Dear General,
    I received by the last mail the appointment of sub-agent in the place of William Martin, resigned, of which you have doubtless been informed before this. I hardly know what to say in relation to it; the salary of a sub-agent is so small that it is a question with me whether I would not come out in debt at the end of the year. I do not know whether an agent is furnished or not, independent of his salary. If I have to furnish myself out of my salary, please say to the Department that I cannot accept the appointment, but if I am furnished horses to ride, bed and board, with extra expenses whilst traveling around discharging the duties of the office, so I can have my salary clear at the end of the year, you may take this as my acceptance, and I will send you my bond and report myself ready for duty and to go to any place you may assign me. I will write you more at length when I hear from you.
Gen. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent of
        Indian Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 10.  A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 141.




Gen. Joel Palmer
    Supt. Indian Affairs
        Oregon Territory    Dear Sir
            This day the commissioners close their labors in Jacksonville, and you may expect a communication from me. I feel disposed to write for a number of other reasons.
    1st. I took a trip to Sailor Diggings, a distance of 60 miles, to circulate notices of our meeting, and gained considerable information concerning Indian affairs in that direction and am sorry to say they are in an unsettled state. Large amounts of property have been destroyed by the Indians and that they are continually stealing something. This provokes the settlers and they wish the Indians kept in check or removed, and pay for what property has been destroyed.
    Some settlers say the Indians are obliged to go on the reserve--the Indians say not. Considering all the facts and circumstances, I think much care and attention will be required on the part of agents during the coming spring and summer to keep down open hostilities between the whites and Indians.
    I learn with pleasure that Robt. B. Metcalfe has been appointed sub-Indian agent and I hope he will be stationed in the Rogue River country, as I believe there will be more to do here than can be accomplished by any one person.
    Dr. Ambrose's appointment is well received here, and all agree that he will make an efficient officer.
    I think of taking up my residence in this country next summer, which perhaps makes me feel a rather deeper interest in the subject.
    We were much disappointed in not receiving the money to pay our expenses and salary, and have been obliged to borrow money.
    I hope you will pay Mr. Grover the balance due me at your earliest convenience, and he will forward the same to me.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 141-142.



Dear Genl.
    The commissioners have this morning closed their business as you will see by their report.
    And I avail myself of the opportunity to send by the hand of Mr. Grover a few lines to you. I have written twice to you without receiving an answer, which I suppose is alone attributable to the irregularity of our mails; we have had but two arrivals of the mail this winter.
    Since I last wrote you there has been some difficulty with the Indians on Applegate, but I trust not of a serious character. Upon hearing of it, I immediately dispatched Metcalfe to endeavor to adjust it if possible. The circumstances of the case are, as I learn from Metcalfe, as follows. A person by the name of Worthington passing along the road on his way to Althouse driving a loose horse was met by some Indians, who he supposed were going to kill him. One of the Indians, being a little drunk, accosted him in rather a saucy manner, and stepping in the road immediately before him in rather an impudent manner, increased the fear of Mr. Worthington, who thought it the best policy to leave as fast as possible, in doing of which he lost his loose animal. The Indians took it and delivered it up to the white man at the ferry without any design to keep the horse whatever. It however engendered a very unfriendly feeling upon the part of several white persons living in the vicinity of Applegate. They seem to think that unless the Indians are removed there will be some serious difficulty, and that quite early in the spring. I am not prepared to venture an opinion myself, but Metcalfe entertains that opinion, which event would be much to be regretted.
    I see that Metcalfe has received the appointment of sub-agent, but do not know for what district. I would regret to lose his services here. They are of more importance on the reserve than two ordinary men. He keeps constantly employed some four or five Indians, who have learned to work very well and are of infinite advantage on the farm.
    I have written you once in relation to instructions but believe I did not name anything about an interpreter, which I supposed will be allowed me. I would like to know what salary I would be justified in giving & if it would be best to employ a white man or an Indian. I had thought some of getting Metcalfe to act in that capacity if the salary allowed the agency would be sufficiently large. I also feel desirous to know what condition the finances of the Department are in, and if there is a probability of there being funds enough to furnish the agency with a sufficiency to defray the actual expenses during the coming summer. The late agent made several contracts for which he promised immediate payment; failing to do so has impaired the credit of the agency to such an extent that it is now impossible to procure a dollar's worth of anything for the agency without the money.
    I have just learned this evening of a petition in circulation to remove the Indians to the reserve. I would like some instructions in regard to that matter. Ever since my appointment, or as soon at least as the Indians learned that I was their agent, I have had to discharge the duties of the office, which however have not been very onerous.
    Mr. Grover has defrayed the expenses of the commission leaving the salary alone unpaid, which I trust you will adjust at the first favorable opportunity. I have signed a back voucher for you to fill up so that the whole matter could be closed as soon as Mr. Grover could make the report.
   
"Private."
    I wrote you in my last communication some statements about your connection with the "Know Nothings," which I would rather you would observe confidential, as I know of no good that could result by their publicity. If I hear anything of importance you may expect to learn the fact immediately.
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Dayton
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 9.   A copy of all but the "private" paragraph can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 150-151.



Sir
    Your communication of the 4th inst. in reference to selling arms to Indians has been received, and in reply would state--when you are personally acquainted with the Indians and know them to be trustworthy, or when they come vouched for by reliable and responsible persons, as such you are permitted and authorized to sell them firearms for their own use or that of the band to which they belong, but not to be traded by them to other Indians.
Jesse Applegate Esqr.
    Yoncalla O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 130.



Dear Sir,
    I have to request that you will unite with R. B. Metcalfe in making a survey of the ground on the Table Rock Reserve planted by contract last season by Brownlee & co. and with Dr. Miller & send me a certified report at the earliest moment.
    Mr. Culver's return represents that Wm. M. Hughes put in the crop of seventeen and a half acres and Dr. Miller a crop of seventeen acres, all at forty-five dollars per acre.
    My understanding is that Brownlee & co. put in the crop credited to Hughes, but there is nothing among the papers showing it to be so. Mr. Brownlee is here claiming the compensation due for these services, but until I have some official evidence of his being entitled thereto I cannot pay him. I desire you therefore to ascertain from Hughes (if he is in the country) whether he has any claim and why he stands credited with the amt. if Brownlee performed the work. It may be necessary to have Culver's certificate in order to enable those who performed the services to receive the compensation.
    Enclosed I send you forms of receipt to be signed by those Indians of the Rogue River tribe to whom you may deliver the goods recently sent out. These goods are in consideration of the right granted to the other Indians of Rogue River Valley to reside on the reserve, as per agreement of the 13th November last, and are to be so distributed as to make up the deficiency in the supply from the annuity goods. They are sufficient to supply each adult male who did not receive similar articles at the former distribution. I have written to Mr. Metcalfe directing him to aid you in the distribution of these goods. You will be very careful that the goods be delivered to those for whom they are particularly designed. Preferences should, however, be made in favor of those residing on the reserve, while all should be treated kindly and receive your care and protection. It may be proper also to make a judicious discrimination in favor of such as you may thus induce to remove to and reside upon the reserve.
    The peace of the country and the welfare of the Indians depends much upon their removal to the point selected, and as soon as means can be obtained for their subsistence on the reserve they shall be removed there.
    It is yet unknown whether the late treaties will be ratified or not during the present session of Congress, and as it is of the utmost importance that every Indian if possible should be induced to cultivate a small spot of ground, to enable them to do so I would recommend that you visit them and designate the particular spot on the reserve to be used by each one you can prevail upon to engage in its cultivation. The teams now in the service will be able to break up enough land, with that already plowed, for the purpose indicated.
    Their annuities are insufficient to supply them even with the necessaries of life without their labor being superadded.
    The exorbitant prices allowed for the planting of the potatoes last season and other expenses incurred by Mr. Culver, to be paid for as provided for by treaty, will absorb nearly or quite all that may be left after paying for the improvements made by original claimants on the reserve.
    I send herewith an order on Mr. Culver for all books, papers and property belonging to government that may be his possession in virtue of his office. Be particular to take correct and full schedules of every species of property and see that it is of the kind and value receipted for, as all coming into your hands will be charged against you, and you will be held accountable therefor.
    I hope you will not fail to have your bond filled at the earliest moment and forwarded to this office. I would suggest that having your bond properly executed, and the oath of office taken before the clerk of the court, you forward the same to Judge Deady for his certificate of the sufficiency of the securities, with instructions to have it sent without delay to this office.
Geo. H. Ambrose Esq.
    Ind. Agt.
        Jacksonville O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 132-133.



Genl. J. Palmer
    Sir
        I should like to learn something from you relative to the Indian reserve on the Umpqua River below the mouth of the Calapooia Creek, being aware that there will have to be buildings put up and various other improvements done and not knowing in what way or manner they are to be erected, contracted for or whether they will be built under the superintendence of some person or not, I ask the favor of you to write to me soon and please give me the particulars and also relative to the appointment of an Indian agent for this district.
Direct to
    Winchester
        Douglas County O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 142.



Sir,
    I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th Dec. last, transmitting an agreement with the Rogue River Indians, made on the 15th Nov. 1854.
    The said agreement has been referred to the Secretary of the Interior to be sent to the President, and if approved by him, for transmission to the Senate for its constitutional action thereon.
    You will take no steps respecting the fulfillment of the stipulations thereof until you have been notified of their ratification and the requisite appropriations for consummating the same.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Supt. &c.
        Dayton Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 162.




Sir
    In my letter of yesterday I omitted to state that I desired you to proceed at once and survey or measure the land planted by Brownlee & co. and also that planted by Dr. Miller. You will be very particular and include all the land planted by each, and not embrace any spot however small not planted. The measure should be in such manner as to enable you and the chain carriers to qualify to its correctness.
    I have written to Agent Ambrose on the subject and directed him to assist in the matter. The Huddleston boys will be very suitable persons to inform you as to the particular spots planted by Brownlee and co. so that you may not get the matter confounded with the ground planted by them, or leave out of the measurement any planted by the contractors.
    You of course will accept the appointment of sub-agent, but until matters are finally arranged I desire you to remain in that district and aid Mr. Ambrose. It is not at all improbable that a combined effort may be made on the part of disaffected persons with the more reckless outlaws prowling about the settlements to arouse among the Indians and settlers such a feeling as will eventuate in another Indian war, if for no other reason than to create an impression that the late agent's influence had been very great with the Indians, and that he had been a very efficient agent. For the peace of our country and safety of remote settlements, as well as the good of these Indians, I hope such an event may be arrested.
    I have received petitions from the citizens relative to the removal of Indians from Applegate and Butte Creek. Do try and appease those people until the ratification of the late treaties, when if appropriations be made we will be able to subsist them on the reserve.
    I trust you and Agent Ambrose will be able to frustrate all schemes calculated to disturb the peace and harmony of that settlement .
    I wish you to aid Agent Ambrose in the distribution of the goods recently sent out.
    On the delivery of these goods it will be a favorable opportunity to impress on the minds of the Indians the necessity of maintaining peace and abstaining from any act of wrongdoing against the whites.
Robert B. Metcalfe Esq.
    Sub-Ind. Agt.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 134.

To the Honorable James A. Palmer [sic]
United States agent for Indian affairs in Oregon
    William Gage your memorialist would most respectfully represent that he is a sufferer by Indian depredations committed upon him and his property at Rocky Point on Rogue River in Jackson County Oregon on the 29th day of August A.D. 1849 by the Rogue River Indians and the facts and circumstances were as follows:
    That he in company with William W. Wilkinson, William H. White, William Kellison, John Meldrum, Cyrenius Mulkey, a Mr. Saltmarsh and an Indian boy of the Calapooya nation. Returning from California to Oregon and on the said 29th day of August at Rocky Point aforesaid they were attacked by the said Indians to the number of one hundred and fifty or more armed with bows & arrows and some guns and commenced the attack between daylight and sunrise by advancing from a thicket and a canyon within twenty steps of our camp and a discharge of their guns and arrows accompanied with hooping and yelling in savage style. At the first onset Mulkey was wounded severely by an arrow and the rest of the company except Kellison & White who were out after the animals defended ourselves until resistance became impossible and after a struggle of some two hours and after the Indians had robbed us of all our clothing blankets provisions cooking utensils horses and money excepting the clothes on our backs and each man a rifle the ammunition attached to our persons and some of the company a small amount of change in their pockets we retreated and the Indians followed and continued a sort of running fight until two o'clock in the afternoon that he your memorialist was at the time some two hundred miles from home and compelled to travel by night and conceal ourselves in the daytime and at one time three days and nights without any kind of provision and sick with the ague all the time. Your memorialist William Gage had at the time of the encounter taken from by the Indians

One horse worth	$200.00
One half of a horse the other owned by Wm. W. Wilkinson	87.00
Clothing provisions saddles bridles ropes blankets cooking utensils and camp equipage worth	162.00
	449.00

Your memorialist would most respectfully call your attention to the subject and earnestly request that you in your judgment make such an arrangement of the claim of your memorialist as shall guarantee to him the benefits of treaty stipulations entered into between the United States and the Rogue River Indians and your memorialist in duty bound will ever pray.
In support of which he makes the following affidavit.
Territory of Oregon   )
County of Polk           )  s.s.
    William Gage of said county being duly sworn says that in relation to the foregoing memorial the facts & circumstances therein stated are correct and true and the value of the property above stated is in the judgment of the affiant the actual cash value of said property at the time and place of the encounter with the Indians at Rocky Point.
Subscribed and sworn before me Feb. 19th A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon   )
County of Polk           )  s.s.
    William W. Wilkinson of Benton County Oregon being duly sworn says that he was present on the 29th day of August A.D. 1849 at Rocky Point as stated in the foregoing memorial of William Gage and knows that the skirmish was commenced and continued and resulted as is stated in his said memorial and further sayeth not.
Subscribed and sworn to before me Feb. 19th A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon   )
County of Polk           )  s.s.
    I James Taylor judge of the probate court within and for Polk County Oregon do hereby certify that the within affidavits of William Gage and William Wilkinson were subscribed and sworn to before me at Luckiamute in said county Feb. 19th A.D. 1855.
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed the seal of said county the 19th of Feb. A.D. 1855.
(  seal  )                          James Taylor judge of probate
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 702-706.



    Robert J. Metcalfe, of Jackson County, has been appointed Indian agent, in place of Wm. J. Martin, resigned.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, February 27, 1855, page 2



Genl Palmer
    Dear Sir
        I do not know whether this will please you or not; it may not be my business to say any [thing] for the Indians at present, but hoping for the better, as I have nothing to do with them.
    I have been gone for four days. They have not sent you anywhere, and part of them came last evening to see me, and this morning old Six came and insisted on me to write you informing you as their chief and their great friend that Jam and the rest of the Indians below has made up friends by Jam paying one horse to the husband of the woman. Six wants you to ask Dave if Che-hi-ell had not employed Dave to stab him, as it is reported among them that Dave had told some of the boys so, and if so Dave will only pay him one horse and the horse that Jam pays Six don't want that it shall be for Dave himself. He wishes you answer by the bearer if you please and so greatly oblige.
    P.S. Old Six buys 2 bushels of oats. He will never drink rum anymore if you should send an order for the same. He could get it here some please.
    I was down at Columbia Co. and just arrived home. Our old friend Jo [Lane] is in the lead of Pratt. Campbell of Portland told me on Monday that five counties have given in the majority to Lane. I have been busy while I was down, and I succeeded in getting more votes for him than I [knew] existed. Please to let me know in the answer of the above whether I should say anything to those Indians. I don't want to mix myself where I am not wanted--and oblige
Joseph Lane Papers



Dear Sir
    I hereby acknowledge the receipt of your communication of Febry. 19th. Yours of the 15th has not come to hand. I learned today by a gentleman from your vicinity that you had entrusted to him some communications designed for this office, which he has lost. I trust you will supply the deficiency at the earliest opportunity. I have received the bill of goods, and as soon as the Indians can be collected together on the reserve shall distribute them according to your instructions. I have not seen the goods yet but learn from Mr. Jewett they were at his house. I have been on the reserve for several days past, and am forced to say things are not progressing as well as could be wished. Some ten days since Mr. Metcalfe went up the valley on a surveying expedition and has not returned yet. I procured a man to go and work in his stead. I did not see him before he left, but understand he assigned as a cause for leaving [that] he was compelled to make some money. I found he had not sown more than twenty-five acres of wheat. I have had some ten acres more sown since, and there remains wheat enough to sow about five acres more.
    This is about all the preparation I have seen for farming, which will not be adequate to the wants of the Indians, and unless this should be enclosed by a good fence it will be wholly destroyed, and I see no preparation being made to fence it yet. I understood from Metcalfe that he made some few rails, but not enough to fence it. And in this connection permit me to say that unless there is funds to pay, the people of this valley will neither work nor sell one dollar's worth on the credit of the government. Those of our citizens who furnished seed (and that at a low rate) one year ago have not received any compensation yet, which will deter others from being similarly caught. If it be in the power of the Superintendent to plant them a field of potatoes, it should by all means be done, but I doubt if any quantity of seed could be procured in this valley as many of the potatoes used about Jacksonville during the past winter were packed in from Umpqua on mules and sold at from 8 to 10 cts. per lb. As that esculent forms their principal article of diet, it would be a source of regret to have to deprive them of it.
    In conclusion I will say that I apprehend no fear of any Indian difficulties if our government will only go to a small expense to provide for them some of the actual necessaries of life. I have seen the Applegate Indians. They are willing to go and live on the reserve if they had any assurance of receiving assistance towards their support. They say they would most certainly starve to death if they had to remain on the reserve all the time, and not suffered to resort to their usual hunting grounds. The settlers on Applegate are very apprehensive of danger [during] the coming summer and are constantly raising some exciting story, but I found the Indians peaceably disposed and desirous of living in good faith according to the terms of the treaty.
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent Indian Affairs
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 21.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 148-149.



Dear Sir
    Your favor of the 10th ultimo by the hand of Mr. Grover reached this office during my absence, and I have been until now prevented [from] answering it.
    The difficulty spoken of on Applegate Creek I hope may not disturb the harmony of the settlement. The determination of the settlers to cause the immediate removal of the Indians to the reserve is much regretted, as with [the] limited amount of their annuity it would be utterly impossible to subsist them. In my recent letter to you I spoke of this matter and expressed a hope that the Indians would be permitted to remain at points where they can procure food. This is particularly desirable until we know the action of the Senate on the late treaty with them. Should it be ratified, of which I have no doubt, and appropriations made to carry it into effect, we can then provide means of subsistence for the Indians on the reserve.
    In reply to your inquiry as to the prospect of funds to meet current expenses, I have to say that I anticipate the arrival of funds to meet the current expenses of this Superintendency for the half year ending 30th June next by the next or following mail, and immediately on the receipt you will be supplied with an amount deemed sufficient to meet your liabilities.
    The outstanding claims in your district are mostly chargeable to treaty stipulations, and to be paid out of an appropriation made as per second clause, article third of treaty of 10 Sept. 1853. No part of this appropriation has reached me. Notice has been given that a warrant for three thousand dollars of that appropriation had been drawn by the Secretary of the Interior on the Treasury Department. The draft has not been received; it is presumed it was lost with the mail on the ill-fated Southerner. The value of improvements made by land claimants on the reserve is to be paid out of this five thousand-dollar appropriation . Not having received the report of the commissioners, I am unable to determine the proportions required for that object. A considerable amount has already been advanced the Indians as a loan from other appropriations which must be refunded out [of] the first remittances for that object. It is hoped, however, an amount may be left sufficient to pay all legitimate claims.
    I have not yet determined the district to which I shall assign Mr. Metcalfe. In the meantime he will remain with you as farmer for the Indians until definite arrangements are made. The regulations provide the assigning to duty as sub-agent in the district designated and assigned to an agent. His present salary being the same as that of sub-agent, it will be unimportant  to him. The interpreter's salary is fixed by law at five hundred dollars per annum and is designed to cover all expenses as such as are actually incurred whilst traveling in the discharge of duty.
    The regulations also require that preferences should be given to Indians if these can be found competent and trustworthy. This will apply as well to interpreters as to all other employees.
    You of course will be allowed one interpreter. The affixed copy of Revised Regulations which will be turned over to you by Mr. Culver will exhibit the forms of vouchers, abstracts &c. You will also receive circulars directing agents to make monthly reports of the condition of their agency &c. Abstracts and vouchers in duplicate for each quarter's expenditures with account current will be sent up to this office at the close of each quarter. Be particularly cautious and incur no expense not absolutely demanded as a means of maintaining peace.
    As far as possible encourage the Indians to labor on the reserve in such manner as to secure them means of subsistence for the coming winter. Teach them to rely on their own labor as the surest guarantee of guarding against want. They need not expect the government to pay for all the labor done on the reserver. There can be no objection to them working for the settlers, and often in fact this should be encouraged, but the agent should see that they are paid a fair consideration for such labor.
    It has occurred to me by a little management the Indians might be induced to reside on the reserve if encouragement were held out by supplying them with tools and suitable implements for mining, the expense of which to be paid out of the proceeds of their labor. There is but little doubt that points may be selected on the reserve which would pay liberally and by selecting a suitable person to superintend the business they may be comfortably provided for.
    The business might be managed in such a way as to expend the amount of proceeds for such objects as would tend to encourage them in remaining on the reserve, subsisting their families, erecting buildings, purchasing stock &c.
    I submit these suggestions for your considerations. If you could even prevail on one band to make the trial, I should not doubt its success in ultimately bringing them all into it.
    It is of the utmost importance that the twentieth and twenty-first sections of the Intercourse Act of 1834 be rigidly enforced. This as you will notice has reference to prohibiting the sale of spirits to Indians.
    I am now awaiting the arrival of funds to enable me to proceed with treaties. My first movement will be in the Port Orford district.
Geo. H. Ambrose Esqr.
    Indian Agent
        Jacksonville
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 151-153.



Dear Sir
    Your letter of the 15th ultimo making inquiry relative to the mode in which the improvements on the Umpqua River were to be made, whether by contractor or otherwise, has been received, and in reply I have to say that till advised of the ratification of the treaty by the President and Senate of the United States and appropriations made to carry it into effect no definite information can be given. It is presumed however that the improvements will be made under the superintendence of persons selected for that object, as by such an arrangement very much of the labor could be performed by the Indians, who would then have a stimulus and inducement to remove to and reside on the reserve. For beside the advantage of experience in thus laboring, they would be paid a fair value for such labor, and thus make the reserve a place of attraction rather than otherwise.
    In reply to your inquiry relative to an agent for that district, I would say that the Umpqua District is attached to the Rogue River Agency, and it is not likely that there will be a necessity for the appointment of an agent or sub-agent specially for the Umpqua Valley.
Joseph Knott Esq.
    Winchester Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 142-143.



    Robert J. Metcalfe, of Jackson County, has been appointed Indian agent, in place of Wm. J. Martin, resigned.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, March 10, 1855, page 2


The Rogue River Indians
        to Schieffelin & Walker
1854

August	14 to	1		blanket	5.00
"	"	3	lbs.	bread	.75
"	"	10	"	flour	1.60
"	15	3	"	bread	.75
"	"			cash to buy medicine	4.00
"	16	4½	[lbs.]	sugar	1.35
"	"	2	"	bread	.50
"	17	3	"	coffee	1.12
"	19	2	"	sugar	.60
"	"	1	"	tobacco	1.00
Sept.	11	7	"	flour	1.50
"	"	¼		tea	.25
"	"	1½		coffee	.60
"				thread	.25
"	12	1	pint	molasses	.50
"	"	3	lbs.	bread	.75
"	"	1	"	sugar	.25
"	14	1	"	beans	.25
"	"	3	"	bread	.75
"	15	3		"	.75
"	"	1½		coffee	.60
"	16	3	"	bread	.75
"	"	2	"	sugar	.50
"	"	1½	"	tea	.50
"	18	1	"	rice	.37
"	20	1		blanket	4.00
Oct.	8	2	"	sugar	.60
"	20	1	"	dried apples	.30
"	26	18	"	beef	3.60
					34.59

$34
    Received at Schieffelin & Walker's ranch Jackson Co. Oregon T. of S. H. Culver thirty four dollars, in full of the above account which were furnished to Jo the principal chief of the Rogue River Valley Indians & his family at the dates mentioned in the above account.
March 10, 1855
    The undersigned state on honor that they reside in the Rogue River Valley and adjoining the Indian reserve; that the said Schieffelin & Walker did furnish provisions to the said chief and his family, on Mr. Culver's order, at the time mentioned. That said chief and family were sick and in a destitute condition; that in the time mentioned his wife & two daughters died. And that we believe the above amount was expended in a humane and judicious manner.
    I certify, on honor, that the within account is correct & just; that said chief and three members of his family were sick at the time they were furnished and in a destitute condition; that the Indians requested that their chief might be provided for out of the proceeds of grass cut on their Reserve.
$100
    Received at Schieffelin's and Walker's ranch Jackson County Oregon T. this 10th day of March 1855 of S. H. Culver one hundred dollars in full for building and completing a house on the Indian Reserve at or near Evans Creek for Jo late principal chief of the Rogue River tribe of Indians and family.
(Duplicate)
    The undersigned state, on honor, that they reside in the Rogue River Valley and adjoining the Indian Reserve; that they know the house referred to in the above receipt to have been built; that it was contracted for by Mr. Culver while the above named Indian chief Jo was living & while he was very sick. That the said chief was suffering for want of a shelter; that the Indians were anxious to have a house built for their sick chief and that we believe the above amount was expended in a manner humane and judicious.
    I certify on honor that the house referred to in the above receipt was built at the request of the said Indian chief Jo and all of his people; that said chief was very sick at the time and would suffer for want of shelter unless it was built. That early in the year 1854 said chief and his people requested me to sell grass that grew on their Reserve and the said chief frequently said that he preferred to have the proceeds used to relieve Indians that might, by sickness or otherwise, be in in a suffering condition. And as he and his family was soon reduced to such a condition, after having been of great service to both races in keeping peace, the public good and humanity required that he should be provided for out of this fund.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 40-46.



