Selected letters (mostly to and from Joseph Lane) and other documents, mostly relevant to Southern Oregon and Lane's biography and attitudes. Unattributed letters below are from the Lilly Library, Indiana University, transcribed from microfilm held at the University of Oregon's Knight Library. The film also includes typescripts of letters from the Asahel Bush collection, as indicated below. I've added Lane letters transcribed from contemporary newspapers and other sources.
   
For much more about Lane, click here.



To the Editor of the Indiana Statesman:
    DEAR SIR: I have just returned home from the lower country, after an absence of some eight weeks, during which time I heard nothing of the doings of either political party in the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh.
    In your paper of the 4th of May I learn, by the published proceedings of the Democratic Mass Convention, held at Blairsville on the 27th of April, that I was unanimously nominated by my Democratic friends of the counties of Posey and Vanderburgh, there in convention assembled, as a candidate for the State Senate. Permit me through the columns of your paper to return to the members of that convention and to my Democratic friends of this Senatorial district, my unfeigned thanks for this mark of their confidence. Unsolicited on my part as this nomination was, I shall always feel grateful to the convention for conferring it upon me; and in accepting if, I pledge myself, if elected, to serve faithfully to the best of my abilities for the full term for which I may be elected.
    I will visit Posey County, generally, as soon as we can get through our wheat and hay harvest.
ALEX'R. BURNS, Jr.
Indiana Statesman, New Harmony, Indiana, June 29, 1844, page 3



    Sir--I have the honor of laying before you the following report of that part of the battle of the 22nd and 23rd inst., in which the forces under my immediate command took part.
    In obedience to your orders on the 22nd, I took position on the left of the field upon which the battle was fought, near the foot of the mountain, with the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, supported by three pieces of light artillery, commanded by Lieut. O'Brien. The four rifle companies of this brigade (two from the 2nd and two from the 3rd Regiment) having been sent, under your orders, together with two companies of Kentucky mounted riflemen, to occupy an eminence and ridge on the side of the mountain, to check the advance of the enemy (two regiments) who were attempting to turn the left flank of my position by climbing the sides of the mountain.
    Those rifle companies took their position in the afternoon of the 22nd--the four companies of Indiana, commanded by Maj. Gorman, of the 3rd Regiment--the whole under the command of Col. Marshall, of Kentucky; and soon afterwards the enemy opened a brisk fire upon our forces, but with little effect, which they continued without intermission for three hours. In the meantime my men, being secure from the enemy's balls, and watching their chances and taking good aim, succeeded in killing and wounding some thirty or forty of the enemy. In this engagement my loss was four men slightly wounded.
    During the night of the 22nd the enemy sent a reinforcement of about 1500 men up the mountains and succeeded in occupying heights which commanded the position of the riflemen. My whole command slept upon the field that night on their arms. As soon as it was light on the morning of the 23rd, the enemy opened a severe fire from their whole force on the mountain, now amounting in all to about 2500 or 3000 men, commanded by the Mexican Col. Ampudia, it is believed. Notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy in numbers, our gallant riflemen held them in check for several hours, killing and wounding some fifty or sixty of their forces.
    About 8 o'clock a.m. of the 23rd inst. a part of the Kentucky Mounted Riflemen and cavalry (dismounted for that purpose) were sent up the side of the mountain to support the forces already there, at which time the fire of the enemy became tremendous, but which was returned by our gallant force for more than one hour longer. My instructions from yourself were to hold my position on the left of the field against any force which the enemy might bring against me in that quarter. The enemy had been in great force all the morning of the 23rd, directly in my front and in sight, but too far distant to be reached by Lieut. O'Brien's battery.
    About 9 o'clock I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy were advancing toward my position in great force, sheltering themselves in a deep ravine which runs up towards the mountain directly in my front. I immediately put my columns in motion, consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lieut. O'Brien's battery, amounting in all to about 400 men, to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry, supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire, which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived that I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired, and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lieut. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be near the enemy, but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of the hill impeded their fire. By this time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grapeshot of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry, instead of advancing, as was ordered, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them.
    About the same time, the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear. At the same time one of the Illinois regiments, not under my command, but stationed at some distance in rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear. These troops, the most of them, were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all. By this apparent success the enemy were much elated, and poured down along the side of the mountain on the extreme left of the field their thousands of infantry and lancers and formed themselves in good order along the mountain fronting perpendicularly to where our lines had been posted. At this critical juncture, the Mississippi Regiment, under the command of Col. Davis, arrived on the field, and being joined by a part of the 2nd Indiana, met the enemy in a most gallant style, and after a severe and bloody engagement repulsed them with great loss. In the meantime a body of lancers, 600 or 800 in number, who had passed down along the left toward our rear, made a most desperate charge upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, with a view of cutting off and plundering the baggage train of the army, which was at a rancho near the battlefield.
    This charge was met and resisted most gallantly by those cavalry, aided by about two hundred infantry who had taken refuge there after they had retired from the field. This repulse discouraged the enemy, and the Mississippi Regiment and part of the 2nd Indiana, being joined by the 3rd Indiana Regiment, commanded by Col. James H. Lane, now advanced up towards the foot of the mountain for the purpose of dislodging the enemy's force stationed there. In this enterprise I was aided by Capt. ------'s battery of light artillery, and it was crowned with complete success, the enemy retreating in disorder and with immense loss, back along the side of the mountain to the position they had occupied in the morning, some flying in terror up the sides of the mountain and into the ravines, while a few were taken prisoners. Amongst the last desperate attempts of the enemy to regain and hold the left of the field was a charge made by a large body of lancers upon my command. This charge, for gallantry and determined bravery on both sides, has been seldom equaled. The forces on either side were nearly equal in numbers. Instead of throwing my command into squares to resist the charge, the enemy were received in line of two ranks, my force reserving its fire until the enemy were within about seventy yards, which was delivered with a deadly aim, and which was most destructive in its effects--the enemy flying in every direction in disorder and making a precipitate retreat towards their own lines. About sunset the enemy withdrew from the field, and the battle ceased. In a brief report it is impossible to enter into the details of a day like the 23rd. The fighting throughout consisted of different engagements in different parts of the field, the whole of them warm and well contended, many of them bloody and terrible. The men under my command actually discharged eighty, and some ninety, rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd Regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand or die to the last man until they received orders to retire, but I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained in their position, in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed at the same time on the left flank to a most desperate raking fire from the enemy's battery, posted within point-blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    Some excuse may be framed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day, but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputations, disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged.
    In a battle so fierce and protracted as this, where there were so many exhibitions of coolness and bravery, it is a difficult and delicate task to particularize. But justice compels me to mention Col. Davis and his regiment of Mississippians, who so nobly and so bravely came to the rescue at the proper time to save the fortunes of the day.
    Col. J. H. Lane and the 3rd Regiment of my command were ordered into the action soon after Col. Davis, and the coolness and bravery displayed by both the officers and men of that regiment have rarely been equaled--never surpassed--by any troops at any time. They have done infinite honor to the state and nation that gave them birth. Lieut. Col. Haddon, of the 2nd Regiment of my brigade, aided me in rallying his regiment after they retired, and he in person succeeded in marching a party of them back towards the enemy, with whom he immediately became engaged, and fortunately repulsed them with considerable loss. In another part of the field he succeeded in killing an officer of the enemy with his own hand, by sending a rifle ball through him at a great distance.
    I was also much indebted to Major Mooney, quartermaster; Major Dix, paymaster; the gallant and lamented Capt. Lincoln, of Gen. Wool's staff; and to Lieut. Robinson; for their assistance in rallying the forces after they had retired from their position. They all behaved nobly, and deserve the thanks of the country for the coolness and intrepidity which they displayed on that trying occasion. The latter--acting as my aide-de-camp during the entire day--is entitled to particular attention for the gallant manner in which he executed my orders. Lieut. O'Brien--who commanded the battery of light artillery on my right--is deserving of particular praise for his courage and self-possession throughout the day, moving and discharging his battery with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. Major Mooney, quartermaster, and Major Morrison, commissary, attached to my brigade, although not belonging to the line of the army nor expected to take an active part in the battle, are entitled to great honor for their bravery and coolness in promptly rallying the scattered forces at the rancho, who assisted, under the command of Major Morrison, in resisting the desperate charge of the lancers made upon the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry, as by this repulse the whole baggage train of the army was saved from destruction. This important duty they discharged in addition to those which strictly appertained to their respective departments. A statement of the killed and wounded has already been submitted, which need not be recapitulated here. Although censure does justly attach to a few who proved recreant to their duty on that day, yet I am of the opinion that veteran troops, either of this or any other country, could not have fought and won the battle better than those engaged. It is a victory without a parallel in this or any other war on this continent, and the men and officers who did their duty at the battle of Buena Vista deserve to have their names inscribed on the brightest pages of their country's history. Respectfully, your obedient servant,
To Brig. Gen. Wool, U.S.A.
Times-Picayune, New Orleans, June 4, 1847, page 1



Specifications:
    1st. In this that the said Colonel [William A.] Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd. In this that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd. In this that he is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and resist a charge of the enemy as shown on the night of the 22nd February 1847 on the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico
Specification 1st:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February 1847 at Buena Vista, Mexico, he the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy the following unnecessary order to wit: "cease firing and retreat," in consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
Specification 2nd:
    In this that in the battle of the 23rd February last at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action and while the said regiment and a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. Genl. Lane of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemies' fire did without any authority give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and un-officerlike order twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat" in consequence of which said order the said regt. did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
Specification 3rd:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., on the said 23rd day of February [paper loss] in the said battle after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
Specification 4th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications
[missing page]
under this charge did then and there abandon his position in regt., and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regt. and the enemy and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
Specification 5th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles, comdt. of the said regt., while commanding the same in that battle and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regt. and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
Specification 6th:
    In this that the said Col. Bowles while comdt. of that regt. (under Brig. Genl. Lane), during the battle aforesaid on the said 23rd February, spoke words to that regt. which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire as follows, to wit "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
Specification 7th
    In this that on the day aforesaid and during that battle and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave the order in the last specification mentioned with the intention of inducing that regt. to abandon the position they then occupied and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. 
    All of which are contrary to law and tended not only to the  manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
Bowle's court of inquiry convened April 12, 1847 and concluded on April 27.  This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.  The complete document can be found on page 6 of the Indiana State Sentinel of June 10, 1847, and in the article of September 14, 1848, below.



    The following report by Brigadier General Lane is supplementary to his official report of the operations of his brigade in the battle of Buena Vista. He has thought it called for by the developments of a court of inquiry held since his first report was made, and by the statements made in the papers injurious to Indiana. As an act of justice to the Indiana troops, and as a part of the record of the great deeds of the 22nd of February, we comply with the request made upon us, and cheerfully give the report an insertion in our columns:
    From the comments of the press, the numerous letters that have been written and published, the many false and ridiculous statements uttered by different persons at sundry places concerning the battle at this place on the 22nd and 23rd of February last, and more particularly in consequence of the erroneous statements invented and circulated in reference to the Indiana Brigade on that memorable day, I feel myself constrained, in discharge of an imperious duty, to give to the public a succinct account of facts which may enable every reader to arrive at correct conclusions, and that the public mind may be disabused of a studied and systematic attempt at misrepresentation and detraction.
    The disposition of the troops seems to have been confided to Gen. Wool, and they were posted in the following order, viz: The 2nd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Bowles, with three pieces of artillery under Capt. O'Brien, were posted on the extreme left. The 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, commanded by Col. Lane, occupied a height in rear of Washington's battery. The 1st Illinois regiment, commanded by Col. Hardin, were stationed on a high hill near and a short distance to the left and front of the same battery. The 2nd Kentucky volunteers, under Col. McKee, was, on the 22nd, posted on the right of a deep ravine at a distance of a half mile, on the right of the battery, but on the morning of the 23rd were ordered to recross the ravine, and take place near Col. Hardin and to his left. The 2nd regiment Illinois volunteers, under Col. Bissell, were posted farther to the left, and in the rear and to the right, at a distance of about half a mile from where the 2nd Indiana regiment were placed; which regiment as before remarked on occupied the extreme left of the field, near the base of the mountain. The four rifle companies of my command under Maj. Gorman were at early dawn of day ordered to move up the side of the mountain to engage the enemy, some three thousand strong, who were endeavoring to cross the points of the mountain and to turn our left flank. These riflemen were directed lo check their advance if possible. The rifle companies of the 2nd Illinois regiment, three companies of Col. Marshall's mounted regiment, were dismounted and sent up the mountain to the assistance of Maj. Gorman, who had now for some time been hotly engaged with the enemy. The contest on the mountain brow raged with fury for the space of about three hours, when I was informed by Col. Churchill that the enemy in great force were advancing under cover of a deep ravine about four hundred yards in my front and to the right. I immediately put my small command in motion to meet them. It should be borne in mind that my whole force was the eight battalion companies of the 2nd Indiana regiment, and Capt. O'Brien's battery of three guns--in all about 400 men. On arriving at a narrow ridge between two deep and rugged ravines, I found the Mexican infantry from 4 to 6,000 strong, supported by a body of lancers. The infantry were coming out of the ravine on my left, and forming in beautiful order across the ridge, leaving the lancers on the ravine. I immediately ordered Capt. O'Brien to halt his battery and get ready for the fray. The column was halted when the first company was up with and on the left of the battery, and formed forward into line of battle. I rode in front of the column, and continued in front as the companies were forming into line, and was much delighted to see the officers and men move forward in good order; coolness and courage were depicted in every countenance. By the time half of the companies were in line, and while I was yet in front, the Mexicans opened their fire from their entire line. In a moment the left companies were in line. I passed to the rear, and the fire was returned with promptness and good effect. Thus commenced the battle on the plain of Buena Vista. The distance between the enemy's line and my own was one hundred and twenty yards About the time the action commenced the enemy opened a tremendous fire from their battery of three heavy guns, posted on my left and a little to the rear, which nearly enfiladed my line. In this manner the battle continued to rage for nearly twenty-five minutes, the firing being very severe on both sides, the lines of the Mexican infantry presenting one continued sheet of flame. I observed the Mexican line to break and fall back several times, but their successive formations across the ridge enabled them at once to force the men back to their position and keep and keep steady.
    I then formed the determination to take position nearer the enemy, with the hope of routing them and driving them from that part of the field, and for the purpose of placing the lines out of the range of the enemy's guns, which had succeeded in getting the range so as to be doing some execution nearly every fire. For that purpose I sent my aide to direct Capt. O'Brien to advance his battery some 50 or 60 yards to the front, and to return to me to assist in passing an order to the line, to advance to the same point. He went with the battery to its advanced position. I was at that moment near the left of my line. Before my aide returned to me I was much surprised to see my line begin to give way on the right, and continuing to give way to the extreme left, not knowing at that time that Col. Bowles had given an order to retreat, and it was several days after the battle (and not until after I had made my official report) before I was satisfied that the regiment had retreated in obedience to an order given by Col. Bowles. The order was not obeyed until it had been thrice repeated, as has since been proven in a court of inquiry appointed to inquire into the conduct of the Colonel. Lieut. Col. Haddon and twelve other good witnesses have testified to his having twice or thrice given the order before the line broke, so unwilling were they to abandon their position. The 2nd regiment occupied an important position--it was the key to that part of the field--and were unsupported by any troops. An evidence of their being in a very hot place is that about ninety of them were killed and wounded before they retreated. They had stood firmly doing their duty, as well as ever did veteran troops, until they had discharged over twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy, killing and wounding some three hundred of them; and I have no hesitation in saying that if it had not been for that unnecessary, unauthorized, and cowardly order to retreat, they would not have left their position. I hesitate not to express my belief that if my order to advance had been carried out and have taken the advanced position as intended, we would have driven the enemy from the ridge. Although the men retired in some confusion, the most of them soon rallied--say to the number of 250--and they continued to fight like veterans throughout the day. Lieut. Robinson (my aide-de-camp) and Lieut. Col. Haddon were very active in rallying the men. Maj. Cravens was ordered lo the ranch to bring back such of our men as had gone in that direction, which was promptly done. Capts. Davis, Kimball, McRea, Briggs, Lieut. Spicely (then in command of his company in consequence of the fall of the gallant and lamented Capt. Kinder), Adj. Shanks, and Lts. Hoggatt, Burwell, Lewis, Forster, Bennefield, Kunkle, Loudermilk, Roach, Rice, and Zenor with the most of the company officers, were also active in rallying their men. Captain Sanderson and Lieuts. Davis, Hogan, and Cayce, and several other officers, were wounded and had to leave the field; as also Capt. Dennis, who had fought like a hero with gun in hand, found himself unable from fatigue and indisposition to remain longer on the field. Paymaster Maj. Dix, having arrived on the field at this moment, was very active in assisting to rally our broken and scattered forces. He seized the colors from their bearer, who was unable to carry them longer, and handed them to Lieut. Kunkle, who carried them triumphantly throughout the day. These colors, now in possession of Capt. Sanderson, are well riddled with balls--one 24-pound shot, one 6-pound shot and many musket balls passed through them while they were in the hands of this victorious young officer, and they could at all times be seen high above the heads of the Indiana brigade moving to and fro wherever it was necessary to meet and repulse the enemy. Lieut. Peck (now captain) of the rifle battalion, who had been compelled to retire from the mountain to the plain, after the fall of his gallant old Capt. Walker, succeeded in rallying about twenty and joining the 2nd Indiana regiment, continued to fight gallantly throughout the day. The severe loss in killed and wounded which the 2nd Indiana regiment sustained in the action will convey some idea of the danger they faced and tenacity with which they struggled; 107 of their number were killed and wounded.
    At or about the time of the retreat of my small command under that ill-fated order, the riflemen were compelled by superior numbers to abandon their position on the mountainside and retreat to the plain below. The cavalry, which had been posted some distance in my rear, and out of range of the enemy's battery, to act as circumstances might require either to advance upon the enemy and cut them off in case they should retreat, or to succor my small force if they should be compelled to fall back, instead of affording me the least assistance, left their position without receiving one fire from the enemy, and made a precipitate retreat to the rear along the foot of the mountain, pursued by a large body of lancers, who succeeded in cutting off and slaughtering quite a number of our forces, most of them riflemen. If they had made a bold stand and allowed the riflemen and 2nd Indiana regiment to rally them, all together they would have checked the enemy before he had gained any considerable advantage. After these successive and almost simultaneous retreats of the different forces on the left, it remained wholly undefended, and the enemy numbering several thousand came pouring down from the mountains and from the front, and formed in good order along the foot of the mountain and in the rear of the position at first occupied by our forces. Soon after the retreat of the 2nd and while I was rallying them, the Mississippi regiment arrived on the field, and in a most gallant manner engaged the enemy, but were compelled by vastly superior numbers to fall back.
    At this time the 3rd Indiana regiment under Col. Lane were ordered into the fight and, joined with the 2nd Indiana and Mississippi regiments, composed a force about one-fifth as large as the enemy, but sufficient to engage them with success. Capt. Sherman with one gun of his battery at this time joined us. The whole moved towards towards the foot of the mountain and engaged the enemy. Here the artillery proved very effective. This portion of the enemy became at length so closely pressed, and our artillery continuing to waste them away with its destructive fire, and they being separated from the enemy's main force, would have in a short time been compelled to surrender, when a white flag was seen on the field and were ordered to cease firing. We did so; but the Mexicans continued to fire from their battery, thus covering the retreat ,of their forces. This flag was sent to the left wing from Gen. Taylor, in consequence of Santa Anna having sent him a flag, which the General naturally supposed conveyed propositions either of truce or surrender. Hence the white flag on our part of the battlefield. This flag proved to be nothing more than a stratagem of the Mexican general to extricate that portion of his troops which he saw was absolutely in our power. During the delay occasioned by this interchange of flags, this portion of his arm, so completely in our power, moved off and made good their retreat to where the enemy's main force was posted.
    We now moved and took position to meet a large body of lancers supported by about2,000 infantry. The Mississippi and a portion of the 2nd Indiana regiments were formed across a narrow ridge between two deep ravines supported by one gun from Capt. Sherman's battery, and the other part of the 2nd and all of the 3rd Indiana regiments were on the brow of one of the ravines and parallel to the same, the line being nearly in the shape of an L, and faced by the rear rank. The charge was made by the left flank of the 3rd Indiana--now right as they were faced. This charge it is due to the enemy to say was made most gallantly and was as gallantly received by our forces delivering our fire when they were in a short distance. It proved most destructive to the enemy, felling many a horse and his rider, breaking their columns and putting them to flight, leaving many of their companions dead on the field.
    Soon after this successful repulse the field on the left was completely cleared of the enemy's forces; and hearing a sharp and continued firing on our right and to the left of Washington's battery I put my command in motion at double-quick time for the purpose of taking part in the conflict. This fire proved to be a severe action between the entire Mexican infantry and the 1st and 2nd Kentucky volunteers which was Santa Anna's last and great effort. These forces had been repulsed by overwhelming numbers and were retreating in confusion, hotly pursued by thousands of Mexicans who were loading and firing on our men every jump when my command, consisting of the 2nd and 3rd and Mississippi regiments, arrived within musket shot which we did by coming up suddenly out of a deep ravine and opened a destructive fire upon them. Finding themselves thus suddenly attacked and from an unexpected quarter they quit the pursuit, formed promptly into line and returned our fire with considerable effect; but they in turn were compelled to retreat under our well-directed fire to the position they had occupied in the morning. This was the last firing between the infantry of the opposing forces on that memorable day although the cannon continued to play at intervals until dark. The battle on the plain was opened as has been shown by the 2nd Indiana regiment and the last musket fired was by the 2nd and 3rd Indiana and the Mississippi regiments. It should be stated that our forces had been under arms since the morning of the 22nd and remained upon the field of battle until the morning of the 24th.
    I have here given a brief and faithful account of the operations of the Indiana brigade on the 23rd of February, as came under our observation, and there was not one minute from the time the battle commenced until the last gun was fired that I was not with them. Capt. O'Brien, who commanded the battery of light artillery posted on my right at the commencement of the battle, as well as Capt. Sherman, who acted with us part of the day, are deserving particular praise for their gallantry and good conduct--moving and discharging their pieces with all the coolness and precision of a day of ordinary parade. The intrepid and honorable conduct of the 2nd Kentucky and 1st and 2nd Illinois volunteers could not have been exceeded, and no commendation of mine could add luster to the glory [that] should and will be theirs. There is enough of honor and glory for each man who did his duty at Buena Vista, and he must be an uncharitable and self[ish] American citizen who would  knowingly wish to detract from any portion of that glorious little army with a desire to augment that of any other corps at the expense of another. The many gallant officers and men who did their duty on that day should not suffer by invidious comparison.
    If I have neglected to particularize the conduct of the Arkansas and Kentucky cavalry or to define their position on the field it is not because I deemed them of little importance, but from the reason that from the time of their retreat, I had no time of seeing anything of their movements. They participated in the rancho fight when the gallant Yell nobly fell at the head of his column. He, with the noble souls who fell on that day, should never be forgotten. The ambition of distinction should never prompt us to deface any portion of the tablet of fame which our country will erect to the honor of the actors in that battle, and the regular and volunteer army should be proud of it as one of the greatest epochs in our country's history.
    It is due to the commanders of the different batteries of light artillery to say that their efforts were most powerful and efficient towards gaining the almost unparalleled victory of Buena Vista. Ready at all times to meet the enemy at fearful odds, their guns wasted them away with their fire in a handsome manner, compelling them to retreat whenever coming within their range. Gens. Taylor and Wool were present as commanders--the former as commander-in-chief. They were exposed to dangers almost every instant of the day, watching the movements of the enemy and ordering and disposing our forces to meet and repel them. By their coolness and courage in gaining this victory they have won laurels and a fame that shall endure as long as traces of American history shall exist.
Logansport Telegraph, Logansport, Indiana, June 26, 1847, page 1



    Mr. Thomas Scantlin.--Sir: The Wager's Troy Air-Tight Cooking Stove that you put up for Mrs. Lane is an excellent one, and she thinks decidedly the best cooking stove that she has seen; its capacity for baking is far better than any stove that we have tried.
Advertisement for Evansville Stove Store, Tri-Weekly Journal, Evansville, Indiana, October 7, 1847, page 1



    GENTLEMEN:--Your letter of the 29th ult., in reference to a communication in the Louisville Journal of the 25th of June, signed H. Marshall, late a Col. Ky. Cavalry, is before me. Without pretending to intimate what course my own inclination would prompt, it is due to you to say that your opinions in reference to the communication in question are entitled to the deepest consideration.
    I entered the service of my country with the strongest desire to do my duty to her, my command and myself, and although in a campaign so arduous as the one that has just terminated, it was hardly to be expected that I could so conduct myself in all things as entirely to avoid censure, yet I can assure you gentlemen that I have honestly endeavored to do my whole duty, and award to all under my command their just and appropriate due. It must be well known to all who have read my supplementary report that my object in making it was to place before the country in an authentic form the true reason of the retreat of one of the regiments of my command in the battle of Buena Vista, and not to disparage the services or injure the characters of others. Nothing, for instance, could have been further from my intention than to cast the slightest shade of censure upon the memory of Col. Yell, an officer with whom I was personally acquainted, and for whose character as a gentleman and officer of the highest honor and bravery no one could entertain a higher regard than myself--an officer who, I am proud to say, displayed in battle a degree of gallantry unsurpassed by any other on that battlefield. Such I repeat was not my object, but to vindicate the conduct of the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and rescue its character from unmerited censure and disgrace.
    This done and my object was accomplished. In speaking of the retreat of the cavalry, I stated the simple fact, a fact which Col. Marshall with all his effrontery cannot deny with truth.
    The candid and impartial reader will readily observe that Col. Marshall misconstrues my language in order to obtain a pretext for his unmanly attack upon me, for I explicitly stated in the report in question that the disposition of the troops was confided to Gen. Wool. I did not assert that I posted them, nor is such the import of my language. Neither did I state which retreated first, the cavalry or the 2nd Indiana Regiment. To enter into a newspaper warfare with an individual who selects such weapons to war with would be an unpleasant as well as unprofitable undertaking. I therefore coincide with you in opinion that "there is nothing in Col. Marshall's communication which can justify me in entering into an angry controversy with him at this time," and I shall leave it to "that oblivious destiny which time and truth ever assign to such attempts on the reputation of others."
    I cannot however dismiss the subject without saying a word in relation to my movements and contemplated movements on the field of battle. I was ordered by Gen. Wool to meet the enemy with my command and hold him in check. I met him and held him in check for near twenty-five minutes, and I have no hesitation in saying that if we had taken an advanced position I was about occupying, and which was only prevented by the unfortunate order of Col. Bowles to retreat, the battle would in a few minutes have been ended and a triumphant victory achieved by our arms. Such was the opinion of that distinguished military commander, Gen. Wool, and such was substantially the opinion of the Mexican General who commanded that division of the Mexican army, with which the Second Regiment of Indiana Volunteers was engaged at the time the retreat took place under the ill-fated order alluded to.
    In his report of the battle he says: "At dawn we commenced our movements, about 3,000 infantry and four pieces moved to the right, and at 9 o'clock a.m. a heavy fire was opened, the cavalry charged at the same time, much havoc was made among the enemy, and the position carried by force of arms. We also lost a large number of men and were near being driven, and if the enemy had stood firm a few moments longer or charged, we would probably have been defeated."
    This extract from his report, translated for the use of Gen. Wool, fully portrays the situation which I discovered the Mexican army to be in when I determined to advance and, if possible, drive it from the field. I have said that Gen. Wool was of the opinion that the battle would have been speedily terminated had the Second Regiment stood firm, and as an evidence of it I will give you Gen. Wool's language to Col. Bowles after the finding of the Court of Inquiry. He said, "Col. Bowles, your order to retreat has disgraced you, your regiment and your state; had you but remained one minute more and permitted the regiment to have taken an advanced position with the battery, and carried out the intentions of General Lane, you would have done one of the most brilliant acts ever done on any battlefield."--These words were spoken to Col. Bowles in the presence of Col. Curtis, 3rd Ohio, Major Washington, Light Artillery and myself.--Again:--In an order marked 295, dated May 23rd 1847, received by me on the day previous to my leaving Buena Vista with my command, the commanding General holds the following language in reference to myself individually. "The General regrets deeply that he has to lose the valuable services of Brig. Gen. Lane, whose integrity, zeal and close attention to all the requirements of the service have been of so much aid to him in the discharge of his duties, and whose gallant conduct in the field has gained for him the esteem and confidence of everyone." These high testimonials, gentlemen, in favor of my movement and intended movement, and of my general conduct in battle and otherwise, must forever put to flight the unjust, uncalled-for, and illiberal criticisms of Col. Marshall, or anyone else.
    With high regard, I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your friend and fellow citizen.
    N. Rowley, Jas. Lockhart, D. S. Lane, Jas. G. Jones, J. Mitchell, and others.
Indiana State Journal, Indianapolis, July 27, 1847, page 1



    Hon. P. C. Dunning: Dear Sir--A press of business has prevented me from writing you for some time, which I now do with great pleasure. On tomorrow I set out for Mexico to join my command.
    I take pleasure in saying that so far as your conduct came under my observation while you were with the army, it was clever and gentlemanly. You were kind and attentive to the sick. Instead of desiring to take advantage of their necessities, you seemed to wish to relieve their wants, without regard to gain. You often told me that you did not want to make money by your trip, and I am inclined to think that you did not, as I heard you offer to take one hundred and fifty dollars for your interest in the establishment, which price you were unable to get.
    Your great attention to our lamented friend, Lt. Eiler, was worthy a good and excellent heart. I cannot, myself, see anything that you did that you need be ashamed of. Give my best respects to Capt. Sims, young Foster, and all the volunteers in your vicinity, and friends generally.
    With great respect, I am, my dear sir,
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, November 11, 1847, page 8



    SIR--Enclosed you will find the report of Colonel J. H. Lane, commander of the 3rd regiment of the Indiana brigade; the reason of its being sent at this late day is that Colonel Lane had not been called upon for a report until quite recently.
    The many false rumors in relation to the Indiana brigade make it necessary that a full and fair statement of facts should be forwarded, that the department may be able to judge as to the good conduct of those troops; and as his regiment was detached from my command a part of the time during the battle of the 22nd and 23rd of February last. In transmitting this report of the part which the 3rd regiment took in that battle, it affords me the greatest pleasure to bear witness to the bravery and efficiency of Colonel Lane, and to the bravery and good conduct of his officers and men. No regiment or corps on that field exhibited more coolness and courage than did that body of men, and none did more to gain the great battle of Buena Vista.
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5.  There is no known family relationship between James Henry Lane and Joseph Lane.



    We, the undersigned, Captains and Lieutenants of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers, state that, at the time the Mississippi and 2nd and 3rd Indiana regiments were ordered to the support of the Illinois and Kentucky volunteers, who were retreating before the charge of the enemy, in which Colonels Hardin and McKee and Lieut. Col. Clay were killed on the plateau. The 3rd Indian regiment was the first regiment that arrived on the ground, and gave the enemy two discharges of musketry before any other regiment arrived; that the 3rd Indiana regiment was on the left of the line, nearest the enemy, about one hundred yards distant, and here the 3rd Indiana regiment lost more men than during the rest of the day, and here fell the last man who was killed at "Buena Vista"--Captain Taggart, of Company E, of the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers. The 3rd regiment was the only regiment that lost a man in that engagement.
    From the time that the 3rd regiment of Indiana volunteers were ordered into the fight and joined with the Mississippi and that portion  of the 2nd who had rallied to the number of 200 or upwards, I was all the time with them, and can say that I know that at the time they moved off to the support of the 1st and 2nd Illinois and 2nd Kentucky regiments, who so nobly attacked the enemy and were driven back by overwhelming numbers, the three regiments moved suddenly up the bank of a deep ravine, and that, owing to the shape of the ground, the 3rd Indiana got up the hill in advance of all others and opened the fire. The 2nd Indiana came up next, and the Mississippi last. During the whole time that the 3rd was engaged, Col. Lane proved himself a brave and efficient officer, and his officers and men acted with great coolness and bravery.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, August 19, 1847, page 5



Mexican account of the Battle of Atlixco, being a letter from a son in Atlixco to his father in Puebla & published in a Mexican handbill.
    My beloved father and sir whom I highly venerate--Surely your blessing has preserved me in this conjuncture, for the Americans by their valor and discipline are invincible and indeed without exaggeration their attack appeared to me the day of judgment.
    I write to you now to inform you that the army of the United States of America yesterday afternoon at the Rio de los Molineros (river of the millers) had a most bloody engagement with his excellency, the commanding general Don Joaquin Rea, who was at the head of two thousand infantry, well drilled, well equipped and paid, with all his valiant guerrilleros. But he found it impossible to maintain his position notwithstanding the profound military knowledge possessed by this ancient soldier of Napoleon and veteran of independence, and he abandoned it precipitately and retired to the city of Atlixco. The American  army, following, found resistance in the impregnable mountain of San Miguel, which however was finally carried by American valor notwithstanding it was covered by two thousand more soldiers and one cannon. In this action, we had much need of the brave national guard of Huanchinango, who the day before yesterday were ordered by Señor the Governor to retire, and who slept in Cholula and marched out at one in the morning on their route with much apprehension.
    The American army possessed themselves of said mountain having met the most admirable firmness of the patriotic Mexicans who retired to the center of the city and thence discharged much musketry from the houses, and churches served for strong walls of defense. These were attacked by fire, for the artillery (American) was directed with great force and effect at the plaza, throwing about 210 shells. The superiority of arms obliged the Mexicans to ask a truce, which resulted in a capitulation which has commenced at 7 o'clock, at which hour I now take up my pen to address you.
    I know not the loss which the American army has suffered but am assured that it is very small, while at the same time the Mexicans here had 219 killed and 300 wounded, and several guerrilleros taken prisoner of those who style themselves the "poisoned lancers." I have omitted to mention to you that the Señor General Rea has departed with his confidential adjutants for the south and on the morning of yesterday, his excellency the Governor took flight with the most loyal of the government employees. He intends to establish himself at Tlapa, a place very appropriate to meet the enemy with his usual valor, that valor which he has exhibited and will continue so to do.
    The Señor Deputy, on account of his sudden departure for Matamoros, has failed to pay me the amount of the draft, but I had it protested, in consequence of which you will take from the trunk the silver plate which I consider ought to be sold to defray the expenses of your journey and servants. Starting from the city, you will await me at Tepeaca, for which place I start this moment.
    When I see you I will give you the particulars and business assoc. I get you to avail yourself of the humble attention and love of your affectionate son.
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers



    SIR:--I have the honor to announce to you the arrival of my command at this place on yesterday at 1 o'clock. Before entering this city, I had learned satisfactorily that Col. Childs had been besieged forty days, and that his position was becoming a very critical one, principally for the want of the proper supplies. For the particulars of this siege, I respectfully refer you to the report of Col. Childs himself. As my command neared the city, firing was distinctly heard; and feeling confident that my force was sufficient to enter the city at once, I directed Colonel Brough, with the Ohio regiment and Capt. Heintzleman's battalion, to enter on the main road. I further ordered Col. Gorman, with the Indiana regiment, to proceed by a street farther to the east and left. Upon our approach, I found an enemy upon the housetops and in the streets firing occasional shots. The troops moved up toward the main plaza, driving the scattering forces of the enemy before them, and completely clearing the streets and city, and killing a few of the enemy. Immediately all was quiet, and order restored. I should remark, also, that I found ten or twelve of Col. Child's men who had been killed by the enemy that morning, and but a short time before our entering the city. Col. Childs and command are entitled to the highest consideration from his government for the gallant defense they have made against the repeated attacks of the enemy during the long and serious siege. My thanks are due to the whole of my command, for the gallant manner in which they obeyed my orders, and attacked and drove the enemy.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



    SIR:--I have the honor to make the following report of an engagement between a part of my forces and the enemy, under the command of Gen. Santa Anna, at the city of Huamantla on the 9th inst. After my departure from Vera Cruz, and when near the San Juan River, a party of guerrillas was observed near the hacienda of Santa Anna. Capt. Lewis' company or mounted volunteers was detected in pursuit; a portion of the command, under Lieut. Lally, came upon the enemy, and had a smart skirmish with them. Lieut. Lally behaved in the most gallant manner, rallying and encouraging his men under a severe fire. Upon leaving Paso de Ovejas, the rear guard was fired upon by a small guerrilla force, and I regret to have to announce the death of Lieut. Cline, who was shot in the affair. He is reported to have been a most energetic and efficient young officer, belonging to Capt. Lewis' company of Louisiana volunteers.
    At various points on the road rumors reached me that a large force was concentrating between Perote and Puebla. These rumors were confirmed on my arrival at the former place, and I also received the additional intelligence that Santa Anna in person commanded them, having about four thousand men and six pieces of artillery. No molestation occurred until my arrival at the hacienda San Antonio Tamaris, at which place, through the medium of my spies, I learned that the enemy were at the city of Huamantla. Leaving my train packed at the former place, guarded by Colonel Brough's regiment Ohio volunteers, Captain Simmon's battalion of three companies. and Lieut. Pratt's battery, my force consisting of Col. Wynkoop's battalion (from Perote), Col. Gorman's regiment of Indiana volunteers, Capt. Heintzleman's battalion of six companies, Major Lally's regiment of four companies of mounted men, under command of Captain Samuel H. Walker, mounted riflemen and five pieces of artillery, under command of Capt. Geo. Taylor, 3rd artillery, assisted by Lieut. Field, artillery. On arriving, near the city at about one o'clock, p.m., Capt. Walker, commanding the advanced guard (of horsemen) was ordered to move forward ahead of the column (but within supporting distance) to the entrance of the city, and if the enemy were in force, to await the arrival of the infantry before entering. When within about three miles, parties of horsemen being seen making their way through the fields towards the city, Capt. Walker commanded a gallop. Owing to the thick maguey bushes lining the sides of the road, it was impossible to distinguish his further movements. But a short time had elapsed when firing was heard from the city. The firing continuing, the column pressed forward as rapidly as possible. At this time a body of about 2,000 lancers was seen hurrying over the hills towards the city. I directed Col. Gorman, with his regiment, to advance towards and enter the west side of the city, while Col. Wynkoop's battalion, with the artillery, moved towards the east side, Capt. Heintzleman's moving on his right, and Major Lally's constituting the reserve.
    Upon arriving at the entrance to the city, Captain Walker, discovering the main body of the enemy in the plaza (about five hundred in number), ordered a charge. A hand-to-hand conflict took place between the forces; but so resolute was the charge that the enemy were obliged to give way, being driven from their guns. They were pursued by our dragoons for some distance, but the pursuit was checked by the arrival of their reinforcements. Colonel Gorman's regiment, on arriving at the entrance to the city at about the same time as the reinforcements of the enemy, opened a well-directed fire, which succeeded in routing them. With the left wing of his regiment be proceeded in person towards the upper part of the town, where the enemy still were, and succeeded in dispersing them. Col. Wynkoop's command, with the batteries, assumed their position; but before they were within range, the enemy fired in haste. The same occurred with Capt. Heintzleman's command. The enemy entering the town becoming somewhat scattered, Major Lally, with his regiment, proceeded across the fields to cut off his rear and intercept his retreat. This movement not being perceived, I ordered him to advance towards the town; thus depriving him, unintentionally, of an opportunity of doing good service. Capt. Walker's force had been engaged some three-quarters of an hour before the infantry arrived to his support. He succeeded in capturing two pieces of artillery from the enemy, but was not able to use them, owing to the want of priming tubes, although every effort was made. On this occasion every officer and soldier behaved with the utmost coolness, and my warmest thanks are due them. Col. Gorman, Lieut. Col. Dumont, and Major McCoy, of the Indiana regiment; Col.Wynkoop, Pennsylvania volunteers; Major Lally, and Capt. Heintzleman, rendered me most efficient service by their promptness in carrying into execution my orders. To surgeons Reynolds and Lamar the highest commendations are due, joining as they did in the charge of the cavalry. Surgeon Reynolds, side by side with Captain Walker, rushed on the enemy's line, and, after the conflict was ended, rendered professional services to the wounded, promptly performing amputation and other surgical operations on the field of battle. Lieut. Claiborne, mounted riflemen, captured a six-pounder in a gallant manner; while Capt. Fitzhuman, Company C, mounted riflemen, captured a mounted howitzer. Corporal Tillman is highly spoken of by all. Lieut. Anderson, Georgia volunteers, succeeded in capturing Col. La Vega and Major Iturbide, narrowly escaping with his life. The cavalry were much exposed, and behaved with that daring which characterizes American soldiers on every occasion of danger. My thanks are due to the members of my staff present, for their promptness in serving me.
    Capt. Besancon, with his command of (mounted) Louisiana volunteers, in following the command of Captain Walker, was separated by a large body of lancers from the remainder of the squadron, but gallantly succeeded in cutting his way through them. Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana volunteers, was acting as one of my aides.
    The colors of the Indiana regiment were planted on the arsenal the moment the enemy were routed. This victory is saddened by the loss of one of the most chivalric, noble-hearted men that graced the profession of arms--Capt. Samuel H. Walker, of the mounted riflemen. Foremost in the advance, he had routed the enemy, when he fell mortally wounded. In his death the service has met with a loss which cannot easily be repaired. Our total loss is thirteen kilted and eleven wounded. We succeeded in capturing the six-pounder brass gun and one mountain howitzer, both mounted, together with a large quantity of ammunition and wagons, which I was compelled to destroy. The enemy's loss was about one hundred and fifty. I must beg leave to further mention Lieut. B. P. McDonald, 3rd artillery, who was sent with an order into the town previous to my entry, accompanied by Mr. Bradley, of the quartermaster's department. He was surrounded by lancers, but succeeded in escaping.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
To the ADJUTANT GENERAL, U.S. Army,
    Washington, D.C.
New York Herald, November 23, 1847, page 1



    SIR--On the evening of the 18th instant, learning that General Rea was in command of a considerable force of the enemy at Atlixco, about ten leagues from this place, I ordered a movement for the next morning at 11 o'clock. My force consisting of the 4th Ohio and 4th Indiana regiments, Major Lally's and Captain Heintzleman's battalions, Col. Wynkoop's battalion of four companies, 1st Pennsylvania volunteers, Capt. Taylor's and Lieut. Pratt's batteries of light artillery, and a squadron of dragoons, commanded by Capt. Ford, 3rd dragoons. About 4 o'clock, p.m., when near Santa Isabel, seven leagues from this place, the advance guard of the enemy was discovered. A halt was ordered until the cavalry (which had previously been detached to examine a hacienda) should arrive. The enemy, with his accustomed bravado, came to the foot of the hill in small parties, firing their escopetas and waving their lances. On the arrival of the cavalry, a forward movement was made by the column. A large deep ravine appearing on the left of the road, Lieut. Col. Moore, with his Ohio regiment, was ordered to flank it, Major Lally with his battalion leading the advance. Our column had scarcely commenced its movement when signs of confusion were visible among the enemy. In consequence of which, the cavalry were ordered to charge, follow them up, and engage them until the infantry could arrive. Lieut. Pratt with his battery was ordered to follow in rear of the dragoons at a gallop. Had this movement been performed, the whole force would have been ours. But by an order from Major Lally, Lieut. Pratt was taken from the place assigned him by me, and in consequence detained until a greater portion of the column had passed; then owing to the nature of the ground, it was impossible for his battery to proceed with much rapidity.
    The cavalry pursued the retreating enemy for about a mile and a half, skirmishing with them. On arriving at a very small hill, they made a stand and fought severely until our infantry appeared, when they took flight. Our artillery fired a few shots as soon as it came up, but without effect, as by their rapid retreat they had placed themselves at long range. The dragoons were again ordered to follow and keep them engaged. After a running fight of about four miles, and when within a mile and a half of Atlixco, the whole body of the enemy was discovered on a side hill, covered with chaparral, forming hedges, behind which they had posted themselves. Our cavalry dashed among them, cutting them down in great numbers. So thick was the chaparral that the dragoons were ordered to dismount and fight them on foot. A most bloody conflict ensued, fatal to the enemy. Our infantry for the last six miles had been straining themselves to the utmost to overtake the enemy pressing forward most arduously, notwithstanding the forced march of sixteen miles since 11 o'clock. Owing to the nature of the road, almost entirely destroyed by gullies, the artillery could only advance at a walk. As soon as the infantry again appeared in sight, the enemy again retreated. So worn out were our horses (the sun having been broiling hot all day) that they could pursue the enemy no further. The column was pressed forward as rapidly as possible towards the town; but night had already shut in, giving us, however, the advantage of a fine moonlight. As we approached several shots were fired at us, and deeming it unsafe to risk a street fight in an unknown town at night, I ordered the artillery to be posted on a hill near to the town and overlooking it, and open its fire. Now ensued one of the most beautiful sights conceivable. Every gun was served with the utmost rapidity; and the crash of the walls, and the roofs of the houses when struck by our shot and shell, was mingled with the roar of our artillery. The bright light of the moon enabled us to direct our shots to the most thickly populated part of the town.
    After firing three quarters of an hour, and the firing from the town having ceased, I ordered Major Lally to advance cautiously with his command into the town. On entering I was waited upon by the ayuntamiento, desiring that their town might be spared. After searching the next morning for arms and ammunition, and disposing of what was found, I commenced my return.
    Gen. Rea had two pieces of artillery; but as soon as he was aware of our approach he ordered them with haste to Matamoros, a small town eleven leagues beyond. The enemy state their own loss in this action to be 219 killed and 300 wounded. On our part, we had one man killed and one man wounded. Scarcely ever has a more rapid forced march been made than this, and productive of better results. Atlixco has been the headquarters of guerrillas in this section of the country, and of late the seat of government of this state. From hence all expeditions have been fitted out against our troops. So much terror has been impressed upon them at thus having war brought to their own homes that I am inclined to believe they will give us no more trouble.
    The cavalry under Capt. Ford deserves my very warmest thanks. The service performed by them was of a most arduous and dangerous character, and nobly did they sustain themselves. To Capt. Lewis, Lieuts. Waters and Lally, it is but justice to recommend them particularly to the notice of the department for their gallantry. Also Lieut. Martin, 3rd dragoons, commanding for the time Captain Ford's company, behaved in a handsome manner. To the commanders of regiments and battalions, to Capt. Taylor, 3rd artillery, and Lieut. Pratt, 2nd artillery, commanding batteries of light artillery, I am under great indebtedness.
    To Lieut. Sears, 2nd artillery, acting A.A.G., for his promptness and efficiency throughout the day in carrying my orders, also my highest thanks are due. Lieut. Douglas, Ohio regiment (my aide), Lieut. Henderson, Louisiana regiment, Lieutenant Grooms, Ohio regiment, and Lieut. McDonald, assistant quartermaster, deserve my thanks for efficient service during the day. To my secretary, Mr. A. Phelps, my thanks are due. To Drs. Reynolds, Newton, and Lamar, I must tender my thanks.
    On my return, when at Cholula, learning that two pieces of artillery had just been finished at Guexocingo, I determined to proceed thither, and took with me a portion of Col. Brough's and Wynkoop's regiments, and a part of Capt. Heintzleman's battalion and Capt. Taylor's battery--in all 450 men. I made a thorough search of the town; the pieces had been removed, but their carriages were found and destroyed.
    On my entry into the town, a party of the enemy were seen, but retreating precipitately.
    The next morning, without interruption, I returned lo Puebla.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant,
Hon. W. L. MARCY, Secretary of War.
Wayne County Record, Centerville, Indiana, December 8, 1847, page 3



My beloved wife
    I arrived at this place on the 12th instant. I had much trouble in getting along owing to bad teams, broken wagons and wet weather. Rain almost every day and night; in all it was a hard trip, but not altogether unprofitable to the arms of our country, but on the contrary glorious. On my way up on the 8th I was informed that Santa Anna was somewhere near with a large force. My spies was immediately dispatched to look for him. About 9 o'clock on the morning of the 9th they informed me that he was at Huamantla, a large town twelve miles from the road. I divided my forces, ordered the wagons packed, left 1500 men to guard them and in fifteen minutes from the time my spies came in I was on the road to meet him. After a severe march of three hours I reached the town and engaged him. The fight was severe for one hour, but Santa Anna was completely routed and run off. His force was 2500 and ours 1500; he had his cannon so as to rake the streets. 150 Mexicans were killed and many prisoners taken, two cannon and 30 wagonloads of ammunition and a large number of mules and horses. Our loss in killed and missing fifteen, among them the gallant Capt. Walker.
    On arriving at this place we found our forces shut up in the forts and the enemy occupying the town. I made no halt but marched into town, engaged and drove the enemy out with severe loss. In three days more the town was well filled with the returning inhabitants; stores were opened, and things moving on quietly. On the 18th I learned that Genl. Rea was at the town of Atlixco, 20 miles from this place, with 2000 men and 4 cannon. On the morning of the 19th I was on the road to meet him or hunt him up and bring him to a fight. He came six miles on the road to meet me and the fight commenced. They were driven, contesting the road, for six miles into town, where they opened on us with their artillery. My pieces, seven in number, were run up in close range and opened on the town. The bombardment lasted for one hour, commencing about 8 o'clock at night, and was the most beautiful sight that I ever seen. They ceased firing and sent out and surrendered the town and asked for quarter, which was granted. 219 Mexicans were killed and 300 wounded. Never was a victory more glorious. I have done more to awe the Mexican forces around Puebla than has been done by any other man.
    Joseph is at the castle of Perote where I left him. In a few days he will come up with Genl. Cushing. Perote is a delightful place, and our officers will be kind to him. Besides I left a good servant to take care of him and plenty of money in his pocket.
    I don't see how the Mexicans can hold out much longer; they must make peace, and I would be glad how soon my ambition is fully gratified, and I want to be with my family. Take good care of all my children.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    SIR: Having been credibly informed that the enemy were in force at Matamoros with some artillery, and that a military depot was there established, at which a large quantity of munitions of war and other public property had been collected, and also that several American soldiers were confined there in close prison, I moved from Puebla towards that place at 7 o'clock on the evening of the 22nd inst., with one piece of artillery and twenty-five men, under the command of Lieut. B. Field, of the 3rd artillery, and one hundred and thirty-five men, consisting of Col. Hays' Texas mounted riflemen, and of the Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis. Although retarded by the rain, which fell incessantly from 10 o'clock until 5, we arrived at Matamoros at 7 o'clock on the morning of the 22nd--accomplishing a march of fifty-four miles in 12 hours. Coming upon the advance guard of the enemy as we approached the town, they were charged and driven in upon the main body, when the whole fled along the streets towards a forest lying in rear of the place. The force of the charge, the suddenness of their flight, and the various avenues by which they retired, render it difficult lo form a satisfactory estimate of their numbers, which is variously computed at from four to six hundred.
    In this short and sanguinary action from sixty to eighty of the enemy were killed and wounded, without the loss on our part of a single man. Among the killed was Col. Piedras, commanding at Matamoros, two captains of artillery, and other officers of various grades. Twenty-one American soldiers were set free and restored to the service, armed with muskets, and mounted upon horses taken from the enemy. Three pieces of artillery--a small one, a long six, and a long twelve-pounder--all of bronze, and in good firing condition, twelve tons of shot of all calibers, twelve boxes fixed ammunition, twenty-seven bales escopet and musket balls, seven bales slow and quick matches, five hundred muskets, five hundred sabers, one hundred horses, a large quantity of medical stores, and other public property, fell into our hands; and, with the exception of the artillery, the fixed ammunition, the muskets and sabers, all were destroyed in consequence of my inability to procure additional means of transportation. The remainder of the day was employed in refreshing the troops and in destroying military stores; in which last, three artillerymen--privates Gorman, Foss, and Friedman--were considerably injured, but, it is hoped, not disabled, by an accidental explosion.
    In this engagement, Col. Hays displayed great coolness and bravery, as did captains Lewis and Roberts of the Texas Rangers. Lieuts. Waters and Lilly, of the Louisiana volunteers, and the lieutenants of the Texas corps, behaved most gallantly. Lieut. Ridgely, of the 4th infantry, acting assistant adjutant general, and Lieut. Whipple, of the 9th infantry (volunteer aide), behaved, as ever before, with distinguished gallantry, rendering me prompt and efficient assistance during the engagement. They were with the foremost in the charge and in pursuit of the enemy; and not until all the public property was captured did they think of rest. Lieut. McDonald, of the 3rd artillery, acting assistant quartermaster, was with me in the charge and behaved most gallantly, as he ever has done upon all former occasions. Lieuts. Douglass and Blake were also in the charge--the former as my aide-de-camp--and both behaved gallantly. It affords me much pleasure to bear testimony to the good conduct both of officers and men. Never could they behave better than on this occasion.
    Early on the morning of the 24th, we moved toward Puebla. Capt. Roberts' company of Texas mounted riflemen, numbering between twenty-five and thirty men, composed the advanced guard. The remainder of the mounted riflemen were in the rear of the artillery. The Louisiana dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, constituted the rear guard. While moving with difficulty through a long mountainous pass, called the pass of Galaxara, some five miles from Matamoros, the train became considerably extended. Retarded by the obstructions of the way, the artillery and a small train of four wagons containing captured property, drawn by Mexican mules and driven by Mexicans, had fallen far in the rear, and were slowly progressing under my immediate superintendence, when it was reported that the enemy was in front. Col. Hays was immediately ordered to repair to the head of the column, and to engage the enemy with the advance guard. He found a small party of observation running in under the pursuit of two hundred Mexican lancers. He promptly repulsed them, and with Capt. Roberts and company, and Lts. Ridgely, Whipple, Waters, McDonald, Blake, and my private secretary, Mr. Phelps, numbering in all about thirty-five men, gallantly charged, broke, and pursued the enemy across an extended plain, and up a long precipitous ascent toward the mountains from which they had made the attack. Midway of the hill the enemy halted and attempted to rally. They wheeled to the front, but falling rapidly before the continued charge they again broke and fled over the summit of the mountain, closely followed by Col. Hays, with his small force. Here the enemy was reinforced by a reserve of five hundred lancers, under the command of Gen. Rea. The mounted riflemen not being armed with sabers, and their revolvers and rifles having all been discharged, he ordered his small force to retire to their original position. This order was coolly obeyed, and the men retired in good order, under the full charge of four or five hundred lancers. Having returned to their position, the enemy were immediately repulsed, and the post maintained until the arrival of the artillery, under Lieut. Field, and of the dragoons, under Capt. Lewis, whom I had ordered lo the front immediately on perceiving the strength of the enemy. It is due to these excellent officers to remark that they moved forward to the engagement with that promptitude and alacrity for which they have ever been distinguished. The artillery was immediately unlimbered, when the enemy retired to the mountains, and, receiving a few rounds of grape and canister, they disappeared. For several hours they continued lo hover about our march, in scattered detachments, too remote for the assault of our already jaded horses. And though the riflemen dismounted and attempted to reach them on foot, and the artillery was several times unlimbered and brought to bear upon them, it was impossible to bring them to another engagement. Our loss in this engagement was two killed and two slightly wounded.
    The loss of Lieut. Ridgely, my acting assistant adjutant general, who was mortally wounded while gallantly charging with his comrades by the side of Col. Hays, deeply saddens the feeling of satisfaction with which I report the brilliant conduct of this small party at the pass of Galaxara. Private Wm. Walpas, one of the rangers, also fell bravely fighting among the foremost in the charge. Lieut. Waters, and one other, were slightly wounded. The loss of the enemy in this affair is not accurately ascertained, but could not have been less than fifty killed and wounded. Of the killed were two captains, one lieutenant, and also three noncommissioned officers of artillery. During the engagement the Mexican drivers, after cutting the mules from the teams, made their escape. This rendered it necessary to destroy all the captured property, except the large pieces of artillery, and the sabers, most of which were distributed to the mounted men, and the remainder destroyed. Never did any officer act with more gallantry than did Col. Hays in this affair of the 24th. When he found it necessary to retire for the purpose of reloading--his men having no sabers--he halted in their rear, and as the enemy advanced, deliberately shot two of them dead and covered his retreat until the arrival of reinforcements. Lieut. Ridgely fell a victim to gallantry which was never surpassed. Lieut. Whipple, my present aide-de-camp and acting assistant adjutant general, was distinguished for his coolness and bravery. He was among the first in the charge, and excepting Col. Hays was the last man to leave the field. Captain Roberts charged bravely at the head of his company: his horse was shot under him, and he exhibited great presence of mind in making his escape. Lieut. Waters and Lieut. McDonald distinguished themselves in this action--advancing with the first, and retiring only with the last. Lieut. Blake and Mr. Phelps were also at the head of the charge, and divide with their comrades the palm of bravery and good conduct. Assistant Surgeons Brower and Newton, of the medical staff, merit my thanks for their promptitude and efficiency in attending to their professional duties. Private Glanton, of the Texas rangers, attracted general notice for his extraordinary activity and daring throughout the actions both of the 23rd and 24th. Sergeant Myers commanded a portion, of the Louisiana dragoons, and conducted them with ability through both actions. Too much praise cannot be bestowed upon Capt. Lewis for the energy and ability with which he discharged the arduous duties devolving upon him as commandant of the rear guard.
    At about 10 o'clock of the morning the 25th, we arrived at Atlixco. After four hours' repose, we moved on to Puebla where we arrived, without further molestation, at 2 o'clock in the afternoon--having been absent sixty hours.
    I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
To R. JONES, Adjutant General U.S.A Washington, D.C.
    To the above report I beg leave to subjoin that the squadron of Louisiana volunteer dragoons, commanded by Capt. Lewis, led the advance towards Matamoros and the gallant charge into the town in which they manifested the same spirit and bravery so conspicuous at Atlixco. Also, that assistant surgeon Brower, of the 4th Indiana, was with the foremost in the splendid charge of the 24th instant.
    Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
To R. JONES, Adj. Gen. U.S.A.
Democratic Pharos, Logansport, Indiana, February 2, 1848, page 2  This letter was printed in some newspapers under the headline "Official Report."



    This ayuntamiento,united today in session, together with many of the principal persons of this place, resolved to send a deputation to wait on your excellency, and invite your peaceable entry into and stay in this city. This the ayuntamiento hopes from your accredited justice and prudence.
    The deputation consists of the Curate Francisco Jalavera, Jose M. Gampo, Pedro Prebost, Francisco Mayobre, and the undersigned as president of the body.
    I have the honor to say to your excellency that we humbly beg of you to receive the deputation, who will have the honor to present themselves to you on the road.
    I subscribe myself your bumble servant,
To the General commanding the American forces in Orizaba.
To the deputation of the ayuntamiento,
    and principal citizens Cordova.
    The General commanding the American forces at this place has received your communication touching his proposed visit to your city, and is pleased to be informed of your peaceable and friendly disposition towards him and the troops under his command.
    The General has not positively determined whether he will extend his march to Cordova or not, but informs you that he will not start thither today. Whenever he shall arrive in your place, he assures you that the principles heretofore announced by him in other places, and announced by all other American commanders, will be strictly pursued, namely: the protection of private property, respect for religious opinions, and exact justice towards all.
    The General begs to present you the assurance of his distinguished consideration.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, March 9, 1848, page 2



    JUSTICE TO CAPTAIN FORD.--The following letter from Gen. Lane pays a merited tribute to the gallant conduct of Capt. Ford, in the fight at Puebla. We take pleasure in giving it through our columns:
CAPTAIN FORD:--
    DEAR SIR: In looking over the report of my entrance into the city of Puebla on the 12th day of October, I find that your name and good conduct has been omitted, which was, I assure you, unintentional. You came out with your company under a heavy fire from the enemy, in fine order, and met me two miles from the city. You made known to me that the enemy were in strong force and would attack my column near the edge of the city, and that in a street fight, cavalry could render but little service.
    I write this note as I have no other way to make amends for the omission.
CAPTAIN FORD, 3rd Dragoons.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, May 25, 1848, page 2



    We are indebted (says the Washington Union of the 7th inst.) to the War Department for the following interesting dispatches from the army. They exhibit additional feats of enterprise and bravery on the part of our troops. Did they stand out alone, unconnected with the larger achievements of Cerro Gordo and Chapultepec, they would attract the admiration of the whole country. But, even in comparison with these battlefields, they reflect high honor upon our terms. The disparity of the forces engaged, and of the losses which were sustained, is a feather Sin the cap of Gen. Lane and his brave associates. He has justly been pronounced the Marion of the Mexican War--they deserve to share the laurels which he has won. Should hostilities end here, these latter achievements round off, in a glorious manner, the history of the war. Should it be continued, they will animate our future efforts by the noble example which they furnish of the ceaseless bravery of our troops.
    The "American Star," of Mexico, gives a brief narrative of the actions referred to in the following dispatches, and concludes by saying that "our western men are the stuff for partisan warfare. Lane, Hayes, and Polk are short names, but they reach a great way when on the track of guerrilleros."
    SIR: I have the honor to submit, for the consideration of the major general commanding-in-chief, the following report of the operations of the mounted troops specially assigned to my command on the 18th of January last.
    On the morning of that day, I left this city with four companies of the mounted Texas rangers, under Colonel Hays, two companies of the third dragoons, and one company of mounted rifles, under Major Polk--in all, about three hundred and fifty men--to scour the country, and drive the guerrillas from the roads.
    On the afternoon of the 19th, some five miles distant from Rio Frio, I met the train of General Marshall; and being informed by him that a body of the enemy had threatened his rear guard, and was then actually passing through the mountains towards his right, I immediately led my command (with the exception of two companies of Texas rangers, detached to guard the wagons) in the direction indicated; but, after a search of several hours, found no trace of hostile forces.
    About noon, on the 20th, I entered Puebla, and remained there until the evening of the following day. After dark, on the 21st, in a chilling rain, I proceeded with my command in the direction of Vera Cruz; and arriving in the village of Amazoque, turned off towards the left, in order to deceive the inhabitants.
    This route was continued for nearly, if not quite, a league; when I again turned abruptly to the right, through a ravine leading towards the mountains. During the night the command accomplished a march of forty-five miles over a route almost impassable, frequently compelled to move in single file, and sometimes obliged to dismount and lead their horses.
    Near daybreak, I halted at two large haciendas, situated in a lone region of the country, and ordered the men and horses to be concealed. I held the Mexicans, residents of the haciendas, and those passing along the road, prisoners until dark on the 22nd; at which time I again took up the line of march in the direction of the town of Tehuacan.
    About five miles distant from the haciendas I had left, in a narrow pass, I suddenly encountered a coach with an escort of ten or twelve armed men. The escort was instantly disarmed, and I was about to hold the party as prisoners, when a person stepped from the coach, and, striking a light, produced a written safeguard, with permission to arm an escort, from Brevet Brig. General Smith. I had, then, no alternative but to return the arms, and permit the coach and escort to proceed.
    The march was continued over a miserable, rocky, and narrow road for some forty miles, or more, when the column arrived in the vicinity of Tehuacan. I had previously received authentic information, through a faithful and intelligent guide, who has shown his devotion to our cause on many occasions, that General Santa Anna was in Tehuacan, with a force of one hundred regular cavalry, and an indefinite force of guerrillas. As I continued the march, my guide obtained further information, even to the positions of sentinels posted within the town. About four o'clock, preceding daybreak; I arrived at the confines of the town, when instantly, lights flashed to and fro in several houses, and a solitary gun was fired upon the advancing column.
    In obedience to my previous orders, Maj. Polk immediately surrounded the town with his command; while Col. Hays, with his, followed me, at a charge, directly to the plaza. Traces were everywhere visible of recent occupation by troops, but the whole force had departed. The house in which General Santa Anna himself had quartered, containing his furniture, wardrobe, and some fresh provisions, appeared to have been deserted abruptly. All of his military clothing was captured, together with the clothing of his lady, consisting of one hundred and twenty-two valuable pieces; which latter I caused to be packed in trunks, and delivered to the alcalde of the town, taking his written receipt for the same.
    After marches so fatiguing, it was impossible to urge our horses further, as several of them fell exhausted in the streets, and very few were in a condition to continue the pursuit.
    I ascertained from the alcalde and the priests that a courier had preceded me, arriving about two o'clock in the morning, with information for General Santa Anna that I was approaching with my command. I further ascertained, from the same source, that this courier was one of the escort I had met in the early part of the preceding evening--inasmuch as he related the incident; of the escort having been disarmed, the production of the safeguard, and the consequent restoration of the arms; and further confessed that he had been sent by a direct route to warn General Santa Anna of the impending attack.
    Finding it impossible, with our jaded horses, to make further pursuit, I endeavored to procure one hundred fresh horses from the alcalde, but was unable, without scouring the surrounding country, and suffering a delay of twenty-four hours. General Santa Anna had retreated with his force, mounted on fresh horses, in the direction of Oaxaca; and I was compelled to abandon further pursuit.
    Shortly after my return to the town, the ayuntamiento and principal citizens of Tehuacan waited upon me and tendered a formal surrender of the place, and a full submission to my authority. My command being much fatigued by the severity of our march, I thought it necessary to remain one day and night at Tehuacan. During our stay at Tehuacan, I attempted to restrain every attempt at disorderly or improper conduct on the part of the troops, and am happy to believe that my efforts were attended with very great success, the men cheerfully conforming to my desires, with probably a few trifling exceptions. None of the inhabitants were injured whilst we were there; and so well pleased were they with our conduct, that, when about to depart, the alcalde, in their behalf, thanked me for the very kind treatment which had been extended to them.
    On the morning of the 24th I again took up the line of march towards Orizaba, and arrived the same evening at the village of Acalcingo, situated at the base of the intervening mountains. Here I received a communication from the ayuntamiento of Orizaba, informing me that a deputation of the municipal authorities, priests, and citizens would meet me on the subject of arranging terms for the capitulation of the city. I replied that I would personally inform the deputation what terms would be granted. About noon, on the 24th, at a distance of three miles from the city, I was met by the deputation, and informed the alcalde that private and church property should be respected; that no violence would be allowed; but that I would investigate the robberies lately committed in the neighborhood, by guerrillas, upon merchant trains; whereupon the city was surrendered.
    The evening of my arrival I learned that a large force--principally robbers--had actually assembled at the gate of the city to oppose our entrance, but had been induced by the citizens, by force or bribes, to leave.
    On the march from Tehuacan to Acalcingo, three of the Texas rangers were detected in the act of robbing a mule train; and being desirous of making a speedy and severe example, I ordered them to be disarmed and placed under strict guard until the arrival of the command at some American garrison, and there to be dishonorably discharged from the service; which was accordingly done upon my arrival at Puebla.
    In justice to the Texas rangers, I take pleasure in stating that the three individuals specified were not Texans by birth or adoption, but joined the regiment upon this line of operations of our army.
    Immediately upon entering Orizaba, I appointed Col. Hays commander of the forces, and Major Polk civil and military governor, with directions to the latter to make inquiry forthwith into the matter of the robberies which had been committed; whether the guerrillas had been countenanced by the municipal authorities, or had been allowed to harbor in the city; whether the goods taken had been sold there; what disposition had been made of the proceeds, if sold; and to execute justice in the premises. At the same time, I reiterated my assurances of protection to individual and church property, and caused to be made known the provisions of the general orders issued at Tampico, in February last, declaring martial law.
    The efforts made to recover the goods robbed from the trains were unsuccessful, as my time was limited; and, expecting Col. Bankhead from Vera Cruz to garrison the place, I concluded to refer the business to him.
    On the morning of the 26th, I was informed that eighty bales of unmanufactured tobacco, and about thirty boxes of cigars, had been removed from the government warehouse without authority; and thereupon directed the civil and military governor to seize the same, and refer the matter to a board of officers for decision. The property, under the decision of the said board of officers, was condemned, as property of the Mexican government, to be confiscated and sold. The proceeds of the sale were turned over to the acting assistant quartermaster of the command, for the use of the United States.
    Subsequently, four hundred bales of tobacco were discovered in the government warehouse; but being materially injured, and of inferior quality, no sale could be effected without delaying the command for some time, which I deemed inadvisable. The tobacco was therefore delivered to the alcalde, with instructions to sell it, and appropriate the proceeds for the benefit of the poor. It was further expressly signified to the alcalde, that should the proceeds be diverted to any other purpose, the next American commander arriving at Orizaba would hold him individually responsible for the whole amount.
    On the 26th I received a letter of submission from the ayuntamiento of Cordova, a city distant from Orizaba fifteen or twenty miles; and on the 28th started for that place with three companies of Texas rangers, under Col. Hayes, and Lieut. Martin's company of dragoons.
    After taking formal possession of the place, I released six American prisoners captured at various places, whom I brought with my command.
    During the march to Cordova, several armed Mexicans were observed to cross the road a short distance in advance of the column. Pursuit was immediately given; but, from the fleetness of their horses and the ruggedness of the ground, they effected their escape, with the exception of one, whom Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th Indiana volunteers, had the good fortune to overtake and kill. In this connection I take pleasure in mentioning Lieut. Runnels, of the Texas rangers, who was most zealous in the pursuit, and evidently wounded the leader of the party.
    Hearing that Col. Bankhead had arrived within a day's march of Cordova, I returned to that place on the 30th, but was there assured that he had gone back to Vera Cruz; and thereupon I returned to Orizaba.
    After one week's occupation of that city, I left, on the morning of the 31st, for Puebla, with the Texas rangers, and was joined that evening, at Acalcingo, by Major Polk with his command. Continuing an unmolested march across the mountains, I next day reached San Augustin de Palmas; the day following I reached Acalcingo, where Major Polk received information that a number of mules and horses, captured from the American trains, were at a hacienda two leagues distant. I readily acceded to the request of the Major, to be allowed two companies of dragoons to recapture them; and, after a fatiguing night march, he returned, bringing with him twenty-six mules and one American horse, undoubtedly the property of the United States. The horse supplied the place of one which had died, and the mules were delivered to the quartermaster at Puebla. On the 3rd instant I returned to Puebla after an absence of.two weeks.
    Along the whole route from Puebla to Tehuacan and Cordova, and from Cordova to Puebla--a route hitherto untrodden by American forces, and heretofore notoriously hostile--no resistance was offered to a body of only 350 mounted men, without artillery, and with but a limited supply of ammunition. Every town sent out its deputies to assure us a peaceable reception, and every necessary for the command was promptly furnished.
    On the morning of the 5th instant I sent forward a portion of my command. Texans and dragoons, under command of Major Truett, as a guard to the wagons from Puebla to this city. With the remainder of my command, I started about midnight of the same day in the direction of Tlaxcala, passing through that city about ten o'clock a.m., of the 6th instant. Crossing the mountains by a rugged and unfrequented route, after a long day's march, I arrived at a hacienda which had evidently been the resort of robbers. Throughout the march, straggling bandits were occasionally seen and pursued; but no force of consequence appeared until the afternoon of the 8th inst.
    When about to enter the town of San Juan de Teotihuacan, about nine leagues from this city, report was made that the enemy, under Colonel Manuel Falcon, was before us. I ordered Major Polk, with one company of rifles under Lieutenant Claiborne, and one company of dragoons under Lieut. Adde, to make pursuit, while Colonel Hays, with the Texans, should seize the town.
    My orders were executed with alacrity and effect. Seventeen of the enemy are known to have been killed--two of them by the hand of Major Polk. Lieutenant Claiborne displayed his usual intrepidity, being amongst the foremost in hot pursuit, and ever ready to assault the foe. Lieut. Colbert, of the Texas rangers, also signally exhibited much coolness, courage, and good conduct. Indeed, every officer and man who was permitted to engage showed the utmost devotion and bravery, and rendered efficient service. One lieutenant and two privates were taken prisoners. The remainder of the enemy's forces took to the mountains, and, after a severe chase of seven miles, our men, with their exhausted horses, returned. It is more than probable that many stragglers were cut down and wounded in their retreat, who were not seen by our returning forces.
    At the same time, Col. Hays captured, in town about two hundred and fifty muskets, several escopetas, two hundred and fifty lances, and a large supply of ammunition and military clothing--all of which were destroyed, for the reason that we had no wagons to carry with us the captured property. The papers of Col. Falcon fell into my hands, and are now in my possession.
    The next morning I started for this city, which I reached about 4 o'clock p.m., after an absence of three weeks and two days.
    I cannot commend in terms too strong Colonel Hays and Major Polk for their valuable services at Orizaba; for their skill, courage, and activity at Tehuacan, and in the encounter with Colonel Falcon's forces.
    To Major Truett, Texas rangers, Adjutant Manley, 3rd dragoons, Acting Assistant Quartermaster Haslitt, 3rd dragoons (who was thrown from his horse and badly injured in the pursuit), Adjutant Colbert, Texas rangers, and to the officers commanding companies, I am deeply indebted for their good conduct on all occasions.
    Captain Crittenden, of the mounted rifles, accompanied the expedition as a volunteer, and deserves my thanks. Lieut. Butler, aide-de-camp, Dr. Hunt, and Mr. Merriwether, volunteer aides to Gen. Butler, also accompanied me, and rendered valuable services upon my staff. To Dr. Hunt, especially, I must express my obligations for his frequent professional attendance upon the sick and wounded.
    Lieut. Col. Dumont, of the 4th regiment Indiana volunteers, was with me from Puebla, until my return to that city, and afforded me great assistance during that period. Major Chevallie, late of the Texas rangers, Mr. Scully, and Assistant Surgeon Brower, 4th Indiana volunteers, also have my thanks for their attention.
    To my personal staff, Lieut. Alexander Hays, 8th infantry, A.A.A.G., and Captain Pugh, 4th Ohio volunteers, aide-de-camp, I must express deep obligations for the promptness with which they discharged their respective duties, and their readiness in danger to be ever amongst the foremost.
    The only loss sustained by my command, during the expedition, was one private accidentally killed, and three privates accidentally wounded.
    I am, sir, with much respect,
    This interesting report is respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War, through the Adjutant General.
New Albany Democrat, New Albany, Indiana, April 20, 1848, page 1



Dear Doctor
    I arrived here on the 4th in good health. No vessel going out for several days, so I will be compelled to remain in this city. I would much have preferred being at home, provided always that my peace, quiet and comfort should not be disturbed by the dmd. infernal constables, to me a very unwelcome visitor at any time, and more especially under the circumstances that I received their last visits. In truth I had no money. In this city I borrowed money from a friend before I offered to take my baggage off the boat (unknown, however, to the clerk) to pay passage. On my passage, though a good boat, kind capt. & crew, I suffered in mind all the torments of hell. I would imagine that some personal or political enemy would publish that I had refused to pay honest debts and had to run from the worthy gentlemen above mentioned. I had in my pocket no money to treat my friends, which would very much have relieved my gloomy state of mind. I would often study over the doings of my life & would at times be foolish enough to think that I had rendered good services to the state and especially to Evansville in the arrangement of the state debt. Then again I would be weak enough to claim to myself the credit of having done something in vindication of the injured reputation of the troops of our state. That I had truly sought opportunities and thrown myself in the front of the fight for the purpose not only of doing my duty but now to show to the world that Indiana as well as other states was willing and would do her duty in battle or otherwise & would in my heart curse the enemy for not shooting me in the head and ending gloriously a life, though devoted to my country & family, that has been made miserable by poverty and misfortune. My children are to be reared without education & I shall expect to hear that the subsistence in the way of provisions, which is barely sufficient for them, is sold by virtue of execution. Then things were continually harassing me. My favorite charger, because I could not think of having her sold into the hands of the highest bidder, for she had carried me to battle & to victory at Huamantla, Puebla, Atlixco, twice at Tlascala, at Matamoros & Galaxa, at Teotihuacan & Sequaltepan, has been given to another. Is it certain that she will be treated as she deserves. That thing has harassed me very much. But I have one comfortable reflection. She is in the hands of a well-tried and faithful personal friend. He has been kind to my family in my absence and helped them in need. But, my dear friend, these things are wearing off, and with great pleasure I think of the kindness that I have received from the good people of Evansville without distinction of party. They have been more kind to me than I expected or deserved, for which I shall always feel grateful.
    I will leave on the first boat for Vera Cruz and hasten to the city of Mexico & if there is more fighting to do I will do my duty, and if it is the will of kind heaven that a shot from some escopet may happen to end my life, it will save the repetition of the horrors and sufferings of mind which is to a proud man worse than death that shall be compelled to endure until I can get money to satisfy the cravings of such dmd. rascals as Babcock & others.
    Genl. Taylor arrived in the city this morning. He is in good health, but not well pleased with Clay's letter, as I am informed. He thinks that he has the best chance of success. Nothing late from Mexico. The opinion of knowing ones here is that Mexico will not make peace. I have not, however, changed my opinion; peace will soon be made.
    If I had known that my stay here would have been so long I might possibly have by waiting have got my leave extended or at least have got an answer to my letter. If it has come to hand, forward [it], as I may be held responsible for delay. Visit my family and encourage them to persevere in business, to make no debts and try to get the children to school. Simon, who is a good boy and sensible, cannot write his name. Trouble condition hard reflection [sic] and yet he must work like a negro to satisfy the damned heartless robbers. Oh, cruel fate.
    Can't our property be sold, debts paid, and the children educated. Get Robinson to try and sell. If he can effect a sale I will direct the boys to make the conveyance. Attend to this request; the happiness and respectability of family makes it necessary. Our property is a fortune, but we must pay debts and educate our children.
    See Robinson soon and try and get him to seek a buyer and write me.
    My respects [to] Mrs. Lane and family.
Write me often. Let me know things generally.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir:
    I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 2nd inst. directing the sum of $6,902.85 to be turned over to Govr. Jos. Lane on account of the Oregon sub-agency, and to inform you that he left here about the 1st instant for Fort Leavenworth, at which place I have just learned from the clerk of the steamer Mandan he was on the 6th last and making his preparations to start on the 9th for Oregon. From another gentleman I learn that there was some uncertainty about his starting so soon, and have accordingly written to him this day by mail and steamboat, informing him that the money, instructions, blanks, commissions &c. are on hand here for him.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 414-415.



