yet no emblems have been made, but a committee has the matter in hand, and its report will no doubt be accepted by the Grand Cabin, when it will be but a short time when Cabins can be supplied with them. A portion of the emblem, consisting of the cabin with the letters "N. O. S." thereon, is being worn as a charm and button. We give an illustra- tion of the button; the background is royal purple enamel, and the cabin, in relief, of gold. This is the work of the well-known wholesale jewelry manufac- turing firm of Butterfield Bros., and any of the members wanting them can be sup- plied by applying to their local retail jeweler.
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OREGON HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
1
The objects of this society are the col- lection, preservation, exhibition and publication of material of a historical character, especially that relating to the history of Oregon as a territory and state. For the accomplishment of this end, to explore all places of deposit of archaeo- logical matter; to acquire documents, manuscripts and publications of every description; to obtain narratives and rec- ords of the pioneers of the Oregon terri- tory; to ascertain and preserve the In- dian names of mountains, streams and lo- calities in Oregon, and their interpreta- tions and significations: to gather and presrve the Indian traditions relative to the history of the Pacific Northwest prior to white settlement; to maintain a gal- lery of historical portraiture and an eth- nological and historical museum; to pub- lish and otherwise diffuse information relative to the history of Oregon and of the original Oregon territory; and in general to encourage and develop within this state the study of history. The or- ganization is purely unselfish, and the result of its labors will be held by it in perpetual trust for the people of the State of Oregon, but the control will be at all times maintained by the society.
This work was initiated at the State University and much valuable progress has already been effected. The present organization has been made in support of the action of the university authorities and in continuance of the very com- mendable start which has been made by them. The society will gather the mate- rial and our historian will be forthcom- ing
An earnest appeal is made to every per- son in Oregon who has diaries, letters,
books, pamphlets, newspapers or any written or printed matter whatever, ger- mane to its objects, to generously give them over to the society, so that they may all be intelligibly collated and safely pre- served. It is also desired to collect por- traits or photographs of all persons who were prominently identified with ques- tions affecting the acquisition and settle- ment of the Oregon territory. The soci- ety also purposes to establish and main- tain a museum of objects of historical and geological interest, and bespeaks contributions to this department of its work.
The society desires to co-operate on the most friendly terms with the State University and other institutions of learn- ing, with the Pioneer Association and the various county societies, with the Native Sons of Oregon, and with all other or- ganizations engaged or interested in its field of effort. But above everything else it desires to arouse an active popular interest in its work throughout the state. To this end the ternis of admission have been made such as to open its doors to all, and every citizen of Oregon is earn- estly invited to enroll himself or herself as a member.
The society is officered by a board of directors consisting of H. W. Scott. F. G. Young, L. B. Cox, Mrs. M. L. Myrick, Mrs. H. K. McArthur, J. R. Robertson and J. R. Wilson. Mr. Scott is the pres- ident, Professor Young secretary and George H. Himes assistant secretary.
It is earnestly hoped that every one will aid the society and that its work will be a monument which will be lasting, creditable and the pride of all.
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THE BOOM AND THE BOOMERANG.
The name Alaska is derived from the Aleutian word Alakshak, meaning the continent, or large country. It was mod- ified by the Russians into Aliaska, and given to the peninsula south of Bering sea. After the purchase of the country by the United States, Charles Sumner succeeded in having the name applied to the entire region. It has an area of 577,390 square miles, being equal to one- sixth of the United States, or one-sev- enth of Europe. Its greatest extension, east and west, approximates the distance from Pittsburg to Portland Or., whereas, starting west from Portland, Me., when one reaches Portland, Or., he is but half way to the western extremity of Alaska, the coast line of which exceeds 11,000 miles, and with the islands all consid- ered, it is estimated the extent of coast line would exceed the circumference of the earth. The region itself is equal to New England, the middle Atlantic states, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Mich- igan, Kentucky and Tennessee, or 70 times the size of Massachusetts. It is equal to Great Britain, France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Belgium. The southern limit is in the same latitude as Manchester, England, and the north coast of Germany. Sitka agrees in this manner with Aberdeen, Scotland, while Dyea and Skagway are equal to Cape Farewell, Greenland, and St. Petersburg.
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