General Palmer
    Dr. Sir
        When you were here last fall you requested me to administer medicine to Chief Jo and his family when sick. Since that time I have been called on by others for medical aid, but in almost every case I have refused for the reason that I have had no assurance that I should get any compensation. I have no objection to rendering them such medical aid as may be useful to them, provided I can have an assurance from you that I shall be paid for it.
    Suffer me if you please to inquire of you whether it is possible for you to make any arrangement by which money can be obtained to pay off the claims standing against the Indian funds for planting potatoes. I know not the condition of others, but as for myself I am suffering great loss for the want of my money. I am now compelled to pay five % per month in consequence of not getting the money that is due me for what I did for the Indians last summer. I hope you will find it convenient to pay over the money soon inasmuch as by doing it you will confer a favor that will be remembered, by doing it you will enable me to release myself from obligation to others from whom I bought seed potatoes. They also need their money very badly and would be much relieved by getting it.
    I hope you will favorably entertain these requests and oblige me.
P.S. Please write immediately.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 167-168.



Sir
    I have omitted at the proper date to report for the quarter ending 31st December 1854 the manner in which the agents and sub-agents within this Superintendency have discharged their duties.
    Agent R. R. Thompson of the northeastern or Umatilla Agency District appears to be a faithful and efficient officer. The enclosed reports and letters marked A. B. C. were received at this office much later than their dates would seem to indicate. An absence of any regular mail facilities may account in part at least for the lateness of their reception.
    Agent Nathan Olney received his appointment as special agent Oct. 14th, 1854 and his commission as Indian agent December 16th, 1854. The enclosed letters marked D. & E. are the only official communications pertaining to that quarter. I regard him a faithful and efficient agent.
    Late agent S. H. Culver claims salary for this quarter, but having been suspended for reasons previously assigned is regarded as not being entitled to it.
    Sub-agent W. W. Raymond has failed to make reports at the proper dates, on account of his omission to obtain the proper vouchers. His accounts in part remain unsettled since entering on the duties of his office.
    He is reported an honest man, but lacks that energy of character deemed requisite to ensure a faithful performance of duty. The district of Astoria in which he is located is less important than any other in this Superintendency, and it is believed so soon as treaties are entered into with the bands in that district no injury would result to the public service by abolishing that sub-agency.
    Edwin P. Drew, special sub-agent, and subsequently sub-agent by appointment, has discharged his duties with efficiency.
    Special sub-agent Benjamin Wright, assigned to duty in the Port Orford District, is quite a useful man in that district and has done much to restrain reckless persons and maintain peace. A copy of my communication assigning him to duty is herewith enclosed, marked F. Copies of his letters to me 17th September and November 19th are also enclosed marked G. and H. Other letters have subsequently been received which will be noticed in my next report, indicating a state of quietness.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City
            D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1004-1006.



Dear Sir
    I am informed that it is your intention to visit the Indians in this valley sometime this present spring. My object in troubling you with this letter is to request you to inform me whether it will not be possible at the time you visit the valley to make such arrangements as to be enabled to pay me that part of my salary as Ind. agent yet due & about which there is no difference of opinion as to my right to receive it. I presume there has been during the past session of Congress an appropriation made to meet the arrearages of the Ind. Department in Oregon. If such is the case, my pecuniary obligations are such that before the appropriation will probably be forwarded here I shall be under the necessity of selling all my personal property at a very great sacrifice to meet my liabilities. In fact, unless I can get a part that is due me from government within the next two months I shall be entirely used up. If you can possibly assist me you will confer a very great favor & place me under lasting obligations.
Joel Palmer Esq. Supt. &c.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 20.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 167.



Dear Sir
    In your communication of the 3rd inst. you suggest the necessity of planting a potato crop, but that it will be difficult to obtain the requisite seed. I had expected that a quantity sufficient for such purposes had been saved from the crop raised on the reserve, as I especially charged the matter to Mr. Metcalfe and urged its necessity and doubt not but that on inquiry you will find it has been done.
    In the absence of funds, I am really at a loss to determine on the course to pursue in regard to fencing the wheat crop. It will not do to depend upon amounts from former appropriations to meet such expenditures; it must either come out of [the] next annuity or be done by the Indians themselves--unless the recent arrangement with them and the treaty with the Illinois and Deer Creek bands should be ratified and appropriations made by Congress to carry them into effect; in that event such improvements might be paid for out of that appropriation. I hope to be advised as to the action upon those treaties by the first of April, but in the meantime the crops must be enclosed or the amount already expended will be valueless, and I think it will be well to obtain the assent of the chiefs to permit a part of the next annuity to be expended in the fencing [of] the crops. Should this be obtained you might employ one white man to take the lead in the matter and hire the Indians to do the balance, agreeing to pay them according to the value of labor performed by them, payment to be made as soon as remittances are forwarded.
    As a matter of course it will be difficult getting any white man to perform the labor unless means are placed in your hands to pay promptly, and equally unreasonably to expect Indians to do such labor unless provided with means of subsistence whilst engaged in it. Our zeal in providing for the welfare of the Indians have induced the contracting liabilities in the accomplishment of that object, in advance of the reception of requisite funds--and in order to cut off all further necessity for such expenditures I think it will be well to divide out among such of the different members of the bands treated with on the 10th Sept. 1853 as will agree to fence and secure the wheat sown or ground plowed--each family to have the benefit of that portion of the crop assigned and secured by them respectively. It might be well, however, to retain as much as will be required for seed, the expense of securing which to be paid out of annuity.
    In order to arrive at and make an equitable decision, it would be necessary to ascertain how many are willing and will enter upon the work. The Indians have often been told that whatever proportion of the annuity was expended in farming operations would be alone shared by those residing on the reserve, and by dividing out the crop as indicated either to individuals or bands as you  may think proper may be a stimulus sufficient to induce them to aid in procuring means of subsistence. There may be remnants of bands or families who are utterly unable to perform the requisite labor whom if residents on the reserve should be provided for by the field retained under the control of the agent.
    The use of teams and tools belonging to the tribe should be shared equitably among them. The Indians who have performed labor in putting in this crop will of course be paid out of the common fund.
    The suggestions here thrown out are submitted for your consideration, and if you deem the plan a feasible one you will act upon it, and upon the whole it may be found much easier dividing out the ground than the crop after it is gathered, besides it will throw the responsibility of securing the crop on their own shoulders, and leave to the extent of this expenditure to be yet incurred in fencing and gathering the harvest to be expended in providing other necessaries for the tribe.
    It is a very natural conclusion that Metcalfe would seek other means of obtaining the necessaries of life than that afforded by laboring on the reserve, as no funds have come into my hands from which I could make him a remittance. I did anticipate something by last mail, but I am entirely without funds; no portion of the funds for the half year ending 30th June next has been remitted, and we are now nearly to the end of the first quarter.
    I fear the movement of leading men in the Territory to cause my removal may have its influence in causing this delay. In addition to the liabilities already incurred in this quarter there is a large amount of deficiencies in former quarters unprovided for that should have been long since remitted. It is presumed a deficiency bill will have passed Congress to meet these expenditures, and in such an event it will relieve this office from great embarrassment.
    Upon an examination of Mr. Culver's papers I find a credit given to Mr. Drew for certain articles furnished the Indian Department in 1853, but there are no prices attached to the articles so as to enable me to arrive at the amount due him. Among the articles I notice jerked beef, which I am of opinion was jerked from that bought by me of Mr. Ross, at the time of holding the treaty at Table Rock. I paid him for two and a half beeves, the half beef being used at Fort Alden, a portion of which was jerked; the other half of this beef was to be paid for by the quartermaster, as it was used at Fort Alden by the officers quartered at that station, with whom I boarded whilst there.
    If Mr. Culver made arrangements for provisions for his own use and interpreters after I left the camp, it was upon his own responsibility, unless indeed it was used whilst traveling in the discharge of his official duties. The flour, soap &c. was not used at the time of holding the treaty--as none was given to the Indians--but Culver may have given some after I left; if so, he must produce the proper certificate. As yet it is only certified by himself--wanting the signatures of interpreter and other responsible witnesses as required by the regulations.
Geo. H. Ambrose Esqr.
    Indian Agent
        Jacksonville O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 154-156.



Dear Sir
    Yours of the 14th of February came to hand on the 11th instant, accompanied by a copy of the laws and regulations, though previously I had arrested Mr. H. C. Irish for trading arms, ammunition and liquor to Indians, which was creating a great disturbance both among whites and Indians. He resided at Cape Blanco, which place he had deserted and was on his way to Crescent City. I followed him to Rogue River, where I arrested him and gave him into the hands of the sheriff to guard at night, from whom he escaped and had gone out on the Galice Creek trail up Rogue River, where in all probability he will perish; at all events he is out of this country.
    At present everything throughout the district goes on peaceably, and I have always endeavored to do justice to both whites and Indians, and punish wrongdoers as they merited without showing partiality. I however have had little to do in that way, as there is seldom any complaint. I do not think that the amount stolen or destroyed by Indians throughout this district since last fall would exceed twenty dollars, and in all cases where property has been taken or destroyed it has been returned or paid for by them or their people voluntarily, so I think they are improving rapidly and with proper management will eventually become an honorable people.
    Many of them have been short of provisions and have had many temptations set before them--quite a number wish to engage in farming this spring and imitate the whites, and to live as they do is their greatest desire, and some say they would prefer living among them rather than have a country to themselves and live among their own people and have to give up their old homes.
    I have always endeavored to convince them that it would be to their advantage to have a home of their own separate from the whites, and where the whites would not be allowed to intrude on them. Many of them agree with me, but had much rather have the whites removed than to remove themselves. Such is their argument generally--each little band appears to be so strongly attached to the small spot they now occupy and think they could not live in any other place--no matter only a few miles from their present homes--would suit them, only in certain seasons of the year, and for a short time only. Such is their ideas, which amounts almost to superstition, concerning their old villages which is all to them that they desire, rather than be deprived of them. But they may think better of it in time.
    I shall start in a few days to the southern part of the district, and do everything in my power to induce them to accept any proposition you may make them, and particularly concerning their removal and shall be with them all the time until you arrive, and I think by using every exertion they may be induced to accept a proposition of removal, though I think it depends something on the country as to whether it would suit them or not, as they cannot break off from their old customs of living.
    I expect to see you soon, and in the meantime I will be busy.
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 238-239.



Dear General,
    Yours of March 3rd has just been received which gives me entire satisfaction in regard to the salary expenses &c. and I have concluded to accept the appointment. I have taken the oath of office and had my bond filled, which has yet to be signed by a U.S. judge "according to my instructions," who has to certify that the sureties are good.
    Capt. L. F. Mosher will hand you the bond. He will be at the convention as one of the delegates from Jackson Co. Our whole delegation go for Lane. If Pratt should be nominated he will not get fifty votes in Jackson County.
    I had to leave the reserve to make money to buy provisions but am now at work on the reserve where I will remain until I hear from you. I should like to visit your part of the country, and if you will advise it I will come down at once. I should be pleased to accompany you this summer, but am perfectly willing to go to any station you may assign me; I have about thirty-five acres of wheat on the upper end of the reserve, which was sown previous to the 20th of February and is now growing finely. I have been making rails but in doing so I am neglecting the potato crop, which should be planted early. I hired a man by the consent and approbation of Dr. Ambrose to go down on the lower end of the reserve to put in a crop of wheat and potatoes, which will make about fifty acres of wheat. He works at sixty dollars per month and boards himself. He will either fence it by the job or by the month, as the agent may think best. Help is indispensable on the upper end of the reserve, for I cannot plant the potatoes and fence it in time. I have about 85 or 100 bushels of seed potatoes in good order.
    Capt. Smith thinks I should be allowed the salary of agent there from the time Culver left up to the time Dr. Ambrose accepted the appointment, as I had all the duty of the agent to attend to. I made four or five trips to Applegate and elsewhere and actually expended about sixty dollars of my own money, but this is with you, and I ask nothing more than just what I paid out unless you are disposed to allow it. Culver is working like a horse for Pratt but his labor is all in vain. He is not the man to accomplish anything.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 24.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 168-169.



    Survey of the land broken on Reserve for potatoes in the summer of 1854 by Brownlee and others.
    The piece next to my house or the most northerly piece, measured 5 chains wide, and 18 chains long, contains 9 acres; the next two pieces measured as follows, that lying on the west side of the branch measured 20 chains long and 6.50 chains wide, contains 13 acres; that on the east side of the branch measured 18.50 chains long and 7 chains wide 12 acres, 3 roods and 32 rods. Total amount broken at Table Rock, 34 a., 3 r., 32 rods. That broken at the mouth of Evans Creek measured 23 acres. Total broken on the Reserve 57 acres, 3 roods and 32 rods.
"A true copy."
    C.F.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, Document E of No. 391.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1081-1082.




Dear Sir,
    The steamer has just arrived. In haste I write a line. I have just returned from below and have everything right with the Indians. They say they are ready and willing at present to vacate their present homes for any that may be chosen for them. This is the case with the majority, and there now remains only the fewest number who say positively that they will never leave. But I think that they will think differently when I can be able to tell them what will be done, and what will not be done, that is, with a thorough explanation they will be perfectly satisfied with the course which will be taken, whereas yet they have nothing positive, only that removal in time is certain, and I think that everything will be right by the time that you arrive, which I am in hopes will be soon.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 187.



Mr. Palmer,
    Sir,
        The reason that I address these lines to you is this, the Indian agent for this part of the country. I know not who he is or where he holds forth. I have made some inquiries and have been told by some that it was a Mr. Drew living at the mouth of the Umpqua, and by others that it was a Bob Metcalfe, a miner near Jacksonville. Under these circumstances I came to the conclusion to drop a few lines to you.
    Four weeks ago yesterday I was riding and looking up my cattle and came upon three Indians in the act of killing one of my calves. I hit one on the head with my gun and told him to leave this part of the wigwam [sic--"Umpqua"?]. I noticed one of my calves yesterday very much injured on the back and leg. From all appearances it has been done by foul play. I want to know if there is no law to prevent Indians from committing depredations on our property. If there is no law and no way to get recompense for our property, we will have to take the remedy into our own hands. Governments are set up to protect the rights of the people, and when it fails the people have to protect themselves.
    Some of my neighbors wanted to take summary vengeance on the insolent natives. My advice was to keep cool and see if the proper authorities will attend to their cases. Mr. Huntley that lives four miles above me on the Umpqua says he has reason to believe that the Indians have killed several of his stock. Please write me that I may know how long we are to be left without any protection for our property and whether there is any chance to get recompense for loss sustained from the Indians.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 207.



Sir:
    Your letters of the 12th and 23rd January last and enclosures, relative to the purchase of additional goods in the Atlantic cities for shipment to Oregon, having been considered, I have now to inform you that instructions have been given to have the articles for presents at negotiations called for by your said letter of the 23rd purchased at once. The route by which they will be forwarded will depend on the relative expense of the different routes, as compared with the time required for effecting the transportation.
    If the annuity goods of 1853 for the Rogue Rivers and the Indians parties to the treaties of 18th and 29th November last can be forwarded so rapidly as to reach you in June, or by July 1st, I shall give further consideration to the proposition to procure the articles scheduled by you, as per your letter of January 12th.
    The late appropriations having been made for the fiscal year beginning the 1st July next, the Department might be hereafter involved in difficulty if they are used now, as the subsequent appropriations might not be made so early in the year as to be available for confirming the annuity payments regularly hereafter at the same time in each year.
    The appropriation for "negotiating" &c. being also applicable for "paying the first installment of annuities," could you not make proper arrangements, so that of the amounts appropriated by act of the 3rd of March, for the Indians party to the treaties, be invested by the 1st September and the annuity goods shipped to reach you early in the spring; the payments could be made to the Indians during the seasons of the year at which the inland transportation could be conveniently effected?
    You will respond to this inquiry immediately on the receipt of this letter.
    As you have asked in another letter of the 12th January, for the purchase of nails, glass, locks, hinges and sets of tools for the erection &c. of the shops and buildings on the reserves, as per treaties of the 18th and 29th November last, and it is presumed they cannot easily be had with you at fair prices, I have also directed that they be bought and sent to you with the articles for presents at negotiations.
    Of the appropriation of $17,300 made for buildings &c. under the treaty of 18th November and $7,620 for same objects under the treaty of the 29th November, I have this day requested the Secretary of the Interior to cause the following terms to be remitted to you, for which you will account under heads of appropriations, as follows:
    "For fulfilling the articles negotiated November 18th 1854, with certain bands of Shasta Scotons and Umpqua Indians" seven thousand dollars, $7,000."
    "For fulfilling the articles with the Umpquas & Calapooias of the Umpqua Valley, Oregon, of the 29th November, 1854, $3,000."
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Superintendent Indian Affairs
        Dayton, Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 47.



Dear Sir
    I have the honor to transmit to you the following report of the condition of this agency for the quarter ending March 31, 1855. You will see by the returns and accompanying papers a correct statement of the amounts of property received, disbursed and on hand.
    Our relations with the Indians are of the most peaceful kind, and I have no doubt of its continuance. They seem to be well pleased with the interest and care manifested by our government in their behalf. They are quite delighted with the agricultural improvements which are being made for their benefit, and already prefer the fruits of the husbandman to their once precarious mode of obtaining a livelihood. It would certainly be for the benefit of the tribe (if their annuities would admit it) to farm on a much larger scale. If a sufficiency could be raised on their reserve to keep them well fed we need never apprehend any fears of Indian troubles. The present year they will have about forty acres of wheat, which now looks well. I shall endeavor during the coming month to plant them a crop of potatoes and corn, which will be all that can be done with [the] limited amount of money at my disposal.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 203.  A copy is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1119-1121.



    The President accepted and ratified on Saturday a treaty concluded with the Rogue River tribe of Indians on the 15th day of November, 1854; also a treaty concluded with the Cherokee tribe of Indians on the 22nd day of February.
Nashville Union and American, Nashville, Tennessee, April 15, 1855, page 2



Dear Sir
    I notice by the returns of late Indian Agent S. H. Culver that you have in numerous instances signed the vouchers transmitted to this office as a witness to the payment of money to interpreters, to Indians for services, and the delivery of goods to Indians on account of treaty stipulations &c.
    My object in addressing you is to inquire whether in signing the papers you actually saw the amounts paid and articles delivered at the dates specified, to the persons named, or whether you merely witnessed the signatures of the persons on their acknowledgment that it was their marks.
Jno. S. Chamberlin Esqr.
    Fort Lane
        O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 174.



Dear Sir
    In examining the abstracts and vouchers, quarterly returns &c. of Agent Culver I notice a large majority of such papers as require a witness signed by Jno. S. Chamberlin. I write you for the purpose of ascertaining the character and standing of Mr. Chamberlin and whether his statements can be relied upon.
    The manner in which Mr. Culver has distributed annuity goods to Indians, especially the flour and a few other articles, and his mode of paying his interpreters has induced me to address Mr. Chamberlin with a view of ascertaining whether he has actually seen the articles delivered, or merely witnessed the signatures of the parties.
    Presuming that Mr. Chamberlin was in the service under your command, I beg the favor of a reply at your earliest convenience.
Capt. A. J. Smith
    Comdr. Fort Lane
        Jackson Co. O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 175.



Dear Sir
    Since I last wrote you I have been kept quite busy indeed, attending to calls from Applegate and Galice Creek. Although nothing serious has occurred, and I do believe there is no harm meditated against the whites by them, a company had organized at Galice Creek to chastise the Indians. Fortunately Captain Smith and myself arrived in time to have a talk with the Indians which explained things satisfactorily. It seems that two white men had induced the Indians to rob a camp of Chinese in hopes that that would drive the Chinese away, in doing of which the Indians obtained some good revolvers which alarmed some of the miners, who supposed they were stolen to be used against them. They accordingly went in pursuit of the Indians. The matter was finally compromised by Chief George whipping the Indians who committed the theft and the whites driving away the two white men who had been the cause of the difficulty. A similar case took place on Applegate Creek which resulted in Tyee Bill being shot in the shoulder, though not serious. The matter was amicably settled and the Indians agreed to leave Applegate and remain for the present in Illinois Valley & on Deer Creek. They cannot be induced to stay on the reserve without being furnished food & in fact I believe at this season of the year if they were compelled to stay on the reserve they would most certainly starve to death.
    I transmit to you a survey of the grounds broken by Brownlee, Miller & others. There are no papers in the office showing who was the original contractor, but I learn that Hughes (who owns the mill near the reserve) was the first contractor and that he employed Brownlee to do the work, he (Hughes) furnishing the team and seed.
    The horses turned over by Mr. Culver, late agent, are worthless. One--the little gray--was shoulder strained last fall, from which he has not recovered; the other has been used up by the Indians. I have endeavored to do something with them but cannot. I have turned them out on the reserve and am using my own.
Gen. Joel Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 193-194.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1110-1113.




Sir,
    I send by today's mail a tin case containing a map of Oregon Territory which I have had executed.
    This map of course is not presumed to be accurate in all respects, but it approximates as near to correctness as the means in our possession would permit.
    The portions within the limits of the actual surveys may be regarded as accurate, Mr. Belden, the projector, having access to all the plots of surveys in the office of the Surveyor General. Other portions are in accordance with the most reliable information, but actual surveys may prove many inaccuracies.
    The boundaries of the several tribes from their rude and indefinite manner of fixing boundaries can only approximate correctness.
    I have delineated on the map the boundary of the proposed reserve on the coast north of Umpqua River designed for the Indians of the entire seaboard of Oregon, those of this valley and perhaps of Umpqua Valley.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affairs
        Washington City
            D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1002-1003.



Dear Sir
    I desire you to visit me at my office at the earliest possible moment. It is likely however that you can return prior to the first of June, but of this I cannot speak positive, as I shall be governed by the character of instructions which I anticipate by the next mail.
    It is possible that I shall require you to accompany me to the interior. The 20th May has been fixed upon for holding treaty with the tribes in Middle Oregon, after which I may proceed to the Blackfeet country on the headwaters of the Missouri River. I have not yet determined whether to have you accompany me, or remain in this valley, but I shall determine by the time you arrive here. You may possibly meet my messenger, whom I shall send out with funds.
    General Lane informs me that my treaties have been ratified, but I have received no official notice of that fact. I hope indeed it is so, and that appropriations have been made to carry them into effect. I expect Ambrose will be able to keep quiet the Indians of that valley.
    If you can obtain me any information relative to the claimants for property of whites located on the reserve I wish you to do so. Why should a man be allowed one hundred and twenty dollars for ten tons of hay merely cut and cocked on the reserve and the quantity guessed at. The amount awarded Evans for his fence and field near Joe's camp appears to me an outrage. Three hundred and fifty dollars for a little pale fence. I want all the information you are in possession of in reference to the value of all the improvements on the reserve. I am fearful the liberality of awards made by the commissioners will endanger the payment of them all, but the province of passing upon them does not belong to me, and I feel greatly relieved, for I do regard some of them as an outrage and a species of public plunder, unwarranted by even the color of justice. In saying this I do not wish to impugn the motives and acts of the commissioners, as they were undoubtedly governed by the evidence before them. This whole proceeding has astonished me. My impression is that the whole batch will be repudiated, but of this you need not speak, as it will be of no service to have my opinion known among your neighbors, but I am fearful there has been a screw loose.
R. B. Metcalfe Esqr.
    Sub-Indian Agent
        Jacksonville
            O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 251-252.




Dear Genl
    I had confidently hoped to meet with you in Salem on the 11th inst. but sickness in my family will prevent it, and as we have no mail again for two weeks I avail myself of this opportunity to send a few hastily written lines by private conveyance. All is peace and quiet.
    Metcalfe has returned, and gone to work on the reserve, and will survey the potato ground next week. I will send you the result by next mail. He had put away seed potatoes, nothing more. If it is possible for you to send me some funds do so by Capt. Ish & Miller. I would like if it would be convenient for you to send that which is due me as commissioner at any rate. Metcalfe says he cannot possibly stay on the reserve longer than a return answer if he is not furnished with funds. Copies of your communication dated Feb. 15 came to hand; the original has never reached me, nor Metcalfe either. I must close, for Mr. Miller is in quite a hurry.
Joel Palmer
    Supt. Indn. Affrs.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 25.