    It has become necessary that I should appear before the public, and ask its candid attention to a subject of vital importance to Indiana, and to the brave troops which she sent into the field during the war with Mexico. Interested partisans in this state (and I regret that it is so) appear resolved upon disgracing themselves and the state of their nativity, or adoption, by the publication of glaring falsehoods and statements wholly unfounded in fact, put forth in the attempt to secure a mere partisan triumph. I allude to the slanders which from time to time have been perpetrated by different persons, both in official documents and otherwise, upon the 2nd Indiana Regiment relative to their conduct in the battle of Buena Vista.
    In this communication I shall rely upon facts known to the world and upon official documents which will neither be disputed nor denied. A great and lasting disgrace has been attempted to be fastened upon the fair fame our state, and I call upon every citizen high and low, to vindicate her honor and to wipe off the foul stain cast upon her bright escutcheon.
    Gen. Taylor in his official report of that battle was mistaken as to the facts, and has made statements wholly at variance with them, particularly with regard to the conduct of that regiment. If he had hastened to repair the injury thus inflicted, as soon as he became apprised of it, the present statement from myself would not have been necessary. But instead of correcting what he has stated, he persists in repeating it in the most offensive manner; and that too in the face of facts too numerous and too well authenticated to be denied or evaded. In his political letter to his friend, the Hon. G. G. Dunn, he still insists that the charge of cowardice is true as stated in his official report; that his official report was made up from the reports of his inferior officers and from personal observation upon the field. And upon this his friends say that if Indianians have been disgraced, those officers and myself are the cause.
    I will here bring Gen. Taylor's official report and my own together that the public may judge between us, by whose fault it is that disgrace has been cast on Indiana.
    It should be borne in mind that Gen. Taylor was not upon the battlefield of Buena Vista on the 23rd February, until long after the action commenced on the mountainside nor until after the retreat of the 2nd regiment. He had passed the night at Saltillo, seven miles in the rear; and did not arrive until after nine o'clock on the morning of that day.
    I was in the immediate personal command of the 2nd regiment and Capt. O'Brien's battery, and opened the battle on the plain. Who had the better opportunity of knowing as to the conduct of those troops, Gen. Taylor or myself! I made a report of that battle so far as it came under my observation. Gen. Taylor also made a report, and the question now to be presented is, did he follow the report of his inferior officers? Did he follow my report relative to my command? He did not and here is the proof.
    Extract from Gen. Taylor's report of the battle of Buena Vista dated Agua Nueva, March 6th, 1847.
    "The 2nd Indiana and 2nd Illinois regiments formed this part of our line (the left), the former covering three pieces of light artillery under the order of Capt. O'Brien, Brigadier Gen. Lane being in the immediate command. In order to bring his men within effective range Gen. Lane ordered the artillery and 2nd Indiana regiment forward. The artillery advanced within musket range of a heavy body of Mexican infantry and served against it with great effect but without being able to check its advance. The infantry ordered to its support having fallen back in disorder, being exposed as well as the battery, not only to a severe fire of small arms from the front but also to a murderous crossfire of grape and canister from a Mexican battery on the left. Capt. O'Brien found it impossible to retain his position without support but was only able to withdraw all of his pieces, all the horses and cannoniers of the third piece being killed or disabled. The 2nd Indiana regiment, which had fallen back as stated could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men under its gallant Col. Bowles joined the Mississippi regiment and did good service, and those fugitives who at a later period in the day assisted in defending the train and depot at Buena Vista."
    My own official report of this part of the battle and of the conduct of the 2nd regiment is as follows:
    Extract from my own official report of the battle of Buena Vista, dated Buena Vista Feb. the 25th, 1847.
    "I immediately put my column in motion consisting of those eight battalion companies and Lt. O'Brien's battery of three field pieces amounting in all to about 400 men to meet them. The enemy, when they deployed from the ravine and appeared on the ridge, displayed a force of about 4000 infantry supported by a large body of lancers. The infantry immediately opened a most destructive fire which was returned by my small command, both infantry and artillery, in a most gallant manner for some time. I soon perceived I was too far from the enemy for my muskets to take that deadly effect which I desired and immediately sent my aide-de-camp to Lt. O'Brien, directing him to place his battery in a more advanced position, with the determination of advancing my whole line. By this movement I should not only be nearer the enemy but should also bring the company on my extreme left more completely into action, as the brow of a hill impeded their fire. By the time the enemy's fire of musketry and the raking fire of ball and grape shot, of their battery posted on my left flank had become terrible, and my infantry instead of advancing, as was intended, I regret to say, retired in some disorder from their position, notwithstanding my own, and the severe efforts of my officers to prevent them. About the same lime the riflemen and cavalry on the mountain retired to the plain below. The Arkansas cavalry (who had been posted by your orders in my rear, at the foot of the mountain to act as circumstances might require) also left their position, the whole making a retrograde movement along the plain towards the rear, at the same time one of the Illinois regiments not under my command, but stationed some distance in the rear and on the right of my position, also retired to the rear.
    "These troops the most of them were immediately rallied and fought during the whole day like veterans. A few of them I regret to say did not return to the field at all.
    "The men under my command actually discharged eighty rounds, and some ninety rounds of cartridges at the enemy during the day. The 2nd regiment of my command, which opened the battle on the plain in such gallant style, deserves a passing remark. I shall attempt to make no apology for their retreat, for it was their duty to stand and die to the last man until they received orders to retire. But I desire to call your attention to one fact connected with this affair. They remained to their position in line, receiving the fire of 3000 or 4000 infantry in front, exposed to a most destructive raking fire from the enemy's battery posted within point blank shot, until they had deliberately discharged twenty rounds of cartridges at the enemy.
    "Some excuse may be formed for those who retired for a few minutes and then immediately rallied and fought during the day; but unless they hasten to retrieve their reputation, disgrace must forever hang around the name of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there was a few from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Here is all that is said relative to the conduct of the 2nd Indiana regiment in that battle, either by General Taylor or by myself. I have given these abstracts in full, to prevent all misapprehension or mistake. This is the more necessary, as I perceive that a part of the press in this state, when discussing to question, are constantly misleading their readers by giving garbled extracts only.
    There are two material facts known to everyone upon that field--known to Gen. Taylor when he made his report, and which are embodied to my report--which facts General Taylor does not even allude to--to wit: first, that the regiment immediately rallied, and next, that they fought all day. Read again those sentences in the above extracts in italics, and contrast them. Gen. Taylor says: "they could not be rallied and took no further part in the action, except a handful of men who rallied under the gallant Colonel Bowles." This statement is not true. In my report I state the affair just as it occurred, giving the whole truth as far as I then knew it--for I was not then aware that Bowles had given an order to retreat. I expressly state that "those troops were immediately rallied and fought throughout the whole day like veterans; a few of them, I regret to say, did not return to the field at all."
    Let me appeal to the candid men of all parties, whether there be any foundation for the assertion that General Taylor has followed my report. I was his subordinate officer, and had a better opportunity of knowing the facts than he.
    Another just cause of complaint which Indianians have against Gen. Taylor, in connection with his official report, is that besides not stating the fact of the rallying of these men, he has left it to be inferred that no other troops retreated that day except the 2nd Indiana regiment, when it is perfectly notorious that there were a few who did not do their duty in every regiment upon that field. And I here assert that there were no more amongst the Indianians than amongst the other regiments engaged. This fact will not be contradicted by any individual who took part in that battle. I stated the general fact in my report in exactly these words: "disgrace must forever hang around the names of those who refused to return, and I regret to say there were a few of those from nearly every volunteer corps engaged."
    Soon after the battle, and after my report had been made and transmitted to Washington, it was rumored through the camp that some officer had given an order to retreat. Very soon those rumors pointed to Col. Bowles as that officer. That retreat was wholly unexpected to me. The men had gone into action so handsomely, so coolly and steadily, that their retreat, without my orders, breaking off as they did so suddenly from right to left, struck me with astonishment. The morning after the battle, I called the field officers together and made inquiry to the cause of the retreat and whether any orders had been given them as coming from me, to that effect. They all state they had not. I then inquired of them whether they had themselves given such an order. Col. Bowles stated, with an oath, that he had not. Maj. Cravens I knew had not, for he was near me when the retreat took place. Col. Haddon said he had not. So soon as it became apparent that Colonel Bowles had given an order to retreat, and that it could he substantiated by undoubted proof, I drew up the following charges and specifications and forwarded them to Gen. Wool, who sent them to Gen. Taylor, with a request that a court martial should be ordered to try Colonel Bowles for his cowardly and unofficerlike conduct.
    Charge 1st--Inability and incompetency to discharge the duties of Colonel.
    Specifications--1st. In this, that Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics which are used in the army, in battalion and company drill and exercise.
    2nd.--In this, that the said Colonel Bowles is ignorant of the tactics in use in brigade drill and exercise.
    3rd.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles is ignorant of the movements necessary to meet and repel a charge of the enemy, as shown on the night of the 22nd of February, 1847, in the battlefield of Buena Vista, Mexico.
    Charge 2nd--Violation of the 52nd article of war.
    Specification 1st--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February, 1847, at Buena Vista, Mexico, the said Colonel Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, did misbehave himself before the enemy by then and there giving to the said regiment, while engaged with and under the fire of the enemy, the following unnecessary order, viz: "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which order the said regiment did retreat and was thrown into great confusion, some of whom could not be rallied again during the battle.
    2nd.--In this, that in the battle of the 23rd February last, at Buena Vista, Mexico, with the Mexican army, he, the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while in action, and while a battery of three guns were under the command of Brig. General Lane, of the 3rd Brigade, all under the enemy's fire, did, without authority, give to the said regiment the following unnecessary and unofficerlike order, twice repeated, "cease firing and retreat." In consequence of which said order the said regiment did commence a most disorderly retreat from the enemy.
    3rd--In this, that the said Col Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, on the said 23rd of February, while in the same battle, after giving and repeating the said order in the 1st and 2nd specifications last above named, did shamefully run away from the enemy and abandon his post in the presence of the enemy, which post he had been commanded by his superior officer to maintain and defend.
    4th.--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, after giving the order specified in the 1st and 2nd specifications under this charge, did then and there abandon his position and regiment, and run away from the enemy and hide himself both from his regiment and from the enemy, and take shelter alone in a ravine near the scene of action.
    5th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, commandant of the said regiment, while commanding the same in that battle, and while under the fire of the enemy, dismounted from his horse in the rear of his regiment and took shelter from the enemy's fire behind his men and behind his own horse.
    6th--In this, that the said Col. Bowles, while commandant of that regiment (under Brig. Gen Lane) during the battle aforesaid, on the said 23rd of Feb, spoke words to that regiment which induced it to retreat from the enemy while under their fire, as follows, viz: "cease firing, cease firing and retreat."
    7th.--In this, that on the day aforesaid and during that battle, and while engaged with the enemy, the said Col. Bowles gave an order in the last specification mentioned, with the intention of inducing that regiment to abandon the position they I then occupied, and which they had received orders from a superior officer to maintain and defend. All of which are contrary to law, and tended not only to the manifest injury of the public service, but to bring reproach upon American arms.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, September 14, 1848, page 2



    GOV. LANE.--The steamer Martha arrived from Weston last night. We learn from her officers that Gov. Lane left Fort Leavenworth with an escort of 25 men, under the command of Lieut. Hawkins, on Sunday, the 10th inst., for Oregon, via Santa Fe and California. The officers also report that Gen. Price was expected to arrive in Santa Fe on the second of last month.
Unidentified clipping marked "Sept. '48," pasted onto letter below. Weston is a town in Ohio; the Martha plied the Ohio River.



Sir:
    On the 11th inst. the clerk of this office had the honor to inform you of the departure of Govr. Jos. Lane from this city for Fort Leavenworth on or about the first of this month, and of his having written to him by steamboat & mail, advising him of the amount of funds &c. These letters have since been returned by the postmaster at Fort L. to this office, the Governor having left there on the 10th instant on his way to Oregon.
    The remittance of $6,902.75, advised by your letter of 2nd inst. for the use of Govr. Lane, was recd. here on the 13th. It being no longer available here for the purpose intended, I have respectfully to ask your instructions to redeposit it to the credit of the Treasurer of the United States.
    The documents recd. from your office for Govr. L. have been returned here up to this time, in the hope that an opportunity would occur of forwarding them to Oregon; none such having presented itself, I have this day returned them as directed by the postscript of your letter above referred to.
Hon. W. Medill
    Comr. Ind. Affrs.
NARA Series M234, Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs, Reel 607 Oregon Superintendency 1842-1852, frames 416-417.




    We are happy in laying before the country the following extract from a private letter from Gen. Joseph Lane, Governor of Oregon, who is now on his journey to that distant country.
    The friends and relations of those who compose the Gov.'s escort will be pleased to hear that they are all well, with the prospect of reaching their destination in safety. It was fortunate that the northern route was abandoned, and that of Santa Fe adopted. God speed them upon their wilderness journey:
    "I have just this moment met a train from Santa Fe homewards. We are all well and getting along well. Five days ago we reached the buffalo region, and although our hunters have often said I could not kill one, I dashed into the first gang we met, with my six-shooter killed the first buffalo and brought in the first meat.
    "The country so far is an immense plain, no timber, and scarce of water. In eighteen more days we will be at Santa Fe, and in sixty more in California, and then by sea we will soon be in Oregon. My escort is twenty-five men, under Lieut. Hawkins; all well and in fine spirits.
    "Lieut. Hawkins, who commands my escort, is a gentleman and officer.
    "Dr. Harden is surgeon of our command and a very estimable gentleman he is.
    "Major Meek, the Marshal of Oregon, is in good health.
    "In haste, and in the dark, truly yours.
    We further announce that Judge Wm. P. Bryant passed through our city on Monday last, on his way to that far distant land, to assist his compeers in organizing the Territory under the late laws, and in protecting the inhabitants against savage and other foes. We reiterate the voice of the whole West in pronouncing the late appointments of governor, judges, and other Territorial officers the very best, as a whole, made by the present Administration. May the succeeding one be as fortunate.--Sentinel.
Lafayette Courier, Lafayette, Indiana, November 24, 1848, page 2



    Mr. Editor--Dear Sir:--A march of thirty-eight days has brought us all safe and well without the slightest accident to this ancient town. The distance from Fort Leavenworth thither is eight hundred miles. The route for the first seven hundred passes over one of the most beautiful plains. The soil is generally rich, producing fine grass--wood and water are scarce. The country will doubtless, with a little aid from the general government, soon be settled by our enterprising people, who will find water by digging, and who will carry the timber along with them by planting and cultivating groves sufficient for farming and other purposes. From such a beautiful soil the growth will be rapid.
    For grazing purposes, the country is the finest in the world (or at least that I have ever seen). Any number of cattle, sheep and goats can be reared, and at less expense than in any section of our country. Corn, wheat, oats, fruits and vegetables, generally, can be grown in great abundance, it being only necessary to ditch in as many acres as may be proper or convenient. Break up the ground and plant or sow, and a plentiful harvest is certain to be realized. Within sixty miles of this place I met with a Frenchman, who presented me with half a bushel of fine Irish potatoes, large and well flavored. This crop was his first experiment, and it has proved entirely successful; the yield has been abundant. Wheat succeeds better here than in the States.
    Two things only are wanting to develop the value of this beautiful and interesting portion of our country; for it is the most healthy region in the world. You will seldom hear of anyone being sick in these extensive plains, and as there is no local cause of disease, the country must always continue to be healthy; these done, the people will do the balance. The first is the establishment of a line of settlements from the Council Grove, to be under the care of the government for the first year or two, at a distance of not more than a hundred miles apart, to extend to the settlements of New Mexico; with such an arrangement, permanent improvements would soon be made, and an abundance of everything necessary for subsistence would soon be produced. Then the traveler could find a resting place and good fare, and accommodations would soon be plenty and cheap; and, furthermore, with such an arrangement, the whole road would soon be settled. The next is the establishment of a territorial government. From the enactment of good laws, and their faithful administration, security and protection would be a necessary consequence. The country ground and adjacent to Santa Fe is mountainous, and the valleys are adapted to cultivation. The mountains, however, are covered with a tolerable growth of timber, and the creeks of the intervening ravines afford abundance of good water.
    Col. Washington is here in command as civil and military governor. He is a good officer, and a kind, good man, and will, no doubt, do much to put matters right in this country.
    Our journey to this place was exceedingly pleasant up to the fifth inst., when it commenced raining and then snowing, and continued alternately raining and snowing for eight successive days. This made the roads heavy and hard on our animals, and disagreeable to us. Our animals, however, have sustained themselves well for a service of thirty-eight days in the harness and under the saddle, without forage, and subsisting entirely on the grass that they could pick up during each night. This shows that the buffalo grass on the plains, which is very fine, is better than any grass in the States.
    From the Cottonwood Fork, for a distance of several hundred miles, large bands of buffalo were daily to be seen, and also thousands of antelope, until we arrived at the settlements. Of the former we killed many, but of the latter we killed none; they are a timid, shy animal, and keep beyond gunshot.
    Lieut. Hawkins, who commands the escort, is a good officer, and has conducted the march well; and Dr. Hayden, our surgeon, is a very clever fellow, so we have everything at hand to make the trip pleasant.
    We shall resume our march in a few--say two days. Our short stay here has been made exceedingly agreeable by the kind, hospitable treatment we have received from the officers stationed at this place. Capt. Brent, the quartermaster, has rendered us every assistance in his power, by furnishing us additional animals, forage, and other things for our future journey.
Cambridge Reveille, Cambridge City, Indiana, March 31, 1849, page 3



To General Lane
    Governor of Oregon
    &c.   &c.   &c.
        Sir
                We have very lately been informed of your safe arrival in this country and take the earliest opportunity to present our cordial congratulations on an event which we, in common with the other inhabitants of this country, have long and ardently desired.
    We intend shortly to do ourselves the honor of paying our respects to you in person and in the meantime we beg to assure you that it will afford us much pleasure to see you at Fort Vancouver whenever you visit this part of the country.
    The Hudson's Bay Company's overland express will leave this place about the 18th inst. for Canada, and we shall be most happy to take charge of any letters you may wish to forward by that conveyance.
We have the honor to be
Your Excellency's
    Most Obdt Servts
    Peter Skene Ogden
    James Douglas
    Chief Factors H B Compy.
This letter was misfiled as being from 1869. The image of the original can be found on the eighth microfilm reel of the Joseph Lane Papers.


To Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir--I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company in accordance with the regulations of as provided by law.
    As I am informed You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, of the Company and quantity and condition of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed, it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the Territory in the Rogue River Valley in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines. You will so far as it is in your power to afford to many traveling protection to our citizens traveling in that direction protect and thereby make it such less dangerous than has heretofore been.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my my wish and intention so far as I am able to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in extending protection protecting to the Indians population from in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of the United States Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their natural possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights.
    You will therefore carefully restrain yourselves from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country as well as your duty as an officer requires a strict observance of this order. If by any cause the Indians of Oregon should in the present year be aroused to hostilities, the injury they might do to the settlements in the absence of a greater part of the male population [due to the gold rush] would be incalculable.
    You will therefore hold yourself and your command in readiness to act as circumstances may require For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required as circumstances may require by the Executive. The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition which you have this day accepted for have have been placed in your furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22



To
    Capt. Saml. Gilmore
        Sir
                I have this day commissioned you Captain of the Klamath Company of Volunteers to take effect on the first day of May next, at which time you will make out and forward to the Executive a muster roll of your Company, as provided by law. You will also make out quarterly returns, showing the strength and condition of your Company, the number and condition of the arms and accoutrements, the quantity of ammunition on hand, and the condition of the same, and cause the returns to be forwarded to the Executive office.
    As I am informed it is the intention of yourself to form a settlement in the southern portion of this Territory [the Klamath Commonwealth], on or near the road leading from the settlements in Oregon to the gold mines, you will, so far as it is in your power, afford protection to our citizens traveling in that direction.
    In the absence of instructions in regard to my duties as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, I can only say to you and your command that it is my wish and intention, so far as I am able, to maintain amicable relations with the Indian tribes who inhabit this country, and while I will promptly protect the lives and property of the white inhabitants, I shall at the same time be equally ready and prompt in protecting the Indians in all the rights guaranteed to them by the laws of Congress, and from being forcibly ejected from their possessory rights in the Territory until the government of the United States shall have by treaty extinguished those rights. You will therefore carefully restrain your men from committing any act towards the Indians which would have a tendency to prejudice them against the white citizens. Your duty to the country, as well as your duty as an officer, requires a strict observance of this order. If, by any cause, the Indians of Oregon should, in the present year, be aroused to hostility, the injury they might do to the settlements, in the absence of a greater part of the male population [due to the gold rush], would be incalculable.
    For the purpose of enabling you to act efficiently, you will cause your company to be well drilled and instructed in their duties, and to maintain good order and discipline, and hold yourself and company in readiness to act as may be required by the Executive.
    The arms of the United States, to wit--fifty muskets and ammunition, for which you have this day receipted, have been furnished you; may they never in your hands be dishonored either by cruelty or cowardice.
Oregon State Archives, Container 34, File Number 22


Dear Husband,
    It is with the utmost gratitude to that being that rules in mercy that I can say to you that we are all enjoying very good health at present and while I am expressing my gratefulness to him for so rich a blessing I hope you are in possession of the same. I received the letter you wrote when you were starting to the gold mines; that is the last we have heard from you. I am now looking every day for letters from you; when I get a letter from you it revives me more than everything else in the world could when you are away from home. The time now seems like an age since you have been gone from home, but I try now to make myself as much contented as possible as fall is drawing nigh when I shall look for you home. The cholera is very bad in this country. A great many have died with it—it is now in our neighborhood. I need not try to tell you how many of your friends have died since you have been gone; I believe it would take up half this sheet of paper. Uncle Simon's family has had the cholera. He is now greatly afflicted; he has lost his wife and Malissa, and he is now left with four little children without a mother. He has been sick himself, but he is getting better. Your mother's family are all well. Andy Barlow's family are all well. Jo Ben and Mary Caroline are two very smart little children. Jo Ben talks about his papa every day. Sis begins to talk very plain. Sarah Noel that was the blooming Sarah Eakins is now numbered among the pale nations of the dead. She is gone from this world of noise and bluster; she has left an infant and many friends to deplore her loss. She came up the river about four weeks since and her husband stayed in New Orleans. He intended on coming up in the fall. Papa and Mother sends their compliments to you. They have been very kind to me and the children. I do not believe there ever was kinder parents than mine; they try to do everything to make me happy that they can. They would do more if I would let them but I cannot be happy when I am away from you. My prayer is every day that we may meet once more in this world. Ever since you have been gone you have constantly been on my mind and would be if you were to stay fifty years. We have spent many a happy hour together and I hope we will spend many more. I have been up to our old farm and John Strong is living on it. Henry Angel is living on your father's home farm. Everything is very much changed since you and your father have been gone. Ratliff's death was a great misfortune. I have got Uncle Simon to attend to our business. I will try to attend to it as well as I can till you get home. You must excuse my mistakes and bad writing. Jo Ben and Sis is playing and pulling at me so I cannot write.
    May the blessings of almighty God rest and abide with you now and forever is my prayer.
N. H. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

To the Editors of the Indiana State Sentinel:
    Enclosed I send you the message of our mutual friend, Gov. Lane, to the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon. This document, as well as all the Governor's official acts, shows the good sense, and I may add, the good heart of the man, and is well received here by the citizens and assembly. The Governor is very prompt in defending the Indians in their fisheries and other rights, essential to their comfort and subsistence, and on the other hand exacts from them more respect to the rights of our citizens than one not accustomed to them would suppose them capable of yielding. We have had no late difficulties with them, and I believe his policy will secure us against any future difficulty. The Governor is almost constantly engaged in hearing their petty grievances, and redressing them in a plain and summary way that makes them pay respect to the rights of one another, and abstain from depredations upon the citizens. Our legislature is in session. They are men of good sense, and well understand the wants of the people of the Territory. Several of them have filled important stations in the States, and Col. Chapman was once a delegate in Congress from Iowa. The courts in my district are in session. Last week I held court in Linn County, in this, in Champoeg, and next week will hold court in Clackamas, and week after in Vancouver, which will end my circuit. Judge Pratt's circuit will commence 1st Monday in September. I found but little business to do. The grand jury found four or five indictments for small offenses, such as hog stealing and stealing horses from the Indians, &c., in Champoeg. Such things will happen at first, but I think, judging from the mass of the citizens, who are mainly very orderly and honest, that these lawless characters will not long remain amongst us. I was up this, the Willamette Valley, as far as the Calapooia settlements. I never saw a richer valley of land, and the mountain scenery is captivating. The health of the country is good, and the harvest is abundant. This is the greatest country for wheat on the continent. I have never seen finer wheat grow than we have this year in Oregon, not near all of which will be saved for the want of laborers. The ordinary wages for laborers in the harvest field is $6 per day to each man. Every kind of labor commands nearly any price asked for it. The packers, in advance of the emigration, arrived today. They report 8,000 wagons on the road; about 2,000 bound for this Territory, the residue for California. The cholera had been fatal out from Missouri to Blue River, about 400 miles; about 700 deaths, and had abated; but there was much sickness of fevers among the emigrants, and some deaths. We anticipate much sickness and distress among the land emigration. The packers are of opinion that they are rushing and pressing their cattle so hard in order to get out to the mines that they will break them down. I hope there will not be sufficient emigration come here to make us a famine. Our people are returning from California every day with large sums of gold, the product of the mines. It will surprise you I dare say to learn the trade of the Columbia River this year, in comparison with what it has heretofore been. I have before me a statement showing the arrivals and departures of vessels coming in and going out with freight over the Columbia Bar which has heretofore been considered impassable. Since the 7th of May, ships of every size, from forty tons to seven hundred tons burden, amounting to fifty-eight up to the 18th of this month, and not a single incident of a serious character has happened. If the twentieth party of the protection was given to the trade of this river that is extended to the mouth of the rivers in the States, the Columbia would be found to be a much better bar than that of most rivers in the States of its size. The lumber trade of this river is quite an important trade; so of the wheat and flour.
    The Legislature were this evening engaged in devising means to alleviate the suffering of the emigrants. Many of them will not be able to get through, it is believed, with the best assistance we can give them.
    We have no paper published in this Territory, and I cannot furnish you with a printed copy of the Governor's message. He is quite well; left here this morning for the Umpqua Valley, accompanied by Lieut. Talbot, with an escort, to examine Alsea Bay, and to see the Indians of that part of the Territory. It turns out that there are several good harbors on the coast below the mouth of the Columbia River, although it has heretofore been reported an iron-bound coast.
    Yours, truly,
        WM. P. BRYANT.
Indiana State Sentinel, Indianapolis, December 13, 1849, page 4




Col.,
    I have just had an interview with Capt. Scott from the Umpqua settlement, who informs me that an Indian of the Umpqua tribe recently came into the settlement and there reported that a party of ten or twelve families from California bound for Oregon have been cut off by the Rogue River Indians, all killed but the children, who are prisoners.
    The following is an extract from a letter just recd. from the Umpqua. "If the Indian report alone was the only grounds we have for belief, I should place much less reliance upon the story, but we have had for the last two weeks a report given us by parties returning from California that ten or twelve families were about starting for Oregon and others reported them actually on the road. The last party of packers who passed about eight days ago reported seeing fresh wagon tracks on the road as far as Rogue River but no further."
    I have conceived it to be my duty to lay this information before you, with the hope that you will be able to send out a small force to the Umpqua and in the direction of the Rogue River tribe of Indians, for the purpose of inquiring into the facts, and if true to recover the captives. Children could hardly be expected to survive the winter; deprived of clothing, exposed to cold and hunger, death would be almost certain. If there is any good reason to believe the report, it seems to me that an effort ought to be made to recover the living.
    I would advise you to see Captain Scott, who will call on you tomorrow morning and give you all the information that he possesses upon the subject. He can also inform you whether a small force could be subsisted and quartered in that vicinity or rather in the Umpqua settlements.
Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 12; Letters Received 1848-1852, 1849 No. 21.





My dear wife
    Here I am again going ahead leaving my kind and loving wife and family anxiously preparing ahead to roll on the billows of the great Pacific asking for favorable winds to widen the distance between me and all that is dear to me but enough I have to go and the sooner I am back the better. I want you to take more than special care of the girls; there is more danger of their men now than of any other kind which grieves me to be away at this time--for God's sake do prevent them from going out of night to parties no matter who courts after them and although Capt. Jones is [from] a highly respectable family yet there is great danger to be found from our daughters' staying all night there or going to parties with them--do prevent them from doing either.
    I do not want to dictate in small matters, but for god's sake look well to the foregoing, as also to our dear little George, do not let him go about or cross the river without you. I have written to Capt. Couch to send you all shoes, also George a pair of boots.
    Walter Pomeroy says that if you want any money he will let you have it. I only say so to you to let you know what he says.
    Do not sell any of our property till I get back, which shall be soon.
    Tell my old friend the gov [i.e., Joseph Lane] to write me by every ship that leaves for California and to advise me what is best to do, whether to buy a vessel or come home with goods, and if so what kind of goods. It seems to me that furniture is a good article to bring to Oregon.
    My dear wife, take care and do as you think best, and I will be satisfied. Let me here suggest that you employ a cook and for god's sake save yourself in your old age--my kind love to the children may God bless them and the richest of all blessings on you is the desire of your affectionate husband

    Soon after picketing our animals an express arrived at our camp on his way to the ferry on Rogue River, who informed me that the Major had by that time set out with his command, dragoons and volunteers, for the purpose of making a forced march during the night in order to attack the Indians at daybreak the next morning. Early on Monday morning I set out with the hope of falling in with the Major or the Indians retreating from his command, and made a hard day's ride but failed to find the Major or the Indians. On Tuesday I proceeded to Camp Stuart with the hope of hearing of the command, but as yet no tidings had been received of their whereabouts. Late in the evening Capt. Scott and T'Vault, with a small party, came in for supplies and reinforcements. They informed me that two battles had been fought, one early on Monday morning, and one in the afternoon. In the last fight the Indians posted themselves in a dense hammock, where they defended themselves for four hours and until the darkness of the night enabled them to make their escape. In both fights the Indians suffered severely. Several of our party were wounded, but none mortally. T'Vault received an arrow through his hat, just grazing his head. By nine o'clock at night we were on the march, and joined the Major at 2 o'clock Wednesday morning, when I had the pleasure of meeting my friends Applegate, Freaner and others.
    Early in the morning we set out to carry into effect the plan of operations which had been agreed upon, and proceeded down the river and on Thursday morning crossed about seven miles from the ferry. We soon found an Indian trail leading up a large creek, and in a short time overtook and charged upon a party of Indians, killing one. The rest made their escape in a dense chaparral. We again pushed forward as rapidly as possible until late in the evening, when we gave battle to another party of Indians, few of whom escaped. Twelve women and children were taken prisoners; several of those who escaped were wounded.
    At this point we camped, and next morning took up the line of march and scoured the country to Rogue River, recrossing at the Table Mountains, and reached camp at dark on the evening of the 27th.
    The Indians had been completely whipped in every fight. Some fifty of them were killed, many wounded, and thirty taken prisoners. It has, however, cost us dearly. We have lost Capt. Stuart, one of the bravest of the brave. A more gentlemanly man never lived; a more daring soldier never fell in battle. Too much cannot be said for Major Kearny. For more than ten days he was in the saddle at the head of his command scouring the country and pouncing upon the Indians wherever they could be found. He has done much to humble the Rogue River Indians, and taught them to know that they can be hunted down and destroyed. Capt. Walker of the Rifles deserves the highest praise for gallant conduct. Lt. Williamson of the Topographical Corps and Lt. Irvin and command also deserve high praise for gallant conduct. The volunteers behaved well--nobly. Applegate, Scott, T'Vault for good conduct as guides and courage in battle are entitled to great credit. Capt. Armstrong, Blanchard, Boone and all of our Oregon men deserve credit for their good conduct and bravery. Col. Freaner from California with a party of volunteers from the mines promptly tendered their services and behaved nobly.
    Never has an Indian country been invaded with better success, nor at a better time. The Indians had organized in great numbers for the purpose of killing and plundering our people passing to and from the mines. The establishment of a garrison in this district will be necessary for the maintenance of peace. That done, and a good agent located here, and we shall have no more trouble in this quarter.
    This morning the question arose what must be done with the prisoners. The Major was anxious to turn them over to the citizens of Oregon to be delivered to the Superintendent of Indian Affairs. The citizens were generally bound to the mines, and none could be found to take charge of them. The Major was determined not to release them, holding that it would be wrong to give them up before a peace could be made. Consequently he determined to take them to San Francisco and then send them by sea to Oregon.
The bulk of this letter was transcribed from a typescript on the microfilm of the Joseph Lane Letters,"copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." The first page, missing from the typescript, is copied from the Oregon Statesman of July 22, 1851, page 2.



To Brevt. Maj. Kearny
    1st Dragoons, U.S.A.
        Sir: Allow me for myself and my fellow citizens of Oregon to express our sincere gratitude to you and the officers and soldiers under your command for the prompt, able and efficient manner you have conducted your military operations against the Indians of this valley.
    Be assured, sir, that for the bravery and patriotism you have displayed in their defense the people of Oregon will ever and gratefully join your names to the list of those of her dearest friends.
    Though we are aware that [for] an officer like yourself already known to fame and highly appreciated by his country no new laurels can be gathered in a field like this, yet allow us to assure you that should your love of duty prevail so far over your private interests as to cause your return to Oregon, be assured, sir, that to no other officer of the army would the people of this Territory more confidently entrust their interests and safety.
[Kearny's handwriting]
    This was consequent on my saving the settlements by attacking and beating the Rogue River Indians. Joseph Lane, Esq., had been a successful general in Mexico--recently governor of Oregon--and was a candidate (& elected) for Congress.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  From a typescript transcription on OHS letterhead, misdated June 28th, 1852.



Dear Bush
    I write you from Camp Stuart a brief account of Major Kearny's operations in the Rogue River country, and that he had very properly determined to take the prisoners with him. I arrived at the Shasta diggings on the morning of the 30th ult, which is within ten miles of the road leading to California on which the Major would pass by Wednesday noon. I had my business settled up and was ready to return to Oregon. Lt Irwin came in and reported that the Major had passed and would camp near the Shasta Butte, distant 25 miles. I told Irwin that if I could get the prisoners I would take them to Oregon and deliver them to the Governor or Supt of Indian Affairs.
    He immediately dispatched a courier to Major Kearny bearing my letter, proposing to take charge of the prisoners, which reached him by seven o'clock in the evening. The Major promptly dispatched Capt Walker with them, who arrived at my camp just before daylight on Thursday morning. When a party of Oregonians, numbering some twenty, among whom was Dan. Waldo and Hunter and Rust of Kentucky and Simonson of Ia. bound to Oregon, kindly offered to assist in bringing them in. We immediately set out and arrived here safe with all the prisoners, yesterday noon, when I had the pleasure of finding Gov Gaines with some fifteen men. To him I delivered the prisoners. His intention is to see the Indians and if possible make peace.
    My son Jo will remain here with the Governor. By noon today I shall set out for the City but shall be compelled to travel quite slow, as I have to give protection to some wagoners who had the kindness to haul in some of the prisoners who were worn out traveling.
                        Yours truly
                        Jo. Lane
    P.S. I omitted to mention that on my way down Rogue River with the prisoners I had a conversation with a considerable number of Indians across the river, who gave me a terrible account of the invasion of their country by our people. That they had come on horses in great numbers invading every portion of their country, that they now were afraid to lay down to sleep for fear the white people would be upon them before they could wake, that they were tired of war and now wanted peace. I told them that the Governor was at the crossing of the river, that I would leave the prisoners with him, and that they must go and talk with him and make their propositions of peace to him, who would be glad to see and talk and make peace with them.
                        J. L.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon." This particular letter was misfiled as being from 1857. The image of the original can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



To
    The Honbl. Alexr. H. H. Stuart
        Secretary of State for the Land Department
            Washington.
                Sir,
                    I beg leave to state that in 1829 I took [the] Oregon City claim and made improvements on it. In 1842 I began to erect mills; in 1843 I had it surveyed by Jesse Applegate Esquire and recorded in the record book of land claims in Oregon Territory in accordance with the Organic Law, copy of which and of the record of claim I forward with this.
    Since 1845 I have permanently resided on it. Part of my claim was fenced previous to 1846 and all previous to the 4th March 1849, and I filed my intention to become an American citizen on the 30th May of the same year, as will be seen by the accompanying certificate. The late Mr. Thurston, the Delegate to Congress from this Territory, said I refused to file my intention to become an American citizen. In my letter of the 12th September 1850 I stated he must be cognizant of the fact--in reply in his speech in Congress on the 26th December 1850 he admitted he was aware I had filed what he says I called a declaration of my intention to become an American citizen--but stated he had Judge Bryant's authority for asserting that my declaration was not such as the law required. In answer I beg to state that my declaration was drawn up by the clerk of Judge Bryant's court.
    In 1850 the judges of election refused my vote. As the United States court was sitting at time, I brought the case before his honor Judge Pratt, who decided that my declaration of intention was legal and that I had a right to vote. I voted and have done so ever since. Abernethy's Island, which I took as part of my claim in 1829, was jumped in 1841 by Methodist missionaries and others, who formed themselves into a company by the name of the Willamette Milling Company, and subsequently they all sold out to George Abernethy Esquire, one of the missionaries and one of the original stockholders of the milling company.
    After we had organized a temporary government, I consulted P. H. Burnett Esquire, late Governor of California, then a citizen of this Territory, with the intention of taking legal measures to get rightful possession of Abernethy's Island. He told me he considered my right to the island as undoubted, but as agitating the question there might lead to trouble in this country, and as postponing the question could not invalidate my right, he recommended me to defer bringing the question forward until the government of the United States extended its jurisdiction over the country, when the courts could cause their decisions to be peaceably carried into effect. For these reasons, especially as I considered that quarrels between British subjects and American citizens in this Territory might cause a war between the United States and Great Britain, as then a British subject and as intending to become a citizen of the United States I considered I was bound in duty to the country I left and the country I adopted and as a Christian to do all I could to arrest so dreadful an evil from them. I therefore followed Mr. Burnett's advice--whether my fears were well founded or not is not for me today. I merely state the impression in my mind.
    After the government of the United States had extended its jurisdiction over the Territory, a short time after the arrival of W. P. Bryant Esquire, the supreme judge of the United States Court of this Territory, and before the courts were organized he bought Abernethy's Island, from George Abernethy Esquire and as the island was in Judge Bryant's district and as there was only one other judge, his honor Judge Pratt, in the Territory, from ignorance of the law at which I presume you will not be surprised when you know I have been forty-eight years in the Indian country. I thought as Judge Bryant was an interested party I could not bring the case forward till the bench was full, which did not take place till this spring. In the meantime Congress passed the Oregon Land Bill. Part of my claim [of] Abernethy Island is confirmed by Congress to the legal assigns of the Willamette Milling and Trading Company, and the remainder "shall be set apart and be at the disposal of the legislative assembly to the establishment and endorsement of a university to be located at such a place in the Territory as the legislative assembly may designate. provided. however. that all the lots in said claim sold or granted by Dr. John McLoughlin previous to the fourth day of March eighteen hundred and forty-nine shall be confirmed to the purchaser or donee or assigns to be certified to the Commissioner of the General Land Office by the Surveyor General and patents to issue on said certificate as in other cases provided further that nothing in this act contained shall be construed or executed as in any way to destroy or effect any right to land in said Territory holden or claimed under the provisions of the treaty or treaties existing between this country and Great Britain." The circumstances being such as I have the honor to relate, I respectfully request the government to designate the extent of my right to [the] Oregon City claim. I send you a copy of Judge Bryant's letter to the Honbl. H. J. Brown and of my answer. As to Mr. Thurston's I had referred [deferred?] noticing his conduct till he was here to prove before his and my fellow citizens that he made statements against me which he must have known to be false and that some facts which he stated he intentionally made a false deduction from them, and though unfortunately for me my conduct has been grossly misrepresented by malicious and designing persons to the government I left and the government I adopt. While I am certain every upright, honest citizen of this Territory acquainted with its history will testify that I exerted my utmost endeavor to render it the happy residence of civilized men, and though the first immigrants underwent great misery and suffered many hardships as the first immigrants to all new countries must, yet I am certain they will admit I did all I could to assist them, and but for my exertions their sufferings would have been much greater. Having acted in good faith, I trust the government will do me justice and not allow me to be the victim of malice, and I hope the unexpected state in which I find myself placed will be considered by you as an apology for the liberty I take in troubling you with this.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Genl. Lane, the newly elected delegate to Congress, informs me that he intends to take his departure for the States with the next steamer. He will be in New York the latter part of August or early part of September next. I hope some of our folks will make an effort to see him and will show him some attention. I would be glad if Father would invite him to come and see him at Parksville. The Genl. is a plain, blunt man of practical good sense and of generous impulses. His nomination was  cordially concurred in by the Whigs although he was a Democrat, and he has therefore I think no party antipathies in this region. He has seen a great deal of the rough and tumble life of the West and is probably as well acquainted with the situation and prospects of this country as any man in it. His family reside in Indiana, and he goes to the States thus early so that he may meet with his family before Congress commences its sittings. The Genl. I understand has an eye on the Presidency, and I believe has been nominated for that station in some parts of Indiana.
Thomas Nelson, letter dated July 21, 1851, Oregon City; Beinecke Library, Yale University




    GEN. LANE arrived in this city on Thursday evening last, direct from the Rogue River country. He leaves here tomorrow on the mail steamer for the States. We wish the brave old soldier a safe journey.
    When the General arrives in Washington and lays the true state of affairs before the government, we feel assured that justice will be done to the people of Oregon.
Oregon Spectator, Oregon City, July 22, 1851, page 2





    Dear Bush.--On arriving at Chagres, we received information of the invasion of Cuba by Lopez--that he had several fights, with success; and also the melancholy intelligence of the capture of Col. Crittenden and some fifty of his command, and of their execution by order of the authorities of the island. My desire to know the facts induced me to take passage for this place instead of going on the Georgia directly to New York. I have been here now two days, and can give you authentic information as to the invasion.
    Lopez, with some five or six hundred men, mostly Americans, effected a landing, and at first [illegible] sought advantage, but from necessity he divided his forces. Col. Crittenden, with his command of over one hundred men, was attacked by a large force of the royal or queen's troops, in which affair Crittenden and command behaved most gallantly. Overpowered and broken, he determined to take his chance, in open boats, upon the broad ocean, with the hope of being picked up by some friendly ship. In this condition, after having been at sea one hundred hours, without water, bread or arms, he was picked up by a Spanish war steamer, brought in and murdered--an account of which you have no doubt seen ere this.
    Lopez was taken the day before our arrival here--brought in from the country last evening, and this morning, at 7 o'clock, executed (garroted). Many of his party are prisoners, and have been sentenced to ten years' hard labor in the galleys. You will see that this second expedition of Lopez is crushed, and that he has paid dearly for attempting to liberate a people who deceived and betrayed him--a people who deserve no better government than they now have. Many noble young men--American citizens--have been deceived and sacrificed. It is greatly to be hoped that their fate will be a warning to others, and that no further attempt will be made upon Cuba, until it is done in a way that will ensure success.
    Col. Crittenden was a nephew of John J. Crittenden. My health is excellent. I shall leave this evening via New Orleans.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, October 14, 1851, page 2




Dear Mother
    I received your letter about the first of May and was glad to hear of your coming to Oregon and was very much gratified to receive your long-looked-for letter. It was the first I knew of Sarah being married and my being uncle to several little Blampieds.
    Now as to myself I went to California in the spring of forty-nine and returned in the fall. I purchased an interest of one-eighth in the Oregon Milling Company for the sum of thirteen thousand dollars, Genl. Joseph Lane and son being the other owners. We met with some very heavy losses by high water doing us damage to the amount of twenty thousand dollars in a few months after I made my purchase. We have a flour mill and saw mill. The property is an island on the great falls of the Willamette and must always be very valuable.
    I expect Oregon to be my home, as we have now a large family, and I do not know of any place in the States where they could be more healthy than here. We have good schools, plenty of preaching, and potatoes of the best kinds. Sarah mentions that you will all come to Oregon in a year or two. To enable you to come as soon as possible I have sent you one hundred dollars by the hands of the Delegate to Congress from Oregon Joseph Lane. He will send it to you, if there is not too much risk, through the mail. Should you not receive it by the first of January you must write to him at Washington, and should it be that what I have sent you is not sufficient you will write to him (Genl. Joseph Lane) telling your desire to come to Oregon and that you have not sufficient means to bring you, and that I will pay the amount. I want you to come next summer if possible, as we are all anxious to see you. These remarks are intended for you all. There is a good chance for James either to work at his trade in town or to go on a farm. There is plenty of good land to be taken yet, and they will be entitled to 320 acres. You may ask for information as to time of starting and outfit. I will give you all I can. As to economy, find out whether you can buy wagons on the Missouri River cheaper than you can bring them from Ohio. Get light two-horse wagons, good and strong; bring as little as possible, provisions, bedding and wearing apparel sufficient to last you through. Start from Ohio in time to leave the settlements in Missouri as soon as the grass will permit, say, about the first of May. Start with the the first company if you can and keep with it if possible. If your means will permit have team enough to go through mud holes and up hills without assistance.
    Try to sleep in your wagon if you can and let your cooking utensils be of tin as far as possible; have tin plates and cups. Take a liberal supply of coffee and tea; you will find it have a better flavor than you did before. In addition to the above let your stock of provisions be flour, bacon, beans, rice, dried fruit and crackers, medicines, spirits of some kind, camphor and some pills are about all that is necessary. There is one thing I would urge. Get through with the first; by this you get good grass and escape the fall rains in the Cascade Mountains.
    We are all well and our family consists of six children, four girls and two boys. Their names Eliza Fry aged 9, Sarah Ann aged 8, Mary Ellen aged 6, Lewis Cass aged 4, Martha Josephine aged 2, Robert Henry 5 months.
    Not having a personal acquaintance with Mr. Blampied I hereby tender him my best respects with the hope of seeing you all in Oregon in a twelvemonth.
    Write to me, and if there is anything I can serve you in I shall be most happy to do it. Harriet sends her love to you all and will be much rejoiced to see you in Oregon.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library. Addressed to Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, Evansburg, Coshocton County, Ohio.


    At a meeting of the passengers of the steamship Cherokee, called to take into consideration the conduct of the American Consul at Havana during the time of the imprisonment and execution of Col. Crittenden and his party at that place, held on the 3rd of September, on her voyage from Havana to New Orleans, Gen. Lane, of Oregon Territory, was called to the chair, and Benjamin Lyons, of Louisiana, and Thomas J. Aby, of Mississippi, were appointed Secretaries--On taking the chair, Gen. Lane briefly stated the objects of the meeting; after which, on motion, the Chair appointed a committee of nine to draft resolutions expressive of the sense of the meeting. Samuel C. Turner of Mobile, Wm. R. Budford of Texas, John A. Boydquin of Georgia, C. A. Tweed of Sacramento City, W. W. Boyden of San Francisco, George Clark of New Orleans, J. M. Gilmore of Illinois, and Charles Stewart of Tennessee were appointed the committee. While the committee were absent the meeting was highly entertained by remarks from P. F. DeGourney. Esq. Gen. Lane also addressed the meeting, amidst rounds of applause. The committee, having returned, reported the following preamble and resolutions:
    Whereas, we, the passengers on board the steamship Cherokee, having been in the port of Havana during the enactment of a part of the recent tragedy upon the Island of Cuba, and having derived, from good authority, the following facts in relation to the part taken in the sad affair by A. F. Owen, the American Consul at Havana, viz:
    That he neglected to intercede with the authorities in Havana for the preservation of the lives of Col. Crittenden and his heroic band, though entreated to do so by American citizens resident at Havana.
    That he made no effort to procure them a fair and impartial trial.
    That, notwithstanding the earnest appeals of their friends, he refused to seek an interview with the prisoners, thereby losing the only opportunity by which our unfortunate countrymen could have sent a last farewell to their relatives and friends at home.
    That after the execution he neglected to secure the bodies of the victims from insult.
    That he neglected to have the bodies interred in separate graves, in order that they might have been reclaimed by their friends.
    Therefore, resolved,
    1st. That we consider Mr. A. F. Owen as having outraged every sentiment of humanity and every principle of duty as an officer of the American government.
    2. That A. F. Owen has forfeited every title to the name of American citizen.
    3. That Mr. Owen deserves the execration of every true friend of liberty.
    4. That our government is requested to recall Mr. Owen from a post which he has so signally disgraced.
    5. That our government is urgently entreated to use every means in its power to procure the release of these of our fellow citizens now in the hands of the authorities of Cuba.
    6. That the Spanish authorities of Cuba, by their merciless and sanguinary conduct in putting to death those who became their prisoners, have forfeited the respect and sympathy of all civilized and Christian men; that they are unworthy to own and unfit to govern the island now under their despotic sway.
    Messrs. Tweed, Turner, Steward and Clark addressed the meeting.
    After which the preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted.
    On motion, it was resolved that the Secretaries send a copy of these proceedings, signed by the President and Secretaries, to the N. Orleans press for publication.
    On motion, the meeting then adjourned.
BENJAMIN LYONS,
T. J. ABY, Secretaries.
Evansville Daily Journal, Evansville, Indiana, September 13, 1851, page 2



    Dear Bush.--From Havana I wrote you, giving an account of my passage to that place, of the failure of the Cuban expedition, of the fate of Lopez and others. In that letter I perhaps did injustice to the natives of Cuba; but, if I did, let me tell you that it was not intentioned. One thing is certain; the expedition received little or no assistance from the Cubans. But upon inquiring particularly relative to their wishes and feelings upon a change of government (and I had an opportunity on my passage from Havana to New Orleans to learn much from a gentleman on board who has seen much of Cuba recently), I am inclined to the opinion that they are heartily tired of the tyrannical government under which they live, which, by the way, is the worst, most cruel and oppressive on the face of God's earth. But they cannot help themselves nor render assistance to those who would fain free them and give them a good government. They are not allowed to own or carry arms. They have no organization, nor can they organize. So closely are they watched that whenever a few of them are seen together in a suspicious manner, they are arrested and lodged in prison.
    The late expedition caused the arrest of some 2000 Creoles, many of whom have suffered death; many were imprisoned and others banished.
    The day is not far distant when Cuba will be free. Such a system of tyranny and oppression cannot long last. How or by whom it is to be done, God only knows. One thing, in my mind, is certain; it will be done, and that ere long.
    I had the pleasure of reaching my old home on the 12th inst., in excellent health, and found my family in the enjoyment of good health, since which time I have received the visits of many old and good friends. My heart has been often glad; yet nothing looks right. The people, though as clever as any in the world, don't look healthy as they do in Oregon; nor is the country like Oregon. I long to be there. I would not give my claim in Oregon for twenty miles upon the banks of the Ohio, and be compelled to remain in this country. Oregon is my country--my home--and just as soon as I can I will again be there with my family. I shall labor faithfully for the promotion of her interests, and let me say that I have little doubt of procuring the passage of such laws as are necessary for thar purpose.
    My letters will explain the reason why I came by New Orleans and not by Washington, as contemplated when I left Oregon. Ere long I will be in Washington. I will neglect nothing that I can do for our Territory.
Oregon Statesman, Oregon City, December 23, 1851, page 2



Dear Father
    Times are still dull. The largest portion of the emigration is now in the settlements, and I can't see that they have effected any material change in times except the reduction of 50 cts. per day on common labor and a good demand for flour. Money seems to be a little more plenty than when you left. We have not paid any debts since I wrote you, but will pay off the Ralston, Meek and I think the Adair debt soon. We had a great amt. of rain in the latter part of August and the first of this month, so much that it raised the river above the falls 4 or 5 feet, carrying off our temporary dam, but the weather has cleared up and the days are beautiful, and the river has fallen back to the old mark, leaving us very short of water again. There is more sickness in the country at this time than has ever been known, though nothing serious. I hope you have had a safe and speedy passage to the bosom of your friends, where I suppose you will learn of Emily's marriage to Creed Floed. Well, I hope he will make her a good and kind husband. I have not heard from Joe for some time, but I think Capt. Wm. Martin will be in soon from the Umpqua and bring some news from him. I have taken the amt. of stock on hand &c. and have the books so arranged as to show everything just right. I have no bookkeeper, as Mr. Davenport has left me. I have that to do myself. If we were not so pressed with our debts all the time nothing could keep us from making money pretty fast, but we are not able to buy wheat enough to keep the mill going and consequently have to let Abernethy & Barlow and one or two others make all the profits, but I have hopes that this state of things will not last always. Write to me as often as you can and let me know how all the folks are, and my children. You will certainly go down and see them. I will write again soon.
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear General
    Allow me to congratulate you upon your return to your old home. It gives me great pleasure to hear of your being again amongst us, and the representative of the New Empire in the Far West, although I regret that you have changed your residence on the Ohio for one on the Columbia.
    I learn that the executive committee of this county have sent you an invitation to come here whenever it may suit your convenience. Permit me to urge your acceptance of the invitation. I need not tell you what pleasure it would give your old soldiers to take you by the hand after so long a separation, that you know--but there are thousands of your friends here who have not had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with you who would warmly welcome one of whom they have heard so much and in whom they have so much confidence. It is not entirely a selfish feeling that induces one to urge that, as you already know, your friends are determined to instill upon making you the Democratic candidate for President in 1852. You have the advantage of all the other candidates in this state because you have already so many personal friends your presence is all that [is] necessary to ensure your success. The committee have, I presume, informed you of the struggle in which we are engaged, and of the assistance which your presence will be to us. It is of the utmost importance that we should carry the state this fall, in view of the contest next year. I know that your sympathies are with us, and all we ask is that you will come and review our troops.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Evansville,
        In.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you some six weeks ago enclosing a bill for mill stones and irons. I hope that you will avail yourself of the earliest opportunity of shipping them, as much depends upon my receiving them at the earliest opportunity. Your Salem friends have got burrs and a smutting apparatus, consequently they are making a better article of flour than I possibly can, and are directing the mining trade from me.
    Abernethy will have a vessel leaving New York sometime during the winter, which will afford a good opportunity for shipping them direct to Portland. Whenever they are shipped forward the bills and I will immediately pay over the amt. to your agent here. You may think me importunate on this subject, however you will excuse my anxiety on that subject when you consider how much is depending upon the matter.
    I am now at Lafayette attending to the settlement of a difficulty in the Lodge between A. J. Hembree & Wm. Martin. I think it will be settled in a day or two.
    We have but little occurring here now that would interest you. The emigrants are arriving in tolerable condition. We have had some considerable rain during the early part of this month. Much wheat has been damaged, however the losses have not been sufficient to affect the market seriously.
    In politics we have nothing very interesting. You will see an able article in the Statesman in relation to the seat of government.
    It is generally supposed to have been written by Judge Pratt. I believe that all the Judges have expressed [illegible] against the liability of the location act. Where the next legislature will meet is a matter of great uncertainty. My candle has just about expired, and I must close in haste while I rem. yours truly
I am stopping with your friend Mat Davy [?], who after a diligent searching through his bachelor's apartments has been able to provide just sufficient candle to enable me to add this postscript, and enables [me] to kindly recommend to you
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Hon. Joseph Lane
        Sir
    The treaty with the Rogue River Indians was concluded on the 14th July last. On the 15th July Gov. Gaines left for Oregon City and I was left in charge of a party of 12 men on Rogue River at the request of the Indian agent H. H. Spalding to remain in the country with the Indians until the superintendent or himself should return and make a purchase of the Indian lands. The object of leaving me in the country was to see that the terms of the treaty were observed and to visit all the Indians. This was done thoroughly. And I returned to Oregon City on the 10th Sept. last and on presenting my account to the superintendent, Dr. Dart, he said he had not authorized Mr. Spalding to have a parley etc., consequently would not pay anything etc. Now Dr. Dart was at Oregon City when Govr. Gaines and Mr. Spalding returned--this was on the 22nd July--Mr. Spalding made his report to Dr. Dart. And Mr. Spalding wrote me on the 28th day July stating that "Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians about the 15th Sept. at the ferry on Rogue River or at Table Rock and requested I should retain what men I had and notify the Indians of his intention" etc. I done so--visiting all the Indians from the Kenyon on Umpqua to Table Rock on Rogue River, to which proposition the Indians consented.
    On the 14th day of August Dr. Dart dictated a letter to D. D. Bayley stating "if he would go into the Rogue River country and get the Indians to meet him at Port Orford he would pay him $5 per day and make the Indians a present" etc. Mr. Bayley reached Rogue River on the day I had concluded the arrangements with the Indians according to advice of Mr. Spalding. Upon the arrival of Bayley I hastened to Oregon City to see Dr. Dart before he should leave for Port Orford. I succeeded by making the trip in seven days and convinced Dr. D. of the impossibility of taking the Indians on the Coast, they never having been there and knowing nothing of it--besides it is almost an impossible chain of mountains etc. etc. Dr. D. again resolves to meet them in their own country and authorizes Mr. Cary (who is trading there) to say as much to the Indians.
    This, sir, is a brief account of this matter. My object in writing you is to get the use of your kindness and influence to see that the debt credited there (in all only $21.00) to be paid.
    Inasmuch as you are aware the importance of holding a treaty of peace with the Indians at the time Govr. Gaines made it and also the necessity of leaving a party with the Indians to see that the terms of the treaty be observed.
    I refer you to Govr. Gaines and Dr. Dart to satisfy you that I done the part assigned me faithfully and satisfactorily to both parties. I was with the Grave Creek Indians near a week and passed amongst them several times they were left perfectly friendly and expressed a disposition to remain so.
    And no well-disposed person can reasonably find fault with living upon terms of peace with those Indians knowing that their country abounds in gold mines and our people spreading over it daily. Long before I left many of the young Indian men had engaged and were working for the miners and were giving satisfaction. And I truly believe a better step could not have been taken than this one by Govr. Gaines.
    Indulging a hope you will honor my present request with your consideration,
        I remain
            Hon. Sir
                C. M. Walker
N.B. I am quite unwell, which I hope will serve as an excuse for this scrawl. C.M.W.



Dear Father
    By the last mail I recd. your letter from Panama of the 21st August, for which kindness I feel very grateful. I am extremely glad to learn of your safe arrival at that port in good health, as I feared much you would be sick on the trip.
    I have no news of importance; peace and quietude seems to prevail throughout the Territory until you arrive in the Rogue River country, and from that quarter we hear of some Indian depredation every day or two, but nothing of any importance.
    Squire T'Vault has returned from the country in the neighborhood of Port Orford, where he was not successful in viewing out a road from Fort Umpqua to Port Orford. He and three others are still surviving out of a party of nine whites, the other five having been murdered by the Indians of the Coquille River. T'Vault says that he discovered the most fertile valley on that river that mortal has ever been permitted to look upon. Ash, maple and other timber familiar to the Ohio and Wabash bottoms with the wild cucumber vine is to be found there in its most flourishing state, and he is of opinion that corn could be raised there in great abundance.
    Our mills or rather flour mill is doing a very fair business. Flour is advancing in California and is now worth from 14 to $16 per barrel. Our flour mill is kept running day and night and still making the best flour in the country. The new bridge will soon be completed. The old one is already tore down, and our railroad communication with Oregon City is for a few days suspended.
    I have not heard anything from Joe for some days. The last news he was on the claim, building houses and fence. I have no doubt but he will stay on the claim and keep improving until you get back with the family. You will miss the presence of Emily on your arrival at home, but I hope Mr. Floed will prove to be a good man and kind husband. Still I think they got the wedding up right quick. The rumor is that Gov. Gaines is going to send his family back to old Kentucky where I hope he will soon follow, as I think his services can easily be dispensed with.
    I am very glad to hear of our triumph in Kentucky, particularly in the Ashland district. Though Indiana has done well, yet I think they might have elected Lockhart. You will have learned ere this of our triumph in California, and I can assure you that Oregon recd. the news with three cheers. California in spite of all the wireworking and votes bought is Democratic. Poor Neely Johnson, I am afraid, will not get to Congress as easily as he may imagine. We are still working off old debts by degrees. My health is tolerable fair. Give my respects to all friends, Mother and the family in particular, and tell me whether things look natural or not. I will write by next mail to Washington. Write me.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir
        We have the pleasure to renew to you our congratulations upon your safe arrival to the bosom of your family after an absence of over three years. We are happy to greet you as our friend and fellow citizen, and hope you will do us the honor of meeting us and your numerous friends & partake of a public dinner to be served up upon the line of the Evansville & Illinois Railroad two miles north of the city on the 1st day of Novr. A.D. 1851 with consideration of the highest regard.
    Evansville October 20th A.D. 51--we have the honor to be

	James Lockhart	John Mitchell
	George B. Walker	R. W. Dunbar
	Wm. H. Walker	John S. Terry
	John T. Walker	Geo. H. Todd
	James T. Walker	W. R. Greathouse
	Cyrus K. Drew	Ben Stinson
	Simeon Long	Ira P. Granger
	N. J. James	Leroy Calvert
	M. J. Bray	Saml. McDonald
	Isaac Casselberry	C. M. Griffith
	Richard Raleigh	John M. App
	James P. Byrne	A. Liter
	Walter Raleigh	Peter Burk
	John Henson	Moses Ross
	Benj. Hume	John Cupples
	W. C. Saunders	Isaac Hutchinson

Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Mrs. M. L. Byba
    Dear Madam
        Your son, John Anderson, handed me ($502) five hundred and two dollars in Oregon to be delivered to you at Memphis. On arriving at Memphis I went to your residence where he expected I would find you, but you were not there. Your tenant who I found in your house promised to write you and let you know that I had that amount of money for you, with the request that you would write me at Evansville and direct me where to send the same, to you. Up to this time I have heard nothing from you. Please write me as soon as possible where to send the money, which shall be subject to your order at a moment's notice.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    Since my last nothing of interest has transpired. We have our new bridge so far completed that we can run the car over it. When it is roofed, weatherboarded and painted it will be one of the best improvements in Oregon. In the last ten days we have paid off the Ralston & Joe Meek debts, except a very small balance. I am very glad to learn through the Statesman that you arrived safely at "Havana" in good health and hope that the balance of your passage was attended with equal good fortune and health. We keep the flour mill running from 12 o'clock Sunday night until the same hour on Saturday night. We are not running the sawmill, nor will we until the rain commences sufficiently to raise the river. Flour is ready sale at $5 per hundred. Lumber is dull at $25 per M.
    Our island [Abernethy Island] has not been surveyed by Mr. Preston, and from all that we can learn the old survey only included about 2 acres, running no farther up the river than to the canyon at the upper corner or side of Thompson's house and there across to the channel at the upper side of the rack heap, leaving all that portion above entirely out, and we are beginning to feel a little anxiety about it. Holbrook and Preston have both been trying to find out all they can in reference to the Island, and Preston seems anxious to give us all that he can. Holbrook leaves for New York in November and will be able to give you more information than I can. I would like if you would suggest some mode by which we can hold it all. If it has to be done by occupancy we must go to work and build a breakwater in order to make a house stand or to protect the house, and if that has to be done the upper part will I suppose have to be surveyed separate and recorded.
    A Mr. Palmer, brother to Lieut. Palmer, came in yesterday from the Umpqua. He saw Joe, says he is well and hard at work on the claim. Mr. Thompson has been sorely afflicted with ulcerated sore throat but is nearly or quite sound again. Bush, as you will discover, keeps hitting away at the Whig officers here in power. He has the whole band (Dart and Hamilton excepted) down on him. We have had ten days of lovely weather. I suppose by the time this gets to you you will have entered on your laborious duties at the U.S. capital. I am frequently asked if you intend to bring your family to Oregon, and I answer by saying if you live. I will write often to the family. I wish you would have Mitchell to keep my babes at school.
    We think some of making an addition to the flour mill and putting in another run of burrs, that is, if we find we are not able to build a new mill. I hope in one more year to find ourselves out of debt and with some means at hand. Write to me if you please.
Genl. Jos. Lane
   
P.S. I weigh ten pounds more than when you left.
   
    Mrs. Thurston will write to you to solicit your aid in procuring her the books and documents lying in the Linn City P.O. Moore refused to give them up unless she will pay the postage. I hope you will render her all the aid you can, as I certainly consider that Jim Moore is the most contemptible of all pups.
    Dr. McLoughlin leaves in Nov. for Washington to endeavor to get back to himself the Oregon City claim, and I sincerely hope he will fail.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Lane,
    Having been called from home by business, which took me to Terre Haute, Bloomington & Indianapolis, a few days after your return--a trip from which I returned but a few days since--I have had no opportunity to run over to Newburgh, as I desired, to see you.
    And now, on my return, I find so much business here compelling my attention that, in order to attend the meeting of the 12th Novr. at Indianapolis, I shall have to forgo the pleasure of seeing you & our Evansville friends on the 1st.
    I write to inquire how & when you propose to start for Indianapolis. If, as I suppose you go by the river, via Madison, please inform me what day you propose to start, whether from Newburgh or from Evansville, &, if you know it, by what boat. I am very desirous to make one of the party, so that I can make up for lost time & have a long talk with you over matters & things in general.
    Cannot you make up a party to start from Evansville? I wish you would, & then I shd. be sure to make one of it.
The Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl
    For the first time since I parted with you at San Francisco I embrace an opportunity of writing to you. I assure you I have seen sights since we parted; I took passage on the Sea Gull and arrived at home on the 12th of August, and on the 15th again set out for Port Orford after having expended all my money for horses and outfit. As I was taken into the Port Orford Company upon condition that I should furnish four horses with their packs complete and return to Port Orford by the then returning Sea Gull and go myself to superintend and make as practicable a road from Port Orford to the interior [as possible]; in consideration I was to receive one-eighth of [the] entire enterprise.
    Accordingly I embarked on the 15th August from Portland and on the 21 took up my march from Port Orford with 18 men. [For] the result of my expedition see Oregon Statesman October 7th, enclosed.
    But I will enter more particulars into my sufferings as I can do so without it appearing egotistical, as my report was intended for publication and this is not. On the morning of the 14th Sept about ten o'clock myself and some of my men (for 9 had abandoned me two weeks before) were descending the Coquille River within 2 miles of its mouth on latitude 43°10' longitude 124°8' we came near the shore to try and get something to eat, for we had been without provisions for several days and were very weak and hungry. When within a few yards of the shore the edge of our canoe was seized by Indians who were in their canoes and near the shore and we were dragged near the shore; however, no manifestations of hostility were yet made, yet there was a great number of canoes & Indians in them also some 200 on the bank. We made signs and tried to get some provisions, but could not get any. We then tried to push off, but the Indians held onto our canoe. From the great number and our peculiar position we were anxious to get away without an attack [illegible]; as we would push off they would hold onto our canoe; finally they made a rush. Not less than fifty of them rushed upon us, sank our canoe and seized our arms before we could raise our guns to our [illegible], our arms was instantly taken from us and the most murderous attack made with clubs and knives. I was struck and hardly able to sit up in the canoe, but as I rushed to the shore was stabbed and knocked down by 2 blows, one on the breast, the other on the back, and suppose I was thrown into the river for dead or to be drowned if not dead. The first thing I remember I was some 20 or 30 feet from the shore in swimming water and was helped by a young Indian lad about 15 years old to get into a small canoe. The boy then ran to the other end of the canoe and assisted a Mr. Brush to get in the same canoe. He then jumped overboard and Brush and myself paddled the canoe to the opposite bank. When we got there, neither of us able to stand, we rolled out and crawled a few yards, pulled off our clothes and crawled up the bank. During the whole time there was the most dismal screams, the sound of strokes from clubs that it is possible to imagine, yet none of the Indians followed us. We continued our course by the sun, keeping in the thick chaparral all night, then went to the beach, traveled all night and the next day, and on the 16th arrived at Port Orford in so feeble a state there it required two Indians (as we had met with some friendly Indians on Monday night) to assist us to walk. It has been ascertained that three others of my party made their escape and went north to Umpqua. Some friendly Indians sent their squaws and found five dead bodies and buried them. Thus ended my first expedition. In a short time I am going to start upon a second overland expedition and [I] pray god that I shall have better luck. Genl Hitchcock has established a military post at Port Orford and ordered troops there. It is a good location, and I hope that he will continue it. When I arrived there on the 16th Sept. Lieut Wyman of the artillery was then building winter quarters. Since my defeat he ordered 150 men, part of the same troop that I went to California with last summer, back to Port Orford. They are under the command of Col Casey. If you can do us any good, do it.
    Political matters are as you left them. I think you are gaining popularity as far as I can learn.
    I want you to write to Capt Tichenor (his name is William Tichenor) and give me as favorable a recommend as you can, also to T. Butler King and Judge Pratt; those men are all my friends, but I wish them to know that I have other friends. King is popular with the army, also in California, yet he is a Whig, and it might be of service to me.
    You will see from the papers that my prospects are in the ascendancy, and by the help of God I will keep it there, for I will not drink or gamble.
    A. Holbrook goes to Washington; you must watch & pray he is a Whig.
    You ought to write letters to the Oregonian, also to the Oregon Times.
    I have got a quiver of arrows & bow that I got from those damnable Rogue River Indians that I am going to send you by [illegible] express or by Holbrook. I want you to exhibit them on all occasions and tell how you got them, who from, how I got them, who from, and how you have seen me and where.
    Now I will say that we are all in better health just at this time than ever you saw us. I am getting not only fat but corpulent. Mrs. T'Vault is fleshy to corpulent upon my honor. You would be astonished.
    In [omission] I hope you & your good family are all well.
                        I remain your old friend
                            W. G. T'Vault
                                Oregon City Nov. 1 1851
This letter was misread as being from 1857 and can be found on the second microfilm reel of the Jo Lane Papers.



Dear Father
    Since my last Mr. Preston has discovered that the survey does go above the rack heap some distance, say 12½ rods, making about as much above the rack heap as below it, so you see we are on the safe side. I have no news nor no time to write. Business is only tolerable good; we are crowded to overflowing with custom work, but unfortunately for us it don't pay. Capt. Hilborn has just come down from the Umpqua and says Joe is getting along very well, making improvements and some little money. We have had some very fine weather, but it is now raining. Waldo, your old friend, wants you to examine the patent of a planing machine, invented at Albany, New York, and ascertain the price &c. &c. And also Mrs. Husted wishes you to write her what you done with some papers she placed in your hands & if you have lost them she wishes you to bear in mind the purport of the papers as your evidence may be required &c. &c.
Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Hon Joseph Lane
        Sir
    Some time since I wrote you on the subject of my claims against the Indian agency. I am apprehensive that that letter has miscarried. I therefore presume upon your patience to make a brief statement of this matter and solicit your influence to secure me as speedily as convenient the amount of my claims.
    The day after the ratification of a treaty of peace with the Rogue River Indians Mr. Spalding the acting agent resolved to leave a party of men under me to see that the terms of the treaty were observed until he could confer with the superintendent Dr. Dart at Oregon City and return to the tribe and make a purchase of their lands. He left Rogue River on the 15th day of July and arrived at Oregon City on the 22nd of the same month. He wrote me on the 28th of July stating that Dr. Dart had resolved to meet the Indians at some convenient point in their country and purchase their lands and requested me to retain the men under me and give the Indians notice that such was the intention of the superintendent and that I would convene the Indians at such convenient point on the 15th day of September. I proceeded to obey these orders by going through the whole tribe from the Kenyon on the Umpqua to the Table Rock. After I had finished this understanding with the Indians, Dr. Dart sent Mr. Bayley to the Rogue River country with a letter authorizing him, Mr. Bayley, to take the Indians to Port Orford as per Mr. Bayley. Mr. Spalding wrote me a letter stating that he was sorry that Dr. Dart had changed his purpose of meeting the Indians on the 15th of September and requested me to dismiss the men under me. On the day after the receipt of this letter I started for Oregon City and arrived there in time to see Dr. Dart before he left for Port Orford. I told him the impossibility of getting the Indians to go to Port Orford &c. He then resolved to meet the Indians in the course of six weeks in their country and trade with them for their lands &c. He proceeded to Port Orford and returned, and finally declined trading with the Indians this season at all, but sent out Judge Skinner, the agent for that district with a few presents, &c. &c. Mr. Dart refused at the time of my return to pay me, and still refuses to do [so] as he says until he can get advices from Congress. The reason he assigns for not paying me and my party is that he did not approve the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving a party in the country--besides, he had not approved the treaty of peace made with the Indians by Govr. Gaines.
    I have no disposition to impugn what the Dr. states, but really there is such a plain discrepancy in his sayings and doings I cannot act otherwise than to notice it.
    In the first place he instructs Mr. Spalding to go to the Rogue River country and at whatever cost to remove from among the Indians any and all persons who have killed innocent Indians, & to adopt the most advisable steps to produce harmony &c. &c. Mr. Spalding done so. The Dr. told me he did not authorize the steps taken by Mr. Spalding in leaving the party under me in that country. As I before stated, Mr. Spalding returned from Rogue River to Oregon City on the 22nd July and reported what had been done. Mr. Spalding wrote me from Oregon City on the 28th July stating the Dr. would meet the Indians on the 15th Sept. and for me to continue the men in the service &c. &c. This does not look like the Dr. did not approve what was done by Mr. Spalding. He certainly did not disapprove it, or the party would have been dismissed at once instead of keeping me from July until September, performing the most hazardous hardships--and using my own and some of my party's money in furthering the wishes of the agent.
    You were present in the country at the time the treaty was about to be made. You are aware [of] the necessity of the treaty of peace, of which it will be useless for me to speak.
    As for what I have done I can refer you to Govr. Gaines, Mr. Spalding and even to Dr. Dart himself. I am sorry I have to resort to this humiliating method of importuning any person of power to arrive at a well-earned and established right. 
    I left my family and home for the purpose of mining on Rogue River or Shasta. I was in the Rogue River Valley at the time the treaty was making, and was under Govr. Gaines for that purpose. After this Mr. Spalding prevailed upon me to remain with the party for the purposes before stated. I abandoned my mining purpose, disposed of my tools, provisions &c. at a sacrifice and used my (all I had) money in providing for the occasional wants of the party and in paying some of the discharged men.
    I am now at home without a dollar in pocket, and without any visible method of soon getting any. I certainly claim that this abuse on the part of Dr. Dart is entirely unwarranted and without a parallel.
    The money due me and my party should be paid, and if Dr. Dart has forfeited his bonds to government it is a matter between himself and government.
    I think it quite a low and very mean subterfuge in Dr. D. to keep the important, hazardous and assiduously industrious services of myself and comrades in the Rogue River country, among a tribe of entirely savage people (and these too just out of a destructive war with our people) as we [are] waiting for our hard-earned pennies until he can receive advices from the home department, dodging the consequences of a responsibility that he might incur if he paid the amount at once, when in fact the labor we were performing was of the most pressing importance to the government, and the mining community on the one hand, and for Christianity's sake, for the bettering and improving the condition of this untaught and entirely ignorant people on the other. True, it was his duty to have done this in person but if calls from other neighboring tribes rendered it impossible at that time, and if the ends were accomplished by me, that could only have been done by himself what is the difference?
    I will follow the theme no farther, and regret I have troubled you to such length on this subject--you will pardon me.
    Allow me the honor of hearing from you at your earliest convenience
        And believe me
            Most respectfully yours
                C. M. Walker





To the Honbl. Gen. Lane
    Sir, as our acquaintance is but slight you will naturally be somewhat surprised at my intruding myself upon your notice and time, and it is with extreme diffidence that I address you yet. Gen. Lane will pardon the assurance of a soldier. I have a favor to ask or I should not this intrude, therefore I crave your patience while I relate our grievance. You doubtless recollect the time of my departure from Redding's Diggins for Scotts River, as I applied to you for information relative to the nature of this region and the best route to travel. I think it was one year ago last August I came on to Scotts River and have been here since. We located in Scotts Valley and built the first house ever raised in the valley. There were several interested in the rancho because it was deemed unsafe for less to reside in the valley. Myself and B. E. Simmons bought out the rest and paid them in dust, provisions and labor rated very high and we had but few animals. But all there was we had therefore spent our money and time anticipating that our claim would be valuable in time. That time has arrived. Claims have been sold at six and twelve thousand dollars the past summer. Col. McKee, however, U.S. Indian agent, arrived here this fall and has designated the most valuable portion of Scotts Valley as an Indian reserve, i.e., the lower end of the valley and covers many valuable claims and improvements. Most of the occupants of these claims will apply through the Com. of Indian Affairs at Washington for damages. I have written out a statement of the facts and an application and forwarded it by Col. McKee to the Com. at Washington. Therefore I would most respectfully solicit your attention and influence in our favor. We are the first and most unfortunate settlers of Scotts Valley.
    I am sir very respectfully your
        Obedient Servant
            S. R. Lewis
To the Hon. Gen. Lane




Bardstown Herald, Kentucky, February 4, 1852, page 1



Dear Father
    I wish to say a word or two in reference to the [capital] location question. Whatever you do, don't favor Oregon City and the federal officers. They have arrayed themselves against the people and their representatives who met at Salem, and I feel confident will through their chief actor (A. Holbrook Esq.) try to lead you astray from the true principles. Some of your best Democratic friends think you have so much confidence in Mr. H. that you could be influenced by him against your own as well as the true interests of the people of the Territory. But I am satisfied that you are too old a hand in such matters to be deceived by a man belonging to the opposite party. But still I think whenever an opportunity offers to undeceive the people in reference to your standing with the Whig officers it would be well to do so.
    There is one other thing I want to urge upon you, and that is the necessity of procuring the passage of such a bill as will give the people of the Territory the power to elect all their officers, to be paid as before out of the Treasury of the United States, and again I would say for God's sake don't allow yourself to be led astray by letters or anything coming from the Whig officers.
    The river is higher now than any time since the great flood in '49 and is still rising slow, but as it has not rained any for 56 hours we don't think it can rise much more. It has done us but little damage yet, nothing in fact but carrying off some one or two hundred saw logs.
    Mr. Thompson's family is still afflicted; his little daughter Elly is now very sick with inflammatory fever. You must write to Mr. Thompson. I know he would be glad to get a letter from you.
    I have not heard from Joe for some time, but suppose he writes to you. My health is very good. I am getting along very well in the milling business, making but little in the way of cash, but paying off some debts which you know is equivalent.
    I will write you often and try to keep you posted on such matters as I think are of importance to the Territory and your own well being. Your friends send their compliments. You must not fail to send the papers to those who sent money by you to pay subscription.
    Write me as often as you can.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Gen. Lane
    Dear Sir
When I last saw you at Shasta I did not learn your views concerning the land law. For my part I am not well pleased that the government plainly held out the inducement that each emigrant should receive in his own right 640 acres of land & 320 in addition in right of his wife also 160 acres for each child & a like quantity for children born in the territory for five years after emigrating & settling. Now this is the broad feature of the bills from 43 down to the worse than useless bill that passed 27th Sep. / '50. Why curtail the land grants? When will the country settle? Who will confine himself for 4 years and dig for the bare pittance of a few roods of land in the black mountains of Oregon? We are driven out of the California market by Cape Town and Valparaiso & the small grants of land is depopulating Oregon at an astounding ratio.
    That you will have some desirable amendments made to the law I have no doubt,and I hope that the grants may be so enlarged as will induce emigrants to settle with us. I think if you will examine the premises you will see a fitness in the Government confirming to all those who emigrated previous to the treaty, all they ever promised then. It was in November '42 that I turned my face towards Oregon. I have at my own expense been three sessions at Washington & according to the land law I have not enough of land to dig my grave on. What I have sold is gone from me forever & that of my wife traveled by military reservation & also Mrs. Welch.
    I was stopped improving here by force of arms after laying out $1500. I have lost by the soldiers in stock and other tangible avails $1000 & was pirated away from my goods on the Hackstaff upwards of $300. The main occupation of the militia here you know all about, & you will please at least keep me advised in relation to it, if the govt. want the place please have the last section of the law so amended that we get paid the fair valuation of the land as well as improvements. Should you fall in with Dr. Dart please present me kindly & say (if you think so) that I should be paid my losses on Rogue River by the Indians. Present me most kindly to Mr. Buchanan should you fall in with him & accept for yourself my highest esteem.
Hon. Gen. Lane 
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Father
    This morning I recd. a letter from you dated Washington Dec. 4th / 51 and have an opportunity of answering it immediately, as the mail steamer Columbia lays over two days at Portland. In reference to the survey of the Island you may rest satisfied that I will have it attended to at the first low water and have the survey recorded per your instructions. I wrote to Judge Skinner, who is on the Rogue River, about those notes. I sent him a copy of the recpt. and Judge Bryant's order, keeping the original myself until I recd. the notes. I have not heard from Skinner yet, but think I will get some news from him ere long. I wrote to him to send me the notes by the first opportunity. No news of interest afloat in this section of country. The people's legislature at Salem will adjourn tomorrow, "sine die" I suppose. Bush has been up at Salem during the session and is expected to return this week. And as I think I said something about his having something to do with the editing of the Vox Populi I will here place that matter right, as I have since been informed that he refused to have anything to do with the paper, but to accommodate the members let out the use of his small press and type to the gentlemen who got the paper up. We sustained a loss of $735 worth of logs by the late high water, but no damage was done to the mills except stopping them about two weeks with back water, but I have them both going now and am making some lumber and flour and a very little money. I am getting rid of old debts and hope to get them about all worked off during this year. Times are pretty hard and money not very plenty, I assure you. I have not recd. anything from Joe for some time, though I have written frequently. I don't expect him down until sometime next summer. Mr. Thompson has moved up on the hill in the house that Gov. Gaines occupied when you left. He has bought some land and concluded to try farming. His family are regaining their health. T'Vault has not been 3 weeks at home since you left. He is now up in the Umpqua pretending to look out a road to Port Orford, but I fear he will do no good neither for himself nor country.
    I cautioned you against Amory Holbrook in my last, and I again repeat it: He will bear watching. You can't imagine how odious he has made himself among the Oregonians. I hope you will do all you can for Oregon and that you may do all things right. Write me often. I will do the same.
Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Messrs. Greenbury and James B. Martin,
    Gentlemen, Capt. Wm. J. Martin has forwarded to me a power of attorney to "collect by suit or otherwise to receive and receipt for the same" two promissory notes executed by Greenbury Martin and James B. Martin of Platte County, Missouri for the sum of five hundred and thirty-three dollars each, with ten percent interest bearing date April 3rd 1846, payable to William J. Martin three years after date. These notes as you are aware are filed in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Platte County. One of the votes is entitled to a credit of one hundred and sixty dollars, Sept. 29th 1849.
    On yesterday I recd. a letter from William informing me that he is in great need of money and requesting me to write you without delay and beg you to pay the above notes in time to forward the money by May next. This I hope you will readily do. I urge this the more for the reason that I know that William's engagements will seriously embarrass him without he can get the money due him from you. Upon the payment of the above-named notes I am authorized to execute all proper releases or conveyances necessary to discharge any mortgage or collateral security of any kind whatsoever, and to do all other things necessary to be done in the premises.
    Permit me, gentlemen, to beg you to write me immediately upon the receipt of this letter and let me know when you can discharge the debt above mentioned. I have no doubt of your ability and willingness to pay this debt. Let me know how and when I can get the money. Write me and also your member of Congress Mr. Hall if necessary to ensure the forwarding of this transaction.
    Direct to Washington City, D.C. I shall be here until the close of the session.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Lane,
    I have just received, with a great deal of satisfaction, your letter of the 23rd Jany.
    It is usually to us a matter of satisfaction & of pride when any of our predictions, made at a time when few men had faith in them, seem likely to come true. So it is, in this case. You may remember that some three years ago I wrote you a long letter to Oregon, in which I laid before you, in detail, the train of reasoning by which I arrived at the conclusion that your chance for the next nomination for the Presidency was better than that of any other man. I expressed the same opinions in a Democratic caucus of the members of the Legislature, called to nominate some candidate & who, having got through, sent for me, on the spur of the moment, to give them a talk. Many thought I was not sincere. Others than I was extravagant. I am so much accustomed & have been, all my life, to such accusations, that I said little except that time would show whether I was right or wrong.
    From that day to this, not only have I continuously heard my judgment impugned, but also my motives questioned, for the course I then took. You ask me why I had not written to you. In part, because I have been incessantly occupied, ever since the session opened. But that was not the sole, nor the chief reason: for, busy or not busy, one can always match half an hour to write to a friend. It had been so often thrown up to me that I was supporting you from selfish considerations & not because I thought you the best man, that I shrunk from obtruding either advice or assistance, especially as it seemed to me when you were here, that your own faith in the chances of success was not strong. I had received also--that I may as well confess to you--a letter from a northern Democrat, who is a warm friend to Cass & opposed to you, in which he said he knew that I had sinister motives in supporting you, that I did so against my better judgment, knowing Cass to be a much abler man &c. I wrote him back a letter that he won't forget in a hurry, about as sharp as the slip I enclose you, in reply to a recent attack of Holloway, of Wayne, on my religious views.
    But the letter nettled me a good deal more than such a piece of silly trash ought to have done. And it had a good deal to do with my delay in writing to you, until I should have a line from your hand.
    Enough of this. Of one thing, my dear Lane, you may rest assured; you may find a hundred friends who will make much louder protestations than I of desire to render service, but not one who, when the time comes, will work more earnestly or steadily in your cause.
    It will give me very great pleasure, as delegate for the state at large, to attend the Baltimore convention, & I know no one whose cooperation, in the same position, would be more efficient than Bright's. If you will write to a few leading men here, or who are likely to be here, expressing your wishes on the subject, it will doubtless ensure the nomination, at all events of myself, & I hope of Bright. The only doubt on the latter point arises from the feud existing between Bright & the Governor, a difficulty which I well know you regret as much as I do. But I think, by Bright's nomination for reelection as Governor & Bright's nomination as delegate from the state at large, hard feelings may be softened & the wound healed over. I'll do what I can do to arrange it. Let me know in whom Bright chiefly confides, of those likely to be at the convention, and I will cooperate with them to secure Bright's nomination as delegate.
    I have many old friends, former colleagues in Congress, who, I think, have faith in my sincerity & some confidence in my judgment, & whom I am likely to meet at Baltimore. With them I think I can have some influence.
    I am well satisfied that a new man will be taken. The old politicians have, every one of them, too much weight to carry, & public opinion expects a new man. If, as we suppose here, Scott is to be the Whig candidate, that will be a very strong argument for you over Douglas. There is a very general feeling here that Douglas has been making very great exertions & spreading much money. But I think he began the game too early & played it too barefacedly. I am not at all surprised to hear your opinion, that his chances are small. I always thought that Wm. J. Brown & others have overrated them.
    It is of great importance that your personal friends thereto be nominated as delegates, men who will work for you, not violently but perseveringly, first, last & all the time. I shall see to this when the time comes. Send me the names of those men who you think may be implicitly confided in.
    I advise that you write to Stewart, clerk of the court here, if you have not already done so. He is a true friend of yours. Would not Major McCoy be a suitable delegate from his district?
    There will be no difficulty in sending up delegates, without instructions as to first or second choice. That is the proper course, & I'll see to it that it is taken.
    Remember me kindly to Bright & Whitcomb & to our delegation in the lower house.
To Hon.
    Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        Agreeably to your request previous to your departure for the capital, I take up my pen to inform you of passing events in this country. You are aware no doubt of the excitement here growing out of the disagreement of the members as to the proper place of holding the Territorial Legislature and also the course pursued by the court and the Hon. O. C. Pratt as well as all the other officers of the government. There will no doubt be an effort to entangle you with and in these difficulties. Your good sense I am satisfied will dictate the proper course for you to pursue in the premises. The nullifiers, as their opponents call them, depend entirely on your influence to carry the matter through Congress and have their acts approved, right or wrong. Judge Pratt is the man to be benefited by the measure if successful. He was entirely and politically down. It was neck or nothing with him, nothing to lose, and all to gain. If the measure succeeds Pratt is to be the next Delegate. He is writing himself into notice. See article in the last Statesman [January 27, 1852, page 1] signed La Creole, Nesmith Mills, Polk Co. Strange as it may appear, it was written by his Hon. O. C. Pratt.
    The improvement of our rivers are matters that the people of this Territory are all interested in, and of vastly more importance to all the good people than the mere question as to where the Legislature shall meet. I hope and have no doubt that you will use your influence to have an appropriation for the improvement of the Clackamas rapids, and if an appropriation is made care should be taken to have suitable commissioners appointed so that the money would be properly applied. If left to the Legislature a large portion of it would be squandered, I have no doubt, without any beneficial result, but would be the subject of political dissensions.
    Appropriations for Territorial roads are much needed, and without some appropriations from Congress it would be a long time before suitable roads would be made for the inland communication between the extremes of the Territory. It would facilitate trade and would be the means of settling up the country.
    The late land law of Congress seems to be a subject of some interest, as you know, in this country. As to its general features I can't say that I can find much fault with it. [It] might have been that a law might be devised that would suit my own case better, but whether the country at large would be as much benefited I very much doubt. To simplify and make its provisions more intelligible would be a matter that would benefit the whole community, and some of the details of the bill might be much improved.
    The extinguishment of the Cayuse War debt by the general government is anxiously looked for and is no more than common justice to those who gave their time and means for the support of that war that they should be paid the full amount of their claims, and that government should make liberal donations [of] land to all that served in the war. All those things are matters of general interest with us which I have no doubt will receive a full share of your influence and attention.
    The reestablishment of United States troops in our Territory is anxiously looked for, not in the cities but on the frontier.
    We have had a very pleasant winter. So far the lumber trade is improving and business is brisk in every branch except the mercantile; that is rather dull.
    I hope you will write me and favor me with public documents &c. direct to Linn City. I will write again as soon as I receive a line from you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir;
    At the last session of Congress an act was passed appropriating the sum of fifteen thousand dollars for a lighthouse, fog signals &c. at the mouth of the Umpqua River in Oregon Territory. Will you please inform me what steps, if any, have been taken to carry out the object of this appropriation. The interest of the southern portion of that Territory will be greatly promoted by the speedy erection of the lighthouse and other improvements at the mouth of this river for which this appropriation was made, and I am exceedingly desirous that should this appropriation of fifteen thousand be found insufficient for the immediate construction of these works, at this session I may secure further appropriation sufficient to secure the completion of the work.
    You will oblige me by furnishing me with such information upon this subject as may be in your possession, at your earliest convenience.
To Hon. Secy. of Treasury
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir;
    I have read with great interest a copy of the letter addressed to the Commr. of the Genl. Land Office by John Evans, Geologist for the Territory of Oregon, in reference to his geological surveys in that Territory and by that office kindly furnished me.
    I am well aware of the inestimable importance of a geological survey of that country as essentially conducive to the development of its rich and valuable resources, and I am pleased that the indomitable energy and experienced ability of Professor Evans has been appointed to that labor. It seems from the letter to which I allude that a further appropriation of ten thousand dollars will be necessary in order to carry on this survey during the coming year. Like Prof. Evans I am an economist, and anxious that all appropriations for the use should be disbursed as well as created with a view to economy as well as utility. I am, however, decidedly in favor of this appropriation thus asked by Prof. Evans, and in order to obtain it will thank you for such estimates, reports &c. as may be in your possession establishing the necessity for such an appropriation, upon which I may base my propositions to that effect before the House of Representatives. I shall also be under obligations to you for any other aid and information in reference to this subject you may be pleased to extend me.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed I send you some petitions in relation to mail routes.
    I received your kind letter of support 1 ult. I suppose that you had not received any of mine at that date. I had written you twice in relation to the purchase of mill stones, but had received no answer.
    I see that the good people of Louisiana gave you a kind and welcome reception. I was interested in the report of your speech, especially that part in which you stated that you had "prayed" daily for the preservation of the Union. I think that I recalled having heard one of your petitions to the throne of grace, offered up about the time you rolled down the mountain. I shall never forget that prayer!!!
    Your friends here all remember you affectionately.
    I saw Nat last week. He was getting along well. Joe is still on his claim.
    I suppose that you have correspondents who keep you fully advised of all our political movements. The people are making it rather warm here just now for the Whig political officers. I will write you again shortly at length. In the meantime believe me
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Sir;
    I wrote a few days ago to Mr. Hamlin in relation to an exchange of certain commodities of these islands free of duty for certain others of Oregon and California. You are doubtless aware that the sugar plantations here are struggling for existence, and that since California has begun to supply herself with potatoes and other vegetables these Islands have but little to export with which to pay for the goods which still continue to come from all parts of the world. If Sandwich Island's sugar could be admitted into Oregon and California free of duty in consideration of the admission of flour, lumber and salmon from our coast free here, it would be a gain on both sides. If you will examine our treaties with Mexico, Ecuador, Peru &c. you will see that in such case they too could bring their sugar [to] California and Oregon free as the same conditions being entitled to all the privileges of the most favored nations, but I do no find anything in our treaties with Spain or China which would entitle them to the privilege. (I have only the old edition of the laws and later copies in pamphlets.) It is Chinese and Manila (Spanish) which competes most with that of the islands. The Spanish American states have not much to sell. I wish you would see the California Senators and Reps. and Gen. Lane, the Delegate from Oregon, and learn their views on the subject and if it shall be found that the thing can be done without involving us in a difficulty with any of the countries with which we have treaties yielding them the privileges of the most favored nations. I hope an arrangement may be made. The planters here are nearly or quite all Americans, and more Americans would come if sugar cultivation were made profitable. It would give the American population a controlling preponderance here which no adverse causes could overthrow. As it is now this is not so certain. The present King's ministers are all right, but we cannot be sure of keeping them in, for there is an anti-American influence constantly plotting against them, and trying to prejudice the King against them. He is much addicted to the bottle. His ministers try to keep him sober--their enemies try to get him drunk and to profit by it as they do, some of them being his boon companions. In this state of things there is no knowing what he may do. He cannot live long unless he alters his course. The Protestant missionaries all have strong American partialities and great influence. The Catholic missionaries are all hostile to annexation, and they have made proselytes of nearly two fifths of the natives. These are facts to be considered, for the popular branch of the legislative body is elected by universal suffrage. These native Catholic converts can all be taken to the polls like a flock of sheep. Already they have had their tickets marked with a cross † to prevent mistakes in voting. If they get a majority they will control the house of representatives. We want more white population from the States, and the commercial arrangement I speak of would secure this while it would injure nobody on your side of the continent. Sugar is as much an article of necessity as coffee or tea--nay, more so, and would be better entitled to into the U.S. free of duty, but for the principle of protection. We raise sugar in Louisiana, Florida and Texas, but no tea or coffee. I therefore would not desire to take off anything from the 30 percent on sugar on your side [of] the continent. But the admission of Sandwich Island sugar into the Pacific States would not affect the American planters on the Atlantic side. I have written to Mr. Webster on this subject, but do not know what his views are or the President's. You will see the propriety of not giving me as authority for what I have said of the King's dissipation. He is very friendly to me and I wish to keep him so. Wish I could keep him sober. He has good sense, but not so strong as his appetite.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



To the Hon. Joseph Lane Delegate from Oregon
    Dear Sir, the object of my writing to you is to request you to have one of the best Democratic weekly newspapers that is printed in Washington City sent to me. My friend Waldo informed me that if you would pay for it and write me a line authorizing me to pay the money to him that he would settle with you. If this course does not suit you, I would be glad you would write me a line prescribing the course that I should take in transmitting the money. If you have a paper sent to me, have all the back numbers sent from the commencement of the present session of Congress.
    Our once happy country is now in a deplorable situation. The Governor and 2 of the judges are overriding the laws enacted by the people's representative. The Legislature in turn have attempted to render those judges as harmless as possible by districting the Territory anew and giving Judge Nelson Clackamas Co. & Judge Strong the north side of the Columbia & Judge Pratt the balance of the Territory. Judge Pratt will hold a court in those counties taken from Judge Nelson's former district & Judge Nelson will attempt to hold a court in those counties also, the Democrats arrayed on the one side and the Whigs on the other, and what will be the result God only knows. All persons desiring good order is looking to the Congress of the United States for relief by declaring the laws enacted by the people's representatives to be valid or to the great Democracy of the Union by rising in her majesty & hurling those pretended haters of proscription from their high places & electing men in their stead that will behead Old Dinwiddy and the balance of those vampires that has been quartered upon us by the federal government against our will. I have no doubt of your willingness and your ability to do all that is in your power to do, in relieving us from our present situation, and if you should be elected President of the United States I have no doubt that Old Dinwiddy's days will be numbered; at any rate in that event if you do not dismiss him as soon as you get the President's chair fully warmed I shall never vote for you again for any office be it great or small.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Gen. Joseph Lane--
    Sir, I again endeavor to communicate to you respecting some of the most important incidents of the times. There has arrived, and is still arriving by both roads, vastly the largest emigration that has ever entered this territory. They have suffered considerably by sickness, and some loss of property as is usual.
    But the greatest calamity and that which gives me pain to record is the murder of the helpless emigrant by the ruthless savage.
    There has been a number of men, and as many as three families of women and children, most shockingly butchered, to my knowledge. Also four young men who met the emigration to assist and protect them have been slain, one of them a gallant young man of your acquaintance, John Quinsby, who turned out with you when you pursued the deserters.
    Dear sir, in this instance permit me to tender you my heartfelt thanks for your endeavors to procure protection for those helpless emigrants. Also you deserve the abiding gratitude of the people of both Oregon and California for the same exertions.
    A great portion of the emigration has come the South Road and have arrived in the Rogue's River, Klamath and Scott River valleys, and with but little loss of property. Some have taken claims for the purpose of farming, others for the purpose of mining, and are generally well pleased with the prospects before them.
    And there is in this country still room for thousands of others. The emigration by coming this road, as you know avoids the sand desert at the sink of Mary's River [the Humboldt], and the California mountains on the south, Snake River and the Blue Mountains on the north, hence the advantage of saving their stock.
    The citizens have resolved to meet the emigrants on the South Road in sufficient force for their protection in the ensuing season in case they do not get information of troops coming that they can rely on.
    The emigrants coming the South Road should leave the Fort Hall road at the Soda Springs and strike directly to the head of Humboldt or Mary's River, which road is now quite plain, having been traveled very extensively this year. The emigrants in traveling on this road should by all means keep in companies of sufficient size for self-protection, say from fifteen to twenty men strong at least, and keep the Indians at a proper distance. And at any and all times prepared to defend themselves; suffer no individuals or families to fall behind, or get too far in the advance, for if they do they will assuredly be butchered.
    I for one, and can not feel otherwise, than to hold the present administration as responsible for the butcheries on the defenseless women and children the present season. They heard the voice of humanity and heeded not! Hundreds of families set out with full faith and belief that they were traveling under the protection of the strong arm of the government from promises made by the government, of protection, but lo they found it not! And the consequence has been that the innocent babes have been torn from the bosom of their mothers, and their blood caused to welter upon the sand of the desert.
    Where the Oregon road leaves the California, one hundred miles above the sink of Mary's River, is where the emigrants may expect to be met. From this place to Rogue River mines is about two hundred and eighty miles (Jacksonville). The distance from the same place to Sacramento being about four hundred. The advantage of the Oregon road here is in its ample supply of grass and water, and also its good traveling with the exception of a small portion of the road which I will here state.
    From the turning off, you proceed twelve miles up a dry creek to its head at a spring to the left hand on a point, good, fresh water, some grass.
    Thence fifteen miles to two small springs immediately on the roadside, but little grass. Thence twenty miles across the bed of a dry lake, beautiful road, to Black Rock, plenty of grass, but bad water. From here the emigrants has plenty of grass and water and a good road, and can camp almost where they please. Here the emigrants must watch their stock and keep a sharp lookout for Indians. And shoot every chance, for they may rest assured that the Indians will do the same by then if they can. If there is any items of information in this letter which you may deem of interest to the public you may hand it to some editor for publication.
    Your humble servant, Lindsay Applegate.


Dr. Father
    In my last I omitted to tell you that Mr. Bush had paid me for that paper you purchased for him. I placed the amt. to your credit and charged you with his bill for printing. The mills are doing very well at this time; lumber is in good demand at $25 per M., and flour still continues high, worth now $12 per 100 lbs. Wheat is 3 & 3¼ dolls. per bus. All kinds of provisions are high.
    The emigrants are still coming; their suffering this season has been great, and had not the fall been a very dry, warm and favorable one, thousands more would have died. Mr. Babcock of Inda., Longmaker of Pa. and Allen of Pittsburgh have all arrived and presented letters from you. The former and latter are still in Oregon and seem to be well pleased with the appearance of things. Mr. L. left for the States by the last steamer.
    I have recd. many valuable documents from you for which I offer my thanks. Those that you wish preserved will be placed in the top of my trunk, there to remain until your return. John McCracken has recd. several documents from you and feels under many obligations. I hope you will continue to send to him, as he is an uncompromising Democrat and a gentleman of the first water and one of your strongest friends.
    Judge Nesmith would like to be appointed Marshal of Oregon. I hope you will give your influence in securing for him that appointment. I want you to get him the appointment for two or three reasons. One is that I believe him to be one of your warmest friends; another is he is a good Democrat and will be of service to the party while traveling over the country discharging the duties of the office, and the last is I think Joe Meek ought to be turned out by a Democratic administration. He is no Democrat, nor is he a man in whom confidence can be placed. I hope you will not neglect the Judge.
    I recd. your order on Walker for 36 dolls., but unfortunately he has gone to Puget's Sound, and I don't know when I will see him. However, I will try to see him if he should come up here soon. I hope you have recd. my power of attorney and have sold or will be able to sell all my property. You still persist in coming across the plains. I wish you would change your mind and come by the Isthmus. You could then be here in time to help us in the next Delegate election, and I know it is less dangerous. I will write again soon. I hope you will write often. My respects to all friends.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    Yours of August 24th is now before me, for which favor you will please accept many thanks. I would have complied with your request and sent you those papers relating to the "Island" if I could have got my eye on Abernethy since I recd. your letter, but he has been out of town for several days. I will try however and get them ready to send to you by next mail. I will here mention to you that I had the Island surveyed this fall, and find that it contains several acres more than the Applegate survey calls for, and also that the last plat and survey was handed in to Preston in R. R. Thompson's name. I mention this so that you & him need not conflict in proving up the claim, for if it is claimed by you there and him here it may give trouble and show a want of system. I wish you would write to me or Thompson on this subject and let us know what to do. I know that it is not good policy to get the thing in such a shape that it could not be understood, and if it is filed in the Genl. Land Office in your name it should be so on the Surveyor Genl.'s books here. Write me if you please on this subject.
    Flour still continues high, now worth $12 per 100 lbs. Lumber 20 & 30 dolls. per M. All kinds of provisions are high. The emigrants are about all in. Their number is differently estimated, but I suppose that I would not be far out of the way to say there was 10,000 all told, which you see makes quite a show in this wooden country.
    Well, the President's election is over, and I sincerely hope that Pierce is President, but it will be some time before we way out here in Oregon will know the result. I suppose you are in Indiana at this time and having a nice time over the Democratic victory. I would like to be there today just to crow over our success, but our time will come by and by, and after the 4th of March next what a shuffling there will be of Whig office holders. Tell Mr. Pierce for me that if he leaves one Whig in office that I hope he may meet with the same fate Harrison and Taylor did, and I am pretty sure he will. I don't know whether or not you want any office, but if you do I wish you would let me suggest to you that of Governor. There is no other office in Oregon that I would like so well to see you filling as that of Governor. I don't know yet who will apply for the Surveyor Genlship of Oregon, but I think a Mr. Zieber will. If he applies I think you will be safe in recommending him, as I believe him honest and capable and know him to be a Democrat of the right stamp. Mr. Zieber came to this country last year from Illinois; he formerly edited a Democratic paper in Peoria and is poor, and I would like to see him occupying a station that would pay him for his services. O. C. Pratt knows him personally and can give you more information than I can. Bush's letter that you spoke of has not yet come.
    I hope you will write regular and often. Do send something to Thos. Waterbury. He says you have never sent him anything since you left. Try if you can to send papers and documents to everybody in the county during the next session. These Oregonians are fond of being noticed, and I hope you will accommodate them.
Jos. Lane
   
I have not seen Joe in 14 months. He never writes to me. I hear he is in the mines & says he won't go back to the claim. I am uneasy about him.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    You will see by the caption of this that I am not at present in Oregon. I left Oregon about the first of this month for the purpose of going to the States to buy machinery for a new flouring mill, but on the passage to this place I was taken sick with dysentery and from that to fever. I am undergoing medical treatment in this place and hope in two weeks to be able to return to Oregon, as I have given up going any farther. Mr. Thompson is here on his way to the States to buy sheep. He will see you at Washington. I send to you by him six hundred dollars. I send it to you for fear you may be cramped, and as I desire that the $500 be paid to Pratt for Bush. Bush has paid me that amt. besides your paper bill.
    Mr. Thompson will give you a draft and description of the machinery we want for the mill, and now let me urge you to have it bought and shipped insured &c. as quick as possible. If there is no vessel there for Oregon, ship them in a clipper ship to Shepherd & Hale, San Francisco, and I will see to the balance. Everything depends on that machinery coming--and coming soon.
    We will have the new mill up and ready to put the machinery right into [it] as soon as it can come. I sent $100 of the six that you will receive from Mr. T. for a sewing machine to make sacks with. I don't know that the machine will cost that amt. or even half of it, but if it don't you can use the remainder in something else.
    I wish you would send us the bills of the articles and bills of lading so that we may know when they will come and when we have recd. them all.
    We were greeted on arriving here with the glorious news of Pierce's election, and while speaking of this I will say something about officers and men. In the first place I want you to come back Governor of Oregon. I know the appointment would be one that would satisfy the most of our party, and now that we have a Democratic President we will not have any trouble in electing the Democratic candidate for Delegate--and next (you need not mention this to Thompson) I want you if you can to get Mr. Zieber appointed Secretary. He is an excellent man and a true, unflinching Democrat and needs the office. Mr. Douglass of Ill. and O. C. Pratt of On. are well acquainted with him and will tell you what sort of Secretary he would make. The balance I care nothing about so they are filled with good, efficient Democrats. I don't want any office; bear that in mind, and the reason I want you to come back Govr. is so you may be with the family, and I know if you don't that you will have to run for Congress, and knowing that you are invincible, you would have to leave the family at a time that your attention is most required.
    Mr. Thompson will tell you all about our milling arrangements, and will surprise you I expect in letting you know that he no longer belongs to the firm. He sold for $11,000 to John McCracken, and although I think Mr. T. a good and honest man, I am very glad of the change, as I know Mc. to be honest, industrious and as good a business man as you will find.
    Yes, one thing more political. I want you to see that Old Buck [William W. Buck] is turned out of the post office and Frank Holland put in again and also to see that Whitcomb, Wait and all the balance of the soft-shelled Democracy are left out. If there is any place for Curry give it to him, so [long as] you give the Secretaryship to Zieber.
    You will be bored to death by office-seekers in Oregon. When I get back I will go to Salem and try to get the legislature to agree on the men that are to fill the different offices. If you come by the Isthmus don't fail to bring my little children, and if you come across the plains do as you think best about bringing them, but I hope you will not wait to come across the plains.
    Flour has been high all the fall, and our mills have been paying well and will continue to do so as long as there is any wheat to grind. Lumber took a little flare-up for a short time, but is now down again. I met here Dennison of the Quito, and he wanted me to settle the amt. he claimed against the mills, but I told him our books showed him in our debt and that I should pay him nothing. He said then he would have to wait until you come back, and he knew you would pay him. I told him I thought it possible, as you was very much in the habit of paying debts you did not owe, but that I had outgrown everything of that kind.
    Write as often as you can and send documents.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Lane
    Dear Sir
        Little did I expect when you, with our mutual friends Judges Lane & Lockhart, were in Washington, that such an overwhelming defeat waited the Whig Party, & when the dust has cleared away I began to have a strong sympathy for one Whig office holder, who I would like to see saved from the general wreck. I mean my friend E. S. Terry; in 1838 when my Father in law died suddenly in Vincennes, he left a helpless family, & an involved estate, with the help of Dr. Davis we got my Brother in law in Murphy, the P.O. of this place; by being a partner of his father a few months before his death, he was hopelessly involved in an indebtedness he never could pay; he was then young, scarce 20 years of age; in 1840 Harrison was elected, & the loss of the Post Office would have been a severe blow upon that helpless family, the effort was made to take it from them--but by the kind exertions of Mr. Terry it was kept from them, in '44 we elected a Democrat, in '48 a Whig, then again the struggle came to take the office from one that had devoted his life to the support of his mother, Brothers, & sisters (& there was 6 of them) remaining single for their sakes; Terry again came to their relief, & by a strong exertion, saved that pittance to them again; now it is useless for me to say why I am anxious to save him that office, he is in, he is poor, he is a warm friend, he was never a proscriptive partisan, may I ask you now to help him when he needs it, I feel much despaired to speak to you warmly on this subject, I feel you are a man of kind feelings & warm sympathies & appreciate a kind act, whether done to yourself, or another, may I look for your assistance in this matter & you know I said to you I wished to go to Oregon, you kindly promised me your interest with the President Elect, for a place there, I want it much, but I want Terry to keep that place more; & if either is to lose let it be me; will I be asking too much in requiring your good offices in both cases; I hope & feel you will be frank with me; I never asked for a place in my life for myself before, & I am afraid I am a poor hand. Dr. Davis kindly offers to do what he can for me & my friend; & permit me to say may you  be as successful in life as I wish you; & believe me, you will hold the highest office yet in the gift of the American People.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My Dear Genl.
    We have at last received the glorious news of the election of Pierce & King by an overwhelming majority. We got the news on the 15th inst. just 40 days from New York to Portland. We soon made and hoisted to the top of our tall flag staff a beautiful flag with the names of Pierce & King, waving to the pure breeze of Oregon, and fired 100 guns in honor of our noble standard bearer. We had a jolly and happy time of it throughout the day--glory enough for one year. The Whig Party are scattered to the four winds of heaven.
    I write in great haste as the steamer is about to leave, and desire to know whether you will consent again to be a candidate for Congress, it is well for your immediate personal friends to know this fact or they might become pledged to others, it has been said that you did not intend again to be a candidate for delegates. I hope you have not taken any such determination, and if so you will change your mind upon the subject, now that the "Oregonian" is out upon you we desire you to carry the "Flag of the Democracy" through Oregon at our next canvass for Congress. I heard a good Democrat say a few days since that the fact of the Oregonian being out upon you was conclusive evidence that you were all right & doing your duty to your constituency.
    There will be an effort made to change the time of holding our elections from June to Aug., this would give you an opportunity to canvass the Territory. You can easily be re-elected without personally canvassing any county, but it would be best to be on the ground & direct the fight. If Mr. Preston will be superseded in his office as Surveyor General, I am inclined that the Whigs will run him for Congress.
    Where is Judge Pratt, & what is he about[?] it seems he writes letters to no one here, we know nothing about him and feel perplexed. Why does he not let us hear from him.
    Judge Nelson it is said goes to the States in January, if so he will never again return, in that event we look forward to see Judge Pratt appointed Chief Justice, which is the natural place for him, at all events the Judge must return to Oregon, we can't do without him.
    By the last steamer to the States your son Nathl. & Mr. R. R. Thompson politely offered to carry letters to you, which will reach you several weeks before this arrives, unless something unusual should occur or something happen to detain them.
    In those letters I made known to you that I was an applicant for the position of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs" for Oregon, or Marshal of the Territory. I should greatly prefer the first named place and hope you will be pleased to give me your support which alone will be sufficient to procure me the place.
    Senator Douglas would take great pleasure in doing me service in this line, also Col. Richardson & Col. Bissell of Ills., now in Congress, and also Genl. Simon Cameron, ex-Senator from Penna., who usually spends the winter seasons in Washington, he knows me from a child, and I doubt not you have become acquainted with him ere this.
    Nothing new of interest here at present excepting a deep snow & unusually cold weather.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
        Washington
            D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir,
    I avail myself of the departure of the schooner Ortolan of this port now bound to San Francisco to make the present communication.
    The mail from Scottsburg to Gardiner [illegible] has been discontinued. The vessel will in all probability dispatch the letter a month in advance of our mail. I may be thus so much sooner relieved of if not the onerous duties, the humiliation, starvation &c. incident to the position of Collector of Customs for the District of Umpqua. A formal resignation addressed to his excellency the President will accompany my quarterly returns of the 31st December.
    That I have thus long suffered may be ascribed to several reasons. First, I pledged myself to the Honrb. R. R. Reed of the House (my friend on the occasion) that if appointed I would accept and not resign for a year. I wished also to sustain the favorable representations of the Honrb. J. Cooper of the Senate in my behalf.
    I also had hopes that the discovery of gold might make a rush for this district and built up a large trade. I supposed this Congress when advised of the inadequate provision made for the officers of these districts would have made an addition to our pay, instead of passing a bill providing for the compensation of an officer, who was already in the receipt of a larger salary and could live at Astoria at far less expense, and leaving us unprovided for, that officer being of the same political party having the ascendancy in the House, whilst we, unfortunately for our pay, differing with him.
    I have lived alone for months at time, without a white man within six miles of me (Umpqua City). I have been obliged to cook for myself (my salary would not pay a cook). I have made abortive attempts to work. I have acted as mail carrier, and to live had to do things incompatible with my position and duties. I have not had a dollar of public money for 9 months past. My private means in consequence of large endorsements have been entirely swept away within the last six months.
    In the "Kanyon" there were no means by which I would add to my [illegible] trade was forbidden. I could not chop wood; there was neither farming land, nor grazing within many miles of me, the ground around me too wet even to raise a chicken.
    If a successor be immediately dispatched to relieve me, I will have lost nearly two years of my time, six hundred dolls. in money, health impaired by living like a wild beast.
    I hope that all this will be a sufficient atonement for my aspirations to a collectorship.
    I pray and appeal to your humanity that you will not from the unimportant character of the port delay dispatching some officer of the Customs to take charge of the public property, relieve and pay me.
    In the discharge of my duties I never failed to board every vessel which entered the port; without boat hands I did the duty myself. Hands could not be had for the occasion. I had no means of paying them.
    There are no charges for fuel; I cut it myself, none for lights. Rent, freight on public property together with a row boat are all the charges ever made at this office.
    In consequence of the difficulty of reaching this out-of-the-way port, Mr. Bradlee will not visit me. His letter advising me to that effect was recd. on yesterday.
To
    The Honorable
        Thos. Corwin
            Secretary of the Treasury
                Washington D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Sir
    Your esteemed favor of the 4th inst. is at hand. I was much gratified to hear from you. Your sentiments in reference to [illegible] are also mine.
    In reference to the state Democratic convention, I shall endeavor to be at Indianapolis shortly, and whatever influence can be expected to secure a sound delegation from Indiana will be applied. If as you think probable the nomination of Lane can be secured it will be glory enough for one day. Like you I am convinced that once nominated he cannot be beaten.
    Truly Lane is no less a true-hearted man than a brave soldier--one whom the Democracy of numbers would be proud to acknowledge as their standard bearer. I have known him while in Mexico divide his purse with the private soldier when their supplies were short and even give them up his horse when fatigued, and walk himself for miles.
    The Gen. defrayed the expense of sending home several of the bodies of the brave men who fell in battle in Mexico out of his own private funds and utterly refused all compensation. When wounded at the battle of Buena Vista he insisted that the soldiers should first receive the proper surgical attention, leaving his own wound (a painful wound of the arm) to be dressed after the others. Such a man is truly the soldier's friend and an ornament to human nature; a grateful country cannot too highly reward and honor him.
    In Indiana at least the Lane fever is up without mistake. A course of prudence and judgment amongst his friends may accomplish everything desired.
    You may perhaps remember as I do very well that when the Evansville company of volunteers organized Lane volunteered in it as a private soldier, so that his expedition to Mexico did not result as did many others from the rewards and trappings of office. On the contrary, his official honors met him in the ranks and raised him to the station of colonel by the voice of the volunteers and major general by the voice of the government without any agency of his own, and as the sequel has proved never was office more worthily conferred. Instead of lending him honor it received honor at his hands. Enclosed I send you all of the papers that can be found at present relating to the acts of Gen. Lane; also you will find a letter from Gen. Lane to R. W. Dunbar. If you can use it to any advantage do so and then enclose it to me again, as Mr. Dunbar would like to preserve it. If you think of anything else in which I can be of advantage in the great cause just write and my services shall be cheerfully rendered. In Mr. Blythe's speech there is one word left out. If it should be used see that it is corrected.
    Your course in Congress has been entirely approved here so far as we have had an opportunity of judging. I would be pleased to hear from you whenever convenient. Give my respects to Gen. Lane.
To Hon. James Lockhart
    Washington City
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My dear brother,
    Your kind & very welcome letter with a copy of cousin Gen. Joseph Lane's came safe to hand on yesterday. Be assured, my dear brother, it afforded me much pleasure to hear from you & family & I have had an anxiety for several years to learn the parentage of Gen. Lane & to know if he was a relation of ours or not, seeing his name so frequently in the newspapers and in the history of the Mexican War.
    At last I suppose we may be satisfied that he is the son of Uncle John Lane, who moved from Buncombe to Kentucky, and I expect, Brother David, from your age you was not acquainted with him. He came from Georgia to this country with Uncle Charles Lane and commenced building a set of iron works on Reems Creek one year before Stepfather [George Swain] moved to Buncombe from Georgia, but Father [Swain] had been out the fall before he moved & purchased a lot in Asheville and a while before he moved in February by an accident he got his arm broke. He then wrote a letter to Uncle John Lane to come to Georgia & assist him in the business of moving, camping &c., which Uncle John did with a great deal of pleasure & a kinder, better man to his friends never lived in my opinion.
    You asked if I knew Elizabeth Street and who she was. She was the daughter of old John Street who lived in Asheville when Father Swain first moved to Buncombe and sheriff of the county at that time & a respectable man. Street at that time had only three children living with him—Anthony, Elizabeth & James. I went to school with James, the youngest child. If he ever had any more children, I never saw them. The old man after that moved from Asheville to the Capt. Garrison place on the road below Asheville & at that place Uncle John Lane married his daughter Elizabeth & I was at the wedding and a funny time we had. Some time after that the old man moved to the West, but I do not know where. In the fall of 1804 Uncle John Lane moved in to Kentucky and I purchased his land and let him have the wagon & team that he moved to Kentucky in & paid the balance in cash. It was the place on Turkey Creek that old Mr. Siles lived on & in that year I made an arrangement for the land I now live on. I think it was about the last of October 1804 that I bid farewell for the last time with Uncle John and Aunt Betsy Lane & pressed their little children to my bosom. Of course, I must have seen the Gen. when he was about 3 years old & is little Joseph yet alive. I loved Uncle John for his pure kindness & friendship & I feel thankful to almighty God for the good success of his little children [Rev. Jesse and Gen. Joseph Lane]. He was not very successful with his ironworks but he had a plenty to live on when he left and I believe the good will of everybody that knew him, and when I think it all over in regard to his children, I am ready to say sure enough the battle is not to the strong man nor the race to the swift but the good providence of God has been with them like he was with old Jacob's little Joseph. He made one governor of Egypt & the other of Oregon, & I was glad to learn that one of his sons was a religious man & a preacher.
    I was well acquainted with my Aunts Kilpatrick Mary, Sarah, & Betsy Montgomery and have had some accounts by letters from these families but never could learn much from Uncle John & Aunt Montgomery. When Uncle John & Thomas Kilpatrick moved to the West they moved through Buncombe & stopped on the road two or three days & came up to Father's on his Beaver Dam place and stayed there. Mary & Sarah was twin sisters & married two brothers John & Thomas Kilpatrick. I should think Cousin Lane could get on the Lanes & come to see you before he returns home. Be sure to invite him.
    And now, Brother David, I must insist on you to be sure to visit your native land this coming summer with the full view of staying till fall and let them do without you one summer at Chapel Hill or die just as they please. Everybody that is all your acquaintance wants to see you. Old Buncombe claims you as one of her most honored sons & your relations all wants to see you.
    I know there are counties of more wealth and refined society & rivers of more magnitude and grandeur than the French Broad & Swannanoa & yet in them perhaps you have swum often when you was a boy and drank of the limpid streams. Let me know by a few lines that you will come so that I may begin to feel glad. Give my best compliments to sister Eleanor, Caroline, Richard & sweet little babe.
    I should like to see Professor Mitchell in the mountains once more. Give him my best compliments. My wife sends her best compliments to you & wishes the happiness of becoming acquainted with your family. If I knew Cousin Lane would visit you in May I am almost ready to say that I would try & meet him there but it is uncertain whether I could get off. Farewell, may God bless you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir
    Capt. Rufus Ingalls, a native of this state, now at Vancouver's Island, is desirous of being promoted to the paymaster department. I need not speak to you of his merits as an educated military man, nor of his distinguished military services in the Mexican War. They are better known to your department & to yourself than to me.
    I have no personal acquaintance with Capt. Ingalls and can only say that he belongs to a family of the highest respectability & influence in this & others of the New England states. Permit me then to say that it would give great pleasure to our citizens generally without distinction of party & to no one more than myself to see his wishes gratified.
Hon. Chas. M. Conrad
    Secretary of War
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Pa,
        I received your very kind letter of the 3rd of May a short time ago and I am now answering it at my earliest opportunity. We are all in good health and hope this may find you enjoying the same. Uncle Simon is I believe quite well again or as well as he generally is, for he don't enjoy good health at all. Little Mary Jane is growing very fast and is one of the smartest little children I most ever saw. She has red hair like Emily's and is a very pretty sweet baby. She is now five weeks old. The boys have missed going to school this week on account of planting the corn, but they have now got it put in and will commence going to school again tomorrow and will I presume go as regular as they can. Winnie goes constantly and is I believe learning fast. Mr. Barlow is now at home. He and his family are very well. Mr. Floed is on the river. Emily told me to tell you that she was very much obliged to you for writing to her and says she will answer it as soon as she can. Ratliff is getting to be a great big boy. He is now standing by me and begging me to let him write some to his grandpa. I have not had a letter from Jo since I last wrote you and I have not heard from Nat in a long time. I can't imagine why he don't write to us. When you write let me know when you heard from him last.
        Please don't forget to send me those papers that I spoke of in my last letter. I received your Biography at the same time that I did the letter. I have read it and find it very interesting. As I have no news of interest to write you I will now bring this letter to a close. Write to us soon and let us know when you expect to return home. Mother and all the rest of us send you our best love.
    I remain your affectionate daughter
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Friend,
    Your kind letter of August 17th was received a few days ago.
    In relation to the difficulty between myself and the "Hero of Encarnacion," of which Col. King wrote you, it was in substance as follows. Last spring one Enoch Smith was tried and found guilty before Judge Pratt of being accessory to the murder of C. C. Hooker in this county, and because he was tried by Judge P. at a term of the court as fixed by the legislature at Salem last winter, his excellency saw proper to to assume the duties of the judiciary and deduce that the court had no "legal liability," and that Smith had been tried by a mob. Therefore he extended executive clemency towards him, and turned a cold-blooded, heartless murderer loose upon [the] community with a free and unconditional pardon.
    I took occasion to write in my bluest and unpolished style a couple of articles over the signature of "Kentuckian," which was published in the Statesman in the latter part of June. His excellency took exception to some cool fact contained in my productions and swore that he would cowhide the author and accordingly called upon Bush for his name. Bush as a matter of course refused to give it, whereupon the Gov. accused him of writing the articles, and swore that he should take the cowhiding, and drew a cowhide from under his coat. Bush drew his revolver, which perhaps brought up some emanations reminiscent in the "hero's" mind and he concluded to desist.
    When I heard how the matter stood I could not feel it consistent with what was right to involve Bush in so serious a difficulty and leave him to be bullied while I remained safe in the dark. I therefore wrote to him to give my name as the author, that I was the true offender and if anyone must be cowhided I was the proper person. My name was given, and after a few harmless threats the matter dropped. It was thought at one time that it might result in serious consequences, it being entirely optionary for the Governor and his friends to make the matter assume what phase they choose, but I suppose that his excellency came to the conclusion that I was too obscure an individual for him to waste his valuable time in cowhiding, so they made no real "fuss" about it.
    I have bought burrs out here and have got the new machinery that you sent me started, and am doing a fine business on my own hook. All the flour that I can make finds ready sale at the mill for $12.50 per hundred. It is generally understood here among your friends that you will not be a candidate for reelection. In that event I think that Deady will be the next Delegate; however, I suppose that that matter will be determined by a Dem. convention.
    It appears from all the accounts from the States that Pierce & King are bound to be elected. God send that they may is the prayer of your humble servt. and of three fourths the people of Oregon. If I thought that my chances would be good for the appointment of marshals for Oregon I would be in Washington at the inauguration, but I suppose that there are others who not only have more friends but want the office more than I do. I have had some notion of visiting the States this winter and coming out with you in the spring, but this matter is quite uncertain at present. If I should conclude to come you will see me in Washington by the fourth of March.
    You probably have learned before this time that Dryer is down on you in his paper. His sentiments is coextensive with his influence, which thank God is but small. You still have an abiding place in the hearts of the Democracy of Oregon, and on your return will meet with a warm, hearty and enthusiastic reception. Your old friend Ford has gone sail and body to the federal clique; let him go; we are better off without than with him. Judge Pratt used every influence to keep Ford in his right place, but the Judge's kindness was all lost and his generosity repaid with slander. I have occupied this letter with matters which will probably interest you but little. In conclusion I wish to say that you must come back to Oregon. I shall be prepared I hope to render you some assistance, and you know that I will do anything for you that is possible.
    The old woman sends respects. She and the little ones are well.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




    Recently I received from Eugene Shelby of San Francisco some interesting documents about Oregon's early-day politics. Eugene Shelby is a native son of Oregon and a pioneer resident of Portland. In discussing the documents he sent me, Mr. Shelby said,
    "The documents I send you are reminiscent of the activities of General Joseph Lane, Oregon's first territorial governor. It is evident from General Lane's letter to General John Adair, collector of customs at Astoria in 1852, that through General Lane's influence he was able to retain his office. At this time General Lane was territorial delegate in Congress. You will notice that one of the documents is a requisition for rations for the United States revenue cutter Joseph Lane. A. Van Dusen was the contractor who furnished the supplies. Lafayette Lane, as you know, was General Joseph Lane's youngest son and served two terms in Congress. Dr. Harry Lane, General Lane's grandson, not only served as mayor of Portland but served as United States Senator from Oregon. Monsignor Arthur Lane, son of Lafayette Lane, was for many years in charge of the parish at Albany and has recently been transferred to Portland. Hickory Floed, General Lane's great-grandson, graduated from Annapolis and at his own request was assigned to the aviation corps of the navy. He was recently killed in a crash at Pensacola, Florida."
    The letter from General Lane, sent me by Mr. Shelby, reads as follows:
    "Washington City, December 2, 1852. Dear General: Your communication of the 9th October enclosing Dart's report has this moment been received. It would I have no doubt be well for you to be here at the inauguration. I am determined that you shall be reappointed, and I have been ever since it has been known that Gibbs would be appointed. I know Pierce well, he is just the man. I love him much and allow me to tell you that I can and will bring to my assistance such a number of good Democrats in your favor as will assure your reappointment. You need not be the least concerned, reappointed you must and shall be. Notwithstanding, I would be glad to see you here.
    "Now, General, allow me to tell you that in some things I differ perhaps from some men. I never have nor never will forsake a friend, distance between me and a friend makes friendship only stronger--I found it was no use to kick against the pricks. Your place it was determined should be filled by another. I knew the election of Pierce and King was certain, and that you would soon be restored.
    "Now to show you how confident I was and how well I understood Scott's strength, I bet $300 dollars that he would not get fifty electoral votes and then offered to bet as much that I would win the bet, done in Washington, August last in the P. office of the House.
    "In all things, General, I have done my duty and shall continue to do so to the end, let the people condemn or approve as they may, it will not move me one inch from my duty.
"General John Adair,
    "Astoria, Oregon.
"Things will be put right in Oregon--Whigs in office will be but few."
Fred Lockley, "Impressions and Observations of the Journal Man," Oregon Journal, Portland, September 26, 1928, page 10



Dear Fealix
    I recd. your letter last summer informing me you had dishonored the draft I sent on you. I find on a careful examination of Rubidoux' accounts the amount I settled with him for you would have exceeded with interest the amount drawn for.
    Rubidoux may have deceived me in that as he has in other matters. You acknowledge sixty-five dollars with interest for ten years, at this time eleven years. That amount of 11 years at ten percent which I have been paying would amount to one hundred & thirty-six dollars 50/100 $136.50. This sum with you would be a small amount, but to me in my present situation would be of great relief. Last summer I had much sickness in my family & lost one of my best negro men. I have but two hands besides myself to work. I have a wife to support, his son to educate, 2 grandchildren to support and your father to take care of; all this I could do if my debts were paid, but as fast as I get anything it goes to my creditors.
    They have been very indulgent; not one of them have ever pushed me; $1,000 will pay all I now owe. It is very bad to be poor, yet I am not out of heart. I look forward to better days. I have nothing of importance to write your relations as far as I know are all well. Your father is in good health for a man of his age, 76 years--he has become very childish and needs attention which he shall have; as long as I am able to work I will divide with him to the last.
    I have written to Govr. Lane, your representative, who will forward you this letter and will pay over to me any amount his family may recpt. to you for, or should you prefer sending it in any other way it will be equally acceptable to me. I hope your health has improved. Your father sends his best love to you & family. Receive my best wishes for your greatest prosperity.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library  Addressed to P. F. Thompson




Dear Sir
    The legislature now in session will I have no doubt take measures to get rid of our federal Judges, they have ever been obnoxious to a large majority of the people of Oregon. And since their last Session of the Supreme Court they did anything but allay the strong feelings of indignation which has so long existed against Judges Nelson & Strong.
    The prejudice against these Judges renders it morally impossible for them to do any good as judges in this Territory, if they possessed the least delicacy of feeling or honor they would have resigned ere this inasmuch as they are fully advised as to the state of feelings existing by the people of Oregon against them.
    It is rumored that Judge Nelson is about to visit the States--if so he will never return, which would create a vacancy, in this event Judge Pratt should be by all means appointed "Chief Justice."
    It is hardly necessary for me to say that I look with every confidence for you to procure me the appointment of "Superintendent of Indian Affairs."
Hon. Jo Lane
    U.S. Congress
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir I have not the honor of your acquaintance but am somewhat acquainted with your son at Oregon City you may possibly recollect of my writing you from Lockport Niagara County New York last winter in relation to the prospects of this country I came across the plains last summer arrived at Oregon City upon the 12 of August got job of your son then repairing a sawmill I am a millwright by trade and am now building a large steam mill at this place whilst with your son I saw from some papers that you sent him that the government has put two turbine water wheels in operation at Springfield Massachusetts it appears from their statement on that of their engineer that they produce a better effect than any other known wheel that they are cheap and well adapted to all heads of water I have received another account of them from the state of New York since I have been here which is recommending them it is I believe a French invention not long in this country but is known at the Patent office.
    Now sir if you will get me a draft of them with the other necessary Description so that I can build them in this place I shall feel myself under the greatest obligations to you and will forward to you without delay what it may cost you I learn that the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia have been experimenting upon them and are recommending them above any other known wheel.
    About the 20th of Dec. last it began to snow at this place snowed every day for one week upon the 25th the snow was 2 feet deep here it then began to rain has rained every day since and is now raining the snow has all gone I saw your son here this morning who thinks that the water is now higher than in '49 and it is yet rising at the rate of 3 in. per hour.
    The steamer Lot Whitcomb is sunk between this and Milwaukie.
    Should you procure for me the Draft of the turbine wheel please send it to this place Portland Oregon.
Joseph Lane Esq.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear Sir
    Relying upon our continued friendly relations ever since our acquaintance, notwithstanding our difference in politics, I venture again to speak a word in behalf of our mutual friend L. B. Garrett Esq'r.
    I am very anxious we should obtain the appointment of Judge in Oregon both because I have a great regard & esteem for him, & because I think him well fitted for such an office by his moral qualities and judicial attainments I am sure he would satisfy his friends & his country by the manner in which he would perform the duties of the office should he be appointed to it.
    My dear Sir, you & I have long known each other--we have differed on the question of the policy of the Genl. Government, & in nothing else: No man more rejoiced in the glory you acquired by your brilliant campaigns in Mexico. When I heard of your participation in the glory of the battle fields of Buena Vista, I rejoiced that one had distinguished himself on that occasion, who was not only an Indianan, but a citizen of my own county & a friend: and when afterward, I read of the deeds of the enterprising band under your command in their march from Vera Cruz to Mexico, I felt a pleasure I have not often felt. I mention these things to show that I now & ever shall feel gratified at your success in life. Mr. Garrett is a young man of remarkable industry & as I think of uncommon merit. If he had a fault it is too much industry. He is much attached to you & very desirous of going to Oregon under your patronage. I hope it may be in your power to procure for him this appointment and be assured Sir, if he shall obtain it through your means, I shall consider it a favor to myself, which I shall never forget.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Dear Father this note I write you in favor of Mr. McConaha, who brought with him warm letters of introduction both to you and me from Gov. McDougall and other prominent citizens of California. Mr. McConaha with his family located himself permanently in Northern Oregon last spring on Puget's Sound. He is an applicant for the place of United States Judge for the judicial district north of the Columbia River in place of Judge Strong.in case the judges are removed. Col. McConaha has the reputation of being an able lawyer & good Democrat. I saw Gov. McDougall when in San Francisco; he speaks in the highest terms of McConaha. I am well convinced that the people residing north of the Columbia River are undividedly in favor of McConaha for judge. I say this to you knowingly, and I hope you will see that he gets the appointment in case Strong is removed. He is a self-made man, was left an orphan in childhood. He was without friends, educated himself, and I know you always feel interested in behalf of such men.
    The people living in Strong's district are now circulating a petition asking the appointment of Col. McConaha, but it will not reach Washington before the adjournment of Congress; therefore I hope you will not fail to attend to this matter yourself with the President. For information in regard to the ability and honesty of McConaha call on Col. Weller, U.S. Senator from California or Col. Benton of Missouri.
    N.B. Thos. J. Henley and McConaha are bitter personal enemies and have had an open quarrel. Henley has boasted that he would crush McConaha in your estimation & as Henley will be in Washington when this arrives I therefore wish to guard you against being misled by him in this matter. The difficulty between Henley & McConaha arose out of the fact that McConaha supported Col. Weller for the U.S. Senate in preference to Henley.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.
    I have had the honor of receiving your note of the 11th inst., but have been so constantly engaged that I have not had time to answer.
    The points you have made are very clear and correct. My view in relation to the question of lieutenant general are these: 1st that the creating of that title, grade or rank in any shape, form or manner is unnecessary, anti-Democratic and wrong, not known to our law or army regulations and contrary to my judgment of right and expediency.
    At this moment, my dear sir, you occupy the highest position known to our law or organization of our army. At the top of the ladder, it is a high and proud position, one that you are eminently qualified to fill, one from your long and distinguished service you richly deserve to fill; none should be placed above you, but I am opposed to raising the ladder one round higher. I am, my dear Genl., well aware that a new brevet does not create a vacancy, and that a brevet does not entitle one to extra pay, but this is only a beginning in wrongdoing; once gone into no one can tell when and [where] it is to stop. I am also well aware that the assignment to duty on a brevet entitles an officer to pay of the rank to which he is brevetted, and further I am satisfied that creating the rank of lieutenant gen. would properly reorganize the army, to all of which I am opposed.
    I am sorry to find "by some unintentional change in the law" your salary has been reduced. Allow me to assure you that no man will go further to do you justice by increasing your pay than your humble servt., and I sincerely hope it may be done.
    Now my dear Gen., allow me in conclusion to say that I know you to be a good soldier and great general, and that no man respects you more sincerely than I do. You occupy a high position and have a strong hold upon the hearts of the American people, and I am only sorry that you are not content.
Maj. Genl. Winfield Scott
    U.S.A.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    The Indiana papers publish the following letter from Gen. Lane in reply to an application to join a company under his guidance to proceed to Oregon next spring by the overland route. It is addressed to D. H. Long, Brownstown, Ind.:
    DEAR SIR: Yours of the 17th is before me. I have no intention of forming an exclusive company for Oregon. I have not concluded whether to go by land or water to the country. Should I, however, take the overland route, I shall go as other emigrants, with such company as I may chance to fall into.
    Respectfully, your obedient servant,
Evansville Daily Journal,  Evansville, Indiana, January 22, 1853, page 2



Dear Sir
    Though greatly pressed for time I called on Mr. Stanton of Te. who after consultation with Genl. Lane says that there has been a law already passed, authorizing the payment of what is due to the widow after the award comes from Oregon. Your Friend had therefore better write in a week or so to Mr. Stanton before he leaves Washington City.
Col. C. C. Battle
    Brownsville
        Tennessee
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. Wm. J. Brown
    Dear Sir
        Herewith I send you a copy of a letter from J. W. Farrelly, auditor P.O.D., in relation to the Gilliam draft for $1000 which was it appears paid to you. Mrs. Gilliam, widow of Cornelius Gilliam, has requested me to ascertain to whom the draft had been paid, as she had not been able to learn anything about it. By the death of her husband she was left quite destitute with a large family, and is greatly in need of every cent that justly belongs to the estate.
    Will you have the kindness to inform me what disposition you have made of the money, whether you have in any way forwarded the same or any portion thereof to Gilliam or his family, and if not whether you will have the kindness to place the amount in my hands to be delivered to Mrs. Gilliam, administratrix of the estate of her husband, who has authorized me to collect and forward the same to her.
    Your early attention to this matter is most earnestly requested.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.






    Gen. Lane Dear Sir the Indians have broke out and are very bad. They are killing and wounding men in all directions. They killed Doct. Ambrose [Dr. Rose was killed, not Ambrose] and wounded John R. Hardin between this and T'Vault's last night. [Hardin was killed.] The greatest alarm prevails through the valley and bids fair to destroy the prospect of our valley for 2 or 3 years. Capt. Alden of the U.S.A. is here from Scotts Valley and has organized two companies of volunteers. Yreka has sent 60 or 70 men over to help us. I wish you would and I speak the sentiment of the whole valley that you would try and get a company from Vancouver to bring down some arms. There is a very great want of guns. The towns was double guarded last night and one half of the men had to stand guard with nothing but a pistol. There is a committee of 4 appointed to receive money and provisions and Alden has lent the committee one thousand dollars and there is about 5 or 6 hundred dollars subscribed by the merchants here. They are now advancing provisions with the expectation of being paid by the government. God knows when and how this will end. I do not believe that it will be brought to a close before winter. They are better armed and fight harder than when we was in here with Kearny. It is believed by those who have been out that there is from three to 5 hundred warriors around the valley. Lieutenant Griffin's company had a brush with them last night and had two men wounded.
    No more but yours with respect
        R. B. Morford
To Gen. Joseph Lane, Umpqua
Jacksonville, Oregon Augt 11 1853



"Indian War in Rogue River," Oregon Statesman, Salem, August 23, 1853, page 2


Dear Bush
    At 1 o'clock this morning recd. by express per Ettlinger a letter from Rogue River confirming the news which recently reached us--of war with the Indians in that vicinity of a more serious character than any heretofore with the tribes in that quarter. Dr. Rose, John R. Hardin and several others have been killed and large amt. of property destroyed. It is believed that the Klamath, Shasta and Rogue River tribes have united determined to destroy the settlements, Jacksonville and all. They are it seems well armed, having purchased many good rifles from the miners, and have a good supply of ammunition. Consequently they are formidable. The whites on the contrary are scarce of arms and ammunition. I shall be off for the scene of troubles in a few minutes.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."




"Latest from the Indian War," Oregon Statesman, Salem, September 6, 1853, page 2



Gentlemen, commissioners of war and commandant at headquarters
    This morning Capt. Owens with a detail started off for the Canyon. First Lieut. T. Frazelle with two of our men went in search of some stray horses which [were] within the vicinity of  T. Frazelle's ferry. Our first lieut. and James Mungo was killed, the third man a California Indian was shot through the face.
    The report came to Long's old ferry this afternoon and forwarded to our quarters. Lieut. Crandall at the head of thirteen men upon the reception of the news started for the purpose of meeting the enemy and bring[ing] in the killed. Some 3 miles above Long's old ferry a party of Indians were discovered firing the prairies.
    They were charged upon by the foremost of the company, but the Indians leaving the open ground fell back into a thick wood which was not deemed practical to enter by our small party as it being a well-known place for self-defense.
    Those Indians were in the act of driving off the stock belonging to Mr. Vannoy and others.
    The number of Indians perhaps amounted to 30 or 40, about that number were seen. The exact strength of the Indians are not known.   
    Gentlemen, while hostilities have ceased on the part of the Americans in the vicinity of Jacksonville the Indians are falling back upon us and already the work of death and destruction of property have commenced. It is for you gentlemen to take into consideration the propriety of lying still while the Indians are pouring in upon us.
    We will defend our position until the death.


To General Lane commanding Oregon and California battalion
    It is thought by those who have recently arrived here from the Canon that it is necessary  to send an escort of some ten or twelve men to guard the incoming trains, six or seven in number.
    Col. Alden is very feeble. Dr. Gatliff has just arrived from Yreka.
My dear sir
    Your note of today is just received by the hand of Messrs. McKay, Newton and others.
    Since the Saturday that the present Indian difficulty commenced there have been no Indians at my house, except one known among us by the name of Old Jacob, and his family.
    If there had been any others here I should have taken pleasure in recommending to them to report to you at headquarters.
    Old Jacob referred to above had been camped on Stuart's Creek near my house the greater part of the time since the present difficulty commenced, and so far as my knowledge extends has remained entirely neutral.
Gen. Joseph Lane,
     Commanding etc.





Gen. Joseph Lane Commander in Chief of Rogue River Forces
Sir
    Having according to orders left Jacksonville on the morning of the 4th Sept. after transacting all necessary business my command traveled to Applegate and encamped below the fort for the purpose of obtaining information of the whereabouts of the Indians of those occupying that position. After obtaining a guide we marched for a creek on which we supposed the Indians to be in force some 8 or 10 miles distant from the above-mentioned fort where we scouted from the afternoon [of the] 4th until the 7th inst. seeing plenty of fresh sign on the several creeks emptying on the west side of Applegate. And finally on the morning of the 7th we found where they crossed Applegate in [a] pretty large body. We pursued the sign and about noon came upon the Indians they having discovered us but were scattered so on the side of the mountain in the brush we could not charge them; however, in the evening we captured a prisoner known as "Jim Taylor," a notorious leader in the many depredations and murders perpetrated against our fellow citizens. The Indians discovering we had captured their tyee wish to "wah wah," but knowing their intentions I prudently sent no man for that purpose. The Indians were careful to keep in the brush on the mountainside. In the night they kept whooping and signal fires on the mountaintops but did not attack us.
    In the morning [of the] 8th the Indians came down partly on the mountainsides as if to attack. We attempted to draw them out but did not succeed. At 10 o'clock a.m. the Indians augmenting their forces I concluded to march out for Long's Ferry, not caring to risk a battle with the large force the Indians would have had by night--and the obstruction of our pack mules and prisoner. The pack mules we unfortunately had with us or I should have drove them from their position. On the evening of the 8th arrived at Long's Ferry, the Indians following us on the mountains.
    My object in going to Long's was to obtain more provision and dispose of the prisoner, which has been done today, 9th inst. From evidences which I obtained I concluded to have a trial in which it was proven he and party had killed Mungo and others beside numerous depredations; upon these evidences he was convicted and sentenced to be shot, which sentence was executed today by a detail of my command in a summary manner.
    I shall march tomorrow morning the 10th for the mountains on Applegate, where I hope to engage and rout them completely. The Indians are seen here frequently; a large number passed last night in canoes down the river--what their object is I do not know.
P.S.  I thus have been precise in details so no wrong construction will be put on our proceedings.  R. L. M.



N.B.  Dr. Cleaveland comes to camp and will dress your arm tonight and in the morning.




Genl. Joseph Lane
    Commanding Forces   
        Oregon



    DEAR MADAM--It is with the deepest regret that I feel called upon to tender to you my heartfelt sympathy at the overwhelming loss you have recently sustained. Your husband [Pleasant Armstrong] was my friend, and one whom I highly esteemed. His loss was deeply deplored, not only by myself, but by the whole command, for none knew him but to love him.
    He fell like a gallant soldier, charging at the head of troops. When within thirty yards of the enemy's line, the fatal shot struck him in the center of the breast; he exclaimed, "They have given me a dead center shot," and immediately expired. By my orders his body was carried to the rear, and after the battle he was buried with the honors of war. May He who protects the widow and the fatherless give you strength to bear this deep affliction!
    I remain, madam, your sincere friend,
                                                                        JOS. LANE.
Mrs. Jane Armstrong.
Oregon Statesman, Salem, November 15, 1853, page 2




John L. Wurts Esqr.
    Washington.
        Sir,
            You verbally asked me to state why the draft of the Hon. Joseph Lane, late Governor of Oregon, was not paid. He drew in your favor for $528.85, the amount due on account of his salary, under his late appointment.
    The 1st Auditor reported said sum to be his due per Report No. 112,769 September 15th 1853, which was approved in this office. There was found due to Governor Lane per Report No. 109,362 March 8th 1853 the sum of $1759.78 which he requested to have stand to his credit on the books of the Treasury, to apply on a balance against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, if said balance should not be otherwise settled by him. In order to ascertain whether a balance still remained against him on the books of the 2nd Auditor, I addressed a letter on the 16th to said Auditor for information. On the same day he stated the balance on his books against Gov. Lane was

	$7,175.02
Vouchers deposited to the amount of	3,909.32
	$3,265.70
This balance against Gov. Lane exceeds the balance on the Treasury accounts in his favor       $1759.78 [+] $528.85 [=]	$2,288.63
By	977.07
	$3,265.70

The law requires the amounts so found due to Gov. Lane to be withheld and applied towards his indebtedness unless he discharges the same in some other manner.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


General Joseph Lane, Commanding
    Robinson House
        Jacksonville
            Oreg.


General
    I have just received a note from Col. Wright in which he says "I am on my march for Jacksonville and shall reach there in 3 days." Think he will be in this morning or tomorrow morning, as his letter is dated 12 miles north of Yreka Sept. 22nd. I want you to come down and see my new fort, if I have the naming of it, it will be called Fort Lane, as you are particularly identified with this Rogue River war. I will be happy to see you and hope you may see Col. Wright at camp.
Gen. Lane
    Jacksonville
        O.T.



Mr Joseph Lane
    Sir I take the liberty to ask your advice concerning claims that I have against the Rogue River Indians.
    They robbed me of fifteen hundred dollars and two horses with sundry articles of camp equipage the summer of 1849 as I was returning from California.
    I am in need of my money and wish to know if I can get it and if I can what is the legal course to be pursued.
    I asked the advice of a lawyer on the subject he said he could not tell what could be done without seeing you.
    So I concluded that the only sure way to obtain the information that I wanted would be to inquire of you.
    My account was made out against the Indians and testified to by John Meldrum in the latter part of the summer or fall after the robbery was committed. If I mistake not you was acting as Indian agent at that time.



    Genl. Lane will [you] please send me the government organ--and any other weekly he thinks proper--from the Patent Office any seeds and plants & roots that he may deem suitable to our soil & climate--also, any books, docts. or any other papers--which will be propagated and disseminated with the view to profit the largest and most useful class of the citizens of our Territory--the farmers--
    The "tree of heaven" [Ailanthus altissima] is a good ornamental one--and would be useful in Umpqua. The seeds can be had at the Patent Office--My folks brought from Louisiana the seeds of the beautiful China & catalpa tree, that I sent for specially, in order to provide our good people in Umpqua first--and "all the rest of mankind" in Oregon, with a most beautiful shade & flower, and owing to the rapid growth of the wood a highly beneficial one where timber is scarce--
    There are several other matters I could mention that would be practical and useful--and knowing the proven-up interest you take in our success generally--I will take the liberty at some future period of making some suggestions--



Hon. Commissioners of Military Affairs
Gentlemen
    In compliance with your request we have ascertained the amount of damages sustained by our citizens during the recent war as nearly correct as the circumstances and space of time would admit. The sum that you will see by our return amounts to $37,412.98. We have traveled over the greater part of the county and have witnessed personally nearly all of the accounts of which we return and are of the opinion they are correct and just. We have been governed by your instructions throughout and have affixed a cash valuation upon all articles as you will observe by a glance at our return. There are a few accounts which we return to you upon the best information we could get without their being qualified to. In all such cases we have designated them by marks, yet we believe they are correct and would recommend them to you for your favorable consideration. Also there may be a few accounts which have not come under our knowledge. If so in all such cases we hope you may take some measures to remunerate them for their losses.
    Gentlemen, with due regard for your kindness and attention, we now take our leave, having discharged the duties assigned us by you to the best our ability.
    With much respect we subscribe ourselves, yours respectfully,



My Dear General
    I take great pleasure in returning you a printed copy of your most interesting account of the recent Indian war on Rogue River, the original of which I had the honor to receive two days since. This is the second time you have distinguished yourself in the Rogue River country, and now, as on the former occasion, you have most handsomely spoken of the regulars. Believe me, General, that although nothing less was expected from your sense of truth and justice, we feel it as an index of true magnanimity and in the name of my brother officers and particularly that of Maj. Kearny in the first case and of Capt. Alden in the recent instance I beg to tender you my most sincere acknowledgments.
    I need not say that your recommendation for establishing a post in the valley shall be attended to as soon as the means can be controlled. If Col. Wright should find himself able to make a post at Table Rock or its vicinity, I shall be much pleased--if not, I have asked for more troops from the East expressly for the purpose.
Genl. Jos. Lane
    &c. &c.



Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        I forward you by Chas. Drew Esqr. dispatches & accounts to the Secty. of War, and Interior, to be placed in your charge in San Francisco, for their destination.
    The appraisers of property destroyed by Indians &c. have made their report--done their duty--and discharged--
    The commissioners of military affairs &c. have done what they believed right--received the encomiums of Genl. Lane, Col. Alden and the public & discharged by reason of their duties being accomplished.
    Peace and harmony prevails--
    Certain parties interested in our late difficulties believe that portions of their property stolen or destroyed by Indians will be returned--I have taken the liberty (without authority) to say that property so recovered could be deducted by me from their respective claims against government--and by this means diminish expense--and be satisfactory to all parties' concerns.
    Please consider the propriety of this course--as also--the proper person that may be appointed commissioner to settle up the whole affair--and let me know as soon as practicable.
    Owing to certain criminal charges preferred against L. A. Davis he was suspended by the commissioners until he would disprove said charges.which is promised to do--when I will report accordingly.
    What is to be done with U.S. property on hand, viz., beds, cots &c.
    Read my report to the Secty. of War.
   
    L. A. Davis' case reconsidered; until we receive further testimony we restore him.
   
    Last night James Kyle, a merchant of this place, in company with two others who were packing, camped near Willow Springs, were fired on by Indians, and Kyle wounded in the thigh and arm.
    Complaints from whites on Applegate that Indians enter their cabins and steal provisions--I have talked to the Ind. agent, as I done to you on the subject--and still think that all will go on well. This attack of last night though may alter the case. If so, I will apprise you of the facts.

Genl. Jo Lane
    Dear Genl.,
    At the request of Major Drew, I write to inform you that, up to this time it has with the hardest work been impossible to settle and close up all the accounts of the quartermaster and commissary department.
    The muster rolls are all complete with the exception of such stoppages as must be entered on them for forage and subsistence furnished. This will be done at the earliest moment and the whole sent to the Adjutant General at Washington with a letter enclosed directed to you. Meanwhile the estimate, as near as it can be made, of the cost of forage, subsistence etc. is sent herewith enclosed, in order to give to you some information that may be desirable.
    The papers will all be ready and forwarded from San Francisco by the steamer of 1st November.
    I shall at Major Drew's request stay till these papers are all made out.
    The Indians since you left are quiet, and there is a respectable dragoon force here, Col. Wright having ordered the detachment of Lieut. Radford from Goose Lake on Klamath.
    Things will go well I think with regard to the Indians. Capt. Smith is in command of Fort Lane, which is being built rapidly.



General
    A package of paper, from the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley, Oregon was brought to me today by an express rider with a verbal request from the Commissioners that I should examine them and forward them to you at San Francisco.
    Unfortunately the regular express had left here before the arrival of the special express and as the latter will be compelled to overtake the former at Callaghan's tonight he leaves me but a few moments to examine the documents and communicate with you. If he should not arrive at Callaghan's in time the papers might fail to reach you before you sail from San Francisco on the 15th.
    These documents are addressed to the Secretary of War, the Secretary of the Interior and to yourself. According to the verbal request of the Commissioners I have opened the envelopes and examined all the papers. I regret that I have but a few moments allowed me to submit my memorandum remarks on these documents.
    1st.  As it is a very unusual thing for an officer of the army to volunteer pecuniary assistance to the government, in order to relieve myself from misconstruction I ought perhaps to mention the circumstances under which this offer of mine was made.
    When I reached Jacksonville the 9th of August last, in order to give all the aid in my power towards the suppression of hostilities in Rogue River Valley, I found no public officer of the government, and no individual or organized board or committee with whom I could confer. No arrangement had been made for the temporary supply of volunteers with subsistence etc. Under the circumstances I informed the principal gentlemen of the town that I had no authority from the government to enroll volunteers and to pledge the government for their pay and subsistence, and that for this purpose a special appropriation would be required by Congress. I declared to them however that by personal observation I perceived clearly that a real war had broken out in the valley and that as they themselves had represented to me it was imminently threatened by at least 250 Indian warriors armed with rifles and well supplied with ammunition, that volunteers must be enrolled immediately and be supplied with subsistence and camp equipage, and that I had no doubt that Congress would make appropriation sufficient to cover all legitimate expenses of the war.
    I recommended that a committee of military affairs should be appointed forthwith composed of responsible men and having the confidence of the community and whose especial province it should be to raise funds and subsistence for the immediate wants of the volunteers. It was then intimated to me that as matters then stood the merchants of the town were unable to advance supplies and money the amount of which might not be refunded to them by the government for several years. I replied to them that the representations which had been made to me of the critical state of the valley threatened by a combination of several Indian tribes had not been exaggerated in the least, and that I was so well satisfied that Congress would make appropriations sufficient to meet all advances of funds etc. made by citizens in this emergency that I was willing to pledge myself to loan the committee one thousand dollars. I have since then been repeatedly informed by the principal men of the town that this offer on my part at once removed all hesitation on the part of merchants of the town to make advances.
    I was requested by the gentlemen of the town to nominate a board of commissioners. I made this nomination immediately from a list handed to me by the most responsible men of the place. This board consisted of Messrs. ____ ____. They entered upon their duties next day, and from that moment ample supplies were furnished to the troops. These commissioners were appointed by me on the 10th of August and continued in session until within a few days past.
    You are well aware of the value of their services.
    I perceive that the appraisers of property destroyed by the Indians do not appear to have signed their own names to the appraisement. I shall inform the commissioners of this fact and suggest to them to forward the proper signatures to you.
    In this appraisement account the appraisers do not make mention of the principle and manner by which they arrived at the amount of damages claimed by the parties.
    I regret that I have not a moment's time to say more as the express rider is compelled to start in five minutes. I will endeavor to write to you by the steamer that leaves San Francisco on the 1st of November. Perhaps I may leave for home in that steamer myself and in that case I shall go to Washington to meet you. My general health is improving, but the fingers of my right hand still refuse to hold a pen beyond the time required to sign my name.
    The muster rolls and subsistence accounts will not reach Washington I suppose before the 1st of December. I regret that the gentlemen have not been able to have them ready before this.
General Joseph Lane
    San Francisco
        Cala.



    FRIEND DRYER: If you will pardon the intrusion of an humble subscriber for a few lines, I will endeavor to give you a short history of a treaty and its incidents, which was entered into by Joe and others of the siwash nation, and Joe Lane, "the Mary-ann of the Mexican War," and his satellites of this last war. During the Indian difficulty in Rogue River Valley, a call was made on the citizens of this county for volunteers, and Gen. Lane with a company of eighteen men immediately repaired to the scene of action. The citizens of Rogue River at that time were under the command of Col. Alden, and on the arrival of Lane, Alden requested him to take charge of the forces, which he did; making quite an eloquent harangue to the soldiers. He stated that he had made two treaties with the same Indians, that both had been broken, and that now he intended to make a treaty which should be lasting. He said that anything short of a war of extermination would never meet with his sanction or approval. This was his doctrine before he left here, and which he expressed on his way out to Rogue River.
    But in a few days, strange to say, a great change came over the mind of that great man! During the battle in which Gen. Lane commanded some of the Indians requested the firing to cease--they wished to have a "talk." After a hasty consultation, it was acceded to by both parties. Firing ceased--talk commenced, and an armistice for seven days was agreed to, with the understanding that at the expiration of that time, the Indians were to come in and give up their arms to the whites, together with all the stolen property; and that all damages done to the whites should be paid for out of money which would be due them after the purchase of their lands by the general government. That arrangement with the Indians at that time was most unfortunate. The whites had decidedly the advantage and the Indians knew it; and notwithstanding that four out of every five of the soldiers were opposed to it, yet Lane says it was the voice of the people!
    Now let us inquire how it was submitted to the people. When Lane had entered into those preliminaries with the Indians, Ross's command had not yet arrived on the battle-ground; but when they came up the question was proposed whether the arrangement entered into by Lane would be acceded to. Lane made a speech favorable to the propositions of the Indians, and in order to throw any blame that might be attached to the armistice from his own shoulders, he wished a vote to be taken among the soldiers on the question; when, at this same time, his word was pledged to the Indians for the fulfillment of his armistice! The vote was taken, and about twenty out of two hundred and fifty of the soldiers voted in favor of Lane's arrangement--the balance, not wishing to cast reflections on the course pursued by their commander, refused to vote. That was the manner it was submitted to the people!--and it was not surprising that a spirit of insubordination raged in camp (which was the case), and no Indians had come in.
    But, as luck would have it, an opportunity offered for Lane to smooth over and plaster up this botched affair. Banners were presented to the Yreka and Humbug companies, and Lane made another speech, in which he said that "if they would trust to him, he would make a treaty that all would be satisfied with--the Indians had promised to give up their arms, and he would see that the promise was fulfilled to the letter." As soon as some of the Indians came to headquarters, all the companies that were opposed to the treaty were discharged, or sent off from headquarters. He was afraid of the consequences that might occur in case of a failure of the Indians to comply with the terms.
    But the treaty has been made, and no arms in the possession of the Indians have been turned over, except one old shotgun! Thus it will be seen that old Joe the siwash has far excelled Joe the Mary-ann and his satellites in diplomacy, and the curses of the people of these valleys rests on them for their ill-timed, injudicious treaty; for if curses and anathemas would sink a man in the lowest depths of degradation and woe, the shrill blast of Gabriel's horn would fail to awake Jo Lane to glory in the final summing up of time.
Weekly Oregonian, Portland, October 29, 1853, page 2




Dear Genl:
    I am here on my way to Jacksonville, where my presence may be needed for the settlement of various accounts, and I make bold today to harness my fingers on trial with a pen. I am rejoiced to find that though my arm may never recover, yet my fingers as you perceive are doing well. Two days since it gave me great pain to write a line, but today a great change for the better has come in my nerves.
    I read your printed report yesterday for the first time and notice a word which would do me great discredit if it remains unexplained.
    You say that you were requested by "Col. Alden and the troops" to take the command. I did not notice this when Mr. Mosher showed me the manuscript, but certainly the request to relinquish the command to you came from myself alone.
    Will you please General to do what you can to correct this, and to save me from the misconstruction that would be put on it.
    The two Indians who killed Mr Kyle the other day in Rogue River Valley have been given up by Joe and Capt. Smith will hang them.
    My arm refuses to be used a moment longer.
Genl. J. Lane
    Congress
        Washington
            D.C.


Dear Genl.,
    The certain news of Deady's removal has just been received here. Everybody here regards it as a most damnable outrage, and that no time or pains should be spared to repair the wrong. I know that you must see the awkward situation in which it places Deady, and that your generosity, to say nothing of the justice of the thing will prompt you to see him put right.
    That accused crew of defunct federal officers who have been howling on his trail for the last two years are now congratulating themselves on his downfall. For your sake let their joy be brief!
    If you can find out which of Pierce's cabinet officers are mordant enough to place any reliance in the representations of Holbrook, for God's sake have him cut for the "simples." McFadden's appointment ought not to be confirmed, as he loses nothing having come out as mail agent at government expense; besides, if any man is to be sacrificed it should not be Deady. We shall look with great anxiety for the final of this matter.
    John & Lafayette are well and attending closely to their studies. Hurry up old Whittlesey about that money to defray the expenses of the courts and tell them that if they want to remove somebody in Oregon that don't care a damn, just to turn me out.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        In my last to you accompanying dispatches, I mentioned the wounding of Kyle of our town by Indians. Some five or six days afterward he died. The chiefs Sam, Jim & Joe assisted a few civilians in making prisoners of the two Indians who committed the murder; they will be tried at our Nov. term of the U.S. Dist. Court. It is said that there is another of the Shasta tribe implicated, but not yet found.
    Last Sunday evening Mooney's partner from Deer Creek, that empties into Rogue River some 45 or 50 miles from here, reported that Indians had set fire Dr. Smith's house (joining Mooney's claim) and in his attempt to extinguish it was fired on by the same Indians--some cattle stolen & others killed--with other thefts on Applegate Creek. These two affairs caused considerable alarm, and serious apprehensions of another commencement of hostilities, but thank our stars all is, at this date, peace, with a general feeling of security. Culver, Ind. agent, I am informed, made a visit to Dr. Smith, but of the result I know not--but feels certain of peaceful relations.
    Agreeable with your instructions, I wrote to Col. Alden in relation to a statement from him to the proper departments embracing his knowledge of the late war--the condition of affairs when he arrived--appointment of commissioners &c. &c. He (Col. Alden) arrived here today with the view of examining in person the result--appears pleased with the commissioners' course of action, and will aid and assist the quartermaster in finishing his accounts, which will be forwarded as soon (if not sooner) as Capt. Miller & company return from their benevolent mission to the emigrants.
    Capt. Miller returned for provisions some two weeks ago, and Lieutenant Abel George will leave tomorrow with another supply raised by subscription among us. They had a skirmish with the Indians, killed one & killed or wounded another. George had two of his men wounded. I fear, owing to the number of emigrants said to be on the road, that the company will not return for a month--
    Col. Alden proposes leaving here for Yreka Sunday evening next and will proceed to San Francisco and will be in Washington on the 16th of December. His health has improved much, but his right arm hangs to his side useless. He is popular with all--and I may add, justly merits it. He has strong hopes that satisfactory appropriations will be made--and will exert his influence to that effect--and if a commissioner or paymaster will be appointed, will recommend me--inasmuch as I have been intimate with the whole transaction from the beginning--may I claim your aid also?
    In the hurry of making dispatches, reports &c. to the departments, a copy of the report of the appraisers to [the] commissioners was forwarded by mistake to the Secty. of the Interior, instead of the original. The paper with the signatures of the appraisers is enclosed--which please have substituted at the proper office, and the copy destroyed, or returned to me--
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Lane
    By the last steamer the news reached this Territory of Judge Deady's removal. Judge Deady has resided in this vicinity since his arrival in Oregon in 1849. We have been personally acquainted with him in the meantime, both as a public man and a private citizen, and are glad to say that in both characters his conduct has met our unqualified approval. He has in that time been an earnest and uncompromising member of the Democratic Party, as well in the hour of its danger as in the period of its triumph since his appointment to the bench in Oregon. He has been under all circumstances at his post and discharged the duties of the office so far as we have been able to ascertain to the entire satisfaction of the people--under these circumstances we look upon his removal as an outrage not only upon Judge Deady, but upon the Democratic Party of this Territory who virtually endorsed his appointment in the overwhelming majority they gave its author for Delegate at the late June election. We earnestly desire you to spare no pains to have him early reinstated. Justice demands this and will be satisfied with nothing less. It is said here that the removal has been brought about through the representations made by Amory Holbrook to Gen. Cushing. We can hardly believe that the administration or any member of it could be influenced by information derived from such a source. If they have we can only say that they have been grossly imposed upon.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Gen
    I returned last evening from Illinois Creek. The Inds. have been stealing stock on and mar[red] that stream for some time. Capt. Smith and Lt. Radford [were] with me. But when we reached them we found that more force and provisions would be necessary and I sent back an express for more. In due time Lt. Castor arrived with a reinforcement. On the 23 we started into the mountains and on the 24th at noon we came to where my guides wanted us to stop that they might explore a little (these two guides belong to Tyee Jo['s] people). In a short time the guides returned and said they were satisfied that the Inds. were below on the creek
    Radford left a guard with the horses and went down the mountain with the command on foot. The guides took us down so as not to be observed. The men jumped into the water, swam across the water and [were] upon them so quick that they were completely surprised.
    The Inds. made three different stands though they were short. After the word was given "forward" the dragoons were stopped but rushed upon them and chased them until they reached the mountains. From 8 to 15 Inds. were killed; it was impossible to tell how many because the Inds. carried off all of their killed and wounded that they could.
    There was 20 soldiers in the fight, two were wounded. Just after we had commenced our action we were fired upon from the bushes and 2 men killed and 2 men wounded. We took 16 horses and one ox from the Inds. all of which they had stolen within six weeks.
    The Inds. that we found on Illinois Creek belong on the coast and were driven over at the time of the difficulty near Crescent City and they were stealing stock to take back with them. There was a party of 30 miners that went down to and attacked this same party of Inds. two days before but the Inds. whipped them.
    I know that none of the Inds. treated with were with them, for my two boys (guides) would not have fought their own people as they did these. Besides Tyee Jo wanted to take some of his men and go with us to fight them and again we took everything in possession of the Inds. even to cans of powder, balls, caps, etc. and if any of these Inds. were with them we would have taken something that we would have recognized.
    It is very cold in the open air this morning. I can hardly hold my pen. The fort is nearly completed; will get into it in four or five days.
Gen Jo Lane Delegate etc.
    Washington D C
    Capt. Smith has just come down from the new fort and says give my compliments to the Gen., say that I will write to him in a few days. He hopes you will not forget what you promised in case a new regiment is raised etc.    S H C




Dear Genl.:
    Your kind letter of Oct. 31st from San Francisco was received yesterday, and I hasten to reply. The boys are both well and doing well. Lafayette is stopping with Mrs. Bears and John with me, where I suppose he will remain, that is if my wife's health will permit. She is at present troubled with that old complaint incident to the ladies who are well cared for, viz., a rising in the stomach.
    I have purchased all the necessary clothing, books &c. for the boys. Their bills up to this time including board, clothing, books, tuition &c. amounts to about $155.00. For the ensuing quarter I suppose the expenses will be about $195.00. It will require about $350.00 to pay all their expenses up to the first of March. This estimate may be a little above or a little below the sum actually required. I manage for them as economically as I would if they were my own boys. I purchase for them comfortable, plain, substantial clothing, and endeavor to avoid unnecessary expense.
    John I think manifests some traits of his father's character, inasmuch as he appears a little disposed to run about of nights, but poor boy he should not be blamed for a trait which he has so honestly inherited. We as you know have "started preaching" here, and it is my constant care to see that your sons attend divine service with me every sabbath. So you have nothing to fear for their temporal or spiritual welfare.
    I am inclined to think that you laid on the "soap" tolerably thick in your San Francisco letter. However, you should perhaps be pardoned for dispensing with a bountiful hand the article which nature has so abundantly supplied you with. I have a very fair prospect of losing the ten thousand dollars due me on the sale of my mills, as my successors are doing badly; however I shall watch as well as pray. My going to the States in the spring will depend very much upon my success in collecting that debt.
    You perhaps recollect that conversation which we had about your procuring my appointment as one of the visiting committee to West Point at the graduation in June next. If I can get the appointment and it will pay expenses I will visit the States in the spring. I can do that without neglecting the duties of my office by leaving here after the spring term if the courts are holden and return in the fall. This would afford me a fine opportunity to see my friends, Washington and the Lions. Fourteen long years of toil, hardship and privation have elapsed since I have seen my friends in the States, and now I hardly feel able to do so unless I can do something to pay the expenses of the trip. You can ascertain about this matter and let me know in time.
    I have not received a single dollar as yet from the department to defray the expenses of the courts. If old Whittlesey don't send some soon I shall send him my commission and tell him to go to hell with his ducks.
    Judge McFadden is loafing about town here in place of going out South to hold the fall term of the courts as he should do. He is quite a pet among the Whigs and appears shy of the Indians. The people South are raising the devil about Deady's removal, and the neglect of his successor to hold the courts. McF. looks as sage as an owl, while Bush is beginning to stir him up with a long pole. That removal of Deady was a most damnable outrage, not only on him but on the party here, and your friends all look to you to see the matter rectified.
    It is now a-raining great guns, "Hell afloat and the river a-rising," and from the way it has set in we have a fair prospect for a moist winter.
    The legislature commences its session in a few days, when we hope to see things brighten up a little. I shall annoy you occasionally with an epistle during the winter.
    I have perhaps bored you deep enough with this, and as it is bedtime will bid you good night.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General
    I write to you at the request of Clugage and nearly all of the principal men of the place to ask of you to urge the appointment of Bob Metcalfe as special Indian agent for the valley. One thing has become quite evident, that Culver is totally incompetent for the position, and we run a great risk every day that he remains here. I need not tell you what Bob's qualifications are. You know them well, and every man in the valley I believe desires his appointment.
    The chiefs are still disposed for peace, but the Indians are likely to become troublesome unless a proper course is pursued with them. Since you left two Indians shot Kyle (the partner of Wills who was killed before), and through the assistance of Tyee Jim the murderers were captured, but have not yet been tried. Tipsy Tyee is still on this side of Siskiyou Mountains with his men scattered in small bands from the Mountain House down about fourteen miles, and are continually stealing horses and whatever else they can lay their hands on. Old John's tillicums have the most of them gone back to Applegate very saucy, stealing and fishing. Two Indians a day or two ago, coming from Old Joe's camp to Applegate, stole two rifles and some blankets from a miner's camp on Jackson Creek about two miles from town. No assistance can in any case be had of the agent, who is I believe engaged in prospecting for gold. Bob went over and made the Indians give the guns and five horses. The result of all this will be that when the snow comes, people who have had their property stolen will go out and kill every poor devil of an Indian that they can catch, and the devil will be to pay. There is only about forty soldiers at Ft. Lane, and will soon be less. I have sent to Col. Manypenny a recommendation signed as you will see by the best men here. For God's sake, attend to this as soon as possible.
    Maj. Drew will be in Washington in two or three weeks. All your friends are well. Capt. Goodall is here talking so fast that I can hardly tell what I am writing about.
    I am engaged in mining and doing pretty well. Write to me as soon as you can.
   