Hon. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent Indian Affairs O.T.
        Dear Sir,
            I have been informed that there was a claim of deceased Dr. Robert W. Rose, who was murdered by the Rogue River Indians on the eve of the Rogue River war. Said allowance was for money which was on his person at the time he was murdered, and for articles stolen from his house after his death. I am also informed that a man by the name of Peter Miller is endeavoring to obtain the amount so allowed or a part of it. I therefore wish to inform you and the Department that the amount allowed is claimed by his widowed wife and heirs, and that I am their authorized agent in this country to settle said Rose's estate and collect all moneys due him. You will please inform me when the money arrives which was allowed said estate that I may take the proper measures to obtain the same.
(Original transmitted to Comr. Ind. Affrs.)
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 208.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1101-1103.



    INDIAN TREATIES EAST OF THE CASCADES.--We learn that Gen. Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Oregon, and Gov. Stevens of this territory, says the Pioneer and Democrat, will, in May next, treat jointly with the tribes common to the two territories--the Walla Wallas, the Cayuses and the Nez Perces, who occupy lands in both territories--will be assembled in the Walla Walla Valley, and there is every prospect of negotiations being successful.
    The Yakimas, Klickitats, Pisquows, Okanagans and the Palouses, all of this territory, will be assembled at the same time and place, as well as the remaining small bands of both territories, adjacent to the waters of the Columbia.
Sacramento Daily Union, May 1, 1855, page 1



    Some apprehensions are entertained of another Indian war in Illinois Valley, O.T. The Indians are stealing cattle.
    We are informed that a man who goes by the name of "Potato Waga" (having been the first to raise potatoes in the neighborhood of Orleans Bar) got into a spree and shot at some Indians, wounding one warrior and a squaw.
    A letter from Indian Creek dated May 14, says: A company of seven miners were at work on the South Fork of this creek. Yesterday being Sunday, five of them came down to this place. Of the two remaining ones, one went out hunting, leaving the other, a man by the name of J. B. Hills, of Washington, alone in the camp. He is supposed to have been in bed and asleep when the Indians broke through the window, dragged him out, stabbed him, and then endeavored to cut off his head with an ax they found in the cabin. They then plundered the cabin of whatever they could lay their hands on, and decamped. A statement of the circumstances attending this tragedy was then made to a meeting of miners, who immediately organized a company of volunteers, numbering 25 men, J. W. Burke being elected captain. They are now preparing to pursue the Indians, who are supposed to be either Scott or Rogue River Indians.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, April 15, 1893, page 1



Sir
    Representatives of most of the tribes within the bounds of Umpqua District have visited this agency within the past months anticipating seeing you & entering into treaties which they seem anxious to do in discernible terms. From the fact that they were disappointed it became necessary to purchase some goods which I did to the amount of some two hundred dollars to present to them from time to time.
    According to verbal instructions from you through my brother I shall remain at the agency at present.
Gen. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent
        Dayton, O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 41.



Dear Sir,
    An incident occurred a few days ago which I deem it my duty to lay before you at the earliest opportunity. A white person by the name of J. H. Miller shot an Indian under very aggravated circumstances. It seems from the Indian account of the affray that Miller came to their ranch in a very good humor as they supposed, and got in a scuffle with one of their number by the name of Jim. Jim proved to be the better man and threw him down, after which he got up, returned to the camp of some packers, got a revolver, immediately returned and deliberately shot the Indian and fled.
    I succeeded in taking him prisoner after several days search, and delivered him up to the sheriff, and as court is now in session I presume his trial will come off immediately. Although no white man witnessed the transaction, if our laws do not punish such offenders it will be impossible to prevent the Indians from committing some serious depredations.
    The difficulty occurred on Illinois River near sixty miles from Jacksonville. I necessarily incurred some expense in taking and conveying the prisoner to the proper authorities, which I trust the Department will have no hesitancy in allowing. It was absolutely necessary for the continuance of our peaceful relations that no pains should be spared for the apprehension of the offender, as those Illinois Indians are partially disaffected and but await a pretext to commence hostilities against the whites. I prevailed on the chief to accompany me and witness for himself that we were determined to do justice, and would treat white men who killed Indians as we did Indians who had killed white men.
    In conclusion allow me to say that if this treaty is observed in good faith by the whites, we have nothing to fear from the Indians. But this act of aggression committed by this individual is an isolated case, and there are certainly but few such individuals living, I trust none in this community. Millar [sic] had but recently arrived here. I will inform you of the result as soon as he may have his trial.
Joel Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 201-202.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1122-1124.



    Notice is hereby given that I have designated as an Indian reservation for the Coast and Willamette tribes, and such others as may hereafter be located thereon, the following described district of country, to wit:
    Beginning on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, at the mouth of a small stream about midway between the Umpqua and Siuslaw rivers, thence easterly to the ridge dividing the waters of these streams, and along said ridge on high land to the western boundary of the eighth range of townships west of the Willamette meridian, thence north on said boundary to a point due east of Cape Lookout, thence west to the ocean, and thence along [to] the place of beginning.
    The tract described presents few attractions to the white settler, while it is believed to be better adapted to the colonization of the Indians than any other portion of territory west of the Cascade Mountains affording so few facilities of settlement to our citizens.
    The object of this notice is to inform the public that this reservation will not be subject to settlement by whites.
Dayton, O.T., April 17, 1856.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, May 12, 1855, page 3



Dear Sir
    The person on trial for killing an Indian has been found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to two years imprisonment in the penitentiary. This was not entirely satisfactory to the Indians, but they express a willingness to abide the decision and suppose it is right.
    If it is the intention of the superintendent that the hay on the reserve should be sold, I desire to know in what manner it had better be disposed of, if by public notice to receive bids or by private sale. I have received several applications to sell, and as the haying season will soon be here I would like an answer to this immediately.
Genl. Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 203.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1129-1130.




Sir,
    As directed by General Palmer, who set out yesterday for Middle Oregon, where he and Governor Stevens expect to meet the several tribes of Indians bordering the line dividing the two territories in council on the 20 inst., I transmit you by Colonel J. Taylor of Clatsop Plains the sum of seventeen hundred and sixty-five dollars and forty-five cents ($1765.45), which you will account for under the following heads:

	Salary of agent in Rogue River District	$573.97
	Salary of interpreter	191.50
	Incidental expenses	1000.00

The amount will pay your own salary and that of your interpreter up to the 30th June next and will probably be ample for incidental expenses incurred by you within the same period.
    Enclosed are forms of receipt which you will sign and return to this office by Col. Taylor.
    You will accompany the vouchers covering salary of interpreter with the duplicate receipts of your interpreter for each quarter.
    No part of this remittance is applicable to the payment of the liabilities of the agency incurred during Mr. Culver's official term. Those claims will receive the attention of the Superintendent immediately on his return from the interior, which will probably occur about the first of June next.
    The appropriation for the erection of the three chiefs' houses on the reserve has been received. You are directed by the Superintendent to have the confederated bands & tribes interested in the reserve to concur in the selection of three principal chiefs for whom the houses will be at an early day erected. You however will take no steps in the erection of said buildings till further advised.
    You will be gratified to learn that all the treaties made by Gen. Palmer in Rogue River, Umpqua and Willamette valleys during last fall and winter have been ratified and the appropriations necessary for carrying them into effect made. No remittances for these objects however are yet received.
    You will render promptly full monthly returns of the condition of the Indians in your agency as required by the instructions of the Indian Bureau.
Geo. H. Ambrose Esq.
    Ind. Agent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 188-189.



    NEW INDIAN RESERVATION.--Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. O.T., has designated a Reservation for the Coast and Willamette Indian tribes. It is situated south of the Calapooya Mountains, midway between the Umpqua and Siuslaw rivers, and extends easterly to the ridge dividing the waters of those streams. The tract described presents few attractions to the white settler, while it is believed to be better adapted for the colonization of the Indians than any other portion of territory west of the Cascade Mountains, affording so few facilities of settlement to our citizens.
Shasta Courier, Shasta City, California, May 19, 1855, page 1



Dear Sir
    Some five or six weeks since I wrote you with reference to the claim I have against the government of the U.S. but have not received an answer.
    Will you do me the favor to write me at your earliest convenience, and inform me whether there was an appropriation made at the last session [of] Congress to pay off the indebtedness of the Ind. Department in Oregon. And what the prospect is of C. B. Gray, the late interpreter of this agency, and myself getting the money due us from government.
    Mr. Gray was appointed by me Oct. 15, 1851 and confirmed by the government Jany. 1, 1852 & served all the time I acted as agent & has never received any part of his salary. If we are never to get our pay it would be of a good deal of service to know the fact.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Superintendent &c.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 42.



Dear Sir,
    Some five or six weeks since I wrote you with reference to the claim I have against the government of the U.S. but have not received an answer.
    Will you do me the favor to write me at your earliest convenience and inform me whether there was an appropriation made at the last session of Congress to pay off the indebtedness of the Indian Department in Oregon, and what the prospect is of C. B. Gray, the late interpreter of this agency, and myself getting the money due us from government.
    Mr. Gray was appointed by me Oct. 15, 1851 and confirmed by the government Jany. 1, 1852, and served all the time I acted as agent & has never received any part of his salary. If we are never to get our pay it would be of a good deal of service to know the fact.
Joel Palmer Esq.
    Superintendent &c.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 208.



Sir,
    I received your communication by the hand of Colonel Taylor, also the sum of seventeen hundred and sixty-five dollars and forty-seven cents ($1465.47), for which I have receipted.
    My interpreter is away from home at this time, and as the Colonel is [in] no hurry to return I will have to return your vouchers unaccompanied by the receipts of my interpreter. I will probably be able to get them this evening and transmit them to you by mail.
    On my quarterly return you will observe that my salary claimed amounts to two hundred dollars. If I have erred you will please correct my returns and inform me, and I will make the correction on the papers retained in this office.
    Also I wish you to inform me how to account for an overplus send me as pay for an interpreter. I employed him on the first of March from which date his salary commenced instead of the 10th of February for which I have receipted.
    Again the instructions sent me last spring in relation to the distribution of the annuities failed to reach me in time. The Indians were suffering severely for want of their clothing. I accordingly distributed them and the receipts which I took are not of the form which you afterwards sent me, nor do they call for the same amount. There was one coat less than the bill which I received called for (cost $5.92); other articles were on the bill unaccompanied by any price which I presume you understood. I merely mention the fact to know if the difference in the receipts which I took of the chiefs and those sent me from your office may not have occurred in this way. If it is at all important to change the form of the receipts, I will immediately do so by getting their signatures to the receipts sent me for forms, and transmit them to you by mail. I would of course supply the missing coat, and would prefer to do so rather than cause you any trouble in altering your accounts. I should be pleased to hear from you.
E. R. Geary
    Clk. Supt. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 209-210.



Sir:
    Referring to my letter to you of the 10th ultimo, I have now to inform you that it was not found practicable to forward the annuity goods for 1855, for the Rogue River Indians and the tribes parties to the treaties of the 18th & 29th November last, from the Atlantic Coast.
    I now enclose to you duplicate of contents of packages, which also serves as an invoice of goods just purchased in Boston for the service of negotiating treaties &c. &c. under the act of 31st July 1854, amounting to $6,406.56, and in New York $802.25. I also enclose to you schedules of articles bought, as requested in your letter and enclosures, of January 12th, 1855.

	The Table Rock Reserve, viz.
	Building purposes	$180.48
	Tools	808.60
	For the Umpqua Reserve
	Building purposes	180.36
	Tools &c.	216.45

    I also enclose bill of lading evidencing the shipment of all the above goods per ship Competitor from Boston, bound for San Francisco, the goods addressed to you at Dayton, care of the Collector of the Port at San Francisco.
    You will take such steps as are necessary in regard to the transportation of the articles shipped from San Francisco to such destinations as you may determine, and for payment of the charges thereof you observe that the bill for freight to San Francisco will be paid here.
Joel Palmer, Esq.
    Supt. &c.
        Dayton
            Oregon
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 56.



    Notice is hereby given that sealed proposals will be received at the office of Indian agent for the Rogue River Agency district until the 1st day of June 1855 for the privilege of cutting the grass on the Indian reserve.
    The bidder is requested to state the price per ton which he is willing to pay, the quantity of hay which he wants and designate the piece of ground over which he wishes to cut.
May 25th 1855
   
    A copy of notice for the sale of the hay on the Indian reserve.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 30; Miscellaneous Loose Papers 1850-1873.



Dear Sir,
    I have the honor to transmit to you the following monthly report for the month ending May 31st, 1855.
    Since my last communication, you will observe that my anticipations in relation to all future difficulties have not been entirely realized, although I am fully satisfied yet that there is no premeditated design on the part of the Indians to violate the treaty of peace.
    The difficulties which have recently occurred are no doubt the result of misunderstandings which are of frequent occurrence in consequence of the language being but imperfectly understood by both parties. Hence it frequently happens that contradictory statements are made which is immediately taken as evidence of guilt.
    In my last report to you, I gave you an account of a difficulty with the Illinois Indians in which one was killed by an individual by the name of Miller, of his trial, conviction and sentence to the penitentiary for the term of two years. This it seems did not satisfy the relations of the murdered man. A few months previous it seems some of the same tribe had gone on a visit to the Klamath country and happened to arrive about the beginning of an Indian war and were amongst the killed. About the same time or shortly after their chief "Gulliver" went on a visit to the coast and arrived just in time to lose his life in the first outbreak in that quarter, which with the one that Miller had killed makes seven of their number who have lost their lives within the space of as many months, and the Indians complain that all this was done without their having violated the treaty of peace. Their appearance amongst those hostile bands may have been accidental. Of this I am not able to say, but being caught in bad company, they were treated accordingly.
    They appealed to Bill, chief of the "Deer Creeks," to revolt and assist them in avenging their wrongs, as they considered they had been wronged. Bill refused, and they immediately left the country, and I have but little doubt of their being the principal perpetrators of the Indian Creek murder, the particulars of which I have not learned.
    From the best information I can get it seems that about one month ago there was a man by the name of Hills murdered in his house on Indian Creek, a tributary of the Klamath River, in California. The trail from the cabin of the murdered man led over towards the headwaters of Illinois, which it seems satisfied the persons in pursuit of the Indians that it was the Illinois or Deer Creek Indians, and they made a descent in that valley with a determination to kill every Indian they could find. Unfortunately the first Indian they saw was a son of "old chief John," who was engaged in assisting some white men in packing. He was fired at by the party and wounded, but made his escape. Upon his arrival in the Indian camp he reported the proceedings of the white men, which very much frightened the Indians, and they fled to the mountains for safety. They informed me they had not fired at any white persons, nor did not intend to, only in defense. I found them quite willing to remove to the lands which had been assigned them as a reservation. They expressed some fears of not being able to procure a living on the reserve, until their crops would mature. They were out of provisions and already in a suffering condition, and as it was absolutely necessary to remove them in order to avert a war, I procured them such provisions as their actual wants required while on their journey, and a sufficiency to last them a few days in their new home.
    A few of the Illinois Indians I fear were concerned in the murder of Hills; I have not been able to talk with them yet from the fact that I could not find them. Captain Smith of the U.S.A. has been in search of them for ten days past, and will continue the search until they are found and brought to justice. Some three or four head of cattle have been killed by them in Illinois Valley, but I trust Captain Smith's exertions will prevent the commission of any more depredations by them. The Applegates and Lower Rogue Rivers are all friendly and desire to remain so.
    I have found it necessary also to remove the Lower Rogue River Indians to the reservation.
    The crops on the reserve look well and present every indication of an abundant harvest.
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 210-211.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1114-1118.



    On the 1st, six men were killed by the Indians in Illinois Valley.
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, April 22, 1893, page 1



    There are apprehensions of serious Indian difficulties on Rogue River.
Umpqua Gazette, Scottsburg, June 2, 1855, page 2



Dear Sir
    Referring to your note of the 9th ult. I would say that a small amount of funds applicable to the payment of delinquent salaries of agents and interpreters has been received at this office.
    Also that an appropriation for the payment of general deficiencies of accounts in this Superintendency is believed to have been made at the last session of Congress, though this office is not yet officially notified of the fact.
A. A. Skinner Esq.
    Jackson Co. O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 209.



Sir--
    Nothing has occurred within the bounds of this agency during the past month to disturb the general good feeling which has existed for the past year between the whites & Indians.
    Several slight difficulties have come under my observation between the Indians themselves which have been satisfactorily settled. One case yet remains unsettled--one which I fear may result badly. It is as follows.
    The chief at the mouth of the Umpqua has lost his wife & two children within the last month, and he asserts with others of his tribe that they came to their death by poison administered by a certain doctor (Indian) & unless he is permitted to murder the said doctor that he also will meet with the same fate. On the above grounds he wishes me to permit him to kill the said doctor. I have reasoned with him to no effect, and he now says that unless I say he may kill him that he will go to the Willamette to see you. From experience I have learned that the physician may die.
    Having stated the facts regarding the case I await your answer should you consider it of importance.
    The Coos bands of Indians I found suffering from syphilis. Drs. Toby & Bostman [sic--Boatman?] were treating them expecting the Department to allow their bills. I could not state positively whether it would or would not, but told them that under the circumstances I thought the Department would consider a reasonable bill for medical attendance of that character.
    On the eve of the 22nd of May [I] recd. a letter from Col. Taylor requesting me to intersect him at G. R. Strathan's Esq. on the Friday or Saturday following. On my arrival there on Saturday I learned that he had passed on into the Willamette, leaving $1400 with A. C. Gibbs Esq., which I have since recd., having filled & signed vouchers for the same which will be forwarded to your office by the next mail.
Gen. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1131-1134.



    INDIAN OUTBREAK.--Another Indian outbreak has commenced in Southern Oregon, between the Applegate, Illinois and Coast Indians and the whites. The Indians have killed several white persons, and committed other depredations upon the settlers, such as shooting stock, driving mules and cattle into the mountains &c. &c. The settlers have become alarmed, and are determined to make a treaty with these bands which will be lasting to the end of time. The Rogue River Indians have been collected together upon the reservation by Dr. Ambrose, the Indian agent, and were peaceable when we left, a few days ago.
Oregonian, Portland, June 16, 1855, page 2


Dear Sir
    Since I wrote you last we have been in constant dread of war; it has however pretty well passed over and once more assumed a quiet aspect.
    I have all or nearly all of the Indians on the reserve, and am well satisfied they wish to remain quiet; they say they have nothing to gain by a war, but much to lose.
    In Illinois Valley two volunteer companies of men were organized and had determined to exterminate the Indians before I heard of it. The Indians had fled to the mountains and were difficult to find, but when found they invariably said they wanted peace; they had done nothing to merit such a chastisement; many of their people had been killed, and they were driven to the necessity of fighting in self-defense.
    I will make you a detailed report in a short time and give you all the minutiae.
    For three days past I have been engaged in a talk with the Butte Creek Indians, the subject of which is the murder of a boy belonging to that tribe. The circumstances under which it occurred are as follows.
    It seems the boy was in the employ of two white men who had taken a claim on Rogue River a few miles above the reserve. The names of these men were James Hogan and John Carrolton. One morning about six weeks since Hogan left home; Carrolton and the boy were at work hauling rails, since which time the boy has never been seen, until a few days ago the Indians discovered his body hid in a drift of a canyon with evident marks of violence. They had suspected Carrolton for some time past, and had watched him closely up to the time they discovered the body of the boy. They were clamorous for his prosecution, but as no evidence could be obtained but Indian testimony, and that was not admissible, he (Carrolton) was acquitted. As there was no doubt in the mind of anybody as to the fact of the boy having been killed by some white person, I compromised the matter after their own fashion by paying them two horses for their loss. I don't know that I should have done so, had not the event occurred at the time when there was so much disaffection, and the difficulty not yet concluded with the Illinois Indians. I expect to have it all settled in a few days, when I shall write you.
    The people of Illinois Valley declare the Indians shall never return to that country, and if they are to be kept on the reserve, there must be some provision made for them, otherwise they will suffer for the necessaries of life. I trust you will give the matter your earliest attention.
Genl. Joel Palmer
    Superintendent Ind. Affrs.
        (Original transmitted to Office Comr. Indian Affairs)
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 224-225.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1135-1138.





Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    William B. Hay of said county being duly sworn says
    On or about the 31st day of May A.D. 1855 three head of beef cattle belonging to me were driven off and killed by the Deer Creek band of Indians, said cattle were running at large in the range in which they usually run, near my claim in Deer Creek Valley. Said cattle were missed in the evening, & pursuit was immediately made. The trail was followed into the mountains to an Indian camp, & the remains of the cattle were found & recognized. I have no doubt whatever of the Deer Creek Indians having stolen the cattle.
    Said cattle were worth at the time they were driven off one hundred and twenty dollars per head. I have never received payment for said property destroyed from the United States nor from anyone nor have I applied for remuneration therefor at any other time or in any other manner.
    That neither myself representative attorney or agent has violated any of the provisions of the intercourse laws by seeking or attempting to obtain private satisfaction or revenge.
    This affidavit is made for the purpose of obtaining from the United States payment for said property destroyed by said Indians.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Jacksonville, Oregon this 21st day of June A.D. 1855. (  seal  )                               Ind. Agt.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Joseph H. Dickerson of said county being duly sworn says
    On or about the 30th of May A.D. 1855 I know that William Hay was the owner of three head of cattle worth one hundred & twenty dollars per head that were driven off by the Deer Creek band of Indians on the day above named & I followed the trail of the cattle where they had been driven by the said Indians into the mountains to their camp. I saw where they had been slaughtered & have no doubt [of] the fact of the Deer Creek Indians having done the act. I was staying at the house of Mr. Hay in Illinois Valley at the time. I have no interest in this claim.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office on Rogue River this 26th day of June A.D. 1855. NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 728-731.



Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Gabriel Smith of said county being duly sworn says
    On or about the twenty sixth day of February A.D. 1855 I had belonging to me a Spanish horse worth eighty dollars. Said horse was running in the range in the vicinity of my house situated in Illinois Valley.
    On the evening of the 25th Mr. Guest a neighbor of mine drove up some mules and this horse was with them. After he caught the ones he wanted to use the horse belonging to me and two mules were turned out in their usual range. A few days after the mules were found distant about five miles, the horse was missing and I never saw him since. I have no doubt but he was stolen by the Deer Creek Indians.
    I have never received payment for said property destroyed from the United States nor from anyone.
    That neither myself, representative, attorney or agent has violated any of the provisions of the intercourse laws by seeking or attempting to obtain private satisfaction or revenge.
    This affidavit is made for the purpose of obtaining from the United States payment for said property destroyed by said Indians.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Jacksonville Oregon this 25th day [of] June A.D. 1855. (  seal  )                               Ind. Agt.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Gabriel Smith of said county being duly sworn says
    On or about the 27th day of October A.D. 1853 about fifteen tons of hay belonging to me was destroyed by fire. Said hay was in stack near my house in Illinois Valley and was set on fire in the night time, as also was my dwelling house, and I have no doubt it was done by the Deer Creek band of Indians. I saw the Indians very plainly. Hay of the quality of that destroyed has been selling for one hundred dollars per ton during that whole winter in that section of the country.
    Also I lost at the same time by the said Indians two head of beef cattle. Said cattle were driven out of my corral and run off. I afterwards saw where they had been slaughtered. Said cattle were worth at that time one hundred and twenty five dollars each. I have never received payment for said property destroyed from the United States or from anyone. That neither myself, representative, attorney, or agent has ever violated any of the provisions of the intercourse laws by seeking or attempting to obtain private satisfaction or revenge.
    This affidavit is made for the purpose of obtaining from the United States payment for said property destroyed by said Indians.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at Jacksonville Oregon this 25th day of June A.D. 1855. (  seal  )                               Ind. Agt.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 733-738.