P.S. If they raise any new regiments and there is likely to be a war with Mexico, get me an appointment as Captain.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Genl.,
    I wrote you by the last mail giving you some account of how the boys were getting along, together with an estimate of about what would be required to defray their expenses during the winter.
    Since I wrote that letter the quarter has expired and "Christ's" folks have been very anxious about Lafayette's board bill. I borrowed the money and paid the bills. It would perhaps be well for you to forward funds as soon as convenient, as I find myself exceedingly embarrassed for ready means, which is owing to the fact that it is next to impossible to collect money due me, besides I have been compelled to advance my own means to pay the expense of the United States courts here without having received one damned cent in return. I have been forced to do this owing to the neglect of Meek to pay any of the debts contracted by him; consequently the credit of Uncle Sam is at a devilish low ebb here; in fact the old gentleman could not get "drinks" here on credit. I cannot nor will not stand that much longer, as the mere honor of the Marshal's office is not worth the amount necessary to defray the expenses of the courts, and if Mr. Pierce and his cabinet think for a moment that I am agoing to pay fifteen thousand dollars a year for such honor they are badly fooled. In short, if I do not receive funds from the department in a reasonable time after your arrival at Washington I shall return my commission to Mr. Pierce with the recommendation that he appoint some man to the office who has more money than I had.
    Gov. Davis arrived here last night and I understand brought on the building fund. I like his appearance, and it is generally thought here that he will do. There is much complaint here about Gardner, the new surveyor genl.; the people who deal with him say it is true that he don't take fees as Preston did, and besides that he won't do the business of the office, and that Preston has established an office across the way--that the surv. genl. sends all applicants to Preston to have their papers made out and that it now costs twice as much to prove up as it did before. Christ, I begin to trouble for my own morals when I see what a proclivity public men have for "stealing." I hope that the box of capsules which Bush sent arrived safe, as I am told that Washington is extremely unhealthy.
    The members of the legislature are beginning to come in, and I suppose will fire away next week. The town is crowded with applicants for clerkships, and I think that after the House is fairly organized the price of "sawing wood" will come down, as many of them will be compelled to resort to that profession.
    I think that your successors Guthrie & Farrar will blow out at the touch hole. The credit of the firm is growing beautifully less. I learned Nat as agent for the company [omission] last year thirteen hundred dollars, which I understand that G. [&] F. had undertaken to pay, but they have not done it, neither do I believe they will as they appear to be entirely destitute of means. I have offered to discount my diamond, owing to my great want of money, but can't even get a part of it when I ought to have the whole.
    I think that your sale of mill property is a little like mine, cultus. I have written across the face of the notes that I took from my purchasers "Slipped up for $10,000." You had better do likewise with yours and save trouble.
    The boys are well and I think learning something.
    I shall write you occasionally when I feel like it--you can do as  you please about answering.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.





Hon. Joseph Lane
    My Dear General:
        This will be handed to you by my Representative in Congress, General James T. Pratt, whom, if not already known, I beg leave to introduce to you. I take great satisfaction in believing that you & he are both my friends, & I have no doubt you and he will become friends to each other. I think you and he are alike in some honorable respects--both possessing qualities of soul which attract me, and which have made me devotedly and firmly the friend of both. I have five boys, the eldest named Joseph Lane, and one named James T. Pratt. Jo. Lane is a bold, forward boy, full of military taste and spirit. I trust neither of them will disgrace the honorable names they bear.
    I should be glad to hear from you, if your time will admit of your writing to me. I have watched your public course since I parted with you on the Rio Grande, with great satisfaction, and I trust you will be long spared for the service of your country.
    Excuse the liberty I take in addressing you and believe me truly your friend
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Dear Genl.,
    Enclosed you will find a communication to the Secretary of the Interior which I have to request that you will be kind enough to present to that department and urge immediate action on the same. By reference to the 2nd section of the act of Congress of Feb. 26th 1853 you will observe that I am confined to the expenditure of fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture for the use of the U. States district courts in Oregon, but it is left discretionary with the Secretary of the Interior to make the necessary allowance for such purposes.
    The restrictions of fifty and twenty dollars are all very well so far as the districts in the States are concerned, where there are perhaps but two or three terms in each district in each year, and all those at some one particular place where public buildings can be had free of rent. But you must recollect, and I hope will try to impress it upon the Secretary, understandably that Oregon is differently situated--that we have thirty-three regular terms of the court provided for by law, and that those thirty-three terms are scattered about through the twelve counties of this Territory. You can have some idea how far fifty dollars for room rent and twenty dollars for furniture would serve for such purposes in Oregon.
    I have before tried to urge this matter upon the consideration of the Secretary of the Interior, but I find it exceedingly difficult to make any of the department understand our real situation here, and as you have had some experience in embarrassments of a similar nature here and are now on the ground, I trust that you will devote a few moments to having the matter rectified.
    You will see in the Statesman an account of the organization of the legislature. Your friend Garrett is chief clerk of the council.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.


    A. H. SANDERS, Esq:--The news of the Indian outbreak on Rogue River, in this Territory, has doubtless reached you by this time. For the information of your readers I will give you some account of the causes that led to the outbreak, and of the conduct of those (particularly Gen. Lane) through whose agency the Indians were induced to lay down their arms, and abandon their territory, at least the larger and more valuable portion of it, to the undisturbed possession of the Whites.
    The Indians on the Pacific Coast, as I have already informed you in one of my former letters, are generally a most degraded and inoffensive race, occupying next to the Bushmen of Africa the lowest rank in the scale of humanity. They have not even energy and ingenuity enough to build wigwams to shelter them from the inclemency of the weather, but sleep in the open air or in the clefts of rocks, while their food consists principally of roots dug out of the earth, worms and reptiles. This is the general character of the Indians on this coast. But there are some exceptions, and among the exceptions are the tribes on Rogue River, in the southern part of this territory. These tribes possess considerable physical and mental vigor, are brave and warlike, fierce and intractable. While other tribes have submitted patiently to the domination of the white man, these have been more jealous of their encroachments, and have shown a great unwillingness to surrender, without a struggle, their homes, "their altars and their fires, and the green graves of their sires," to the possession of the grasping and aggressive pale faces. But in spite of their opposition, complaints and murmurs, the tide continued to roll on, until at length the valleys were all filled up by the white men (Bostons, as they are called by the Indians), and the red men in despair were driven to the mountains. There they brooded over their wrongs, and meditated and plotted revenge--revenge not only for the loss of their lands, but for the violation and seduction of their squaws, and other wrongs which lawless white men had committed against them. Buying up guns and ammunition, which some of the whites, having more love for money than regard for their own safety, imprudently sold them, they commenced the work of destruction, burning houses and gathered crops, driving off stock, and massacring every white man that came within their reach.
    The news of the outbreak having spread over the country, the settlers and miners who had guns began to assemble. Foremost among the former was the old hero so well known to every man, woman and child of Vanderburgh, Gen. JOSEPH LANE, who at the first alarm hastened to the scene of trouble. Placing himself, or rather being placed by unanimous vote, at the head of the small force assembled, he set out in search of the Indians. He found them posted behind trees and logs, in a position rendered almost inaccessible by the dense underbrush that surrounded them on every side. Knowing the great importance of striking an immediate and effective blow, without waiting for negotiator or parley, he ordered his men to charge. A portion of them, it is said, hung back in a most ungallant and unsoldierlike manner; but the old General having never learned to retreat, and being bravely supported by Capt. Alden, of the Regulars, and a few others, pressed forward to the assault. A bloody conflict ensued, both Whites and Indians displaying great courage and intrepidity. Several Indians were killed and many wounded. Three whites were killed and several wounded. Among the latter was Gen Lane, who received a shot through the arm, a few inches above the wound received by him in Mexico. His wound, though severe, was not dangerous, and his friends in Indiana will learn with pleasure that he has quite recovered, and is ere this probably en route to Washington, to discharge the duties of Delegate from Oregon, a post which he so creditably and honorably filled during the last Congress.
    The battle having raged for some time, the Indians called for a parley. Gen. Lane, at the request of his men, went among the Indians, alone and unattended, to hold a "talk" with them. He had no sooner crossed their lines than they crowded around him, and implored him to grant them a peace on fair terms, telling him that they had commenced the war in retaliation for injuries committed upon them by the whites; that they were disposed to live at peace with the whites, and would faithfully observe a treaty, if one should be made with them. A suspension of arms for seven days was agreed upon. At the expiration of that time a "long talk" was held, the result of which was a treaty, by which the Indians agreed to abandon their territory to the whites, in consideration of the sum of sixty thousand dollars, fifteen thousand of which, by the terms of the treaty, are to be reserved as indemnity to the settlers for depredations committed on their property. The Indians also agree to lay down their arms, and not to retaliate with violence, any outrages that may hereafter be committed upon them, but to apply to the Indian agent for redress.
    The conduct of Gen. Lane in the prosecution of this war was in all respects worthy of his former renown as a brave and skillful military leader. To the prestige of his name, which is in all places a "tower of strength," the whites are mainly indebted for the speedy termination of this conflict, which, though brief, caused much mischief and threatened a great deal more. But so great was the exasperation of the Indians, that without the utmost vigor and prudence, even the tenor of the name of Gen. Lane would have availed nothing. He has shown himself possessed of the greatest prudence, the most enlarged views of policy, combined with that heroic and impetuous courage which, while it has exposed his life to the most imminent perils, has won for his name a conspicuous place in the bright gallery of military names that adorn the pages of American history. You, Mr. Editor, as an Indianan, though differing from him politically, will, I doubt not, take pleasure in admitting into your columns these just encomiums on a man who has done so much to give luster to the name of your gallant state, and who has such strong claims on the gratitude and admiration of the whole country.
    Since writing to you a few weeks ago, I have received the Journal regularly, and you may be assured it afforded me much pleasure to peruse its columns. I greet its appearance as the coming of an old friend, although its tone was not so friendly to me at one time. Its opposition, however, was open, without malice and without fraud, so I could not complain.
    Ben, I perceive, is married, and from your remarks following the announcement of the happy event, it appears that he has "done well." Glad of it; but, Ben, are you not ashamed thus to desert your old friends and go over to the other side! Entre nous, Ben, I would follow your example, if I had a chance, but the girls in Oregon are "orful" hard to please, and there is little probability that the "cherub that sits up aloft and watches over" friend Asmodeus, will make any provisions of connubial bliss, during this pilgrimage on earth, for bachelor         SAM.
Evansville Daily Journal, Evansville, Indiana, December 7, 1853, page 2  "Asmodeus" was the pen name of Ben Stinson, the Journal's Pittsburgh correspondent, who had married Molly E. Banks on June 1.




My Dear Gen
    I have just returned this morning from Illinois Creek where I have been for the last ten days. I gave you a brief history of what occurred when the dragoons went there with me on a former occasion, to wit: that they had a battle. The result is as I expected; a peace is established that is likely to stand. When we went there I knew that those Inds. had then in their possession from 15 to 20 horses which they had stolen during the war, that if I and the dragoons should have it in our power to take them and not do it it would have raised a great talk and would have been used as an argument against treaties etc. At the time that I returned from the mountains (from the fight) I told the miners that they might fight them as long as they pleased, that I would not interfere, but when they were satisfied and wanted to stop to let [me] know and I would get them in some way and make a treaty with them. Those miners find that fighting Indians does not pay and are now anxious to keep peace and the Inds. are of the same mind. I have been a long distance down Illinois Creek with our Indian boy and myself and saw all of the Inds. that belong there. Peace is established.
    The two Indians that were given up as the murderers of Mr. Kyle made their escape from the guard on the morning that I left for Illinois Creek. I went to Jo and Sam at once; they both say that they shall be found and delivered up which will be done. They want peace.
    Now one word which relates to me personally. A friend told me as I came through Jacksonville this afternoon that he had heard that there was a petition in circulation having for its object my removal and Bob Metcalfe's appointment in my place. Whether there are any reasons assigned or not I cannot tell, probably not, for there are none. This is the long and short of it. Deady has been removed and it is supposed by Whig influence or rather Whig slanders. This is delightful to Whigs and they propose to continue the thing and get such persons appointed as pleases them. I have done everything in my power to preserve peace and to perform whatever duties were incumbent upon me as agent and have been successful.
    But some certain Whigs who have not deemed it expedient to come out openly against you, though they had the dead thing on you when they saw the first effects of the treaty, in other words they thought it would seriously affect your popularity. They are disappointed in it and they know the reason. Without taking too much to myself I think I may safely say that I have contributed more than any other person here to bringing about this state of things. I have in my travels stayed overnight or called at nearly every house in the valley and taken occasion to correct many wrong impressions entertained by citizens, and honestly too, about the late treaty of peace made by you.
    One instance I found whole neighborhoods laboring under the impression that you gave the Indians several thousand dollars worth of clothing if they would come in and stop fighting and that you did so give the goods for that purpose and that the Inds. would not come in and make peace unless you paid them for it. This is but one of a number, all of which are equally as absurd. These have all been corrected or nearly so and were the question put to the people of this county tomorrow whether they approve your course in making that treaty it would be sustained by a large majority, but no thanks to the Whigs, no not one of them, particularly those in and near Jacksonville.
    But enough of this. The only thing that has induced me to say anything about this reported petition is that I am fearful that some one-sided statement might be made, for if persons will get up a secret petition they may not be above making statements that are at variance with truth.
    I shall start down the river in the morning to try to get the two prisoners that escaped just before I started to the Illinois River and shall succeed before I stop.
Gen Jo Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.


Dear Father
    You must excuse me for not writing to you before. I have been very busy ever since this session took up and cannot get time to write to you, only of Saturday. Mr. Martin came down and he says that all of the family is well. You must go to Indiana when the first session is out and see all of the people there. I have received only one letter from there since I have been here. I heard from Mary the other day. She is well; all of the folks is well there. You could not get me to live in Indiana for anything. Judge McFadden has come up here and is liked very much. The Governor has arrived here; we saluted him when he came in on the steamboat. I think that you had best buy some lots in Salem and none down here, for it is the prettiest place in Oregon that I have seen.
    Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I think he studies very hard. You had better send money as soon as you can, for Mrs. Bears [sic] had me to pay her to the amt. of $46. I had to borrow it and got Mr. Nesmith to get it for me. I have not had any chance to send to Portland. I thought that you made arrangements with her. I told Lafayette to tell her that I had no money and could not get any until you could get to Washington or somebody would go to Portland and she sent word to me that she must have it so I got Mr. Nesmith to get money for me.
    I like Mr. Hoyt very much; he tries to make me learn. I speak every Friday. I want you to send me the Drawing Room Companion and The Flag of Our Union. Legislature has met. Garrett is clerk of the council; John McCracken is the clerk of the legislature.
    I think that if I study here as I have been until you get back then I can go to studying law. Mr. Garrett has made a poor start here; he has lost every case that he's had except 2. We have a debating society here; Mr. Hoyt is president. Umpqua is so wild a country that I wish Mother was down here. You must write soon.
    I am a-studying arithmetic, philosophy, grammar, reading & bookkeeping is all that I am a-studying at present. I entered astronomy next session and algebra.
   
Dear Father, I have a friend here that wants to go to West Point, and I want you to send me a copy of the regulations and the qualifications necessary for cadet. He wants to know what he had better do to get the appointment. His name [is] Roswell Lamson. Send them as soon as possible. Send them to me. Don't fail.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



William Cose Dusenberry Esqr.
    Wall Street, N. York
        Sir
            I have in my possession one hundred dollars, placed in my hands by E. Hamilton Esqr. of Oregon for you, which will be forwarded promptly upon your order. Have the kindness to address me.
    It was my intention to see you in N.Y. and hand you the money, but had mislaid a slip of paper handed me by Mr. H. with your address and could not recollect the name; have this day found it. This is my apology for not doing as otherwise I would.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear General
    I have nothing interesting to communicate to you at present & therefore shall be brief. So far we are still in the dark in the matter of opposition from Judge Douglas against Judge Pratt at the last special session of the senate, and I apprehend that we will never be enlightened upon the subject until we will be able to get the desired information through you, and which we are anxiously looking for at any early day.
    You will observe that the "Statesman" is out upon Judge McFadden. Mr. Bush's leader of Dec. 6th shows up the matter in the true style, so far as my observations go in reference to this matter I can state the true & unflinching Democrats of Oregon sustain Mr. Bush. On the whole I am inclined to the opinion that all the importations from the States by the present administration to Oregon, are to say the least of it, unfortunate to the harmony of the Democracy here, had your policy & wishes been carried out with respect to the federal appointments, we could now show a solid column and a bold front, whereas bickerings and discontent prevail. I am reliably informed that Judge Williams did declare openly that unless Mr. Deady was restored he should resign the Chief Justiceship.
    The kind promise which you made me before starting for Washington to procure me a field appt. in a Mounted Regiment "Rifle or Dragoon in the event Congress should raise one this session," is exceedingly pleasant to my thoughts. My heart is in the army, and there is no use to attempt to disguise it. If from the records I am entitled to consideration for past services in the field, an appt. in the line corresponding with my Brevet promotion at Chapultepec would be I think quite reasonable.
    If no Regiment is raised this session, please ascertain what are the chances to my restoration in the "Rifles" for you are aware that I was most unjustly persecuted by some of the "Rifle" officers and driven to resign my Commission which I valued highly. Please send me the papers necessary to procure my land warrant for services during the "Mexican War."
    Also an Army Register for 1854. Please write at your earliest convenience.
Hon. Jos. Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Hon. E. Whittlesey
    Comptroller &c.
        Sir;
            You will please favor me at your earliest convenience with a tabular statement of appropriations made by Congress for the Territory of Oregon since its organization as a Territory, showing for what purposes the same were made, what amount actually paid out, for what purpose, and what amount withheld and for what reason, together with the sums of each appropriation yet remaining in the Treasury.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Gen Jo Lane
    Dr Sir
        I have just got through and am sealing up the papers for transmittal to Washington.
    They are all directed to you and amount to $93,511.25 cents, which is not far I believe from the estimate sent to you at San Francisco.
    I have to say that since closing the accounts, a bill was presented by Levi Libby for $200 for transportation. This bill is sent, but is necessarily detached from the rest and swells the amount of expenses to $200 more, making $95,511.25 cents [sic].
    Enclosed is a letter to Hon. P. H. Bell, of Texas; he is my friend and I think you can rely on his cooperation in this matter.
    Capt. Terry it seems has sent on an independent muster roll. I frequently hear his men speak of him and with execration. They do not approve [of] his conduct. You will doubtless see his roll, and will act as in your wisdom shall be deemed best. His men are as anxious as the rest to get pay, and I recommend it.
    Your letter to me directing copies of muster rolls to be sent to the governor of Oregon was obeyed. If your avocations permit I should be glad to hear from you occasionally.
P.S. The rolls made and sent by me asking pay are
1st   Your staff roll
2nd  Roll of hired men in hospital
3       Roll of hired quartermaster men
4       Miller's roll of mounted volunteers
5       Goodall's roll of mounted volunteers
6       Lamerick's roll of mounted volunteers
7       Rhoades' roll of mounted volunteers
8       Williams' roll of mounted volunteers
9       Owens' roll of mounted volunteers
10     Fowler's infantry volunteers
    And the rolls of Capts. Terry, Martin and Nesmith, which doubtless are or will be sent.
To
    Hon. Jo Lane
        Washington D.C.



Hon. John Wilson
    Comm. of Land Office
        Sir;
            I learn that it has been the practice of the Surveyor General of Oregon to exact fees of settlers for services rendered in proof of claims and in rendering certificates of settlement and cultivation. Do not these duties devolve upon the Surveyor General by virtue of his office for which he is remunerated by the salary thereof and are not such charges therefore illegal and contrary to the contemplation of the act creating the office of Surveyor General?
    Your early replication is respectfully solicited.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Gen. Joel Palmer
Supdt. Indian Affairs
Sir
    At a meeting of the citizens and miners held today in this place, the undersigned were appointed a committee to address you upon the subject of our relations with the Indians of this vicinity. The Indians have at different times warned the people resident here that if they did not leave they would compel them to or kill them. Yesterday the chief of the tribe located at the mouth of the Coquille River fired upon some whites located at that point. When requested by a messenger from the Indian agent at Port Orford to come in and have a talk, he refused to do so, stating in distinct terms that he was an enemy to the whites, that he always would be an enemy, and that he wanted to fight and kill all the whites. The people seeing that the Indians were determined to put their threats into execution, a few men proceeded early this morning to their rancheria and were fired upon by the Indians, which fire they returned, and in the engagement fifteen Indians were killed, and two squaws (who were killed by accident). The whites then burnt their rancheria. In the engagement the chief was wounded, being shot through his shoulder.
    Eight squaws were taken prisoners.
    Later in the day the chief surrendered and came in. He professes friendship and says he is sorry he was hostile to the whites and promises to behave better in the future. How long his good behavior will last is uncertain.
    All of which is respectfully submitted



Dear Genl.,
    Yesterday's mail brought the news of your arrival at Washington. We were disappointed in not receiving any further news from you. The boys are both well. John is still with me and Lafayette at Mrs. Bearses. I have paid their bills so far.
    Bush leaves this steamer for the States. I had intended going with him but have been disappointed in money matters. I have spent all my own in paying the expenses of the courts and have not received a dollar from the department. I received a letter last night from Mr. Whittlesey saying that he had written to the Secretary of the Interior recommending him to send some $15,000, but not a damned cent came.
    My demand for money loaned to the Oregon Milling Company amounts to about $1300, and I am unable to get one cent of it. Nat ought to have paid it but refers me to Farrar & Guthrie, and they either won't or can't pay. Bullheaded stupidity. Guthrie called on me this morning about the matter and said the delay in its payment was attributed to the delay in receiving remittances from the United States, but when I told him that all that could be obviated by giving me a draft on the States, as I was anxious to go it would suit me better than the money, but instead of giving me the draft he insulted me by saying that he was in no hurry, and that anything I could do would not hasten the payment. I regard him as a damned turd head who has no funds in the States nor anywhere else but expects to cut a figure here on his uncle's reputation, but he will find [illegible] in Oregon as well as New York. It is provoking to be treated in this way after having made preparations to go to the States. If Guthrie & Farrar were responsible to me I would serve them immediately, but my notes are against the old milling company, and I believe that I shall bring suit against Nat and so bring the matter to an issue at once.
    The legislature have memorialized Congress to so amend the land law as to allow persons who have resided their four years and obtained their certificates to make sales of and give title to their lands as a part thereof. The restrictions should never have been in the law, and it now ought to be removed. Many persons who do not want an entire section are desirous of selling a part but are restrained by the law from so doing. Others would prefer on arriving here to purchase lands in the settlements to going back by which means the country would be more densely populated and greater facilities afforded for schools. The greatest inconvenience perhaps is felt in the towns where as you know it is impossible for a mechanic or professional man to obtain a title to a single foot. This same class of persons by their occupations are precluded from taking claims by the necessity of their following their occupations. The consequence is that government refuses to give them land (without their residing upon it, which is impracticable) but has adopted such a narrow and restrictive policy as to preclude the possibility of their purchasing a lot to reside upon. The government can certainly lose nothing by the change of the law, as the four years' residence and cultivation is what the land is given for, and after the terms prescribed by the government are complied with I cannot see how it is for her interest to compel the original settler to still hold on until patent issues before he can make any disposition of what is already his own.
    If the land is given for the four years' residence and cultivation, then when that is done the title ought to rest in the donee without his being compelled to wait until the damned slow machinery of the federal government can find time to grind out a "patent" which after all is no title, but mere evidence of it.
    This is a question in which every man in Oregon is interested, as all wish to either buy or sell. And you cannot accomplish any measure which will command the gratitude of your constituents more than this.
    Wilson informs me that he has sent you the account of the code commissioners, and I trust it will be paid speedily. If it is unauthorized by any law now in force I presume Congress will not hesitate to authorize its payment.
    I shall come on to Washington as soon as Farrar & Guthrie pay me the funds necessary to pay my passage, which I think probably will be somewhere between the day of judgment and the time when Hell freeze overs.
    We have an increase in the family in the shape of another double-barreled boy.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General
    Having just come to town from my claim [paper loss] bye. I am doing very well. I think I shall [paper loss] I take occasion to drop you a [paper loss] of this country [paper loss] between [paper loss] Siskiyou & Trinity [paper loss] are determined [paper loss] a new territory where the elect of God's people may congregate. We have had a convention, the proceedings of which I shall send you, and adjourned to meet here on the 17th April next. Squire Steele, Ned Curtis & myself are the committee to memorialize Congress on the subject. The people are unanimous on the subject within the boundaries of the new territory, and no mistake. I hope you will help us. You may expect any return you ask for the favor. I never spoke to you on the subject, but Steele tells me you are with us.
    The new Judge McFadden has arrived and held a court. He convicted three Indians & they have been hung. [paper loss] shot Jim Kyle and the one that killed [paper loss] last, confessed that he killed Wills & Nolan. [paper loss] intends to take a claim in the valley and [paper loss] opinions from everybody. He appears to [paper loss] of yours--all right.
    [paper loss] I hope [paper loss] got Bob appointed special agent--Culver is a B.F.
    Jones who used to be in the Times office and myself are going to start a weekly paper [in this] place; the first number will appear about the [paper loss] of May. The paper will be neutral in politics [paper loss] Whenever the new territory is formed [paper loss] support it, it [will then be a] Democratic [paper.]
    Any government [paper loss] thankfully [paper loss]
    Will you [be kind] enough to [send] [paper loss] of the last session and anything else interesting.
    Having told you all the news of interest, and I will return to camp.
PLEASE WRITE.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    Yours of December 13th came to hand by last mail. The $200 I have applied as far as it goes to the payment of the boys' expenses; it pays about one half of their expenses up to the present time. They are both well and I think making some progress in their studies. As we have "started preaching" here they both have the benefit of my pious example and attend divine doings with me--seldom.
    You must have been mistaken in what the Secretary of the Interior told you about sending me the $15,000, or else he as old Whittlesey have lied like Hell. Whittlesey wrote me that he had advised the Secretary of the Interior to send me the $15,000, and last mail I received $8500, accompanied by a letter from Mr. Secretary in which he says that "the Comptroller of the Treasury advised him to send me but $8500," a sum but sufficient to pay one half of the overage now due, without leaving me a damned cent to defray the expenses of this spring term about to be holden and leave me six months, and perhaps six years, before I will get any more.
    I can't understand why the department is so damned parsimonious with their money. They know that the expenses here must be paid. I have given them a good bond for $20,000, and can't see why I can't be furnished with funds. I have written to old Whittlesey by this mail, giving him to understand that he might either forward them or stick the office in his damned old arse.
    We poor devils out here think that we are not so far removed from the confines of civilization but what we have a right to our opinion on national affairs, and while I fear and regret the fact, yet I cannot help believing that your friend "French" and his pot-headed Kentucky secretary had given the party a blow from which it will take it years to recover. I suppose "there is a tide in the affairs" of parties, as well as men, which taken at its flood leads to--Hell. I think that Mr. Guthrie packed out his frail bark just in time for the full benefit of the current. He has but few sympathizers here unless they be with such customers as the editor of the "Weakly Times." The "Durhamites" are all hard as the hardest. Our sympathies being with Bronson and believing that Mr. Guthrie's interference in N. York politics would have been entirely [illegible], even if his aim had of been higher than to reward a pack of damned abolitionist traitors, who were allowed onto the Democratic platform by the hope of sharing the spoils. It is a poor policy to reward the traitor at the expense of your friend. Mr. Guthrie should organize a new party out of all the old remnants, and adopt for a platform "victory and the spoils" and never inquire about the antecedents of those who call for a share. In short it is all damned poppycock to talk about Free Soilers and abolitionists standing on the Baltimore platform, and if accidentally found there it is proof positive that they are corrupt and dishonest, and they should [be] kicked off.
    I like Gov. Davis very well, but suspect that he is a little on the "soft" order. How is it?
    If the department should take me at my word in my Whittlesey letter and conclude to dispense with my services, I would recommend for my successor your old and tried friend Samuel Parker. He is as damned a fool as I know of, besides being a Guthrieite. He was my competitor for the office, but "E.C.H." wrote on the back of his application "An old granny--not fit."
    So you have got old "basaltic" Lancaster for a colleague from Washington Territory. I would much rather had seen Wallace the Whig elected, then the administration could not have been imposed upon. But the "one horse councilman" will go to Washington "on the Democratic platform" and under the guise of Democracy be a vehicle through which all the Softs, no-party men, disaffected Democrats and dishonest Whigs of Oregon will operate and flourish. I will bet you two gallons of buttermilk that the next Delegate from Washington Territory will be a Whig--and I don't care a damn. But it is late, and I am boring you. I shan't expect you to gone to the trouble of answering my letters, and as they will not be very edifying to posterity I would recommend you to make firewood of them--good night.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir, Yours of Dec. 15th is to hand containing draft for five hundred & twenty-five dollars.
    Have written to Doctor Evans of the fact, has not called yet for the money. By the same mail [received] letter to Nat containing four hundred and fifty dollars with which I lifted your note held by Pomeroy for four hundred and forty dollars & interest, will send the note to Simon as per instructions, first time I write him.
    Well, sir, in reference to Oregon and the facilities for money making let me assure you from my limited experience that any place, yes, any place is better than this. I commenced business here in the spring, during which time summer and fall made money not unusually fast, about same as could have done in the States; business so continued up to the first December. Since that time on, which will probably continue until first May, have not been making my expenses. Never saw such business in any country, and a more disagreeable winter, god knows I never saw rain, snow, hail, sleet, stormy weather, river froze over for two or three weeks in succession, mud knee deep all over the face of the county. As you are aware took Nat in copartnership with me soon after you left. He stood our ill luck up to the first Feby., at which time withdrawed from the firm. Himself and Commodore have gone to the mines at Port Orford; have not heard from them since they left. The ill fortune of dull business has not only fallen upon us but every business man in the Territory. The cry is no money, and how can it be otherwise; thousands upon thousands of dollars leaves the country every steamer, and what is to bring it back. Nothing. I trust in god that I may have a better trade this summer than am now the recipient of, and if business should ever spring up then I will certainly sell out for god knows I should be happy to have my money out of my business, am perfectly satisfied with trade in Oregon. A six months' business in twelve will not try me.
    Have not heard from Umpqua for three months; do not know the cause, unless roads being impassable.
    In regard to the general news of Oregon [I] presume Bush has posted you up; nothing of interest has transpired since he left. Lancaster, Delegate-elect from Washington T., will leave on next steamer. Have two steamers running to this point, each are crowded with people every trip, leaving Oregon, very few coming, many come up and return on same boat. This is a dark, gloomy, dreary and muddy-looking portion of god's moral vineyard. We are all in good health; Winnie goes to school whenever she can get there for rain and mud; her session will be out in a few days. Have you made any inquiries in regard to insurance, should like to be insured from fire for ten or twelve months by that time, hope to have my money in my pocket, say for about eight thousand dollars. If the companies will take any risks here I know you can get it effected. Will you be so good as to make the effort.
    Letters from you will be very thankfully received as often as you may find leisure to write us.
    Mary and Winnie wishes to be remembered by you.
   
N.B. The little tow boat Firefly was wrecked at the mouth [of the] river, crew all lost, amongst them Capt. Hawkes.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Pa
    I received your letter the 16 and 27 of Dec. and was glad to hear from you. I am agoing to school but my school will be out in two weeks, but will take up soon. When I last heard from home the family was enjoying good health. As for Mary and myself we both have a bad cold but that [is] nothing.
    Nat is at Port Orford, but we expect that he will return this steamer. His family is well. We have had some very cold weather. The river was froze over for two weeks so persons could cross with wagons. I wrote to Mrs. Wirt the other day. Fayette and John is well. Give my love to Mrs. Wirt and family. Your tillicum is well and growing fine and is much obliged to you for that beautiful name. Give my respect to Mrs. Easby and daughter. I have nothing more. At present I am much obliged to you for those presents.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Dear Father
    This day I recd. your letter containing the check for 675 dollars in favor of D. Barnes, which I handed him and redeemed your note of 725 dollars.
    I settled with Wm. J. Martin. His acct. against you was 706 dollars, including the store house, and our bill against him for goods was 211 dollars. The burrs you sold him was 397 dollars, which leaves a balance due Martin 92 dollars. I told Mr. Martin I hoped that this settlement would be satisfaction to you, and he said he knew it would be, for you and him had a talk about the burrs and you agreed to pay for repairing them, which cost $152, but he would pay half and charge you only $75. See enclosed bills.
    That note you give Knott for 1500 dollars he sold to Sutherland. We have paid 1000 dollars on it, and the 500 we will pay the first of March. Then we will owe 450 dollars, and about the same owing to us, and I think we have in store about $2500 worth of goods. Times are quite dull in Winchester at present, money very scarce, [a] good many people going to the gold mines from Douglas County. There is a great excitement about the Coos mines; people are going there from all parts of Oregon. John & Russell Fickas are gone to Coos; Simon paid them off. Their wages were $450. I am well pleased with Oregon. I bought of Mr. Akin the house brother Wilbur occupied. The house cost $450. I paid 200, the balance [due] next May. I moved to Winchester the 10th Nov.
    Since that time we have sold 4300 dollars worth of goods, but we have to sell goods at a very small profit owing to so much competition. This county has a great many stores and grocers that we have to contend with; consequently we have to sell goods cheap in order to gain custom.
    All of your American cows has calves. Mother and family are very well. Emily and little Mary are well and send their very best love to you.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My dear General
    I have been anxiously looking for a letter from you the last three mails, but in vain. There is nothing new here of interest to communicate, the times are hard as the merchants say & from appearances will be more so during the season.
    I observe the Secy. of War did recommend an increase of the army, endorsed by the President, and inasmuch as the necessity of such an increase is manifest to all in the least acquainted with our extended frontier, particularly for mounted troops, it is hoped the opposition against such a reasonable proposition will be less severe to the augmentation of our peace establishment. I am not a little gratified that you have taken early steps to bring the matter before Congress.
    Before your departure for Washington from Portland last October in conversation with you on the subject of an increase of the army I remarked to you that I should be happy to re-enter the service, to which you assured me an appt. if I desired it in that event.
    I would ask you make application for me if you feel disposed to befriend me in that matter and forward my wishes, [I] should like to hold the position in the line of equal rank gained by brevet on the field in Mexico, if that could not be accomplished a Major's commission would be the lowest grade I could accept. I have no doubt you could get for Oregon a field appointment, and your personal influence with President Pierce secure me the commission, be pleased to let me hear from [you] at your earliest convenience.
    Will you have the kindness to forward me the address of an agent stationed at Washington to aid me in closing my accounts. There is due me 3 mos. pay & emoluments with two dollars per day extra pay by act of Congress for serving in Oregon--amounting to about $500 against which the 2nd Auditor's office shows a balance of $232.00, it is to adjust this bal. that I wish to engage the services of an agt. I could not think of troubling you with the matter.
    It is the opinion amongst our friends that Judge Deady will not accept, be that as it may, you had things read right with regard to him.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    U.S. Congress
Please send me an Army Register for 1854.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library

Fort Lane O.T.
    March 1st 1854

Dear Gen
    Enclosed is a slip from the Mountain Herald of 25th Feb. that I just received. So far as Inds. in my Dist. are concerned be assured that it is a lie out and out. But those on Rogue River are in a suffering condition for want of food. In fact if depredations are committed by them it will be from want. I don't know as I will be able to get this to the post office before the mail leaves, but will try.

Truly yours
    S. H. Culver

Genl. J. Lane
    Delegate in Congress
        Washington D.C.

     Dear Brother, I take this opportunity to inform you that we are well at present, hope that this may find you in the blessing. I want you to come to see us this summer for I have some particular business with you. I don't want you to make any deed to any person concerning Three Mile Island. There is several persons wants it and [illegible] in particular but whatever you do don't make any deed to any person until you come to see me this summer. I think that I shall buy up a lot of stock and take them with me to Oregon next spring. I am very anxious to see that country. I don't want you to write to any person but me concerning this matter. Williamsberg and several of our neighbors wants this property but I don't want to sell it until I see you. Don't forget to come to see us this summer. I have made up my mind thoroughly to go to Oregon next spring. I want you to write to Shelby & Barlow & tell them to give me a full description of the country. I have nothing more to say to you but remain your affectionate brother
   
    Dear Uncle, I thought I would drop you a few lines in this letter. Mother sends her compliments to you. She says that she would be glad to see you. She did not have the pleasure to seeing you when you were here.
    Uncle, I want you to write to me as soon as you receive this letter. I have nothing much to say but remain your affectionate niece
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




    Remarks on certain accounts and bills, presented by citizens of Oregon and California, for services and supplies furnished during the Rogue River War of 1853, also remarks concerning muster rolls of volunteers in that war.
    Of the muster rolls of volunteers in the hands of the Secy. of War, to the best of my belief and knowledge the following are substantially correct, as correct as could be expected under the circumstances, viz: Capt. Goodall's, Lamerick's and Miller's.
    Capt. Fowler's company was enrolled by the Commissioners of Military Affairs in Rogue River Valley as a guard for the defense of the town of Jacksonville. When they advised with me on the subject, I suggested the enrollment of thirty men. I suppose the muster roll in the hands of the Secy. to be correct.
    Capt. Owens' company was enrolled by my authority--twenty-five men--but was soon after disorganized. The men
prices of articles of subsistence be regulated so that different merchants shall not be paid different prices for the same article. This to apply to merchants in northern California (in the vicinity of Yreka) and in Rogue River Valley.
Washington D.C.
March 24th 1854


My Dear Tyler
    Your note of the 20th inst. has been recd. Territorial business has been made the special order for the first week in May, and within that week the bill providing for paying the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass the House, and in a month or two thereafter will become a law. You are sufficiently acquainted with Congressional legislation to know that things are not dispatched as rapidly as we have been in the habit of moving in the mountains in search of gold or Indians.
    Should an increase of the army be authorized I shall stand by you for a captaincy.
    The Nebraska Bill has been sent to the committee of the whole. I am inclined to think that it will pass notwithstanding.
    I shall send you papers.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Tyler
    Yours of the 26th inst. has this moment been recd. I recd. your letter written soon after your arrival at home & answered it promptly and sent you some papers.
    I think I wrote you that Territorial bills have been made the special order for the first week in May. During that week the bill for the expenses of the Rogue River War will pass, at least I hope it will pass, and have no fear of the results; for the occasion I shall be prepared.
    The difficulty between Cutting & Breckinridge has been settled, honorably, without bloodshed.
    I am glad to hear that you are determined to unite yourself to a better half. You could do nothing more sensible, and from your description I know she is lovely and worthy, worthy [of] the hand of my gallant young friend, who will I am sure be to her a good, kind, affectionate husband. I wish you both many years of peace, happiness & prosperity.
    Shall be pleased to hear from you occasionally. I send you some speeches and papers.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Genl. Lane
    Dr. Sir
        I take the liberty of addressing you in regard to my losses at the mouth of Rogue River in 1849. The fact is I ought to be paid. I know that it is believed that we were scared away from the vessel. This is a malicious falsehood. The greater part of the goods on board belonged to myself. When the vessel [Hackstaff] struck, the Indians that had not previously placed themselves behind logs, rocks &c. did so! Was not this enough to show us that we were among enemies. The boat was lowered to get out the anchors, but the sea was so short that nothing could be done. I went to the Captain & asked if there was any hope of saving the vessel; he answered no hope! What must now be done. We had no provisions save 3 lb. of pork & ½ a bbl. of spoiled flour. The tide was ½ ebb & 'twas evident the next flood must make a complete wreck.
    Perhaps not less than a thousand eyes was on us & consequently no hope of saving anything by making a cache or deposit of our goods. The Indians firing upon us & nothing to be gained by fighting them.a Chinook Indian we had on board to say to them that if they Rational conclusion was inevitable. We forsook the vessel as soon as possible, night approaching. The Indians robbed the vessel & burnt it that night. You know these Rogue River devils & the fact is we were virtually pirated away from our goods or fight in vain to save them.
    Should you feel disposed to do me a kind favor to bring in a bill for my benefit, I can be advised by you what voucher will be indispensable. My bills was all left on the vessel & I was unable to duplicate them. The Captain & mate of the vessel is livin' about New York & should you do anything their evidence of my loss would be the most prominent evidence that I have. My loss was a little over three thousand dollars, & you might bring in a bill for a special grant of land at the mouth of Rogue River (north side) to be equivalent to my losses as I know you would meet opposition if you ask money. At Jacksonville not much doing in the mines. The best mining country now is along the coast from Port Orford to Coos Bay & little south of the Umpqua River.
    I hope you will see the necessity of some amendments to the land law, as much time must yet elapse before we can reach patent, particularly in districts not yet surveyed.
    I went through as commissioner & surveyor of roads from here to Tualatin Plains last summer. By our estimate it is from here to those plains 81 miles on a course south 25°E. Last Legislature made Salem the terminus of the road. Our route last summer passed over a good country ⅔rd of the way--no road in the Territory is so loudly called for for mail & military facilities as well as opening the country for settlement. I hope you will have double fortitude in asking a liberal appropriation immediately to open the road. Subscriptions or circulating to defray expenses, but I have no faith in a sum being raised. With my best wishes for your success, believe me your sincere friend
Hon. Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, June 9, 1854, page 2




Dear Father
    I have come to the conclusion that you are not a-going to write to me anymore. It has been so long since I received a letter from you that I cannot hardly remember when it was. I wish you would write every mail if you have time. I have not heard from home for some time, but when I heard they was all well. I expect you will hear before you receive this letter of the steamer Gazelle blowing up, killed about 28, 30 wounded. Among them that was killed was Rev. Mr. Miller of Corvallis, a preacher of the gospel, and also Mr. Page, supt of the Willamette Company. His head was blown all [omission]; he was so disfigured that they would not have known him only by some papers he had in his pocket.
    The longer I stay in this country the better I will like it. I would not live in Hoosier. If Mother only lived here in Salem I know she would like it better. Lafayette is a-learning very fast. I study harder than I did in my life before. Mr. Hoyt is a good teacher. I wish you would let me go to school a few years yet and I will have an excellent education. Father, I want you to send me books. I want you to send debates in Congress upon tariff and bank questions, Life of Napoleon Bonaparte, history of Greece unabridged, history of Rome unabridged, history of France unabridged, Tom Paine's Rights of Man, also his Common Sense. And dozens [of] useful books, histories &c. Be sure to send them, for I want them very much, and Saturdays and Sundays I can read them. You can make arrangements to send them.
    I have no more to write at present,
To Gen. Jos. Lane
   
I have give out the notion of going out after gold.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    Governor Davis has shown me a letter from Washington, setting forth that ex-Governor Gaines is doing all that he can to prevent the payment of Genl. Joel Palmer's "Cayuse War claims" at the Treasury Department, and is charging Palmer with fraud and perjury in obtaining his certificates.
    Genl. Palmer is now at the southern part of the Territory in discharge of his official duties, and will perhaps not hear of those charges or have an opportunity of refuting them for months to come.
    Gaines entertains a personal as well as political hatred towards him, and is sufficiently unscrupulous to commit the grossest outrages upon his property and reputation. Lest his representations might be believed at the Treasury Department and create impressions adverse to the interests of Genl. Palmer. I in his absence have to request that you will use your endeavors to have any judgment which may be formed suspended until the Genl. can be heard from.
    Any man who knows Genl. Palmer as well as you do must know that his purity of purpose and integrity of character is beyond suspicion.
    I perhaps know as much of this Cayuse War matter as Gov. Gaines, and as a matter of fact I was a member of the legislature in December 1847 which elected Genl. Palmer to the office of Commissary Genl. I afterwards served in the army and was brought in contact with him, which gave me an opportunity of observing his conduct, and I can assure you that no man ever served his country with more true courage, industry, fidelity and self-sacrificing patriotism than Joel Palmer (not even the "Hero of Encarnacion" himself).
    The act providing for the pay of the officers who served in the war allowed them the same pay as officers of a similar rank and grade in the United States army.
    Mr. Wait audited Genl. Palmer's account and gave him a certificate for commissary genl.'s pay. Subsequently Gaines without authority of law attempted to reaudit those claims and cut down or reduced that of Palmer under the paltry pretense and quibble that the officer in immediate command of the troops was only a colonel. Consequently a commissary genl., notwithstanding he was created by law, could not exceed a colonel in rank or pay.
    This affords a fine specimen of the "hero's" military experience. I reckon that if every officer in the United States army should resign or die today, and leave nothing alive or in command higher than a corporal, that it would have but little effect upon the salary of the commissary genl. However such nonsense is too absurd to talk about.
    Another objection which I understand that Gaines alleges against Palmer's claim being allowed is that he went to California in the winter of 1848 and '49, during the time for which he charges for services rendered in the office. It is true that he spent part of that winter in California, as you know, for we came back with him in February 1849, but does it necessarily follow that because he did not do all the manual labor of the office, but saw fit to employ and pay deputies for that purpose, that he is guilty of "fraud" or "perjury," or is it just that he should be deprived of his pay.
    A part of the army was disbanded in June 1848 and the remainder late in the fall of that year. There were long and intricate accounts to be settled, many of which were adjusted by Genl. Palmer in person in the spring of 1849, and I can see no reason why he should be deprived of his pay just because John P. Gaines
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Sir
    In compliance with a resolution of the House of Representatives of the 5 instant I have the honor to transmit herewith estimates prepared from muster rolls and vouchers filed in this department, principally by the delegate in Congress from the Territory of Oregon, showing the amount of claims for services of volunteers and for supplies furnished for their use etc. in suppressing Indian hostilities in "Rogue River Valley" in that territory.
    The pay and allowances of the volunteers are estimated according to the rates prescribed by the act of March 19, 1836, the only general act fixing the pay and allowances of volunteers and militia when called into the service of the United States.
    The amount of claims for supplies is stated according the bills presented, of which an abstract is submitted showing in brief the quantities furnished and prices charged.
    I also submit copies of reports from Capt. B. R. Alden, late of the army, who was in command of U.S. troops engaged on that occasion, stating the circumstances under which the volunteers were organized, and the mode in which supplies were obtained.
Hon Linn Boyd
    Speaker of the House of Representatives
[written in another hand on the transmittal:]
Estimates, Expenses Rogue River war
----
May 1, 1854 Referred to the Committee Military Affairs and ordered to be printed.
----
Communication from the Sec. of War transmitting estimates for services of volunteers &c. in the Rogue River war.
----
Print immediately.






Dear Genl.,
    Your favor of the 14th of March came to hand last night. As regards what you say about the charge having been made here of you having Deady removed to "kill him off," that charge has certainly been made here against you, but only by such men as Holbrook. I heard him make it once myself and contradicted it on the spot. No friend of yours, and I think I may safely [say] no Democrat in Oregon, believes a word of it.
    I have talked freely with Deady on the subject and know that he never for a moment entertained a thought of the kind. His reappointment gives great satisfaction to the Democracy, and as to yourself I think that you never stood fairer with the people of Oregon than at the present moment. All those little "squaw hopping" stories have died away or been contradicted, leaving nothing against you as a man, a politician or a (God save the mark) "Christian"!!!
    Curry has not been in town for a few days. Your letter to him containing the $250 draft has been received at the office, and I suppose that he will hand it over to me when he comes up.
    The boys are regularly at school, not having missed a day since you left. Their expenses for board, tuition, washing, books and clothing up to the 19th of February last amounted to $360.16, all of which I have paid. The present quarter will expire in a few days, when I will pay what is behind.
    I received $50 that you left with Nat or Shelby at Portland, and the $200 draft.
    God damn old Whittlesey. He won't answer my requisitions. If you will step into the Treasury Department someday when you have leisure and cut his damned old throat and shit in the gash I will go out to your claims and make your eighteen thousand five hundred and fifty-four rails and pack them out on my back.
    By attending to him soon you will oblige your friend
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




My dear Genl.
    Your kind favor of the 17th ulto. was duly recd. a few days since, and the news which you communicated in regard to the decision of the Commissioner of the general land office, in relation to the Portland land claim, has caused quite an excitement at this place and particularly so amongst the Town proprietors here.
    This decision being applicable to all the town sites in Oregon & Washington, will act ruinous to many of our best & most enterprising citizens.
    Having sold out my interest some time ago in the Couch claim adjoining Portland to Messrs. Couch & Flanders, I am therefore not directly interested in the question, the principal part of Portland is situated upon what is known as the Original Pettygrove Claim to which Couch made an addition in 1850 & sold lots.
    I understand that the town sites mentioned in the act of '44 is limited to 320 acres, if this is the case the Couch Claim may not be molested & if so but slightly. The "Pettygrove Claim" is nearly all built upon fronting on the river about one mile long.
    Various are the opinions of our Citizens in reference to this matter, but I think the prevailing desire of all the parties interested is simply to procure Patents for the Town lots purchased in good faith from the several town proprietors. So far then as Portland is concerned I believe the Citizens do not wish to deprive the claimants of any lots or lands not heretofore sold by them or either of them.
    Things have materially changed in this quarter of the world since you left us for the City of Washington last fall, prices have downward tendencies and money exceedingly scarce. Merchandise is in great abundance in Portland, where the money is to come from to pay for all the goods from present appearances is what I can not divine.
    I am looking with the greatest anxiety for the passage of the bill for an increase of the army, with the hope of again entering the service. I have been like a fish out of water ever since my resignation in 1851. If the bill should not pass is there any prospect of being reinstated in my late position in the Rifle Regiment. If I mistake not this matter is entirely with the President, and Secretary of War, of this I am not certain. I do not know the proceedings in detail but my recollection is that President Taylor reinstated Maj. Geo. B. Crittenden, of the Rifles, after he had been cashiered by a court martial and approved by President Polk nine or 10 mos. previous and dropped from the army Register. I would rather enter a new Regt. but if that can not be effected I should like to go back & rejoin the Rifles, the matter is with you and I have confidence, be pleased advise me at your convenience from time to time and greatly oblige
    In the event the army bill should not pass the present sitting of Congress, will you at once see the President & Secy. of War on the subject of reinstating me to my former position in the Rifles.
    When the Rifle Regiment was ordered from Oregon to the States in the spring of 1851, the ill state of health of my family and particularly the state and delicate situation of my wife precluded the possibility of accompanying me with the Regiment, And the act of leaving them behind thousands of miles, in a strange & new Country, would have been unnatural, if not cruel on my part and which forced me to resign my commission. The military history concerning myself is a matter of Record at Washington and will speak for itself. Please advise me at your earliest convenience what may be done in my behalf.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Brownsville Tennessee
    May 29th 1854
        Sir
            The widow of Col. Henry G. Lee, who commanded the Oregon vols. in the war against the Cayuse Indians during the year of 1847 & 8, has applied to me to obtain for her what was due her late Husband for said services. I accordingly made application to the Secretary of the Interior for the regular & Extra pay & for the Bounty Land Warrant given by Congress. The proper officer of that department has notified me long since that I should have to provide the affidavit of two [paper missing] knew that Col. Lee acted [paper missing] in the service & performance [paper missing] & for the time required to [paper missing] or his representatives to claim the Land bounty. I was also informed by Mr. Whittlesey Compt. that before anything could be paid to the widow it was necessary to get proper proofs from the govr. of Oregon Hon J. W. Davis & other Commissioners that the Secretary [paper missing] recognized the War & that the Commissioners above mentioned had examined & passed on the claim & given a certificate of their having approved the same. In compliance with the first part of their instructions I wrote several months ago to a Mr. Moss who was Col. Lee's partner in business out there & a Mr. Appleton who had been in correspondence with the family here & who is represented as being a firm friend of Col. Lee's out there. From one or both of them I expected the information necessary to get the Land Warrant & I addressed to Govr. Davis a communication together with a copy of my correspondence [paper missing] the Comptroller at Salem, Oregon [paper missing] received no communication [paper missing] another of these applications [paper missing] that you were Governor of Oregon about or soon after this period. I concluded to address you in the hope that if you could not aid me by any personal information, you could refer me to such gentlemen out there as both could & would be willing to assist me in this investigation [paper missing] am already indebted to you for your assistance in getting the act of Congress passed directing the payment of all dues to deceased soldiers to be made to the Children & Widows instead of the Adm. I had thought that the act of Congress in recognizing the Cayuse War, as the one in which Col. Lee's Regt. was engaged & naming his Regt. by his name & if so that that of itself would be sufficient authority for the accounting officers to settle with the widow upon proper proof of her identity. The widow is quite needy & Oregon is so remote to produce evidence that if you know of any in [paper missing] Washington City you will [paper missing] oblige me & them by giving [paper missing] names. if you know personally [paper missing] Col. Lee's services I have no doubt [paper missing] that upon your making a statement of the fact the Commissioner of pensions would at once issue the Land Warrant [to] Col. Lee which Lee in 1849 told his family that he also acted as agent to treat with the Indians & was entitled to pay for such [paper missing] written to Mr. Badger of the Senate in relation to this part of the claim. Though we have written several letters to the administration in Oregon we can get no answer & I will also thank you to refer me to some Counsel to whom I can make application & who will see that the property has been duly ad- [advertised?] for we fear from now on that his Estate has been wasted.
    As you are unacquainted with me I have the honor to refer you to the Hon. [paper missing] Dobbin, Sec. Navy--Hon. F. P. Stanton--[paper missing] H. Rogers--Hon. Barton Craig--Hon. G. E. Badger of the Senate & Hon. J. C. Jones also of the Senate for my character & standing as Atty.--Any information in relation to the previous most thankfully received.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    House Rep.
        Washington City
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Since your departure from our lovely Territory I have had no communication from you until last mail brought me testimony (dated Washington Jan. 14) which, I confess, I began lately to surmise. But the warm sentiments of approbation expressed--and particularly in relation "to my zeal and efficiency in discharge of my complicated duties in connection with the forces organized for the suppression of Indian difficulties" has not only obliterated every sentiment of that sort--but has reestablished the connection.
    You refer to the fact of the muster rolls not being forwarded &c. I presume that desideratum has long since been supplied.
    All matters pertaining to my department were communicated agreeable with your instructions to the Secty. of War & of the Int. before you left our Territory.
    I remained in Jacksonville until Decr. last, urging the finishing [of] the muster rolls by Drew--and for the matter of two weeks prior to my departure I waited specially for that purpose--and finally was obliged to leave without them--but with the assurance that they would be forwarded to the proper departments in one week afterwards.
    I called on Gov. Davis in Salem and placed in his hands a brief of the proceedings of the commissioners in order that he might enable the Legislature to memorialize Congress on the subject &c.
    Thus in all matters connected with our Ind. difficulties from its commencement until Decr. last I devoted my time and energy to the success of our enterprise. No matter how imperfectly I may have succeeded I done my best--and feel amply rewarded by your approval--as well as that of the citizens of the valley generally.
    Today we elect our county & Territorial officers, the majority of which will be satisfactory--also the preparatory vote for becoming one of our glorious sisterhood [of states] which I have no doubt will be carried--a few friends are waiting [for me] to accompany them to the polls--
    I thank you for Mr. Cutting's reply to Mr. Smith of Alsea, although I am grieved at the position your friend the President is placed in by Cutting's showing!
    I have been uniformly--am--and always will be I presume a Democrat after the fashion of Jefferson, Jackson &c. But I protest that I would not be President and be forced into the adoption of such measure as the present chief of our glorious republic. However, as there is generally two sides to every equation I beg of you to help me to understand this subject correctly.
    I presume that in the midst of attending to our interests in Congress you have overlooked my request to send me the government organ and debates--I have waited patiently, still hoping that next mail &c.--and lately thought you had forgotten me.
    A few docts. of House Rep. & Sen., maps, charts or diag. and port office rep. could not fail in being most appreciated by your friends here & my neighbors--which I would distribute with pleasure.
    At the request of my mother & sisters I have quit the mines--and am for the present living with them on the beautiful claim of my late brother's 4 miles from Champoeg, French Prairie. This is all very pleasant and very good, but I must say that I feel it rather inglorious. Have the goodness to write to me at your earliest convenience and believe me your friend,
   
    Have the goodness to write to me at your earliest convenience and believe me your friend.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




My Dear Friend Hoyt: Salem
    Your favor of the 4th has just been received. I am truly grateful to you for the interest you take in my sons. It is a consolation to me to know that your watchful care will be over them, and to this I must attribute, to a considerable extent, the success they have attained in their studies. I hope you will continue this attention, as well in regard to their physical as mental being. I am pained at La Fayette's sickness, and hope, whenever it may be necessary for his health, that he relax his studies. But I am assured that you will have an eye to this in my absence.
    I will call on the Secretary of State in relation to the documents you speak of. I am pleased to learn that your institution is in so flourishing a condition, and hope it may long continue to advance in strength and usefulness, and prove a blessing to our young and growing country.
    In regard to the education of my sons, or rather the branches I prefer, I have only to remark that reading, writing, grammar and arithmetic, mathematics &c. are, in my opinion, the first essentials of a good education. In regard to other studies, you own good judgment will be a better guide than anything I can say on the subject.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





Genl. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir,
        Yesterday I passed through Salem on my way to Jacksonville on a flying visit--and requested my brother George to write to you for me, inasmuch as I was so pressed for time--
    Reflecting on the bill lately before Congress for appointing registers & receivers for Oregon and Washington Territories which I presume has passed before this--I have concluded to solicit your good offices in my behalf for the appointment of Receiver for Oregon. If you deem the suggestion appropriate I am satisfied that it can be accomplished.
    If I obtain the appointment I would suggest a new place called New Orleans, Linn Co. opposite Corvallis, which is being established and possessing many facilities for the public--and as near as may be in the center of the Territory--
    Great excitement just now, owing to recent discoveries of gold on the Coquille River about the forks--say some fifty miles from the ocean--also some 40 or fifty miles from Port Orford similar, pretty well-authenticated facts. This week the fell Reaper is making great havoc among the crops; three weeks ago there was much apprehension in French Prairie on account of late cold rains, succeeded by sudden bursts of heat--but after all, Oregon will prove herself all her most enthusiastic friends have claimed for her.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    From a letter of Gen. Lane's lately published in the Umpqua Herald, we make the following extract in reference to division of the Territory: "Some time since I wrote a letter for publication in relation to the division of Oregon Territory, as proposed by the people of Jacksonville and Yreka, in which I gave my views in opposition to such division, and urged the establishment of a state government, for reasons that I think will be considered legitimate and proper. A new Territory cannot be made as proposed. The delegation from California don't think of entertaining the idea of clipping their state."
Del Norte Record, Crescent City, September 3, 1892, page 1


Dear Genl.,
    Yours of June 29th containing Riggs & [Co's.] draft for $150 was received per last mail. Lafayette as I sometime since wrote you is still absent on a visit to his mother. John is still with me and pursuing his studies during vacation. Mrs. Lane wrote some time since for John to go out and assist them on the farm, but as you had so often expressed your desire for him to remain here and go to school, I advised him to remain.
    You will see ex-Gov. Davis before this reaches you. I think the old man is disgusted with Oregon.
    By the way, the question of who shall be our next Delegate is beginning to attract some attention. Some persons who pretend to be the recipients of your confidence say that you will not consent to have it again. For my own part I should be glad to see you in a much higher position, but let that be as it may, I think as a matter of justice to your friends here that you should at an early day indicate what your wishes and intentions are on the subject of the Delegateship so that they may act understandingly.
    I had hoped that we had elected our last Delegate, and it would have been so if the Democracy of Oregon had of been true to their instincts at the last spring election, but as [the] "convention" was beat I suppose that we shall have to try and make our Territorial existence tolerable for a few more years.
    By letting us know what your decision is in the matter you will greatly oblige your friends.
    Why is it that there are no patents issued yet by the department for lands in Oregon?
   
P.S. The Surveyor Genl. is here with his office filled with Whig clerks. It would be a godsend to the party here if he could be removed.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Hon. James Guthrie
    Secretary of the Treasury
        Sir
            Herewith I propose to furnish you such facts as came within my own knowledge in relation to the services of Genl. Joel Palmer of Oregon in the war with the Cayuse Indians in the years 1847 and 1848. I met with the Genl.in San Francisco in Jany. 1849, and took passage with him on the same ship with him. On our way to Oregon I learned much from him, and other Oregonians, returning home from San Francisco about the Cayuse War. From the Genl. I learned that the war had terminated in the summer of '48, that he had served a quartermaster and commissary, and at the close of the war he found himself encumbered with a large amt. of public property, books and unadjusted accounts, that he had a strong desire to convert the property into the largest sum possible for the payment as far as it would go of the expenses of the war. Consequently when he left home he found it necessary to employ other persons to take charge of the property, books and accounts--to arrange and close them up. This I found to be on my arrival at Oregon City to be the case. From my personal knowledge therefore I am able to state that he had two persons employed a portion of the time, & one, Mr. Clouse [Cloisse?], the entire time of the absence as clerk, & the other to take charge of and dispose of property, and I further know that he paid them for their services out of his own money. And further I can say that I consider Palmer an honest, conscientious, good man and efficient officer [and] the award allowed to Palmer by Commissioner Wait just and only but a reasonable compensation for his services as quartermaster, and in my judgment ought to be paid without further delay.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



    The next bill upon the Calendar which came up for consideration in order was House bill (No. 339) to authorize the Secretary of War to settle and adjust the expenses of the Rogue River Indian War.
    The bill was read in extenso.
    The Clerk then read the first section.
    Mr. LANE, of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, the duty devolves upon me, I imagine, to give an explanation of the object of this bill, and of the circumstances which make its passage necessary. If I knew that it would pass without anything being said by me, I would say nothing; and it would gratify me very much. But, for fear that it might not be so, I avail myself of the opportunity to make a brief statement.
    In the Rogue River Valley there are two great tribes of Indians, the Umpquas and Shastas, all known as the Rogue River Indians. These Indians, for the last twelve months, have been preparing for war. They were enabled to provide themselves with the implements of war, and with everything necessary to commence a deadly hostility, and to make every arrangement necessary for carrying out their purpose, by means of appearing friendly to the whites, in hunting for them, and selling the proceeds of the chase for guns, powder, balls &c.
    In that vicinity there are rich mines, and many American citizens had rushed in there for the purpose of digging for gold. Many persons from the States who had no intention of becoming citizens of that Territory, and who did not become citizens, went there in search of gold. It is the habit of miners, and it is the habit of American citizens who are in search of gold, to take with them a rifle and other weapons which they regard as necessary for their personal safety and protection.
    The Indians in that valley, who are a superior race, remarkable for their intelligence, availed themselves of the great number of miners, who purchased of them the game that they could kill, and which was very plenty in that portion of Oregon, to realize a considerable sum of money, which they took care to invest in rifles, pistols, powder, lead and percussion caps, and everything else necessary to commence a war of extermination; in this way all they had received in twelve months past had been invested. At that time the white people in the vicinity, among whom were many families, believed they were as safe as the people of the city in Washington now consider themselves.
    The massacre commenced the first day by a scattering band of Indians; and Edwards, Wills and Noland, all of them American citizens, were massacred. Only these three were murdered the first day. This was, however, only a beginning of the execution of a scheme which had been matured for sweeping off every white man, woman and child in that country. This tribe had formed an alliance with other tribes. The Klamath Indians, numbering some five hundred warriors, within seventy-five miles, and Tipsoe Tyee's band, within twenty-five miles, had agreed to join them in the massacre; and, as soon as the war commenced, they were all to rush in, and sweep from the face of the earth every man, woman and child. And, Mr. Chairman, their designs would have been accomplished, but for the prompt and efficient aid of Captain Alden, who is now in this city, crippled for life, in consequence of a wound he received in that war. I say that but for his aid they would have been swept from the country, every man, woman and child. The Indians were well armed; and it is a fact, strange as it may seem, that the white people were mostly without arms. They had no apprehensions from these Indians. They had lived with them for many months in peace. They had sold their arms to the Indians, and believed them to be perfectly harmless in their intentions.
    When the massacre commenced Captain Alden was one hundred miles off. The intelligence was received, and he, with a company of ten men, his whole available force, immediately started in the night and rushed to the rescue. They succeeded in checking the Indians for the time being. In the meantime two companies of Californians, under Captains Goodall and Rhodes, turned out and joined Captain Alden. All the people, or nearly all in Rogue River Valley, capable of bearing arms, were organized into companies, two under Captains Miller and Lamerick for active service, and one under Captain Fowler, for the protection of the town of Jacksonville. The two companies under Captains Miller and Lamerick were organized into a battalion, and placed under the command of Colonel Ross. I take occasion here to say that too much praise cannot be given to Captain Alden for his prompt organization of these troops, or to the troops themselves for their gallantry and good conduct.
    Soon after the battle with the Indians, Captain Nesmith, who had been ordered out by the Governor, joined me with a large company of volunteers; also, Captain Smith, with a company of United States dragoons; Captains Martin, Applegate and Terry, each with a small company, promptly repaired to the theater of hostilities. To all these officers, and the men under their command, I take pleasure in saying that great praise is due for their gallant and soldier-like bearing. I also take pleasure in saying that I am indebted to Major Alvord, of the United States Army, for much valuable assistance in negotiating a treaty with the Indians, as well as Superintendent Palmer. Mr. Culver, Indian agent, threw down the shovel, the pick and other mining implements, and rushed to the rescue. By this timely movement the progress of the massacre was checked, and but for it every white inhabitant of that country must have been stricken down. He divided his forces at night, so as to prevent the Indians from coming upon the settlements, and in that way managed to hold them in check. Many skirmishes, however, ensued, and John R. Hardin, Dr. Rose and others were killed. On the morning of the 16th of August, I received notice at my residence, which is one hundred miles north of that point, that the Indians had commenced a general slaughter of the white people of that country. This intelligence was brought to me by Mr. Ettlinger and Mr. Nichol, who had ridden the whole distance in a day and night. In a few minutes after its arrival, I was on the road to the Rogue River Valley.
    I mention these facts to show the committee my knowledge of the transactions there. It is necessary that I should allude to them.
    On the 15th day of August, Captain Armstrong, a valued and respected citizen of Oregon, passed my house on his way to California, through the Rogue River Valley. Then the rumor was indefinite--that there was trouble in that quarter--but we did not know to what extent. It had been my lot to have been thrown into the company of Captain Armstrong in 1851, during a war with the same Indians. I found him a gallant and valuable gentleman. I mentioned that I was unwilling to see him go in the direction in which he was going without a rifle. He had none with him. "What," he replied, "was the matter?" I told him the rumor had reached me that there was trouble of some kind in the valley; that his life was too valuable to be incautiously trusted there; and that he had better take my rifle. He did so. In the course of that night he met the express going for me, and waited until I overtook him, when we traveled together. We arrived in Rogue River Valley [the] 19th of August. We found Captain Alden, with his usual gallantry and efficiency, in command, and affording protection to our citizens. His force, in my judgment, was sufficient to make a movement against the enemy, which he had already contemplated. A few days before, a portion of his command under Lieutenant Ely had been sent to make a reconnaissance. He fell into an ambuscade, and nearly half his command were killed. The other half would have shared the same fate but for the timely arrival of a reinforcement. Although I came as a volunteer, Captain Alden insisted that I should take the command of the troops. At his urgent request I did so. Sunday afternoon order was given to be ready to move on Monday morning at four o'clock. At the appointed time every foot was in the stirrup. Wednesday morning we overtook the Indians, and brought them to battle. Captain Alden was shot down. Captain Armstrong received a shot at about the same moment, and just had time to say that they had given him a dead center shot. The conflict led to a peace. Notwithstanding the screams, yells and war-whoops of the Indians for four hours, and notwithstanding we had failed to dislodge them, they agreed to make peace. They asked for peace. They wanted to know who commanded the troops. I heard them. I know their language well, having had a good deal to do with them, and knew most of them personally. They called out for me to come in, as they wanted a talk. They were tired of fighting, and desired peace. Well, I had been a little hurt myself, and I said to them and to the command that I would rather fight forty battles than talk about one peace. But after a good deal of time had been lost, and after a great deal of persuasion, I went among them. The preliminaries of a peace were made on the battleground. We camped on the battleground for two nights. The Indians were so well satisfied that there would be a peace that they assisted in removing our wounded men on litters across the country, which, by the by, is the worst country I ever traveled over. Well, a peace was made, and it has been maintained until this time, and I think it always will be maintained, for the government has purchased their lands. A treaty was made with them directly after the war for their territory, and that treaty has been ratified.
    I have given this history of the war from its commencement to its termination, for the purpose of satisfying the committee that the volunteers who turned out on that occasion ought to be paid for their services. I ask that the Secretary of War may be authorized to pay them. Many lost their lives. The Indians killed nearly as many of us as we killed of them. We only ask that those volunteers who turned out and assisted in putting down an Indian war that would otherwise have lasted for years, and cost the government millions of dollars, and hundreds of lives--and, as it was, did cost us the lives of many valuable citizens--may be paid for their services. The troops were disbanded as soon as it was thought safe to do so. I kept them with me but a few days after the peace was made, and remained near the Indians for several weeks myself for two reasons; one was that I was not very well able to get away from them, and the other was that I knew that by remaining there until the hot blood had somewhat cooled I could prevent a renewal of hostilities between the Indians and the whites. We only ask that the volunteers shall be paid for the time which they actually served, and the necessary expenses of subsistence, ammunition, forage and so forth. The accounts were all carefully kept. Captain Alden had appointed quartermasters and commissaries, and the accounts were as accurate and correct as I have ever seen them in the Army. I hope this explanation will satisfy the committee that the bill ought to pass.
    Mr. WASHBURN, of Maine. I should like to ask the gentleman from Oregon a question. Will the gentleman state about how much the expenditures will amount to?
    Mr. LANE. My opinion is that they will amount to about $150,000; perhaps a little over or a little under. I cannot, however, say exactly.
    Mr. WASHBURN. The language of the bill is rather wide. It provides for appropriating money for the expenditures for all necessary and proper supplies. Now, would it not be well enough to have some limitation as to the full amount?
    Mr. LANE. I am very willing to say that it shall not exceed $175,000, if the committee desire that there shall be a restriction. But I have confidence in the Secretary of War. I have confidence in his ability, integrity and honesty, and in his capacity to judge from the papers what allowances are reasonable. He will allow nothing wrong, and we ask nothing but what is right. Let me say here that, so far as I was concerned, I settled my accounts on the spot. I went out as a volunteer, but I received while there a commission as brigadier general from the acting Governor of the Territory. As soon as I could ride down from the portion of the country where the war took place, I returned the commission with a note on it that I charged nothing for my services; that I would not receive anything for them then, or at any future time, nor will I.
    But that was not the case with others. Many persons left their business and hurried to the rescue of the people there, when the Indians were about to tomahawk men, women and children; and this would have been done, had it not been for the noble conduct of Captain Alden and those brave men who volunteered in their defense. All I ask is that these men shall be paid, and that the actual and necessary expenses of the war shall also be paid. I hope no further explanations will be necessary.
"Thirty-Third Congress," Daily Globe, Washington, D.C., May 6, 1854, page 4




Dear General
    We reached this place 12 o'clock on yesterday. We have visited all the bands on our way down and up to the Great Bend. They are all very friendly and kind to us and to all sensible white men. I shall investigate the Miller matter here; this will detain us some time longer than I had anticipated but justice requires it. We are all well and in good spirits. In case you arrive at Port Orford before us I suppose you will have to wait our arrival. This shall be done with as much dispatch as the circumstances will permit.
    I have the honor to be your obt servant
To Hon. Joel Palmer
    Supt Ind Affairs
        Dayton Oregon T.


Friend Lane
    After my respects to you--hoping this may, when received, find you in good health--the most invaluable blessing we mortals can possess in the world, &c.
    I will give a brief statement of our election in the Territory so far as heard from. Washington County has gone Whig entire with the exception of one representative, and Meek for Colonel who was elected by one vote.  160 for Convention, 694 against, &c.  Marion County has carried the Democratic ticket entire with the exception of Sheriff; against Convention 393.  Whole number votes cast 1,131. Linn County Democratic ticket elected entire--majority for Conv. 287. Benton County--representatives one Dem., one Whig, the balance Dem. ticket elected with exception one county commissioner; for Conv. 181 against Conv. 320. Yamhill County--the Dem. ticket elected with the exception of one Representative--a small maj. for Conv. Polk County--the entire Dem. ticket elected, majority for Conv. 84. Clackamas County--the entire Dem. ticket elected--with the exception of one county commissioner.  J. B. Preston, Whig, was elected by a small majority. Majr. against Conv. 170. Wasco County send a Dem. to the Legislature. Lane County is Democratic; 750 majority for Conv. Douglas County Democratic, large majority for Conv., in Winchester precinct out of 77 votes, 66 for Conv. In Umpqua there is a close run between Ladd Dem. and Thompson Whig.  County strongly for Conv.  It is generally believed here that Convention will carry by a small majority.  This is all so far as heard from.
    J. C. Avery has qualified as postal agent and will enter on the duties of the office on the 1st of July.
    I saw our friend Lovejoy on Saturday last; he seems a good deal mortified at his removal.  I wrote you last mail in relation to his being destitute of any ready means for a support.  I feel for him.  And thought very hard against the Department for turning him out when I last wrote you.  But upon mature reflection of the matter, I have come to the conclusion that the Post Office Department could not do otherwise than it has done in the premises.  The office is an intricate one, and one to give satisfaction requires eternal vigilance and industry in an agent, and in my own mind I have concluded that he was guilty of dereliction of the duties of the office.  This is my private opinion.
    I have no doubt but that you have many applications from our Democratic friends in this Territory asking your good graces and influence for any office that may be created or become vacant in the Territory, that they may have the appointment.  I will for the first time will request it of you (should it meet your approbation) if this should reach in time to present my name for a receiver of public money in the Land Office about to be established in this Territory, I am conscious that I can discharge the duties of the office.  Otherwise, I should have said nothing in the premises about myself. 
    But I really do think old Clackamas is deserving of something--and I should be glad if Lovejoy could get an office that would pay.
    We have had, and up to this time [have] a great deal of cold, cloudy weather differing entirely from any spring that I have witnessed in this Territory.
    You will write the true situation of the Cayuse War claim audited by A. E. Wait in favor of A. L. Lovejoy for over 200 dollars and transferred in favor of A. J. Cason at your very earliest convenience. 
    I must beg your pardon for this obtruding myself and others and their wants upon your time and patience, but I feel that if I have done wrong in this, your goodness    will pardon my presumption.
    With my best respects and well wishes for your health, prosperity & happiness, I am your friend,
Hon. J. Lane



Sir,
    I will thank you to ascertain and report to me what expenditures were incurred by Gen. Lane, as Superintendent of Indian Affairs in Oregon, for blankets &c. in obtaining the surrender of Indians accused of murder at Fort Nisqually and also what moneys were paid out by him to counsel for their defense in the trial for the murder and whether he received credit therefor, and if so under what authority of law or otherwise.
Chas. E. Mix Esqr.
    Acting Commr. of Indian Affrs.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 375-376.



Sir
    I have the honor to acknowledge the rcpt. of your communication of day before yesterday enclosing a copy of the certificate of O. C. Pratt in relation to services rendered by Kintzing Pritchett Esqr. as counsel for certain Cayuse Indians who were tried in the year 1851 for the murder of Dr. Whitman and family.
    At the time the Indians were brought to trial, I was Governor of the Territory of Oregon and ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affrs., and I hereby certify that Kintzing Pritchett was appointed by Judge Pratt at my request, and in accordance with a promise made by me to the prisoners and the Cayuse Nation, counsel for the prisoners at the trial, and performed the duty assigned him with zeal and ability. He is in my opinion entitled to compensation, and I do not consider the amount designated in the certificate of Judge Pratt as more than is reasonable and just.
NARA Series M234 Letters Received by the Office of Indian Affairs 1824-81, Roll 609 Oregon Superintendency, 1856, frames 379-381.



Hon Jo Lane
    Washington
        D.C.
P.S.  I would like Capt. Alden to see this letter and the newspapers. It will give him a view of a new phase in frontier life that is decidedly rich.  J.P.G.




    On my way to this city, after having a little row with the Rogue River Indians, I stopped in Oregon City to see my mills. And here I may say that those mills nearly ruined me. Their purchase was the worst thing I ever did. I agreed to give near $100,000 for them. I gave the earnings of twenty years of my life, and have now sold out for one-third what they cost me. I am not now the owner of a single mill.
Joseph Lane, "Congressional," Oregon Statesman, Salem, July 4, 1854, pages 1- 2



Sir:
    I have examined the communication left here by you of Mr. McCarty, making certain inquiries respecting a treaty which he understood to have been made with the Sioux and other Indians west of the Rocky Mountains about one year since, wherein they were to have a certain annuity for granting permission to emigrants to pass through their country unmolested and providing indemnification for depredations committed by the Indians.
    I presume Mr. McCarty must have had reference to a treaty made with the Sioux and other Indians at Fort Laramie on the 17th of September 1851, as the Sioux tribe reside east of the Rocky Mountains. If so, the said treaty made no provision for indemnification, but merely authorizes the President to withhold the whole or a portion of the annuities from the nation guilty of the violation of any of the provisions of said treaty until in the opinion of the President of the United States, proper satisfaction shall have been made.  Mr. McCarty's letter is herewith returned.
Hon. Jos. Lane,
    H. of Reps.


My dear Genl.,
    Mr. Guthrie sent for me this morning to have a talk about your accounts. He is quite out of patience and says that a settlement must be had, that is, that your accounts must be rendered without further delay. Now my dear friend I have from time to time begged the [Treasury] Department to let you have time and all would be satisfactorily arranged, but he appears to be determined to wait but little longer. He spoke of seven thousand dollars advanced you on going out. Now I am satisfied that if you will render an account showing the items of expenditure on your way with your family that you will be allowed this seven thousand, but he cannot, he holds, allow the round sum of $7000 without knowing how and for what purpose it had been expended, the balance you can account for, make out your accounts and certify or swear to them so far as your disbursements were made, and if you claim for building wharf or anything else that you have disbursed, which you cannot get allowed. Petition Congress for relief, and I will try and obtain the passage of a law authorizing the Secretary to allow in settling your accounts, but by all means if your account can be settled without, do not apply for relief. I am very anxious about your accounts and greatly hope that you may be able to close up. You may rest assured that you shall not be disturbed if I can help it. I am for you under all circumstances and at all times, know well your honesty, Democracy and integrity. Again allow me to say lose no time in closing up.
    I am gratified to know that you and other friends are pleased with the little castigation administered to the delegate from Washington. He is a great scamp, and will not do either credit or good to his Territory.
    I have attended to your Globe subscription. They will forward.
    Respects to your family and friends.
Genl. John Adair
   
I shall be a candidate for nomination for next delegate.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library





[Below is a preliminary draft of Joel Palmer's annual report, part of the 1854 Annual Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, available online here. The final version reveals lengthy deletions.]
Sir,
    I respectfully submit the following report of affairs in this superintendency during the past year.
    With a few exceptions the Indians remain in a condition differing little from that exhibited in my last report. Much excitement has existed at various times among the settlers and miners in the southern and southwestern districts, of which my former communications advised you to some extent. Outrages, in which whites and Indians, in turn, were the aggressors, have occurred, resulting in the death of a few of our citizens and many of the natives. These occurrences, especially the massacre of the natives at Coquille and Chetco, caused serious apprehensions of a general outbreak of hostilities in the Pt. Or'd. Dist. Frequent acts of violence during the winter, the sufferings of the Indians on the reserve from disease and want, the refusal of Tipsey and his band to come upon the reserve, and other causes, produced a state of affairs equally threatening in the Rogue River country.
    I determined at the close of the rainy season to visit the scene of those disturbances, and also if the condition of affairs permitted carry into effect my plans of exploration, which I have heretofore announced. Accordingly about the first of April I set out with a small party and a few pack animals, conveying, besides the necessary equipage of the expedition, some farming utensils and supplies for the tribes treated with in September, and a few presents for other Indians.
    I had before leaving home purchased and shipped a considerable quantity of Indian goods to Port Orford to await my arrival at that point.
    On my route I visited several bands of the Umpquas. I found many of them wretched, sickly, and almost starving. Their habits being exceedingly improvident, and the winter unusually severe, they had been kept from perishing by the limited assistance afforded by a few humane settlers.
    Through the operation of the law lately enacted, prohibiting the sale of firearms and ammunition to Indians, they can no longer procure game, rendered scarce and timid by the presence of the white man, and the cultivation of the soil, together with the grazing of large herds of domestic animals, has greatly diminished the subsistence derived from native roots and seeds.
    They said, truly, that they were once numerous and powerful, but now few and weak, that they had always been friendly to the whites and desired them to occupy their lands, that they wanted but a small spot on which they might live in quiet. Many of their number, they said, had been killed by the whites in retaliation for wrongs committed by Indians of other tribes, and that they had never offered violence in return. They claimed it is but just in return for lands once yielding them abundant supplies that they should receive the means of subsistence for the few years they will exist.
    A few presents were made them, and sub-agent Martin instructed to secure them small tracts of lands, on which I learn they are now cultivating potatoes, corn, peas and other vegetables, giving promise that under the wise and fostering care of government they may become a domestic and agricultural people. The seventeen bands or villages of this tribe number 566 souls. The country of the Umpquas east is bounded by the Cascade Mountains, the Umpqua Mountains and coast on the west, Calapooia Mountains on the north and Grave Creek and Rogue River south, an area of not less than 3600 square miles, much of which is already settled by the whites, to 800 square miles. Of this tract the Indians' title is extinguished by the treaty with the Cow Creek Band.
    Near the Grave Creek Hills resides the feeble remnant of several bands once numerous and warlike. Their constant aggressions and treacherous conduct has brought upon them the heavy hand of vengeance, both of the whites and Indians. They speak the Umpqua language, and though so different in character may be regarded as belonging to that tribe. I declined making them any presents, and told them to expect nothing until they should merit it by their good conduct.
    I found the Indians of the Rogue River Valley excited and unsettled. The hostilities of last summer had prevented the storing of the usual quantity of foods; the occupation of their best root grounds by the whites greatly abridged that resource; their scanty supplies and the unusual severity of the winter had induced disease, and death had swept away nearly one-fifth of those residing on the reserve. Consternation and dismay prevailed; many had fled, and others were preparing to fly to the mountains for security.
    Tipsey, the chief of the party visited by General Lane at the close of the war, who, with the consent of the Rogue Rivers, had agreed to remove with his band to the reserve, and had accordingly received a part of the goods distributed in pursuance of the treaty, now refused peremptorily to come in, and his people showed their hostility and malignant temper by the murder of an inoffensive settler, taking his arms and ammunition, and laying his body with that of his dog as his own door. The principal actor in this tragedy was Tipsey's son, who boasted of the deeds to other Indians and declared his determination to continue his atrocities, having already with his party stolen a number of horses, destroyed cattle and robbed houses.
    An ingenious plan was laid to combine the Indians in a hostile movement. This was to secretly kill Jim, a Rogue River chief, who had been very active in discovering and arresting Indians committing depredations on the whites, and controlled much the largest band in the tribe, and to fix the suspicion of his death on the whites, which would entirely destroy the confidence of the Indians in our professions, and unite them in seeking revenge.
    The plan was carried out so far as the murder of the chief. He was shot from a house in Jacksonville occupied by whites who were then from home. The perpetrator, a young Indian, instantly fled, but fortunately was seen leaving the house by the friends of the chief, thus the perfidious scheme was frustrated. Such have been the efforts on the part of unfriendly Indians to break the late treaty, and plunge us back into war; and it is feared that white persons have not been wanting who from revengeful or mercenary motives have attempted to effect the same object.
    Prior to my arrival, Agent Culver, accompanied by Capt. Smith with a command of thirty soldiers, had scoured the country occupied by the bands of Limpy, John, Elijah and Tipsey and succeeded in inducing Elijah's bands to start for the reserve, but near Jacksonville they nearly all dispersed and fled to the mountains. A few families remaining with the chief camped among the miners.
    On my arrival at the fort I proceeded with Mr. Culver to Elijah's camp, and after a talk messengers were dispatched to collect the fugitives, and the families present put on their move to the reserve, where days afterwards the chief was joined by his entire band. Lieut. Bradford with 40 dragoons was sent in pursuit of Tipsey to bring him and his murderous band, if possible, to justice. I accompanied the command for five days without success. When called by other duties I returned to Fort Lane, leaving the detachment still in pursuit. I may here say that Tipsey after repeated acts of robbery and the murder of a white man on the Siskiyou Mountain was, it is said, slain, together with his son, by the Shasta Indians, and his band dispersed, some of whom are probably still prowling among the mountains.
    I next visited the Etch-ka-taw-wah or Applegate Creek and the Haw-quo-e-hov-took or Illinois Creek bands, usually called the Shasta bands of Rogue Rivers. At the time of my arrival great consternation prevailed from intelligence that the miners from Althouse and Sailor Diggings were about to come down and wipe them out. The bloody attack upon them last winter in which seven squaws and two children were killed and several men and children wounded, gave them but too much cause to be alarmed by this report.
    They consequently fled from camps to the mountains. Some boys of this band residing with a gentleman named Mooney on Deer Creek were with him dispatched to the Indians with a request to meet me in council. On the second day after I had the satisfaction of seeing them generally come in, and arrangements were made for their immediate removal to a reserve, the consent of the Rogue Rivers being previously obtained. The details of a treaty were left for subsequent action. The same day under the escort of Mr. Mooney they were on their way to the reserve.
    A portion of the country claimed by the Applegate band was included in the treaty of purchase made in Sept. last at Table Rock, but a considerable tract lay west of the country ceded, and John, the patriarch of his band, who came in after the signing of the treaty and received a portion of the goods had returned to this branch of his family. For reasons set forth in Agent Culver's report these Indians have since been permitted to return to their old homes, where they still remain. With the exception of a few lodges near the mouth of Illinois Creek and Limpy's and George's bands, near the mouth of Applegate Creek, these bands have the controlling influence over all Indians between Rogue River on the north, the territorial boundary on the south, the Coast Mountains west and Applegate Creek east.
    I continued my route up Illinois Creek to its head; across the divide to Smith's River in California; down Smith's River till within ten or twelve miles of Crescent City; thence S.W. to the coast; thence on the coast to our southern boundary, recrossing Smith's River fifteen miles north of Crescent City.
    On Illinois Creek and its tributaries there is considerable good farming lands, and a few claims are already taken. From this creek to Smith's River the country is mountainous and barren, with a growth of scrubby pine and spruce and a variety of underbrush, and is wholly unsuited to agriculture. But the entire country from Jacksonville to the coast is a mining region rich with gold and as such is now extensively occupied. On the trail, being the great thoroughfare from Jacksonville to Crescent City, there are houses at convenient distances for the accommodation of travelers. Near the coast and along Smith's River are tracts of excellent land, much of it covered with a dense forest of redwoods. Some trees are over twenty feet in diameter. There are a few prairies of great fertility and abounding in various kinds of luxuriant grass. About three miles north of our boundary line a stream empties into the ocean designated on the map of the coast survey as Illinois River--the Indian name Chetco. Here are many indications of having once resided a numerous people. In the fall of 1853 one Miller and several associates located land claims in this vicinity. They first built their houses about a quarter of a mile from the mouth of the river, to which the Indians made no objection. Subsequently knowing that the newly discovered mines would attract a large population, they projected a town speculation, formed an association, and selected a site at the mouth of Chetco River. The face of the country is such that the crossing must be at the mouth of the river by a ferry; here were two Indian villages on the opposite banks of the river of twenty lodges each; this ferry was of no small importance. The new town site included one of the Indian villages, and when preparations were made to erect a house within its limits the Indians strongly protested, but at last acquiescing the cabin was built and occupied by Miller.
    Hitherto the Indians had enjoyed the benefits of the ferry, but now Miller informed them that they must no longer ferry white people. They however sometimes did so and were threatened with the destruction of their lodges unless they desisted. In February last the misunderstanding grew to such a pitch that several of the men who had been engaged in fighting Indians on Smith's River were called in by Miller and quartered in his house for nearly two weeks. Becoming unwilling to tarry longer they were about to return to their homes. Miller objected to their leaving him until they had accomplished something for his relief, as on their departure he would be subjected to the same annoyance as before. Accordingly the next morning at daylight the party, consisting of 8 or 9 well-armed men, attacked the village. As the Indians came from their lodges twelve of them were shot dead by these monsters. The women and children were permitted to escape.
    Three men remained in the lodges and returned the fire with bows and arrows. Being unable to get a sight of these Indians they ordered two squaws, pets in the family of Miller, to set fire to the lodges. In the conflagration two were consumed and the third while raising his head through the flame and smoke for breath was shot dead. What adds to the atrocity of the deed is that shortly before the massacre the Indians were induced to sell the whites their guns, under the pretext that friendly relations were firmly established. The Indians kept up a random fire without effect from the opposite village during the day and at night fled to the mountains. The next day all the lodges on the north bank were burned and the day following all on the south, two excepting belonging to the friend of an Indian who acted with Miller and party. This horrible tragedy was enacted about the 15th of February and on my arrival on the 8th of May the place was in the peaceable possession of Miller. Seeing a few Indians on an island in the river I took a boat and proceeded to that point with a view of holding a talk. All except an old woman and small boy fled on my approach. With these we could only converse by signs. I gave them some presents and sent the boy to persuade the Indians to return. Another boy alone accompanied him back. I gave each a shirt and sent them again, but no others could be induced to approach us. I left a few shirts and some tobacco for the chiefs with a settler who could converse with them and directed him to tell them that I would soon send an agent to see them. After the massacre the Indians several times approached the settlement, robbed houses, and once attacked three men, but succeeded in killing none. Twenty-three Indians and several squaws were killed prior to my arrival.
    Miller was subsequently arrested and placed in the custody of the military at Port Orford, but on his examination before a justice of the peace was set at large on the grounds of justification and want of sufficient evidence to commit.
    The details of a similar occurrence at Coquille have been laid before you in a copy of the report of Special Agent F. M. Smith of the circumstantial truthfulness of which I am fully satisfied. These narratives will give you some idea of the state of affairs in the mining districts on this coast. Arrests are evidently useless, as no act of a white man against an Indian however atrocious can be followed by a conviction.
    A detailed statement of Indian affairs in the Port Orford district will be found in the accompanying report of Agent Parrish. He enumerates twelve district bands with an aggregate population of 1311 souls and includes them all in the Tututni tribe. These bands however speak at least four distinct languages and but few in each band can converse with those of another. Those grouped as one band often reside in several villages. These bands are scattered over a great extent of country along the coast and upon the small streams from California to 20 miles north of the Coquille and from the ocean to the summit of the Coast Range of mountains. Several bands I visited in person and directed Mr. Taylor to accompany and assist the agent in ascertaining the numbers of the remainder. Excepting the Chetcos and the Coquilles I found these Indians at peace with the whites and among themselves. They are willing the whites should occupy their lands, provided they are permitted to retain their fisheries from which they mainly derive their subsistence. The chiefs wish their people to be taught agriculture and a few have this season planted patches of potatoes. Tobacco has long been cultivated by the bands on Rogue River. It is well tended, grows luxuriantly and is of a fine quality. These Indians are an athletic and robust race. The women perform much of the manual labor. Since the coming of the whites, many of the men have entered their employ and prove faithful and industrious. Chastity was formerly a marked trait of this tribe, and its violation on the part of the female was punished by cutting off the ears, putting out the eyes and even death. Sad changes however have taken place in this regard, and many serious difficulties have had their origin in the licentious conduct of the miners.
    The country along the coast from Umpqua River to the Ne-a-ches-na River, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, is occupied by five bands of the Tillamook tribe. They reside on the principal streams, and all speak the same language and are peaceable, healthy and well clad, assimilating to the whites in dress obtained from their occasional visits to the settlements. The Si-u-slaw band, instructed by a French man residing among them, have commenced the cultivation of the soil and have several well-tended patches of potatoes. This band with proper care would soon become an industrious and happy community. Polygamy is common among them, one chief having eight and another six wives. Their wives are usually purchased from other bands and often reside in several distant villages. A few presents to these people gave much satisfaction.
    I have in a former communication spoken of a part of the region occupied by these bands as well suited for the colonization of the Indians found west of the Cascade Range including the Umpquas. But since my visit I am less favorably impressed. Except a few narrow margins on the coast bays and streams and some small islands, the entire country is a dense forest. Within a few years much of the timber has been destroyed by fire, and an almost impenetrable underbrush has arisen in its stead. The valleys are narrow and hemmed in by precipitous spurs of the Coast Range, rendering communication between them exceedingly difficult.
    Much of the upland is sufficiently even to admit of cultivation and has a fertile soil, but the skill, enterprise and wealth of advanced civilization alone could develop its resources. To a sparse, roaming, savage population, no portion of Oregon yields a greater abundance and variety of spontaneous products for their sustenance. Mussels deeply encase the rocks from the ocean along the coast, several species of clams abound on the beach, and crabs in the bays, while salmon, herrings, sardines and other fish in perpetual succession visit the streams. The mountains yield a profusion of berries, and the lowlands at the proper season swarm with wild fowl.
    Between the Siuslaw and Ne-a-ches-na is a country large enough to settle all the Indians in the Willamette, Umpqua and coast, but they would be required to live in small detached communities, in scarcely accessible valleys, and a great number of farmers, mechanics, teachers and agents would be required for their proper instruction and control.
    The transfer of Mr. Parrish to the Port Orford district leaves the Willamette Valley without an agent, and the care of the district has fallen directly on this office. My explorations in other parts of the trip prevented my visiting all bands within its limits, but their condition has changed but little since my last report.
    A treaty of purchase negotiated with the Tualatin band of Calapooias on the 25th of March last has been transmitted, accompanied by a letter explaining the causes which led to such action. Aided by the articles supplied in pursuance of this treaty, this band put in crops which compared favorably with those of their white neighbors, but unfortunately, owing to insufficient fencing, during their absence gathering berries the hogs broke in and destroyed a large part. The liberal provisions of this treaty have contributed much to incline the other tribes of this valley to enter into similar negotiations, and little difficulty will attend treaties of purchase whenever authorized. For the condition of the Indians in the sub-agency of Astoria, you are referred to the two accompanying reports of sub-agent Raymond.
    The desire of the few Indians on Clatsop Plains to remove further south, and the fact that the great body of the Indians under his care reside on Nehalem River and about Tillamook Bay, have led me to permit the sub-agent's removal to the latter point, and to extend his district further down the coast.
    The report of agent R. R. Thompson, enclosing that of the Catholic mission at the Dalles of the Columbia, is so minute and full as scarcely to render additional remark necessary. A map prepared by Major Hallar, United States army, shows the location and extent of country occupied by the various tribes of this district. I fully concur in the suggestions of Mr. Thompson in regard to the importance of increasing the present military force in middle Oregon by a body of dragoons, so stationed as to move with celerity upon any point threatened with hostilities. To this end, I would respectfully recommend that a military post be established as far east as Boise River. The security it would afford travelers passing through that region; its proximity to the numerous bands inhabiting the country along Lewis's fork, or Snake River and its tributaries; its being near the forks of the road diverging into northern and middle Oregon; and the probability of a third road on the north side of Snake River, passing through the valley of Salmon River into the Nez Perces country and Washington Territory--render this, in a military point of view, an important position. [Material in italics above and below is taken from a version online, to restore a page missing from the Lane papers.]
    Extensive meadows on Boise River would afford abundant supplies of grass and hay for whatever amount of stock might be brought into requisition, and it is believed that the soil, besides producing the usual varieties of cereal grains, is well adapted to the growth of vegetables usual in the northern states.
    Cavalry alone can be effectively used in the required service. The expense of this class of troops at so remote a point will be great, but this will not certainly be regarded as a serious obstacle, when it affords the only means of securing the lives and property of our citizens from the violence and cupidity of the ruthless savage.
    So long as these Indians remain occupants of that district unrestrained by the military arm, we may expect robbery and bloodshed, as they increase yearly in skill and boldness, and are more abundantly supplied with arms and ammunition by imprudent emigrants and reckless traders.
    Should it nevertheless be considered inadvisable to establish a permanent post so far inland, it would appear absolutely necessary to detail a company of mounted men each year to scour the country between Grand Ronde and Fort Hall during the transit of the emigration.
    Official information has been received that an emigrant train has been cut off this season by these savages; eight men have been murdered, and four women and a number of children taken captive, to endure sufferings and linger out an existence more terrible than death. Of this party a lad wounded and left for dead by the Indians alone survives; other trains may meet a similar fate, and none be left to tell the tale. 
    East of the Cascade Mountains and south of the 44th parallel is a country not attached particularly to any agency. That portion of the eastern base of this range extending twenty-five or thirty miles east and south to the California line is the country of the Klamath Indians. East of this tribe along our southern boundary and extending some distance into California is a tribe known as the Modocs. They speak the same language as the Klamaths. East of these again but extending farther south are the Mo-e-twas. These two last named tribes have always evinced a deadly hostility to the whites and have probably committed more outrages than any other interior tribe. The Modocs boast, the Klamaths told me, of having within the last four years murdered thirty-six whites.
    East of these tribes and extending to our eastern limits are the Shoshones, Snakes or Diggers. Little is known of their numbers or history. They are cowardly, but often attack weaker parties, and never fail to avail themselves of a favorable opportunity for plunder. Their country is a desert, with an occasion spot of verdure on the margins of lakes or in deep ravines and chasms.
    Dry, sandy plains of artemisia; lofty, rugged barren mountains, and chasms of fearful depth threaded by rivers, are the prominent features of this region. Though uninviting and unsuited for the abode of man or animal, the romance and novelty may allure some western adventurer to fix his domicile in these wastes and afford shelter and protection to the weary wayfarer to these western shores.
    On a recent visit to Klamath Lake, I assembled a considerable portion of the Klamaths and entered into a conventional arrangement or treaty of peace, which I believe them inclined to observe. Every manifestation was given by them that such was their desire. Messengers were sent to the Modocs and Moetwas and to the Snakes bordering these tribes, and I confidentially believe little trouble will this year be given the emigration in that quarter.
    The Klamaths were once numerous, but wars with the surrounding tribes and conflicts among themselves have rendered them weak. They now number but four hundred and fifteen souls. Seven villages are around Klamath Lake; ten on a stream called Pli-ac Creek east of the lake, three on To-qua Lake, and one on Co-as-to Lake. Their lodges are generally mere temporary structures, scarcely sheltering them from the pelting storm. Some of them have visited the settlements and obtained tents, camp equipage and clothing.
    They possess a few horses and among them I saw four guns, but they had no ammunition. The bow and arrow, knife and war club constitute their weapons. In one of their lodges I noticed an elk-skin shield, so constructed as to be impervious to the sharpest arrows.
    Their principal food is the camas root, and the seed obtained from a plant growing in the marshes of the lake resembling before hulled a broom corn seed. This seed is encased in a pod of the shape and size of the bell pepper. It is gathered in great quantities.
    Klamath Lake or marsh affords no fish, but To-qua Lake and the stream draining Klamath, below the falls, fifteen miles distant, abounds in suckers of a fine quality. A few antelope are found in the plains and on the mountains around.
    Yellow and sugar pine with spruce constitute the principal varieties of timber, the two former sometimes of immense size. On the elevated table lands skirting the base of the Cascade Range, extending south from the Ta-ih more than a hundred miles, the juniper, yielding vast quantities of berries, abounds.
    Klamath Lake has been represented as the source of Des Chutes or Fall River, and also of a stream flowing south into the bay of San Francisco. None of its waters flow north. A high timbered plain of more than twenty miles in width, strewn with pumice stone, extending from the Cascade Mountains eastwardly a great distance, intervenes between this lake or marsh and the Des Chutes. The last-named river has its source in the mountains twenty or thirty miles northwest of Klamath Lake. The waters of this lake from its outlet have a southerly course for about twenty-five miles, where they expand into To-qua Lake, a large sheet of water bordered by beautiful meadows, and having an arm extending some miles to the northwest, called Lake Co-as-ta.. Leaving To-qua the course of the river is east of south twenty or twenty-five miles into a lake called by the Indians An-coose. This lake, margined by extensive tulé marshes, lies east of the course of the stream known thence as the Klamath River. Its course is first northwesterly, then west through the Shasta country to the ocean. It is thought the 42nd parallel of latitude lies between To-qua and An-coose lakes. The stream on which is the Natural Bridge, improperly so called, being a ledge of rock resting in the deep the channel and forming a ford, over which the southern Oregon road passes, leads east of Toqua Lake, and is called by the Indians Tak-a-licks. It empties into the Mo-doc, or, as called by the whites, Tulé Lake, which, like many others in this region, has no visible outlet. From the Natural Bridge the road passes round the southern end of Ancoose Lake, where it forks; the one road leads northerly across Klamath River, over the mountains, to the settlements near the head of Bear or Stuart's Creek, in the Rogue River Valley; the other to Y-re-ka, in California.
    The country around Ancoose and Modoc lakes is claimed and occupied by the Modoc Indians, the Klamaths seldom traveling so far south.
    A partial examination of the country around Klamath and Toqua lakes and their tributaries has impressed me favorably with the region as suited to the colonization of the Indians of the Willamette and Umpqua valleys. The only obstacles to be apprehended are the severity of the winters and the depth of the snows, resulting from its elevation. These may not prove serious: No white man has, I believe, wintered there; but the frail, open huts in which the natives reside indicate a favorable climate.
    An abundance of nutritious grasses borders these lakes and streams, a few specimens of which have been sent to your office. The soil is rich, and appears suited to the growth of the cereals and the usual productions of the garden. These fertile plats probably embrace an area of one hundred and fifty square miles, being ample to sustain, besides the native bands, the entire Indian population of these two valleys.
    Isolated and remote from other tracts adapted to settlement, this region seems peculiarly marked out as the asylum of these remnants of the aborigines. On the north and east, and on the south, a few fertile spots excepted, lies a vast desert waste. On the west rises a lofty range of mountains, often towering above the line of perpetual snow, only to be traversed in the summer months, and then with great danger and toil. All necessary supplies could, at the proper season, be transported from the Willamette Valley over the mountains by the middle road to the crossing of the Des Chutes, whence a good wagon road may be easily opened to Klamath Lake--distant about 40 miles.
    The Indians of the two valleys have heretofore generally expressed a decided opposition to removing east of the Cascade Mountains, but I am persuaded their consent can now be easily obtained, should such become the policy of the government, and proper guarantees of sustenance and protection be given. The district recommended is not so remote as to prevent their occasional visits to the settlements--a privation which, having become accustomed to mingle with the whites, they would regard as a great calamity.
    In my first annual report I recommended the appointment of three agents and four sub-agents. I am deeply impressed with the importance of at least this number, in order properly to occupy the field of duty. One of the sub-agents should, as heretofore, have charge of the Indians in the Willamette Valley and those on the southern bank of the Columbia from the Cascade Falls to Oak Point. The other three should be stationed at eligible points on the coast. Our Pacific border is not less than 350 miles in extent; with occasional intervals of no more than twenty miles in a place, the whole is occupied by Indians.
    The whites are also established at several points along this coast engaged in mining, commerce and agriculture, and between them and the natives difficulties often arise requiring the prompt intervention of an agent. The ruggedness of the country and distance to be traveled render a less number on the coast wholly inadequate to efficient action. The Umpqua Valley should be reannexed to the agency of Rogue River Valley. The country east of the Cascade Range erected into two agency districts, divided by the forty-fourth parallel of latitude.
    The extent of the territory, the hostile character of the Indians, and the fact that three routes of immigration to our shores traverse almost the entire distance from east to west, render the establishment of two agencies in that region of Oregon, in my opinion, very important. The agent for the southeastern district should at present reside in the vicinity of the Klamath Lake.
    Should the country around Klamath and Toqua lakes be designated as an Indian settlement, the establishment for a few years of an efficient force of mounted men, within a convenient distance to afford security to the agent and other employees, as well as those passing through the country, and to enforce obedience to the laws and regulations of the government, would be indispensable. But should a military post be established on Boise River, as suggested, and an adequate force stationed at Fort Lane, small parties of soldiers traversing the country between these points, diverging to the right and left, during the summer season, would, it is believed, be sufficient to secure safety and order. [Section deleted from text; paragraph substituted from final version.]
    Treaties for the purchase of the country of the more numerous and warlike tribes of this territory, and the removal and concentration of all at suitable and convenient points, where the agents of the government can watch over, instruct, and protect them, and thus convince them of our humane intentions, can alone secure peace while they exist, or elevate them in the social scale above their present savage state.
    When thus collected and colonized, Congress should enact a wise and equitable, yet stringent code of laws for their government, at first to be administered wholly by citizens of the United States. But as the Indians advanced in civilization and intelligence, let the administration of the laws pass into their own hands; and so also the other powers of government, until they should at last be vested with power to enact and administer all their local and municipal regulations.
    Such a code as I have recommended, superseding their chieftain rule, their tribal distinctions, and savage customs, will alone be of permanent advantage, and restrain them from petty thefts, plunder and violence, deeds which their savage minds regard as tending to ennoble rather than degrade.
    I have been unable to prepare an entirely accurate enumeration of all the tribes and bands in this superintendency, but the accompanying table is believed to approximate very nearly the actual number of Indians in this territory. I also transmit a table showing the size and other characteristics of Indians, with remarks, taken by Mr. Oris Taylor in the Port Orford district; also, a list of many words in the language of the Rogue River tribe.
    A map showing the boundaries of the several districts, and the locations of the various bands and tribes, is in progress of preparation, and will be transmitted to you at an early day.
    The whole amount of receipts for current expenses in this superintendency within the year ending June 30, 1854, is . . . $28,230.77
    The disbursements from June 23rd, 1853, to June 30, 1854 is . . . $34,014.22⅓
    Leaving an excess of disbursements over receipts of . . . $5,783.45⅓
    The amount of liabilities [of] this superintendency for salaries, presents, traveling and incidental expenses up to the 30th June last will exceed eight thousand dollars over and above the claims referred to in a letter from this office dated July 25th, 1854.
    The following estimates are submitted for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1856.
    Salary of superintendent and three agents . . . $7,000.00
    Salary of four sub-agents and ten interpreters . . . $8,000.00
    Clerk hire; house and office rent, light and stationery of superintendent; and office rent for agents and sub-agents . . . $4,000.00
    Contingent and incidental expenses . . . $4,500.00
    Presents and provisions for Indians . . . $3,000.00
    Building two agents' houses and offices, one in Rogue River district, the other in the proposed southeastern district . . . $3,000.00
    Payment of annuities to Rogue River and Cow Creek bands . . . $3,050.00
    Traveling expenses of superintendent, agents, and sub-agents . . . $6,500.00
    Farmhouse and outbuildings on Table Rock reserve . . . $2,000.00
    Pay of farmers on Table Rock reserve . . . $1,000.00
    For erection of smith shop & purchase of iron and tools for same, and pay of smith . . . $1,550.00
    Total . . . $43,600.00
    In reference to the superintendency house at Milwaukie, I would reiterate the language of my letter of the 27 May, 1853:
    "The present building, in construction and style of finish, is fitted only for a private residence, and possesses none of the conveniences suitable for an office. This house is so constructed as to require in order to furnish it suitably an outlay of means unwarranted by the limited salary of the superintendent. I feel quite confident that a location more central and much more convenient for the superintendent, agents, and Indians who may visit the superintendency, can be made; and that the necessary buildings--dwelling-house, office, warehouse and other conveniences--can be erected at a less cost than that incurred in the erection of this house alone."
    I would therefore recommend the sale of said building, and the lot of four acres of land whereon it is erected, and the application of the proceeds to the erection of suitable buildings for the use of the superintendency, at some point hereafter to be selected.



Dear Genl.,
    Yours of August 3rd came to hand per last mail. I regret to hear of your ill health and trust that you may speedily recover.
    The news of Guthrie's & Wilcox' appointment was received by the last mail. The latter appointment gives great satisfaction here. I wish I could say as much of the former. It is regarded here as a very unfortunate selection in many respects. Others more capable and who had rendered service to the party think that their claims had been overlooked. I think that I can appreciate your situation, as I am led to suppose that Guthrie's appointment is more the result of his uncle's position than of your recommendation.
    I called on Mr. Guthrie last week to see what he intends doing in relation to the debts which I understand he assumed for the milling company. He informed me that he never agreed to pay but three eighths of those debts, and that he had already done so, and that he was under no obligation to pay my demand and should not do so. This as a matter of course astonished me as it was my understanding that he and Farrar assumed the debts. My demand is $1060 money actually loaned to Nat to prosecute the business of the company. It is drawing nominally no interest while I am compelled to pay three percent per month.
    I regard this as rather a hard case and would be glad if you could suggest what I had better do in the matter. I have purchased a farm and am in great want of the money but shall have to want it worse than I ever did before I ask Guthrie for it again. If my recourse was against him I should lose no time in trying to secure my rights. Farrar I think is an honest man and manifests no disposition to avoid his share of the responsibility in the matter, but is too poor to do anything. I regret that I should be compelled to trouble you about this matter, but my necessities are my only apology, besides I have exhausted my resources with Guthrie. He says that you deceived him in relation to the property and the amount of the debts, but I know that this is only an excuse to avoid their payment.
    John is attending school. He commenced boarding last week with a mess composed of young men who board themselves in the Institute building. My wife's health is so poor that it is inconvenient to keep boarders. Lafayette returned a few days ago from home with Mr. Floed, and they have now gone on a visit to Portland. Lafayette says that he is agoing to attend a school near home this winter.
    You need give yourself no uneasiness about John's wants (or Lafayette if he stops here). I shall keep him supplied as long as I have anything.
    You will see by the Oregon papers that the Indians have massacred some of the emigrants near Fort "Boise" on Snake River. Curry is waiting to hear more definite news and will perhaps order out a detachment of volunteers, in which case I shall accompany them.
    We are in a deplorable state here for the want of arms and ammunition; cannot you take some steps to have the War Department supply us with our quota of the public arms so that we can defend ourselves in cases of emergency?
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Genl.,
    By this mail you will learn of the massacre of a portion of the emigrants near Fort Boise on Snake River.
    I was absent attending court at Lafayette when Gov. Curry issued his proclamation. Curry acted promptly and with the best intention, but I think ill-advisedly. The proclamation was countermanded at my urgent request, and you will see my reasons therefor at length in the Statesman.
    I am satisfied that you will not differ with me in relation to the expediency of a winter campaign in that cold and desolate region. You are perhaps aware that the Blue Mountains are impassable from snow for the greater part of the winter and the season is now too far advanced to forward up supplies from this valley before the mountains become impassable. The army officers deny the immediate necessity of the [paper loss] refuse their cooperation [paper loss].
    There should be an expedition sent against those Indians next spring which would exterminate them and protect the next year's emigration. The men can be easily raised in this valley if Congress will only furnish the munitions of war for its prosecution. Cannot something of the kind be authorized at an early day after the meeting of Congress?
    At any rate we should be supplied with arms and ammunition.
    Bush has spoken to me in relation to the propriety of hoisting your name for next President. I may be in error, but I am inclined to think that it would do you no good, while its tendency would be to do you a positive injury here if as he tells me you contemplate running for Delegate again.
    I understand that Pratt says that he intends to be the next Delegate and that he has written to you to decline in his favor! Rather a modest request, which if complied with on your part I think will do him but little good as the people and the party here [paper loss] recognize your right to sell [paper loss] transfer them in any way. Besides I doubt if Pratt could obtain the nomination with all your influence on his side. There is no doubt but what that he has rendered important services to the party here, and there is as little doubt about his being determined that they should forget it. He is continually trying to make his private grievances an issue in the party and thrusts them forward on all occasions, and finding that the party care nothing about them, he says that he is determined to vindicate himself.
    You know that his inordinate love of money together with his shaming propensities are sufficient to make any man unpopular. Those things together with his vanity counteract much of his usefulness. This as a matter of course is confidential. As I harbor no enmity towards Pratt I consequently have no desire to injure him.
    John is well and attending closely to his books.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Dear Father
    I have two letters from you unanswered. I will try in this to reply to both. I have furnished Melissa with all the goods she has wanted up to the present. She sent me word yesterday that she would be down soon to lay in her winter supply. I don't suppose she will take up in money and goods an amount to exceed two hundred dollars in all. I have distributed those documents according to your request.
    I discover that Pratt and other Democrats are trying to create a prejudice unfavorable to you, and to induce the Democrats to believe that you don't do as much for Oregon as might be done by one O. C. Pratt. One way they have taken is this: to make the Democrats believe you are seeking the nomination for President and that, they say, is the reason you got Guthrie appointed Receiver, in order to secure his uncle's influence and secure for yourself the Kentucky delegation in the next convention. You know your business, but I would suggest to be careful who you correspond with and what you say to those you do write to.
    Bush is all right so far, but in my opinion they will have him over before the convention meets. I understand Nesmith is all right. I know Palmer and Curry are for you. Nesmith told me he had written to you to know certain whether or not you would be a candidate. He said he wanted to know where to place himself this time. If I were you I would answer all alike that they might give you the nomination or let it alone, just as they pleased.
    The "Know Nothings" have organized in Portland and in Oregon City, and I am inclined to think they will take all over the Territory, and I fear will exert a strong influence in our next election. I should not be surprised if they carry the entire Territory, Delegate and all. I am satisfied they will have influence enough to beat all such Democratic nominees as O. C. Pratt Esqr.; therefore, if I were you I would lie back and look at the race. You may say this is not very Democratic in me, but I do assure you I am tired of all such party organizations as those that have to use so much intrigue, lying and rascality as our would-be leaders and rulers out here have to do to secure their own aggrandizement. I do think the Democratic Party in Oregon is made of the poorest, hackneyed, rotten-hearted set of office-seeking sons of bitches I ever knew. You know that I don't seek nor would not have an office, and therefore these intrigues look worse to me perhaps than they do to office-hunters. I am satisfied that every effort will be made to secure Pratt the nomination by his (Pratt's) proselytes. I wish you were in a condition to retire from public life. I would then suggest that we all emigrated to some quiet little valley in a pleasant part of California where we might cultivate the soil and have our little herd of cattle, horses and sheep and live a quiet, happy life and be free and far away from this Oregon Democracy.
    Business in this country is dull, money exceedingly scarce. I have been doing a very good little business since I came up here. I make money slow, but I save what is made. You must write to me when you get this. I will write oftener in the future. I understand that Mr. Farrar is down on you about that mill trade, says you was the means of breaking him up &c. &c. But he is small potatoes, in my opinion. I hope you will never induce another man, woman or child to come to Oregon. They are sure to become your enemies after getting here unless they are old and tried friends. Below I give three names that I want you to send documents to (address Corvallis). You will remember of seeing the two first ones in Petersburg. James Kinney, John Murray and Wm. Elliott. Since writing the above I have been told that Pratt does intend to be a candidate before the convention whether you decline or not, and also that Kelly of Oregon City will be put forth by Clackamas County, and Farrar will receive the vote of Washington County and Delazon Smith the vote of Linn County. So you see your chances for renomination are small.
    But as I said above I am of the opinion that, through the influence of the "Know Nothings," the Whigs will elect their candidate, and if I was you I wouldn't care if I didn't get the nomination. Though I would not decline in favor of any candidate. I would let my name go before the convention and there test who is the strongest Democrat in Oregon.
    Floed passed through here the other day accompanied by Mary, Winnie and Lafayette on their way to the Umpqua, all in good health. Floed and Simon are doing well, making money fast. Shelby I think will remain in Portland. He is doing very well there. Andy was down once this summer; he seemed to be very well satisfied. He thinks Oregon will do.
    Produce is worth nothing. I have refused the best kind of flour at 2½ cts. per pound, paid in goods. Butter is worth 20 to 25 cts. in goods. Everything is down. Beef will sell, but is only worth 6 cts. on foot. We have a little boy born I think since my last; he is now four months old, weighs about 20# net.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Sir
    I return herewith the report from your office of the 7 inst. upon the claim of Jesse Robinson for supplies furnished the troops engaged in the Rogue River War, for which provision is made by the act approved 17 July 1854.
    This report, in recommending the allowance of certain items, proceeds on the assumption that the quantity of forage for which claims have been presented is not more than the troops were entitled to under the regulations of the U.S. army. On the other hand, by computations made in the office of the Quartermaster General, it appears that the quantity for which payment is claimed is greatly in excess of the quantity required for issue, and the same is true in respect to the subsistence. I shall however regard the certificate of the quartermaster & commissary appointed by Capt. Alden & Genl. Lane as evidence of the quantities of supplies delivered to him and now to be paid for, but as regards their value, which is not like quantity a question of measure & weight, but one of skill and judgment, a discretion is to be exercised in the settlement, and I send a copy of a report of Capt. Alden upon this point for your information, as well as a copy of the report of this Department, in answer to a resolution of Congress calling for information in regard to these claims.
    With reference to the mode of reporting these claims for the action of this Department under the act above titled I would prefer a general statement of all the claims exhibiting the name of each claimant, items claimed, prices charged and prices recommended for allowance, omitting the evidence in support of the claim, and other particulars, which will have been fully considered by you before making your report.
Hon. Robt. J. Atkinson
    Third Auditor
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library 



Sir,
    As directed, I make a quarterly return of the manner in which each employee within this agency discharges his duty.
    Ben, an Indian, is my interpreter for the Rogue River tribe. He is well qualified and faithful.
    Alva Huddleston, Theodore Huddleston and Francis Huddleston were employed, originally, to work on the Table Rock Indian Reserve for and on account of [the] treaty of 10th September 1854. But as the labor performed by them did not equal my idea of propriety, they were discharged the earliest moment practicable. They were only retained in service after planting, long enough to gather hay for the horses in constant use at the agency, and in case it should be necessary enough to keep the cattle that belong to the reserve from starving the coming winter. (There was no money on hand to buy it, nor could other persons be hired without the money to pay them as they worked.)
    An equitable division of the expenses I deem to be that the wages and other expenses of the Huddlestons to 30 June be charged "in and on account of treaty," and all after that date "to the current expenses of the agency."
    Alva Huddleston was discharged on the 3rd and Theodore and Francis Huddleston were discharged on the 25 July last.
Joel Palmer
Supt Ind Affrs
Dayton, Yamhill Co
Oregon Territory



Dear Genl.
    Yours of August 13th came to hand by the last mail, and gave us pleasure to learn that you were recovering from your illness.
    I had written you some time before Bush's arrival asking to know your wishes in relation to the next Delegateship. Your present letter answers my inquiry on that subject. Bush has shown me a letter which he received by last mail in which you express your desire for a renomination more urgently than in the one you wrote to me, and from which it appears that certain persons have been unremitting in their endeavors to impress your mind with the idea that there is a combination among politicians here to break you down and elect some one of their own number in your place. Mr. Cason is an excellent man and incapable of a dishonest act. He has doubtless written you what he conceives to be the truth; however you should bear in mind that he is rather domestic in his habits and consequently has but little opportunity for knowing public opinion. Of Mr. Dunbar I know but little, and that to his prejudice. My opinion of the man is that disingenuousness and selfishness enter largely into his composition. He may be honest in what he has written and in so doing probably reflects to some extent the opinions of the narrow circle to which his observation is confined. He is one of your admirers, and while his efforts in your behalf can possibly do you no good, he doubtless expects someday to turn his admiration to profitable account.
    I have no doubt but what you are continually beset by correspondents who would like to frighten you with bugbears and magnify their own consequence by continual representations of their own devotion to your interests. How far such representations may influence you in your actions towards your real friends who are capable of rendering you assistance is a matter about which I have given myself no trouble.
    So far as your general course has been concerned, allow me to say that it has given the most eminent satisfaction to the great body of the party here, or at least to that branch of it to which you would naturally look for support. True, it is not to be disguised that many of your old and tried friends are dissatisfied with Guthrie's appointment, but not to such an extent as to array them against you. The fruits of that appointment are not so apparent as they will be when he comes to assume the duties of the office and be brought in contact with the people. The short of the matter is, Genl., that he did not deserve the appointment either from past services or present devotion to the party while others did; besides the man is a disgusting fool, and as I know to the tune of about eleven hundred dollars a dishonest damned knave.
    Another cause of dissatisfaction I am told exists against you in the Umpqua which is this, that the Democratic Party have been laboring for three years to put down Jesse Applegate and his influence and that now to their astonishment the said Jesse exhibits letters from you in which you extol him to the skies and promise him the appointment of surveyor on the military road, and that he shall control the disbursements of the money. At the same time he laughs at your credulity in attempting to buy up his influence, and says that he would not vote for you to save your life, and at the same time taunts Democrats by telling them that he is your confidential adviser and defies them to break down his influence with you. How far these things are true you of course know best. I am aware that you have always admired the man's talents, but supposed that your knowledge of his political dishonesty would prevent you from placing any confidence in his representations.
    I have been thus candid with you in order that you might know what I think your position here actually is. In reference to a renomination I can see nothing at present to prevent your obtaining it. The masses of the people are with you and so are the majority of the politicians who have influence. If this state of things is changed before the convention meets it will be the result of some improvident act of your own, which I think not likely to occur.
    Judge Pratt is here in town and makes no hesitation in announcing himself as a candidate. He told me this morning in the presence of Bush that he should submit his name to the convention. How far he may be induced in the accomplishment of his own purposes to take a position hostile to you is a matter of which I at present know nothing. Doubtless he will try his utmost for success. If you see proper to go into the convention against him I have no doubt of the result, and if you even go so far as to withdraw in his favor I doubt even then of his success.
    In six weeks from this time I shall probably forward my resignation of the office of Marshal to the President. I find that the office is perfectly worthless, and it will be worth less next year as the emoluments by operation of the act of Congress of Feb. 1853 reduces them fifty percent after next Feb.; besides my own private affairs demand my attention. I have purchased a farm about eight miles from here in Polk County, and shall move onto it next summer. It is the east half of old man Goff's claim. I have been unsuccessful in collecting the pay for my mill. What little ready means I had I loaned to friends, who appear to give themselves but little trouble about the matter, and the consequence is that I am driven to the extremity of going to work to earn a livelihood.
    I again find myself under the necessity of calling your attention to my demands against the milling company for the money advanced to Nat and for which I hold his note as agent for the company. I have used every endeavor in my power to collect the money without causing you any trouble. Your friend Mr. Guthrie once told me last spring that "he had undertaken to pay those debts and would do so when it was convenient but that he should not be hurried about the matter," but he now says that he never agreed to pay them and shall not do it. You know that my demand is not against him, consequently I cannot compel him to pay. Nat says that he cannot pay it, and that Guthrie has agreed to do so. The result is that I am kept out of the money and my family deprived of what justly belongs to them. If under the circumstances you can do anything to relieve me it will be taken as a great favor, or if you desire me to contribute to the luxury and support of that sprig of aristocracy, Mr. Guthrie, by my hard earnings I will take pleasure in presenting him with the demand upon your saying so.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General:
    On my return a few days since from Yreka, where I had been on a visit, I was astonished to hear of the suspension by Gen. Palmer of Mr. Culver as Indian agent on very serious charges, and I was still more astonished at the manner in which it had been done.
    It was but a matter of simple justice that Mr. Culver should have had an opportunity to defend himself before his sentence was passed upon him. As to the charges themselves, you will see by the report of the committee who undertook to examine them that they were totally unfounded and made by worthless, irresponsible men.
    You will know that I was not at first very favorably disposed towards Mr. Culver and doubted his fitness for that appointment, but I must say that my views on that point have wholly changed. I have watched the management of the Indians very closely and have been a good deal among them since you left, and I am satisfied that he alone has prevented an outbreak during the present year. You no doubt remember the state of feeling here when you left on the subject of Indians; that same feeling continued for months, and many were the threats of extermination as soon as the winter set in. All that is now changed. When the Indians commit any depredations, the whites wait patiently for redress through the Indian agent. We hear no more war talk and cursing the treaty, and on the other hand depredations by the Indians are rare and promptly punished. This change, so happy in its effects, has been mainly brought about by the quiet but decisive course of Mr. Culver. He has not thought proper to consult with every man he met in the streets about his course, but has pursued a settled course of policy, which has secured the entire confidence of both the whites and the Indians. His office has been no sinecure; he has had innumerable talks with the chiefs, and some fighting last winter, and we were on the very point of a war this summer with all the wheat crop lying out in the field, brought about by Bob Williams and another man having murdered two Indians, both about the same time, and still we are at peace. And all this time we have been left without any adequate military force.
    Now as Mr. Culver has so long carried us through, I most sincerely hope he will be continued. You know how much we have to dread from a change of agents. It will have a very bad effect upon the Indians even if the new appointee should have every requisite qualification.
    I know not if there is any political cause for this suspension, and I know nothing of Mr. Culver's political course theretofore, but I do know that he used every effort to secure the election of the whole Democratic ticket last spring and to induce the Democrats to favor the "convention."
    By the by, I was bound there to go against it, but the next time I shall be with you on that question, and I am satisfied that will carry the next time.
    I am engaged in practicing law here and hope to make some money this winter. Give my respects to Pugh &
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




To all whom it may concern
    I have this day and by those present do authorize Nat Lane, of the town of Corvallis, to sell or trade to the Indians visiting that town arms and ammunition in such limited quantities only as may be requisite to enable them to kill game for food; but those to whom it is sold must be made to understand that the continuance of this privilege will depend on their good conduct and that it is not to be given, sold or traded by them to other Indians.
    In determining as to the quantity to be supplied them at any one time, you will take into consideration the number of persons depending on them for food, their necessities, as well as the character of those for whom it may be furnished, so that no aid may be extended to those disposed to be unfriendly with the whites.
Nat Lane Esq
    Corvallis
        O.T.




Dear Bush
    In  my letters I omitted to mention some facts connected with the removal of Culver. The Secretary of [the] Interior informed me that it was a standing rule of the departments in all cases of quarrel or difficulty between a superintendent and agent to remove one or the other. That in this case he should remove the agent, that he could see in charges, aside from the grass or hay speculation, good cause for removal, to wit--a receipt or voucher of the interpreter for money not paid was evidence sufficient of his disregard of law, principle, instruction, etc., and that he could not grant any time for investigation. When I found this thing settled, and that time could not be had, I recommended George H. Ambrose, who has been appointed.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."




Dear Father
    I have just had a conversation with Mr. Guthrie in regard to the mill property. He proposed to me to change the form of the notes and mortgage so he would only be bound for one-half the purchase money, and I have agreed so far as my portion was concerned to take their separate notes and separate mortgages and stand ready to make the change as soon as you can be heard from. I hope you will agree to it, as it seems they will be satisfied with that. But I made another proposition to Mr. G. which is this: That I am willing to take half the amount of the original purchase provided they will cancel those debts immediately, and I feel willing to make the sacrifice in order to get the thing amicably settled and squared up. I hope you will agree to the same provided that will let us entirely out. I think it would be best.
P.S. I mean by the debts above named the Bush & Nesmith debts and other old mill debts.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.
    I wrote you by last mail enclosing my resignation to the President, which I hope will be speedily presented.
    Since I wrote you I had seen and had a long conversation with Pratt on the subject of Delegate. He is determined to submit his name to the convention. I told him plainly that I should support you in preference to him and gave him my reasons for it. He said that you would withdraw upon receiving his request to do so. I told him that if you did withdraw that he could not secure the nomination
    He has now gone on a pilgrimage to the South for the twofold purpose of looking after his prospects for Delegate and to speculate in Rogue River War claims. He says that he will make ten thousand dollars out of the latter operation, which will be more than the poor devils made who done the fighting. He has written "confidential" letters to everybody, which occasion a great amount of sport among the boys. In attending the courts this fall I have talked with the most of the prominent Democrats in the different counties and can find but few who would support him under any circumstances. Old Nat Ford of Polk and old Thornton of Benton are for Pratt. I asked him to get them to say nothing as their support would damn any man.
    Boise is working actively in Polk for you and has great influence and will be able to counteract anything that Ford may be able to do. I am inclined to think that Avery will go for Pratt. Some efforts have been made to secure old Fred Waymire's influence for Pratt, but I think he is safe for you. Holmes and Fulkerson of Polk will require some nursing. You haven't flattered the vanity of Waymire and Holmes enough by sending them documents and must make [it] up in the future.
    Farrar of Portland (of milling property memory!!) is down on you and swears that you cannot be nominated. He says that you swindled him in the purchase of the mills. I notice that I have never been troubled with what little was coming to me. He says however that he won't support Pratt. I rather think that he would like to be Delegate himself.
    Judging from a letter which I received a few days since from Tom Nesmith, a cousin of mine in Cincinnati, I think you have been pouring soft soap up his arse. He says that you told him that I would be in Congress from Oregon in a few years. I am inclined to think that I shall go to Abraham's bosom first. The tendency to immorality about Washington would not suit me.
    It is said that Judge Olney contemplates resigning. If this be true it is a matter of some importance to us here that a suitable man be selected for his successor. Some are afraid that Kelly of Oregon City will be recommended, which I don't think would be at all satisfactory.
    I think the most of the Democrats would prefer Boise. He would be a good appointment. Besides being a sound lawyer, a Democrat and an excellent man, he is a firm friend of yours.
    John is well and still at school. I understand that he talks of going out to see his mother shortly.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear General:
    You no doubt think that I am a very poor correspondent, but the fact is that I have not written because I had nothing interesting to write. Lately things have begun to develop themselves, and I hasten to post you up on the affairs of this county.
    First, Gen. Palmer came down here, and I satisfied him that he was wrong in suspending Culver, or that it was at least injudicious at the present time, and he reinstated him. My reasons for advising this was that the charges were false and made by irresponsible persons, and Culver had given satisfaction to almost everybody here, and it would seem to have been a mere excuse to cover some other reason for his removal. And again it might be said by Pratt's friends that it was done at your instigation. I assured Palmer that Culver could do nothing here to injure you even if he were so disposed, and he had assured me that he would take no part in a contest between you and Pratt, and expressed confidence that Pratt would not oppose you in the convention.
    Pratt came to Jacksonville while I was on a visit to Fort Lane and it was some days before I saw him. In the meantime I was somewhat alarmed by some intimations I had received from Dr. Drew as to what the hon. gentleman was doing, and I hurried up to see to it. I found everything all right as I expected. The subject of the delegateship had not been agitated here, and I only supposed that you were the favorite, but when Pratt came out as an avowed candidate it called out a very decided expression of opinion, and it proved to be unanimous. You are today five hundred votes stronger in this county than any man, Whig or Democrat, in this Territory. Your friends gave Judge Pratt to understand that this county went for Lane entire, and all the time. Richd. Dugan wishes me to say to you that the "boys" will "pitch in" for you--and I might fill the page with a list of warm friends, among whom are Thos. Pyle, shff. [sheriff], S. H. Taylor, postmaster, Maj. Lupton, Jas. McDonough, Dr. McKinnell, Dr. Ambrose, Jno. F. Miller, Saml. Colver, James Bruce, Jas. Leslie, Pat. Drum, L. Jackson, David Linn &c. &c. Capt. Smith of Ft. Lane has no hesitation in saying that he knows Pratt to be a damned scoundrel and this the Democratic Party ought to sink if they refuse to send you back.
    Dr. Drew, the Dep'y. U.S. Marshal, was understood to be ready to accept the nomination as a compromise candidate in case the convention could not agree on you or Pratt and at first spoke rather guardedly against you both, but he soon shifted his sails when he saw how the storm was rising and only tried to injure Pratt, which was entirely unnecessary.
    The commissioner appointed by the Legislature of California to run the 42° parallel has found that Althouse and Sailor Diggins are both in Oregon, and the inhabitants have become reconciled to it and have a magistrate appointed for them. The surveyors establish the line on the Yreka road about two miles south of the Pilot Rock.
    So you see that in your calculations you may set down Jackson County as certain.
    I am busy practicing law, and shall make a living and a little more I think in the course of time. I have a mining claim in the new diggins (Sterling) which I shall work by proxy when the water comes, and I think shall make some money.
    The Rogue River war claims have not yet been paid, but I suppose soon will be. The sooner the better. Write to me soon as to what you propose to do, and
Give my respects to Pugh if you see him.
   
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington
        D.C.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Sir:
    I take the liberty of submitting, for the consideration of the board of which you are president, a statement touching the management of and as to the expenses incurred in the war with the Rogue River Indians the year 1853, in which our loss was between thirty and forty killed, and between thirty and forty wounded.
    Within a few days after the battle of the 24th of August, all the volunteers except Capt. Miller's company were mustered out of the service. The reasons which induced me to retain this company are briefly as follows: Having, from long acquaintance, obtained the confidence of the principal chief of the Rogue River tribes. I learned from him that these Indians had agreed with the Klamath Indians that the war in the valley should be fiercely prosecuted by him, while the Klamath Indians would lay on the emigrant trail, destroy the emigrants, as they should come on, and then hasten to join his people and destroy the settlements, and that his braves were not satisfied with the results of the war, and being convinced that unless steps could be taken to prevent this plan of operations, we would be plunged into another bloody war. I ordered Capt. Miller to proceed with his company to Klamath Lake, protect the emigrants, and prevent the Indians from carrying into effect their hostile designs. Capt. Miller acted with promptness in carrying out my orders, behaved handsomely in several skirmishes with the Indians, whom he [illegible] to their towns and held in check until the emigrants had passed. That I might be the better able to prevent a hostile movement on their part, I remained with the Rogue River Indians several weeks. The movement proved to be as judicious as its results were fortunate in averting the calamity of war. I directed it in good faith as a measure of protection to settlers and emigrants, ordered the necessary subsistence and transportation to be furnished the company, both of which were done on the best possible terms and ought to be promptly paid for, including the pay of officers and men.
    My understanding with those comprising the company was that the men should be paid two dollars per day, and four dollars per day for each horse, those being the rates of compensation allowed by the state of California to her dragoons or mounted men for similar service. It may be proper to add that these remarks apply to the other troops in the service as well as Capt. Miller's company.
    The quartermaster was directed to have the animals in service shod, which he did, as you will see by the accounts and vouchers now in your hands.
    The surgeon general, Dr. Cleaveland, was also directed to provide an hospital, furnish medicines, hospital stores, attendants, assistants &c., all of which were done, and the sick and wounded properly cared for.
    Subsistence, forage, ordnance stores, clothing &c. were furnished by different persons, at the then cash price. These and all other expenses of the war were necessary, and ought to be paid, as it was unquestionably the intention of Congress in the passage of the act of the 17th of July, 1854, that they should be.
    In conclusion, allow me to say that everything was done that could be under the circumstances to bring the war to a speedy conclusion and stop expenses, and at the lowest possible cost.
Col. Smith
    President Board of Army Officers
        West of the Winder Building
            Washington
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    Your kind letter of October 18th was received by last mail. We feel mortified here at the result of the elections in Ohio, Pennsylvania & Indiana, but hope that it will be all right next time. It is true as you say that a combination of all the isms have played the devil.
    You will perhaps be astonished to learn that the "Know Nothings" have extended to this remote region. Holbrook imported the damned bigoted and intolerant organization from California last summer and though it has not flourished very extensively here, yet there are several lodges scattered about the country. They have been organized about two months in this town and have some party members. We have ferreted them out, found out their members and exposed their secrets. They are awfully indignant. About twenty of them surrounded Bush and myself on last Monday evening and threatened to cut us up. We drew our revolvers, when those heroes cooled down and looked very foolish  The population of this country is too sparse and widely scattered for the "Know Nothings" to ever form a very important element in our elections.
    We shall all be gratified if Curry receives the appointment of Governor, and particularly so if old Gardner is removed from the land office.
    John has gone out to visit his mother and intends remaining with her during the winter. His leaving school I knew was contrary to your wishes. I used every exertion in my power to induce him to remain and continue at school. It appears that he went at his mother's urgent request. I have paid all the bills of both the boys and have expended $232.00 more than the amounts you have sent me.
    Judge Pratt is still out South looking after his interests as Delegate, but I think from what I can learn with but little hopes of success. I have no doubt of your receiving the nomination. I am now attending to adjusting my accounts and will be able to step out with clean hands as soon as my successor is appointed, which I hope will be at an early day.
    I see that you have got a young "Ridgely of Oregon" appointed in the Navy. Thought I am tolerably well acquainted in Oregon, I have never had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with the Ridgely family, and therefore presume that the young man is the son of some of your lady "friends" about Washington. That is all right.
    I am sorry that your old friend has moved to Richmond, but hope that you will not be inconsolable.
    We have had one of the most delightful falls I ever witnessed in any country. There has been but very little rain. Everything is green and growing, and the weather is warm as summer.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Brother, I received your welcome letter which informed me of your safe arrival at Washington and also of your good health. We are all in common health, and I am still making all preparations in my power for our journey in the spring to Oregon. It is out of my power to fully settle my business this winter, and I wish to have your advice on one subject, that is, about taking the family this spring or leave them one year longer here. I can't turn more than one third of my property into money by the time we wish to start. Money matters are very bad just as you predicted in your letters but I am very cautious about taking paper. Corn is worth from 50 to 55 cts. per bushel. It is my full determination to leave Indiana in the spring; that is the one thing I wish to be understood. I want you to write when you get this and let me know what time you will be ready to start. I want you to direct your letters to Evansville.
To Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



My Dear Sir:
    I received yours of Oct. 22nd by last mail, and regretted much to learn that there is dissatisfaction growing out of the conduct of the officers of the Territory in relation to the late massacre of the Snake Indians. No man deplores that massacre more than I do; no man can feel a greater desire to see the perpetrators punished. But, my dear sir, you must bear in mind in forming your judgment of this matter that Mr. Curry had no funds at his command with which to pay troops and purchase supplies, and he has no authority to pledge the credit of the general government. Still he might have proceeded on the supposition that the general government would pay all expenses, if there were not another and insuperable difficulty in the way. I mean the utter impracticability, in the opinion of all military men here and elsewhere, of a successful campaign against the Indians in the winter season. You know the native of the country inhabited by the Snake Indians, its elevation, the extreme rigor of its climate, its destitution of all natural products capable of sustaining man and beast under the hardships and privations of a campaign in the dead of winter. I appeal to your good understanding and ask you whether in view of these facts it would not be most judicious to wait for a more propitious season, when the Indians can be more easily found, and subsistence for men and horses can be more easily procured. Besides, by waiting till spring the volunteers from Oregon will have the cooperation of U.S. troops which the Secretary of War has promised to send at the earliest practicable moment. These troops will reach Oregon early in the spring, when, with their cooperation, we may be able to strike a blow which will prevent any massacres hereafter. I say we will strike a blow. By this I mean to say that I shall be on hand, and if my services are wanted, I wish to be considered enlisted for the war. The Indians must & shall be punished, and when the proper time arrives we must all strike together. The wise man has said there is a time for all things. The return of spring will be the time for inflicting a terrible chastisement on the bloodthirsty savages. I trust that all in Oregon will be as active in preparing for the contest as I am here in stimulating the authorities by showing them the urgency of the duty of sending a force adequate to the exigency of the occasion.
    With regard to sending you documents, you may rest assured I will send you as many as possible.
Robert Gilliam, Esq.
    Dallas, Polk Co.
        Oregon
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




(Confidential)
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir--
        This letter may be quite brief, or I may spin it out to a length which may render it certain you will not wade through it. The legislature has now been in session two weeks. In the papers you will observe its proceedings and action thus far. I have been here for a week, and have busied myself in ascertaining, with as much certainty as possible, the feelings of the members and of the persons who are here from different parts of the Territory, with reference to the next delegateship.
    General, do you recollect the several conversations we held in Portland when you were there awaiting the steamer for the States? Then you did not credit very many of the facts I communicated to you. Then you thought me mistaken in my estimates of the friendship professed by different men to you. Then you believed that some persons who were loud in professions of friendship towards [you] were really and truly devoted to you. I differed with you then as to those individuals, and now after a further experience of one year in the country I am more fully convinced of the correctness of my positions. I feel certain that you have in a measure changed your opinions of some of those we conversed about. There is a strong effort being made to nominate for next delegate some person other than yourself. There is a strong party in the Territory in favor of the nomination of Judge Pratt. His friends are indefatigable in their labors to bestow upon him the nomination. The Judge has recently ridden from his residence to the mines in Jackson County. He has acquired many influential friends during his trip. He has written letters to everybody upon the subject of his nomination. People have been flattered by being consulted by him, and this little attention to them on his part has converted them into ardent friends and industrious electioneers. The Judge is resolved to obtain the nomination. He will be successful, if diligent, unceasing labor can win success. He has so far committed himself that he is absolutely forced to push on to the attainment of his object. It is with him a life struggle. You know, General, that if he fails in obtaining the nomination for delegate that he is, through the failure, killed "as dead as the devil." If he is beaten for the nomination he will at once leave Oregon for good. If he should obtain the nomination we shall have the bitterest canvass ever had upon the Pacific Coast. If Pratt should be defeated of an election he would betake himself promptly from the Territory. So far as I can judge, General, Pratt will make a desperate fight to attain the object of his ambition. It is impossible by written communication to furnish you with a living picture of political affairs here. There is so much of it, so many movements, plots and counterplots, so much pulling and hauling, so much pipe laying and wire pulling, that it would require too much space to give you the detail of matters. I can therefore only state to you a few facts, and the results of other facts and combinations. We have from Washington County one Democratic member of the lower house. This morning he told me he should go for Pratt. I interrogated him as to his reasons. His replies were that you never write to any persons except to a few in Salem--that you did not correspond with the masses--that people were becoming dissatisfied with you because you neglected them. Now, General, I write this sort of thing because I feel it is best for you to be apprised of it--that you may know where the shoe pinches, and so that you may remedy these complaints. You may say the reason for Dr. Belknap's opposition to you is puerile--that he talks like a fool. Well, so he does. His reason is sheer nonsense. Still, that little fact has withdrawn from you one member of the legislature, and has transferred him to the support of the Judge.
    Holmes, the member from Polk Co., makes the same accusation. But Holmes and Belknap are only types of a class, and do not constitute the whole number who are committing themselves to Pratt. And these men do not like Pratt personally. They are actuated by their unkindly feelings towards yourself to commit themselves to that man. Govr. Curry has, or undoubtedly will, fully apprise you concerning the complaints made against you in Umpqua and other southern counties. You may not feel inclined to regard them as of much moment. But, General, I assure you that your enemies are making great headway against you in the South. Some of the men you have put into office, at their personal solicitation, are the most bitter, determined and industrious opponents you possess. It is not necessary for me to designate them by name. You know them well. Here in Salem you have some ardent and influential friends and supporters. Even in Salem there are men who favor laying you on the shelf, and there are others who are indifferent as to the result of the contest between yourself and Pratt. Judge Williams has friends here who wish him to be the nominee, and they hope the strife will end by his slipping in between yourself and the Judge and carrying off the prize. Williams has openly said [end of letter lost]
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.  The handwriting of the letter resembles that of R. W. Dunbar.




Dear General:
    I have been here a week, and from what I can learn your prospect is good for the nomination. I think it certain, but some of your friends are in doubt about it. There is a great deal of low tricky practiced in this section of the Territory, of which Pratt is the ringleader. If the people are faithfully represented in the convention there will be no earthly doubt as to the result, but you may be assured that no stone will be left unturned by your opponent to defeat you and I am satisfied that many who would be your friends if you were present and no doubt pretend to be such when writing to you are really trying to defeat you.
    It is painful to me to say anything which will make you distrust men, but since I have been here I have seen so much double dealing that I have become perfectly disgusted. Many of the appointees to office even are either Pratt men or in favor of some third man against you.
    And while on the subject of appointments, about which there has been much complaint among your friends and I suppose always will be, no matter who is appointed, allow me to say a word in regard to the Surveyor Generalship. I think it would be good policy to appoint Mr. Lake [deputy surveyor Wells Lake]; he is capable, a good Democrat, a gentleman and a Lane man, and would be able if appointed to wield some influence, while the others named have no knowledge of the duties, are men of no influence and in fact deadheads. I always prefer a king stork to a king log. I have very little personal acquaintance with any of the parties, but this is the conclusion which I have arrived at after hearing the friends of all parties. There will be some complaints made against Mr. Lake, of course, but a party is always strengthened by appointing men of talent. By the way, if any removal in that office is to be made I think it advisable to wait until after the nominating convention.
    A bill has been introduced to change the time of holding the elections, which I hope may pass--though the Whigs and Pratt men may defeat it.
    I leave tomorrow for Jackson County, where men are not afraid to express their opinions, and where they are all Lane men.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    House Reps.
        Washington
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl.,
    The last mail brought us news of the new appointments for our Territory, and I believe they give general satisfaction to the party. The subject of who shall be the next delegate begins to attract some attention. Pratt and his friends are busy in the field. If industry is to be rewarded he stands a good stance for success. At all events the little Judge is agoing to be a more formidable opponent than I had at first supposed he could be. He is untiring in his exertions, and will resort to the most unscrupulous acts to accomplish his ends. So you may be prepared for the worst, as he is daily resorting to every means in his power to break you down.
    In Jackson County your prospects are good, and will be better if the expenses of the Rogue River War is paid before the convention sits. Pratt in his late visit out there I understand took out a large amount of money to purchase those [Indian war] claims, but the people knowing that the money had been appropriated for their payment refused to have them showed. Being foiled in this speculation the little Judge told them that they never would be paid under the "bungling law that Lane has got passed."
    In the Umpqua Valley from present appearances you cannot expect much. That damned military road has become a source of great contention, all brought about by the interference of that damned scamp, Jesse Applegate.
    Whether you are guilty of pandering to him or not, you will have to suffer all the evils that can possibly flow from such a charge. Public feeling there is intense on the subject. Jesse is exhibiting your letters, and Pratt is taking advantage of the thing to render you odious, and to build himself up.
    In this valley Pratt has made more or less headway in all the country. Jim Hill I think is certain to you for him [sic] in the convention. The most of the prominent and active men there are at work for him. In Polk his forces are headed by old Ford, but I think that the county is good for you. Also this county, and Linn, and Lane, Washington, Clackamas, Clatsop and Benton are all doubtful.
    In the event that neither of you got the nomination, I think that Judge Williams will stand a good chance to come in as the third man, however he does not desire it, but on the contrary is doing all he can for you. Pratt is very bitter against him, Avery, Harding, Grover, Bush, McCracken, myself and others for opposing his pretentions and calls us the "Salem Clique." He will find that the "clique" will give him some trouble yet.
    There is being an effort made to change the time of holding the election, but I don't believe that it will succeed. All the Whigs and all of Pratt's friends oppose it, as neither of them desire to give you an opportunity to be heard by the people before the election. If the time of holding the election is not changed, the Territorial convention will have to be held before you can reach here if you wait for Congress to adjourn. Pratt's friends are clamorous to have the convention called in January, but I won't consent to it and think that I can stave it off till the middle of March, and perhaps the first of April.
    By taking a little pains with Gibbs of Umpqua you might secure his influence. He is poor and talks of resigning his office and going to Jacksonville. If you could have his salary raised no doubt it would have a tendency to secure him.
    I have forwarded to the First Auditor at different times accounts for a large amount. I have been notified of their reception at the department, but have never heard of their being passed upon. I wish that you would give the matter a little attention and see why action on them is delayed so long.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Dear Father
    Since my last the little "Durham Bull" has been figuring quite extensively. He has been to Rogue River offering to buy "war claims" and votes in the convention, provided he could get the latter to wait until after the convention had made its nominations or take their pay in Benicia water lots, referring them to Dr. Griffin of the U.S.A. for the quality of the lots. He has a couple of tools in this place; one is I. C. Avery, the other Doctor McIteeny and I think Doctor Wright. Avery & McIteeny held a caucus in the back room of a Jew store yesterday after reading your letter in the Statesman, and come to the conclusion that the legislature must instruct the committee to call a convention before you can get back and in that way defeat your nomination. One of them will go to Salem after the holidays for that purpose. I have written to Curry, Bush and Nes., telling them to look out for such chaps. I don't think O.C.P. has many friends in this county but what he has are all at work and all understand wireworking, and there is danger in the county meetings to appoint delegates of their [omission] getting his friends appointed by misrepresentation. You would do well I think to write to James A. Bennett, one mile from this place, and to old Doc Richardson and Ben Richardson & Gideon Richardson and others you think of, asking them to see that justice is done you in the county meetings. I will do all I can, but three words from you will do more than I can do in a month. I am sorry you got Avery the postal agency.
    He is determined it seems to oppose you under all circumstances. Palmer is hard at work for you. I think all the influential Democrats about Salem are your friends. I don't have any fears of Pratt beating you if you get half a show. And I am as well satisfied that the party will be defeated if he is nominated as I am that he desires the nomination. I know hundreds of the best kind of Democrats that will vote for any Whig in the Territory before him. I for one will ride over the country with him and do all in any power to help him to a seat in a good canoe bound up Salt River.
    I am still engaged selling goods here, and renting my store from the contemptible Dr. McIteeny. I have not heard from Mother in 3 weeks--at last accounts she was well. Creed and Simon are doing well. Andy Barlow is getting along tolerable well, very well indeed considering the start he had--times are a little better than they were 4 or 5 months ago. Shelby is doing very well but continually cursing the country and grunting. He reminds me of a hen with young chickens, always clucking and scratching. I expected an answer from my previous letter by this time; why don't you write?
   
P.S. Try and get Dunbar a place if there is any vacancy or new office created. He is poor and under the weather, and the best Democrat in Oregon. He don't plot your downfall as some.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



Dear Father
    I will trouble you with a short letter. Since writing before, the "Durhams" have made some astounding discoveries. They have discovered that Palmer, Waterman and many other Democrats are "Know Nothings," and that it was through "K.N." influence that Palmer was made to remove Culver, and from all I can learn an effort will be made to remove Genl. Palmer. But if I was you I would not consent to his removal until I had better evidence of his being a "Know Nothing" than the bare assertion of such men as Pratt and his figurers. My impression is that most of your influential friends will be called "K.N.s," in order to render them powerless in the Democratic convention. I have written to Palmer telling him of his danger. I don't believe him to be a K.N. If I did I would say remove him.
    I wish you would write to Hovey and send him a patent office report on agriculture. He is farming, and would be glad to get one. He is all right. I am working hard to keep things all right. I will have men in the primary meeting to move to instruct the delegates who to vote for.
    I think there is policy in the move, for I am convinced that if the people have their voice you are safe. But through chicanery you may be defeated.
    Most of your friends feel confident of success.
    All well; business dull. I wish you would write to me.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Genl. Lane
    Enclosed I send you a [copy of] the Report of the Commissioners [page torn] the erection of Public Buildings [and the] Capitol of Oregon, which may be of service to you, in addition to the estimates and expenditures, which I have given you in former letters, for procuring an additional appropriation.
    You will see by this that the estimates are made for $45,000 to complete the State House with dome, and that in the account no mention is made of the sums heretofore appropriated by Congress.
    The amount of drafts $19,898.87 have been drawn from the $20,000 brought here by Gov Davis--
    Of the $5000, originally received and partly expended by Gov Gaines, no account is made by the Commissioners, as the expenditures by Gaines were outside of the actions of the Commissioners and the [amount] paid by him to Rector is virtually lost and Mr. Rector still claims the remaining $2500 upon his contract with Gov Gaines by reason of his damages (claimed to be sustained) in the contract not being carried out.
    That contract you understand was arrested and annulled by the Resolution of the Legislature of Jany 30th 1854 [instructing] the Commissioners to build of wood [instead] of stone.
    The Gaines Contract being adapted to the stone work could not be used in the Building of wood as now made--
    The two Legislative Halls were so far completed as to admit of the Session being held in the Building this winter.
    The Legislature have adjourned for the Holidays, and it is generally believed that in the interim arrangements are perfecting to pass a Bill removing the Capitol to Corvallis and the University to the Umpqua--
    A large delegation of members favorable to the measure have gone to Corvallis in the vacation.
    There is said to be a majority of one in the House and two in the Council favorable to the remove--
    The Bill to change the time of Election will probably pass. But--in case it does not and the Democratic Convention is held before your return to Oregon--I may explain the opinion of a single individual, that you will receive the renomination of that Convention--
    [Opinion] that you are hostile to further [nomi]nations and completion of the public buildings at this place, and which I myself always repelled and believed incorrect, has of late died away and will not materially, if at all, affect the canvass in this locality.

To His Excellency Franklin Pierce,
    President of the United States
Sir,
    The undersigned, a citizen of Oregon Territory, begs leave to represent to your excellency that the present Surveyor General of that Territory, Charles K. Gardner, is rendered by the infirmities of age incapable of discharging the duties of his office with such vigor and promptness as the interests of the Territory and the wants of the settlers require. The office is one of peculiar importance to the welfare of the settlers and involves in the prompt, energetic and accurate performance of the duties appertaining to it the highest interests of a young and growing community, a community rapidly increasing in numbers and seeking by securing as speedily as possible a permanent interest in the soil to themselves and posterity the development of the resources of the country and the building up of a flourishing and populous state. Mr. Gardner is too advanced in years [In 1854 Gardner was about 67 years of age; he lived to 82.] and too infirm for so important a trust. Without wishing to question his scholarship or his fitness for other positions more suited to his age and more congenial with his tastes and habits, and without the slightest design to disparage him as a man and a gentleman, I must in justice to the people of the Territory, in whose behalf I speak, be permitted to say that there are few official positions in the gift of the Executive which Mr. Gardner could not fill with more credit to himself and advantage to the country than that which he now holds. Experience is the test of fitness for official station. Without questioning your excellency's usual sagacity and judgment in selecting officers of the federal government, it cannot be denied that in the case of Mr. Gardner his probation has failed to meet the expectations founded upon the reputation he had previously established in other pursuits.
    In addition to the above-mentioned ground of complaint against Mr. Gardner I would state that his conduct in respect to the subalterns in his office has not been in harmony with his proposed political faith and with the practice of all parties, since parties existed in this country. Mr. Gardner is a Democrat, is the appointee of a Democratic administration. Notwithstanding this fact, he has retained in his office all those employed by his Whig predecessors. Nay, he has without instructions from the Department discharged Democrats who were honest, diligent and capable and appointed in their stead clamorous, violent, noisy Know-Nothings, who have neglected their official duties to serve the interests of their party. The consequence of this neglect is that the business of the office has accumulated, being more than three months behind the field operations, occasioning great inconvenience and loss to the settlers and also some of the deputies, whose accounts, from partiality or some other cause, remain unsettled. Among the cases of this kind that have come to my knowledge, I may mention that of Mr. Murphy, who has been greatly inconvenienced and feels heavily the hardships to which he has been subjected the more keenly perhaps that he has been wounded in the house of his friends, or to speak more plainly, has been subjected to the official insolence and maltreatment of political foes holding their place by appointment of a Democrat under a Democratic administration.
    To the reasons here given, it is almost superfluous to add that the removal of Mr. Gardner is earnestly desired by, and would give great satisfaction to, a large majority of the people of Oregon. They feel that his longer continuance would be unjust to themselves, and a departure on the part of your excellency from that profound regard for and lively interest in the welfare of the people, which has so distinguished your excellency's administration from the beginning to the present time.
    In their name, therefore, with an eye single to the true interests of the Territory, and with no wish to detract from Mr. Gardner's good name, I respectfully, but earnestly, ask for his removal and request that someone may be appointed in his stead possessing more vigor and activity, and who, if not favorable to Democrats, will at least not show undue favor and partiality to noisy partisans who use all the influence of official position, all the appliances which such position places at their disposal, to break down the Democratic Party.



    Estimate of the time, travel and expense necessarily incurred by the Judge of the Third Judicial District in Oregon Territory for the year begin[ning] January 1854 and ending January 1855 attending three district courts in Jackson County going and returning 200 miles each . . . 600
Attending two district courts in Douglas Co. going and returning 20 miles each . . . 40
Attending two district court[s] in Umpqua Co. going and returning 90 miles each . . . 180
Attending two district courts in Coos Co. going and returning 200 miles each . . . 400
Attending one term of Supreme Court at Portland going and returning . . . 380
Attending same at Salem going and returning . . . 280
Total . . . 1880
    One of the above terms in Coos County was a called term made necessary on [omission] for the trial of criminals who were not arrested at the regular term when indicted, and who could not be kept until the next regular term without great expense for the want of a prison. In addition to the above travel the Legislature have now created a new county in the district from the southern portion of Coos, called ________ County. One regular term of court a year is to be held; going and returning the travel will amount to 320 miles, which added to the travel for the year 1854 will [total] 2200 miles. A small portion of this travel is necessarily performed in canoes and on foot, the remainder on horseback, and it is necessary to keep two horses the year round to [be] ready and able at all times to perform it.
    The expense of traveling through the district for man and horse exclusive of horse hire has been and is about five dollars per day.
    The nine terms of the district court would average about a week each in the year 1854, and are each year increasing in length. The two terms of the Supreme Court were about two weeks each, making in all thirteen weeks of actual session in addition to the time employed in traveling to and from the courts. The expense for man and horse exclusive of horse hire would average about five dollars per day.
    In addition to this should be taken into consideration a considerable amount of chamber business, and time consumed in examining authorities and preparing opinions.
    But a short time out of the year is left at the disposal of the judge for his private affairs, and the expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of the duties of the office consume the major portion of the present meager salary, leaving little if anything for the support of a family or compensation in a country where all kinds of labor physical or professional commands a high reward.



Dear Genl.,
    Nothing has occurred here worthy of note since I last wrote you, with the exception of some astounding developments in relation to the "Know Nothings." Holbrook introduced the order into this Territory about August last. It was then supposed that its influence would be confined to the towns, and that it could not obtain a footing in the country, but in this however we find ourselves mistaken. The Whig leaders have made every exertion to spread it throughout the country, and I regret to say that their efforts are being crowned with success.
    They number now 300 in Portland, about 150 in Oregon City, about 100 at Lafayette and about 90 here besides various lodges scattered about in different parts of the country. One of their members at this place who can be relied upon has divulged everything to Bush, and he is making use of it to defeat their plans.
    They intend to complete a thorough organization through the Territory so as to enable them to carry the next election, and I assure you that from present indications there is reason to fear that they may be successful in the accomplishment of their object. They avow in their lodges that their real object is to break down and disorganize the Democratic Party. As a matter of course they sweep all the Whigs, Softs, tenderfooted and disaffected. Such men for instance as Wiley Chapman, of this place (the Democrat who used to bore you with letters about a captaincy in the army), readily fall into their ranks.
    These things can readily be accounted for with such Democrats who are "out," but why the treason should extend to the "ins" is more than I can account for, but such is the melancholy fact, and Genl. Joel Palmer, the man who was once our mutual friend, and who I would have defended under all circumstances, has turned a traitor to his party, his friends, his God, and his country by taking the damnable oath to support, vote for and defend the midnight conclave. Besides he has used his position to build up the accursed order. He has kept a Whig Know-Nothing (Cris Taylor) in his office ever since he has held it at 5 dollars per day; besides he recently entered into an arrangement to expel Mr. Geary, his chief clerk, who is a good Democrat and a warm friend of yours, from his office and appoint Bonnell, a Whig and the leader of the Know Nothings, in his place. These facts have been recently developed. Every Democrat who has heard of it curses the traitor long, loud and deep, and prays that he may be speedily hurled from the place which he has so effectually disgraced. By this mail we forward a petition for that purpose and trust there will be no time lost in acting upon it. The petitioners have no objection assuming the responsibility. You know that this action is not the result of any previous personal or political enmity. I have always been his friend up to the moment that I was convinced of his treason. By his voluntary conduct he has forfeited all further claims to that friendship, and it is now at an end! I beg to assure you, General, that nothing short of his immediate removal will satisfy many of your warmest friends here.
    J. L. Parrish of this place, former Indian agent, is also a member of this order, as well as Waterman of the "Times," consequently he don't "deserve so well of his country." Dryer as a matter of course is a member. The whole secrets of the order are being published in the "Statesman." The Know Nothings swear vengeance, but I think will be slow to execute. Palmer and Parrish both joined the order at this place on the night of the eighth of October, and their names stand in their own handwriting upon the records here. I think that Bush's exposure and Palmer's removal will settle them here for the time being.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.