    INDIANS.--We understand that the Indians on the Klamath River between Humbug and Scott River are becoming quite insolent--trespassing on the property of the whites and making assertions that "they would act as they pleased, as it was their own land," &c. We would invite the attention of the Indian agent to this. The inhabitants of that, as well as all other parts of the county, are law-abiding, taxpaying people, and are entitled to the support and protection of the government. These people are able and willing to protect themselves, but would prefer having the proper authorities attend to this matter. Otherwise they will be forced to protect their own lives and property.--Yreka Herald.
Umpqua Gazette, Scottsburg, June 30, 1855, page 2



Sir
    The enclosed copy of a letter from Joel Palmer, Supt. Ind. Affairs, Oregon Territory, reached here some time since. I visited in N.Y. and Michigan for some weeks while on my way from Oregon to this place, which will account for the delay. It is marked A.
    Also a paper marked B. that he sent to me which contains a list of items that have been suspended and disallowed by the office at Washington, in my accounts.
    On account of the distance from here to Oregon and the great length of time required to carry on a correspondence with your department through the Supt.'s Office I hope to be able to communicate with your department direct, so far as to explain these or any other items that you may deem necessary.
    By the paper marked B. there seems to be 10 items that have been suspended or disallowed and I will take them up in this order.
    Item 1st. In this there seems to be three dollars disallowed but what it is on account of I cannot ascertain from the paper and of course cannot explain.
    Item 2nd. Is the purchase of firewood, which requires explanation as to why so great a quantity was needed for office purposes for the period embraced. When I arrived at that Agency I found that there was not a place fit for an office to be procured. I finally obtained a part of a building that had a roof on it and that had been clapboarded but the boards were old and warped so much so that it was impossible to make it tight. I repaired it the best that I could with the means that were then to be procured and occupied it. On that coast there is almost constantly a strong wind from the sea that renders it too cool to be comfortable without a fire, in fact there is but a few days in the entire year that a fire can be dispensed with, even in the best built houses. And it was particularly so in my very open office. I frequently found it impossible to use a candle or lamp on account of the free circulation of air in the room. It was uncomfortable, and the only way to make it inhabitable at all was to keep a large and constant fire. Fir timber is used there for wood which burns freely but consumes rapidly. I used over two cords of wood per month on an average and found it impossible to do with less.
    Item 3rd. Is on account of the employment of two interpreters at the same time. The Supt. is required to explain and show the necessity for their employments in that Agency. As he will explain it I will pass it over and only remark that it was because no one person could be procured who could speak the several different languages in use among the different bands in that district.
    Items 4th, 5th and 6th is on account of salary overcharged. I am not able to explain or correct these items, for on a careful examination I make the several items as in the vouchers.
    Items 7th, 8th and 9th are on account of hay cut by Alva Huddleston, P. M. Huddleston and Theodore Huddleston. And you remark that as the Supt. says this claim upon the belief that it is correct, the order of Culver should accompany the voucher.
    These three men were employed by Supt. Palmer to labor for the Indian department and by him left with me. After completing the spring's work on the Indian Reserve, as I found it to be the only way in which I could procure the necessary amount of hay to keep the horses that were in the constant use of the Agency I directed them to cut it. And know it to be correct.
    Item 10th. This item is in a voucher, being a charge for two arm chairs, $20 "is inadmissible being deemed unnecessary for an office and is disallowed." Although this has been disallowed, as I think you are laboring under a misapprehension correcting this item I will refer to it. You observe that they "being deemed unnecessary for an office are disallowed" &c. I conclude that you refer to the kind of chair and not to chairs generally, for of course they are a necessary part of office furniture. The ones referred to were made entirely of wood, with arms, were strong, well built and what are commonly known as office chairs. I purchased these particular ones because they were all, and the only ones, to be procured at that place. I fear you may think, judging by the price, that they were of a better quality than was necessary and that a needless expense was incurred in consequence; if so, it is a mistake. And to give you a correct idea of it I will observe that $5 for each chair that was put up was the customary charge as freight from San Francisco to Port Orford at that time. Whether they were good and well put together or not made little or no difference, that charge was the same. And as we did not have communication with San Francisco only once in two or three months, and these shippers would not agree to land [i.e., offload] freight unless the sea was smooth, it was difficult to get any taken up for that price. The cost price of a chair in San Francisco, that was well put together, was from three to seven dollars. In short no good chair could at that time be procured at Port Orford for a sum less than 10 dollars each. I could have sold the chairs during any of the time that I was at Port Orford for the price paid for them, but of course I had no right to do so because I purchased them as Agent and for the department. I turned them over with the other property that belonged to the Agency to my successor. If there is a fixed regulation on that subject which requires Agencies to be furnished with a particular kind of furniture, then I am sure you will agree with me when I say that all Agents should be supplied with such regulations. I never saw such a one; on the contrary, those that I did see seemed to require that Agents should have an office, furniture &c. but did not refer to any particular kind, and I supposed it was for the reason that Agencies are usually located so as to compel Agents to furnish their offices with what they can procure, rather than with the kind that they would like. The chairs were purchased in the fall of 1852, and the department has had the constant use of them, about three years, to the present time. I advanced my private funds to pay for them, as I did for all other expenditures while I was in that district, and it was from one to two years before the department returned to me their money advanced. In case this should be disallowed finally the result will be that the department has, and will still have, the chairs, for they must necessarily be so much bruised and damaged in the long service of the department as to render them unsalable. I hope you will reconsider your former decision and be convinced that justice to the department and myself require the items to be passed.
Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affairs
        Washington D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 105-111.



Sir
    I received two communications from you by last mail, bearing date Sept. 19th; being about from home I did not get them until yesterday and have not time to reply now. I will endeavor to do so by next mail. The business of the agency continues about as it was when I wrote you last. All the better portion of the Indians desire peace and are using their utmost exertions to secure it.
    Several thefts were committed on Applegate last week, no doubt by some of old man John's people. In some instances that occurred the stolen property was returned in the night and left. I have just returned from there but could find no Indians, although I know there are some on the creek. Dr. Barkwell was induced to leave his house on account of apprehended danger; his house was robbed of its contents. In a few nights after his return some friendly disposed Indians returned the stolen property; among the articles returned was a good rifle gun, the return of which showed a friendly spirit upon the part of some Indian.
    The chief "Bill" alluded to in my communication is son to old man John, the same Bill that was appointed chief over the Illinois Indians last November. Bill has always been regarded by the whites as friendly and quietly disposed. I have employed several more hands and will prosecute the work on the reserve with all possible dispatch. There are near thirty or forty volunteers camped on Butte Creek, in search of the Indians that killed those men on the Siskiyou. They are under the impression that the Indians on the reservation are connected with that transaction, which I do not believe. I have seen no cause to alter my mind as to who committed that act. I believe it to have been done by that remnant of "Tipsu Tyee's" people, who are yet living in connection with some Shastas.
    When this war excitement shall have subsided a little, which I trust will be the case shortly, I will furnish you statements of what is transpiring by my mail. I have to trust to luck to send you this, as I was not at home in time to put it in the mail. I will also furnish you a copy of the correspondence between the Yreka volunteers and myself. That that you saw in the Statesman is substantially correct. I suspect I shall have to copy from that, as I sent you the original some weeks since.
Genl. Palmer
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 89.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 322-323.



Fresh Indian Treaties--Gold Operations--Arrival of Mr. Dunbar, the New Port Collector--The Palmer Reservation.
    General Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, arrived here from up the coast, where he has completed treaties with all the Indians to this point, for the sale of their lands, and for their removal to an Indian reservation. A council was to be held the week before last at the mouth of Rogue River with all the Indians in this district, for the sale of their lands and their removal. There were to be about thirteen hundred Indians present at the treaty, on which occasion Uncle Sam no doubt showed his liberality to his red children, by giving them each a shirt and a pair of pantaloons. The Superintendent has been entirely successful in all his treaties, and if Congress will ratify them much good may be effected. The Indians are and have been quiet everywhere in this vicinity.
    The gold operations in this neighborhood meet with fair success. The scarcity of water has been the great drawback, which they are obviating by the use of steam engines. Where engines have been used thus far, they have been very successful.
    Mr. Dunbar, Collector of this port, recently appointed, has arrived to enter upon his duties.
    The reservation for all the Indians in Oregon west of the Cascade Range, provided for in Palmer's treaties, is a tract of country north of Umpqua River, extending about seventy miles along the coast and about twenty-five miles back to the summit of the Coast Range.        N.S.
New York Herald, October 22, 1855, page 1



Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Clisby Landreth of Jackson County being duly sworn says
    I am acquainted with Washington L. Riggs who resides on Cottonwood, have known him since last spring, know that the said Riggs brought about one hundred and fifty head of half breed Spanish & American cattle onto Cottonwood last spring and established himself in the butchering business. I am engaged in the cattle trade myself and am herding my cattle within eight miles of Cottonwood, north on the road leading into the Willamette Valley, have frequently seen Mr. Riggs' cattle straying or running off in small bands [of] from three to twenty, apparently making their way back toward the Willamette Valley. Saw Mr. Riggs frequently in search of his cattle and saw him at times returning from Rogue River Valley with some of his cattle and have also seen several of his cattle in Rogue River Valley while out hunting my own. I experienced considerable trouble in keeping my own cattle from straying off with all the care I could use. I have lost several head by straying. I cannot say what Mr. Riggs' cattle would weigh did not examine them very closely. Beef cattle were worth at Cottonwood & Yreka 10 cts. per pound on foot which is the highest price I know of being paid at any time during the past summer.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office in Rogue River Valley agency this twenty fourth day of October A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Eli B. Moore of said county being duly sworn says,
    I have read the statement of Mr. Landreth and believe it in the main to be substantially correct, to the best of my knowledge. I am partner with Mr. Landreth and engaged in the cattle business. We herd our cattle within about eight miles of Riggs' and have had frequent opportunities of seeing Mr. Riggs' cattle straying off. I do not of my own knowledge know how many cattle Mr. Riggs brought then but have heard it stated at one hundred and fifty head. I know of no beef cattle being sold for more than ten cents per pound on foot during the past summer.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office in Rogue River Valley O.T. this twenty fourth day of October A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Abraham S. Cannon a resident of Umpqua County Oregon Territory being duly sworn says
    On or about the 10th of August last I was looking after Mr. Riggs' cattle, was employed by him to do so. I saw fifty or sixty head of his cattle being driven off by persons who I took to be Indians. I was within a quarter of a mile of them and was satisfied from their appearances they were Indians. They were driving the cattle very fast, I thought it to be unsafe to approach any nearer them. On the next morning I missed one hundred and thirty head of cattle. They were doubtless driven off during the night as I saw Indian tracks the next morning. I was induced to believe they were taken by Indians. I know that Mr. Riggs has never recovered his cattle nor found any signs but what would leave the impression that they were stolen by Indians. I have no interest in this claim.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Rogue River Valley this 2nd day of November A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    James H. Butler a resident of Lane County Oregon Territory being duly sworn, says,
    I was assisting Mr. Riggs in herding his cattle. His cattle were missing on or about the first of August and diligent search has been made for them, but they could not be found. I was looking for cattle on Butte Creek in Rogue River Valley, on the eighth day of October A.D. 1855 and found four all together, saw the Indians kill one and believe they got all the others. Said cattle were herded on Cottonwood near the Oregon line and were worth at the time they were driven off seventeen and a half cents per pound. I have no interest in said cattle.
Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office on Table Rock Indian Reserve this 9th day of October A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    William Gerke of said county being duly sworn says
    I know that Mr. Riggs had a lot of cattle on Cottonwood Creek near the Oregon line and that they were missed on or about the first of August A.D. 1855 and believe the Rogue River Indians drove them off. I was assisting Mr. Riggs hunt his cattle on Butte Creek in Rogue River Valley. I found four immediately after I saw the Indians shoot one when I left. I believe from what I saw the Indians got all the missing cattle one hundred and thirty two in number. Said cattle were good beef at the time and would weigh six hundred and fifty pounds each and were worth at the time they were driven off seventeen and one half cts. per pound.
    I have no interest in this claim.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office on Table Rock Indian Reserve.
Ambrose wrote his name "William Gerke"; his signature looks more like "Wiliyem Genirke."
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Henry Clifton of Douglas County Oregon Territory being duly sworn, says
    On or about the first of August A.D. 1855 as I was passing from Rogue River Valley to Cottonwood Creek immediately after I had crossed the Siskiyou Mountains I observed what I took to be Indians driving some cattle. There were five or six persons and I supposed at that time there were about one hundred and thirty head of cattle. They were driving them quite fast and from appearances & the gait which they were driving induced me to believe they were Indians. This was in the neighborhood where Mr. Riggs' cattle were being herded and I have but little doubt said cattle were said Riggs'. I have no interest in this claim.
Attest--A. S. Cannon
Sworn to and subscribed before me at my office in Rogue River Valley this 2nd day of November A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
County of Jackson       )  s.s.
    Washington L. Riggs being duly sworn says
    On or about the first of August A.D. 1855 I had one hundred and thirty two head of cattle belonging to me, which were being herded on Cottonwood Creek near the Oregon line, which I believe were stolen by the Indians and driven off to the mountains. I believe the theft to have been committed by the Rogue River Indians. I found four head of my cattle on Butte Creek in Rogue River Valley on the 8th day of October. Two men in my employ were herding cattle and saw some Indians shoot one, and I have no doubt they killed or destroyed all the others. The cattle were all good beef and would weigh six hundred and fifty pounds each and were worth seventeen and a half cents per pound in the market at the time when they were driven away.
    I have never recovered payment for said property destroyed from the United States nor from anyone. That neither myself representative attorney or agent has violated any of the provisions of the intercourse laws by seeking or attempting to obtain private satisfaction or revenge.
    This affidavit is made for the purpose of obtaining from the United States payment for said property destroyed by said Indians.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Table Rock Reserve this 9th day of Oct. A.D. 1855. 
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 712-721.  The 9th of October was the day after the Lupton Massacre, which took place just a few miles from Ambrose's office. The 9th was also the day of the "breakout," the retaliatory Indian attacks reaching from Evans Creek to the Harris cabin.


Sir
    A letter from this office of the 3rd instant advised you of the reported murder of Agent Bolon of Washington Territory and seventeen other white persons and of my departure for the Dalles with a view of preventing combinations against the peace of the country.
    I reached the Dalles of the Columbia on the 2nd inst. Messengers had been sent to the Yakima mission, to obtain tidings if possible of Mr. Bolon. Soon after my arrival one of these messengers returned with a letter from Father Durieu of that mission stating that Mr. Bolon arrived at the mission at one o'clock p.m. on Sunday the 23rd September and left there in about two hours afterwards for the Dalles accompanied by a nephew of Kamiakin, the head chief of the Yakima nation, since which time he had heard nothing of him.
    He further states that upon the return of the Yakima Indians from the Walla Walla council, their principal theme of conversation had been a war with the Americans, and that during the month of September but few Indians had been about the mission, that an Indian had arrived at his mission two hours previous to his writing, informing him that the whites had killed Father Mendoza and three Indians. He had heard of no other murders.
    The messenger conveying the letters to and from the Yakima mission is a chief of one of the Deschutes bands of Walla Wallas and is regarded as reliable by those acquainted with him. He says that when near the mission he was met by Kamiakin, the head chief, who seized and wrested from him his gun and stood for some time in the attitude of firing upon him. Finally he inquired where he was going. When told to the mission with a letter to the Father inquiring after his health as he had been sick, he then asked whether he was a friend to the Father, which being answered affirmatively, the chief ceased his menacing attitude and extended his hand. Kamiakin then told him to accompany him to his lodge, and in the morning he would accompany him to the mission, which he did. During the night the chief stated to the messenger that his people had determined upon a war with the Americans, and that they would continue that war for five years if necessary, that no American (Bostons, as he called them) should be permitted to come into their country; that they had killed Bolon and would kill all who came among them, that they had invited all the tribes to unite with them and had threatened, if they refused, to treat them in the same manner as Americans, that they would kill all the adults and make slaves of their children & that when they had secured their country they would give it to whomsoever they chose.
    These statements were corroborated by the report of another messenger, a chief sent out by Major Haller; he, after meeting with several leading Indians with whom he was well acquainted, learned that they were on their way to join the hostile bands. He was compelled to use a good deal of stratagem to get clear of them, they having resolved on taking his life on account of his being friendly with the Americans.
    This messenger had also had an interview with Kamiakin, from whom he received a pressing invitation to join them in hostilities against the Americans.
    The chief sent a message by him to Agent Olney, whom he regarded he said as a son, requesting him not to come into their community or fight against his people.
    Runners have been sent by the Yakimas to all the tribes and bands around, offering them inducements to join them and threatening, in the event of a refusal, to exterminate the male adults and make slaves of their wives and children. Some could not resist the temptation of the promised rewards, while a fear of the fate threatened had its effect upon others, and it is believed that by the accession of individuals from the various bands, the hostile tribes will be able to bring into the field a force of six hundred well-armed warriors.
    They have evidently sought to cut off all communication between them and the settlements, and how far they intend carrying their hostility can only be conjectured, the information thus far being chiefly derived from Indians. But that information established beyond any doubt the death by the hands of the hostile Indians of Mr. Bolon and three others.
    Reports generally believed by the surrounding tribes are current that they have murdered forty-five Americans, first a party of 6 miners, next a party of eleven miners, and afterward in different parties twenty-eight others.
    Lieut. Slaughter with a command of 40 U.S. troops was sent out from Fort Steilacoom immediately after the receipt of the intelligence that three men had been killed at the Natches Pass, and a few days afterward on learning Mr. Bolon's death and reports of other murders, Major Haller with a hundred infantry crossed the Columbia at the Dalles and proceeded to the Yakima country, intending to effect a junction with Lieut. Slaughter on the Yakima River. Their intended route was by way of the Catholic mission situated sixty miles north of the Dalles. They marched on the 3rd instant, since when nothing has been heard from them. One-half of the command were mounted on mules and Indian ponies, the rest on foot.
    Those mounted were unaccustomed to cavalry or dragoon service, and almost all new recruits; it is doubtful whether they will make such an impression upon the enemy as will be likely to deter them from acts of aggression. A mountain howitzer, however, packed with its accompaniments on mules, may, where the ground is favorable, keep the enemy at bay. But from the known character for bravery and sagacity of these Indians, I entertain serious apprehensions for the safety of both these detachments. In fact, Indian reports reached the Dalles on the 4th instant that a party of forty soldiers had been cut off by the enemy while crossing a stream, but the rumor was discredited.
    I visited all the bands along the Columbia River from the Cascade Falls to the Deschutes River, obtained their pledge of fidelity and adherence to the treaty, sent messengers to more distant bands, gave directions for all friendly Indians residing adjacent to the Columbia on the north to cross to the south side, and to secure all the canoes by which the enemy might cross over.
    Agent N. Olney, who has recently returned from the Snake country with the troops, was dispatched to the Walla Wallas, Cayuses and Umatillas with instructions to remain among them till matters were quiet, if he deemed it necessary to their rejection of the overtures made them by the hostile bands to unite against us. Mr. Olney deemed it impracticable to remain in the Snake country and effect any good results in the absence of a military force and returned to the Dalles for further instructions. Owing to the excited feelings of the Indians in Mr. Thompson's district and the apprehension that these bands might be drawn into a hostile attitude, and the necessity for an agent on the Utilla as well as in the vicinity of the Dalles, I have directed Mr. Olney to aid Mr. Thompson in his district until quiet is restored.
    There are several causes from which may be drawn reasons inducing the present state of disaffection among the Indians in Washington Territory, among which may be named the following. The Yakima Indians were represented in the Walla Walla council by four of their principal chiefs accompanied by a number of their leading men, all evidently at first opposed to entering into any negotiations for the sale of their country. After more than two weeks had been spent in trying to convince them of the importance and necessity of such a course in open council, they gave decided and peremptory answer in the negative. But during the next week by interviews with the chiefs separately Gov. Stevens induced them to agree to the terms of the treaty, and Kamiakin, who is declared by the treaty head chief of all the tribes and bands included in that purchase, came forward and signed the treaty, followed by the other chiefs. The head chief however stated at the time that he would not receive any of the goods promised, but that his people might take them.
    It is pretty evident that the signing of the treaty was adverse to the will of the nation, as expressed prior to the delegation's coming to the council, and that on the return of the chiefs they were beset by their people and denounced as traitors to their tribe. Two of the chiefs, Owhi and Skloom, evidently signed the treaty with great reluctance, and after returning home and meeting with their friends were easily induced to join in opposition to adhering to its provisions.
    The Klickitat tribe, whose country is included within the limits of this purchase, had declined attending the council and were not represented by any of their tribe, and upon the return of these Yakima chiefs and people from the council it is said the Klickitats were much enraged at the sale of their country without their knowledge or consent, and declared they would not abide by an agreement in which they had no voice.
    A considerable number of their people had been for many years residents in the Willamette and Umpqua valleys, still claiming allegiance to, and regarding the Klickitat country as their home, and avowing their intention of returning at an early day upon the consummation of the treaty and designation of a reservation for their tribe.
    I requested these Klickitats to return to their homes. This I deemed proper, inasmuch as treaties had been perfected with the tribes of the Willamette and Umpqua valleys and from the constant annoyance to which the settlers were subjected from the presence of the Klickitats among them. They have in general large bands of horses, and owing to the drought and the ravages of the grasshoppers destroying the grass they were regarded as a grievance, for the removal of which I was repeatedly petitioned by the settlers. Some left the Territory quietly and appeared satisfied, while others evinced a bad feeling, and I am told sought to produce a similar spirit among the Indians throughout the country.
    Some of them still remaining, as well as those already gone, have solicited the Indians of this valley to break from the obligations of the treaty, and in fact many exerted their utmost influence to prevent the consummation of the negotiations. The Klickitats from this Territory, with their boasted knowledge of the manner and customs of the whites derived from their long residence among them, swelled the number and increased the disaffection among those seeking to repudiate the acts of the Yakimas. The immigration of persons into their country seeking locations for settlement immediately after the treaty and before any resulting visible advantages alarmed them and placed an additional argument in the mouths of the opposers of the treaty. The rush of miners through their country to the reported rich gold deposits near Fort Colville tended greatly to augment the excitement, for they were not always overscrupulous in regard to the rights and property of the Indians, and besides they were told that the value of their country was greatly enhanced by the discovery of gold so near them.
    These causes and many others tended to awaken a doubt in the minds of those Indians of the correctness of their acts in signing the treaty. Most of the causes here set forth are equally applicable to all the tribes treated with east of the Cascade Mountains, and should the hostile bands be successful in their first efforts against our troops, we may expect great accessions to the number of our enemies from among the bands south of the Columbia.
    Enclosed herewith you will find the report of Geo. H. Ambrose, Indian agent, for the month of September, and also a letter from Agent R. R. Thompson.
    It appears from Agent Ambrose's statements that but little progress in improving the condition of the Indians on Table Rock Reservation has been made, or can be hoped for, so long as a few lawless remnants of bands infest the country. Nothing short of a peremptory order requiring every Indian belonging thereto to remain constantly upon the reservation, and declaring every Indian found outside an outlaw, will secure peace and order in that community.
    I am by no means convinced that all the aggressions reputed to have been committed by Indians are chargeable to them. There are in those mining districts murderers, robbers, horse thieves and vagabonds congregated from all parts of the world. Driven frequently from among the settlers and miners, they are compelled to take shelter among Indians, where the most unwarrantable excesses are indulged in, not only against the bands with whom they associate but against neighboring tribes, and by combining with the more reckless of the Indians they are enabled to carry out their plans of annoying the settlers.
    There is reason to believe that very many of the murders and robberies committed in the south of Oregon and Northern California within the last three years have been instigated by these miscreants, or actually perpetrated by them, and by their management the suspicion of guilt fastened on the Indians.
    Thus whole communities are thrown into commotion and the heavy hand of vengeance made to fall upon the natives frequently for wrongs they never perpetrated. One result of this state of affairs is to augment the strength of the lawless bands infesting the mountainous region between Rogue River Valley and the Klamath, as desperation drives one and another of the Indians from the settlements by the wrongs and cruelties of which they or their relatives are made the victims.
    The heart sickens at the existing condition of affairs in Southern Oregon, and there is little hope of a change for the better so long as Indians and whites are permitted to mingle. The proximity of the reservation to the settlements renders the prevention of petty thefts by the Indians of the property of the whites well nigh impossible, but whether a suitable location more remote can be selected is doubtful. Could peace be maintained till the arrival of tools and materials for constructing buildings and making other improvements on the reservation, we might then interest them in the work and possibly arrest their further aggressions. The crisis of the destiny of the Indian race in Oregon and Washington Territories is now upon us, and the result of the causes now operating, unless speedily arrested, will be disastrous to the whites, destructive to the Indians, and a heavy reproach upon our national character. Much of the present difficulty is traceable to the mistaken policy of permitting the settlement of this country prior to the extinguishment of the Indian title and the designation of proper reservations; this mistake might now be partially remedied by the immediate gathering of the Indian population on their several reservations, to do which and make the proper provision for their comfort would involve an expense less than that of six months of a two years' war, which must inevitably follow, as I believe, their present situation and a failure to provide for their wants.
    The expenditures of thirty-five thousand dollars upon the Coast Reservation in erecting buildings, opening roads and in removing, clothing and subsisting the coast tribes south of Umpqua during the coming winter would secure peace in that quarter. Twenty thousand in like manner on Table Rock Reserve in addition to other appropriations would effect the same result in that district. And twenty-five thousand on Umatilla and twenty thousand on Wasco Reservation would ensure the peace of Middle Oregon.
    With the Willamette and Umpqua Indians we have no fear of war, but measures should be taken to erect buildings and open roads to the tracts selected for these tribes. The delay in the shipment of tools and materials from the eastern markets for the various objects in this Superintendency is a serious obstacle to carrying out the provisions of the treaty, and as such articles may now be purchased at reasonable rates on this coast, I think it would be well to give discretionary power for their purchase here or in California when deemed advisable.
Honl. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affrs.
        Washington City
            D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1237-1247.