Gentlemen
    Yours of the 21st ult., inviting me to participate in a festival to be given on the 8th of January in Tammany Hall, on the 8th inst., is before me. The object of the festival, as stated in your note of invitation, is "to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans." Next to the anniversary of the natal there day of independence there is none in the ever-memorable Fourth of July stands the 8th of January. The former there is no day in the American calendar associated with more pleasing recollections and more endeared to the heart of the patriot than the 8th of January. What mighty memories crowd upon the mind and thrill the bosom when the roaring cannon, the "ear-piercing fife and spirit-stirring drum" remind us that it is the 8th of January, the anniversary of that day on which was fought and won the last battle of independence, for without wishing to detract from the merits of the illustrious Father of His Country, notwithstanding the glorious achievements of the Revolution I would ask what security was there had we to the preservation of our liberties until the great seal was put to the charter by the Hero of New Orleans on the memorable 8th of January? Our commerce had been plundered, our flag insulted, our seamen impressed, our very existence as a nation threatened, until the flag of the Union the undisciplined valor of the citizen soldiers of the West, guided by the genius of Jackson, rolled back the tide of invasion and planted the reared our flag triumphant over the carnage of New Orleans.
    To meet with my fellow citizens of New York to commemorate an event so memorable in our history and offer incense to the memory of a personage so illustrious in our military and political annals as Andrew Jackson would afford me great pleasure at any time, and seems to I regard as seems almost a duty at a time like the present, when sectional discord and political fanaticism threaten to obliterate the landmarks of the past and make "chaos come again." But there are a is a duty, which I owe to a people in the Far West which I regret to say the press of my official engagements in serving a people in the Far West who have honored me with their confidence, and entrusted to me the sole guardianship of their interests in Congress, will prevent my attendance on enjoying the pleasure of being present and contributing in my humble way to the objects you have in view.
    In conclusion, gentlemen, accept my profound acknowledgments for the honor your invitation has conferred upon [me], and permit me to offer you the following sentiment:
    Fanaticism & sectional discord--never can they gain the ascendancy while the same flag that waves over old Tammany, the cradle of Democracy, floats over the tomb of Jackson.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library



General Lane
    Much esteemed friend
        You will readily perceive from the name of the place at which this letter is dated that we have left Brownstown for our country home (A sweet sequestered location which I regret that you had not time to visit with us on your electioneering tour through this state 8th January) A day to be hallowed as long as our union firmly stands and a portion of which cannot in my estimation be better appropriated than by inditing my first epistle to a friend of Mexican memory. You will no doubt recollect reminding me to write you for a supply of garden and flower seeds. Please therefore be kind enough to send on to Brownstown every variety by the first opportunity particularly the Oregon pea, the Woodbine and Honeysuckle together with the moss and monthly rose. There is also a large gourd much raised in Florida and the Carolinas that I am very anxious to procure the seed of. I have seen them larger than a half bushel, and you no doubt recollect them well. Major Mooney desires to be remembered to you the friendship of former times, his health is very good. Give my love to James C. Jones. My respects to General Cushing, Hon. Jesse L. Bright and all others who know or care anything about us in Washington.
    Say to James Jones for me that I wish he would write and tell me that I am not forgotten. I am growing old now but hope I may live to see my son and my brothers and sisters once more before we meet in eternity and now General Lane I have one more request to make will you spare a few moments from your multitudinous cares to write to my son. Direct to Pueblo San Jose and urge him to return home. Or will you write to Mr. Thomas J. Henley on his account.
    Mr. H. wrote me some time since that he would do all in his power to sustain him in California but Samuel writes that he has never seen Mr. H. and is now entirely out of business, this part of my letter is confidential. Samuel Hudson is very young but has so far held himself aloof from all the vices by which he has been and is still surrounded. Pardon this very badly written and brief letter my health is so precarious that there are times when I can scarcely write anything legible or intelligible. with assurances of the highest respect believe Dear Sir to remain
If you should incur any expense in procuring the seeds and flowers mentioned please let us know.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library




Dear Sir
    Enclosed I send you receipts in abstract form, the signatures to which I desire you will cause to be affixed upon the delivery to the respective Indians to whom orders have this day been given on  you for the articles of clothing named therein.
    Each Indian is required to make his mark in the place indicated in the presence of two or more witnesses who certify to the same.
    You will confer a special favor by supplying the goods and paying over as per order and send me your bill and if it meets your approbation I will pay by your order in Portland or else when as you may direct.
    I desire the coats to be a good winter article the price varying from seven to ten dollars, pants about three and quarter best not to exceed three, hat cheap article, boots good article not exceeding five dollars, cotton handkerchiefs. The aggregate amount paid each Indian will be placed in the proper column opposite his name. The receipts you will please date etc. I expect to be in Corvallis during the winter and perhaps in three weeks with a bill of paying other Indians. In the event you may not have the articles enumerated I hope you will procure them as it is important they should be paid per agreement. No suitable goods can be had in this place and the streams are too high to get them from below.
    I have succeeded in extinguishing Indian title to nearly all the lands in this valley. The Santiam Valley is yet unpurchased, and a small strip opposite Corvallis, and a narrow strip along the Columbia River between the mouth of Willamette River and Oak Point. The lands treated with have confederated so as ultimately to form an Indian settlement in some district yet to be designated. They are secured in the possession of their usual places of residences or such as may be assigned them by the superintendent or agent, until a suitable home shall be selected and proper provisions made for their removal.
    No news by the last states mail other than election and European.
N H Lane Esq
    Corvallis
        O.T.





Dear Bush
    Yours of the 27th November has been recd. Your account for printing with a deduction of some $30 has been allowed and draft forwarded by last mail. Of this I wrote you by that mail.
    I have exhausted every means in my power to have the Surveyor General's office placed in the hands of an Oregonian but so far have failed. The President addressed the Secty. of Interior on the subject, but up to this time he has declined acting. I do not despair, however, notwithstanding one of the great men out your way says that G-----r [Surveyor General George K. Gardner] is as competent as the one recommended by the central junto. Don't despair, we will see what we shall see.
    Is it not queer that the people of Umpqua should use my success in procuring an appropriation for the advancement of their interests, and that too under the most embarrassing circumstances, for it is a fact worth remembering that the appropriation for the military road from Myrtle Creek to Camp Stuart and the one for a road in Washington Ty. were the first and only appropriations ever obtained without survey, estimate of recommendation. I carried them through without aid, on my own word and effort, and finally obtained a continuance of said road to Scottsburg, by which all Umpqua is benefited. I ask again if it is not queer (that my success in thus promoting the interests of Umpqua) that this very success should be made to operate against me, and perhaps defeat me, is it not strange? Can Pratt be mean enough to try to take advantage of such feelings, prejudices and influences to injure one who has labored faithfully for him? Can he get into Congress by such means? Had he not better hang his chances on a firmer, better, more honest and honorable basis? Don't you think that every aspirant for office had better deal fairly and honorably and trust to merit and fitness? What say you? It is not my purpose to complain, but one thing I will say--that is that I will not resort to anything mean, low or dishonorable for the sake of office at this or any future time. I will not hold office at such a sacrifice.
    I had nothing to do with locating the Scottsburg road, nothing further than to call on the Secretary of War and request him to place it in the hands of an efficient officer who would push the work to a speedy conclusion, and it is unjust and unfair to hold me responsible for any management of that work. I had nothing to do with it.
    By the late mail I recd. only two letters and no papers. What is the matter? Before May I will have a land office in the Umpqua Valley.
    Don't allow me beaten for the Delegateship.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."



To the President,
    Sir,
        I have the honor to enclose you a letter from my friend the Hon. George E. Pugh, of Ohio, asking the appointment of Alexander J. Miller, Esqr., a visitor to the West Point Academy. I have not the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Miller, but I am satisfied, from my intimate acquaintance with Mr. Pugh, that he would not ask the position for anyone he did not consider worthy of it. I trust, therefore, you may find it compatible with your sense of duty to accommodate Mr. Pugh and his friend.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library.



Sir,
    As I feel deeply interested in the result of the approaching election in Oregon for a Delegate to Congress, I cannot refrain from laying before your readers certain facts touching the result of the efforts of Genl. Lane, your indefatigable Delegate in the present Congress, looking to the prosperity and general welfare of the Territory. But few persons are familiar with the mode of transacting business in Congress who have not been either a member or an attaché of one or the other of the two Houses. Very few, away from the scene of action, can form any idea of the difficulty and labor attending the getting up and passage through the two branches of Congress of any measure whatever. Especially is this true in regard to almost everything affecting the Territories. These outside and far-off citizens of the country are very apt to be forgotten in the hurry & bustle of the general business operations of our legislators. Territorial business, unlike other business before Congress, can only be attended to at stated periods--that is, at such times as the House may see fit to set apart for that particular purpose, and, unless the delegates representing the Territories happen to be men of character, standing & influence, they rarely succeed in obtaining such a hearing for the people as their interests demand.
    Fortunately for Oregon, the people of that Territory are favored with the most useful, energetic, business men in the House, and at the same time one who commands (because he deserves) the respect, confidence and good will of every member of both Houses. Hence he has never failed to obtain for his people everything he has asked for them, and he has not failed to ask everything he believed it right and proper for them to have. In addition to those measures he obtained at the last Congress, he has now succeeded in getting through the House, and will no doubt get them through the Senate, also, bills for the following purposes, viz: One to enable the people of Oregon to organize a state government and appropriating $67,000 for public buildings in the Territory, one appropriating $30,000 for a military road from Salem to Astoria, one establishing an additional land office, one to regulate the locating of bounty land warrants in Oregon. There is a vast amount of business enacted during two of the three days which the House set apart for the consideration of Territorial matters. Who was it that succeeded in accomplishing so much? By whose efforts and through whose influence was all this done? I answer, because I happen to know that it was Genl. Lane who did it--his influence procured the passage of these measures, and no one's else. And can it be possible that the people of Oregon will turn their backs upon one so true to them under all circumstances--one whose whole time, thoughts and objects appear to be directed to the accomplishment of that which promises good to the people he represents? I refer to these things because my position enables me to know all about the matter, and though I feel deeply interested in seeing such men as Genl. Lane continued in the public service, I cannot possibly be actuated by any motive in what I say, other than that of friendship for the General, and a sincere desire to see such men appreciated by the people.


Dear Bush,
    By next mail I will write you fully in relation to the office of Surveyor General. It is by no means certain that we can obtain favorable action, but will continue to try.
    I am surprised and mortified to find extensive grumbling and complaining from many persons in different portions of the Territory about the appointments which have been lately made. I am asked why all the appointments have been made from Marion, Yamhill, Clackamas and Washington. And one writer, an old friend, says that he has recd. letters from three of my appointees begging him to take ground against me, that Lane won't do, he pays no attention to our interests, and a thousand other things. Now what think you? Have you advised me to procure appointments for my enemies? I hope not! Why should friends turn against me? In what way have I done wrong, in what have I erred, or what have I failed to do that the public interests required should be done? I may say that my position is a peculiar one, and if it is true that my friends have turned against me, I shall have a hard row to hoe, a bad row for stumps. I have however one consolation--I have been honest and faithful and true, and if beaten shall have nothing to regret so far as my conduct and doings are concerned. I shall during life stand firm by principle, yea, upon the Constitution, by the Union and the rights of the states.
    Last night I wrote you a letter for publication. You will not, unless you deem it proper, publish the latter or last paragraph.
"Copied from original letters in possession of Asahel Bush, Salem, Oregon."


No. 8--
    This may certify that the Board of Commissioners appointed to examine and credit claims of citizens for property destroyed by the Rogue River tribe of Indians or their allies during the war with said tribe in 1853 have awarded to William Thompson and Henry C. Rowland, claimants for property destroyed as aforesaid, the sum of one thousand and twenty-nine dollars.
                                L. F. Grover
                                A. C. Gibbs
                                Geo. H. Ambrose
                                    Commissioners
Jacksonville, O.T.
February 6, 1855





    I can hardly hope, dear General, that after reading Cousin's letter you will think this worthy of perusal, but I wish to tell you my apparent affection for you is not inspired by the enthusiasm of others, but, dear General, I love you from the promptings of my own heart, & as long as I live will [remember] the sound of your name, recall many happy hours spent in your society, which now alas! belong to the past. How can I sufficiently thank you for being the means of brightening many desert places in the mantle of memory.
    I have tried to be very philosophical in thinking of your departure, but in vain, though bright-winged anticipation whispers confidently of your return here next winter.
    Oregon is very oblivious in its distance, yet, dear General, think sometimes of the friends you have left & who love you so well. I can hardly hope that you will write to me as you would to Cousin, yet do write me sometimes on a separate piece of paper from his letter, if only a few lines, and dearly will I prize them.
    And now, dear General, goodbye. God bless you with health and a prosperous voyage, give you success in all you undertake--happiness in this world--& a crown of life in the world to come.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


    T. J. DRYER.--Dear sir: It becomes my painful duty to chronicle another war--not a war with hostile savages, but a war of more importance. It has been pending for a long time and has at length broken out and is raging fearfully in our midst, and it is feared that unless the executive of the territory renders efficient and prompt aid, that the onslaught will be terrible. We have suffered more here on account of Indian depredations than any other portion of Oregon; and while we have been resting apparently in peace and safety, since the ratification of the Rogue River treaty, another successful effort has been made to disturb the peace and quiet of our mountain home. Day before yesterday (27th), one of our most estimable citizens--one who is in the prime of life--one who has long enjoyed offices of trust and profit at our hands--one who has labored from time immemorial for the interests of Oregon--and one who has fought, bled and died for his country, was maliciously slain in open daylight, and that too, in the presence of congregated hundreds. And notwithstanding this high-handed outrage was committed in the presence of so many; yet the cool and deliberate manner in which it was committed struck terror to the hearts of all--so that they remained perfectly dumb while the offender walked quietly from the room, and is now at large, "seeking whom he may devour." What renders this horrible tragedy more surprising is that the victim was slain with his own weapons. It has been urged and even contended by many that the offending party was justifiable in the act; that he had good reasons for pursuing the course he did. There is not the least particle of evidence going to show that it was premeditated, or that there was any malicious intent whatever; and yet I sincerely hope that our next grand jury will examine into this matter carefully, and if there has been an offense committed, let the offender be punished. I am in favor of supporting law. If he is innocent, let him go unharmed.
    The names of the parties are familiar to your readers--and while it pains me to narrate the facts of the rencounter, yet it pains me still more to record their names. They each have respectable families--and while I regret it on this account, I am confident it will be widely circulated, and their acts will be heralded abroad. The name of the victim slain was Jo. Lane, a farmer residing on a small ranch near Winchester, formerly a delegate to Congress from this territory. The offender was no less than the Hon. John P. Gaines, delegate from Oregon in the next Congress. Mr. Lane came out here on business connected with the "Nebrasky territory"--and had not attended to it before the fatal rencounter.
    I have no doubt all your readers have an indistinct recollection of this Mr. Lane. It was the same person who ran against Thurston, for delegate, in 1851; there is not the least doubt of it. Although his personal appearance is much improved, yet the man is the same. It is the same identical person who was "confidentially tapped"--on the shoulder--I mean by President Pierce--and solicited to remain at Washington and assist in managing the affairs of the nation, but who positively refused on the ground of "incompetency, and having no clothes fit to appear in."
    The coroner's inquest over the body will be held immediately--in fact, is in session now, and as soon as I hear their verdict I will inform your readers.
    P.S. Gov. Gaines has been fully acquitted, and is not accused, either as principal, or accessory either before or after the fact.
Weekly Oregonian, Portland, May 12, 1855, page 2


    Gen. Adair, of Astoria, sends us the following letter from Hon. Wm. M. Gwin, the able U.S. Senator from California, and a champion of the Pacific railroad, and Pacific interests. No other man in the United States has worked with as much industry and success as Dr. Gwin, and no man stands higher there. California owes him a debt she can never repay for the mass of legislation and princely appropriations he has obtained for her.
    As for the calumny Dr. Gwin refers to, it fell stillborn here, where Gen. Lane is known, and where the lying character of its author is known. We doubt if a single man in Oregon has thought of it since Dryer uttered it:--Statesman.
    My Dear Sir,--I have been informed, since my arrival here, that a statement has been published in some newspaper in Oregon that I am a witness to Gen. Lane's having been intoxicated in Washington during his term of service in Congress as a delegate for your Territory. I have not been able to get that publication, and cannot refer to the allegations it contains against Gen. Lane in detail, and my references to his deportment in Washington must be in general terms.
    I presume there is no person in the United States who has had more intimate association with Gen. Lane than myself, since he has been a delegate in Congress. We have met almost daily in consultation in regard to the legislation for this coast, not only in the Capitol but at our private rooms. I not only never saw the General intoxicated, but never saw him touch ardent spirits in Washington, nor can any man truthfully charge him with dissipation of any kind during his residence in the federal city. This is the first time I have heard such a charge made against him.
    He is one of the most laborious and faithful representatives I have ever seen, and his exertions for his constituents have been crowned with eminent success. No Territory in the Union has a more faithful, or so successful, a representative, and without disparagement to any man I hesitate to say that no delegate you can send from your Territory can surpass him in zeal, or equal his past success, which is only an earnest of his future usefulness if continued in Congress.
    With great respect, your friend and obedient servant.        WM. M. GWIN.
Umpqua Weekly Gazette, Scottsburg, May 12, 1855, page 2


Dear General
    Yesterday on my return from Rogue River I was assaulted in the public street by Benj. Wright, and my life threatened on our first next meeting. I never was more astonished in all my life. I approached Wright as to a friend, to shake hands with him as a friendly recognition after a few days separation. Instead of being received, as I have always heretofore been received, in friendship, I was loaded with all the charges of crime and deceit against him imaginable and my life, by threats, placed in jeopardy. Wright charges me with having said to you, voluntarily, that he, "Wright, was an habitual drunkard, unfit at all times to do his duty, and that if you had any regard for your own reputation you would remove him." Where Wright got this information I cannot imagine, nor will he tell me. I suspect Kautz and Tichenor, both of whom are my bitter enemies, and with whom I am not now on speaking terms. Either of them would cut my throat without scruple, could they do so unsuspected. My difficulty with Mr. Kautz is well known in this community, and I know the public feeling is in my favor. Now, General, I am thrown into serious difficulty from a question of yours, which, out of friendship to you, I answered. I cannot understand this. I do not suspect for one moment that you have occasioned this, or that you have repeated, certainly not magnified, what I said. As to Wright I have always been on the closest intimacy with him--had he been my brother I could not have done more for him. I have assisted him in his matters, of every name and kind, freely and without cost. What I said to you in answer to your question about the habits of Wright is God's truth, known to be true by every honest citizen in this entire community, and I do not take back one word. I did not say this, however, to injure Wright, on the contrary, I believe that at that time I endeavored to shield, indeed, I think I spoke of him in the highest terms as an Indian agent. I now sincerely regret ever having said one word, in fact almost wish I had lied for Ben out and out. This affair has given me an immensity of anxiety for my personal safety, for I assure you it is not pleasant to have a man of Wright's desperate passion howling after you in the public street, threatening at every step your life. If you have been made to doubt my word in answer to your question concerning Ben's habits, please write such men as our postmaster, R. H. Smith, Peter Ruffner, Isaiah Porter, Michael Mills, E. A. Gamble, Aaron Dyer, Seth H. Lount, J. W. Sutton, or any other citizen in the entire town of Port Orford, with the exception of Tichenor and Kautz. Now I do not seek this investigation for the purpose of doing the least injury to Wright, for I would not willingly put even a straw in his way. I hope, however, that the inquiry may be made that it may be determined whether I have maliciously sought to injure a fellow citizen. I am charged by Ben with wishing to supplant him in his office. This is not so. If I once had the hope of succeeding him upon his resignation only, I have abandoned wholly such thought or wish. Nothing in the wide world would now induce me to accept the office, should it be offered me. Of this, at any rate, I have no hope, as I have no doubt your mind has been cruelly poisoned against me. Again, it appears that Tichenor has been busy in his efforts to make Ben believe that I was in favor, and earnestly espoused your removal. This, General, is false. It is true I said on my return from Portland that efforts were being made to remove you. In this there certainly could be no harm. I merely repeated here what everybody knew in Oregon, namely that efforts are being made to remove you. There is not that man living who ever heard me speak one word against you as a citizen or public officer. On the contrary I have ever spoken of you in the very highest terms, prompted to do so from your uniform kindness toward me, and from my knowledge of you as a citizen, and as an officer of government. Someone, who I cannot imagine, unless my suspicions are correct concerning Kautz and Tichenor, has sought to inflict upon me a cruel injury. I fear not to have my character and general conduct fully inquired into, and shall take pains when you come among us to have some things fully exposed. As regards Wright I shall treat him as I ever have done, in kindness, and cheerfully do all in my power to aid him in the performance of the duties of his office. What will be the result of this matter between Wright and myself I cannot tell. At all events I shall do all in my power to avoid further difficulty. I wish, General, you would write to me, that I may, if possible, disabuse Wright's present opinion--that he may know that I did not attempt to injure him maliciously. A word from you would be highly appreciated by me.



Dear Genl.
    [Major Mark A.] Chinn & Dryer spoke here yesterday and were quite moderate in their expression of abuse and fault-finding. They evidently adapt themselves to the crowd they address and touched lightly on Nebraska & Know-Nothingism. Stratton & Gibbs made speeches in answer, and I judged the assemblage (of about 100 persons) to be three-fifths or more in your favor. I made a few remarks--such as I deemed most applicable to the occasion.
    They will probably spread themselves in Jackson Co. & I will be in with them at the death and stir up all your good friends.
    D---w has been about Salem all winter & spring & has probably arranged this plan of campaign in your rear, hoping to carry Jackson Co., but they made no calculations about me, and I hope to be a stumbling block in the footpath. Capt. Martin will accompany me; I handed him the money you gave me, and we will canvass every poll & precinct at which we think we can do any good, and that means to say all of them.
Your friend truly
    J. P. Goodall


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 ($1765.47), for which I have receipted.
    My interpreter is away from home at this time, and as the Colonel is in quite a 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 in the papers retained in this office.
    Also I wish you to inform me how to account for an overplus sent me as pay for an interpreter. I employed him on the first of March from which date his salary commences 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 of the difference in the receipt 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. Very respectfully yours
E. R. Geary
    Clk. Supt. Ind. Aff.








Genl Lane
    My old friend, this is the 1st time since you have been before the people that I have not been able to be in the field and do battle, but so it is from the force of circumstance. I will not be able to come down to Salem, or even to Jacksonville, as I much desired, on the day of trial, but I console myself and the Democratic Party that in Oregon it will be a downhill business from the beginning of the campaign to the closing of the polls for you to run under an easy rein, distancing the old hero of Encarnacion.
    Sure the people have not forgotten the many extra-official acts of Genl. Gaines while Gov. of Oregon, all of which had a direct tendency to impede the prosperity of the Ter., the substratum of which was selfishness and vanity, the political dishonesty of whom together with the federal officers of Oregon compelled me from a sense of duty to myself, to the body politic and to God to forever denounce the party to which I once stood identified. And may God Almighty forgive; I know that all my friends have forgiven me this political wrong, and I do know that you as the standard bearer of the great Democratic Party in the land of your and my adoption forgive me the evil I have done, yet there are some of the political issues that once divided the two great political parties and which comprised the articles of the Whig faith that I shall ever believe to have been the true policy of the genl. government. I say have been from the simple fact that they have become obsolete, having long since been conceded by the honest portion of the Whig Party. I have nothing in the way of news to communicate. Times as you are aware are dull in this vicinity from the scarcity of water. Goods, groceries as well as provisions of every kind are extremely low; whiskey is the only article that remains firm @ 2 bits a mouthful and in demand. Let me hear from you, my old friend, and say when you will leave for the Atlantic states. Your old friend Mr. Hawkins' best wishes for your present success and future prosperity. I will try and see you before you leave, as I have some curiosity in seeing a live Congressman, and in the meantime do the best you can for the good of all, and may you live long to enjoy the fruits of your labors and in your retirement from political life have the pleasing reflection of having honestly discharged with fidelity to our common country your whole duty and may God prosper and bless you, old Jo.
Respectfully yours
    E. L. Massey


P.S.      Hug and kiss the pets for me till I come and then Oh what a time we will have among and with ourselves.





Dear Sir
    By last trip of Columbia I wrote you making inquiries concerning a difficulty that had just occurred between Benj. Wright and myself, said by him to have been occasioned in consequence of charges that I had made to you against him. To that letter I have not yet received any reply. At the time I wrote you I was ignorant of the source through which Ben received his information. I could only surmise; Ben refused at that time to give me the name of the person from whom he had received the information. He would only say that I told you that he "Ben was an habitual drunkard, at all times unfit to do duty." Of the treatment I at that time received from Ben, I have made you acquainted.
    I very well recollect the conversation I had with you as we descended the hill in front of the reserve, and I know just as positively that all I said to you was in answer to your question concerning Ben's habits. I replied to your question, as I or you would always expect a man of truth to answer a plain interrogatory. Had you not asked the question I certainly should not have given the answer. I think you will do me the justice to say that I made no effort to injure Wright, indeed I believe you will say that I spoke well of him as an agent.
    Had I desired to injure Wright fatally, I could have done so by statements backed by living evidence. All of this difficulty has been occasioned by Kautz, my most bitter enemy--a man with whom I have not spoken for a long time. The occasion of my trouble with Kautz is well known to all of our citizens, and let me add that it is not much to the credit of Kautz. Of course this is nothing to you. This difficulty between Ben and myself, prompted by Kautz, together with the active efforts of Ben, caused my defeat in the election just passed, and it is my opinion that such was the object of Kautz. In this place, where I have lived near four years, I received 40 votes. My adversary, Tichenor, got but 18 votes. This is certainly an index of my standing here, and is, of itself, quite a commentary upon the efforts of my enemies. And, General, I do not desire to injure Mr. Wright--on the contrary would be glad to see him continue in the office he now holds. I will also add that since my trouble with Ben, he has not tasted a drop of ardent spirits, and has fully determined to wholly abstain from the use of all kinds of intoxicating drinks. No one more rejoices at this resolution than myself. Now then as to the past. The answer I made to your question concerning Ben's habits, I do not, nor have I ever denied. I cannot bear to be considered the base man and liar that you probably have been made to think me. I must therefore refer you to our postmaster R. H. Smith, our justice of the peace John W. Sutton, Isaiah Porter, Nelson Seaman, Samuel Lount, or to any other citizen of Port Orford. I make this reference, not to injure Ben, but to vindicate my character as a man of truth. I hope to see you when you come among us, that this cruel misunderstanding (if it cannot bear a worse name as far as Kautz is concerned) may be properly explained. I assure you General it is not pleasant to have one's life threatened, particularly by a man that you are not disposed to injure.






Dear sir
    I received your kind favor by last mail, and hasten by the earliest opportunity to reply. I should have written you more frequent[ly], but I knew you were at work, and would stop but a short time at any one place, hence it was doubtful where a letter would reach you. The election excitement is over, and with it died the patriotism of the Indian exterminators, so we have peace and quietude. Dryer, poor fellow, labored hard to have all the Indians killed off. He said in his speeches, from a long acquaintance with Indian character he knew we never could have peace so long as any of the redskins lived and these Indians had always got the better in every fight and now it was time they should be whipped. I have no doubt he got his cue from some of our citizens but with all their lies they were not able to make a war. The Indians said they had done nothing, and they would not fight. They were willing to go anywhere for the sake of peace. It is a matter of doubt about their killing anybody on Indian Creek, and it is certain they killed no one in this valley until after they had been driven to the mountains and attacked by a large force of white men and several of their people killed. Three white men were killed; they robbed no train nor attacked none.
    It wielded a heavy influence in our election with a certain class of voters, a floating, unstable class. Our affairs in this country were badly managed anyway. The battle ought to have been fought here just preceding the election and the result would have been much different. We have a large floating, transient population unsettled in their political principles. The Whigs managed to catch that vote, for want of energy in the Democratic Party. However, under the existing circumstances we done the best we could. We might have carried the convention if it had not been lost sight of in other issues.
    Take it all in all I am proud of the result as it is, for it is certainly a great victory, a victory over all the elements of opposition to the Democratic Party, without one single concession. It was a bold and manly fought battle, a contest for principle alone, and we have cause of exultation. We may well afford to have a night of revels, and join together in common rejoicing. I trust you will join Genl. Palmer on his way here. I am quite anxious to see the Genl. If your business is not too pressing your many friends would be pleased to meet with you, and give you a cordial shake of the hand before your departure for the states.
Jos. Lane
    Winchester
        O.T.
   


Gentlemen:
    I acknowledge the receipt of a communication dated the fifth inst., containing certain resolutions passed at a meeting of the volunteer companies of Siskiyou County and state of Cal. and naming you the committee to present the resolutions to the "Indian Agent of Oregon Territory." I have thoroughly considered your requests, set out in your resolutions. In making my reply thereto I do so with the hope you will reasonably and candidly consider its nature and import, and in the expectation that you will cheerfully comply with and be governed by the laws of the land.
    My duties as Indian agent will not allow me to accede to your requests. I can neither surrender into your hands the accused Indians, or suffer you to go upon the Indian reserve in quest of them.
    Whatever may be the number or motive of the "Volunteer Companies of Siskiyou County, Cal.," one thing is clear; they are a mere volunteer assemblage of men without a shadow of authority "for the purpose of apprehending and punishing the Indians," whom you demand, and this without reference to the question of whether those Indians are guilty or innocent of participation in the outrages on Klamath River.
    In this respect my duties are clear, explicit and direct. I must conform to the laws and would recommend you as good citizens to do the same, as the consequences of a contrary course if persisted in by you can only bring evil upon your own heads without facilitating the punishment of the guilty.
    Whenever the civil authorities of California demand the surrender of any Indians upon the reservation in my charge for crimes alleged to have been committed upon the soil of California, no pains shall be spared to comply with the request. Until then you will readily understand that it is my bounden duty to keep the Indians under my immediate control and to prevent at all hazards all unlawful interference with them upon the part of others.
    No doubt exists in my mind that if I were to acquiesce in the demand made by the resolutions, the lives and property of the whole population of this valley would be sacrificed in return.
    Whoever is guilty will in due time be punished, according to the laws of the land, which secures a fair trial by an impartial jury.
    The mode you propose is of an altogether different character, and would most naturally result in an indiscriminate slaughter of both white and Indian races. My views and purposes are sound and legal, and I shall most firmly adhere to them.
Messrs
    Mowry, Hall,
    Lake, Hawkins &
        Parrish
            Committee.

Gen Jos. Lane
Dear sir
    Your letter of 10th inst. is just received and I hasten to say in answer to your inquiries that Thos. Hay, late of Capt. Rhoades' co., some time since kept a dram shop in the mines near Yreka, in which a murder was committed in which he was in some manner mixed up, sufficiently at least as not to leave him a very reputable character.
    There is strong reasons for believing that he some time back received hush money from a thief and then informed on him, and it is a fact that he was confined in jail 5 or 6 days, as a punishment by a court for rioting in getting drunk and storming a house of ill fame and the next day, I believe, acted as the hangman or a hangman of two Indians, executed by the mob in Yreka, who may, or who may not have deserved their fate, at least it was a mob, and the Indians had been arrested by G. W. S. Cummings, dist. atty, confined in jail by the sheriff, D. D. Colton, and then liberated, whereupon the mob hung them, pulling them up from the ground and leaving them to hang for about 36 or 48 hours from whence they were taken by Eddy, I think, marshal of Yreka and thrown into a miner's prospect hole. These are literally the facts, and I am ignorant of whether the Indians deserved their fate or not. Mr. Hay for some week or ten days was then mixed up with a mob of persons as a sort of ringleader in attempting to take summary measures with some five white men who were mining on Canal Gulch, and whose crime was their having Shasta squaws for mistresses (I believe this is the term). Four of these white men, viz. Robert Whittle, Wm. Fenning, Jos. Rambough and Alford Woodruff, are known to me to be quiet and industrious miners. Three of them have children by these squaws, are evidently attached to them, and support them decently.
    These men undoubtedly evince a not very refined taste in the choice of their female associations, for which they are amenable in my opinion only to the civil laws, and to public sentiment, not to the cowardly exasperation of a mob, who threatened but performed nothing.
    It was about the last of July that the first difficulty with the Indians occurred on Humbug between two drunken Indians and some whites.
    This led to the outrageous and indiscriminate massacre of some 10 or 12 white miners on Klamath by the Indians, led on by the "laughing chief," who was killed, and who had a young daughter living with a white miner as his mistress. This white man was killed by the Indians.
    When all this occurred it seems that a few of Sam and Jo's Indians from the Table Rock reserve were nearby in the vicinity. It seems also that they did not participate in hostilities but they left at once for the reserve, taking with them two horses belonging to murderous whites.
    Some 150 miners were soon in arms and took to the mountains.
    Capt. Judah of Ft. Jones, amongst them, they went over Siskiyou Mountain, then down Applegate Creek and then to Fort Lane. At Fort Lane, Capts. Smith and Judah, Doct. Ambrose, agent, and the volunteers had some transactions, which doubtless have been properly conducted from the known ability and energy with which both these officers have always acted in promoting the true and real interests of this frontier.
    A detachment of vols. went out some 10 days ago towards the cave and Klamath lakes. They report (having just returned) that the Indians have left the cave locality--that they are principally in the vicinity of the lakes--that they have some talk with them--that the Indians came into their camp, that some emigrants are on the road, which induces them not to make war with their force upon the Indians and that they returned for want of supplies.
    I have as yet taken no personal part in these affairs, as my absence in Oregon and the condition of my private affairs required absolutely my individual personal attention.
    I have to say that I have done what I knew to be my duty in laying before you the case of Hay. I have had no other motion and gave him to understand that I had written to you. He expresses contrition, promises reform, and several respectable persons have solicited me to represent his case formally to you. I have done my duty by writing to you the truth.
    Of Lieut. Ely and Jas. Carroll, I cannot do otherwise than earnestly and respectfully calling your attention to their case for relief, or a pension. I know no braver soldiers, or better and worthier citizens than themselves.
    By last mail I recd. a letter from Capt. Alden dated Paris 14 June. He is in better health, is coming home in October, spent the winter in Rome and came by way of Venice, Vienna, Prague, Dresden, Munich, Strasbourg to Paris. He spoke of Ely and perhaps will aid you in my matter relating to him.
    He spoke too of your efforts in the procurement of a commission in the army for me, a fact which however I might have suspected is of you, only adds to the already heavy obligations I am laying under towards you.
    I have to thank you for the forwarding the accounts I sent you. I shall send you some others by next mail to Washington and will send you a schedule of them, so that you may have some data and can take or have taken such action as you deem proper.
    I wish particularly to say that in forward[ing] these accounts to you and asking your aid that you will not permit it to interfere in any way with more important duties of which no one is better aware than myself that you have your hands full. Believe me sincere in this and that except for the wishes and interests of others I should not have troubled you with them.



Genl. Joseph Lane
Sir
    A day or two since I saw and conversed with Capt. Bill Martin of Humbug who commanded a company of vols. who pursued the hostile Indians (who had committed the depredations on Klamath) to the Table Rock reserve, and he thinks that Capt. Smith comdr. at Fort Lane and Doct. Ambrose, Indian agent, did their duty and acted perfectly right in the premises in regards to the whole affair. He states that there is now some eleven hundred Indians on the reserve, some 400 of whom are warriors, and that the course pursued by the authorities was the best thing that could be done for the peace and quiet of the country not only in Oregon Territory but here, where we are in juxtaposition with your constituency.
    I have to say that here in California our special agent A. M. Rosborough has had recently his powers abrogated and that the political aspect of our state shows a batch of factions, without a party or a head, and that the future promises to be worse than the past, so far as Indian relations are concerned. No attention is or has been paid to our wants or interests here in northern California, and the force at Fort Jones in Scotts Valley some 15 miles hence is and has always been a mere corporal's guard, leaving the officers in command there--however estimable and energetic--powerless to act, and some of the acts of our multitudinous population here towards the Indians notwithstanding their hostile acts (in which they have been no more the aggressors than some of the whites) is a disgrace to a civilized people. The two Indians hung by the mob in Yreka were in my opinion not guilty of any hostile act--there is no proof of it whatever--and not 6 miles from where I live five friendly Indians--known to be so, who had taken refuge in a miner's cabin on Humbug--were taken out and shot in cold blood by some whites--two of whom were boys of 10 and 12 years of age respectively. This sir is true, just as I tell it to you, and I have the information from the best and most undoubted authority.
    Knowing the Indian character as well as both you and myself do, it is easy to foresee that such acts, near a district tending to alarm and exasperate the Indians, and unless the government takes some speedy action in relation to Indian affairs here in northern California, the like scenes will occur, until not an Indian is left. Meanwhile much valuable property and some lives of good and quiet citizens will be sacrificed.
    Will the government look to our interests and wants! We have no hope for action from our California delegation. I regret to say it but we have been most shamefully neglected. Our only hope is in you; although not of your constituency, our local position makes our interests the same.
    I do not believe a better officer than Capt. A. J. Smith could be stationed at Fort Lane, and Capt. Judah comdr. Ft. Jones, is an excellent and energetic officer. But he is powerless to act with the force at his command.
    It is in my opinion preposterous to think of enrolling vols.; the expense here would be enormous, and the experience of the Rogue River War proves to me that it is not advisable.
    There seems now to be quiet, but every day I expect to hear of outbreaks, murders, robberies; past experience proves that it will be so.
    I know that in making these statements to you that all that lies in your power will be done for us.
   


Hon Joseph Lane
Sir,
    On this the anniversary of our little battle during the Rogue River War, in which we both (I believe) did our duty to the country, I sit down in my miner's hut on Canal Gulch (where by the way I have a good and rich mining claim) to drop to you a few confidential lines on things past and to volunteer some reflections for the future. I am the more prompted to do this from the fact of your past friendship to me, in all that relates to duty in the camp and field and to social intercourse.
    I should have written to you this letter some month[s] ago, except for the multitudinous private affairs that required my attention, which are now all settled, and I have leisure for rest and recreation till our winter's supply of water comes to set us to gold working.
    You recollect the conversation we had together at Corvallis, as well as the fact that through you, and Captain Alden, I was particularly charged with the arrangement of the muster rolls of the Rogue River War. Since my return from Corvallis, during the canvass, and from then to the period of the payment of the troops by Maj. Alvord, and up to a late period I have, for the best reasons, taken particular care to inform myself of such matters in regards to Rogue River War accounts, as I knew I had a right to do from the position I occupied.
    The result of these investigations are that I have no hesitation in venturing the remark that Doc. Jesse Robinson, whose accounts amounted (as sent on) to some $8000, and who has been paid by draft $5507.50, has been paid quite enough. He will be sure to ask for the balance.
    A bill for hay of $2250 paid to George Pierson (now a partner of the late Q.M. and C.S.U.S. Drew) appears by the most incontestable evidence to have really amounted to about four wagonloads (say four tons). It lay between where you first joined us in camp and Fort Lane. I saw it there myself during the campaign, and in a late conversation with Capt. A. J. Smith, comdr. at that post, he informed me that he knew these to be the facts, from the best information he could gather. An account paid to Drew and Clark (Charles S. Drew) by draft, amounting to $1580 for hay, was about six (6) tons, certainly not more than eight. I saw this pile of hay myself; a portion of it was used by my company, and it turns out that this was the only pile of hay they had, thus making a neat little operation of about $720 on "Uncle Sam," by the scratch of a pen in which is to be found "I certify on honor" etc., etc.
    Dean, A. C. Dean, who lives about halfway between Jacksonville and Fort Lane, has been paid by draft a just account for hay which I got myself of $96, but he has a certified account for some $960 or $990 (I forget which) that has not yet been paid, which he is sure to be growling after. It was never furnished to the troops, but was wasted and used in great part by citizens during the war, as I am told. I was quite a stranger in Oregon during the war, and was so closely confined for three months after in writing and arranging the papers that you may be well assured I was ignorant of these matters, but inclination and some leisure has since then enabled me to inform myself pretty thoroughly of "how the cat jumps" around and about in Jackson County. Dean is a "tillicum" of the Drew Kidney [sic], as I have seen by ocular demonstrations, and whatever his antecedents may be, it would not I know and should not have anything to do with the payment of a just account, but it is not just.
    In my speaking of these affairs, I consider that it is not impertinent, but pertinent and proper from the position I have occupied to state to you facts as they have developed themselves to me.
    There were some 460 troops in the field during the Rogue River War, not enumerating captains Martin, Nesmith and Applegate's companies. The expenses of the war as made out, apart from the muster rolls, was about $98500.00, including some $10,000 for hospital bills at Jacksonville. I understand that the accounts of the Walker expedition amount to some $100,000. How is this! In a conversation at Fort Lane with Capt. Smith he stated to me that he had reported to the government that this expedition was got up for purposes of speculation. Was he correct! In my opinion he most certainly was, and the government cannot place a better officer than himself in command at Fort Lane, especially when at the time and for the future we have so many designing men anxious to kick up a dust with the Indians on any pretext whatever for purposes (selfish) and not that they love the peaceful and quiet state, so necessary to us. That there are some lawless savages amongst us in the 15 or 16 hundred Indians about here is true. And either from sinister motives or a natural lawlessness worse than that of these savages (because it is more civilized) an almost constant broil exists that requires the constant and guarding care of the best and most responsible citizens to prevent from breaking out into open war. In fact it is as necessary to check and prevent the impolitic course of some of the whites, as to punish the lawless amongst the Indians.
    As a matter of good policy and of justice too, in regard to the future payment of the "Walker expedition," it will be well to have the officers and men liberally paid according to the rate of things in this country.
    But of the $100,000 of accounts made out under the administration of certain officers, the closest scrutiny is advisable, especially after the experiences of the Rogue River War, which proves that the beak and appetite of the government is only whetted and not allayed upon the spoils of public plunder.
    These are perhaps harsh expressions, but they are doubtless strictly applicable, and in their application rest on no good friends of yours, who at least might have had the gratitude to have stood aloof (if they had different principles) and not used the very money got through your patience and industry, and to which in reality it seems they were not entitled by justice. I know, and was a personal witness, to their having used every influence to defeat you.
    Enclosed I send as near as I can get the data (and you will find I am nearly correct, should you compare it with the duplicate at Washington), a copy of a bill of Mr. George L. Snelling, who was sometimes a partner in packing etc. of C. S. and B. J. Drew. He seems to have lately married and settled in Boston, in which section
    70,000 Dollars [divided into] 17,000 days service [equals] 4.11 making expenses of the Rogue River War some $4.12½ per day's service.
    They say figures do not lie; if by accident such should happen to be the case let us look at the Walker expedition.
    Expenses as charged per paper made out by C. S. Drew (as near as I can get data): $110,000
    Days 460 men for 1 month gives a result of [17,400 man-days]. Add to this Miller's compy. for 2 months more on service of protecting--by your order--the emigration to northern Cal. and southern Oregon, say 60 men for 60 days. Add to this the fact that some $10,300 was expended on account of [the] hospital in Jacksonville, as well as many incidental and necessary expenses that occurred during the Rogue River War, which could not have justly been charged for the "Walker expedition" as well as the fact that Miller's command disbursed some 5 or 6 thousand dollars worth of horses to emigrants, which was charged and added to the sum total of the $98,500 of expenses charged to the account of Rogue River War, and finally to include the little bills of Geo. Pierson for $2,250 for hay, Drew and Clark for $1680 (Drew for $1000) and last but not least Geo. L. Snelling's for $10,000 will give the following result:
The amount of vinegar, soap and rice charged in this bill gives a clue to the whole affair, as all the troops together did not use 20 gallons of vinegar during the whole war, and the same may be said of the rice, an article the troops would not eat. As for the item of beef, it is well known or at least asserted that Snelling never had anything to do with beef at all.
    Independent of this several little bills in the name of C. S. Drew and B. J. Drew have been sent on, about which I know nothing. After these facts (which are stubborn things) it would perhaps be well to look into some of the "certificates on honor" etc. of the Walker expedition.
    The richest and most unblushing thing, however, is (among the hospital bills at Jacksonville) an account of Drew for sundry gallons of brandy at an enormous price for the sick and sundry items for cholagogue at the same rates. Details of them will be seen by reference to the duplicates on file in the proper department at Washington, as Maj. Drew secreted and refused to turn over to Capt. Miller the papers at Jacksonville when he was superseded by order of Gov. Curry.
    From the positions I have heretofore occupied, I should prefer that these communications I make to you should be considered strictly confidential and private, unless it should be found absolutely necessary to substantiate them, which I cannot do, but a host of citizens of Jacksonville and Jackson County, as well perhaps as at Scottsburg, who are intimately conversant with the business relations of the Drew family, can do so.
    At any rate, the fangs of the serpent can be drawn and you will be at liberty to have them used or pass them by unnoticed. From the experiences of the Rogue River War (I advise you! pardon me for the liberty I take) the troops of the Walker expedition should be liberally paid, it will be just so to do and will enhance your popularity, as it justly should. I found every advantage taken by Dryer and Drew in the late canvass, on account of the men being paid 61¢ and the horses $4 per day. By the most absolute lying and false representations, they endeavored to give to Maj. Drew all the credit for this $4 per day because forsooth he was quartermaster, and had I had the evidences of his corrupt and false certificates of "honor" at that time as well as I now have, I should have publicly exposed him. But it is better as it is, I do not wish the blow that levels him to the dust to come from me.
    The political aspect of affairs throughout the country seems to foreshadow a storm on the horizon, and from the mass of factions with which the country is cut up, East, West, North, South, it will require a stiff and stern hand to stand at the helm of the ship of state (guided by the Constitution) to steer clear of breakers. I have no doubt of the result myself.
    A private citizen, and one likely to remain so, from both inclination and habit, having seen enough of service about camps and in the tented field, or rather the open prairie, I take however a deep interest in the political affairs of our country and hope that our experiment of republican government may stand the test of both time and every wile that may be brought to bear against it. The kingly wiles of Europe and its governments must not be permitted to gain a foothold on our continent. The destiny that awaits us in establishing free governments in Mexico and all South America, is one grander than old Rome, Napoleon or Britain ever dreamed of through conquest or despotism.
    The day too is not distant when Oregon and California with their immense and as yet undeveloped resources, will take a prominent stand politically and otherwise in the affairs of the nations.
    A railroad from San Francisco Bay to the Mississippi is, and ought to be, the great enterprise of the age. Let its cost be what it may (every cent of which we can bear without feeling it), the fact of its connecting one extreme of the continent with the other, opening the India and whaling trade, the vast islands of the Pacific, connecting us politically in a band of iron, promoting intercourse, the one part of the country with the other, leveling prejudices the one section with the other, too many of which already exist.
    Let us do this, while battling Europe is fighting useless and exhausting wars for the aggrandizement of dynasties, and we will make the world an empire all our own.
    Should my success be as good in mining as I anticipate, next winter I will throw aside my pick and shovel for a short space and pay a short visit to the "states" from which I have been a rambler some 15 years. I shall see my brother in Philadelphia, some rich relations down South, none of whom I have seen for that period.
    I shall pay you a passing visit at Washington, where doubtless (should your official duties permit) you will introduce me to congenial society where I can lionize and roar like any "sucking dove," after the order of Texas Rangers and California miners. I shall doubtless require a little polishing up, but a little tact and a good barber can do this. My destiny, however, my "star" calls me here. I could not live in the dull routine of the states.



[Tichenor dated this letter August 24, 1854--erroneously, I believe.]



Sir
    I have the honor to transmit the following report of the condition of the Agency for the month ending August 31st 1855. Quite a limited amount of labor has been performed on the reserve in consequence of the surrounding country being involved in war and the Indians belonging to the reserve accused of aiding and abetting if not guilty of actual participation, this being the usual war season. They were accused of beginning the difficulties or acting in concert with the Klamaths at the time. That some from this reserve were there I know to be a fact, and there is good reason to suppose that they were implicated in the murders which took place on the Klamath River on the 27th of July last. On the 24th day of July last six Indians left this reserve to visit the Klamath country; on the 26th and before they reached the Klamath River a white man was killed by the Indians on Humbug Creek, a tributary of the Klamath. They were pursued to the Klamaths' camp and three Indians taken prisoner to testify against some white person who it seems had been in the habit of selling intoxicating liquors to them. The Indians were apprehensive of danger and instead of going forward and testifying, the first opportunity they had they broke and run, and were fired upon by the whites and some of their number killed. The same or following night, ten persons were killed on the river near the Klamath camp. Six Indians belonging to Old John were recognized in the assault. The assaulting party were seen going to the camp where those white men were murdered about fifteen minutes previous to the commencement of the firing. The firing commenced in the evening about half an hour before sunset and immediately upon the return of the Indians who were taken in the morning as witnesses, but [they] had made their escape and returned.
    Those Shasta Indians from this agency still deny any participation in those outrages, but from the fact of their being there, going in violation of orders to the contrary, their returning with the property taken from those murdered men, their horses and some articles of clothing, and of their being in possession of an amount of money that cannot be reasonably accounted for in any other way, and their previous bad character, all tend to induce me to believe they are guilty and accordingly with that impression I have thought it advisable to have them arrested for trial. The Indians belong to Old John, but neither he nor any other chief has any control over them. About fifteen of the different bands, but mostly of Old John's people, have banded together and without doubt are the worst Indians I ever saw. Their kindred feeling no doubt associates them together, and consequently but little good can ever be expected of them. Aside from this band I believe the others could be got along with without difficulty, but those above alluded to are so desperate and reckless that the whole tribe fear them. Chief Bill, son of old man John, led this expedition to the Klamath, and as a matter of course he would not be willing to surrender into our hands any of the accused, even for a trial, when a demand is made. They simply declare their innocence, hence you will readily see that we have no other way than by force to apprehend them. Capt. Smith accordingly surrounded a party of them on the 17th inst. and compelled them to come out, amongst which were found two of the accused. They were arrested and are now in safekeeping to be handed over to the civil authorities whenever demanded. And by awaiting favorable opportunities he hopes to be able to arrest the remainder in a short time without involving the country in a war. For the present they are very shy and keep in the mountains out of our way, and I have but little doubt if they could succeed in getting the others to join them they would involve the whole tribe in a war. They evidently desire it themselves.
    The Illinois Indians have run away from the reserve, and I presume they have returned to their old country. They were much dissatisfied before they left. Their trail led in the direction of Illinois Valley. On Applegate a house was robbed of its contents by them as they passed. A detachment of dragoons was immediately sent in pursuit of them, but without effecting anything, the mountains being on fire and vegetation so dry and parched that it was found impossible to follow their trail. In consequence of the surrounding country being involved in war, the unsettled and uncertain state of affairs here and the consequent excitement in the minds of both whites and Indians, it has not been deemed safe for hands to labor on the reserve. In fact I could not find men who were willing to remain here and work. Five companies of volunteers have been raised and organized about Yreka and sent here to arrest and punish Indians. So far we have prevailed upon them to desist and submit the matter to the legal tribunals of our country, which course it is believed will secure to us peace, but in the event of an indiscriminate attack upon the Indians I fear this valley would be plunged into a most ruinous war, more disastrous occurring at this time of the year (their usual war season) than any other. I would like exceedingly well if you had the time to spare to visit this agency, and see if anything can be done towards getting this band of Indians above referred to out from amongst the others, remove them somewhere else or make some disposition of them, so that those who are inclined to do good should not be made to suffer for the conduct of others. Sam's, George's and Limpy's people are quiet and so far as I am capable of judging manifest a disposition to remain so. They paid considerable attention to their crops before those other people were sent amongst them and seemed to take some interest in agricultural pursuits and were no source of complaint on the part of the whites. It is to be hoped that with the usual fall rains much of this excitement will be allayed as that not only destroys the power of the Indian to do harm by fire, their most effectual mode of warfare in this country, but renders them liable to be tracked wherever they may choose to go; consequently upon such an occurrence they usually set themselves about the adjustment of all existing difficulties preparatory to their making arrangements to go into their winter quarters. On Friday last at the head of this valley about six miles east from the Mountain House a small party of white men were out hunting and discovered a body of Indians with a considerable number of stolen horses, amongst the number one of their own they had lost the night previous. Without waiting to inform the commandant at Fort Lane, believing it would give the Indians time to escape, [they] hastened into the settlements, raised what men they considered a sufficient force to attack the Indians and recover the stolen property, in which however it seems they were mistaken, for upon attacking the Indians the next morning they found they were outnumbered and were compelled to retreat. One man was killed on the ground whose body they were not able to recover, and two others badly wounded, and had to be carried off.
    On Sunday evening word reached Fort Lane and Capt. Smith started a detachment of dragoons in hot pursuit but with what success remains yet to be seen. I may perhaps as well state that those Indians do not belong to this reserve but are supposed to inhabit the country in the vicinity of (Snowy Butte) Klamath Lake and are the same that usually infest the emigrant trail.
Joel Palmer Esqr
    Supt Ind Affairs
        Dayton OT
Compare the perplexing differences between this version of the report and the variant in the files of the Indian Department. Agents were required to submit reports in duplicate or triplicate; apparently those copies were far from identical.






Hon. Joseph Lane
Dear sir
    Ere this you have seen Genl. Palmer on his way home from a tour along the coast, treating with the various bands of Indians from Cape Lookout to the California line. I do assure you that he has most successfully accomplished his mission. And here allow me to add that the U.S. has not in my opinion a more faithful public officer, or anyone better qualified to fill this important trust than he. It would be wholly unnecessary for me to say even this much, but for the efforts still being made by designing persons to injure him in the eyes of the department and in your estimation. I traveled in company with him the whole distance from Dayton to Rogue River, then back and up to the 2nd forks of the Coquille River, and had ample opportunity to observe his deportment before the Indians, under trying circumstances, often in which his judgment and capacity were tried, but he always proved sufficient for any emergency.
    I am of opinion that his place in the Indian department in Oregon cannot be filled if he is suffered to resign, or is removed. He has at heart the true interests of the government, and the welfare of the Indian, and not that spirit of "public plunder" so often manifested by the aspiring "demagogues" in our midst.
    At Umpqua Genl. Palmer and myself visited A. C. Gibbs, the collector, who informed the Genl. that as late as their last term of court, certain mine workers were trying to spring a new task upon him, charging that Genl. P. was inimical to your election and the Democracy, that he absented himself to avoid supporting you for Congress. I conversed with him prior to his leaving for Walla Walla, and his explanation of that matter, and of the absence of Bob Metcalfe from his home, instead of being criminal or in any way sustaining the charge, is so plain as to forbid the supposition for a moment of dishonesty or design in all that transaction. Besides the reasonableness of the whole thing, I do know beyond a doubt that Genl. Palmer is, and always has been, one of your fast friends in Oregon, none better, while those who now seek to supplant him are and were your enemies, secretly if not openly.
    Thus much I feel it my duty unsolicited to say in justice to Genl. Palmer. He thinks strongly of resigning. I begged him not to do it, or at least if he were determined, to wait until Congress acted upon this coast treaty.
    I made this trip with and at Genl. Palmer's solicitation for the purpose of seeing for myself the entire coast, especially of my own district. At Umpqua I met Thos. D. Winchester, of Elkton, and recommended him for the post at Coos Bay. At Rogue River a growing trade is carried on, and it will not be long before a revenue officer will be needed there.
    At Coos Bay, Port Orford and Rogue River, schooners of small tonnage are constantly arriving, but without yielding any considerable amount of revenue to the government.
    By last mail I received a letter from Hon. Secretary Guthrie, an extract of which is here made, after stating that my compensation will commence when I shall have taken the oath of office before some proper magistrate within my district, while Mr. Whittlesey, when transmitting my commission, accompanied it with a note saying that my bond together with the oath of office had been received and approved.
    Mr. Guthrie goes on to say "that no other officer authorized for your district by the act above referred to will be appointed at this time, and not until the extent and character of the business of the district shall be developed."
    Notwithstanding my district stretches about 120 miles coastwise over a country of as irregular formation and of as difficult access as any on this coast, still he says, "Should you deem it necessary on account of absence or sickness, to appoint a deputy, you may, and advise the department of the person so appointed. Any compensation for such service however must be paid by yourself. You will also furnish an office for the transaction of your business at your own expense." Now in a country like this where everything is high, I have to pay $12 per mo. for an office, $8 per week for board, $3 per doz. for washing, $5 per day for a horse to travel to the points of my district. If I am to have no help besides wood and stationery etc. which Mr. Guthrie will throw upon me also--and yet expects the business of the government to be faithfully attended to. These things cannot long exist. I have made a requisition for funds to meet expenses of the office for one year in advance as was done in the case of Mr. Gibbs, If I receive as I have reason to expect I will liquidate that paper at an early day. I told Genl. Palmer to urge you to come to Port Orford to take [a] steamer for the states. You can do so as well from this point as from Portland. I must see you if possible before you go to explain the business of this district. Genl. P. told me that he would have a horse left with Drew at Umpqua City for you to ride down upon; if not if you will signify your willingness to come I will have an animal ready for you at the above place at a given time. 3 days over a good pack trail brings you from Umpqua to Port Orford, where I shall be most happy to meet you.
    Give my regards to Mother Lane and the family and believe me
To Genl Lane
    Winchester
        Umpqua


Dear Genl.
    I have just had a conversation with Capt. Ben Wright, sub-Indian agent of this place, who is very anxious to see you in regard to certain claims for services in the Indian department some time ago, and other matters for which he has not been paid, and in which he has expended a considerable amount of his own private funds.
    On hearing me say that I had written you, he requested me to say that any convenience you may require in coming to this point before you leave, he would join me in rendering. I hope you will make it convenient to come, so as to stop a few days at Port Orford. Your answer is anxiously looked for.



Sir
    In reviewing the affairs of this agency for the past month I am forced to the conclusion that the prospects of peace are anything but flattering. The month has been passed in one continued series of aggressions. Although taken singly each item on itself appears small, but in the aggregate the sum total presents a formidable appearance. It seems as though they had studied how far they can go with impunity and have endeavored to go no farther. I think nearly or quite all the mischief that has been done was perpetrated by a few Shastas and Scotans. The settlers' patience has become exhausted. They are quite irritable and will not bear the least offense from an Indian any longer. Petitions are handed me weekly and I may say almost daily. One day a theft has been committed in one portion of the valley, in a few days another and in a different portion of the valley. The thefts are quite small as a general thing, not amounting to more than four or five dollars. In some instances a gun, another some powder or lead, again a miner's cabin will be broken open and his little stock or provisions taken. It must be borne in mind that our frontier settlers are, many of them, bachelors, and when they are absent from their houses at work, no one is left to guard what they own, and not infrequently when they return from their work at night do they find their little stock of provisions minus. It has been abstracted during their absence by Mr. Indian crawling down the chimney or knocking a board off and creeping through a crack. In most instances the houses are of rude logs and not very securely fastened, which offers a temptation for Indians hard for them to resist, especially when we consider that they have been trained to steal from infancy. After a repetition of the thefts a few times and the individual after a hard day's work has had to walk two or three miles to get his supper and lay in another small lot of supplies which in a few days may probably go in the same way. He gets peevish and angry and embittered against the Indian race, and would about as soon shoot one as to eat his supper. In order that you may form a better idea of what is going on I will give you a brief account of last week's work. On Monday I was called upon by Mr. Hamilton, who lives twelve miles below here on the river. His house had been entered in his absence and the contents abstracted amounting to eight or ten dollars. From there I was called to Mr. Shough's whose house had been entered and six shirts, half a sack of flour and one chopping ax purloined. Next I was called to Mr. Tufts who had three head of his cattle shot seemingly by a revolver. None of the cattle were killed but some of them badly wounded, apparently done in sheer wantonness. Next to Mr. Gilbert's whose house had been entered through the chimney whilst he was in the field at work, robbed of a sack of sugar, a sack of flour, a small quantity of bacon and a pair of boots, saw the Indians break and run at his approach, was not near enough to recognize any of them. Next comes Mr. Walker whose house was robbed of a pair of boots, one pair of blankets and one pair of pants. From there to Mr. Vannoy's who had a lot of rails burned in the woods, the grass fired near his fence several times, had to be constantly on the lookout to prevent being burned up. Does not suppose the Indians fired the rails, but in wantonness fired the woods and it soon extended to the rails and burned them. And this is but one week's work. Grievances of a similar character are constantly pouring in upon me from every side, and in all these numerous instances not an Indian can be found who is guilty of any of the above acts; one band lays the charge to some other band and they in return charge it on to some other band, and so it goes from one to another and all go unpunished, the loss sustained by any one individual being quite small, he does not care to spend time to ferret it out and if he did I know of no way by which he could do so. All this mischief you will observe was done in the neighborhood of Mr. Vannoy's and in the country occupied by George and Limpy's people, but in justice to them I do not believe they knew anything of the matter, yet they have all the blame to bear. From what I can learn I believe it to have been done by some of Old John's people, and some Scotans of whom I informed you some time since of their leaving the reserve. John's people are constantly passing to and fro from the reserve to the Scotans, who are camped somewhere in the Coast Range of mountains and the lower Rogue River Indians about Galice Creek. I have failed in every instance to bring the offenders to justice; they seem to take no interest in the affairs of the reserve, nor do I believe they will stay on it much longer. From the frequent occurrence of those petty offenses the patience of the settlers of the valley has become worn and threadbare and I expect daily to hear of an Indian being shot should one pass by the vicinity of some house about the time of its being robbed. I have no doubt he would be shot upon suspicion; the idea is quite prevalent amongst the white population that there is a combination [i.e., a coalition] amongst all the Indians and the chiefs, instead of trying to control it, connive at it, which is certainly not the case. I do not believe it is in the power of the chiefs to control it. I entertain the opinion that this little band of Scotans and Shastas do all or nearly all the mischief that is done in pure wantonness, alike thoughtless and regardless of consequences and with the impression that they can charge it to some other Indians, as the devilment is usually done near the camp of some quiet Indians to whom no theft has been alleged for many months prior to bringing these bands of Shastas and Scotans on the reserve. It is with difficulty hands can be procured who will labor on the reserve; they are in constant dread of their lives being taken, nor do I believe the matter will be bettered as long as the Shastas are permitted to remain here. I really fear they will plunge the whole country in a war if some stop is not put to their numerous little thefts. Already the people talk of waging a war of extermination and calling on the citizens of Yreka for assistance, which if they should do it would be quickly granted to them, for they are ready at any and at all times for an Indian fight. Sam's people doubtless desire peace and to remain on the reserve; they have not left it the past summer, nor have they taken part in any difficulty nor been engaged in any thefts that I can ascertain, although from Sam's previous reputation they are charged with nearly everything that is done. At any rate, say they, he knows it, and no doubt some of his people help. The fact of charging crime on innocent Indians and those desiring to remain friendly has the worst possible effect; it impairs their confidence in our people; they have no guarantee of safety be their conduct what it may, nothing to stimulate them to do right, in fact its tendency is to drive them all into that same channel of vice and crime. After the massacre of those men on the Klamath not a single Indian who was concerned in that affair has yet been punished, yet quite a number have been killed, and some that belonged to a different band. If that policy should be carried out here it remains yet to be seen what will be the consequences.
    On Tuesday last two men were killed by the Indians near the summit of the Siskiyou Mountains. The men were teaming, hauling flour to Yreka from Mr. Wait's mill, were unarmed at the time. There were four in company, two escaped, thirteen head of work cattle were shot dead in the yoke. The Indians took six sacks of flour; nothing else was disturbed. The next day on Cottonwood a party of three men, miners, were fired upon by Indians, one killed and one wounded, the third escaped unhurt. Capt. Smith started a detachment of dragoons immediately after them.
    I am satisfied these murders were not perpetrated by any Indians belonging to the reserve. I believe it to have been done by those same Indians with whom a party of white men had a difficulty within a few miles east of the Mountain House, an account of which I wrote you at the time. They were Shastas and "Tipsu Tyee's" people beyond a doubt.
    Of the pecuniary condition of the agency I must refer you to my quarterly returns. Of the amount of labor, number of hands and the occupation of different ones progress &c. of the work on the reserve you will see in an abstract accompanying this report.
Joel Palmer
    Supt Indian Affairs
        Dayton O T


P.S.  Since my last letter to you in relation to Indian disturbances, murders etc., an affair has occurred with the whites and Indians in Rogue River Valley in which one white man was killed and two wounded and another a day or two since on the road to Yreka from Jacksonville in which the Indians murdered two whites and wounded another and shot 12 yoke of oxen wantonly and then went by Cottonwood and shot two more men, one of whom was killed.
    A certain set we have in this country will gloat over this outrage and make all the capital possible out of it, and if any chances for speculation occur, will doubtless take a chance, unless it should be necessary to expose their precious persons and then I should guess they would not take any desperate chances.








Hon Joseph Lane,
Dear Genl,
    I was much disappointed that you could not have come by land to this place. My regrets are partly selfish and partly on your own account. Could you have remained for a few hours as it was, many matters could have been put to rest which in the mouths of agitators are kept alive.
    The people wish to see you--you are popular amongst these people, but you know it is a good plan to see the masses often, to retain their confidence. Northrup, whom you saw, opened as soon as you left with his abuse, again averring that it was your fault that no mail service was put on this coast route; indeed he did not believe until shown that a law creating a post road from here via Coos Bay to Umpqua had been passed. And reviving the old story he told prior to the election, to wit: That you authorized him, on the way up, to board the steamer on your return from Congress to say to the people of Coos County that Genl. Lane would be a candidate for Congress, whether Judge Pratt was or not--or whether nominated or not! I have given this story the "lie" flat. Thus much on your own affairs, now for private business relating to myself.
    You will recollect that my bond was delayed for a time in the valley, that I filled and accomplished it in Portland. I did so on the 6th day of June last, and as soon after as I could I left by land for this point. Communications from the proper department met me here, stating that my bond and oath of office had been received and approved and commission was accordingly forwarded by Mr. Whittlesey, who stated to me that the oath of office had been approved. Prior and subsequent to this various communications from the different revenue bureaus at Washington [arrived] requiring certain reports and duties to be performed, all of which were strictly attended to in their proper order. Here on the 13th day of Sept. I received from Mr. Guthrie, dated August 10th, giving directions in regard to many things, amongst others that "my salary as collector would commence when I should take the oath of office before a magistrate in my district," without referring to the former oath--and after I had been discharging the duties of my office for nearly a month. I of course drew up and subscribed an oath of office and mailed to Secretary of the Treasury with explanations. I do not know if this last oath has filled the technical requirements and I may be spending my time at heavy expense for nothing, as there seems a disposition in my case to quibble about small matters. This is not all. Mr. Guthrie informs me that I must furnish an office at my own "expense to do the public business in." I had, as I learned that you and others had done before I came here, given a recommendation to Thos. D. Winchester for the post of deputy collector at Coos Bay. Also before I knew the wants of this district, I had recommended a person for secretary, as the law authorized. Mr. Guthrie tells me that no other officer besides myself authorized by the act will be appointed at this time and not until the business of the district shall be fully developed. And that if I by sickness or otherwise have to leave my post [I] may appoint a deputy, but any compensation to him must come out of me. This latter is well enough if I am not expected to leave this port at any time or visit the remote ends of this district.
    I have traveled the entire distance coastwise, and it is over 120 miles in length, about equal either way. I cannot make either extreme of my district up or down in less than 5 days at a cost of not less than $40 either way: horse 5, meals 75 ct., ferriage 1.50 to 2.00 of perfect mountain travel. Now what am I to do; these men do not understand any of these difficulties, and there is a growing trade at Coos Bay and Rogue River--and how am I alone to supervise these distant points and render an exact account under oath. In consequence of the district not being a paying one is illicit trade to be permitted? My position here already has had a restraining influence that which was intended to be landed here has been obliged to go to San Francisco for the reason that if duties are to be paid they will be paid where there is a market. I am still of opinion that a revenue officer ought to be appointed for Coos Bay.
    One more matter of my own, and I do hope you will bear with me, as I seem to be always on the list of complainers. I desire to do always right, but the fates seem to be against me of late with all my efforts.
    I learned privately a day or two since that a systematic effort was about to be tried to get me removed, and Cap. Tichenor appointed in my stead. If any step is taken at Washington to that end advise me of it. Dart, his son-in-law, leaves on this steamer for Washington. If anything can be done by him, of course he will do it for Tichenor. Before such a thing is done, I can satisfy anyone that he is not the person for such duty.



Gen Joseph Lane
Washington City








Dear General
    The mail is just leaving and I have only time to write a single word--by next mail you shall hear from me at length. As you will see by the newspapers which go out by this mail, we are in the midst of another Indian war. Already three families have suffered most severely--some twenty-one persons have fallen. Among the number are Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Haines and Mrs. Wagoner of this valley. Mrs. Harris fought the red devils for several hours and finally escaped. Her husband was killed early in the attack on the house. Maj. Lupton, member-elect of the next Legislature, was mortally wounded in the attack on the 8th inst.
    Maj. Fitzgerald from Fort Lane is in pursuit of the Indians. The people complain very much of the policy of Capt. Smith of Fort Lane--with how much reason I do not now assume to decide. In Rogue River Valley some two hundred volunteers are already raised. A. S. Milton and T. S. Harris are each in command of a company. This place is the headquarters of another volunteer company under command of Capt. Rinearson. Major Isaac Miller of Umpqua Valley and Wm. Ballard of Rogue River are just arrived here from Jacksonville. They were in the attack on the 8th inst. Forty Indians were killed on that day. But the mail cannot remain longer and I must close.
Gen Jos. Lane
    Washington
        D.C.


Gen Joseph Lane
    Washington D.C.


Dear sir
    You are appointed a special sub-Indian agent, in conjunction with Berryman Jennings, and local agent for the tribes residing along the south bank of the Columbia River between the cascade falls and the mouth of the Willamette River. And as such you will proceed without delay to carry out these regulations and orders from this office, given under date of 13 inst., a copy of which is herewith enclosed. After conferring with Col. Jennings as to the point of locating the encampment for the Indians in your district and those on Clackamas and its vicinity of Oregon City, you will proceed to [the] Indian village on the bank of the Columbia River, a few miles above Switzler's, and direct those Indians to repair at once to the designated encampment in accordance with these instructions. You will then visit St. Helens and confer with Thomas H. Smith of Milton who has been appointed local agent for the Indians in that vicinity, and aid in maturing the business of that encampment, after which you will proceed to collect the Indians along the south bank of the Columbia from that point to Hunts Mills (in the event Mr. Smith has not already done so) and afford Mr. Smith such other assistance as may be deemed practical to carry out the regulations referred to. You will then visit Clatsop Plains and ascertain the security and condition of the Indians in that district. And if the safety of the settlement require[s] it, you will proceed in like manner to establish an encampment for the Indians in that settlement. Should sub-agent W. W. Raymond be near that point, you will confer with him and leave with him a copy of these regulations, and if he deems it necessary he will establish similar encampments at Tillamook. On returning you will report the conditions of Indians at the different encampments, their number, feelings, probable expense of keeping up the encampments through the winter if found necessary etc. On the arrival of Mr. Metcalfe from California you will call upon him for five hundred dollars to defray the expenses in carrying out these regulations, giving him a receipt for the same, the amount of which to be accounted for under the appropriation for adjusting difficulties and preventing outbreaks.
    I need not say that it is expected a judicious economy will be observed in all matters connected with this business. Strive to convince the Indians that it is a measure for their good and is believed to be the only means by which they can hope for protection
Lot Whitcomb, esqr
    Local Indian Agent
        Milwaukie


E. T. Stone esq.
Sir,
    You are hereby appointed to collect the Yamhill band of Calapooia Indians at some suitable point, where you will keep a close watch over them and will not permit any of the men to be absent without a written pass from you. You will draw up a roll containing the names of the men and place opposite each name the number of women, boys and girls belonging to his family should he have one. This roll you will call daily and mark all absentees who unless they can give good reason for their absence will be subject to such penalty as may by the proper authority be deemed just, such as confinement, the forfeiture of his share of annuities etc., and if anyone is refractory or insolent you will immediately cause him to be arrested and placed in confinement.
    You will also purchase and issue subsistence to the Indians while they collect. The daily ration will be one pound of flour to each adult and less in proportion to the children. If you find it necessary you may also issue a pound of beef to each adult daily. You will keep a correct daily account of the amount and kind of subsistence issued to each family or individual, and have the same daily attested by at least one witness. Of your roll and all your proceedings and issues you will make due return to this office. You will be careful to incur no unnecessary expenses, and all proper and reasonable charges connected with the oversight of this band will be allowed you.
    Be careful to impress the Indians with the importance of conducting themselves quietly, and to give no offense to any white person, also to remain at the camp assigned them, for if they wander about at this exciting time you cannot be accountable for what may happen.
    Also assure those who are so greatly alarmed and excited of the white population that there is not the least occasion for it, that nine out of ten of the reports of suspicious movements among the Indians of this valley are utterly false; that the reports of the collecting of large numbers of Indians on the Santiam and Calapooia is utterly without foundation, that measures are afoot in the Ind. Dept. to ascertain the locality of every Indian in the valley and to appoint suitable local agents to watch over the several bands.
    It is earnestly hoped that no one will be led by the excitement at present existing to do any rash act of violence which may drive the peaceable Indians of the valley to desperation and use them to commit acts of violence which otherwise they would not think of. If any wish to make themselves useful in punishing the reckless savages who at the north and south are now spreading abroad the horrors of war let them join their fellow citizens on the field of strife as they can do no good and will only disgrace themselves by attacking and killing the helpless and friendly.
"Instructions of E. R. Geary to E. T. Stone, local agent, relative to management of Yamhill Indians" is written (presumably by Lane's secretary) on the back of the letter.







Genl. Jos. Lane,
    Delegate for Oregon.
General,
    The northern frontier of the territory, and the valley of the Rogue River, are now the theater of the most serious Indian hostilities which this country, so famous for troubles of that sort, has ever been afflicted with. Full details have been communicated to the Hon. Secty. of War, and to the Adj. General's office, to which I beg leave to refer you. For your more particular information you will find transmitted herewith a [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] matter. The crisis is really [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] for me to meet, and my measures have been adopted promptly, and I trust effectively. You will readily appreciate the difficulty of procuring an adequate force to be mustered into the service of the U.States, and be prepared to vindicate the course which I have been constrained to pursue in maintaining a distinct military organization of the territorial troops. This necessity has forced upon me the equipment, transportation and subsistence of our force in both sections of the territory. The means for doing this have been placed at my disposal by the generous confidence of my fellow citizens, trusting entirely for reimbursement to the candor and justice of Congress.
    The campaign at the north, unless a decisive blow is struck early, will I fear be protracted, expensive and bloody. Our troops take the field fully impressed with the importance of the undertaking in which they will be engaged.
    A perfect understanding with the commanding officer of the U.States troops is necessary to insure cordial cooperation [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] of the campaign, to secure [illegible--a few words' worth of paper chewed away] repair myself to The Dalles of the Columbia. I leave today. The entire force of volunteers from Oregon will be on their way by tomorrow night.






Dear Sir
    I take this present moment to say that I have just heard from Rogue River Valley. An Indian war has again broken out there in good earnest. The first battle was fought at the mouth of Butte Creek in which 40 Indians were killed and 13 whites wounded, 2 mortally. Major Lupton is one of the mortally wounded. He has since died.
    Men are enlisting and the boys are now fixing to clean them out in toto.
    You probably do not recollect me, as I have but recently came to Oregon. I had the pleasure of an introduction to you at Jacksonville last spring the time that you so used up Gaines in your stump speech in May last.
    General Gaines would of done much better to of never come, as many of his friends said if those were his principles on the question of suffrage and naturalization and slavery they should have to throw him off after this.
    You will please consider me one of your warmest political friends. I take pleasure in your success and hope that still higher important stations in public life await you. I shall always take pleasure in doing you any service in my power in Oregon. Be assured that your friends in Oregon are not few. But they are men true to their country and true to Democracy and have ever found in you a true representative of themselves.
    I shall at all times be glad to hear from you and hope you will do me the favor to send me such books of speeches etc. etc. as may from time to time be distributed by you to your friends.
P.S.  Will you please to send me a copy of the land law or law that relates to the donation to settlers in Oregon. Direct your favors to Klamath County, Crescent City p. office.
General Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Every dollar of that money I paid out for the office and I could not have avoided it any way. It seems strange that there should have been any difficulty about such items. We could have got on without the book and copy press but not without wood and lights. I trust you will explain the necessity for lights. After four o'clock we have to have lights here during the rainy season, and often school commissioners are here at night, to say nothing of others who are anxious to get through this business. I paid out $8.50 for wood sawing last winter, yet the commissioner has deemed it extravagant or from some other cause rejected it. I have written to you about these matters so that I may get them corrected. By last mail I made a requisition for funds for the quarter ending 31 of Dec 1855, and by this mail I will make a requisition for quarter beginning the 1st of Jany 1856. Will you be so good as to see that funds are transmitted. I feel anxious to keep my accounts adjusted. I mentioned to you the propriety of something being allowed me as depository. I wish you would see Mr. Guthrie about it.
    The commissioners' letter to me about these matters is dated 6th of Sept 1855.
    I saw Shelby the other day; all are well with him. There is nothing of interest going on except the war. I do not think we can get any action on a state move this winter. By the New Orleans Delta of 20 of Sep I see he is out for you as President. I trust you may be our nominee, and if so I shall feel easy as to the result I regard your nomination for President and R. M. T. Hunter as Vice-President as the desired result of our next convention. I look on the position taken by the Delta as tending to give you the South if so you are sure of a good support from the Northwest and in that event you can name your successor in Congress from Oregon. I do not regard you as having any competitor except Buchanan. However, should our friends select elsewhere a candidate it will only be a delay of four years. My health is good.



Dear Gen.
    Your esteemed letter in answer to my letter, which was delivered by Mr. Winchester, was duly received, and now that you have arrived at the capital I venture a reply. For the friendly feeling manifested and expressed, you have my warmest regards, and to that portion which refers to the steamer I trust in all conscience that your labors will be attended with success, for if ever there was a case where an agent was needed to bring out the commerce of a people it is here, and by the use of a steamer.
    Immediately after you left, the Indians south began again their murderous attacks upon the whites, commencing at Wagoner's. You well remember Mrs. Wagoner, and her little Mary, about five years old; both were horribly butchered, and her house burnt within an hour after Judge Deady left the house on his return from court at Jackson. The remains of Mrs. W. and child were found together. I am informed that Mrs. W. was about to be confined at the time of the murder. Among the hostile Indians engaged in that murder was Wagoner's pet Indian who washed the dishes that morning. The Knott boys were camped near there; they saw the smoke from the burning buildings and the approach of the Indians and fled. Mr. Cathcart's son was killed. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were killed; they lived this side of Wagoner's, also Mrs. Harris. After Mr. Harris was shot Mrs. Harris took the old gun and continued the defense by shooting between the house logs. She fired sixty-four times aided in getting means by her little daughter, until at last she ran to the yard, pursued by an Indian, who cursed her, knocked her down, and then shot her through the arm. She was left for dead. Immediately however she rose, ran to a ravine nearby and fell into it, where she remained. The Indians gave her up for dead, and turned their attention to the house. She was finally rescued by Major Fitzgerald. See for particulars Statesman of Oct. 20, 1855. Since this several whites have been killed, and every house but Elliff's, Twogood's and I think widow Niday's have been burnt on the road between the Canyon and Rogue River, and those will not last long. All the pet Indians are engaged in the war on the part of the savages. On Monday last "Louis" was taken prisoner with some 10 others, and scouting parties are out now bringing in the remaining tribes to Deer Creek. From thence they will be placed on their reserve, on the Umpqua, and there guarded. Gen. McCarver is at Deer Creek, engaged in his duties of commissary; several companies are there also. People throughout the valley are forting up, and the greatest excitement prevails. Troops are needed at the mouth of [the] Umpqua, and more at Port Orford. Just as soon as the Indians rise down there they have the power to destroy every white among them, and should they join the hostile tribes God only knows where this will end. The Indians east of the Cascades are in constant communication with the Indians in this valley and also in the Willamette Valley, and the Indians here, who have been friendly, now give evidence of hostile intentions. They are saucy and exacting. One thing is certain, this is the last war which we will have. Every man will fight, and fight well, up to the last moment. The war here is progressing rapidly. Last night an express arrived for ammunition to attack a party of Indians near Cow Creek, which were surrounded when the express left. No particulars. The mail carrier is marked, pursued and shot at constantly. Great fears are entertained for the safety of the lives at this end of the Canyon. The regiment of volunteers for this valley will choose a major and other officers, I think today. Mr. Mosher, who is getting very popular with the people, will be elected major if he desires it. I have heard several mention his name, all of whom were working for him. Lawson has nothing to do with the war as I know of as yet. Your family are well. I see different members as often as I visit this place. Mr. Winchester, and Gibbs, are quite well. As danger increases families will gather in.
    Mr. Knott had every wagon and work axe which he owned destroyed on the road near Wagoner's. The goods which were in the wagons belonged to Peters and Ladd; they were totally lost. The goods are valued at 6000.00. Thousands of dollars worth of goods have been destroyed, and are being destroyed as the enemy approaches. The horrible butcheries that are committed baffle all description.
    I have engaged the service of an attorney at Washington, and I wrote him that I would pay his fees at Winchester here, and draw on you for them in Washington. The amount will be small. Simon, your son, told me it would be all right and that he would mention it to you. I did not have a chance to see you on the subject. The proposition is this to take a receipt here, forward it to you, with direction to whom to pay the money when called.
    The amount will be too small to send by draft, which I cannot do if I desired to. If you could oblige me in this way it will be a great favor to me, and to those for whom I solicit the service at your hands. Mr. Neely is the gentleman to whom I have written. You will not pay any money until a receipt of deposit is sent you, and none will be sent until Mr. Neely sends me his bill.
    The present excitement and confusion will be a sufficient excuse for the haste in which this letter is written. I will write again soon and continue to post you in our affairs south. Write me at Winchester for the present.