    One windy, rainy morning I went to the tepee of old Hoo-sis-mox-mox (Yellow Hair), who had come to visit his friends among the tribes of the Umatilla Reservation at the time of their midsummer powwow. I had seen him and wanted to have a talk with this veteran Palouse chief born over a hundred years ago.
    The old man was not at home. Several young Indians lay in the dripping tepee, stretched upon their blankets. As I started to leave the shelter of the wigwam one of the young fellows rose to his elbows and said to me:
    "My friend, you had better not attempt to go until the storm is over. Besides I fancy Hoo-sis-mox-mox will be back pretty soon. You will find (I learn you are a newspaper man) that he can tell you many thrilling stories. He knows scarcely any English, but as I am familiar with both his language and yours I shall gladly act for you as interpreter."
    "You will certainly be capable of doing that," said I to the young man.
    "I suppose I should," he answered back. "Only a short while ago I held a chair at Chemawa, the Indian college, you know, near Seattle.
    "You see, I am just on a visit to some of my friends and relatives who belong to the tribes of this reservation. I am a Yakima, yet I have here many kinfolks. And there is a great pleasure sometimes in casting aside the conventionalities of civilization.
    "The blanket? Oh, that is the most comfortable thing to wear when one lives in a tepee. It serves for coat, overcoat, bed and cover. I lived the Indian life for four years once, but hadn't had on a blanket for a long time until yesterday. Here, pull of your coat and try one."
    I wrapped myself within the folds of the bright woolen.
    "Now, take a cigarette, half close your eyes, dream and you will be an Indian veritable," said my new acquaintance.
    Comfortably stretching out, I little cared for the rain storm or the return of Yellow Hair. I learned from my companion, whose name was Stonewall Jackson, that his father soon after the Civil War had come from Tennessee to the state of Washington, and, like many of our pioneers, married an Indian girl. My friend, then, was an educated halfbreed.
    "You have tried on, then, both the wild life and the civilized. Which do you like the better?" I asked.
    "Why, certainly I prefer the civilized life, but can you not see how those who have been reared close to nature's heart would choose the wild? It must have been some satisfaction to my mother's people to roam at will over this vast country and have no barbed wire fences in their way and no signs stuck about, 'Keep Off the Grass.' Their tribal warfare was only daring sport. And wait until you see the big parade! You will say that it equals a pageant of kings.
    "At any rate, when the Indians were called upon by the whites to give up the larger part of their country--they fought."
    "That was in the war of '55?"
    "Yes, in what is known as the Yakima War, because it was led by Kamiakin, head chief of the Yakima Indians."
    "Your mother's people?"
    "Yes."
    "Well, what was the cause of that war? I know that you can discuss it fairly, as you have in you the bloods of the two races."
    "There were many causes. In the first place, I must say for the Indian that until he was badly abused he was always very good to the white man. Read the journals of early explorers and you will find that all of the tribes in this country, with the exception of the Wishrams, were kind to the whites, giving them ponies and, at times, dividing with them their scanty stores of food. The Indians were confiding, and traders among the pioneers took advantage of them, exchanging worthless trinkets for valuable furs. The missionaries tried to teach them that their inherited religion was false. Settlers poured in and occupied their lands. They stood everything but being driven from their pastures and hunting grounds. This was the culminating cause of the war.
    "And it was a fierce war, too. All tribes from the Pacific to the Rockies acted in concert. They made their first and last attempt to oust the Bostons. Boston man, you know, is what the Indian calls the white man, because the first expedition of whites to this country was from Boston. The Boston man then was gradually driving the Indians from their lands. The various tribes made simultaneous attacks at places many hundred miles apart."
    "But how could they do that? They couldn't use telegraphic instruments," said I.
    "Oh, yes they could--literally, 'telegraph' meaning 'write far.' The Indians have always had a method of signaling which is almost as quick as telegraphing. They do this by building fires that send up columns of smoke. For example, a fire left to burn two minutes, then put out and started again after two minutes, is to the Indian what the clicking of the key is to the telegraph operator. When Custer was killed Indians told Mrs. Custer of it the next day after it happened. She was at Fort Lincoln--over three hundred miles from where her husband was massacred."
    "Are the Indians then always on the lookout for signals?" I asked.
    "Oh, yes, continually when they apprehend war. They send runners from tribe to tribe of those allied and establish a signal code; they appoint signal stations. These are along the trails. The Indians, you know, away before the times of the whites, had a trail clear from the mouth of the Columbia to the Mississippi. They are always built high up on ridges; the Indians, fearing surprise, never travel in a valley."
    "But didn't the whites sometimes interpret these signals?"
    "Yes, sometimes. But they were unable to help themselves much, and they could not answer back. My father has told me that during this very war of which we speak a band of whites coming west were told by friendly Nez Perces away over in Idaho of the forthcoming battle of Walla Walla, in the state of Washington, several days before it took place."
    While I was listening to Stonewall Jackson tell of these customs of the Indians old Hoo-sis-mox-mox came in. A hardy, white-whiskered, buckskin-clad old man was with him. The companion of Yellow Hair, I soon learned, was Bill Woodward, a famous old-time western scout. The two were wet. A young squaw placed a pile of sticks in the center of the tepee to make a fire. She didn't strike a match. Instead she took a bow and wrapped the string around the stick. This drill she placed on a piece of wood and began to saw with the bow so as to work the drill against the wood. Pretty soon sparks lit the dry shavings the squaw had placed around the base of the drill. With these she started the fire. The smoke rose and, curling out of the blackened top of the wigwam, mingled with the raindrops.
    "But we are forgetting about the war," said my new friend.
    "Yes, tell me of it," I spoke up eagerly.
    "No, I had better let Chief Hoo-sis-mox-mox do that if he will. He was all through it."
    My interpreter spoke to Yellow Hair, explaining that I wished to know about war. The old chief motioned me to a place near him. Stonewall Jackson sat between us. The drowsy young bucks also came to the fire and squatted about it, drawing around them their blankets. We all sat around the crackling blaze. A prominent figure in the circle was the old scout, Bill Woodward.
    "The chief says that he had better tell you first about the great council," said my interpreter. "You know, as I have told you, there was a bad feeling among the Indians all west of the Rockies. Down south of Portland in the Rogue River Valley there was trouble, and up around Puget Sound there was also an outbreak. Matters were not so serious in these regions, however, as in the Walla Walla country. The President empowered I. I. Stevens, who was then Governor of Washington Territory, to treat with the Indians. The Governor called a great council that he might try to induce them to give up the larger portion of their lands and go on small reservations. This was the famous Walla Walla council, which took place near here in the summer of '55. This is the powwow of which Hoo-sis-mox-mox says he will tell you."
    The old chief sat flat upon a buffalo skin. He now let his striped blanket drop behind him. He was going to use his hands. An Indian can't talk without making signs. His long, yellow hair fell over his slightly stooped shoulders. His eyes were clear. But for the tremor of his lips, in seeming, he was not a hundred years old. But his story was soon to bespeak his age.
    "Long time ago," old Yellow Hair began, "first Boston man (Lewis and Clark) come to this country. I papoose that time. My grandfather chief Palouse tribe. Boston man give him (my grandfather) flag. Flag have stars--all same heaven nighttime."
    Here the old chief pointed upward.
    "First Boston man and my grandfather smoke him pipe," he continued. "First Boston man tell my grandfather about Great White Father in Washington, all same Roosevelt now. My grandfather say to first Boston man: 'Earth your mother; earth my mother; Boston man and Injun brother.' My grandfather give him (first Boston man) heap pony. First Boston man go to great water where sun go down. My grandfather keep him flag. He say to Palouse people: 'Great White Father in Washington heap good man. Palouse Injun be good all time to his people.'"
    Old Yellow Hair as he told me of his grandfather held up one hand. With the other he took mine and touched with it his little finger. "That me," said he. He next had me touch his ring finger, saying, "That my father." When I touched his middle finger, "That," said he, "my grandfather."
    "My grandfather die," the old chief went on, "my father chief. My father keep him flag. Heap Boston man come. Boston man take heap Injun land. Boston man tear him breast of Mother Earth. Bimeby ["by and by"], Governor Stevens say he want all Injuns come big powwow Walla Walla. All Injuns make him smoke (the signal fires).
    "Injun come powwow. Summer, long time, Walla Walla. I big man; first papoose big tillicum (warrior) that time. Heap tribes come. First come Nez Perces Injun, 2,500; Lawyer chief. Cayuse Injun come; Young Chief, chief. Walla Walla Injun come; two chief--Five Crows, Yellow Bird. Umatilla Injun come; Owhi chief. Yakima Injun come; Kamiakin chief. Five thousand Injun all."
    Then Hoo-sis-mox-mox told us in detail how each tribe came. He made marks on the ground to show the spots each chose for his camp. The large band of Nez Perces came first. A mile away they stopped. Only the chiefs rode to greet the Governor. Then at a signal the whole 2,500 painted Nez Perces galloped in single file, encircling in a spiral the small group of whites. They being friendly pitched their tepees near to that of the Governor. The other bands came with a like show. But none of them was friendly. When the Governor offered them tobacco they did not take it. This foreboded evil.
    "Governor Stevens stay long time--one moon. He take leaves, make arbor, keep sun away. Some day Stevens make him big eat under arbor. First time heap chief no come. Bimeby all chief come big eat. Every day Stevens make him heap talk. He say he want Injun name on paper. He want Injun give Boston man heap land; he want Injun go on reservation all same Injun got him reservation this time. Injun go on reservation. Great Father in Washington give all chief heap money every year. Great Father in Washington give all Injun money; give all Injun blanket, shirt, gun, heap thing. Great Father in Washington give all chief heap money every year. Great Father in Washington give all Injun money; give all Injun blanket, shirt, gun, heap thing. Great Father in Washington make him Injun house all same Boston man. Great Father in Washington make him Injun know book.
    "Injun talk. Lawyer, Nez Perces' chief, say: 'Nez Perces Injun know Boston man long time. Boston man bring Nez Perces book of Heaven. Nez Perces believe Boston man talk straight. Nez Perces obey law of Great White chief in Washington.' Nez Perces chief, Lawyer, sign him paper.
    "Young Chief talk. Young Chief say: 'Boston man, I show you my heart. This country all same Injun mother. This country give Injun birth; this country give Injun suck. If Injun say, "Boston man, sell your mother," how Boston man feel? Cayuse Injun no want Boston man house, Boston man money, Boston man book.' Young Chief no sign paper.
    "Five Crows talk. Five Crows say: 'I no sell land. One time I talk with Earth. Earth say: "Great Father put Earth here take care Indian. Earth make him roots for Indian, grass for pony." One day I talk with Water. Water make him talk all same Earth. Great Father say Injun no sell his country.'
    "Owhi talk. Owhi say: 'Owhi be afraid Great Father be mad if Owhi sell land.'
    "Yellow Bird talk. Yellow Bird say: 'Injun skin red; Boston man skin white. Injun eye, Injun eye; Boston eye, Boston eye. Injun heart, Injun heart; Boston heart, no Injun heart. Yellow Bird no know what Stevens mean. Yellow Bird wants wait.'
    "Kamiakin no talk."
    Thus old Hoo-sis-mox-mox told us of the great council which finally resulted in all the Indians signing the proposed treaty. By its terms the Indians represented at the powwow ceded to the whites all of their country, except three reservations--the Umatilla, the Yakima and the Nez Perces. The government got the fine land of the Northwest for how much per acre? Two cents!
    "Could you blame the Indians after this for their treachery?" said Stonewall Jackson to me as he explained more fully the words and meaning of Yellow Hair. "They signed the treaty because they were told they had to do so. Then they at once prepared for war.
    "The only tribe that kept its word was the Nez Perces. In a few days all of the other tribes, urged on by old Kamiakin, the sullen Yakima chief, who at the powwow 'no talk,' began killing settlers. The whites raised a volunteer regiment and took the field. My father was one of them. They met the Indians in battle at Walla Walla."
    "And you bet it was a great scrap, too," broke in the old scout, his eyes gleaming as he recalled the lively incidents of his young days out west.
    "You were in the fight at Walla Walla, then?" I asked.
    "Bet your life--right in the hot of it. And them Injuns certainly fit. We run into 'em at the mouth of a creek. We was both about 500 strong. It was colder'n h--l. The Injuns seen us. They come out jus' five of 'em, old Yellow Bird lead'n. He had a white flag. He comes up and tells Col. Kelly he don't want to fight. He asks the colonel to meet the Walla Wallas and have a powwow. The colonel kind o' thought the old chief wanted to play foxy and lead us all into the brush, where they could massy-cree us all. But the colonel wouldn't let Yellow Bird and the four Injuns with him go. and pretty soon we heard the d-------t whoopin' and yellin' of your life. Every bush was an Injun. And how they did scrap!
    "About this time Wolfskin, who was one of the five prisoners, think'n', I guess, we was onto their game, jerks out a knife, stabs one of our boys and tries to get away. In a minute there was five dead Injuns. Yellow Bird was one of 'em. With them Injuns in the brush we had it nip and tuck until night.
    "They was sly devils. Next mornin' we thought they had all gone. We struck into the brush. All at oncet they popped up again. And what do you reckon they'd done? They'd tied dry grass in their hair and on their backs so that they looked jus' the same color as everything around 'em. They dug holes and got into 'em, and we couldn't tell where an Injun was. But I reckon we got about twenty of 'em jus' the same. You know you can't tell how many Injuns you kill, because they always carry off their dead to keep you from scalpin' 'em.
    "I'd like to tell you more about the scrap, but the rain's kind o' let up and I've got to be goin'. My mules got out of the corral last night. I've got to round 'em up."
    When the flap door of the tepee had closed behind the old scout I asked my educated half-Indian friend if the battle of which we had just heard closed the war.
    "Oh, no," said he. "After the battle of Walla Walla and a few other fights a second council met. But the Indians would not make terms. They were finally overcome in the north. Yet they came near wiping out the entire command of Colonel Steptoe. This officer had gone to the Palouse country to build roads. He left most of his ammunition behind. He met the Palouses and the Coeur d'Alenes. They professed friendship, but they talked among themselves, planning a massacre. Timothy, a Nez Perces chief, who was acting as guide to Steptoe, stepped up to Saltese, the Coeur d'Alene, and said: 'What for you talk two tongues? You say white man you be his friend, you say [to] your people you kill Steptoe.'
    "Luckily it was near nightfall, and Steptoe was able to defend himself until dark. That night the enemy surrounded Steptoe. Thinking that they could best secure their prey the following morning, they gave up the darkness to the revel of a scalp dance. But Timothy went on a scout and found an unguarded pass. Through this he led Steptoe's company, and within twenty-four hours got them to the Snake River, where friendly Nez Perces squaws ferried them across out of the hostile country.
    "It required severe measures to end this war. Colonel Wright, however, was the man for it. He came to Spokane Plains and gave battle to the Indians there. Hoo-sis-mox-mox here was leading one of the five hostile tribes then, the Palouse. He can tell you about this better than I."
    "Wright come," began old Yellow Hair. "Injun say, 'We no let him slip away all same Steptoe.' Wright no Steptoe. Steptoe say he come make road. Wright say he come fight. Wright catch him Injun pony--two thousand pony. Wright kill him all Injun pony. Injun say, 'Wright heap big Boston.' Wright fight Injun. Spokane close. Injun fight. Bimeby Wright shoot big bullet--big all same head. Injun say, 'What mean big bullet?' I say Kamiakin, Yakima chief: 'My grandfather time first Boston man give Injun flag. Injun say he keep law great white chief in Washington. This day Injun fight Boston man. Great white chief tell Wright shoot big bullet, make Injun keep law.' Kamiakin say: 'Injun fight little bullet; Injun no fight big bullet.' Great Boston chief Kamiakin give Wright gun; all Injun give Wright gun.
    "Yellow Hair no more fight him Boston man. Yellow Hair heap glad. Yellow Hair been good Injun since that day. You stand on this land--Boston man; I stand on this land--Injun. Same Father make Boston man make Injun. Boston man all same Injun brother."
The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 28, 1903, page 31



    Sir--Whilst engaged in writing you a few lines yesterday morning, I received a message from Capt. Smith, informing me that the volunteers had made a descent upon a small band of Indians, camped about two miles from Fort Lane, in which several Indians were killed. I immediately repaired to the scene of action and found that Sambo's band of Indians had been attacked just at the break of day, simultaneous with an attack upon Jake's people, who were camped about one-half mile above Thompson's ferry (better known to you by the name of Camp Alden), on the bank of the river. Capt. Smith sent a detachment of dragoons to inform themselves of the nature of the difficulties, and to see what had been done; upon arriving at Sambo's camp were found two dead women; one had died a natural death, and one had recently been shot. I learned from Sambo that one woman was slightly wounded, and that two boys had been wounded, each shot in the arm. They were all taken to Fort Lane and provided for.
    We then proceeded to Jake's camp, where we found twenty-three dead bodies, and a boy who escaped said he saw two women floating down the river, and it is quite probable several more were killed whose bodies were not found. I had apprehended danger, and had so informed the Indians several days previous, and Capt. Smith had notified the Indians that if they wanted protection they had to come onto the reserve or to Fort Lane. It seems from their statements that they had concluded to go on the reserve, and had accordingly started on Sunday evening, leaving the old men and women behind to follow on Monday. In the meantime this attack was made quite early in the morning, which resulted as above stated. There were found killed eight men, four of whom were very aged, and fifteen women and children, all belonging to Jake's band. The attack was so early in the morning, it is more than probable that the women were indistinguishable from the men.
    Upon the part of the whites, James Lupton, the captain of the company, received a mortal wound, from the effects of which he has since died, and a young man by the name of Shepherd is supposed to be mortally wounded. Several others slightly.
    The night following this affair, the Indians rallied together, killed some cattle on Butte Creek, and it is supposed have since joined old man John, who I suppose had been waiting some time for a pretext to commence hostilities, only desiring the assistance of some other Indians, which this unfortunate occurrence secured to him--that of the Butte Creek at any rate--and I apprehend many disaffected Indians will join. On Monday night a young man by the name of Wm. Gwin, in the employ of the Agency, who was engaged at work on the west end of the reserve in company with some Indians, near old John's house, was killed and his body was horribly mutilated, cut across the forehead and face with an ax, apparently as he lay asleep; they then destroyed or took off what provisions and tools that were at camp. They then repaired to Mr. Jewett's ferry, killed one man who was camped at the ferry, and wounded two others. Next I heard of them at Evans' ferry, where they fired at the inmates of the house as they passed, wounding one man, supposed to be mortally. They had with them, at the time they passed, several American horses and mules which they had doubtless stolen the night previous. Mr. Birdseye lost three or four, and Dr. Miller several, Mr. Schieffelin one; they were seen by Mr. Birdseye running some mules off that morning.
    Old Chief Sam gathered his and Elijah's people together and protected the hands who were employed to work on that part of the reserve, as also the cattle and other property belonging to the Agency. Neither he nor his people want war, nor do I believe they can be made to fight except in self-defense.
    The whole populace of the country have become enraged, and intense excitement prevails everywhere, and I apprehend it will be useless to try to restrain those Indians in any way, other than to kill them off. Nor do I believe it will be safe for Sam and his people to remain here, if any other disposition can be made of them; it should by all means be attended to immediately. I doubt very much if the military will be able to afford them the requisite protection.
    Sam entertains the opinion that Jake's people will fight till they are all killed off; John will doubtless do the same.
    I hardly believe that either Limpy or George desire a war, but have no doubt many of their people will engage with those that do, and possibly they may too. Neither of them or their people are upon the reservation, nor have not been for some weeks, and should either of them be caught sight of, they will most certainly be shot.
    Taking all circumstances into consideration, I think it hardly possible to avert the most disastrous and terrible war that this country has ever been threatened with.
    Oct. 10th. Whilst waiting an opportunity to send my former communication, additional news has come to hand. After the wounding of those men at Evans' ferry, the Indians pursued the main traveled road towards the Canyon, where I learned from a company of packers who have just arrived that they saw seven dead men lying in the road in different places between Mr. Evans' ferry and Mr. Wagoner's--several trains had been robbed--and several wagons had been plundered, and I suspect every person who passed the road has been killed. I expect to have to record still sadder news before the week closes. A greater destruction of life will probably never be caused by the same number of people, or more horrid atrocities be perpetrated, than by those Shasta Indians. They are well provided with arms, both guns and revolvers, and skillful in the use of them. I do not believe more desperate or reckless men ever lived upon the earth, and I have no doubt but that they have made up their minds to fight till they die.
Gen. Palmer, Sup't. Ind. Affairs,
    Dayton, O.T.
    Oct. 11. Today a dispatch arrived from Major Fitzgerald, who was in pursuit of the Indians. From his statement, it appears that all the houses between Evans' ferry and Jump-off Jo Creek were destroyed by fire. Mrs. Jones escaped wounded, with her little girl, to Mr. Vannoy's. [She may not have had a little girl; Mrs. Jones died soon after.] Mrs. Wagoner and little daughter were both burned in their house--probably massacred first. Her husband was away from home at the time. Mrs. Harris escaped. Her husband was killed and her little girl wounded in the arm. I am unable to give you the names of the killed. The Major discovered ten Indians on horseback--pursuit was immediately made and five of them killed under full jump. The others got into the mountains and escaped. Sam and his people are camped at Fort Lane, where they will have to be provided for. They are willing to submit to anything for the sake of peace. From Maj. Fitzgerald's note, I learn it is quite probable that George and all his people will join with old John, and I am satisfied nearly or quite all of Limpy's and the Applegates will unite with them, with probably one or two exceptions. The Scotons are in for a free fight, and have been for two months past. I  have but little doubt of eighty-five or one hundred Indians uniting, exclusive of a number of disaffected Indians belonging to surrounding bands.            G.H.A.
    Evans' ferry, Oct. 12. I learn from Major Fitzgerald that he found two more dead bodies yesterday, and no doubt any longer exists but that George and all his people will take part with the Shastas. If it is possible for you to come out here, you had better come, or give me specific instructions.
            G. H. Ambrose.
"Rogue River War," Pioneer and Democrat, Olympia, Washington, October 26, 1855, pages 2-3
The original letter can be found on NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 93. A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 323-326.  The newspaper transcription omits the last lines of the letter: "I have written you before this that I desired to be relieved from the office of Indian Agent. Have you received that letter. I cannot serve longer than the close of the quarter in no event."



Dear Sir
    I have but little time to write. We have an Indian war on our hands in the North, a war which in its results is likely to prove more disastrous to Oregon and Washington territories than anything heretofore happening to us. Unlike the single acts of aggression usual in Southern Oregon, this is a movement of powerful, skillful and sagacious, as well as well-armed, tribes, supplied with abundant means to wage war for several months. They have beaten our troops, and flushed with victory are drawing to their support accessions of friendly bands from mere fear of meeting the threatened fate of annihilation should they refuse to join them.
    The Yakamas, Klickitats, Piscoes and a part of the Palouses have confederated, and it is more than probable other tribes may unite with them. As yet the difficulties have been confined to the north side of the Columbia, but Oregon has contributed her vagabond Indians to swell the number of the enemy. You will see by the papers a call for volunteers and the movement of matters generally. Try by all means to keep things quiet in your district, but if it comes to war, do not fail to have those who have caused so much trouble properly chastised. I would suggest that you will set a day for all Indians treated with to be upon the reservation, after which any found outside without a pass from you be declared an outlaw, and treated as an enemy.
    My messenger Mr. Chamberlin has crossed the plains this season expressly to aid in teaching and Christianizing the Indians. It will be an uphill business, but doubtless he will be a useful person among those inclined to do right. Others must have more powerful and effective remedies. The rope will doubtless be a better lesson and have the desired effect, and it should not fail to be applied when needed. Great wrongs have undoubtedly been done the Indian, but when war comes between the two races, who can hesitate how to act? Let us strive to remedy the wrong and seek to remove the cause. Let us also fail not to punish our own people when it is requisite, for those troubles mostly lie at our own door.
George H. Ambrose Esq.
    Indian Agent
        Rogue River O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 315-316.