Kam-i-ah-kin
Hyas Tyee of the Yakima Indians
    Your talk by Padre Pandozy is just received. You know me and I know you. You came among the white people and to my house at The Dalles with Padre Pandozy and gave me a horse, which I did not take, as Pan-a-wok had given Lieut. Wood another horse for him. You came in peace. We came in war. And why? Because your land has drank the blood of the white man, and the Great Spirit requires it at your hand.
    You make the sign of the cross, and pray to the God of truth for mercy, and yet you lie when you say you were very quiet, the Americans were our friends; our heart "was not for the war," until Governor Stevens changed your feelings; for long before the treaty, which you agreed to, you proposed to the Walla Walla chief, Peu-peu-mox-mox, to go to war and kill off all the whites. He told us so. You had been preparing for this purpose a very long time; and your people agreed with the Cayuse, at the Walla Walla council, before the treaty was made, to murder all the whites there, which was only prevented by the Nez Perces disagreeing.
    You know that you murdered white men going to the mines who had done you no injury, and you murder all persons, though no white man had trespassed upon your lands. You sent me a delegation to stop Hamilton and Pierce settling in your country. I wrote them a letter, and they left. You murdered your agent Bolan for telling you the truth, that the troops would come upon you for these murders. Has his death prevented their coming? I sent a handful of soldiers into your country to inquire into the facts. It was not expected that they should fight you, and they did right to return back. Your foul deeds were seen by the eye of the Great Spirit, who saw Cain when he killed his brother Abel and cursed him for it. Fugitives and vagabonds shall you also be, all that remain of you upon the face of the earth, as well as all who aid or assist you, until you are gone.
    You say now, "If we will be quiet and make friendship you will not war with us, but give a piece of land to all the tribes." We will not be quiet, but war forever until not a Yakima breathes in the land he calls his own. The river only will we let retain this name to show to all people that here the Yakimas once lived.
    You say that you will fight us with thousands, and if vanquished, those of you that remain will kill all your women and children, and then the country will be ours. The country is ours already, as you must see from our assembled army, for we intend to occupy it, and make it too hot to hold you. We are braves, and no brave makes war with women and children. You may kill them as you say, but we will not; yet we are thirsting for your blood, and want your warriors to meet us, and the warriors of all tribes wishing to help you, at once to come. The snow is on the ground and the crows are hungry for food. Your men we have killed; your horses and your cattle do not afford them enough to eat. Your people shall not catch salmon hereafter for you, for I will send soldiers to occupy your fisheries, and fire upon you. Your cattle and your horses, which you get from the white man, we will hunt up, and kill and take them from you. The earth which drank the blood of the white man, shed by your hands, shall grow no more wheat nor roots for you, for we will destroy it. When the cloth that makes your clothing, your guns, and your powder are gone, the white man will make you no more. We looked upon you as our children and tried to do you good. We would not have cheated you. The treaty which you complain of, though signed by you, gave you too much for your lands, which are not all worthless to the white man,  but we are not sorry, for we are able to give, and it would have benefited you. After you signed the treaty with Governor Stevens and General Palmer, had you have told us that you did not wish to abide by it, it would have been listened to. We wanted to instruct you in all our learning--to make axes, plows, and hoes to cultivate the ground; blankets to keep you from cold ; steamboats and steam wagons which fly along swifter than the birds fly, and to use the lightning which makes the thunder in the heavens to carry talk and serve as a servant. William Chinook at The Dalles, Lawyer, chief of the Nez Perces, Sticcas and We-atti-nati-timine, hyas tyee of the Cayuses, and many others of their people, can tell you what I say is true. You, a few people, we can see with our glasses a long way off, while the whites are as the stars in the heavens, or leaves of the trees in summer time. Our warriors in the field are many, as you must see, but if not enough, a thousand for every one man will be sent to hunt you, and to kill you; and my kind advice to you, as you will see, is to scatter yourselves among the Indian tribes more peaceable, and there forget you ever were Yakimas.
Frances Fuller Victor's Early Indian Wars of Oregon gives the context for this letter, page 429.









Dear Genl.
    Sir.      I have but little war news of interest to relate. The people are getting tired [of] it, and nothing effective has yet been done. Since active hostilities commenced, very few Indians have been killed. They have taken to the mountains in small bands, and it will be far more trouble to find them than it will be to kill them. By some mysterious and unaccountable strange maneuvering, the Know Nothings have crowded themselves into all the clerkships and vacancies in the commissaries and quartermaster's department. It is time it may be remarked what has politics to do with war. Had these damned Know Nothings the same feeling in common with the rest of mankind, it would have nothing to do. Their only aim is to render the war as obnoxious as possible and hold the Democratic Party responsible for all the evils which result from it. In this valley Charley Drew has had the entire management of it so far. Fowler and Briggs are both in the quartermaster's department, appointees of Miller. Headquarters is at Drew's ranch. The business is being conducted more loose if possible than it was in '54. I hope however this will soon be remedied. It is the Governor's intention to have some changes made soon. I regret to see Bush and Governor Curry have had some little clashing. I trust, however, that will be amicably adjusted shortly. I saw Governor Curry last week; he was at Roseburg in company with Genl. Barnham, who is now at Jacksonville.
    It was with difficulty that men could be enrolled under the proclamation of the Governor. They could not bear restraint. They wanted to carry it on in the regular Know Nothing manner, in a filibustering sort of a way, that they would neither know themselves, nor could anybody else know anything about it. However, this has finally been obviated, by organizing according to the proclamation, and active preparations are now being made for a winter campaign.
    It seems that Drew, and Ross, Fowler and Briggs had the entire management of this war and no doubt have endeavored to hold the Democratic Party responsible for their acts, and a few Democrats were found shallow enough to listen to their cry of no party, and aid and assist them in their endeavors. I think it will all work out right in the course of time. Their success will only be temporary. As the mail is just leaving I will cut my communication short, and write you again soon.
Genl Jos. Lane M.C.
    Washington City
    I will however make one suggestion which has occurred to my mind. Would it not be well for government to buy their horses and pack animals and save the enormous expense of hiring at $4 per day, which is the price expected. There is no probability of a speedy conclusion being put to this war. The Indians don't want peace. Sam's whole tribe is at Ft. Lane; Limpy and George have both joined the war party.
    Sam has 81 men, 124 women, 55 boys and 54 girls, making a total of 314.



Oregon Mounted Volunteers
Nov. 20, 1855.  Jacksonville, O.T. November 25th, 1855
Quartermaster Department to Willard Spencer, Dr. [debit]
(1050) One thousand and fifty pounds Beef @ 25 Cents per pound
    Two hundred sixty tons 50/100 $262.50
   
Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 5th, 1855
Quartermaster Dept.
1855    To Willard Spencer Dr. [debit]
Nov.     (7200)  Seven thousand two hundred pounds of Hay @ 6¢ per pound
    Four Hundred and thirty two Dollars $432.00
   
Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 10th, 1855
1855        To Willard Spencer Dr. [debit]
Nov.         Seven hundred pounds of Beef @ 25 cents per pound
        One hundred and seventy-five Dollars         $175.00




Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 30th, 1855
   
Quartermaster Department
   
To Louis Felton Dr. [debit]
To use of one team of three yoke of Cattle and teamster from November 1st to November 8th inclusive six days @ twelve Dollars per day.
    Seventy two dollars $72.00
   
Ninth Regiment Oregon Mounted Militia
Jacksonville, O.T. November 10th, 1855
Quartermaster Dept.
    To Louis Felton Dr. [debit]
1855
Nov. 8  16,000 Sixteen thousand pounds Hay @ 6¢ per pound   $960.00
              Nine hundred and ninety-two   992.00



Dear Genl.:
    Agreeable to promise, I write you, and I think it will take about a sheet of this size to hold all I have got to tell you. I returned a few days ago from my expedition to Fort Lane after a trip varied with adventure and hardships more than I bargained for when I set out. I left here on the 1st of October, and succeeded in satisfying myself that a road can be made from here to Fort Lane with some expense. I had set out with ten men armed with axes only, and we had a guide, making twelve of us. On the 14th we reached Big Bend and learned from peaceable Indians that the bands in the valley had broken out into a war. So I abandoned the axes and went back for guns to arm my men with. I relied but little on the rumor but I thought best to prepare. I had given up all hopes of seeing any Indians and had reached within six miles of the Oregon Road on the divide between Grave Creek and Cow Creek on the 25th ult. when I suddenly ran right into a large encampment of them on a high knoll on the top of a spur of the divide. I was not certain that they were hostile until they fired into us. We were ready for them and fought them for half an hour, my men were raw recruits and knew nothing about Indian fighting and were considerably "flustered," and the guide he wanted to back out so I had difficulty to keep them to the mark, but suddenly the Indians got upon our flank, and three shots in quick succession from our right killed two of my men dead, and the third knocked me over, when the rest broke and all h_ll would not have stopped them. Fortunately a small memorandum book in my right flannel shirt pocket prevented the ball from penetrating, and I jumped up immediately and tried to rally my men but it was of no avail, I could not even get them to drive off our animals and I was compelled to make a "glorious retreat" with the loss of two men all my animals, and provisions and "traps." Night favored our escape; we doubled on the Indian camp and got down upon Wolf Creek and going up it we reached the "Six Bit House" which we found abandoned but were fortunate enough to find a few potatoes and a little butter which served to help us on to Grave Creek where we found a stockade around Harkness and Twogood's stand. There were about ten men there who were thrown into a great excitement by our approach, and if we had not called out to them they would have fired into us for Indians, from which you may infer the state of affairs. I then learned the particulars of the war, and how the troops and volunteers had been scouring the country (up and down the high roads) for two weeks and had not been able to find an Indian. I immediately dispatched an express to Maj. Fitzgerald at Evans Ferry; it was two o'clock at night when we got in and the next evening he arrived. On the 27th I went up with him to the ground where I had lost the two men and found their bodies and buried them. The Indians had moved their encampment about three miles, back from the spur to the main divide. We had seventy men and intended to fight them but when the Maj. saw the camp which they had abandoned, he came to the conclusion that they were too strong for us and we marched back to Grave Creek as though we had not discovered them, though they saw us. Here we found Capt. Smith who had arrived with some additional men. Expresses were sent out to all the volunteer forces and the Capt. sent to Fort Lane for more ammunition, arms and provisions enough for a fifteen days campaign. As they intended to organize a regular expedition, I concluded that I would join them and when they had driven the Indians off my trail I would return to Port Orford by the way I came, so I proceeded to Fort Lane and fitted out my party anew and was back again in three days. Maj. F. had returned to the fort sick. I wanted them to take the howitzer but no one at the fort would take the responsibility of taking it along, and I was also astonished that Dr. Crane did not accompany us, but he said he could not go without Capt. Smith's orders. When I returned to Grave Creek I begged of the Capt. to send for the Dr. and for the howitzer; he said it was too late, that we would have to do without them. I replied that late or early he would send for the doctor anyhow, and that he would wish he had the howitzer before he was done. My experience had taught me that it would be no child's play and I also felt that the Indians would make a stand, yet they prepared for the fight as though they expected the Indians to run and that the great difficulty would be to get the red devils to stand. When I reached Grave Creek all the troops had arrived. There were about two hundred and fifty volunteers under Col. Ross and about 130 regulars under Capt. Smith. A beautiful plan of battle was agreed upon. One detachment of volunteers was to occupy the divide on the west; another was to start out from the Six Bit House and take position on the north, and Col. Ross with the volunteers was to come in on the south and all were to wait for Capt. Smith to make the attack on the east. We set out about 12 o'clock on the night of the 30th and moved along with as much precision and silence as could have been desired at first, but the nearer we got to the enemy the more careless and noisy they were. When we got upon the ground where I had met the Indians, Col. Ross was to separate from Capt. Smith. The party that had to occupy the west had already left us. I pointed out to Capt. Smith the position of the Indians, the course he was to take and the way Col. Ross must go, and as it was already daylight I urged the necessity of going on rapidly. Col. Ross thought he had better wait until the other party had taken position on the west, and the Capt was anxious that the only two officers he had with him, who had indiscreetly filled their canteens with brandy instead of water, should get sober, and they delayed an hour and a half or two hours. In the meantime the detachment that was to occupy the north came in behind us on our trail; they had mistaken their trail, and adopted ours. It was a cold foggy morning, and the men started up fires to keep warm. I pointed out the position of the Indians to the Col. and the Capt. but they said they could see no Indians and they did not believe there was any Indians there. No sooner however did the smoke curl up between the trees than the hillsides were covered with Indians driving in their stock and preparing for battle. It was now too late for a surprise, but I again urged the Capt. to move and not delay any longer. He said he should move immediately. But before he got started a party of "harum scarum" volunteers got the start of him and led the way down into a deep gulch some fifteen hundred feet which intervened between us and the enemy. Instead of complying with the plan of attack agreed upon and going around on the ridge the Capt. followed them, leaving his train and Lt. Alston, who was not yet sober. Gibson made out to follow. By the time we got up with the Indians, we were very much used up and the plan of attack was effectually knocked in the head by the fourth party joining, so instead of having surrounded the Indians we were all together. In the first meet the Indians gave up their position. One of ours was killed and several wounded, and this one dead man won the battle; two thirds of the men never got past this one dead body. The Indians took up a position just beyond a sink in the ridge that protected their squaws and children who were moving to their rear, along the main ridge. The north side of the ridge was covered with a heavy growth of fir timber and thick undergrowth, the south without trees but a dense brush of hawthorn, hazel and oak. Totally unfavorable for a charge, but the most desirable for flanking. Some thirty or forty men succeeded in advancing to the brow of the knoll the Indians had abandoned and which they commanded now, where we kept up a fire quite sharp for three hours or more when we gradually hauled off and before night it had ceased. The rest of the troops were behind and occasionally fired at those of our men in front who had the courage to advance towards the Indians. Everything was "helter skelter." Capt. Smith and Col. Ross were behind taking care of the wounded. At night we hauled off down on the hillside about four hundred yards into a little gulch where the Indians had got their water from some dirty little springs. I begged the Col. and the Capt. not to camp there, they thought it was a bad place, but still they camped there. I had represented during the afternoon to the Capt. the necessity of either moving back to our train, or else to send for it to come up as we had nothing to eat since the night before and no blankets. Neither was done, and we hovered around little brush fires, cold and hungry, the sides of the little gulch so steep that we could scarcely find room for the wounded. Things were very gloomy. I never was so depressed in my life. I felt certain that the Indians would attack us and if made in the night with a proper skill would complete our overthrow. Everybody felt this so much so that when a tremulous volunteer on post accidentally pressed too hard upon the trigger of his revolver and off it went, so did everybody else for the brush, stumbling over the wounded, whose shrieks could be heard above the tumult. One sleepy volunteer, when the stampede [began], started out of his sleep, snatched up a musketoon and cracked away at what he conceived to be the enemy and wounded two of his brother volunteers, one mortally, and a third slightly. Old Doctor Henry called them to order and explained the difficulty and thus settled their nerves. At daylight the Indians came down upon us. The attack however was not well sustained, and after several hours firing they hauled off in consequence of the arrival of a company of Willamette volunteers who were very anxious to fight, and I supposed that the attack on the Indians would be renewed now that the force was considerably increased, but instead they packed up the wounded and moved off and we did not reach Grave Creek until between two and three o'clock that night, having fasted for fifty hours, and had no sleep for three nights. Thus [illegible--paper missing] fifteen days expedition for Capt. Smith returned with all haste back to Fort Lane, and the volunteers were billeted out to various [illegible--paper missing] in the valley. We lost ten killed and twenty-seven wounded, several of these were killed and quite a number of the wounded were shot by our own men. The Indian loss of course is not known; I do not think that they could have more than four or five killed and wounded, but if we are to believe the statements of all those in the fight there is scarcely a man that cannot give the particulars of how he killed one Indian "certain, sure." I believe I had as good an opportunity as any in the fight and I can't say that I killed one. I don't believe that the Indians numbered over seventy warriors in all; the volunteers say however that there was three or four hundred; when I ask them where they came from, they cannot make over a hundred and fifty supposing that all the hostile Indians were there that are in the valley, and at the same time they assert that there are other bands in various other portions of the valley that could not have been in the fight. It is asserted however that they have reinforced their ranks very much from the coast, but I happen to be posted up on the subject and know that there could not have been any coast Indians present. The unpleasant truth is that the whites were cowards, that they were whipped out by one-fourth of their number of Diggers, and had it not been for thirty or forty good men the rest would have broke and run, and they would have caught h__l. As it was some did break and never stopped until they got through the Canyon 25 miles distant the same day the attack commenced, and some thirty or more men came in to Jacksonville express from Col. Ross, and never returned. The great secret of the failure is that the volunteers expected the regulars to do all the fighting, whilst the regulars were expecting the same thing from the volunteers. I do not think much of the conduct of the officers, nobody attempted to lead the men, and I don't think that Col. Ross or Capt. Smith attempted to fire a gun. There was a want of confidence all around. On the morning of the 1st of Nov., when the Indians attacked us (which attack was made by about twenty Indians according to my estimate), Capt. Smith was as usual attending to the wounded and Col. Ross did for once show that he was in command by standing down in the gulch and quoting all the gallant speeches that had been made from the Revolution [days? illegible--paper missing] such as "Stand your ground men and don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes and know he is an Injun." Altogether it was an affair that I would never boast of and no one shall even now that I was there or had [anything] to do with it, unless he gets it from somebody else. I had no one under me except five, my men who would have abandoned me five days before had I been so badly hurt as not to pack myself off. I determined to leave them to fight their own battles and took advantage of my orders "to return to this post as soon as possible," to leave them. It is a war they have brought on themselves; the Indians are fighting in self defense and they fight well. I have every reason to believe that it has been gotten up expressly to procure another appropriation. I fear you paid them too well for their meritorious services of '53. War is a money making business. When I left they had nearly a thousand troops in the field and I venture to say they will get whipped again notwithstanding the comparatively small number of Indians, unless they fight. Capt. Smith wished me to stay and promised the affair should be differently conducted. He felt that it was all wrong and acknowledged it. As I prophesied, he sent for Dr. Crane before we had come up with the Indians 20 minutes and he would have given anything for the howitzer. I told him that there must be more courage displayed all around or he would get whipped again. I returned in time to relieve the people here who were in the greatest consternation at my prolonged absence. The whole country is one grand stampede; even in Portland they kept a night watch. There have no doubt been several fights before this, and the steamer that takes this away will no doubt bring us the intelligence from the north as well as the south, of some big fights. With regard to the road from here to Fort Lane, it is quite practicable and will cost no more than the other roads in the territory that have been appropriated for. I shall complete my drawings and report as soon as possible and it will no doubt reach Washington by the middle or last of January. I must close or you will never read this. I hope I shall hear from you.
Hon Joseph Lane,
Washington D.C.
 
P.S. Dec 15th I enclose a hasty map that may be of service to you. I shall get my maps and report of the road ready by the 1st of January. They will reach Washington about the middle of February. We have had no steamer for more than a month is the reason this letter has not gone off; she is expected in the morning. Please send me one of Preston's maps as soon as they are out. We have no news of the war since my return. Very severe weather for six weeks back.                                                                                                                                                                           K.

Genl Palmer
Dear Sir
    By this time you will have heard of the safe return of Lieut. Kautz and of the result of the battles he and party have had since they have been absent. No difficulty exists amongst the Indians on the coast so far. Ben [Wright] has been amongst them keeping reckless white men from committing violence upon them and so far has succeeded, not without much care and watchfulness on his part. As soon as he leaves a point, only for a few days, these restless lazy devils are at work stirring up a muss. At the forks of the Coquille, advantage was taken of his absence and some disgraceful acts committed. A company has been organized by Packwood (who is a discharged soldier) and have drawn up a muster roll and provision list, with all the pomp of authority, calling themselves the "Coquille Guards" and claiming to be in the service of the U.S. assisting the sub-Indian agent in maintaining peace. This maintaining peace is all poppycock, as they have well nigh involved those bands in a war with the whites by their rash conduct. Packwood has bought stores and ammunition on the faith of Uncle Sam and expects not only that it will be paid but that they will be paid for their services.
    These foolish and uncalled-for movements in certain quarters, and the eagerness of many to fan this firebrand, has brought me to reflect upon the cause, as these men do not seem anxious to fight the war bands near us, but are anxious to be quartered where there is no danger. I have examined their material and find them composed of the most trifling, lazy, no-account white men in the whole country. Squaw keepers, etc. who take this occasion to get up an excitement for the purpose of extracting from somebody subsistence to put them through the winter. I have advised Ben to discard all connection with them, and he will have nothing to do with them. Great care will have to be taken to prevent [omission] in all this excitement south or the department will be awfully swindled in the outcome.
    Your instructions to agents giving a discretionary power in the matter of temporary reservations, provisions etc. Ben interpreted to allow him to keep his Indians at their homes, if he thought he could maintain peace. This he has done, notwithstanding the whole length of his district on the east was exposed to invasion by the hostile tribes, and his Indians to be tampered with by them.
    The Indians at Coos Bay have been in corral by the sub-agent, and marshaled, enrolled and fed, at the expense of the U.S. While no chance of a connection between them and the hostile band could possibly take place, this in my view of the case is another means of tapping Uncle Sam's bank. Everybody here sees it; it is so plain as to be ridiculous. But then you will say, "This is out of your line of duties." I cannot be still notwithstanding the government have not used me as they should have done. Still while my friends are in a position to be imposed upon I must speak out. If I have done wrong have the kindness to tell me so, and I will cease to write.
    It is intended by Ben and I to come up on the steamer about 25th ult. and hope to find you at home. As Ben has business of importance to lay before you and through you to Gov. Curry, let us find you at home if possible.



Dear Genl
    With the steamer due, going down Saturday, I suppose that our accumulated mails since the 28th October will commence their journey to the States. I regret this exceedingly, as matters of interest will be necessarily delayed thereby. You will find some business in which I am personally interested that should have reached reached you long ago but for this unavoidable delay. It is necessary to say that the cause of this delay has resulted from the unprecedented storms on this coast, perhaps the greatest ever known to white men.
    Part of my communications has reference to two seemingly conflicting grounds taken by the Secretary of the Treasury and Mr. Whittlesey, which I have forwarded to you in the same envelope, with a letter explanatory of my cause of complaint. These I wish to have brought to the notice of the department as early as the nature of your engagements will allow, as it involves a sum of much importance to me. Up to this hour I have not received a dollar, nor anything relating thereto, further than the Secretary's letter, which I send to you for your information, being a clearer outline of the intentions of the department towards me than I could give you by me only writing. Please to take care of, and send those letters to me when you have done with them.
    I should be glad to hear from you and to receive any documents you may please to send me.
Hon Joseph Lane,
    Washington City
        D.C.


Hon. G. W. Manypenny
    Sir:
        You will please favor me with a tabular statement of all appropriations made by Congress for Indian purposes in Oregon since the organization of that Territory together with the amounts disbursed thereof, for what purpose, and the sums remaining yet in the Treasury, and why not paid out as per appropriation. Allow me to invite your early attention in answer of these interrogations.
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library






Hon Joseph Lane
    Sir I hasten to write you a few lines. The war drags along and in fact it has some time since become a serious matter. As you may readily suppose from your perfect knowledge of this part of Oregon, all the Indians in this and Rogue River is hostile except old Sam and his one band. I have been out all the winter so far without tent, cup or spoon and shall leave again in the morning for the head of the Coquille and west fork of Cow Creek, where I hope to find the Cow Creek Indians and clean them out. The snow is at this time from two to six feet deep on the mountains and storming every day. You can readily see what man has to endure in order to fight Indians. I have but small hopes of getting rid of the Indians until spring. In the meantime we have to watch all the mountains from Umpqua River to California or let the settlements be laid waste. For the moment anyplace is left the Indians pitches in and plays the very devil indeed. Now, Gen., we are going in; if you can't procure an appropriation to pay the expense of this war. I know you will do all you can for us, pay or no pay we have to fight and no mistake. We have already lost near one hundred men, and that is but the beginning of our loss. Now, Gen., you may rest assured that we have all the fighting we can do and rather more than we like to be compelled to do in the winter.
    Just imagine men in the snow and mud for twenty days at a time, sleeping in wet blankets, all to defend our firesides from the blamed redskins, who kills all they meet with without regard to sex, age or condition.
    This is not the time or place to ask what brought on the war; we are in for the war whilst certain gents is back by the fire crying war to the knife and the knife to the hilt. There will come a time when all these things will come out. You know my situation, compelled to leave a large family to fight Indians or let them come to my door and there fight the red devils. There can be no peace until they are all killed or nearly so, which will take a long time. Now, Gen., we all look to you to procure the means of paying of the expense of this war. If we don't have some money soon I fear it will be hard to keep the field. If we have to withdraw for the want of means to prosecute the war then Umpqua Valley will be laid waste. I will keep the field, pay or no pay, as long as I can support my family, and after that will move them to Yamhill and return to the field to remain until we get rid of the diggers.
    We must beg of Congress to furnish the monies to pay the expenses of this war. I wish you was here but for one day, that you might be an eyewitness of what is going on. Please write when you can and let us know what is doing in Congress. Your family I believe is all well.
    I am Lt. Col. of this regiment and have just received from Linn County the sword you took from Santa Anna [Martin wrote "St to Anny" or "Lt to Anny"] in Mexico and feel proud of it and will take special leave not to disgrace the sword whilst I live and will draw it for once in defense of Oregon.



Dear Gen.--
    Owing to the detention of the mails by high water, I have omitted to write you as often as I otherwise would have done. This winter has been a severe one. About forty days of rain, which has fallen incessantly, has been followed with a very large snow storm. The waters have been higher than formerly, and quite up to those of '52; in the smaller creeks it has been higher. The ground is prepared for this snow in such a manner that it will last some time. Never before have I seen here the ground so well prepared by being thoroughly frozen. Considering the devastation of the grasshoppers and the consumption of what little grain remained by the stock belonging to the volunteers, the stock will suffer exceedingly. Many must die. Our Christmas here was not "merry," but just as pleasant as circumstances could make it, not more so.
    In war matters, a word of news gossip will suffice, inasmuch as there has been no fighting. For colonel, R. Williams, familiarly known as "Bob" Williams, is elected. Mr. Mosher was his rival. Bob Williams and his friends were very free with their funds and favors. He was popular with volunteers from the south. Wm. J. Martin was chosen lieut. colonel. Dr. Drew has been appointed quartermaster general, in place of John F. Miller resigned. Stratton is Drew's clerk--also Boyd. J. F. Miller is running against Col. Ross in Jackson Co. for councilman. T'Vault is running for the House. Both of whom, that is Miller and T'Vault, will be defeated I judge from all we can get from the south. Some circumstances growing out of this war it is said will defeat them. I never knew a county so poorly provided for by active politicians, on behalf of the Democracy, as that county. Yet it is in fact Democratic--but Whig by good management--at almost every important election. The cause of the trouble is this, "that those men who made the attack near the reserve on Sunday morning, prior to the breaking out of the Indians on the following Tuesday at Wagoner's, etc.--made the attack upon Indians and squaws who were not hostile and killed them, men, women and children, which caused this war." This statement or a charge similar to it was published in the Statesman, and circulated by a few to the great annoyance of the people of Jackson County. Because some of her best citizens were in the charge, or attack, and in which Lupton was killed, every man therefore in that county is compelled to array himself on one side or the other. And most, if not quite all, have declared against the statement published in the Statesman, and have censured Bush also. Judge Deady has been blamed for entertaining similar views, or writing them. Miller is looked upon as a friend of the Statesman, and its past position, although I was informed by Dr. Drew that he denounces publicly the course it has pursued in reference to the war, and particularly the correspondent who has treated lightly the causes of the war, and censures the conduct of those volunteers who made the first attack. Miller has not been able to overcome the damage those charges produced to the Democracy, consequently Ross, it is said, will beat him badly. Why the party should be held responsible for those charges I know not. But such is the fact.
    The truth is those men who made the first attack, that in which Major Lupton was unfortunately killed, were fully justified in what they did, and are deserving of credit for it. A short time before, some men were killed on the Siskiyou Mountains by the Indians. Pursuit was made by Major Fitzgerald, a few regulars, and some citizens. No Indians were taken, but some of their encampments were found, I think some Indians seen. At all events they were traced to the ranch which was afterwards attacked, which as I have said, was made on Sunday before the outbreak. The Indians have for some time sought for a pretext for this outbreak, which is at this time a decided state of war. I have never heard of but two or three men denounce this war, or rather the cause of it. Bush has meant well, but he has been misled regarding the very important step of this whole war. He however has got right. The idea that the whites have got this war up, or that it might have been prevented, is perfect stuff. Friendly Indians I know informed the whites of this general war both north and south as early as August last. This knowledge to the settlers followed by the general and simultaneous outbreak is what caused so much excitement as first, and for the abatement of it we are more indebted to Bush than anybody else. He is the only editor that did not go into spasms.
    The election then in Jackson County will turn on the cause of the war--or the justification of it, which I think in a serious moment will appear to all as not having been disputed. People everywhere are jealous of their own interests. The war exists, and almost every man has turned over to government his horses, mules, oxen and grain, if he is not a volunteer himself, and anything that may arise to delay the payment for them would be equal to bankruptcy--or to arise to defeat the payment would be ruinous to him, to his neighbors, and to Oregon. Hence the sensitiveness. Hence it is that but one opinion exists. And hence it is that this war may actually retard the prosperity of Oregon for years. Could Congress be as prompt in making payment as the people were in making the U.S. their debtor, it would be a blessing to this people, and I have no hesitation in saying that your efforts and services will not be wanting to further their interests and their rights. Certain it is that your services were never before required in a cause where the peace, prosperity and pecuniary condition of a people were more at stake, or in danger of ruin. The fact that Oregon has to pass through this struggle has long existed, and a united effort, as of one man, is the only thing that will help Oregon through it.
    But the war still exists, yet nothing is being done in the valley except to prepare for the winter; in fact, the snow has prevented the army from participating in active service; want of clothing, want of subsistence and forage have added very much to the hardships endured by the army when last out, and which caused their return. The Indians are in the mountains, and will remain there until the weather will permit them to travel with ease and speed. Seven of them met and hailed the expressman a few days since near Wagoners' old place. They were well mounted. They asked the messenger if he was the "paper Boston," if he "potlatched paper." He told them no. They wanted to talk with him, and asked him to stop and come near them. He told them he would if they would send one of their number to talk with him. This they refused, when all pursued him. He escaped and went to Jacksonville. They knew he was the expressman as well as if they were whites; they know the mail and mail carriers. William Abbott, the mail carrier, was picked out of a party riding at full speed, and was shot at eleven times. They threatened him often, at last from a distance. There is no doubt that they have as correct an idea of the movements and intentions of the whites as they need to have--much better than that which the whites have of them. They have spies, and runners, undoubtedly. On the Coquille, 4 Indians were killed, and one hung--some houses burnt in an outbreak down there recently. Fifty men have been stationed at the mouth of the Umpqua River.
    Your family are well, that is they were but a few days since when I saw them.
    One thing I forgot, and that is since I wrote you last, or about that time, I have married. This is right, because it is natural, I know of no other ground of justification, however we were over to Mrs. Floed's to dinner a few days since, at which Mrs. Lane was present. She came in that morning from the farm, looking as healthy as usual.
    Royal P. Daniel, whom you will remember, and who is and has been your friend, requests me to send his application for bounty land to you, and state the apparent embarrassment under which it is made, which is as follows. His name is Royal P. Daniel; he was in the Black Hawk War, where he was called "Ryle Daniel." His discharge reads "Ryle" instead of "Royal." He makes his application for land as Royal P. Daniel. He has made a statement of the error, and has other proof of it as the papers show. Now what he wants is then to know if the correction is sufficient, and if you will ascertain for him? This may seem but a small matter, but to him it is considerable, and but a favor returned, which I hope he may receive if convenient at your hands.
    Some time ago I wrote to you and requested to draw on you, by paying the money at Winchester, and taking a receipt for it which I will forward to you. The amounts will be small. If this is agreeable to you, then I desire to have the Congressional Globe sent to Richard Smith Esq., Oakland, Umpqua County, O.T. Mr. Smith requested me some time since to inquire of you, and see if you would make the exchange. If you would, then to have the Globe sent to him with bill which he will cash here. Can this be done? There is no way by which money can be remitted, and the sums being so small that we are subject to individual favor for what we desire. The Congressional Globe for this Congress is what he desires to have.
    This morning--Dec. 28. Thermometer 12½ degrees below zero, with a heavy body of snow on the ground--also very much ice. No news, and nothing to talk of but the heavy storm which has just closed.
    Jesse Applegate has written to Gen. McCarver, commissary gen. etc., complaining of the illegality and unconstitutionality of his orders to steamsters [sic]. The letter is long, I am told, and closes by stating to the general his opinion of him as follows: Applegate says, "Although not entertaining an exalted opinion of your capacity to fill the station you occupy, I cannot but think that (one of steamsters named) misunderstood your order, etc."
    Applegate says or intimates that McCarver has ordered his steamsters to press forage on the road, and then in a long letter shows the unconstitutionality of such order. However, McCarver did nothing of the kind, but Jesse needed an excuse to write one of his letters, and has now got it. I hope it will be published. A copy of the letter has been sent to Bush.
    I have nothing further to write at this time. We have not heard from you since your arrival at Washington.
To
    Hon.
        J. Lane



    Recently I acquired a number of old letters and other interesting documents, among which was a letter from General Joseph Lane, Oregon's first territorial governor, dated at Washington City, January 2, 1856, and addressed to A. C. Gibbs.
    Addison C. Gibbs, Oregon's second state governor, succeeded John Whiteaker, who was governor from March 3, 1859, to September 10, 1862. Governor Gibbs was born in New York state, July 9, 1825. He graduated from the state normal school, after which he taught school, and while teaching studied law and was admitted to the bar. He went to California in 1849, but, not caring for mining, he went in the fall of 1850 to the mouth of the Umpqua River, where he laid out the townsite of Gardiner. He was the first representative from Umpqua County in the territorial legislature. He was appointed collector of customs for the Umpqua district in 1852. Moving to Portland, he was elected to the legislature in 1860 and two years later was elected governor. He died in London, England, in 1887. General Lane's letter to Governor Gibbs follows:
    "Washington City, January 2, 1856. Hon. A. C. Gibbs, Dear Sir: Your letter of the 9th October has been received. W. I. Martin has been appointed in place of Lawson. I had made up my mind to recommend Martin, before I left home. I came to this conclusion for the reason of his long residence. in the country, his devotion to Democratic principles, his honesty and his devotion to his friends. He had gone on L's bond and urged his neighbors to do likewise and in addition to this he is needy; it will help him.
    "I will be much gratified to have something done for our friend Chadwick, and will, as soon as possible. The Secretary of the Treasury has promised me to make out the nomination of our friend Winchester, and now, my friend, let me beg you to make returns often, or rather, report often, whether you have anything to report or not. Let the department know what you are doing, and they will be satisfied. I happened to be in the office of the Secretary of the Treasury, in company with Patton Anderson, when the secretary asked him to hand him the name of a suitable man in place of Ebey--that he had made up his mind to remove him. 'Why,' said Anderson, 'do you wish to remove him? I don't want him removed.' Mr. G. told him that he should remove him forthwith because he would not report. 'Well,' said Mr. A., 'he has nothing to report.' 'That is not the thing,' said Mr. Guthrie. 'I want his report, not his money, and I will have someone in the office that will report, whether he receives anything or not.' So, off went Ebey's head. Now, don't fail to report.
    "The House has not yet succeeded in electing a speaker, nor can anyone tell when this desirable object will be accomplished. The President on last Monday sent in his message. It is a first-rate message. The Black Republicans raised a devil of a fuss, or tried to do so. The President has done his duty. The message is a good one and has gone to the country and will be approved by all lovers of their country. Isms will go down. The nominee of the convention to come off at Cincinnati will be triumphantly elected and the country will be safe for four years more. Your friend, Joseph Lane."
Oregon Journal, Portland, June 25, 1938, page 4





Dear sir:
    In compliance with your personal request, I hasten to give you such information as I possess. Much of the information that you desire is not in my possession, and in fact there is no means of obtaining the same.
    The first murder was in May last on Indian Creek, which occasioned considerable excitement. In the last of May, or first of June, John's band of Indians killed Philpot on Deer Creek. A few days afterwards the same band killed Dyer and McCue near the ferry on Applegate River. In July the Indians killed some seventeen persons on the Klamath and Humbug rivers, whose names I have not been able to obtain. On the 2nd of September Fields and Cunningham were killed on the Siskiyou Mountains, and 12 or 15 head of oxen; Sept. 3rd, Warner was killed on Cottonwood. In September Keene was killed some six miles from the Mountain House, and another man wounded; 8th of October Lupton and Shepard were killed; 9th of October, Goen. [sic] W. Hamilton, Isaac Skelton, Hague and a man name not known, John P. Jones and his wife, Samuel Belcher, Cartwright, Mrs. Wagoner and daughter, Mr. Harris, one other man, name not known, Frank Reed, Mr. Haines, Mrs. Harris and daughter [sic--they survived]; 10th of October, Saml. Grahame, John B. Powell and George Fox; 17th of October, Picket, Saunders, Ben Taft, J. D. Adams and John, a Chinaman; 18th of October, a Spaniard near Mooney's ranch; 23rd of October, Bailey and Charley Johnson; 30th of October, Mr. Wiley on Althouse. In Jany. 1856 Martin Angel, Hull and Dr. Myers.
    The foregoing is a correct list of those persons that were killed, except those that were killed in battle. There is but little doubt that many murders have been committed of which I have no information. The Indians also report that they have two white women prisoners and it is probable that they have. If so it is conjectured that they are Mrs. Harris and daughter, or Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Wagoner.
    In the meantime should I obtain any further information it will give me pleasure to inform you at an early period.




Dear Genl Lane,
    By last mail I received the message and other documents for which please accept my thanks. The message is an excellent document, and is worthy of a Democratic President. It is well received here.
    I think that it would be well to send to the following gentlemen documents. S. H. Lount, Peter Ruffner, John W. Sutton, R. H. Smith, J. Edson, Benj. Wright, Lieut. Jno. J. Chandler, of Port Orford. Also Major Reynolds and Mr. Blakeney, Mr. Dyer, Mr. Dodge, Mr. Dean, Capt. Davis, Mr. Flannegan and Jno. O'Brian,who get their mail matter at Port Orford, and when convenient a few in package, which I could distribute.
    Perhaps I may be thought to meddle in matters in which I have no concern, but I cannot refrain from speaking of things brought to my notice daily. I mean in reference to our relations with the Indians. On the coast we are at peace, though the war party of the south are known to be quartered about 50 miles from us. The certainty of this requires the most active vigilance on the part of the agents of the Indian department amongst us, while we are thus situated, liable and exposed to the danger of the now-peaceable Indians becoming disaffected towards the whites from their close proximity to the war parties. Lawless whites, who are more disposed to abuse the defenseless Indians amongst us than to meet those whose arms are raised against the whites, are constantly maltreating civil, peaceable Indians. All, or nearly all of the present difficulties in Oregon, north and south, may be traced to this cause. We have a low, miserable set of white men among us who prey upon the Indians, coax, buy or steal their women, and if they refuse they are beaten and abused. Many Indians beg for redress, and reason thus: "What would white men say if we took in this way their wives or daughters?" And, strange to say, many white men sanction or wink at this conduct, though there are some who do not. Two days ago 3 or 4 men who belong to a volunteer company, officers commissioned by the gov., came in from their camp on business, got into a drunken spree with others, went to a peaceable Indian's ranch and tried to take the squaws, and upon a refusal the head of the ranch was beaten. He applied to the fort for protection. Maj. Reynolds, U.S.A. promptly sent a file of men and warned the rowdies that he would put them in irons if they were found again in a like predicament.
    On the day previous some of the same, with others in a like condition, fell on an unoffending boy (an Indian), beat him and ran him out of town with clubs and a drawn pistol in the hand of one I am told holding the office of commissary in said volunteer company. Of course no great damage was done, as the boy got off as fast as he could, but what an example is this to the Indians, who are told that the white man is his friend. And what inducements for him to join the party now so successfully at war with the whites. The class above referred to act out the worst principles of their natures and seem to regard the Indian as having no rights. These lawless white men are running riot over the country, and are many of them throwing obstacles in the way of the removal of the Indians to the reservation selected for them, because they will be forbidden to go upon the reservation. Why, sir, it is a matter of serious concern that nearly every single man in this part of Oregon is living openly with squaws. It is lamentable, when every man of cool reflection knows that one of the principal causes of our present Indian difficulties grow out of this lawless conduct. A few of us the other day declared against the maltreatment of the Indians, but it was by others hushed up. Nothing is doing with the warlike tribes south, all are quietly lying still. I do hope that these coast tribes may be allowed to go onto the reservation at an early day.









Sir
    Yours of Feby. 20th with a copy of Capt. Wygant's letter is before me. In reply I have to say that Mr. Flett told me to contract for the transportation of two hundred or two hundred and fifty Indians, that the Indians would be ready to go in about ten days from the time he was here. On your instructions to him and his word for the number to be taken I contracted (verbally) with Capt. Wygant to take them at $2.50 per head, a much smaller rate than I could have contracted for only 100 head.
    On Theodoris finding that there was but 100 or less he refused to take them unless myself and Doc Wright would agree to use our endeavors to procure the payment of $400 for the trip. I told him I would write to you advising you of the circumstances which I did, but suppose the letter was miscarried, as you say you have recd. nothing on the subject. Now I think under the circumstances that the $400 should be paid, as I know he refused freight, supposing the full number of Indians would be on hand, and also the Indians could not at that time [have] been taken by land for less money. I hope you will think in your judgment that a settlement with Capt. Wygant will be best. I don't wish to be compromised in the matter. I did what I thought for the best, and my word in a contract I hold more sacred than a deed. I hope you and him will be able to come to a settlement.
Joel Palmer
    Supt. Indian Affrs.
Microcopy of Records of the Oregon Superintendency of Indian Affairs 1848-1873, Reel 14; Letters Received, 1856, No. 81.







Dear Sir
    I arrived here yesterday and found the volunteers en route for south of the Canyon, one company starting today. Genl. Lamerick has been busy in stationing the forces at several important points, keeping open the roads, and preparing for a fight. The volunteers express a great desire for fight and seem more sanguine of success than ever before.   
    Capt. Chapman's command is now in the street and has just given three lion-voiced cheers for Genl. Lamerick, to which the Genl. responded in a brief though appropriate manner. I find my department in a tolerable condition. I was fortunate in obtaining such supplies in Corvallis as was required.
    The Whigs and  KN's south are making some objections to Lamerick and myself.
    It is said that Belt is still claims [sic] and is Surgeon Genl. and you do not intend to remove Belt. This babble I do not regard but intend to discharge my duties impartially to the best of my abilities, consulting economy and general comfort and employing men of known capacity.
    In making appointments in all cases party friends will be regarded first if competent, but as yet few such men have been found. In fact I have found but two Democratic surgeons in the Territory. There is a rumor that Sam, chief of the Rogue River Indians, has been attacked on his way to the Grand Ronde Reservation, before reaching the Canyon, but the reports need confirmation. Sam was escorted by 100 regulars.
    I shall leave for Fort Leland tomorrow to establish a hospital at that point, as it will be more contiguous to the field of battle, should there be a battle where it is anticipated.
His Excellency
    Geo. L. Curry
        Gov. O.T.
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 3, Document 856.




Dear sir
    The express is just in from the south and brings most startling news in relation to the Indian massacres between Port Orford and Crescent City. An extra from the Crescent City Herald states that the two Indian agents Wright and McGuire together with some twenty or more persons are known to have been massacred by bands of Indians on the coast hitherto regarded as friendly and numbering as stated in the extra about three hundred and sixty warriors. They have two white women as prisoners. Their success in this last outbreak has enabled them to arm themselves with guns and pistols, as the arms of Capt. Poland's company, who has been cut off, had forty-odd guns, and were generally provided with revolvers, all of which fell into their hands. They have also taken three stores where powder was kept. At last accounts the work of destruction was still going on and houses in flames. God knows where it will end! Genl. Lamerick of the southern division has called upon Govr. Curry for further volunteer forces. I am not advised yet what will be the response of the gov., though from present indications should he call for reinforcements, there is good ground for believing that the people of the territory would be loath to respond to his call, not from any disrespect to Gov. Curry, or for want of patriotism, but simply because they have through force had the burdens of the war thrown upon them by those whose duty it was to at least render them assistance, but who instead thereof have assailed and misrepresented them in the California papers, in the most vindictive and villainous manner that their high polished "West Point" education would allow them until the poor beggarly volunteer who is only allowed by our legislature (they having assumed the war debt) $2 per day, are offering them discharges daily in the streets for 25 cts. to 30 cts. on the dollar, and this is not the cash value for all the scrip issued by the company and quartermaster's department. Such is the value of the war claims of Oregon, on account of Genl. Wool's opposition to the volunteer forces and to the genl. govt. paying them for their more than successful winter campaign. Had Genl. Wool placed part of the 9th Regiment at Port Orford in the vicinity of the southern hostile tribes of Indians, or sent them into southern Oregon (where there was an abundance of all necessary supplies) for the protection of our citizens and the overawing of the tribes that were professing friendship, he might have made some show towards terminating the war. But the ball has now just opened and we shall have a war now for several years, and no mistake, and a much more bloody one than that of Florida, or there is nothing in the signs of the times. So far as the protection of our citizens by the regular forces, since the war has commenced is concerned they had better have been in Kamchatka, for then no harm could have been done to those who were willing to protect us. But as Genl. Wood is becoming daily convinced that perhaps there is a little war in Oregon, he may yet do good service and retrieve in some measure his lost reputation in this region: At least so I hope. The regular troops are now being moved in the direction of The Dalles and I learn will reach the Walla Walla and Yakima country by the middle of April. Col. Wright who is all right with the volunteers, has on the receipt of the news of the massacre at Port Orford dispatched one company of his regiment, all he could spare, to their assistance, but they are unfortunately yet detained at the mouth [of] the Columbia River on the steamer Republic. Unless we can have more assistance than we have at present or more encouragement that we are in the discharge of our duty while in the volunteer service, we had better abandon the country to the Indians and grasshoppers, as they are in a good way to take it.
Genl Jo. Lane
    House Representatives
        Washington
            D.C.


    The companies as they are organized will report to the Adjutant General at Corvallis. Citizens of exposed localities in the southern counties should organize into companies for the protection of their several settlements, to be as "minute men" for special service as circumstances may require. Should the emergency demand the temporary employment of such companies of "minute men," the captains will report such service to the Adjutant General of the territory. The company of Capt. Thomas Whitted in the vicinity of Canyonville, Douglas County, will be so considered, as well as that [of] Capt. W. H. Harris of Empire City, Coos County. Such munitions of war as are at the command of the executive of the territory have been forwarded to the counties of Curry and Coos, in accordance with the prayer of sundry petitions from the people of said counties, and such practicable measures taken as may tend to their future security and welfare.


Dear Genl. Lane,
    I wrote you some days since in regard to the Indian difficulties around us. No further intelligence has been received from the fort at the mouth of Rogue River, except that in an exchange of prisoners our people recovered Mrs. Geisel, infant and daughter 12 years old! Whether the little band in [the] fort have since been reduced or not we have no means of knowing. They are in a fort built of "grass sods" breast high.
    120 men from Garrison here, under command of Maj. Reynolds, left yesterday for Rogue River to form a junction with other U.S. forces at the mouth of Illinois Creek, with the view of hemming in the war party of savages now in force at the mouth of Rogue River and to prevent their escape to the mountains. If they are successful in this movement I think a speedy termination may be put to this war south. The Indians are commanded by a Canadian French man named Aeneas, formerly of Hudsons Bay notoriety--the fellow who once traveled over California with Fremont.
    A letter was shown me some days ago addressed to you, asking a military commission by S. H. Lount of this place. I was referred to. I am sorry to say that I cannot back the recommendation in any manner.






Hon. Joseph Lane--
Dear sir:
    This will be handed you by my friend Elijah Moore of Scotts Valley, California, who will visit his friends in Pennsylvania and Washington City next summer.
    I have given him a power of attorney to collect the balance due me under the act of the 17th of July 1854, according to the decision of the Secretary of War. The tobacco I suppose will not be paid for unless you can get a special act passed to pay it. I think equity and justice requires that it should be paid. I have also drawn drafts in favor of Mr. Moore for all of the balance due me for supplies furnished in the Rogue River Indian War of 1853, except the tobacco.
    Mr. Moore is one of the firm of E. McCarty and Co. who furnished considerable quartermaster stores in the R.R. War and there is a balance still due them for hospital stores. I hope you will assist him in getting his claim and mine both paid. He is a young California bachelor of high moral worth and sterling integrity. Any kind favors shown him will be reciprocated by him, and gratefully acknowledged by



My Dear Genl
    As you do not write to me I must write to you.
    To let you know, I have my scalp yet although I've had some close calls for it. Our country is still the scene of bloodshed, and we have no prospect of peace as yet, for the Indians have had the best of every fight yet. Oh, General, I wish you was here. I think there would be something done, for the people have confidence in you, more than any other man in the territory. We have at the head of our army one J. K. Lamerick, whom you are well acquainted with. The people and officers and men have no confidence in him, and there is a general dissatisfaction and the Indians not whipped. You have lost a many a good friend by the red devils in this country, among the rest Martin Angel, my neighbor. Now, General, please drop us a line once in a while, for we are always anxious to hear from you, and now Oregon's whole salvation depends upon your efforts in having this war paid. And among the many things that you have to call for do not forget the spoliation of '53, for among others I am interested slightly.
             
General
    Allow me to present to you my friend Elijah Moore, in whom you will find a gentleman and any kind favors shown him will be reciprocated by


    I have had the pleasure of believing my friends or supposed to be such at Salem would deem it a pleasure to have the opportunity to confer upon me a favor, but if correctly posted up in regard [to] matters there, I have only to regret thanking aloud my friends to ask for my service as surgeon, since the Southern pillar of the Democratic Party has endeavored to brand me as a Know-Nothing.
    Having believed that the above pillar or Democratic standard by which the members thereof are gauged has been in the habit of taking a horizontal position in the gutter with Capt. Hall, my being destitute of this and many other alike qualifications I am weighed and found wanting and of course have nothing further to ask. Since we are all free born and of lawful age to vote being sound in mind and member we can serve as high privates.
    Let me be as free as they are that moves, performs and [are] known under the tongue of good report, rather than sacrificed to the shrine of party, or serve under General Aesculapius and his old backers.
    I have just reached Jacksonville and find that Barkwell has been misrepresenting matters in a most shameful manner for the purposes of working upon the sympathies of and misleading the citizens for the purpose of getting them to sign a remonstrance to counter the influence of the portion praying for the service of Barkwell, which has just been forwarded to the Governor. Unless said B. is so removed, it will serve to break up the Democratic Party in the south, as the more substantial portion of the party have thrown him off.
Jacksonville March 24 / 56
Oregon State Archives, Yakima and Rogue River War, Document File B, Reel 2, Document 619.



Hon. Jo. Lane


This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.



To the Hon. Genl Joseph Lane
    Washington, D.C.
    We take the liberty to address you at this time in reference to matters pertaining to the interests of all persons who have been sufferers by the recent Indian outbreak in this territory and district, believing that your experience and the deep interest always manifested by you upon all occasions to redress the grievances of its citizens and point out the speediest as well as the most satisfactory course for us to pursue will meet with that prompt and efficient action from you that the case demands. On the 23rd, 24th and 25th Feby. last the Indians of this district raised the war cry of extermination against the whites, massacring large numbers of men and children and carrying helpless females off captive, burning and destroying houses, merchandise and in fact everything that it was feasible for them to destroy, also killing and driving off nearly all our stock, horses, mules, oxen, cows etc. etc. in this section of the country. The Indians were under the supervision of an Indian agent appointed by Genl. Palmer, and a treaty concluded by Genl. Palmer no longer ago than last August bound the Indians to an observance of its requirements. We for a long time apprehended an outbreak and frequently solicited assistance, but our appeals were never responded to. The fearful time came [that] our fears were more than realized, and many, very many, of us are reduced to extreme want, and circumstances require that the speediest as well as the most advantageous course should be pointed out to us. We know of no one so qualified by a long residence with us or so willing to assist us in our misfortunes. And then [illegible--one word's worth of paper missing] is to you we look for advice. Government without an assisting power is tardy in administering justice, yet we believe in her magnanimity. It has been suggested that commissioners would be appointed and selected from the residents of the district when the property was destroyed and supposed to be familiar with the losses sustained, thereby being enabled from their own knowledge of the facts and such other testimony as would be required to render such awards as would indemnify the sufferer for his losses.
    Will you have the kindness to give this your early attention and point out to us the speediest manner to bring our claims before the proper tribunal for adjustment.


No. 13
Commissary Department
    To H. A. Overbeck
    1856
February 27: 526 lbs.   Five hundred and twenty-six pounds of Bacon @ fifty cents per                                         pound: $263.00  Two hundred and sixty-two Dollars.

Commissary Department
    To H. A. Overbeck
    1855
December 12th: 16 Sixteen pounds Candles $25 per pound: $32.
        "             "   : 50 Fifty pounds of soap 50 cents per pound [page torn away]
        "             "   : 20 Twenty pounds Saleratus 75 cts. per pound [page torn away]



Quartermaster Department
    To H.A. Overbeck
For the following hay sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon mounted volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry to suppress Indian hostilities.



Quartermaster Department
    To James T. Glenn
For the following forage sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon Mounted Volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry, to suppress Indian hostilities
   
Quartermaster Department
    To James T. Glenn
For the following articles sold to James R. Peters for the use of the Oregon Mounted Volunteers called into service by proclamation of his excellency Gov. George L. Curry to suppress Indian hostilities:



Quartermaster Department
    To Charles Williams
    1855
Oct. 12th: For finishing and setting (127) one hundred and twenty-seven horse shoes
                  @ $3 per shoe . . . $381.00
     
I certify on honor that Charles Williams served as expressman for John K. Lamerick, Brigadier General, O.T. from the 20th of March to the 25th of June 1856 inclusive.



To Genl. Joseph Lane,
    Delegate to the Congress of the
        U.S. of America from O.T.
            Washington City, D.C.
   
P.S.  The Genl. if suitable and agreeable to him will please publish the above letter, and in doing so please to have the grammatical errors of said letter corrected and please send me answer upon the receipt of this, as I am extremely anxious to hear from the Genl.
N.B.  Since the 20th of last October 1855, up to this time 13th June there has been 13 vessels of various drafts of waters in and out of this harbor. Out of the 13 vessels 2 was wrecked, 1 an old vessel of little value. The other vessel is only ashore and will be got off in a few days. The vessels in this trade are principally schooners, brigs, barks, and one steamer, The Newport, makes her regular trips between this place and San Francisco. The average soundings at low water is sixteen feet on the bar, so reported by the regular bar pilots.
This document is found on the last reel, the undated papers.





Gen Joseph Lane
    Washington City



Dear Genl
    We have had no [illegible] by mail since the 8th March and it [illegible] a furious gale. We are at a loss to [illegible] other than the war news. All around [illegible] is forted up yet, although a considerable [illegible] force is now in the field. The [illegible] under Col. Buchanan are at the [illegible] [Rogue] River, numbering about 240 men, [illegible] the women & children who were [illegible] for more than a month. [illegible] to the fort some days since in [illegible] Mrs. Geisel, infant and daughter [illegible] and have been recovered from captivity by an exchange of prisoners before the regular forces came into the field. The loss of the whites at R. River is about 40, the Indians but few as yet. The loss of property has been very large, everything between this and Crescent City has been burnt or carried off by Indians. The entire coast bands, with the Upper Rogue River Indians, were in league and unsuspected until the outbreak on the 23rd, 24th & 25th Feby. The regular forces have had one fight, about 10 miles up the river, killing many, with only one wounded on our side. [illegible] to concentrate, take Rogue River [illegible] mouth to its sources, and make a [illegible] the Indians, who are said to have [illegible] is up Illinois River.
    [illegible] Indians from this to Umpqua have [illegible] on to reservations and fed to keep [illegible] under the eye of agents. Those of Coos [illegible] Bay and those of Port Orford, Elk, Sixes, [illegible] and Coquille were brought on the [illegible] [Coast] Reservation here, but white men have [illegible] and the Coquille bands numbering [illegible] ran off, giving reason to believe [illegible] would join their people with the [illegible] company of volunteer "miner to [illegible]" numbering 35 men have [illegible]. An express came in Sta[illegible] in an attack on the first rancho. 10 Indians were killed, without the loss of any whites. [illegible] expect further news in a day or two. Our volunteers and indeed the citizens are without supplies. Even the regular troops have only 10 days provisions to start a campaign with.
    Unfortunately for Oregon, the quarrel between Genl. Wool & the citizen soldiery, in which all are under the genl condemnation alike, he acts as though he were careless of everything but revenge. Troops were not sent here until a month after the outbreak, and then only 140 men to repel a force estimated at [illegible] Indians, equal man for man with [illegible].
    To add to our dilemma the [illegible] upon which alone we are compelled [illegible] for the transportation of troops & supplies [illegible] at this post, when convenient, not [illegible] the United States pays her largely [illegible] contract to do so. Our postmaster [illegible] this mail. Special communications [illegible] of her failures to land, passing in [illegible] although heretofore unsuccessful in [illegible] of that Department.
    Now on the 17th March, 1856, the [illegible] Cap. Dall passed down was [illegible] above and by the men in [illegible] the reservation at 8 o'clock [illegible] fog. I could see to the mouth [of the] River, [a distance] of 30 miles across the bay, and on the [illegible] March, she passed up to Columbia River just as [illegible] was seen off R. River, very near, weather very fine, with only a light breeze, nothing to prevent her from landing the mails if she had been disposed. On the following day a small 9-ton schooner came from R. River (with the distressed from that fort) with the greatest ease.
    I do not like to complain, but this state of things has & does continue, and unless the proper department takes notice of it, they [illegible] contract with the Pacific [illegible] their own discretion, whether [illegible] will have any mail facilities and [illegible] answer for them, we will get none. [illegible] those is a reason for this neglect on [the part] of that Company. The government [illegible] hands only for carrying the mails [illegible] can be had at Portland every [illegible]. Crescent City supplies the mining region [illegible] [while] Port Orford is reduced to only a [illegible] trade, to permanent settlers and [illegible] whose all is here and who are [illegible] [build] up this country. Consequently [illegible] to afford a large trade [illegible], wishing to give such facts [illegible] the [illegible] of the case, and circumstances [illegible] conduct with this mammoth company [illegible] us with mail facilities.  But the [illegible] these carriers must or ought to be [illegible].
    I wrote to Mother Lane by an express the other day and to Simon--asking them if I could get for a time your large field glass (Santa Anna). I have much need of and cannot now get one.  I will take good care of it for you.
To Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City, D.C.








Dear Father
    About one week since the volunteers under Genl. Lamerick came upon and gave the Indians battle near the Big Bend of Rogue River. The Indians, being on the opposite side of the river, made it impossible for the volunteers to surround and cut them off from retreating as they would otherwise have done. The number of Indians supposed to be killed was fourteen or fifteen. The volunteers had two wounded, one since died. None killed dead on the field.
    It is to be hoped that Lamerick or somebody else will give them a genteel flogging soon and bring them to some terms of peace, as business is very dull here and no prospects of its getting better until the war is terminated.
    Mr. Floed has gone to San Francisco to lay in our spring and summer stock of goods. He will be back in two or three weeks. Last month we held the county convention to nominate candidates for the different county offices. A. Rose of Roseburg recd. the nomination [for] representative, who I think we can elect very easy at the next annual election.
    Mother and family all in good health.



Sir
    Your memorialists would respectfully inform you that they are volunteers, engaged in the Indian war, now raging in that territory, of which you are so faithful and active a friend. That at the date of these presents, we, your memorialists, are encamped in a small fort, created by ourselves, near the mouth of Rogue River on the north side.
    That ever since the 23rd of Feby. of the current year, which was the date of the first Indian outbreak in this vicinity, we have had to be constantly on duty.
    That we had gathered into our fort 8 grown-up women, a girl of between 11 and 14, 10 children and an infant; 106 men, and ten friendly Indians.
    That we had at first 74 guns, mostly fowling pieces, and the Indians were so numerous that we were, for the most part, obliged to keep within the fort for the protection of the females and those who had no guns.
    That on Sunday the 2nd of March 18 of us sallied from the fort to procure beef, and 6 of this number were killed by the Indians, thus depriving us of some of our best men and our best arms. The number of men left in the fort was now just 100, and the number of guns was reduced to 68, and the proportion of fowling pieces to rifles was greatly increased.
    That we were so completely hemmed in by the Indians and by stormy weather, that we had no means of communicating with our fellow citizens of our existence, either to solicit their aid or to inform them of our disagreeable and dangerous position.
    That we did indeed send the schooner Gold Beach to Crescent City, but on returning she dared not enter the mouth of Rogue River.
    That although we had sent from us three messengers by other routes, we still remained in the same uncertainty as before. We knew not what steps were being taken for our relief, if any, and we sometimes conjectured that the whole coast might soon be in possession of the savages.
    That we remained in this state of uncertainty until Thursday the [illegible--paper chewed away] of March, when a considerable body of men appeared on the side of the river, and we were relieved from our long and painful siege.
    That the men proved to be Col. Buchanan with the company of about 160 men and 31 volunteers.
    That these last had left Crescent City, previous to the arrival there of the regular troops, for the humane purpose of reaching and aiding us.
    That on Tuesday 18th March, this small company of volunteers crossed Pistol River and burnt the Indian village located on the north side of that stream.
    That they were there attacked by a very superior number of Indians, and compelled to withdraw to the south side of the river, where they had left their animals.
    That here they threw up a breastwork upon a sand hill, carried their provisions into it, picketed their animals  on the south side of the mound and kept the Indians at bay.
    That as soon as they had re-crossed the river they sent two couriers back to inform Col. Buchanan, who was encamped as they had heard at the mouth of Chetco River, about 20 and not more than 25 miles from Pistol River.
    That the regulars did not arrive until about half-past one o'clock p.m. on Wednesday 19th of March, although the courier of the volunteers reached Col. Buchanan's camp about 10 o'clock a.m. on Tuesday 18th. Had he (Col. Buchanan) sent on a detachment or hastened his pace a little he could have come upon the Indians in great numbers around us. We think his forces could have killed many of them, at all events they would have saved our animals, of which we lost 31 mules and horses.
    That instead of sending relief to the volunteers this [illegible--paper chewed away] the col. merely vented some oaths against them, said that they ought to have fallen back upon him, and that we would get our animals and our provisions taken, and some of ourselves killed.
    That when he did arrive at the breastwork, he blamed everything volunteers had done, said they had interfered with his plans by [illegible] down the Rogue River Indians to Pistol River where [illegible] not want either to fight or to kill them, and he advised the [illegible] should each go to his home, his farm or his trade, not [illegible] the fact that many of the volunteers had no home; the Indians had destroyed their dwellings and all they possessed.
    That when told that he had acted strangely in neither bringing nor sending relief to men who he had every reason to believe were in imminent danger of losing their lives, he replied that he belonged to the government, that such a step would have interfered with his plans, and that the government could not and would not alter its plans to relieve every self-constituted body of men who chose to get themselves into difficulty and that he neither could nor would recognize them in any way, shape nor manner.
    Your memorialists (those of them who were present on this occasion) would respectfully lay before you the following comments upon the language of Col. Buchanan, as embodied in the last written paragraph.
    1st--That it seems almost incomprehensible, how a little acceleration of power, to reach us sooner, could have interfered with the plans of the government!! The volunteers were literally in his (Col. B's) path.
    2nd--That we were not a self-constituted body of men, we were obeying, or rather responding to, a call from the governor of Oregon for volunteers, that we had started from Crescent City before Col. B. arrived there, and before we knew of his coming, and that our object was to reach Rogue River and bring relief to those who were there sustaining a long and murderous siege, some of whom were our wives, our children and our friends.
    3rd--That had we been a self-contained body of men, allowing that we had committed a fault in not consulting him when [illegible] heard of his arrival, had we even belonged to a hostile [illegible], had we been criminals of the deepest dye, we think that no civilized government on earth would have refused us succor under the circumstances. We cannot help thinking that no plan except one involving an equal risk of human life could have been of so much importance as the lives of so many citizens whose only alleged faults was their injudicious haste in obeying the impulses of humanity. Dearly we paid for this fault if [illegible] for we not only lost our animals, but one of the best [illegible] of our number was killed. Candor must acknowledge [illegible] Col. B. could scarcely have prevented this last calamity, as [illegible] man, whose name was Kirby Miller, was killed a little after [illegible] on the 18th, and unless Col. B. had sent us a detachment of light infantry, nothing else would have been in time to save our lost companion.
    That in looking back upon the 32 hours we spent in fighting the Indians from our breastworks there is one circumstance to which we turn with honest pride. We killed many of the enemy. We cannot exactly tell how many, as those who fell were quickly borne away by squaws and by Indians on their and our animals. The moon was shining brightly. We could take a good aim at 40, 50 and 60 yards distance. We were aware of the importance of making every shot tell. We had some of the very best of marksmen, and we fired just 110 [sic] shots. We think that it would be a low calculation to say that a digger was killed for every 5 shots. This would give diggers killed 42. Prisoners, both squaws and Indians, taken since confirm this calculation, a squaw saying that we killed 44 and [an] Indian that we killed 45.
    Your memorialists would now most respectfully direct your attention to the fact that a most unaccommodating spirit exists between the superior officers of the regular army and the volunteers. As far as we are concerned, we have [illegible] formally expressed our readiness to assist in destroying [illegible] in any way Col. B. might deem best, either in hunting [illegible] Indians, or in fighting them when found. Everything of [illegible] we have suggested has been treated not only with abrupt rejection but with a supercilious disdain which is most hurtful to our sensibilities and which we think is unbecoming and altogether out of play in a republican officer.
    That such a feeling existing between the two orders of [illegible] engaged in this war, viz., the regulars and volunteers, it is [illegible] evident to us that whatever power or influence Col. Buchanan [illegible] with the government in this connection will be exerted [illegible]. We have nothing to expect from him but the most strenuous opposition, and from all we can learn Col. B. acts in accordance with his instructions from Genl. Wool, viz., not to recognize the volunteers in any way, shape or manner.
    That in view of the foregoing facts, we have, sir, taken the liberty to lay before you this memorial, that when our claims come up before the government of the United States you may be our friend. Some of us who now address you have been your soldiers and have fought under you heretofore. And we personally know the interest you take in the welfare of a soldier.
    That we should not have troubled you with this long memorial but for the purpose of showing you to what extent the feelings of opposition exist towards us, when those who entertain them would not move a single step out of their way, nor hasten their pace in their way to save us all from being sacrificed.
    That in addition to the Indians we killed from our little fort amounting to at least 41, we have since killed 11, a party of us going up Rogue River, in the night, lying in ambush and surprising the enemy in their canoes in the morning. This makes 51 Indians killed by our little party since the 18th of March besides some 35 more or less killed previously. This we think is a number not equalled, and surely not exceeded by any equal number of men, volunteer or regular, in Oregon.
    We would be most grateful to you, sir, should you acknowledge [illegible] of this memorial. We would proudly follow any suggestions you might make, either in regard to conducting this war or dispelling this unnatural state of things between those who have the same object in view.
    We now commit the advocacy of our cause into your hands, well knowing that if you stand not up for us, influences will be brought to bear against us, which may injure us all and ruin many of us. We were first in the field, called there by stern necessity as well as by the governor of Oregon, and it would be hard indeed if our claims were disregarded.
    We see by what appears to be an official article in the San Francisco Herald that Col. Buchanan claims to [illegible] the Tututni rancheria, the Mikonotunne [illegible]. Now the former was destroyed by us, without either his knowledge or order.
    Forgive his long draft upon your time and patience. Many of us are absent procuring supplies, else all would sign this memorial.
             


Dear sir
    I arrived home on yesterday from Dayton, where I had been on business connected with the removal of the Rogue River Indians. I left them all in peace and quiet, and in charge of R. B. Metcalfe and his brother, who is equally as good a hand among Indians as Robt. I tendered my resignation to Genl. Palmer before I left Dayton. It however was not to take effect until the 30th of June, which is now near at hand. I reserved until the 30th of June in order to enable me to settle the business of the agency.
    I trust you will have Robt. Metcalfe appointed in my stead, and a better selection or a more competent person than Robt.['s] brother James K. Metcalfe could not fill his place, and should a vacancy occur in which you have no particular person to fill, you could not confer it upon a worthier man than James K. Metcalfe. To his superior knowledge of Indian character I certainly stand indebted for much useful information and assistance while in the discharge of my official duties.
    The war still continues, but it is not prosecuted with much vigor. I do hope something will be done by the present Congress to relieve the wants of the settlers in the present emergency. It is futile and worse than that it is even folly to stop to inquire into the cause or origin of the war while the savages are at work spreading desolation and ruin on all sides. No alternative is now left but to fight it out, and in order to do so Congress must do something for us. I expect to be in the States this summer or fall. I am anxiously waiting for the war to wind up to start.
    I suspect Genl. Palmer will hardly recommend the Messrs. Metcalfe, but for all that they are good men for that position.
    In retiring from office permit me to return to you my sincere thanks for your kind patronage, which I trust I duly appreciate and shall remember with lively gratitude the more so from the fact that it was unsought and unlooked-for on my part
Genl. Lane M.C.
    Washington City



Dear Genl,
    I am happy to say that by last mail I recd. from Washington some "material aid," and will be able to pay on the note $500 which I shall send to Shelby--who has the note.
    I regret to know that this country is in absolutely a languishing condition on account of Indian troubles. How unfortunate it is that our regular and volunteer forces should occupy antagonistic positions and views of this war, when the whole energy of the U.S. and people of this territory ought to be united. The breach I fear is so great that no essential good can be done by either. There is not a proper thinking man in Oregon who does not deplore it. "But what shall be the remedy?"
    The regular army (I mean south) are in active service. I think Col. Buchanan has under his command now in Rogue River Valley some 400 men exclusive of officers, enough to whip out all the Indians, but can he find them in the mountain fastnesses. It will require many more than are actually engaged in the field. Positions ought to be taken and kept, which cannot be done with so small a force. How advantageous[ly] the volunteer forces could be used in this way, but for this quarrel. Much blame may be attributed to the people for bringing on this war, for speculation, etc., but some part of the want of success in its prosecution may reasonably be attributed to the course Genl. Wool has taken in regard to this perplexing question. The volunteer forces, by their own choice, refused to be placed under the rules of the regular army, claiming an independence which in my opinion has worked ruin and defeat on almost every occasion. Seeming to take advantage of their liberty, they have refused anything like obedience to their own officers. Who can take up the papers and reports made of their movements and not be convinced of this fact? It is but today news reached this place that Genl. Lamerick, having a large volunteer force under him south, was about to, or had resigned on the grounds of utter indifference of his men to submit to any orders. What is said of these may be said to some extent of all, better men never went into any field, but blind to their own interests. Whole trains of horses are taken by the Indians from our volunteers, and done too under our best officers, and this is of frequent occurrence.
    Genl. Wool, on the other hand, has manifested a degree of neglect towards Oregon in not actively placing a sufficient force of troops in the field until the patience of the people were worn out, their property burned or destroyed, and their wives and children murdered before their eyes, or belief relief could come. The stand he has taken in the unfortunate controversy between the territorial officers and himself has so far weakened the military arm of the territory that nothing is left for it but a dishonorable abandonment of the field. Its reputation gone, its credit bankrupt. This, too, has been accomplished by the exercise of an undue spirit of resentment, or revenge, which is to cost the government millions of dollars. I look upon it as the cause of the inability of the territorial officers to procure sufficient supplies and the exorbitant prices paid for those which could be had. "But the remedy." I am far from attempting to offer, or suggest, a remedy. I saw and conversed with Genl. Adair last week, who told me in a hasty manner on the steamer that he had written you fully on the subject, that he urged you to accept the command of the Pacific division, come home, and take the field. As to the correctness of this position, I am but illy prepared to give an opinion whether Oregon most needs your services in Congress, or in the field. Would your return settle the controversy; would it restore order and obedience amongst volunteer and regular forces, or would your services in securing the payment of the enormous war debt, upon which depends the credit or bankruptcy of the territory, be better applied in Congress are questions of the greatest moment to the people of Oregon.
    I have uniformly adhered to the opinion that no man in or out of Congress could carry this war debt through but you, if indeed it can be done at all, when the claims shall all be reduced to one grand total. Still I would say that if you shall decide upon assuming command of the Pacific forces against these savages and conceive it your duty to return in that capacity, you would carry into the field my best and warmest wishes. All I ask is that you may not be sacrificed to gratify the schemes of enemies.
To Hon. Joseph Lane, M.C
    Washington City


Dear General
    After my respects to you I will inform you that I received my draft in due time, for which I am under many obligations to you.
    My beef account C. S. Drew made out and sent it by last mail, so he says, but as I have but little confidence in him I would not be disappointed if he has not done so. If however he has sent it to Washington it will be there before this reaches you. Please examine and if my voucher for my beef is not there let me know and I will provide some other way to get the same. Now, General, this is imposing upon you, but it is the only way that I know how to proceed to get my pay.
    Our county election comes off the first Monday in June, and as our county ticket is a good one I think we will be able to succeed.
Gen. Lane


Dear Genl.
    By last mail I wrote you some desultory remarks on the causes of, and management of, the present war.
    I am happy to be able now to inform you of the prospects of a speedy termination of Indian troubles in southern Oregon. As you will perceive by former accounts, Col. Buchanan, U.S.A. has been in the field for a few months. His presence has had the desired effect without the necessity of risking any considerable engagement, but in what was done was so well done without any reverses that the entire war party of Rogue River Valley, except a mere handful, have offered to make peace on any terms. Genl. Palmer is now with him at R. River, negotiating terms of peace, which are understood to be an unconditional surrender, cease fighting, give up their arms, and go at once on the reservation. This too has been done at the time when the volunteers south have had nothing but reverse and defeat from these same Indians. One company only, that of Capt. Bledsoe, formed at the mouth of Rogue River, have had any success. Acting under all the adverse circumstances of being shut out from the volunteer field officers, without supplies, illy provided for in every way, have acquitted themselves handsomely, fought gallantly, behaved honorably, and met with no reverses. I hazard nothing in saying that they have done more good service (this one small comp.) than all the volunteer forces south have done, put together.
    Our joy is great at the prospects now of peace, and the speedy removal of all the Indians from amongst us, giving our industrious population the chance to return to their legitimate pursuits, which they are doing with vigor. It will require the labors of many years before some of them will, if ever, recover from the severe blow caused by the sad havoc made with their property by this war. At Rogue River [i.e., Gold Beach] a handsome settlement had sprung up, was fast improving by the mining, as well as growing interests at that valuable location. Now not a vestige is left but the ashes of what was a busy thriving settlement!
    Much inquiry is made as to whether the U.S. will or will not reimburse them for the loss of the immense amount of stock and other property destroyed by the Indians.
    I learn with no small degree of surprise that your daughter Winnie is to be married at an early day. You will pardon me Genl. when I say that I regret it. I refrain from reasons, as I learn that matters have progressed beyond the point of interference. Believe me, sir, that I do not speak thus with any other motive than the very high regard I have for you and yours, evidence of which need not now be advanced.
In haste
    To Hon Joseph Lane
        Washington City
            D.C.





Genl. Jo. Lane
Dear Sir
    Your numerous favors came safe to hand on the 1st inst., for which please accept my thanks. The election is over, A M. Berry been elected rep. jointly with Josephine Co., Jackson voting with that co. for our member J. S. Miller new rep. for Jackson Co. C. Nye, Whig representative of Jackson Co. 'Tis thought a Whig sheriff will be elected. There will not be more than 10 or 15 votes difference. The people are getting up a mass meeting in southern Oregon for the purpose of memorializing Congress in relation to the war and to place in your hands facts in relation thereto. The citizenry say they have not done their duty toward you in presenting you with such facts as to enable you to confront your opponents and prove the charges made against your constituents by gov. officials unfounded and unjust.
    There seems to be a suspension of hostilities at this time; a treaty is talked of. Most of the volunteers have been mustered out of service. New arrangements will be made; certain it is the war is not yet at an end. Crops are fine and health prevailing. Grasshoppers plenty. I am managing my department to the best of my abilities but have much trouble with Whigs and K.N.s.
    The war has rendered this country bankrupt. All I have is in war scrip, and many others are in a similar condition, all looking anxiously to Congress for action. Hundreds are saying Genl. Lane will see us righted. Times ahead look awful gloomy. Should the committee report unfavorably and you be unable to secure an appropriation, such poverty and want has never been witnessed in this county at any previous time as now awaits it.
    My kind regards to Hon. J. P. Dunn, also Gen. Willard. I am intimately acquainted with the former but not with the latter. For Maj. Dunn I entertain the strongest feelings of friendship, for I assure you he is a gentleman and a safe and confidential friend. I am, dear sir, your friend and fellow citizen.



Dear sir:
    I received yours of April the 19th today as I passed through town on my way to San Francisco, but as it may be very important to you to learn all the facts, I avail myself of the express for an immediate reply. While I am forced to admit that some acts of violence have been perpetrated by some bad, irresponsible and reckless white men upon the Indians, our population as a general thing are composed of good men. But a few irresponsible men will occasionally pass through the country, but I would like to know in the name of heaven if sensible men will pretend to justify hordes of savages in desolating whole settlements, massacring innocent women and children, from the fact that some transient, irresponsible white men had done them a wrong. I made a report to Genl. Palmer on August last over two months before the war which is charged the whites begun which will give you much of the information asked for. Again in Sept. my report will show what I thought of the matter. Copies of those two reports I send you; they may be useful. I have but little time to write and must be as brief as possible. The massacre took place on the Klamath on the 27 of July, the version which I give of it in my report was obtained from the Indians. I subsequently learned there were seventeen persons killed at that time. The murder on Indian Creek took place in May the 11th; but one man was killed. On the Siskiyou in the month of Sept. two men were killed who were teaming over the mountains, both unarmed, and of course not the assailing party. You will see by my report that Indians belonging to this reservation were on the Klamath at the time of the difficulties there. I afterwards got some of the stolen property from them and delivered it up to the relatives of the murdered men. No doubt exists of their being there and their participation to some extent in that affair, and some of those very same Indians were the principal actors on the 9th of October in massacring women and children. They evidently sought the war and actually carried on a predatory war all summer. Sam's and Joe's people were not implicated with them, as subsequent events have proven, and it was of these people I usually made my reports when I spoke well of the Indians. There are a large body of Indians in these mountains that never ought to be treated with, but I have advised General Palmer to treat with them from this fact [that] if something is not done with them they will take this country this summer if nothing better than United States troops are in the field aside from Capt. Smith. I know of none in this section of country of them but what have more sympathy for the Indians than the settlers. It is a foul slander upon the settlers of Oregon to thus accuse them. The people in this valley deserved peace and sought to maintain it by every means in their power until forbearance ceased to be a virtue any longer with them. I am speaking of the mass of the people, not of the acts of a few transient individuals. I will write you more in detail when I arrive at San Francisco.
    I suppose you have received my resignation before this time, but I will take occasion to say I would like well for Mr. Metcalfe to be my successor, if none should be appointed yet.       G.H.S.