    It is hereby ordered that the Indians in the Willamette Valley, parties to the treaty of the 10th January, 1855, shall be forthwith collected on the temporary reservations heretofore or now to be assigned them, to remain under the direction of such persons as may be appointed to act for the time being as their local agents.
    The names of all adult males and boys over 12 years of age shall be enrolled, and the roll called daily.
    When anyone shall be absent at roll call, the fact shall be noted, and unless a satisfactory reason be rendered, the absentee shall be regarded as a person dangerous to the peace of the country and dealt with accordingly.
    Any Indian found outside of his designated temporary reservation, without being able to satisfactorily account therefor, shall be arrested and retained in custody so long as shall be deemed necessary, or should he be a stranger not belonging to any of the bands of this valley he shall be placed for safekeeping in the county jail or taken to Fort Vancouver.
    But should he prove a spy from the enemy, he will be immediately turned over to the military authorities.
    Any Indian who has joined or may hereafter join the hostile bands, give them information, or in any way aid or assist them in making war against the whites shall be regarded as having thereby forfeited all rights under the treaty and excluded from any benefits to be derived therefrom. He will, moreover, be regarded as an enemy, and it will be the duty of all friendly Indians to deliver such up to the agents or civil officers, and in no case to afford them encouragement or protection.
    The persons designated to act as local agents will use a sound discretion in regard to the number of firearms the Indians may be permitted to retain at their encampments.
    No Indian will be permitted to leave his assigned encampment unless by written permit from the local or special agent.
    The local agents will each be furnished with proper supplies of flour and beef and will issue rations to the Indians when necessary of one pound of each per day to each adult, and less in proportion to children, as they may judge them to require.
    Should any member of these bands desire to reside with and labor for the settlers he may be permitted to do so, the agent obtaining a guarantee from the person for whom the labor is to be performed, in each case, for the fidelity and good conduct of the Indian.
    Every effort will be made by the local agents to ascertain whether any Indians of the valley have left the settlements with hostile intentions, and the names of such, together with the proofs, will be reported to this office.
    E. R. Geary will superintend the arrangement of encampments and designate persons to act as local agents for the respective bands.
    Berryman Jennings is appointed special sub-Indian agent for the Willamette Valley, and as such will cooperate with Mr. Geary in carrying into effect the foregoing regulations.
    The encampments assigned the several bands and the name of the local agent for each will be reported to this office and published in the papers of this valley for the benefit of all concerned.
    The same precautions will be observed in regard to the tribes and bands within this Superintendency embraced in the treaties lately negotiated east of the Cascade Mountains, and Agent R. R. Thompson will assign the temporary encampments to the several bands and designate proper persons to act as local agents, call the rolls, and distribute the necessary rations.
    Agent Ambrose will make similar arrangements in regard to the Indians in the Rogue River District embraced in the treaties of the 10th September, 1853, and 18th November, 1854.
    The various rolls will be kept with accuracy and care and forwarded to the Superintendent's office, at Dayton, it being determined to make these rolls the criterion in the payment of annuities, and no Indian whose name is not enrolled, and who cannot give a satisfactory reason for the omission, or who shall refuse to comply with the foregoing regulations, shall be embraced in said payment.
    This order, though it may be regarded as arbitrary and unwarranted in the ordinary state of affairs, is, in view of existing hostilities, deemed necessary, as it is extremely difficult to distinguish among our Indian population the well disposed and friendly from the vicious and hostile, and from the fact that representations have been made warranting the belief that members of one or more bands have already left this valley and joined the hostile tribes north of the Columbia River.
    The measure is claimed no less a security to the white settlements than to the friendly bands of Indians, nor is it designed to abridge in the least the rights secured by the treaties to the Indians, but if possible to avert hostilities with these bands.
    Citizens generally are requested to give this order a proper interpretation and to exercise a due degree of forbearance in their dealings with the Indians, but at the same time to keep a vigilant watch over them and report to the acting agents the presence of strange Indians among us, and render such aid in their apprehension as may tend to protect our persons and property and secure peace.
   
    Since preparing the foregoing regulations, information has been received at this office that a portion of the Indians in Southern Oregon and Northern California have exhibited hostile demonstrations endangering the peace of the settlements in Umpqua Valley; it is therefore ordered that the Indians embraced in the treaties of 19th September, 1853, being the Cow Creek band of Umpquas and those of the Umpqua and Calapooia tribes, treated with on the 29th November, 1854, be assembled on the reservation designated by that treaty.
    William J. Martin is appointed special sub-Ind. agent for the bands embraced in these two treaties, and as such will cooperate with Agent Geo. H. Ambrose in carrying out the foregoing regulations.
    Sub-Indian Agent E. P. Drew and special Sub-Indian Agent Ben Wright will, if they believe the peace of the settlement requires it, adopt the same precautions with the tribes and bands within their districts.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frame 1197.  A copy is also on NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 611 Oregon Superintendency, 1858-1859, frame 559.  Interpreter John Flett's copy is at the Beinecke Library, WA MSS 370.


Dear Sir
    I have this day placed in the hands of Joseph Chamberlin Esq., my messenger, seventeen hundred and fifty dollars for use in the Rogue River Indian Agency District, for which you will account under the following appropriations, to wit:

	Adjusting difficulties & preventing outbreaks	500.
	Incidental expenses 3rd qr. 1855	500.
	1st of 10 installments for pay of physician, purchase of medicines & expenses
	of care of sick per 5th article treaty 18 Nov. 1854	250.
	Salary of Indian agent 3rd qr. 1855	375.
	"        "  Interpreter     "    "       "	125.
		$1750.

    Other remittances will be made you immediately on the return of Mr. Metcalfe, who has been sent as messenger to San Francisco to obtain the cash for drafts which could not be realized in this Territory. Please date and sign the accompanying receipts and transmit to this office.
George H. Ambrose Esq.
    Ind. Agent Dardanelles O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 315.



Sir
    I herewith enclose a copy of regulations for the direction of Indian agents in the Oregon Indian Superintendency, which I have regarded under the present exigencies as absolutely demanded. The large number of men and arms withdrawn from this Territory to act against the hostile tribes in Washington renders the settlers residing in remote districts apprehensive of danger from the bands scattered among us. These Indians are scattered over a wide extent of country, and many of them have been in the habit of mingling with a portion of the hostile bands and in some instances are suspected of sympathizing with them. In the event of a repulse of our troops, these might be induced to operate against us. In their present locations great opportunities are afforded for securing spies that may be sent among them from the hostile bands. The plan adopted is designed to lessen these opportunities and restore confidence among our citizens. Wrought up by excitement as the minds of the settlers now are, the least offense on the part of an Indian would most likely result in unwarranted excesses, leading to a rupture with these bands.
    The expense will undoubtedly exceed the appropriation for adjusting difficulties and preventing outbreaks, and it is hoped that funds may be remitted from other appropriations to meet these exigencies.
    Since writing the above, a messenger has arrived from Rogue River Valley with information that those Indians have taken arms and have already murdered twenty-five or thirty families, and are burning houses and laying waste the whole country. The messenger bearing this intelligence to the Governor, now at Portland, passed a family from this point and sent a verbal message. His report is that the communication between the Umpqua Valley and Jacksonville is cut off. The accounts may be much exaggerated, yet I put much confidence in them, as the letters of Agent Ambrose heretofore transmitted indicate a restlessness among the Indians and a strong probability of hostilities.
    A portion of our own people seem to desire war, and it is greatly to be feared that it has been forced upon us, much against the wish of a large portion of the Indians of that district. But if commenced, whatever may have caused it, I apprehend nothing short of annihilation of these bands will terminate hostilities.
    We may be able to save a portion of the Indians of Umpqua and this valley, and perhaps portions of the bands along the coast with a few of those east of the Cascade Mountains, but the race is doomed on this coast unless a strong military force be thrown in as a shield. They must at all events be humbled and taught the folly of attempting to redress their own wrongs. This will require a great sacrifice of the lives and property of our citizens, and whole neighborhoods of our scattered population will be cut off. An army of ten thousand men will not be more than adequate to meet the requirement of the service in this and Washington territories, if, as there is now good reason to believe, a general concert of action has been agreed upon among the Indians north and south.
    Enclosed is an extra Statesman just placed in my hands. I regard the reports as lacking confirmation and as based to a great extent on conjecture. The great excitement causes a trifling incident related at one point to increase as it proceeds to an alarming magnitude. On the receipt of more reliable information your office will be duly advised.
    The amount of labor connected with negotiations and the suppression of hostilities in this Superintendency has placed it beyond my power to prepare and transmit an annual report. Estimates for the next fiscal year will be submitted at an early day. The reports of agents Thompson and Ambrose and the various communications from this office will it is believed supply in a great measure and supersede the necessity of a regular annual report.
    Enclosed herewith is a letter from Agent Thompson containing an account of the repulse and retreat of Major Haller and command.
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny
    Commissioner Ind. Affairs
        Washington City D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1190-1194.  The undated "extra" of the Oregon Statesman, probably from October 15, 1855, is transcribed here.


Dear Sir,
    I have this morning dispatched by way of Scottsburg to your office a messenger with funds and letters for you. The amount transmitted you will account for under the following heads of appropriations, to wit:

	Adjusting difficulties and preventing outbreaks	$500.
	Incidental expenses 3rd qr. 1855	500.
	1st of 10 installments for pay of physician, purchase of medicines and expenses
	of care of sick per 5th article treaty 18th November 1854	250.
	Salary of Indian agent 3rd qr. 1855	375.
	"        "  Interpreter     "    "       "	125.
		1750.

    Immediately on the return of Mr. Metcalfe from San Francisco, whither he has gone to have certain drafts cashed, another remittance will be made. The amount now transmitted, with what you have on hand, will probably answer your purposes in the interval.
    You will be permitted to apply out of this year's annuity fund under the treaty of 10th September 1853 one thousand dollars for agricultural purposes upon the reservation, and by the consent of the chiefs this may be applied in the payment of outstanding liabilities contracted for such objects as planting, harvesting, seed &c.
    The 2nd installment under this treaty has been remitted and will be available on Metcalfe's return, and you will immediately inform me of the kind of articles most needed by the Indians for winter use.
    I send by today's mail a copy of regulations for the guidance of agents in this Superintendency pending existing hostilities.
    Your district has been embraced in the order as being particularly in need of such a regulation to ensure peace and prevent impositions being practiced upon us in the payment of annuities.
    It must be generally understood that all absentees, unless for satisfactory reasons, will be excluded from the benefits of annuity payments, and it is my desire that this order be regarded as imperative. We must know who are friends and who enemies.
    Enclosed is a copy of the Governor's proclamation calling for eight companies of volunteers. Other papers and advices will doubtless put you in possession of the facts relating to the present condition of affairs as late as I have them. The company from this country will leave LaFayette tomorrow morning. There must undoubtedly be another call, for it will require a force of fifteen hundred men to subdue these Indians, and if sent out by dribs they will be cut off. The Indians are well armed and will fight like tigers. It is not to be single-handed combats between weak vagabond bands and marauding parties, but a war waged by powerful tribes in possession of means to defy a large force. May we not hope for the dragoon force in your valley; cavalry alone is fitted for this service.
    I have this moment received intelligence of Indian hostilities in your district, but do not give full credence to the reports. It is not unlikely, however, that on learning the difficulties north with such exaggerated reports of their success it may have inspired them with hope. In fact it is not improbable that preconcerted arrangements may have been entered into through the medium of the Klickitats, who have been roaming throughout Southern Oregon the last few years and extensively supplying the southern Indians with arms and ammunition.
    My messenger may not be able to reach you. Try by all means to advise me of the conditions of things in your district. Among so many reports it is difficult to arrive at the facts.
Geo. H. Ambrose Esq.
    Ind. Agent
        Dardanelles O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 319-320.



    Oregon Indians.--Instructions have just been issued from the General Land Office for a large temporary reservation on the Pacific Coast for the Umpqua, Willamette and other coast tribes of Indians, extending from Cape Lookout, south, to a point about midway between the Umpqua and [Siltcoos? Siuslaw?] rivers, and running back to the Coast Range of mountains, with a view to their consolidation and to facilitate the white settlements as well as the domestication of the Indians. The necessary instructions have also been communicated for a small permanent reservation for the Rogue River tribe in the forks of Rogue River and Evans Creek opposite Fort Lane, under their treaty of the 19th of September, 1853.
    By these arrangements, large districts of country recently ceded by the several tribes will be thrown open to settlement, and many causes of dissatisfaction, and even conflict, between the races will be removed, which past experience has shown to be incidental to the rapid settlement of a new country.
Evening Star, Washington, D.C., November 17, 1855, page 2



Dear Sir
    Enclosed please find regulations for the guidance of agents in this Superintendency, as also census lists and provision returns.
    You will conform as near as possible to these regulations here set forth, confining the expenditures within the lowest possible amount consistent with the necessities of these Indians and the safety of the community.
    Be particularly watchful of strange Indians, or others who excite improper feelings and sentiments among that band. Doubtless some may regard it unusually severe but the safety of the Indians demand that this policy should be adopted.
    In the event of mischief being done by others you and others having charge of encampments will be able to exonerate those under their charge from such acts, but if on the contrary they have no one to certify as to their presence at the encampments our people will be sure to punish first whom they may meet.
    The policy must be carried out--and a refusal on their part to comply would be followed by hostilities. Keep liquor out of the camps and arrest the first Indian found drunk and keep him tied till he is sober--and spare no pains to find out where they get their liquor.
    I have but little time to write.
John Flett Esq.
    Special Sub. ind. Agent
        Wapato Salem
Beinecke Library WA MSS 370



Genl. Palmer, Dear Sir
    By the enclosed letter from Ben Wright, which I send that you may form some idea of the prompt and decided steps taken to prevent hostilities within his district. It may be necessary to give you some account of the news which has reached here and which induced Ben to leave the mouth of Rogue River where he had been for a time managing the Chetco bands, amongst whom and some whites a difficulty had recently occurred. Lieut. Kautz with ten men and a guide started 9 or 10 days ago on the examination of the proposed road from here to Jacksonville; he took a due east course and in 30 miles reached the Big Bend of Rogue River. On his arrival he found the settlers in great alarm, leaving for protection from a threatened attack of a large body of hostile Indians from Applegate Creek Valley. It seems by the news brought by the Lieut. that some friendly Indians had come down the valley from Grave Creek and warned the settlers to leave, as a large body of hostile Indians were coming to kill all the whites in Rogue River Valley and the valleys adjacent to it. The Indians reported that some 20 white settlers and a party of 10 U.S. troops from Fort Lane were already killed, that the Indians had descended the valley as far as the mouth of Grave Creek, and were going to burn the store or trading post of Dr. Reeves, having already murdered the Dr. at his ranch 4 miles above. The settlers did not believe the report and after awhile concluded to go; one or two in company with the Indian who brought the report (they lived only a short distance below the store) went to see--going up a hill carefully and not far from the store, they beheld the house in flames and some 60 or more Indians dancing the war dance around it. The Indian told them that the war party after killing the Dr. came on to the store, where was a young man whose name was known only as Sam and one or two others about, that the savages told Sam that they had come to kill him; he thought them in jest, made no resistance to such a cool demand. They did as they had threatened, cut him in quarters and salted him. After taking what flour and other articles they wanted, [they] set fire to the building of the burning of which was witnessed by the party of whites above alluded to who at once left, and on their way down accidentally met Lieut. Kautz and his party at "Big Bend," who at once put his men in position in a good log house with 9 guns and all the ammunition and stores he had, and in company with a guide left for the fort here, arriving at one o'clock in the morning of the 16th and left for the camp the same night, preparatory to a resistance of the farther advance of the hostile party, or if necessary to make a demonstration upon them. What will be the result I know not. The Indians will be emboldened by the success they have already gained, and the arms and provision they have taken will or may make them quite formidable. It is said that the cause of this outbreak is the taking from the reserve and hanging the week before last some Indians near Jacksonville for murders committed on Humbug Creek near Yreka last summer. Of course nearly all the proceeding is but reports, as yet only as to the burning of Dr. Reeves' store, for its truth I have seen and conversed with one of the men who says he was one of the party who went upon the hill and saw the store in flames &c. In consequence of this you see the course of Ben Wright, and I know of no better course he can pursue. By the way, I think he deserves great credit for the coolness and calculation manifested in his plan. If anything further occurs, I will let you know.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 331.  The original is on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1258-1261.



Dear Sir
    I enclose herewith regulations and census and provision return for the guide of agents in their respective districts during existing hostilities.
    A stated in the regulations, if you deem it absolutely necessary in order to maintain peace you will act upon the general orders therein contained and account for the expenditures under the head of Adjusting Difficulties and Preventing Outbreaks.
    But you will incur no expense unless deemed absolutely necessary.
    The instructions are believed sufficiently explicit to supersede the necessity of additional explanations. Be vigilant and arrest all strange and suspicious Indians Indians or others who may be suspected of exciting discord. Advise me of your action in the premises and of the feelings of the Indians in your district.
C. P. Drew Esq.
    Scottsburg
        Umpqua O.T.
Joel Palmer Correspondence, Oregon Historical Society Research Library MSS 114-3, folder 1/53



Sir
    Information deemed by the executive reliable has been received, confirming the reports mentioned in my last communication that a number of families had been murdered by hostile Indians in the Rogue River Valley. Very much however is still in the dark. That there is a small band of Indians in that country determined to rob and murder, justifying the calling into the field a military force, I have no doubt, but I am unwilling to believe any considerable number of Indians have combined for hostile purposes in that district.
    I enclose you the second proclamation of the Governor calling for volunteers to operate in Southern Oregon.
    No decisive movement has as yet been made in the Yakima country by our troops. The Indians are said to be assembled in the Simcoe Valley to the number of two thousand warriors, eager for a fight.
    The movements indicate a protracted war, the topography of the country, favoring the mode of warfare practiced by the Indians. The enclosed letter, without date, from Agent. R. R. Thompson, indicates his views in reference to the result of a second repulse of our troops. Enclosed please find regulations for the guidance of Indian agents in this Superintendency. Upon the receipt of intelligence from the south I added an additional paragraph.
    A gentleman from Corvallis of undoubted veracity arrived this morning with intelligence that a messenger had reached that point from Rogue River with information that companies of miners and others had organized and commenced an indiscriminate slaughter of all Indians found on Table Rock Reservation, that they had already killed one hundred and six men, women and children.
    The particulars attending the attack upon one of the villages are given. It states a party of 18 men commanded by Mr. Lupton proceeded to the Indian camp during the night, remaining a short distance till daylight, when they rushed upon them and killed over thirty, old and young. Mr. Lupton received a mortal wound from which he soon after died. No others of the party were injured. The details attending the slaughter of others is not given. They are all represented as having been friendly Indians. If it becomes a fixed policy to permit wholesale butchery of defenseless women and children of those of our friendly bands of Indians, who in accordance with treaty stipulations locate upon temporary or permanent reservations and comply with all the requirements of such treaties and the regulations and directions of the agents of the government placed among them, the officers of the Indian Department may as well be disbanded. Pledges of aid and protection by the government to such as enter into treaty stipulations are but empty bubbles, made only to be violated by our people. We as agents of the government are made the instruments by which to prepare them for the slaughter. Our pledges are broken, confidence destroyed, and unless supported in our efforts to maintain the faith of the government, we might as well close the office in this Superintendency.
    Reports would indicate a bad feeling entertained by those marauding parties against the officers commanding at Fort Lane and those engaged in the Indian Department, and that it was highly probable a hostile meeting would take place.
    John Cain Esq., Indian agent for Washington Territory, has just arrived from the Dalles, and I am put in possession of the enclosed letters from agents Olney and Thompson, marked "A," "B" & "C." I still entertain hopes that Mr. Olney may be able to obtain an interview with Peu-peu-mox-mox, the head chief of the Walla Wallas, and that he may be induced to decide in favor of peace. I am assured by Joel Carey that a force will be sent to the relief of the settlers in the Walla Walla Valley.
    Should all these tribes unite against us, a protracted and bloody war will be the consequence. Raw recruits of infantry constitute nearly the entire available force that can be brought into the field. These men, when mounted, are almost useless for such service. Cavalry alone is adequate to meet these Indians. The number of volunteer force called out by proclamation of the Governor of date 11th inst. will not, I apprehend, with their present equipments and inexperience, be sufficient to ensure a successful campaign.
    The inclement season of the year will tend greatly to operate against the success of the command. They have a high chain of mountains to cross before reaching the enemy's country, and to operate effectively a post should be established in the heart of their country [and] another in the Walla Walla country. To garrison these posts, and others already established, transport supplies and carry on offensive measures, the force is entirely inadequate. There seems also to be an inadequate supply at the military posts in this Territory of all the requisites to properly equip and carry on a war with these Indians.
    A lack of suitable arms, ammunition and means of transportation are among the difficulties to overcome.
    It is I believe conceded by all that a winter campaign will be the most likely to accomplish the object, but it should be prosecuted with energy so as to deter other tribes from uniting in this alliance.
    A messenger from my office at Dayton hands me the originals, from which the enclosed copies have been taken. I purpose starting for the Dalles this evening to aid Agent Thompson in arranging encampments in his district. If a force can be secured warranting it, efforts will be made to establish an encampment on the Umatilla River, and upon the reservation designated by the treaty with the Walla Wallas, Cayuses &c.
Honl. George W. Manypenny
    Comr. Ind. Affairs
        Washington City
            D.C.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 1201-1205.  A copy is on  NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 355-356.






Sir
    Since last mail day nothing of interest has transpired. The Indians have fled into the mountains 'tis not known where. An Indian girl came into Dr. Barkwell's house on Applegate. The Dr. requested she should be taken to Fort Lane, some volunteers started with her, but killed her on the way. I don't know as the circumstance is worthy of mention, I only allude to it to show the disposition of the men who are now in the field, and how difficult it must necessarily be to get along with them smoothly. I saw Capt. Lamerick and conversed with him about the Umpqua portion of this district. Mr. Magruder has been appointed special sub Indian Agent, I suspect, from what I learn, a better appointment could not have been made. I learn by Capt. Lamerick that he has collected the Indians together on the Reservation. The information which I gave you last mail in relation to the difficulties in Lookingglass Prairie may or may not be correct. I had it from rumor and suppose I had it as near correct as it could be got amidst so much confusion.
    The facts of the case I suspect will be laid before you by special sub Agent Magruder.
    Those Indians at the Fort [Lane] remain quietly as usual.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 415-417.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 363-364.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 417-419.



To Geo. W. Manypenny Esq.
    Commr. of Indian Affairs
        Sir,
            I have to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 3rd instant, and its enclosures, the sketch plats and field notes of survey of the reservation for the Rogue River Indians, covering parts of Townships 34, 35 and 36 South of Ranges 2 & 3 West, and Townships 35 and 36 South of Range 4 West of the Willamette Meridian on Rogue River and Evans Creek, Oregon Territory, made under their treaty of the 10th of September 1853.
    In reply I have to state that the plats of the public surveys of only four of the townships, to wit, Township 36 South of Ranges 2, 3 and 4 West and Township 35 South of Range 2 W., covered in part of the above reservation, have been returned to this office, and that I have this day communicated copies of all the paper enclosed in your letter to the Surveyor General of Oregon, with instructions to cause the lines of the reservation to be carefully laid down & the fractions calculated on the township plats yet to be returned to this office and the land officers and to transmit amended maps of the townships heretofore returned showing the reservation.
 NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 851-852..




Sir
    As I have an opportunity I will send you a few lines. Nothing has transpired of an alarming character recently. The Indian alarmist and exterminators are cooling off and the good people of the valley are beginning to believe they were sold. Sam's people are all at the Fort and apparently quite contented and I believe the people of the valley are content to let them remain so. As soon as this organization shall have been completed in accordance with the proclamation, no longer any danger need be feared from unprovoked assaults. Bruce is elected Major, a very sensible man and quite friendly to Sam's people. I have but little doubt in the course of a month or so the Indians will be permitted to return to their reserve. A healthy reaction is taking place in the public mind, and none seem to doubt his [Sam's] innocence. As the express man is in great haste I will close & write you by next mail.
Joel Palmer Esq.
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 410-411.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 369.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 412-413.



Maj. Wm .J. Martin
    Sir
        In accordance with your request I now have the pleasure of reporting to you the condition of the Indians remaining on the Umpqua reserve. The number of males over the age of twelve years is 67 and the number of females over the age of twelve years is 28. The number of males and females under twelve years is 62, making in total 217.
    The following is the number of Klamaths or Molallas. Indians remaining on the Umpqua reserve for their protection is males over twelve years is 10; the number of females over the age of twelve years is 8, and the number of males and females under the age of twelve years is 12, making in total 30, making in all that is on the reserve a total of 247.
    They have no guns or pistols with the exception of two rifles which I have allowed them to have for hunting purposes, which helps them very much, as they are close to the mountains in which there is great numbers of deer. They keep the rifles going every day, first by one and then by another. There is no danger to be apprehended from them so long as they are let remain in their present position.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 3, Document 683.



Sir
    In the assembling of the Umpqua Indians and subsisting them at the encampment, an expense has been incurred for which no funds have been remitted. On your return from Rogue River Valley you will pay such claims as you find just and properly incurred in carrying out my instructions to W. J. Martin, taking duplicate vouchers for the same. The funds for this object will be furnished at this office prior to your setting out on your journey. Upon your arrival at Fort lane if you find that the teams at that point are sufficient to transport the requisite baggage and subsistence for those Indians as far as Umpqua Valley, you will dispatch a messenger to meet the pack train sent out, so as to stop them in the Umpqua Valley, where they may be turned to the Umpqua Reservation to aid in removing those Indians.
R. B. Metcalfe Esq.
    Sub-Ind. Agent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 364.



Sir:
    I have just returned from a visit to the Umpqua reservation, where I found everything pertaining to the agency being conducted according to your instructions; the names of all adult males and boys over twelve years of age have been enrolled; special sub agent Magruder calls the roll daily and issues to them rations of beef and flour. He apprehends no danger whatever of an outbreak on the part of the Umpqua Indians. In examining their reservation I found very little good tillable land. If it should be your design to colonize those Indians on the coast, it had better be done before expending any portion of their annuities in agricultural purposes on the present reservation. I suspect, however, all things considered, they could be kept more economically and to a better advantage where they are for the present, than they could in the event of their removal to the coast. Flour is being purchased at the rate of five and [a] half cents per pound, and beef at ten dollars per hundred. There is now on the Umpqua reservation two hundred and sixty six persons including all ages, thirty of whom are Klamaths, or Indians from the vicinity of Klamath Lake, with whom no treaty has ever been made. As they desired peace it was thought advisable to take them on to the reservation and care for them the same of [sic] those belonging there. In relation to the Table Rock reservation, I am hardly prepared to venture an opinion as to the best policy to be pursued with those Indians; they have an aversion to being removed, which arises in part from the attachment they bear for their native land, and again not the slightest apprehension need be entertained of an outbreak among them. They are inclined to peace, and under favorable auspices would soon become highly civilized. They have erected comfortable temporary winter quarters, and are to all appearances quite contented. Their conduct both before and since this war commenced has proved satisfactorily to me that their desire is to remain friendly with the whites. They gave up their arms without the least hesitancy; Sam at the same time averring, if fears were entertained of him to post a guard around him or put him in the guardhouse; he would submit to anything for the sake of peace for his people. They had at one time tried war, and were tired of it, had sought for peace and made a treaty to obtain it, which treaty they ever intended to hold inviolate. Up to the present time I have had no flour to purchase; of the wheat which they raised the past summer, and of which they have been subsisting upon ever since, there is a considerable quantity yet. I occasionally issue to them some flour (of which I received from you) for a change, and have been furnishing them beef ever since they were taken to the fort. Flour can be purchased at six, and beef at (12½) twelve & half cts. per pound; however, I suspect I will have to pay more for beef before spring unless I have money to buy with in which event I can get it for that, or probably less. Would it not be as well to use the money placed in my hands for building purposes, and replace that with the funds appropriated for this specific purpose?
    The ratio of decrease vastly exceeds that of the increase; since the eleventh of October last, when they were removed to this encampment, there has occurred ten deaths, seven girls and five boys, and but one birth.
    There is on the reserve nearly twenty acres of volunteer wheat, which looks exceedingly well, and I doubt not but it will make a good crop.
    Those hostile bands of Indians have gone down Rogue River. Just before they took their departure they went on to the reserve, burned all the boards and shingles there, and every article of value belonging to chief Sam's people;. A temporary house I had erected for the accommodation of persons laboring on the reserve shared the same fate; they also killed or drove away seven of the cattle belonging to the agency. The settled parts of this valley being nearly entirely destitute of grass, I was compelled to keep the agency stock on the reserve, which I endeavored to do by keeping a white man to accompany the Indians while herding their cattle and horses.
    The Indians have assembled in considerable numbers near what is called the Meadows on Rogue River, whither they have been pursued by the forces in the field, and probably by this time a very severe battle has been fought between them of which I may be able to inform you before the mail leaves.
    If it should be deemed advisable to resume work on the reservation it could be done by employing six or eight persons to work together; there would be no more danger than in any other part of this valley. In fact I doubt if there would be as much danger as there was before hostilities commenced. Again if it should be the object of the government to remove these Indians and make a permanent reservation for them, I [sic] had better be done at once, and save any further expenditure of money on this reserve. There are some bands of Indians a short distance up Rogue River who are not implicated in this war; that should in justice to the country be removed; if they are not removed, war with them is unavoidable.
Joel Palmer, Esq.,
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 418-422.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 382-384.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 420-424.



Sir
    I arrived here a few days ago on a visit to the Umpqua reservation. Mr. Magruder entertains the opinion that no fears need be apprehended of these Indians; they are collected together on the reservation and disarmed, and evince a friendly disposition. They are much in need of winter clothing, and if their annuities have arrived, it would be well to forward them out immediately. The Rogue Rivers were getting on smoothly when I left. Mr. Metcalfe was in charge of them; he assured me none had been absent at roll call yet. I have no news to communicate to you in relation to the movement of the troops, nothing official has yet been done. I received your letter before I left home, informing me of the near arrival of their annuities, and of your probable intention of moving these Indians to the coast. I have not had time to find out their minds fully on that subject; it is a matter which should require some consideration. Those new arrangements made with Indians should not be entered into hastily, except it meet their hearty approval. Had those Shasta and Scoton Indians been kept away from this reservation we would in all probability have avoided a war with any other Indians than themselves. I am well satisfied it was their influence that brought about a state of hostilities, and they were exasperated by being forced from their lands by our people before compliance upon the part of the government with the treaty, and being placed too near bands of the Indians against whom ancient feuds existed.
    I will write more particularly as soon as I return home. I am now on my way.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 403-405.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 371.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 405-407.



Genl. Palmer
    Dear Sir
        In Ben Wright's absence I will undertake to give you the news of this district. Wright has been amongst the coast Indians for nearly two weeks. Chance is up to the Coquille, where some excitement exists, but he assures me by letter yesterday that all will be well in that quarter; he has taken the seine to assist them in procuring fish for winter. Kautz & party returned on Sunday. He had a brush with the Indians near Grave Creek--two men killed and two wounded. He made a narrow escape, was shot in the breast, but the ball lodged in some sketch books in his breast pocket, tearing the skin a little. He and party made the fort and joined a company and on the 30th October attacked the Indians under command of Capt. Smith of Fort Lane; after an attempt of part of two days the whites were obliged to retire, having failed to dislodge the Indians. Kautz returned by Crescent City, as it was impossible to get back by Rogue River.
    The war party have not made a descent as far as Big Bend yet. There is a party of 25 whites in position there awaiting the Indians. All as yet is quiet in that quarter.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, page 400.




Mr. Geo. H. Ambrose
    Sub Indian Agent
        Sir, it is with much gratification that I see a great willingness of submission with the Indians on this reserve.
    They are mainly all on the reserve that belongs to this district all with the exception of some three to four men and eight to ten squaws which the Indians report to have been run off in the various attacks made upon them in this valley. Those on the reserve are comfortable fixed as they have constructed huts after their own mode of building which affords ample protection from the inclemency of the weather though there is cause of complaint. There has been much sickness with them, mostly the flux with which two children have died together with the desertion of one Umpqua and one Klamath, reducing their number four. Their conduct since they have been on the reserve has been such as would warrant the greatest safety of the people. On their part it speaks for them that they have been trespassed upon by the whites. As an action which took three in Lookingglass Prairie clearly illustrates, there was camped near the house of Mr. Arrington a party of over seventy-five friendly Indians of which there was twenty-two men which it appears had pitched their tent there for the security of themselves as Mr. Arrington had told them that in case they would come close to his house they would not be molested. They had not been camped there but a few days when a party of twenty-five or thirty men made on the 23rd of Oct. an attack upon them, killing three men and wounding one squaw, which afterwards and from the wound [died,] the party alleging that the Umpqua were harboring hostile Indians, of which there is no evidence.
    And after that action some three or four days a party of men made an attack upon a defenseless camp of Umpqua Indians, killing one man.
    Then came also one other abuse of an Indian, who was at the time and had been for a time past living with a Mr. Pierce who accompanied Mrs. Pierce on her way to one of the near neighbors on a visit. Immediately upon arriving with Mrs. Pierce at Mr. Gage's, Mr. Gage spoke of the danger of the Indians being killed so it was thought best for the Indian to return home as it would be a place of less publicity and consequently would be safer. So the Indian started and had not gone far when three persons met him. One of the party, placing himself behind a tree, fired at him. The Indian immediately put spurs to his horse and run, pursued by the men, whereupon coming on the bank of the South Umpqua River the Indian leaped from his horse and jumped into the river, making his escape with a heavy flesh would. There has been one other incidence in which there was one Indian killed by a small party of men the particulars of which is simply that he fell in with the Indian and shot him down because he happened to be an Indian.
    As I never knew in the first place and incidents show in the second place that the Indians in this valley has as great cause for complaint which shows their forbearance as there has been no tribe of Indians known that would not have rebelled with the half of the malicious treatment received by the Umpqua Indians.
    There has been transmitted so far plenty of beef and flour which has been issued to them every third or fourth day to the amt. of one pound of each per day to those over the age of twenty years and half that for those under twelve years of age.
    There has been purchased for those that were most destitute a few articles of clothing.




Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Dayton O.T.
        Sir
            I arrived here this morning (in advance of the horses a few hours) and find that there is not a pound of flour for sale in the place, & the river in such a stage that I cannot pass to the mill. Where could I reach I suppose (from report) the prospect for procuring flour would be doubtful, owing (as is said) from the pressing demand of the government requirements.
    I shall try to purchase, en route, from settlers, 1, 2 or 3 &c. hundred as opportunity offers (at reasonable rates) until the quantity is made up.
    Should I fail, I will advise you from Applegate's, per mail--or [sic]
    I overtook the two Umpqua Indians the 2nd day, with their horses fatigued. I took them, at their wish, & they are now with me.
    I traveled two days in extremely severe storms & jaded the animals severely--however nothing serious--all this p.m. is right. I shall leave here as soon as I finish this by way of the Applegate route.
    The mare and colt with which I started, belonging to Sambo, the Umpqua, in defiance of our exertions fled our train between Meredith's & Wm. Goodrich's claims.
    The persons who have expressed such inveteracy against the coming in of the Indians have recoiled a little. It appears that they were but few, & they were guided by motives of revenge, more against you than otherwise (not worth more now).
    Every person with whom we have conversed since appears highly gratified with the course you have adopted.
    No news from the south important.
    I have to write in haste--excuse it--
    I'm very chilly.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 112.



Sir,
    I have the honor to submit herewith, for your information and consideration and such action in connection with that which may be deemed proper by the War Department as may be advisable, the original letters and their respective enclosures, from Joel Palmer Esq., Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon Territory, of the 9th, 16th and 19th October last, respectively, which reached this office today.
    The letter of the 9th October confirms the information of the murder of Agent Bolon communicated to you in my report of the 16th ultimo, and details to a considerable extent the character of the difficulties and the causes thereof in the Oregon and Washington territories. It also refers to the means necessary to enable the government successfully to meet the existing crisis regarding our Indian relations in those territories both as to war and peace measures, and I have respectfully to invite your attention to the suggestions referred to, as well in the letter of the Superintendent as the report of Agent Geo. H. Ambrose for September and the letter of Agent R. R. Thompson enclosed therewith.
    The letter of the 16th encloses a printed copy of "regulations for the guidance of agents in the Oregon Indian Superintendency pending existing hostilities," of the 13th October, which the Superintendent has considered it proper to issue for the purposes herein stated; a letter from Agent R. R. Thompson of the 8th October, reporting information of a battle between Maj. Haller's command and the Indians, his defeat and other rumors of difficulties; and an extra from the Oregon Statesman, containing letters and other information relative to an "Indian outbreak in Southern Oregon--dwellings burned and families murdered." In this communication the Superintendent suggests the want of funds sufficient for the exigency of the service, details further information as to the rumors of hostilities and murders of families and expresses the opinion that a large effective force upon a war footing will be immediately required to meet the existing demand upon the government.
    The letter of the 19th October, which appears to have been kept open on the 20th and 21st and written from Portland, encloses two letters from Agent Thompson and two from Agent Olney, and printed copies of the proclamation of the Governor of Oregon and general orders looking to armament and defense against armed parties who have combined with the avowed purpose of waging an exterminating war against the Indians in Southern Oregon--also, a letter of the 21st October from E. R. Geary Esq., his clerk, giving additional facts and information touching the outbreak, the murders and the extent of the bloody drama then enacting in that country.
    It will be observed by this last letter from Superintendent Palmer that he is apprehensive that any force which may be obtained under the proclamations of Governor Curry will be insufficient for the service required and that mounted men only can be depended upon for the successful prosecution of a permanent peace. Your particular attention is called to the remarks of the Superintendent, under date of the 20th October, relative to the wholesale butchery of peaceable and friendly Indians upon their own reservation as prescribed and provided under treaty stipulations.
    Without further reference to the numerous points presented in the papers enclosed, I would respectfully request that, when you shall have duly considered their contents, they be returned, to be filed here. Should copies hereafter be required for the use of your Department, they can be made. From the importance of the subject, any action that may be concluded upon should doubtless be done at once and in time to be communicated by the steamer that leaves New York on the 8th instant, if possible.
Hon. R. McClelland
    Secretary of the Interior
 NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 608 Oregon Superintendency 1853-1855, frames 842-845.



Sir,
    The existence of a war of extermination by our citizens against all Indians in Southern Oregon which by recent acts appears to evince a determination to carry it out, in violation of all treaty stipulations and the common usages of civilized nations, has induced me to take steps to remove the friendly bands of Indians now assembled at Fort Lane and upon Umpqua reservation to an encampment on the headwaters of the Yamhill River, distant about sixty miles southwest of Vancouver and adjoining the Coast Reservation.
    This plan has been adopted with a view of saving the lives of such of those Indians as have given just and reasonable assurances of friendship.
    The tremendous excitement among the miners and settlers in that country, goaded on by reckless and lawless miscreants who slaughter alike innocent and guilty of both sexes, induced those friendly bands to abandon the reservation and claim protection of the United States troops stationed at Fort Lane. Over three hundred of these people are now encamped at that point, and as many more in the Umpqua Valley, but little less menaced. These people are deprived of their usual means of obtaining subsistence and must necessarily be furnished by the government. The enormous expense attending the transportation of supplies at this season of the year will, I think, alone justify their removal.
    In my instructions to the Indian agents directing this movement, they were required to call upon the commandant at Fort Lane for such an escort as was deemed requisite to secure a safe passage through the disturbed district. Since these instructions were given, I have received intelligence that meetings of the citizens of the Willamette Valley, residing along the route to be traveled by these Indians in reaching the designated encampment, as well as those in the vicinity of the latter, have resolved upon resisting such removal, and avowing a determination to kill all who may be brought among them as well as those who sought to effect that object. This feeling appears so general among our citizens I am apprehensive they may attempt carrying it into effect; to avoid which I have to request that if it be deemed by you practicable, that a command of twenty men be directed to accompany these Indians on their removal, with directions to remain at or near the encampment so long as their presence may be required to insure the safety of the Indians.
    Believing, as I do, that the cause of the present difficulty in Southern Oregon is wholly to be attributed to the acts of our own people, I cannot but feel that it is our duty to adopt such measures as will tend to secure the lives of these Indians and maintain guarantees secured them by treaty stipulations. The future will prove that this war has been forced upon these Indians against their will, and that too, by a set of reckless vagabonds, for pecuniary and political objects, and sanctioned by a numerous population who regard the treasury of the United States a legitimate subject of plunder.
    The Indians in that district have been driven to desperation by acts of cruelly against their people; treaties have been violated and acts of barbarity committed by those claiming to be citizens that would disgrace the most barbarous nations of the earth, and if none but those who perpetrated such acts were to be affected by this war, we might look upon it with indifference, but unhappily this is not the case.
    In connection with the request for an escort, I may say that the winter encampment for the Indians herein referred to is situated upon lands designed as a permanent location for residence of Indians and to be attached to a district declared an Indian reservation ; that it is the gap through which the communication from the white settlements to an Indian reservation destined to contain a population of four thousand souls, and the only practicable route through which supplies can reach them for the northern half of that population.
    The establishment of a military post for a few years at this point is deemed requisite to insure the preservation of peace between our own citizens and these Indians, as well as good order among the numerous bands congregated. Entertaining this view, I would respectfully request that a competent officer be directed to accompany me to the contemplated encampment prior to the arrival of the Indians from the south, that I may have the benefit of his experience and suggestions in the particular location and arrangement of the encampments and the improvements designed for the use of Indians upon the reservation.
    This examination may be made in a few days and may be of the utmost importance to the government in its intercourse with Indian tribes and the preservation of peace.
Maj. Genl. John E. Wool
    Comdr. Pacific Division
        United States Army
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 393-396.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 395-398.




Sir
    I arrived here on 30th ult. and found Capt. Smith was absent with nearly all of the troops from the fort. And after consulting with Agent Ambrose we have thought it best not to say anything to the Indians about their removal until Capt. Smith returns. I fear it will be with difficulty that we will get their consent to leave here; they are all comfortably situated in winter quarters with plenty to eat, but most of them are poorly clad, and owing to the inclemency of the weather it will take much longer than we expected to get them down there, though I do not despair of being able to accomplish our undertaking, say, by the 20th of January. I will use every effort in my power to convince the Indians that it is to their interest to have a country where they can never have fear. I heard several persons say as soon as they were through with the hostile party they would attack Sam's band, but I think this is only talk.
    As there is nothing here that requires my attention at this time, and I have an opportunity of going into a battle which is to come off in a few days at the Meadows, I leave this morning for that place; you shall hear from me as soon as I return. If I never return I will report to you through the medium of the spiritual rapper how our Indian affairs stand in the other world.
Joel Palmer Supt. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 121.



Sir
    Agent Metcalfe arrived at this agency on yesterday, bearing dispatches containing instructions for the removal of the Rogue River tribe of Indians to the Willamette Valley. It is quite unfortunate such instructions did not arrive earlier; winter with all its severity has fully set in; snow is several inches deep on the ground at the time of my writing, and falling fastly yet; from all appearances it may be very deep before night. I regard it as almost impossible to remove the Indians at this time, for several reasons, first the unusual severity of the winter at this early season, secondly they are destitute of winter clothing, not having received their annuities, but very few of them have either shoes or stockings, many of them are sick. Peace and plenty seem to be far more destructive to the Indian than war; surround him with comforts and gratify his appetite and he grows dull, lethargic, and loses what energy he was once possessed of, in which state sickness and death soon overtake him. The healthy excitement of the chase, or even the greater excitement of war, with its scanty pittance of acorns and roots, is far more congenial to his nature. Their assent to removal can be obtained, although it will require some little time to do so. Here is another characteristic of his nature; he must have time to reflect over every proposition made him. Once started in, they never look back. If hasty action be required of them they at once suspect duplicity or treachery or at any rate that some sinister motive has actuated it, and with this impression he makes up his mind against anything that may be proposed that requires speedy action. Again, if time be allowed them to council among all the heads of families, and nothing imperative required of them, at least until they have had time to deliberate upon it, but advice given them to pursue such a course as would best promote their interest, I have never experienced the least difficulty in getting them to do as I desired, nor do I apprehend any now, but sir I do assure you a trip to the Willamette at this inclement season of the year could not be accomplished without a vast deal of suffering among them. Again, it will be impossible to move them without an escort, which cannot be obtained for two or three weeks to come. Capt. Smith of Fort Lane with all of his disposable force is now engaged with those hostile bands of Indians near sixty miles distant from here, from which he will not be disengaged for several weeks. Mr. Metcalfe, who has just traveled over the road, also entertains the opinion that it would be worse than folly to endeavor to remove them without an escort; hence we will not be able to start as early as you expect. Necessity compels what humanity would require, a delay at least until comfortable preparation can be made for their accommodation; in the mean time it is to be hoped that pleasanter weather may succeed.
    As it regards the payment of liabilities contracted by Mr. Culver, late Indian agent in this district, I hardly know what to do. Your suggestions as the prices being exorbitant, in some cases it will be admitted it really appears so. It is claimed to be a special contract made at the time with a knowledge of the uncertainty of the time when government would pay it. In the case of Mr. Hughes I am credibly informed that he borrowed the money to complete his job; and the interest now amounts to more than the whole of his claim against [the] government. It is also claimed that special contracts made with agents of government, where there is no fraud, holds good.
    And although those prices may appear exorbitant to any person not conversant with the prices of this country, I opine it would be a difficult matter now to find any person who would agree to perform like service (I allude to the potato contract) for less compensation, with the same uncertainty of pay.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 406-409.   A transcription can be found in NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 389-390.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 408-411.



Sir
    By the mail of Oct. 28th I informed you that I did not deem it absolutely necessary to carry into immediate effect the regulations set forth in your circular of Oct. 13th 1855. Since that date affairs in this district have assumed a different aspect, and on the 14th of last month I found it necessary to act under the general orders therein contained and accordingly collected the Umpqua band of Kal la wat sits in a temporary reservation near this agency, appointed John W. Miller local agent during my absence and immediately started for Coos Bay.
    On my arrival at Empire City on the evening of the 16th found the citizens from the Upper Colville & on Coos Bay & river had brought their families to Empire City, anticipating an immediate outbreak. These suspicions were aroused from the fact that all the Coos band of Indians had moved up the river taking with them all their effects and demanding and unceremoniously taking away all the Indians who were in the employ of the whites. Connected with this was a well-confirmed report that the Cow Creek or Rogue River Indians were in the mountains at the headwaters of the Coquille and Coos rivers &c.
    I immediately started upriver and found Taylor's band and a part of Tyee Jim's band encamped at the mouth of the north fork of Coos River about two miles above the mouth of what is termed the Isthmus Slough connecting with the waters of the Coquille. The remainder of Jim's band was encamped at the head of a slough leading towards the Umpqua. In a word their camps were so arranged that they kept up a constant communication from the Umpqua to the Upper Coquille. I thought it advisable to break up this line of communication and proposed to them to come down the bay about four miles below Empire City and camp there all in one body, which proposition they told me they could not [do] immediately. I gave them twenty-four hours to decide. At the expiration of that time they agreed to move down. They are now on a temporary reservation & Socrates Scholfield appointed local agent.
    A few days after they were all encamped, the Coquille Indians commenced hostilities by burning Mr. Hoffman's house near the council ground. I also learned from a dispatch from the Upper Coquille received last evening that the settlers had an engagement near Dudley's at the lower fork--that three Indians were [killed] and one taken prisoner and hung. Hoping that my movements thus far will meet your entire approval, I await further orders.
Gen. J. Palmer
    Superintendent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 381-382.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 414-416.






Dear Sir
    This being the first time I have had for writing since anything of any importance has occurred within this district I hasten to improve it, as I have been so busily employed since the arrival of the steamer on the 23rd of October which brought to hand your instructions and other papers also an account of difficulties north of the Columbia and Jacksonville. I was on my way to Coquille at the time I recd. your package of papers, which I examined and proceeded on my trip and was absent 5 days. When I returned after having visited all the bands on that river, which I found peaceable and well disposed, but when I returned to the coast I found the most disgraceful excitement prevailing among the whites that ever existed in any country, being founded on nothing but fear, and that without any cause whatever. All the settlers in the vicinity of this place had removed themselves, stock and property to town for protection at Rogue River. The citizens acted in the same manner, having erected two forts for their protection and had already organized volunteer companies for the purpose of protecting themselves, and as you may dispose every Indian was closely watched and their actions exaggerated to suit the times, and then reported and each report confirmed the belief that all the Indians in the country were intending to raise for the extermination of the whites.
    Such is the state in which I found things on my return from Coquille. On my return the Indians were coming to me from all quarters wishing me to tell them what was the matter with [the] whites. And you must know that it was hard for me to acknowledge to them that it was themselves that was the cause of so much fear being shown, though I explained the matter to them in as favorable a manner as I possibly could, shielding the disgrace of my countrymen as much as possibly.
    They begged for me to protect them, and was willing to submit to anything which I might advise them to do, but to fight, that they would never do. They say they would if attacked at any time run to the hills for protection.
    They also wished me to assure the whites that if they were afraid of Indians from the interior they should protect them should any other Indians wish to harm them.
    Such is the disposition which is manifested by the Indians throughout my entire district so far as I know at present, although I have three points which require close guarding. The points to which I allude is first at the Big Bend of Rogue River, also the headwaters of Coquille & Chetco. The Big Bend is the most particular point of the 3, as communication is easy from there to Coquille. October the 15th I first learned through the Indians that the Indians above Big Bend were having some difficulty with the whites above and that some of the upper Indians were then down at the Bend trying to get recruits to go above. I at once proceeded to that point, accompanied by 3 white men, Indians being afraid to accompany me on account of the upper Indians being down at that place. On my arrival at the Bend I soon saw that everything was not right. I immediately went up to the Ind. village, alone and with no visible weapons, where I was met by several strange Indians armed with guns, who advanced and met me with their guns presented. I spoke to them in a friendly manner, to which they made no reply. I then turned to the Indians belonging to my district, who were greatly excited and cool and commenced a careless conversation with them for a few minutes, when I returned to the party and ordered them to pitch camp in the village, which was done, though before we arrived at the village the strangers had left after firing 3 guns over my head as I left on my first visit after they had left and we had camped. The other Indians conversed more freely [then] and I learned that they had made some progress towards recruiting with some of the young men though before I left I succeeded in convincing them of their error and was assured by the chiefs that the upper Indians should not be permitted to come among [them] again, and I am confident they have not, as there has been a company of 25 men volunteers gone from this place and Rogue River for the purpose of going up the river to fight the Grave Creek Indians, and they have been stationed at that place since Oct. 28th, that is, at Big Bend. Jerry McGuire accompanied them when they first started and succeeded in getting the Indians in my district to act with the volunteers against the Indians above, so unauthorized as the company is, they have paid the strictest attention to my directions and to the protection of Indians in my district that so far they have been of great service in preventing difficulties in that quarter. Yesterday I returned from Chetco, where I have been some time between Rogue River and that place, traveling constantly, traveling night and day from one place to the other, more for the purpose of restoring peace among the whites than the Indians, as the Indians are disposed to do anything for peace, and the whites anything for a difficulty. The Indians in this district have been engaged in gathering acorns for winter use, which is their custom every year at this season, and acorns being more plenty than usual has also had its effect towards producing and keeping up the excitement among the whites it has also added to their suspicions in regard to the Indians having a desire to joining the hostile forces.
    But they are now daily returning to their winters quarters and are well supplied with provision I think sufficient for the winter. This being the case I have not thought it necessary to abuse the almost unlimited power which you have left at my discretion of calling them together and feeding them at the expense of government, and I do not think I shall have to adopt that method of preserving peace at all unless it is with the Indians on the waters of Coquille, where it [is] now rumored that there is now some difficulty existing which is partly brought about by jealousy on account of the Coos Bay Indians being fed by government and themselves not. The settlers on Coquille here [are] late in getting hold of the excitement which has been through other portions of the district, and I understand that they are now fortified in that vicinity & it is rumored that the Indians have committed some depredations. The story runs thus that first there was some 1500 lbs. of flour stolen from Henry Woodward's house located on the South Fork of Coquille, after which the settlers collected and took some Indian prisoners, which they held in custody several days, when they made an attempt to escape and were fired upon by the whites, who were by this time organized within themselves into a military company, one Indian being wounded slightly [it is] supposed as they all escaped. Next Mr. Huffman's house was burnt and some other houses robbed of some articles of provision.
    Though I have just learned that the citizens here organized and fortified before anything occurred among the Indians, though it may be a false report, the whole affair. Wm. Chance is there, sent by me to stop at that place to keep things quiet between whites and Indians. This Mr. Chance says was reported to him when he arrived. I have interpreted your instructions in the following manner, that it is your wish that I should take steps to keep peace and quietness within my district at the least possible expense to government. I have acted as follows.
    I have appointed or employed three persons to assist me in discharge of my duty. They are stationed at the 3 most important points to act during my absence. Wm. Chance at Coquille, Peter McGuire at Rogue River, Thomas J. Sharpe at Chetco. This I have thought necessary as it has been invariably the case lately when I leave one place only for a few days and return I find the excitement starting again. This I leave for your consideration.
    I go to Coquille tomorrow.
[P.S.] The men which [I] have designated to act are residents of the places at which they are stationed, and they are also persons in which both Indians and whites have the utmost confidence in their ability to keep peace among them, as it has been the case that those three men each at his respective house during this late excitement have stood almost alone in defending the Indian cause and pacifying the whites. This they have done voluntarily until quite recently, when I gave them a limited power to act as sub-agent. So far as my directions to them here which was to be with the Indians as much as possible and prevent the whites from imposing on them, and should there any excitement occur among the whites to keep it in check until I could arrive and by so doing I can keep things quiet.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, No. 34.




Sir:
    Your letters of the 9th, 16th and 19th October, together with their enclosures, all relating to the difficulties then existing in Oregon and Washington territories among the different Indian tribes, and between the Indians and whites, arrived here on the 1st instant. The subject was promptly laid before the Secretary of the Interior in order that such action might be taken in conjunction with the War Department as should be deemed warranted and proper.
    I have now to advise you that it is understood the military arm of the public service on the Pacific coast will be advised by the mail which is expected to leave New York tomorrow concerning their duties in this emergency. You will instruct the agents of this Department within your Superintendency by all proper means to aid in carrying out whatever measures you may deem necessary to effect peace among the several tribes of Indians and restore harmony between them and the whites. And where practicable you will confer and act in concert with the military on that coast, so as to avoid any seeming clashing of jurisdiction by which disaffection could take heart and encouragement. But while it may be proper that the measures to be employed shall be vigorous and effective, still they should be tempered with justice and such moderation as shall be wholly free from any charge of vindictiveness. You will therefore act with the utmost care and circumspection, avoid undue severity, yet act with such promptitude and energy as to secure respect to your authority. With these general directions you will adopt such measures as in conjunction with the authority and means in the hands of the military shall seem, in your judgment, to be necessary to secure a permanent peace [and] a good understanding among all of the parties participating in the difficulties, of which your several communications make mention.
    There is not now time to send you any funds with this communication, but with the approbation of the Secretary of the Interior you are authorized to draw upon this Department for any expenditure that in your opinion the existing exigency absolutely demands either for agricultural implements for the Indian reserve, provisions, clothing or otherwise as estimated in your letter of the 9th of October ultimo, providing, however, that the extent of such drafts does not exceed in the aggregate the sum of $100,000. But due notice should in every instance be promptly forwarded to this office of the date of the draft, its amount and object. And in incurring the expenditure for which such drafts may be drawn particular care will be taken that the utmost practicable economy is practiced consistent with the exigency of the case, and specific vouchers will be procured in all cases and duly forwarded, with all requisite explanations, to enable this Department and Congress to fully understand and comprehend the reasons and the necessity for the expenditures. You will readily conceive the importance of the observance of these instructions when you are aware that any largely increased expenditure, for whatever object, incurred elicits the most minute inquiry and criticism.
    As regards your statement relative to the propriety of being allowed a greater discretion in the purchase of tools and materials for the various objects of your Superintendency, I have also to inform you that under the circumstances stated by you, any such materials as in your judgment are immediately required will be purchased by you on the Pacific Coast, provided the same can be had at reasonable rates. You will, however, observe the same rules as to economy, giving information to this office of purchases made, drafts drawn, and furnishing proper vouchers as stated in the foregoing paragraph. But on securing the necessary supply to answer the immediate wants of the service, you will report what additional goods or other materials it will be necessary to have sent from the Atlantic markets and at what time the same will be required. In the meantime nothing will be sent from here until further advices are received from you.
    Notwithstanding this allowance of so large a discretion to meet the case in its most alarming phase, it is still hoped that the cause is not really so bad as the representations forwarded by you would seem to indicate. If therefore it shall turn out that those representations are not realized by the facts when ascertained, you will be governed by a judicious regard of the real wants and exigencies of the service and as far as practicable curtail the expenditures herein authorized.
Joel Palmer Esq.
    Supt. Ind. Affrs.
        Dayton
            Oregon Territory
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs, Reel 11, Instructions and Reports 1854-1855, pages 191-194.   The original can be found on Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, No. 13.




    Pursuant to previous notice the citizens of Long Tom precinct met at the residence of the Hon. A. L. Humphrey on Sat. 8th inst. for the purpose of taking the sense of the people relative to the policy of allowing Indians to pass and repass to the different portions of the Ter. under the present existing circumstances.
    When the following action was "had," On motion Mr. D. W. Mintun was appointed chairman and E. L. Massey was appointed secretary--On motion Harris Rice, Joseph Perkins, Alsland Baltand, J. M. Richardson, M. W. Canady were appointed a committee to give the expression of said meeting. In a few minutes Mr. Harris Rice, chairman of said committee, reported the following preamble and sentiment of the meeting.
    Whereas it is moved that Indians are and have been in the habit of passing through tis portion of the valley, contrary to the wishes of the citizens, as well as the peace and security of the same, Therefore be it Resolved by this meeting that the secretary be instructed to inform Dr. T. J. Wright, who has charge of the Calapooia Indians, that a portion of said tribe are quartered in this vicinity in violation of the express provisions made for their support, protection & by the government and in a pure violation [of] the peace, quiet and safety of the citizens and that the said Dr. T. J. Wright is hereby respectfully notified and requested to have the said Indians removed beyond the limits of this vicinity within seven days from this date, otherwise they as well as all other Indians found prowling around the neighborhood will be dealt with in the most summary manner, and whereas it is rumored that strange Indians have been seen passing and repassing under written permission by those having charge of them, this traveling commission will not be tolerated by us and we avail ourselves of this opportunity of notifying Dr. T. J. Wright as well as all others having charge of Indians of this determination not to submit to any such violation of our rights &c.
    Sir, since the above action was had I have been requested to forward a copy of this to the Statesman by all the meeting and I would recommend the moving of whatever there may be of the Calapooias in this neighborhood to Corvallis or some other place of safety, as the belief is general that they are visited by other straggling Indians.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 115.   The transmittal bears the date of December 8, 1855.



    United States to James Bruce       Dr.
    To one hundred and fifty bushels of wheat stolen from my place during the months of July and August 1854 by Jake's band of the Rogue River Tribe of Indians with whom a treaty of purchase was made on the 10th of September 1853 by Joel Palmer Supt. Indian Affairs Oregon Territory. The market price of wheat was $4.50 per bushel--making $675.00
Territory of Oregon    )
Jackson County            )  s.s.
    James Bruce of said county being duly sworn says
    That the above account is correct and just, that he knows the Indians mentioned in the account to be the identical ones who committed the offense, and that he has never recovered any portion of the property stolen and furthermore he has never taken any personal revenge.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Jackson County O.T. this fifteenth day of December A.D. 1855.
                                             Ind. Agt.
Territory of Oregon    )
Jackson County            )  s.s.
    E. C. Pelton of said county being duly sworn says
    He was living on a claim near James Bruce's in Jackson County O.T. during the months of July and August 1854 and that he saw at different times about thirty Indians in Mr. Bruce's field gathering wheat--and from what he saw he believes they must have taken one hundred and fifty bushels which was worth at that time $4.50 per bushel--and he furthermore says he knew them to be Jake's band of the Rogue River Tribe of Indians with whom a treaty of purchase was made on the 10th of September A.D. 1853--by Joel Palmer, Supt. Indian Affairs Oregon Territory--and that he has no interest in the claim.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Jackson County O.T. this 14th day of December A.D. 1855.
Territory of Oregon    )
Jackson County            )  s.s.
    I hereby certify that Wm. Hoffman before whom the within affidavit was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing a justice of the peace in and for the county & territory aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn & that his signature thereto is genuine.
    Witness my hand and the seal of District Court for the county aforesaid this fifteenth day of December A.D. 1855.
(  seal  )                          Jackson Co. O.T.
Territory of Oregon    )
Jackson County            )  s.s.
    George W. Collins of said county being duly sworn says
    He was living with James Bruce at his farm in Jackson County during the months of July and August A.D. 1854 and that he saw thirty or forty Indians in Mr. Bruce's field several times stealing wheat--and saw them packing off large quantities in the sheaf and the portion of the field where they were frequently seen there were three acres entirely destroyed before harvest, and he believes from what he saw there were one hundred and fifty bushels stolen, which was worth at that time $4.50 per bushel; he also says he knew them to be Jake's band of the Rogue River Tribe of Indians with whom a treaty of purchase was made on the 10th of September A.D. 1853 by Joel Palmer Supt. Indian Affairs Oregon T. and that he has no interest in the claim.
Subscribed and sworn to before me at my office in Jackson County O.T. this 14th day of December A.D. 1855. Territory of Oregon    )
Jackson County            )  s.s.
    I hereby certify that Wm. Hoffman before whom the within affidavit was made and who has thereunto subscribed his name was at the time of so doing [was] a justice of the peace in and for the county & territory aforesaid duly commissioned and sworn and that his signature thereto is genuine.
    Witness my hand and the seal of District Court for the county aforesaid this 15th day of Dec. A.D. 1855.
(  seal  )                          Jackson County O.T.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856.



Dear Sir,
    Fearing that the persons who have been sent south to prevail upon the friendly bands of Indians in the Rogue River & Umpqua valleys may not be able to secure their assent to remove to the encampment selected, and attaching much importance to the success of this movement in its bearing on the future arrangements for their benefit, I have deemed it advisable to visit them in person, and shall start this afternoon for Fort Lane.
    I have to request that you will visit the Indian encampment on the Abiqua near Samuel Allen's and ascertain the condition of matters at that encampment. Mr. Allen has made his report, handed in during my absence. The expenses attending that encampment are beyond reasonable bounds and must be curtailed. Mr. Geary has paid him for one thousand pounds of flour and let him have $500 more applicable to expenses of the encampment when he presented his monthly return, but declined passing the accounts, believing them to be exorbitant. I am desirous that you should visit the encampment and ascertain whether the census list is correct, and whether the rations have actually been given as stated. There is probably no longer any necessity for requiring them to remain at one camp, and they may be permitted to return to their usual places of residence and hunt for a subsistence. Of this, however, you will be able to judge after an examination.
    I am desirous that they should remove to the purchase I made recently on the headwaters of the Yamhill River, where I intend making a permanent settlement for the Indians of this valley. A number of excellent farms have been purchased, and I wish to put in three or four hundred acres of wheat between the present and the first of May next. To accomplish [this] I want the labor of some of the Indians, for which they will receive a proper compensation.
    In the spring separate tracts of land will be assigned to the different families and aid rendered them in the erection of houses and making their improvements. We will furnish dwellings and subsist them during the winter, and upon their arrival on the tract designated they will be furnished with the annuity in clothing, blankets &c. I wish you to ascertain their feelings on this subject. The location selected is a most delightful country and well adapted to the settlement of those Indians, and I feel satisfied that they will be pleased with it. Troops will be stationed there for the protection of the Indians. You will inform them that as soon as I return I will expect them to go to the place designated, where they will be furnished with houses, goods &c. But should they positively refuse to remove, allow them if you deem it prudent to return to their several encampments, where they must subsist themselves, and on my return I will visit them. Should they agree to remove at the time I desire, you may allow them to remain at their present encampment if they desire it and allow them such supplies as you may deem proper.
    In the latter event, should you find their wants pressing, you can repair to this office and procure such articles as will relieve them, only however on condition that they agree to remove to the place selected for them when I may desire them to do so.
    I wish to furnish Thomas H. Smith, local agent at St. Helens, with two hundred dollars, taking his receipt therefor. The amount will be handed you on calling at this office, or it will be brought down on my return. He is now at Portland, but should he have gone, you can send it by the Multnomah.
    I desire the exact list of the Clackamas Indians, as the census lists will be the basis of annuity payments to all the bands throughout the valley. The goods having arrived, I am desirous to have the lists perfected so as to distribute them on my return.
Benjamin Jennings
    Spl. Sub-Agent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 392-393.




Sir
    Since my communication of the 30th ultimo, the troops of which I informed you were all engaged at that time in a severe conflict with the Indians have since returned, driven in by the severity of the weather, without accomplishing anything. The Indians were quite defiant and maintained their position in sight of the troops, who after making an ineffective effort to cross over the river, in which they were prevented from accomplishing by the Indians, lost one killed and five or six wounded.
    The increasing severity of the weather was such that they were threatened [with] being snowed up in the mountains, where they would be unable to extricate themselves for some time to come or receive supplies, it was deemed prudent for them to withdraw and go into winter quarters somewhere in the valley, where the settlements could be protected till more favorable weather. In the meantime, I held a council with the Rogue River tribe of Indians, but as the mail has stopped from some cause or other, probably high water, I've had no opportunity of sending you the result earlier. The weather has been unusually severe from the first of the month till the present time, that it has rendered the removal of these Indians impracticable for the present; the streams are swollen by the recent rains, the mountains covered with snow, and no forage can be obtained for the animals along the road; in fact the ordinary travel is almost entirely suspended, no northern mail has been received this month. The Indians express themselves quite willing to remove anywhere where they can obtain peace.
    Some designing bad men have represented to them that it was your desire to have them all killed off, that you never wanted to see any of them again and if you sent for them it would be in order to get them in a better place to kill them off. So you perceive I have much to contend with (in freeing the Indians of these false impressions) when we consider they are by nature distrustful and suspicious. Chief Sam is exceedingly anxious to see you and talk the matter over, and wherever you desire he should go with all his people he will do it. He would like to see the country you propose locating him in, the better to persuade his people to go, but in any event he will go,e he feels satisfied his condition cannot be worsted, go where he may.
    In the event of the weather continuing so severe as to prevent the removal of the Indians, I may have to send an express to your office or probably I may go myself in which event I will bring Chief Sam along.
Joel Palmer Esqr.
    Supt. Ind. Affairs
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, No. 3.



Doct. Ambrose Indian Agent, Jackson County
    Dear Sir, with regret I have lately learned that General Palmer is now on his way to Rogue River with a view of moving the Rogue River Indians that is on the reserve, that you are agent for, to Polk County, and if he does succeed in bringing them in to this portion of the country I will not be surprised if every Indian brought in by him is immediately killed, which I should regret to see. The people of Polk have become so excited about it they held a meeting at our coast house today & passed resolutions disapprobating his course, and the people of the county are determined the Rogue River Indians shall not settle in our midst nor on our borders. I name the matter to you so that you may if you see proper [to] say to the Indians if they come with General Palmer they come at the risk of being beat off by the citizens of our country.
Doct. Ambrose
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, enclosure to No. 5.



Sir--
    Enclosed please find a brief statement of expenses incurred in this district on account of existing hostilities. As I have before observed in previous letters, if delayed collecting the Indians in this district until compelled so to do to maintain peace & quiet [omission]
    The Indians in this dist. with a few exceptions manifest a disposition to conform to the terms of the late treaty & appear to be satisfied with its provisions.
    The whites on the Upper Coquille have had an engagement with the Indians there in which three of the latter were killed & one Indian (who I believe from the description to be "Long John" the one Rowland wished you to have a private conversation with) was taken prisoner & hung. All at present is quiet in that quarter & the volunteers who went from Empire City--Coos Bay--have returned. A mail containing letters to you from this office I learn this evening was accidentally lost by the upsetting of a boat between this place & Scottsburg.
    I have failed to receive the invoice of the goods disbursed at the Coquille. I cannot foot up my Abstract of Disbursements until the invoice prices of the goods received at Rogue River & Coquille Ferry are forwarded. I have no prices of goods received except those at Winchester Bay.
    As all the rations have been purchased on my own name I am desirous to learn when the funds will probably arrive (if they are not on hand at this time) that I may make assignments accordingly.
Gen. Palmer
    Superintendent
        Dayton O.T.
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 13; Letters Received, 1855, No. 127.



Sir,
    I have to direct that you will proceed to the Umpqua Reservation and superintend the removal of the Umpqua, Calapooia, Cow Creek and Molalla Indians now assembled at that point to the encampment on the headwaters of Yamhill River. Mr. Courtney M. Walker has been directed to aid in that service, acting as commissary.
    One team of three yokes of oxen and wagon has been purchased of Mr. Richardson and delivered.
    One team of three yokes of oxen and one wagon have been purchased of Mr. Barnard, which is to be delivered in a few days.
    One yoke of oxen and one wagon has been purchased of Mr. Cadwallader and has been delivered.
    Two other teams have been engaged upon condition that they are delivered by the 30th of the month, and if they are such cattle as are represented, that is in good working condition, and the wagons good substantial ones, it is presumed that six teams of three yokes of oxen each will be sufficient to transport such of these bands & their effects as it will be necessary to haul. Should you find it otherwise, you will purchase or hire as many as may be deemed requisite. In the event of an exorbitant price being demanded for hire, it may be well to purchase, as considerable delay will unavoidably be experienced in their removal at this season of the year, besides the teams will be required upon the reservation during the ensuing season. I would therefore recommend the purchase of teams instead of hiring, when it can be done and pay the purchase price after their arrival in the Yamhill Valley.
    Louis, the head chief of the Umpquas, and the head chief of the Molalla tribe with three of his people have been sent after the absent members of that tribe. They will doubtlessly arrive in a few days.
    Should the articles of merchandise purchased of Lane & Floed & Abrahams & Co. be insufficient to supply the most pressing wants of the members of the respective bands, you will purchase additional articles as may be deemed absolutely requisite to their necessities. A due regard to the comfort of all the members, having reference to economy, in their removal should be studied, bearing in mind that the goods originally designed for these people are in the Willamette Valley and can be furnished them after their removal at the encampment.
    The supplying of the Indian encampment has for a time been entrusted by Mr. Martin, the original special agent, to Theophilus Magruder. Henceforth you will take charge of that business and make such arrangement as will ensure a competent supply of rations as nearly in accordance with the army regulations as practicable. I refer you to article 39 page 48 Revised Regulations 1850, under the head of provisions and the preceding and following sections, for details in the removal of those Indians, forms of abstracts, provisions & property returns will also be found indicating the usages of agents and other officers in the discharge of their duties, an examination of which may enable you to properly arrange the accounts and papers connected with this business.
    The services of Mr. Magruder may be dispensed with, unless you should deem it proper to direct him to collect and dispose of the effects belonging to the Indians which had been abandoned by them on their removal to the reservation, or taken from them by the volunteers or citizens. In such case you will give him specific instructions as to his duties, limiting the time of service to that actually required to accomplish the object.
    The actual expenses necessarily incurred by him, or liabilities outstanding of the same character, in his duties collecting and subsisting the Indians up to this date you will pay by his producing proper vouchers and evidences of expenditure, with abstracts of distribution and disbursements &c. properly witnessed and certified to.
    It is expected that a due regard to economy will be observed in all things, and that the removal will be accomplished at the earliest possible moment compatible with the comfort and safety of the Indians.
R. B. Metcalfe Esqr.
    Sub-Ind. Agent
NARA Series M2, Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1872, Reel 5; Letter Book D, pages 396-397.  Original on NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs,  Reel 609 Oregon Superintendency 1856, frames 391-394.



   
    The prisoner being arraigned, the court proceeded to examine evidence. The charges were made intelligible to Pill Shirt, who acknowledged to understand the charge.
    I. B. Nichols, sworn, stated Pill Shirt has received his annuity as a Cow Creek Indian, has always lived by himself; about one year ago he lived near Yocums. He left the Indians from the fact he could [not] live agreeable. Tom wanted to shoot him. I have never known him to have but one difficulty with any white man. Mr. Judd charged him of stealing an ax but the ax was found afterwards. Never knew him to carry a gun, followed snaring for a living. Pill Shirt was in the mountains when the other Indians and Cow Creek Valley [omission].
    J. D. Burnett, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt for 3 years. As to his honor I have had no occasion to doubt it only in one instance. Don't know where Pill Shirt was nor has been since the war was waged
    Mr. Rice, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt for about a year. He was at my house on Sunday preceding the attack upon Arrington's my house. Dr. Jack was with him he stated they were hunting their squaws and children. Pill Shirt said he thought his squaws were over on Deer Creek. Pill Shirt and family were separated at Arrington's. Pill Shirt found Jack near Peters, then Pill Shirt was taken sick. Dr. Jack stayed with him for some time and both went away together in search of their families. I have no reason to suppose Pill Shirt was with the party that attacked my house. I don't know to what tribe Pill Shirt belongs.
    A. G. Balou, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt by reputation for 2 years. I knew the prisoner and saw him 4 or 5 days previous to the attack upon Arrington's.
    A. G. Balou, called: Did you see or hear anything between the Indians had would lead you to suspect them.
    No.
    Did you see Pill Shirt on the evening of the attack.
    Not certain.
    A general dance ensued. I know Pill Shirt to be a Cow Creek.
    Wm. Riddle, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt since '51. He is a Cow Creek. I saw Pill Shirt near Burnett's and told him to tell the Indians to give up their guns and not fight the whites. Pill Shirt said he was afraid of the Cow Creek chief and went to Arrington's.
    Capt. Gordon asked witness: What has been the general character of Pill Shirt.
    Witness: About as good as the general run of them.
    Capt. Gordon: Do you know whether or not his wife is an Umpqua.
    Witness: Don't know.
    Capt. Gordon: Do you know where Pill Shirt has been since the war.
    Witness: Don't know.
    R. Phipps, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt for 3 years. I saw him previous to the attack upon Arrington's. Pill Shirt said he did not wish to fight the whites. He had a good heart.
    Mr. Willis, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt for 2 years. Pill Shirt came to my house on the 20th of Nov. He was in search of his family. Pill Shirt wanted to go to the reserve. Dr. Jack was with him, but he (Jack) did not want to go until he found his family.
    Dave Barnes, sworn, stated I was interpreter at McCloud's. Pill Shirt stated he knew nothing of the Cow Creeks, nor of big bend on Cow Creek.
    Col. Martin, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt since fifty-three. He received of me his annuity as a Cow Creek on the Cow Creek reserve.
    Theo Magruder, sworn, stated there was an Indian on the Cow Creek reserve [named] Pill Shirt. Is not positive whether or not the prisoner is the same but believes he is.
    M. Burnett called: I was with the party who surrounded the Indians.
    R. Trimble, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt since July '54. I had a talk with Pill Shirt and Flat Nose. Pill Shirt seemed to be surprised. Pill Shirt is a good shirt [sic].
    M. McCloud, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt since '52. Pill Shirt came to me and requested me to write to Arrington since I have not seen him until I found him in the mountains. He said he was afraid of the Rogue River Indians.
    Lazrus Wright, sworn, stated I have known Pill Shirt since '51. Don't know whether he is a Cow Creek. Don't know where Pill Shirt has been for some time.
    The court adjourned.
    The prisoner returned.
    The court-martial find in favor of prisoner.