Hon. Gen. Joseph Lane
Dr Sir
    I have read with great pleasure your speech in Congress praying for an appropriation of three hundred thousand dollars for the suppression of Indian hostilities in Oregon, and I very much regret that you are not in possession of some of the real truths in regard to the origin of this present Indian war. There appears to be a great many sympathizers in the eastern states for the poor Indian. If those persons spoke from experience and actually knew the real situation of things here they would talk very differently. It seems strange to me that correspondents of public journals that live hundreds of miles away should know more of the real character and movements of the natives than we do that have spent years here in the mountains. I have been a resident of this section of country as you are aware ever since the fall of 1851 and am personally acquainted with almost every Indian in the Rogue River and Umpqua valleys, and as there has been so many false statements in regard to this matter, I consider it my duty to make a few statements in regard to the real truths of the present Indian hostilities, and such as came under my own immediate observation. The origin of this war can be all traced back to a "Shasta Chief" called "Old John." He is the beginning, and until he is captured there will be no end to Indian hostilities in Southern Oregon. The general massacre that occurred in this valley on the 9th day of October 1855 was not as many suppose the impulse of the moment, but the continuation of a long-concocted and deep-laid plot. The spring of 1855 in the month of May, I think, the Indians had a general meeting at J. B. Wagoner's ranch on Inapoo [Louse] Creek. The tribes of Old Sam, George, Limpy, John and lower Rogue Rivers, Grave Creeks, Cow Creeks and in fact all the Indians in the whole surrounding country met there, as they said, to have a great gambling spin, when in fact the real object of the meeting was to lay plans and schemes for a general outbreak, as soon as they could agree on the time of commencement. They remained in council for several days, made great war speeches, but were careful not to let any of the women but a few old heads into the secret. The Grave Creeks were over for the purpose of gaming, they said, but seemed to be in bad luck, as they lost, they said, several horses, and even went so far as to get my partner to appeal to the Indian agent in their behalf, when in reality it was all a feint to lull suspicion of the real object of the meeting. In the month of June 1855 Grave Creek George was to work for us. One evening just at dark there was a number of horsemen came riding up on the jump. They halted and proved to be Indians. Ten of them was Cow Creeks headed by "Old Jack," and three of [sic] four Klickitats with their chief "Paul." They inquired for George and appeared quite warlike, said something about stealing horses, and they were going to kill him. I was aware that George and Jack were not on very good terms, and as George had no tillicums and [was] as it were alone in the world, I thought it my duty to warn him of his danger. I went to his camp and told him what was up. He appeared very much excited and slipped out in the brush and sent word that he would meet them at our house in the morning. And the strangers went down the creek and spent the night at the rancherie. In the morning George came up armed with a pistol and knife. Soon after came the others, and the scene of hostilities commenced. At it they come and in two hours the wind work [i.e., empty show] of a great battle was completed. Knives were drawn but no blood shed. About noon here comes "Tyee" George from Rogue River with several of his warriors. This meeting was purely accidental or at least they succeeded in making us think at the time (but since we have come to the conclusion that we were sold). The heads went out and had a long conference by themselves. The Klickitats were running heavy on trade of "Siwash Chickamin" [Indian money] for skins. All this looked quite reasonable at the time. Shortly after this Old Jack left Cow Creek and took up his abode with George. I could cite you to a hundred such instances that transpired in 1855. What I have special reference to in regard to false statements is in the correspondence of Gen. Wool with Gov. Stevens. Gen. Wool appears to establish as a basis to his argument a letter read by him from Capt. Judah, in which the latter advises him that the war was rather waged upon the Indians or something to that effect. And the general massacre that occurred on the 9th of October was only in retaliation for the wrongs committed on their people by a party of citizens led on by Maj. Lupton on the 8th. Now, sir, I beg leave to differ with Capt. Judah or any other man on that respect for I say and without deviating from the truth that the Indians were only anticipated. But do not think by this that I wish to cast any odium on Capt. Judah, for I believe him to be a gentleman, and he has the general reputation of being a good soldier. And at the time he wrote that I do believe he wrote what he thought strictly true according to the best information that he could get. But he had only seen one side of the picture. He was not aware that the day of the general massacre was all set, and that was on Monday morning, at daylight the 8th of October. But on Sunday evening the Indians stole a keg of whiskey from a pack train near Wagoner's place, and had a glorious jollification. This frustrated things and only delayed their putting into execution their hellish schemes for one day. The Indians killed by Maj. Lupton and party was of another and distant tribe. Capt. Judah I think at the time of the breakout was stationed at Fort Jones, Cal., and knew nothing of what was going on in this valley daily, only as reported to him by others. He was not aware that travelers were stopped on the road and compelled to take that from an Indian that no white man dare offer [i.e., death]. At that time, sir, the settlers of this valley done everything in their power to keep the Indians peaceable, for the country was very dry, and the people knew that the Indians had us in their power, and were anxious to keep them down until the wet season set in and then we thought the storm would blow over. And, sir, I do believe that if any man had dared to kill an Indian at that time, even in self-defense without the best proof, he would have been swung to the first limb without time to say his prayers. Such was the general feeling of the settlers of this valley at that time. But a war was inevitable, and it had to come, although it could all have been prevented in time by taking out Old John and five or six of his men and hanging them. But no, the poor Indian must not suffer in that way, before him and his followers had taken the lives of two or three hundred whites. I do not think that the tribes of Rogue River and Cow Creek wished for war, but were rather forced into it by Old John. All of the different tribes were afraid of him as they were of the devil himself. And then he pictured to them in such glowing colors the result of such a glorious campaign, such fine times as they would have killing the "Bostons." Then they would take possession of the country. And even went so far as to make a calculation on the net proceeds of the spoils and the manner of distributing them. At the time of the breakout Old George and his tillicums were camped at Wagoner's place. Some of Old John's band commenced the thing early on the morning of the 9th October, sweeping everything before them until they came to Wagoner's place. Here Old George and his men joined them, and the thing spread like wildfire, with death and destruction to everything that came in their range. There appears to be from all accounts some few Indian sympathizers here among us, but they keep themselves rather shady. And not a few in the States who advocate the cause of the "poor Indian" very ardently. Treat an Indian well and he will treat you well "in a hour.' For example, I will relate to you a short biography of one of the good Indians. Umpqua Jack or Riddle's Jack, as he is better known, was a brother of "Tipsey Bill." (This name was given him because he had a heavy mustache and goatee. The reason the natives assigned for this was in former days he had a white woman for a wife on the headwaters of Rogue River, and she caused him to shave. In proof of this there is a little girl belonging to him about twelve years old, and as white as any person exposed to the weather would be. And hair quite light.) Tipsey Bill was an accomplice of the old Chief Taylor, who committed the massacre on Galice Creek the winter of '52. This was as I presume you recollect seven men murdered in their beds and thrown in the river. Shortly after the waters were very high, and it was reported by the natives that the whites were at work on an island and that the river rose so high and so fast that they were swept off and drowned before they could help them. But "murder will out," and the Indians had any quantity of gold dust to prove their innocence. About the first of June '53 the thing leaked out in some way and a small company, headed by A. S. Baers, they soon succeeded in taking the chief Taylor prisoner. He had a fair trial and acknowledged himself guilty and gave the names of some that were implicated with him. Taylor and one or two others were stretched up right there. And then commenced Indian hostilities for 1853. We partly escaped for our natural enemy had not got a good [omission] ready. The chief Taylor implicated Tipsey Bill in the affair, and he was supposed to be among the Grave Creeks but could not be found in their ranch, nor would they give any information of his whereabouts. The whole band then were taken prisoners and marched in to this place. The chief was placed under guard and the consoling information given him that he had to have "Tipsy Bill" brought into camp that day or hang by the neck until he was dead-dead-dead. He immediately dispatched two of his warriors in search of him. About night they returned and said that they could find nothing of him. (Guess they thought the Bostons joking.) The awful sentence was then repeated in plain, clear language and a short respite granted. They were told they must produce Bill or his head by daylight or their chief must hang. The two warriors again sallied forth as if they meant something; this was legible in their countenances. At midnight they returned and reported they had found him, but he was not willing to come in, and they produced his head and a splendid rifle. Thus endeth a brief history of one of the bravest red devils in the country and a natural lover of the white man's blood. But I have rambled from my story, for which I ask pardon and will now proceed with my history of Jack. The spring of '53 he lived with Mr. Rice. A party of men were raised in Rogue River Valley to come over and clean out the Grave Creeks provided they would not come to terms. They took Jack along for a pilot, as he knew where they were camped. When they found the camp Jack was sent in to get some of the natives out to talk, but he never returned. There was a great bustle in camp, and the natives sang out to the Bostons that they were ready to receive them, and if they wanted to fight to pitch in. They were in a dense forest and in large numbers. There were but few whites, and they concluded it was no good thing and returned. Shortly after Jack made his appearance in Umpqua Valley on Cow Creek. Here he took up his residence with Mr. Riddle and family. He was a very intelligent Indian. The summer of 1856 Mr. R. sent him to Portland with his teams. He saw the whole Willamette Valley, spoke very good English and people thought him quite civilized and never suspicioned anything wrong from him. The spring of 1855 he made his appearance out here with a character [reference] from Mr. Riddle as being a good Indian. He took up his abode among the Grave Creeks for a season, said he had come over to see his tillicums and seek him a wife. Mr. Harris and family were living here at the time; he used to visit us here at the house almost every day, said that he had lived with the Bostons so long that he did not like "Siwash muckamuck" [Indian food]. And Mrs. Harris used to give him something to eat every time he came in. Mr. Harris and family left about this time and took up their abode 9 miles south of this place upon their farm. About this time or before, Jack left this section and went to the Rogue Rivers near Mr. Wagoner's place and accompanied his wife. He used to visit Mr. Harris' family very frequently. He was always well treated as if he had always been white, and when he asked for anything to eat it was freely given. But the ungrateful wretch instead of receiving his gratitude and friendship it only seemed to have a tendency to make him more saucy and impudent. On the morning of the general massacre he called around to see the family accompanied by his wife and several Indians. Mr. Harris was a short distance from the house. Jack came up, appeared friendly as usual, passed the time of day and started to go to the house, for Mr. Harris thought the natives looked somehow wrong. When they got to the house Jack noticed the timidity of Mr. Harris and asked him what he was afraid of in a laughing manner. Mr. Harris slipped inside of the door and was going to close it. At that instant Jack turned round and fired his rifle. The awful report was with a wild scream and instantly followed that hideous war whoop, and the whole surrounding country appeared to be literally alive with the red demons. At the crack of the rifle Mr. Harris and his daughter were both shot, he mortally in the breast and his daughter severely in the arm. Mrs. Harris caught her husband in her arms and drew him in the house and shut the door in the face of the Indians. In the meantime their little son David was gone to the neighbors, and they were fully aware of the horrible fate that awaited him on his return. What this mother and daughter suffered until a company of volunteers came up and relieved them the next day my feeble pen is incapable of expressing. These are a few brief outlines of the history of one of our good Indians upon whom no pains had been spared to instruct in the arts of civilized life. And, sir, I do believe in nine cases out of ten it is this good Indians, these pets, that have learned the manners and customs of the whites and have always been well treated, it is these very pets, sir, that are the ringleaders of these marauding parties. And then they have [a] peculiar way of expressing their thanks to their benefactors by shooting them down without a moment's warning. If the people in the States were really aware what grateful beings our good Indians are I don't think they would be quite so free in expressing their sympathies in behalf of the poor Indian. Meanwhile, believe me
    Your most obedient servant
        Jas. H. Twogood
            Fort Leland
                O. Ty.
Hon. Joseph Lane
Washington City


Dear Gen.
    Since the within letter was written, the Indians have burnt the house of Mr. Emery, and that of Mr. Hutson (member of last legislature from Douglas), and when approaching Jesse Roberts' house they were discovered and fired upon. You will remember that these houses are within five miles of Deer Creek. Today 23rd June a party of men are going out to fight the Indians. I have no doubt but that there is more danger now than formerly; almost every day brings news of the murder of some white men, the burning of property or depredations of some kind. A public meeting for Douglas and Umpqua will convene at Winchester on the 4th of July in order to memorialize Congress in the defense of our rights as citizens &c.
    June 23rd 1856.
                Yours Resptly,
                    S. F. Chadwick


Dear Genl
    I had the honor to receive your communication by last steamer.
    I regret to know that your labors are rendered so weighty by reason of the unfortunate controversy existing between the two departments in Oregon.
    It will be difficult for you to determine, situated as you are, upon whom the blame of this quarrel rests. I doubt if a fair and impartial history of this war will ever reach the public eye. Much is said and written, vastly too much, which should have been left unsaid on both sides. As is usually the case in similar controversies, the innocent parties, who take no part in it and are not consulted, are the sufferers! Now the whole thing is about to assume a new phase: The war is closed in Southern Oregon, volunteer forces are disbanded, the regular army are occupied in the removal of the Indians to the Coast Reservation, while the press and people are occupied in a jealous controversy as to "who did it," each claiming to have been instrumental in whipping the Indians and bringing the war to a close. In this however, those who wish for peace only have but little interest, save only so far as it may militate against the speedy settlement of this war debt. Without meddling further in this controversy, I may here state that the regular forces have done their duty to the country and honor to themselves,. While I am free to say this, I cannot pass the gallant conduct of the volunteer company raised at the mouth of Rogue River under Capt. Bledsoe, who being isolated from the command, and acting on his own judgment, I fear not to say, has rendered more service to the country than the entire southern battalion have done, never having met a reverse in all the hard-fought engagements in which it was his good fortune to meet the enemy! And they were not few; laboring under disadvantages such as only such men know how to bear; while others were provided for, receiving supplies only when the war was nearly closed. I should be glad to know that this company could be paid, if none other. By reference to Col. Buchanan's official reports, I feel sure that you will find a confirmation of my opinions on this subject. Genl Palmer was on the ground to receive the Indians treated with, has gone with an advance of 800 Indians--while Col Buchanan will escort 8 or 1000 more in a few days.
    By the way, Capt. Hedges passed on the Columbia, and a report is current that he is to succeed Palmer. I regret to hear this, and hope it is not true, as I do not believe that his place will be easily filled. If another takes his place, of course he will be bound to obey the will of the legislature; in which the designs of the government come in direct conflict with that body and in consequence the humane policy adopted by Palmer in the amelioration of the condition of these people will not be carried out. Genl, it is known to you that I assisted in making this treaty with these people. I have read it, studied it; and have traveled over this reservation, and the only wonder with me is how the Superintendent came to select such a place, of all others the most suitable--I have listened to the opinions of men and read the views of members of the assembled wisdom of Oregon against this selection, and what do they propose in lieu--nothing, absolutely nothing! but "annihilation," and these are the men who seek Palmer's removal; it is understood: he is said to be a Know-Nothing. This may or may not be true; of one thing I am persuaded, that his moral honesty is above reproach. I hope those who assail him may shine as bright.
                    Very Sincerely Your Friend
                        R. W. Dunbar
To Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Washington City.


Hon Jos. Lane
House of Reps.
Washington
Dear Sir
     I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of 14th ult. enclosing Sec. Davis' reason for not allowing me compensation for services as mustering officer Rogue River War Oregon 1853.
    He evidently labors under some misapprehension regarding this claim of mine for services.
    It was not only service performed by me, but my own personal expenses paid by myself the while in the performance of arduous & expensive duty I had had the honor of having assigned me by General Lane and Captain Alden in the faithful discharge of which, I may be respectfully permitted to say, that I was of great service to the United States as well as to the troops themselves.
    In no case have I desired to receive this amount of money as compensation for services. My services have been paid by Maj. Alvord on my muster roll, as other officers of the same rank were paid, and with which I am perfectly satisfied.
    But it is compensation for my actual cash disbursements in making out the rolls from chaos as it were--the incidental expenses of which in a country like Northern California or Southern Oregon are certainly modest & just, as you can attest, or any officer of the regular army, who has ever served here.
    There was never in the history of the United States a juster claim than this of mine.
    Justice & economy should prompt, in my opinion, the Secretary of War to order this claim paid, and were he conversant with all the facts he would not hesitate a moment. I appreciate his desire fully to administer with economy his department.
    And I have to reiterate to you my thanks for your attention to this matter, doubtless to the detriment of your onerous official duties.
    I have written to Hon. Secretary Davis, by this mail, a letter of explanation, as this claim of mine is rejected. I am sorry I ever made it.
    I would not for a moment desire that mercenary motives should be attributed to me in any services I may have performed to the country.
                                        I have the honor to
                                        be Dear Sir Your
                                        Most Obedient Servant,
                                        James P. Goodall



Dr. Sir:
    I have been laying off a long time to write you a few lines to see if I could get you to attend to a little business for me in the state of Virginia, distant about thirty miles from Washington City, where I was raised. I wrote to my agent Judge John W. Tyler over a year ago (and during the last session of Congress) that if he had collected any money for me to forward it by you, but he did not get my letter in time to attend to it before you started for your home in Oregon. I will now take it as a favor if you will write to said John W. Tyler (direct Warrenton Fauquier County, Va.) requesting him to inform you whether he has collected any money for me, and you will please inform me as I have written to him and [did] not again hear from him anymore. Though [I am] not personally acquainted with you I will ever thank you for your attention to the above, and if he has any means in his hands [illegible] and [if] he should want of you a power of attorney, let me know and I will forward it to you. It is useless, I presume, for me to say anything about our elections as I dare say ere you get this you will have recd. news from your better acquaintances, but for old Lane County I must say she has given the Fusions fits--not one elected in the county, the Democratic ticket elected entire. The Democratic Party is well organized in this county now for the first time.
    Your speech on the Indian war was highly appreciated in general by the citizens of Oregon, also your letter to A. Bush Esq. which I find published in the last Statesman.  Gen. Wool's letter is published this week, which paper I have not yet received. He is but little thought of here by those who are opposed to the Indians taking possession of our country.  It is thought the Indian war south is nearly over. Old John with his band I think from the best information I can get is the only contending chief. It is useless for me to say any more as I have no doubt your regular correspondents have given you all the news.
    A letter or any public documents from you will [be] highly appreciated. 
N.B. Direct to Starr's Point
    Benton County, O.T.


My dear friend
    I received your favor for which I am much obliged. You can now begin to see Palmer's plans developed on his coast hammock where there is no range to induce the Indians to raise stock or land to induce them to cultivate, and they will have to be supported by the government while they stay there. And if the government is not prompt they are liable to break out in a place where I fear they can never successfully be managed. I claim to have given the only plan, as you know, that would have been for the welfare of the natives and secured the peace and safety of the whites. My Democracy is for my country's good, not for the spoils of office only. An honest discharge of the duties of office would not only sustain the cause of Democracy but advance the public good.
                                Yours truly,
                                Lindsay Applegate
    P.S. I enclose a note to the editor of the Star. I design to get all the subscribers to his paper that I can. L.A.
Gen. Joseph Lane
    Washington City, D.C.



Dr Sir
    I learned a short time since from Col. Crawford Turner that you had a power of attorney to sell a certain slave named Peter (belonging [to] Mrs. Kinsey & children).  The boy at the time had run away from Turner & I hired him then in the woods.  He has since come in & is now at work for me.  He is about 41 or 2 years of age, I learn (has his forefinger on his left hand shot off with a pistol & with that exception a likely negro).
    If you have the authority to sell, write me what you will take for him & if we can agree I will give you a check on either Richmond, Va. or Washington City for the amount.  Let me hear from you soon & oblige.
Hon. [Joseph] Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Gen Joseph Lane
    Sir
    I herewith transmit you a memorial which was adopted at a public meeting in the town of Winchester on the 4th of July 1856 of which I had the honor of being secretary. We do not have the vanity to suppose that our humble effort will have the effect of revolutionizing the popular sentiment at Washington, but in the sincere desire of contributing our mite to the support of truth & justice in contradiction to the falsehoods and misrepresentations which have been published to the world we would respectfully submit the accompanying document.
    I am Respectfully
        Your Ob'dt Svt
            James M. Pyle Sec'ty

    In pursuance of previous notice, the residents of Douglas and Umpqua counties assembled at Winchester, Douglas County on the 4th of July A.D. 1856 for the purpose of memorializing Congress in relation to the war in Southern Oregon. Judge S. Fitzhugh was called to preside, and James M. Pyle was chosen secretary. On motion the following gentlemen were chosen a committee to draft a memorial for the object before stated: S. F. Chadwick, Dr. James Cole, Caleb M. Grover, L. F. Mosher and Hiram Smith.
    L. F. Mosher, being called upon, made a forcible speech sustaining the call and the object of the meeting, after which Mr. Chadwick, chairman of the committee, reported the following memorial, which he sustained in a speech of considerable length and ability. The memorial was then adopted unanimously.
                                        Solomon Fitzhugh
                                            Chairman
                                        James M. Pyle Secretary

    To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the United States, in congress assembled:
    The undersigned, your memorialists, recognizing the right to petition the representatives of the people in congress assembled in relation to their grievances, do on this occasion most respectfully call your attention to the unfortunate position in which they have been placed, not only by the visitation upon them of a merciless war with savage nations, but by the false and libelous statements of Joel Palmer, late superintendent of Indian affairs for Oregon, and Gen. John E. Wool, commanding, Pacific Division of U.S. troops, concerning the causes of that war, and the measures adopted in carrying it on by the people of Oregon.
    In view of the history of wrongs inflicted upon the people of Oregon by hostile Indians, of the power and ability displayed, of the murders, massacres and property destroyed by them, more especially after considering the great publicity which has been given to all the facts concerning this present war of extermination commenced upon them and prosecuted for a season with signal success by one of the most formidable foes known in savage warfare, it appears to be the most innocent of pastimes for your memorialists to admit in soberness that it is necessary for them to prove that they are not guilty of these charges on which they have been arraigned, which charges have not been supported by a line of testimony.
    But your memorialists respectfully state that the accusation made by Gen. Wool that "the war in Southern Oregon is retaliatory of Major Lupton's conduct," and that of Joel Palmer that "the war in Southern Oregon is wholly attributable to the acts of the whites" are utterly devoid of truth, so much so that they have no claims to serious disputation. Having been placed in a negative relation to those unsustained charges, your memorialists beg by a resort to facts, to lay before your honorable bodies sufficient to remove the serious effect of those charges. The declarations of Joel Palmer which they beg to notice are contained in the following extract from his report.
    It is unfortunate for your memorialists that "civilization," when it blessed Joel Palmer, did not teach him the necessity of accompanying serious and criminal charges with the facts upon which they were based, if there were facts in existence to support them. In this case it would seem that the existence was abundant and at hand, judging from the charges made which could be obtained from a class of "reckless vagabonds" and a "numerous population" which is equally guilty with the vagabonds inasmuch as their acts as charged by him determine their culpability. But these charges are groundless; the people are ignorant of the first word of testimony upon which Joel Palmer falsely accused them. Here then the question arises: Does Joel Palmer know these charges to be true, and susceptible of proof? If he does not, then the imposition which he has practiced on the Department in making those charges becomes a falsehood and a libel on the people of Oregon.
    In the absence of any testimony on the part of Joel Palmer, your memorialists beg to make him their witness in explaining charges which he has preferred. Among the crimes that would disgrace barbarous nations, he mentions the violations of treaty stipulations with the Indians south, yet in this case, as false as it is, he furnishes no evidence to support him, not enough by contrast to show the absurdity of the position which he has assumed.
    The facts show this: allow that the Indians with whom treaties have been made were gathered onto a reserve prepared for them in Rogue River Valley. Their pledges of friendship became fixed, and as certain as they could make them, when they willingly took up their abode on that reserve and voluntarily became the observers, in good faith, of the treaties which they had made. By their remaining on the reserve it was a sure evidence of peace and of their friendly disposition. This was evidence that all could understand, and in consequence was one of the first objects secured by treaty.
    Those Indians who disregarded those treaties, also those who refused to make treaties, were not regarded as friendly Indians, and facts show, aside from reports to Joel Palmer, that those Indians who refused to become subject to treaties were numerous, disposed to war, and of a vigorous character, who having never assented to any treaties, the whites in their intercourse with them could have violated none. Those Indians placed on the reserve have been looked upon as friendly to this day, but all Indians living inimical to treaty stipulations have been justly regarded as hostile. After this war began, Limpy and George joined the war party from choice and not because they were driven to desperation by the whites. All the Indians joined that party except Sam's band, who, if that charge were true that others did so in fits of desperation, would have gone with them, subject to the same causes, the same fits of desperation, they having been in constant intercourse with Limpy and George before their apostasy.
    But there is another fact which, upon Joel Palmer's theory, needs as yet an explanation. If it is true, as he says, that those Indians engaged in this war were once friendly but now hostile, having been made so by the whites, "who have driven them to desperation by acts of cruelty," your memorialists would call your attention to the fact that at the breaking out of this war these hostile Indians were better armed and equipped than the whites have ever been. At the massacre at Mr. Wagoner's, at the burning of Cow Creek Valley, which was followed by the battle at Hungry Hill immediately after the uprising of the Indians, they not only displayed great courage and ability, so much so that at Hungry Hill both regular troops and volunteers abandoned the field after an engagement of two days, but they showed in large bands that they possessed the means and appliances for war in large quantities, which were undoubtedly the collections of many months. If what Joel Palmer says be true, how can this be accounted for, when, under treaties made with him, they were to have given up their guns and ammunition! Where did those Indians, if friendly but a few days before, obtain this outfit which has enabled them to carry on the war up to this time? If they had been friendly and their arms deposited with Joel Palmer, they would not have arisen because of their inability to carry on the war, and at this time the people would be rejoicing in a continued peace, instead of recording events of war.
    If you conclude, as your memorialists allege, that those Indians were hostile, and had been for a long time before, then the inquiry arises where are the Indians that were driven to desperation by the cruelty of the whites, which is assigned as a cause of this war by Joel Palmer. And if as General Wool alleges the war is retaliatory of Major Lupton's conduct, in what light must the previous acts of those hostile Indians be considered who caused the murders and the destruction of property of which we complain, and who the party of which Lupton was a member were ferreting out when he was killed.
    Considering all these facts, that the Indians were abundantly supplied with food, guns, ammunition and everything needful for a winter campaign, and that they were numerous and united, everyone familiar with these things cannot avoid the irresistible conclusion that this war was contemplated long before it came upon us. Here the charges of Joel Palmer when examined by the facts in the case appear no less vindictive than they do false.
    The commencement of settlement in Southern Oregon proper may be dated back to the year A.D. 1851, from which time to the present experience has shown that neither the life nor the property of the settler have possessed any reliable security from the destructive arm of the savage, although from time to time treaties have been made with Indians professing a willingness to remain in friendship, and yet they were but a small portion of the Indians, who have manifested on frequent occasions their deadly purpose towards the whites by murdering them and destroying their property.
    Of the six years that Southern Oregon has been settled, a large portion of the time, for five of those years, these Indians engaged the whites in an offensive war for the purpose of robbing them, destroying their property, and driving them from the country, if not to destroy them. In consequence of this, Rogue River Valley has been laid waste by them; property in large amounts and of great value has been taken from the settlers. In consequence of this, not so much labor has been expended in Southern Oregon as there otherwise would have been, and that which has been useful to the country has been made so by repairing and replacing, so far as possible, the property destroyed by these savages. The settler has had no assurances at any time, when he has put in his crops, that they would be harvested, and in the autumn of 1855 resistance to the encroachments of these savages was delayed by the settlers in order to secure as much of their crops as in their power to do.
    Owing to the vacillating and equivocal character of the Indian, there is no rule by which the guilty could have been readily detected or the innocent separated from them. In the absence of such a rule, the whites have suffered constant and repeated murders and robberies to pass, because they had not the means at hand of detection and punishment. Under pretended adhesion to treaty stipulations, Indians, both innocent and guilty, have claimed protection.
    Not since the execution in Feb. '54 of the murderers of James Kyle, who was killed in Jackson County on the close of the treaty of 1853, have any Indians been punished, and yet it is estimated that not less than one hundred whites have been murdered and several houses robbed and pack trains taken and rifled and their mules destroyed.
    There is scarcely a road leading from Jackson County or the Rogue River country but has [bones] bleaching upon it, not only the bones of the packer, but those of his mules, which have in large numbers fallen with him by the hands of the savages.
    Those Indians who have observed treaty stipulations have remained on the reserve, but this number does not embrace John's band, the Cow Creeks, the Grave Creeks, Tipsy's band nor any of the wandering tribes, who have never assented to the obligations of treaties. These Indians have always been unfriendly, and upon several occasions hostile in the extreme. George and Limpy apparently desire to hold a neutral position, and favor treaties only when the whites have the power to coerce them.
    While the white population of Southern Oregon have ever regarded treaties made with those friendly Indians secured upon the reserve, they have been obliged to defend themselves from the murderous designs of hostile Indians of whom we complain. The whites have never violated the rights of friendly Indians upon the reserve, nor have they disturbed or abused the privilege of those permitted to absent themselves temporarily from the reserve. The residents of Southern Oregon have not justified any wrong which has been visited upon innocent Indians, but on the contrary they have used the necessary means to bring to speedy punishment such as have elected to take the law into their own hands, and those detected have been punished by the laws of the land, as the records of the court will show. And yet in this large community of men from all parts of our country, devoted to agriculture, mining &c., the charges preferred against whites for depredations upon Indians will not exceed six in the last six years: and without boasting, the calendar of offenses of this people for the last ten years will bear most favorably to them by comparison with that of any other equal population, no matter where found.
    Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, the horrible calamity of an Indian war, more barbarous than we have before experienced, was forced upon us in the fall of 1855. We say not unexpected because as early as July 1855 friendly Indians residing in this valley, one hundred and twenty-five miles south from Old John's country in Rogue River and Illinois valleys, and two hundred and fifty miles from the scene of the outbreak north, informed the whites that there was to be a general Indian outbreak north and south, in the fall of that year, 1855. This report was circulated generally, and the sequel shows that those Indians stated what has proved true, and under Providence the most severe and destructive calamity ever visited upon an innocent and guiltless people. By comparing events it is clearly shown that concert of action existed.
    From the murder of Major Bolon, Indian agent at the northeast, by Yakimas and Klickitats, and the surrounding of Major Haller in Simcoe Valley, followed by the outbreak at Puget Sound, there has been at the north a confirmed state of war. Compare the time and circumstances, and you will see that the outbreak at the north and at the south had both been made before the news of that north could have been received south, or that south received north.
    Upon the receipt of the news of these outbreaks, and upon the proclamation of the Governor for aid, the people promptly contributed their means to their utmost extent, and furnished men from their number obedient to that call, to go into the field in the fall of the year, when winter was upon them, with a scarcity of ammunition, of arms, of clothing, and in some cases of food, and pursue the hostile foe, over mountains rendered almost impassable by snow, a foe which by its numbers, ability and preparation for war baffled odds of both regular troops and volunteers.
    After the murders on Siskiyou, the Indians were pursued by a regular force under the gallant Fitzgerald, but without the success anticipated, and on the eighth of October Capt. Hay opened an attack on them, in which engagement Major Lupton was killed. After the battle, a white man's scalp was found in one of the squaws' baskets. Previous to this several whites had been killed by them, ten on the Klamath, two on Siskiyou, &c., and not an Indian punished or taken until the attack of Capt. Hay, owing to this state of things, and the early and increasing boldness of the Indians and their overt acts of hostility, the whites were obliged to place themselves on their defense. In August the country was declared to be in a state of war by the agent, and facts sustained the declaration; and all Indians disposed to peace should have gone and remained upon the reserve. Absence from it at that critical period was cause of suspicion, and all who were detected away from it were treated accordingly. From the scene of murder on the Siskiyou the Indians attacked on the 8th of October were traced to where that battle was fought. In view of these facts we allege that their absence was in fact a declaration of war, and from the circumstances under which they were found, they were justly regarded as guilty. Under such a state of things, that attack would have been justifiable in civilized warfare, and we think it should be so regarded in this case. An unmistakable evidence of their guilt is presented by the fact that their work has been continued by hostile Indians alone. Friendly Indians have never claimed them, nor remuneration for their loss; they have not expressed even wonder at their deaths, but the hostile Indians were prompt in their defense, and began with increased vigor their pertinacious attack upon the whites wherever found.
    Owing to the faithless conduct of Joel Palmer, some of the Indians who were to have gone onto the reserve refused to go there, and became embittered towards the whites in consequence of the deception practiced by him. He was to have met them in May 1855 and ratify treaties with them, but did not do it, and for nine months before the war broke out, up to the present time, he has avoided Rogue River Valley. General Wool has never visited it. Here is a violation of good faith by Palmer, not with one Indian but with numerous Indians, the first heard of under him as superintendent. If it is a violation of treaty stipulations that caused this war, then here is the act and the guilty party to it, who anticipating his just exposure, throws in advance the obloquy upon innocent settlers in Southern Oregon.
    Your memorialists, after laying before you these facts, can but express their utter astonishment at finding there is among them a man, and that man, even Joel Palmer, so reckless in regard to truth, so depraved in moral sentiment, as to utter unsupported the falsehoods contained in the extract made from his report. To Gen. Wool, who has made himself not equally guilty in detailing without measure that which is false and malicious, but has refused to Oregon aid when in need, and deprived the people of protection and the means of defense, and when solicited on their behalf, who were driven to desperation, and threatened momentarily with attacks which nothing but the mercy of Providence could avert or soften, found it convenient to reply in sentiment that the supplications of dogs at his feet would receive his attention as quickly, and so acted by denying everything to this people which was due them. Under these trying circumstances, to him we say in charity that his imbecility consequent upon the infirmities of declining years entitle him to our pity and commiseration rather than to censure, for doing that which he ought not to have done, or for omitting to do that which in duty he should have done.
    Your memorialists beg to state that there is scarcely a congressional district in the States but has in Oregon a former resident, and that in coming to Oregon they have neither become barbarous nor cruel, but have maintained in good faith the rights and privileges of good citizens in a peaceable manner, and they would further state that no people have in the brief space of six years suffered more than the people of Oregon by these Indians, notwithstanding which the people have defended themselves against them with limited means and force. This has been done under the infliction of a scourge of grasshoppers for two years which has laid the country bare and destroyed everything except here and there a small proportion of the grain sown.
    At the outbreak of the last war, settlers contributed cheerfully such as was in their power to contribute, in property and in services, confiding in the integrity of their purpose, and relying upon Congress to remunerate them as in justice they deserve.
    Therefore your memorialists respectfully invite your attention to the facts of their case, to the end that you may judge correctly of their rights, and with the assurance that you will ascertain the charges of their calumniators to be wicked and false. They remain your humble memorialists and will ever pray    [end]

John Brown
Joshua Barker
J. J. Whitsett
Daniel Miller
J. B. Cowles
Elias Muncey
Henry Shrum
Daniel Anderson
Thomas Shrum
Wm. F. Stark
Wm. McKiney [McKinney]
Saml. Stover
John C. Cannon
Thos. Smith
Alfred Stewart
James Cole
W. Churchill
W. A. Allen
Wm. J. Martin
Wilis [Willis] Benefield
E. A. Thomas
A. E. McGee
Felix Starr
T. W. Prather
H. Smith
William R. Singleton
Nicholas Day
Philip Peters
A. A. Matthews
A. S. Manning
D. Evans
Jesse Clayton
S. F. Chadwick
Isaac Jones
James Turner
John W. Noah
John M. Eberlein
David Noah
D. P. Barnes
T. R. Magruder
Jas. O'Neil
Royal P. Daniel
James Walton
Thomas Myers
James T. Hereford
Willis Jenkins
James Simpson
James Galloway
Thomas Jenkins
James Jenkins
James M. Pyle
Benj. G. Brown
Geo. A. Edes
J. L. Garrett
James Galling
Solomon Abraham
J. Marks
John M'Cullough [McCullough]
B. E. Simmon
Henry Yokum
Samuel Belieu
Henry G. Blanchard
Lester M'Cray "McCray"
William Grotts
Marks Abraham
Paul Jones
M. C. Knight
William Begg [Beggs]
Jerl Johnson
Thomas P. Buoy
John C. Clark
J. W. M'Culloch [McCulloch]
James Waters
John Case
John M. Harper
John Ogden
J. H. Short
W. H. Crouch
Saml. Handsaker
Wm. E. Weekly
Richard Jenkins
Wm. Slyde
Jack Wilson
William  H. Speake
E. Stephens
Robert M. McKee
T. G. Devens
Jephthah Green
J. J. Nickey
Robert Hinkle
J. L. Smith, Captn.
Wm. C. Doty
Wm. P. Skinner
Joseph H. Sharp
John W. Price
T. W. F. Paull
Joseph Embree
M. C. Barkwell
Saml. Gordon
R. H. Dearborn
John Kelly
Andrew Jones
R. J. Ladd
L. P. Brown
Martin Willis
Elijah Perry
[illegible--James?] Berriway
Richd. Shaw
Isaac N. Smith
M. H. Williams
David Bushey
Samuel Harkness
John S. Burnett
Stephen Marsh
James Watson
Aaron Rose
Jas. I. Patton
John Early
Enoch F. Anderson
R. A. Roper Esqr.
Jefferson Williams
J. A. Dryer
T. S. Crosby
T. J. Macguire
John Byron
Daniel Wells
William McColough [McColough, McCullough]
John G. Mynatt
J. B. Weaver
Joshua Wright
Wm. J. Beggs
S. K. Myers
M. B. Holmes
John Fitzhugh
John A. Freeman
Milton Huntley
O. E. Rilez [Riley?]
Thomas Croxton
W. H. Latshaw Major
P. C. Noland Capt.
L. B. Monson Adjutant
William Hutson
J. L. Moore 1st Lieut.
J. L. White Regtl. Qr. M.
O. Lehnherr
John Lehnherr
John C. Cannon
James N. Gale
Henry Pohl
Eli T. Evy
D. B. Cooley
Adam Day
Thomas N. Baker
Joseph M. Gale
B. T. Mount
G. W. Morris
W. P. Gardner
Josiah McGee
Silas Imbler
Thomas Herron
William Taylor
G. H. Baker
B. C. McKee
John Taylor
Jesse B. Sitton
Benjamin Miner
J. B. Riley
Robert Herron
John Bowyer [John P. Boyer?]
James T. Bouren
Wm. A. Wallace
R. B. [illegible]
Wm. Jenkins
M. Belien
J. M. Hay
S. Hamilton
Jas. H. Twogood
S. K. Myers
Wm. K. Stark
John Lieser
F. B. King
Henry Conn
E. F. McNall
G. S. Smith
C. N. Johnson
David Williams
J. M. Arrington
E. F. Whisler
F. S. Starr
John D. Bowen
Albert Sherrill
Steven Marsh
Josiah A. Burnett
A. J. Burnett
John S. Party
David Clink
James Wright
Jas. D. Burnett
Abr. A. Engels
I. W. Williams
N. Mitchell
R. Smith
John Cox


Gen Lane
    Sir, having but little to do at this time I write you a few lines. The Indian war in Southern Oregon is just closed by Col Buchanan and Gen Palmer fairly begging Old John out of his boots. It is the first time in all my life that I ever knew the American people beg Indians to make peace. I am in hopes that it is all for the best; still, I feel confident of trouble ahead. I will now make the prediction that inside of two years we will have one of the most bloody Indian wars known. The Indians don't consider that they are at all whipped, but on the contrary consider that they have fairly whipped the whites.
    All the Indians wants is a chance to talk and unite all the tribes for one more desperate struggle, which is certain to come in due season. When it does come it will be a death struggle for certain. Oregon has got to lose many valuable lives, and if not well prepared must well nigh be laid waste. Enough of this; [I] shall wait and try to be prepared for what may come.
    Your old enemies is hard at work trying to lay you in the shade. They will move heaven and earth to beat you. It won't all do them any good; you are the only man that we can return to Congress, certain. The great mass is for you, notwithstanding Dr. Drew and all his clique is as usual down on you. Now, Gen, I have no doubt but you will be content to serve Oregon again in Congress when you learn that the great mass is for you and with you. I am not gassing; if you was here but one day you would not doubt it. Now, sir, if it is possible for you to consent to serve us again in Congress you will let it be known in due time. If it is out of your power to represent us in Congress again it is but a dark picture for Oregon certain. Still, you will consult your own interest in the matter. You have served Oregon long and faithfully. The more certain men tries to put you down the more friends it makes for you. For God's sake have Palmer removed if possible. He is playing the very devil with the party. If you can, help D. P. Barnes to the appointment of Indian agent; he is honest certain. Barnes won't accept of any situation under Palmer. All's well in and around here.
                        Yours with respect
                            Wm. J. Martin
Gen Joseph Lane H.R.


Dear Sir
    Since you left the Territory I have  a flying visit to the Indian reservation at the Grand Ronde, taking my old friend Palmer at Dayton on my way, and was at the latter place when the last mail steamer was at Portland. However much Palmer may have misled the Indian Department and the public concerning the Indian war in this country and the causes which led to it, the collecting together [of] these fragments of tribes and placing them upon a reservation where they can be taught the arts of civilization is a magnificent conception and reflects credit upon the mind which conceived it, and if properly carried out will promote the interest of both the whites and Indians. The friendly relations which Genl Palmer and myself have always borne towards each other enabled me to talk freely with him about the reflections cast upon the citizens of Oregon in his now-famous reports to Genl Wool and the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington. He gave me free access to his books and official reports. Our conversation upon the subject was very free and sometimes spirited. He denied his intention to reflect upon the conduct of the citizens of Oregon generally or their officers, that his reports had been entirely misconstrued, that Genl Wool had seized upon them misquoting him to justify his want of energy in prosecuting the war, that his reports had not only been misconstrued but misquoted to prove this statement and to show that he had considered volunteer service necessary and that the war had been premeditated by the Indians. He referred me to several reports he made to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs at Washington during the month of October last which I think you will find useful as references in your interviews with the departments at Washington. The first communication was from the Rev Mr Gary, his clerk, on the 3rd of October 1855 and was continued on the 8th 9th 15 and 25 of the same month by Genl Palmer. These reports, with the exception of a few unnecessary reflections, convey a correct history of the state of affairs in Oregon, and they were continued in the same spirit up to the arrival of Genl Wool at Vancouver, when on the 7 or 8th of December after, as you will recollect, a protracted visit by Palmer to the General's quarters. He opens his batteries upon us indiscriminately in his famous letter to Genl Wool and has kept it up in his reports to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs, almost as objectionable, through the month of April. These reports are ably written, and nothing could be better calculated in connection with Genl Wool's statements to mislead the departments at Washington or the public in relation to the commencement and progress of this war. Genl Wool has evidently used him. Those who know the history of the war cannot doubt this; his reports prove it. I inquired if he intended to reply to your note asking explanations as to his report to Genl Wool; he said that at first he had thought he would do so, but he now believed he should be removed on account of his reports and that the people of Oregon had nothing to expect from him. They had assailed him in the legislature and out of it, and now he had got them, that he would make no retraction or explanations about his reports to you or through the papers, that he would not alter a word or a line to accommodate any set of political demagogues such as was in Oregon, notwithstanding the misquoting and misconceptions given to his reports by the public prints which he had, he said, only intended it for a few lawless men in Southern Oregon. These statements was made in the presence of myself and Mr. Hiram Smith and others. Indeed, after examining his various reports I cannot see how he could make alterations in them without making himself more ludicrous than he now is, as he has sworn the horse was 17 feet high he must stick to it, and no person who was not acquainted with the fact can read his reports as I did without being misled as to the facts of the case. They was intended to deceive the public and they have done it.
                                        I am very respectfully
                                            Your obedient servant
                                                M. M. McCarver
George L. Curry
    Governor of Oregon
        Washington
            D C
P.S. Hand this to Gov Curry   M M M


Gentlemen
    Your letter of today referring to the dissatisfaction with the policy and acts of General Palmer as Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and informing me that my name had been mentioned in the legislative caucus in connection with the nomination of his successor in office, has just been placed in my hands, and amidst many pressing engagements I hasten to reply. I have no personal or private considerations that would for a moment embarrass me in the frank expression of my views in response to any question affecting the public welfare, or the interests and policy of the Democratic Party, as relating to that end. I therefore frankly, though from necessity briefly, respond to your request for information in regard to my views of settling the Indians of other districts in this valley and the reserve on the coast &c.
    Humanity, as well as justice, dictates that every effort consistent with the well-being of our citizens should be put forth to protect the lives of such Indians in our Territory as are not implicated in existing hostilities, who have submitted to the control and management of the proper authorities, and in fact thrown themselves upon our mercy. But in such cases the limits of obligation must, in a great measure, be left to be defined and fixed by those whose interests and safety are most directly involved in the issues, and no attempt should be made to coerce them into measures which lack their approval and confidence. I therefore am prepared to say, in the application of this principle to the case in hand, that however proper the measures may appear to the apprehensions of the superintendent, he ought not, in opposition to the clearly ascertained public voice, and at the hazard of rousing the people to an armed resistance, to persist in bringing the Indians of other districts even to a temporary encampment in this valley.
    In a country like this, the superintendent is in virtue of his office preeminently a conservator of the peace. He ought not therefore to suffer his judgment or feelings to betray him into measures the immediate result of which threaten anarchy and violence.
    The Umpqua Indians are now believed to be en route to a temporary encampment on the farms recently purchased in Grand Ronde Valley. These Indians have ever been characterized as peaceable and unwarlike, and I believe no evil beyond the ordinary annoyance of their neighborhood would result from their stay at that point for a limited period, and it being expressly declared by the superintendent that they are to remain there only pending existing difficulties, I think it wrong to offer any violent opposition to their progress. As regards their permanent location, all things considered, I believe that the good of all parties requires it to be on the reservation provided and defined by the superintendent in his treaty with them of the 29th November 1854. The Rogue Rivers should also remain on their reservation defined in the treaty of 1853.
    In regard to the scheme of an Indian reservation on the coast, there can be no question that if it be desirable to colonize the coast Indians at all it should be on a suitable part of the coast, as it would be egregious folly as well as positive cruelty to remove them from the ocean and its inlets, from which their subsistence is mainly derived. So for the propriety of a coast reservation, if those Indians are to be placed under influences to ameliorate and elevate their condition at all, can admit of no question.
    The policy, however, of collecting all the Indians west of the Cascade Mountains on one reservation, to enjoy common benefits and under the benign care of the government, to be at no distant day brought under the laws & usages of civilization, is in my apprehension more beautiful in theory than easy in accomplishment.
    Without, however, questioning any further the feasibility of the scheme, I must in candor say that, while I believe as the superintendent has said, that no region offering as many facilities for an Indian reservation, with as few inducements to attract the white settler, can elsewhere be found west of the Blue Mountains; there are many & serious objections, both immediate and prospective, to the designation of so great an extent of coast to that object.
    Prominent among these is the fact that the reservation completely isolates a part of our Territory (Tillamook County), where white settlers have already located, upon a bay whose safety and fisheries even now render it important to the commerce of this coast.
    The interesting fact too, that the principal streams emptying into the Pacific within our Territory nearly all have their sources either in the Cascade Range or in spurs extending east of the coast chain of mountains, cutting the barrier oceanward from us into transverse sections, affording many routes for roads, the chief obstacle to the construction of which is found more in the vast amount of timber standing and fallen than in the nature of the ground, proves to me that in the unrestricted order of things the day is not very remote when almost every county in this valley will have its road affording easy egress to a neighboring bay or inlet, whose fisheries and other advantages may prove of immense utility. Again: the history of our Atlantic fisheries renders no conjecture respecting the future of this Territory more probable than that vast stores of individual wealth and a large amount of public prosperity will result from the employment of enterprise and capital in the development of those on our coast. It is, therefore, not politic to embarrass these interests by the planting of a perpetual colony of Indians there, governed by laws and controlled by a policy independent of our Territory (or state, as I trust it will soon be).
    It is, however, my duty here to say that the superintendent does not regard this reservation as absolutely permanent, but as a nursery, or place of preparing the Indians for being removed to an Indian territory, having its own local laws and municipal regulations--a policy to which other functionaries of the government also appear to have an eye.
    Should the present superintendent be removed on the ground of the unwarranted character of his plans embracing the purchase in the Grand Ronde Valley, and his designation of the coast reservation, his successor would thereby be virtually instructed by the authorities at Washington to change or modify the policy which avows these leading objects, and the democratic axioms that "the popular will, fairly ascertained, shall govern" and that "the officer should obey, within the bars of the Constitution and laws, his instructions," will leave no sound democrat any alternative, who may accept the position.
    Thus far on the points of policy to which you have called my notice.
    In regard to the inquiry referring to my personal feelings in regard to the position, I have to say that I know of no relations or obligations existing between General Palmer and myself that would render it indelicate or improper for me to accept the position if tendered me by the Executive of the U.S. on the recommendation of my fellow citizens of the Democratic Party, and would receive it only with the consent of the party to which I have ever been an unwavering adherent--as that consent may be, mediately or immediately, unequivocally expressed.
    At the same time, I never have been nor ever can be a solicitor for place or office. I hold it proper for the citizen to wait till he is asked before he seeks official position. I, however, recognize another democratic principle that the citizen should not lightly regard the call of the people to a place of responsibility or trust. In a free government like ours each and every man belongs to his country and should. in the absence of valid reasons to the contrary. obey the call of those with whom he cooperates for the promotion of the public welfare. I do not present myself as an applicant for the place in question, but submit myself to the discretion of my friends. At the same time, I tell you frankly that I would greatly prefer, so far as my personal feelings are concerned, not to be the nominee. I shrink from the weight of the responsibility of this especial trust and should you and other friends believe that the public interest and the harmony of our party will be equally promoted by recommending some other person, I shall feel perfectly satisfied, and most cordially acquiesce.
    It might indeed be best that my name should not be used for this office, as the bitter feelings that it could scarcely fail to engender among the friends of General Palmer would render its administration so peculiarly difficult as to more than counterbalance the advantages of my familiarity with the details of its operations and duties.
    I must, in justice to the Superintendent, say that he has in his treaty with the coast Indians made provision for the right of way for all roads and highways that may be deemed essential to the public interest of the citizens of Oregon, within the limits of the reservation, and also for the free navigation of all its inlets and streams; white persons may also reside on the reservation with the concurrent consent of the superintendent and agent, & the President of the U.S. may, at any time he may deem the public good to require it, cause those Indians to be removed with their consent to another location.
    I may also add that all the provisions for the welfare of the Indians are exceedingly liberal and humane.
    Of the motives of General Palmer, and his integrity and zeal as a public officer, I have a high appreciation, and in the private relations of life he is a man of most estimable character.
    I will only add that the flattering consideration expressed by you toward myself, as the representatives of Yamhill County and in the relations of private life, are gratefully appreciated, and I beg leave to assure you each of my sincere regard and friendship.
    You will regard this communication as not designed for publicity. I however confide it to your discretion. It would afford me pleasure to enjoy a conference with you and other friends, but this is wholly out of my power.
                                    Believe me gentlemen
                                        very respectfully yours
                                            Edward R. Geary
To the Hon Messrs
    Noah Huber of the Council &
    A. R. Burbank &
    Andrew Shuck of the House

Hon Jo Lane
    Dr Sir
        Having reason to believe that false impressions have been made in Washington and elsewhere in reference to the letter of which this is a copy, and which Gen Palmer in a letter to the Ind. Bureau erroneously alleges to have been addressed to the legislature, I enclose it to you with the explicit declaration that it now is as it was when written, my real and so far as it was proper for me in the position occupied, my avowed sentiments, and that I avowed no others. I read this original letter twice to Col Jennings with a request that he would communicate its contents to Palmer. Time did not then permit me to copy it.
        Yours sincerely Edward R Geary
    N.B. This is the only letter I have ever written on the subject to any persons in the Territory, nor have I written a line for the press.



    We deem the correspondence below entirely too unimportant for republication, but as this is the old home of Gen. Lane, he will doubtless feel obliged to us for helping him figure as "the friend of Brooks" in the columns of the Journal. The following letters were introductory to the long one one published by Lane in which be offered a feeble, wishy-washy defense of Brooks:
    DEAR SIR: Colonel Brooks returned to this place last night. I have just had my first interview with him since the appearance of your and Mr. Burlingame's card. You say that Mr. Burlingame was willing to meet Colonel Brooks at any other place than Canada to adjust their differences. You did not tell me so, although I told you that Canada was inconvenient. On the contrary, you left me under the impression that Mr. Burlingame would not meet Colonel Brooks at any other place than Canada. I so informed Colonel Brooks, and advised him to give the matter no further notice. Inasmuch, however, as you now say that Mr. Burlingame was willing to meet Col. Brooks at any other place, 1 am authorized and requested to say that he expects Mr. Burlingame to designate some other place that is convenient and acceptable to both parties, and awaits his answer to this suggestion.
    In behalf of my friend, I am authorized to name any place of meeting within ten miles of Washington, or accept any place that either you or your friend may name, within one hundred miles.
    Secrecy and dispatch are requested and desirable.
HON. L. D. CAMPBELL.
    DEAR SIR:--I hasten to reply to the note which you handed to me between 9 and 10 o'clock this morning.
    On the 26th inst., Mr. Burlingame having returned to the city, I gave him a written statement of the facts in regard to my connection with his "difference" with Col. Brooks,
having previously shown to you that portion of the same which recites the substance of our conversation when I delivered to you Mr. Burlingame's note, and having made such alterations as your memory suggested.
    It will be remembered that at the time you said the place was inconvenient, I replied that the note was responsive to the call, and that you had not then conferred with Col. Brooks on the subject. I thought then, and still think, that any objection to the place should have been in writing and had reason to believe that you entertained the same opinion, from the fact that when we separated you said you would have an interview with Col. Brooks, and would deliver to me on the next day any communication he might deem it proper to make.
    No communication was handed to me, and the only knowledge imparted to me or to Mr. Burlingame of Col. Brooks' dissatisfaction as to the place designated come through the public press.
    Col. Brooks and Mr. Burlingame having both announced to the public that the matter was at an end, my authority necessarily ceased when I handed to the latter my statement of the 26th. I therefore respectfully return your note, in order that you may take such steps to communicate with Mr. Burlingame as you may deem proper.
Hon. Joseph Lane, Washington.
    DEAR SIR: I feel it my duty to inform you, as the friend to Mr. Burlingame, and with a view to your communicating with him, that I shall await his address or return to this city until Tuesday morning, and, in the event of not learning his address, and that he does not return, I shall feel myself in duty bound to make an exposé [of] the matter.
    DEAR SIR: I have read the note which you handed to me an hour since.
    I apprised you yesterday that my connection with Mr. Burlingame's matter, which led to some correspondence between us, ceased on the 26th ult. Since then I have not informed myself in reference to "his address," and cannot see the pertinency of your application to me in regard to it.
    I know of no act of Mr. B. from an exposure of which he or his friends would shrink, and am, therefore, at a loss to understand your threat to make "an exposé," "if he does
not return."
    If, however, you have reference to your letter and my reply of yesterday, or to any act of mine, I beg to assure you that you need not delay your "exposé" "until Thursday morning."
Hon. Jos. LANE.
Evansville Daily Journal, Evansville, Indiana, August 13, 1856, page 1



Dear General
    Your letter of June 18 was received on last Saturday.
    You will have heard ere this reaches you that I have submitted with resignation to Winnie's "first choice," and that notwithstanding all the objections to it, we are both supremely happy. It would take a long time to relate the whole courtship, and would not be very interesting to you, but suffice it to say that I did nothing dishonorable to win her, or anything that I think you would have disapproved of. The whole family were consulted, and I am happy to say that they all approved, and still believe her choice a good one and the only one that would have secured her happiness. You did not answer the letter we wrote asking your consent, and I would not have married her without it, but you wrote she might take the one she preferred and she thought, of course, that meant myself. That she will never regret the step I am certain, and I hope that you will never have cause to do so.
    I am glad to see that you refuse to doubt my friendship, and place reliance on my honor. You have known me long enough to do me at least this justice. I may be too impetuous, and I presume I have many other faults, but I never betrayed or deserted a friend, or did a dishonorable act. I do not ask you to take my word for this. Pugh has known me intimately from boyhood, and can tell you the character I have always borne and whether I deserve it or not.
    I wish you would be more particular to state the particular charges and by whom made, not that I wish to say anything to them, but that I may understand their motives. You know that I have always been looked upon here as your friend, and one that could not be changed, so that the men who are secretly trying to injure you profess to me the same friendship for you that they would do if you were here. Now I am certain that there is a conspiracy to slaughter you, gotten up in the same style of the last one, but I imagine they have received some new allies and the scheme is laid deeper. Old T'Vault, who is now editor of the Sentinel, and thinks of course that he possesses great influence, although he is in fact just where he always was, went to Salem lately to get some of the spoils, and not being allowed to share, thought he was badly treated and came back a violent Lane man. He says the plan is to delay and complicate the quartermaster's accounts so as to delay or prevent the appropriation or, if made, that the people cannot be paid for a long time, and that you are to be made the scapegoat of the whole. He named among the leaders Dr. Drew, Stratton and Deady, and the backers Bush and Nes [Nesmith] with Judge Williams for their candidate. This, of course, by itself is very poor authority, but from what I can learn from reliable sources he has come much nearer the truth than is usual for him. Some of the men I know are doing all they can, and they expect to beat you through the war matters, though I do not very well see how they are to do it. For instance Stratton the other day came down from Salem (he is asst Q M Genl to Dr. Drew) telling at every place he stopped that the President and yourself had had a bitter quarrel, and that he had stopped you of misrepresenting affairs on this coast altogether &c. &c. Now you know that Stratton is the mere trumpet for other men [to] sound their lies through, and it shows that no effort will be spared by your enemies to injure you. Again Drew & McCarver are selling off the stock and supplies for cash at auction and refuse to take scrip, so that what would reduce the cost of the war, according to their books, at least a million of dollars, will probably not bring $200,000, which they can divide among them I suppose, for there is no other way to dispose of it besides giving a fine chance to speculators who are willing to divide. This of course creates great indignation among the people, and very singularly all this gang defend it. They are striving to put the odium of this on Curry, but how it can injure you I cannot see. I am almost ashamed of writing such nonsense to you, but you know what Oregon wirepulling is. But the best of it all is that as usual, the people do not go with them at all. You are now stronger by far than you ever were before, and nothing in the world can beat you, unless these men should unfortunately turn to be your friends.
    For myself, I have followed your advice in trying to make friends, and I have succeeded. Now that I am married, I am more cautious and prudent, for fear that any mistake I might make would be used against you, as you are unfortunate enough to have me for a son-in-law. I think I told you before that I had quit drinking entirely, and commenced the business of life in earnest. I am held in some estimation by my friends, who are of course yours also. And it is needless to say that any assistance I can render you will be cheerfully given. The family are all well. Mrs. Shelby is here on a visit with her children. Winnie has promised to write, and if she does so before the mail closes I will send it in this. They all send their love to you and John. Com. Lane is still detained sick at Grave Creek, but we expect him in soon, as he is reported better.
                    I am very affectionately
                        Yours
                            L. F. Mosher


    Dear General
        Yours of 19th April and 18th June were recd. two days since on my return to Dayton from a trip down the coast, for which you will please accept the thanks of your most devoted friend.
    You have learned before this of Mosher's marriage and of which it is painful to me to speak, but let us bury the past; you have shown beyond the possibility of doubt that you are my friend, and I am ready to lay down my life for you at any time, and no power on Earth can ever erase the strong attachment I have formed for you. My heart is now desolate, and if you too desert me then there is no longer any ties to bind me to a cold and merciless world. I hope things have been represented to you in the true light, and if so, I stand acquitted; I have no fault to find of any person and my earnest prayer is for your daughter's happiness and prosperity in this world, and if I can do anything in word or deed to effect that, it shall most cheerfully be done.
    I learn that there are three full agents to be appointed in Oregon and still hope to get one of those situations. We now have all the Indians west of the Cascades on the Coast Reservation, and we can hope for a permanent peace in Southern Oregon. There will have to be discretion used in getting employees, as one bad man in the present unsettled state of things on the Reserve may upset everything and involve us in a war in which our previous wars would be but child's play in comparison.
    The crops are good in this valley and promise a handsome yield. There is no news that is worth troubling you with. I see there is a call for two more companies of Volunteers north.

Dear General
    The mail is reported will be up tomorrow. I will doubtless get my commission & instructions & shall enter upon the duties of my office immediately. I intend to appoint Mr. Geary Secretary, and every other place that be filled with good men & sound Democrats. I am well aware that I am shouldering a great responsibility in entering upon & undertaking to discharge the duty of Superintendent at this time, but I have no doubt I shall get along with it. I shall endeavor to secure the services of the best men in the country. I shall establish my office at Oregon City until I get advice from the Department. I think it the most suitable place in the Territory for the office. There will be some Indian agents to appoint soon; I will advise you about that matter as soon as I can that you may have good & true men appointed. I understand that about one half the men in the employ of Genl. Palmer are Whigs & Know Nothings. They must be removed & their places filled with good Democrats. It will require some time to get everything arranged to my notion, but I will have all right in a few months, you may rely upon that. The war up north still goes on. Gov. Stevens has called for 200 more volunteers to go up north. He is determined to prosecute the war vigorously until the Indians desire peace, then a treaty may be made that will be lasting. I am apprehensive that I shall have some trouble with Old John's band of Rogue Rivers. He is very stubborn & not well-satisfied. It will be very difficult to keep him on the reserve. 
My respects to Gov. Curry. Tell him that I have not heard from him since he left here.
Hon. Joseph Lane

Dear Genl.
    By last mail I received from the Secretary of the Treasury the appointment of Thos. D. Winchester as Deputy Collector at Coos Bay, a notice of which I at once forwarded to him. I am glad of this appointment as affording a better opportunity of carrying out the wishes of the Department and fulfilling the requirements of the revenue laws. Since I last wrote you the Indian war in Southern Oregon has been declared closed, the Indians removed, and in consequence, this military post ordered to be broken up as being no further needed now that the Indians are conquered. I have been kindly offered and have accepted rooms at the quarters, and it is proposed that as all the property and men will be taken away, that if not inconsistent with my position as a revenue officer, I will be given the care of the claim and buildings. I hope that this arrangement may meet the approbation of the Department, for its location is the best which could be had, as it commands a full view of the bay at a glance. I shall notify the Department and ask their opinion if I am put in charge.
    I have said that the war has been declared closed, which may be said to be substantially true, but there are fragments of bands yet in our mountains who are committing depredations upon all who they can meet not well guarded. Recently two packers on the way to Crescent City from this place were killed and robbed of what they had of value and $1500 in money by a party of Chetcoes; other depredations were planned--a company of men, 15 or 20 miners from Rogue River, watched their trail on the way as they intended to kill white men, entrapped them, killed 10 bucks and ascertained that there are yet out, in two separate bands, 52 bucks between R. River and Crescent City! No one is safe yet to pass over any of the country recently the scene of Indian wars in our vicinity!
    How does our ticket seem to take? I think it a very strong one. I should like to be where I could work for that ticket; I do hope it will succeed. Certainly the good sense of our people will rally to the support of Buchanan & Breckinridge.
    Genl--I have had a thought recently that I should like my son William, now 19 years old, to be placed at "West Point." Tell me if there is any reason to hope for the consummation of this object; I think he is fully competent to pass first examinations; he is now at Evansville. Do be kind enough to give it a thought and write to me. I should like to do something for him, but very much fear that I will not be able unless I can put him in a way to do himself and his country service.
                    I Am very dear sir
                        Your Friend
                            Truly
                                R. W. Dunbar
To Hon Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Hon Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir. I hope you will think it no intrusion that I write to you being a stranger, but I am anxious to obtain certain information which I have no doubt you can and will cheerfully give. I returned to this place in March 1855 from Oregon intending to return by way of the plains last spring, but the Indian troubles in Oregon deterred me from the undertaking. I wish to know your views as to the probable termination of the Indian troubles by next spring. There are about 8 or 10 families anxious to go with me to Oregon, and I am under obligations to pilot them across whenever it will be safe to do so. I see that a bill was introduced before Congress for an appropriation to improve the road across the plains but I see no account of it having passed. Please inform me of any acts of Congress in favor of Oregon. Has the donation of lands been extended or not. The act was to expire in December 1855. Any late maps or documents of Congress in reference to Oregon you might send me would be thankfully received. I occasionally receive papers from Oregon. Affairs there look gloomy. All the information you can give will confer a lasting favor. Should I return by land it is my intention to take a large drove of cattle.
                    Yours Truly
                        O. P. Hill
Hon Joseph Lane


Gen Joseph Lane
    Sir I merely write you a few lines to let [you] know a few items of news out here and what is the prospect ahead for Southern Oregon.
    We have had a kind of a peace made with the Indians, or at least with a portion of the warriors, and all the lame, blind and halt to be fed and fattened at the expense of Uncle Sam.
    There is quite a number [of] warriors yet out in the mountains, say from one to two hundred, bent on war. There was two men shot last Thursday near the house of Samuel Hadley some twelve miles from this place. All things together I think we are in a worse fix than if there had been no peace made. We are now out of credit, and will before long be compelled to turn out and hunt up the red devils. You would be perfectly surprised if you was here and see just what has been done.
    I don't believe it possible to raise any more volunteers to serve in Southern Oregon. The Quartermaster Gen Drew is selling off the most of the government property for cash. They have clearly repudiated all the war debt. There will be a loss of at least two hundred thousand dollars on the property. If Drew has sold for scrip the property would have brought about first cost, as the holders of scrip was anxious to buy for scrip. Drew and his clique is as dead politically as a salmon and still sinking. Capt. L. F. Mosher will post you in all the particulars about matters out here and men in general, at least some that would be great men and wants to be delegates to Congress.
                    Wm. J. Martin


Gen. J. Lane.
    Sir, after my respects to you I must ask you to do a favor if it is not contrary to your own feelings of right. The favor I have to ask of you is this, that you will procure an order from the proper officer ordering Capt Smith of Fort Lane back to the States or in other words obtain leave for Capt Smith to visit his family. It is by the request of Capt Smith that I write you. He says that he feels confident that you can procure him leave at least to visit his family, if not an order for his return to the States. You are well posted in Capt Smith's service on this coast. Now, General, just think of a man being away from his wife for four long years and too poor to resign, and in fact his whole soul is for the army and he can't bear the thought of quitting the service. Capt Smith is one of your firm and steadfast friends under all circumstances. I do hope, Gen, that you will use your influence in favor of Capt Smith's request, and I hope in due season to hear that Capt Smith is ordered back to the western states, as he is a resident of St Louis. You will please excuse me for my bad style and my anxiety in Capt Smith's having a chance to return home.
    Your family is all well; Capt Mosher and myself is getting along well but little to do at this time, would like very much to receive some cash in the way of salary from the Secretary, as I can't pay out money received for land.
                    Yours with respect,
                        Wm. J. Martin


Hon. Joseph Lane,
    Dear friend,
    Capt Walden, a friend of mine & yours, was severely wounded at the battle on Hungry Hill last fall against the Indians in Southern Oregon. It has disqualified him to perform the duties of a laboring man to a considerable extent. I am aware that the war in which he was engaged when he was wounded has not been recognized by any act of Congress. I wish that so soon as he or any other soldier who has been disabled in that war shall be entitled to a pension that you would send me the forms & instructions to procure them a pension.
                    I am your friend &c,
                        John Kelsey


Hon Joseph Lane
    Dear sir I take the opportunity of writing you a few lines though a stranger to your face but not to your principles and a lover of my country. I have served 8 months and a half in the Southern Oregon war during which I [was] wounded in the left shoulder severely and am not able to follow the occupation I am accustomed to. When I got able to use my rifle I went into the field again and have the fatigue of a soldier again. [I] was wounded on the Hungry Hill on 29th day of Oct last. I was on my last campaign, elected to Capt of A Co and ask a favor of you that is to see whether I am entitled to pension or not. Colonel John Kelsey will write particulars to you. I sometimes read the remarks of Joseph Lane upon the subject of the war in Oregon and it is with the great pleasure. The eyes of the Oregonians [deplores] these remarks, but I am afeared that you will occasion to call the attention [of] the house again before peace is made in this county. If you could send some of them writers here to see the affairs here at this time I don't think they could ever lift up their pen [illegible] volunteers. Write a few lines in answer to this if you think me worthy of it. Direct yours to Corvallis.
    I am yours in heart
        Capt John M Wallan


Dear Sir
    We are still in hopes Congress will ere adjournment make an appropriation to pay our just claims in this Indian war. We are glad to see you meet with boldness Wool's corruptness in this war. Also your frank vindications of an honest and ever patriotic people. We see you are adoing all that you can for us. Your course is right, and the people will approve.
    Buchanan and Breckinridge must be elected. Where is Pennsylvania and old Kentucky! Where is New York! And Virginia! And where be Posa [Pasa?] and Pike!
We know that you will put your shoulder to the wheel in this canvass. So help, help, help. Mr. Robert Kinney (of Chehalem Valley) informs me that Indian Agent ----- Thompson, at the Dalles, O.T., has resigned and that Hon. ------ Humason has been in anticipation of said appointment. Now said Kinney wishes me to ask you for this office. If not, then ask you for it to be given him. He and myself anticipate moving east of the mountains as soon as a treaty is had with all the hostile bands. Gov. Stevens is at Walla Walla with a view to effect a treaty with the war tribes. Mr. F. B. Martin (of Yamhill) is just in from a visit south. He informs me that the people south of this valley are greatly impoverished and distressed on account of this war. Also that there still be small bands of savage Indians in the mountains, and men on the road and in their fields have been shot. Also one house burnt by these straggling fiends. A few of Old John's and other bands have not as yet been induced to come on to the reserve. Capt. Hedges will no doubt try to secure them and have them brought in. Mr. E. R. Geary is about to remove to Linn County and engage in his ministerial office. If you have not, then I think you had best to write to him. Although I don't think that he has any hard feelings toward you, I think he would have accepted of the secretaryship, but his family wished not. Dr. A. G. Henry voted the Democratic ticket and affirms that for the future he will be with us. I am of the opinion that he will need watching. There is quite a stagnation in business throughout Oregon and Washington Territories, which is the effect of war. Crops in this valley are good.  I like Oregon not with her misfortunes.
Hon. Jos. Lane
    Washington City, D.C.


    Agreeably [sic] to the authority given by the 11th section of the Act of August 18, 1856, making appropriation for certain civil expenses of the Government for the year ending June 30, 1857, a commission, to consist of
        Captain Andrew J. Smith, 1st Dragoons
        Captain Rufus Ingalls, Qr Master Department, and
        Lafayette Grover, Esq., Salem, Oregon,
is hereby appointed "to examine into the amount of expenses necessarily incurred in the suppression of Indian hostilities in the late Indian war in Oregon and Washington by the Territorial Governments of said Territories for the maintenance of the volunteer forces engaged in said war, including pay of volunteers," and report the result of their examination to the Secretary of War.
    The commission is authorized to hold its sessions at such places in Oregon and Washington as may be most accessible to the claimants, and convenient for the transaction of its duties.
                    Jeffn Davis
                        Secretary of War


Dear Uncle
    It is with pleasure that I sit down to write you a few lines. I received your kind note. It gave me great pleasure to receive one from you for the first time in my life. I never had better advice given me by my father or mother than what you gave me in your note, and I think I will follow it as long as I live. I have been going to school this summer. We expect to have another school soon & if so I will go all this winter. Pa killed a very large brown bear last Sunday evening. He was killing a hog when Pa heard him. He gathered his gun and ran down to where it was. It took two shots to kill him. Aunt Mary passed down by here one day last week from a visit to Grandma. Herself & children was well & looking well.  C[torn off] went down with [torn off] Corvallis. She [torn off] Uncle Joe has a son & they call him Franklin Pierce. We are all in tolerable health with the exception of myself. I am not very well. Write me soon. Little Mary is a-walking & talking some.
John S. Lane
    In the care of Gen. Lane


To Hon Jos. Lane
    My dear Genl. I have recd some favors from you by last mail, for which I thank you. I only wonder how you can remember so many of your constituents. I see by some of the late papers that Genl Wool has been giving you & the citizens of Oregon another of his grape & canister fires in the way of lying. He seldom writes or publishes anything but what is filled with untruth. His authority principally is rumor and I see he quotes John Beeson, a man who was drove out of Rogue River Valley for his lying. This man Beeson is an Englishman not naturalized, settled in Oregon in '53. He at one time of his life kept a station in Illinois in the Underground Railroad for negro stealing from Missouri to Canada. He is a monomaniac on the subject of slavery, considers the negro or Indians better than the whites. So much for Genl Wool's truthful informants.
    The war north is not ended yet. The regulars are endeavoring to coax them into a treaty with success the future will show. They have been tampered with by the policy of Genl Wool that even if a treaty is made they will break out again as soon as they rest a while and get more ammunition. There is yet some few scattering Indians in the vicinity of Rogue River Valley who are committing depredations on the settlers, and the army officers are making no efforts to bring them to terms. The citizens are trying to get up a purse and offer a reward for scalps. They are forced to do this to protect themselves & families. I have been on the Grand Ronde Reservation twice since the war south has been ended, and I have talked with all the chiefs from R. River, and they are very much dissatisfied. They say Genl Palmer told them lies. Old Sam & Ben told me that Palmer told them that as soon as old Chief John & his people came down that he would let them (Sam & Ben) and their people go back again to the reserve at Fort Lane. So you see I expect an outbreak amongst Indians on the Grand Ronde reserve next spring or as soon as they can rest and get a little ammunition from the regulars. It will require great prudence and energy as well as firmness in the agents to keep the Indians peaceable and on the reserve. I am boring [you] with a long letter, which I hope you will excuse.
                    Respt. Yours
                        John K. Lamerick


Dear General
    I have waited for some weeks in hopes of receiving a letter to answer, but as none has come I have to waive ceremony and write without one, although I have not much to say.
    Since I wrote last Fort Lane has been abandoned. Capt Smith was here with his company on his way to the reservation in Yamhill. He is anxious now that the war is over to return home, the more so as he understands his regiment is ordered to this country and he wishes to bring his wife out with him. He says he cannot afford to do it out of his pay, and he thinks you can get him an order. He certainly deserves it, as he has behaved very gallantly.
    I congratulate you on Palmer's removal; it has made you many friends, and no enemies, although your opponents would like to make some capital by your not having Geary appointed, but it won't work--he was quite as obnoxious as Palmer.
    And speaking of your opponents, I have become satisfied that there is a plan laid to defeat your nomination next spring, and that Deady is the candidate, but what the plan is I cannot find out. Jesse Applegate told me the other day that he thought they (your enemies) had the lever power under you this time. He is in their confidence, and he said that he was told in confidence that a fierce attack was to have been made upon you by the Statesman about the time that [Surveyor General John S.] Zieber's appointment came on. Whether this is on or not I cannot say, but I am keeping very quiet and watching them closely. Deady is getting very Republican lately, in anticipation I suppose of Fremont's election, although I always suspected he was an abolitionist at heart.
    James A. Ogle of this county wished me to inquire about his land warrant which he sent by you; he served in the Blackhawk War. Please to say when you write to me that it has been placed on file, and also acknowledge the receipt of Flournoy's application.
    By the way, Dr. Sheil of Champoeg was here some time ago, and seemed anxious to hear from you. He is a great friend of yours, and has a good deal of influence on the French Prairie, and a letter occasionally flatters him very much.
    Winnie sends her love to you. I am building a house which will be finished in about three weeks. The rest of the family are well.
                    I am
                        Yours affectionately
                            L. F. Mosher


Sir
    Your favor of August 3rd came to hand by last mail. I have written to Capt. Miller advising him of his appointment. His friends here think he will not accept, as he will be required to come up to the Grand Ronde Reservation. I hope he will accept, as his services are much needed in this department. The compensation of agents is not sufficient to justify good men engaging in the Indian service. Everything is moving along smoothly in my department. I am going day & night almost to provide the necessary shelter & subsistence for the Indians before the winter sets in (health permitting). Everything will be done in time. It will be absolutely necessary to subsist the Indians until after the next harvest. Under the present state of affairs it would not do to allow them to have their guns, and with[out] them they cannot subsist themselves. It will require a large amount of money to provide for their wants during that time, but it must be done or the whole project abandoned the moment that we withhold their supplies. The able-bodied and warlike will return to their homes to engage in the war again [illegible] and infirm left to starve or die [illegible] not be the case, and [end of letter torn off]
            A. F. Hedges


Dear Genl.
    I have just returned from Port Orford, where I have been to take the oath of office before entering upon the duties of my appointment.  Mr. Dunbar appears to enjoy himself finely. I think him much a gentleman. I think the Indian war closed in Southern Oregon for the present. The military post is removed from Port Orford to the mouth of the Umpqua.  I go to Coos Bay in a few days. While on the coast I see a paper in circulation asking the appointment of E. P. Drew to a full Indian agency. There is also one in circulation here. I signed the one on the coast. You will see what they set forth.  I can endorse those statements from my own knowledge in part & fully from reliable sources. I hope that his appointment will be made if it can be both as a matter of justice & policy. I don't know a more suitable man for the place. A sound Democrat & a working man in the party.


Dear friend
    I have been informed that there has been charges preferred against the present incumbent Indian agent for the Klamath Reserve Indians, and as the general opinion here is he will shortly be removed, I have thought proper to ask through for that situation if it be consistent with your feelings. My experience with the Northwest Indians for the last thirty-six years has given a thorough acquaintance with their customs and manners together with their wants, rights &c. In the event of my appointment, my constant study would be to obey my instructions & deal out equal justice to the red men as well as the white.
    By assisting me, you will confer a lasting favor on an old and lasting personal and political friend. I would have made my request to Gen. Denver had I been personally acquainted with him.
    Buchanan is all the go in this place. The Know Nothings [omission] this county last year by their midnight conclaves, but this time they have either fled or are ashamed to show their heads. Their leaders even deny ever having belonged to any such party but look on them with a suspicious eye, nor can trust them until they [omission] something by their works. Black Republicans are few and far between in this part of the country.



Dear Father
    I received your very kind letter of Aug. 31st for which accept my sincere thanks. [I] am progressing with my studies very rapidly. [I am] very sorry that you do not approve of my studying [obliterated]. I have been studying [obliterated] to quit it. And if [obliterated] follow any profession [obliterated] law or medicine I will have need for it. As for grammar I have only quit for a while [and] intend to take it up some other time. Geography I will study after [a] while. I am a-studying algebra [and] geometry. I think geometry is very useful as well as algebra, for if I ever want to study surveying I must understand it. You need not send those books without you can have a good opportunity, but you must be sure to bring them with you, for I do not have time to read any. It takes all of my time to get my lessons. Do not stay at Nesmith's now, but two of us have formed a club and hire a cook, which is a great deal cheaper.
    Have not heard from home or Andy for some time. Winnie has gone out home, will not return until you come back. I am afraid that Mother has a hard time of it out there without any boys to help her but Simon; he has to be at the store most all the time and [obliterated] has moved [obliterated] claims [obliterated] blames the Governor for [obliterated] his proclamation, but that is noting unusual. Shelby has gave out the notion of moving out to Umpqua, will remain in Portland a while longer. He is too easy to get out of Port., for he can make money if he will but remain where he is.
    Creed and Simon makes some money. I had the exquisite pleasure of speaking to Mr. N. H. Lane's wife about a month since. She seems to be a very pleasant woman. If you go to Hoosier please give me a description of things back there and how the old place looks. I suppose it must feel considerable easier since it has changed hands again.
    [obliterated] at present but write soon and often, long letters.
To the Hon. Joseph Lane
Joseph Lane Papers, OHS Mss 1146, Oregon Historical Society Research Library


Dear Father
    Yours of the 2nd ult. containing check for five hundred dollars has just been recd. I think we can get along without having to return it for the want of funds. We have on hand at present a small amt of money and fine prospects ahead for more. Mother will not want to use it before the last of next month, as the house will not be finished before that time.
    I have not yet made sale of any of your cattle, but hope to sell soon. They are in good order and gaining every day. The sale of government stock, which was the week before last, will have but little or no effect upon the sale of beef cattle, the stock sold then being thin in order. The crops throughout the Umpqua Valley very good. Considerable smut in wheat, which the old farmers are going to try to remedy by washing the wheat in a solution of blue vitriol before sowing. The grasshoppers though numerous did but very little damage to the crops from the fact that the cold weather killed off all the first that made their appearance. The settlers who had to flee for their lives during the war are now returning to their claims (their once-happy homes), erecting new houses and rebuilding their fences, which were partially burnt up, trying to make if possible a home and a living for themselves and family.
    Mr. Floed has returned from Portland; is now at Scottsburg. He is in good health.
                    Mother & family all well
                        Your Son
                            S. R. Lane [Simon Lane]
Joseph Lane

Hon. Joseph Lane
    H.R. [House of Representatives]
        Sir, by last mail I received yours of Sept. 2 in which you state the order is made to pay my little comp. for services in the Rogue River War in 1853. That makes all right with the boys notwithstanding some of the discontented spirits would have it otherwise. I am truly glad that you are willing to serve Oregon longer in Congress. There is no doubt but you will be the nominee by an overwhelming majority next spring, as the masses is for you by an increased majority. Still, there will no doubt be a Black Republican candidate selected among the soft or abolition portion of the Democratic Party. Time will develop more of those movements.
    All the Scottsburg delegation as usual is hard at work to break you down. The more they work, the more friends it makes for you. You may rest assured the appointments of the commissioners renders general satisfaction in Oregon. I shall look for one grand effort this winter to injure you, but it won't win, certain, but it will be the final political death of the prime movers.
    The Quartermaster Department will delay the war matters as much as possible, hoping by that means to prevent you from getting the appropriation to pay the War Dept. through the winter. Captain Mosher can and will give you all the news much better than I can. All things move along about right. We all feel confident of Buchanan's election by a large majority. The Union and the Constitution must and will be maintained and no mistake.
    Palsied be the tongue and withered be the arm that will try to infringe or violate one single clause of the Constitution or violate one of the rights of the states or territories.     They must all be maintained inviolate to the end of time.
    All of your family is well and doing as well as you could expect or better.
    There is a friend of us out here having a cane made to send to the Hon. Brooks of South Carolina to replace the one he broke over Sumner. It will be sent by express to you to be by you presented to Mr. Brooks in the name of the donors.
    Myself and Capt. Mosher is having quite a pleasant time here in the office. We have moved both offices together and will spare no pains to render general satisfaction to the settlers as far as we can, holding to this principle that we are here to attend to those wants at all times without fee or reward from them, as the salary is all that we have any right to receive. There is but little cash coming into the office, and in fact it seems strange that anyone pays for their land under the present circumstances. Money scarce and only to be had at ruinous rates of interest.
    The Department it seems to me had better build an office here for the register and receiver, as it is not possible to procure a suitable house here to rent, and by all means we ought to have a secure building, one at least that will be secure against water at least.
I think if you could see the Commissioner of the Gen. Land Office that you might induce him to have a building erected here, say one that would cost about fifteen hundred dollars would be all sufficient.


Hon. Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
        I have long wished to write to you, but I felt unwilling to intrude upon your time or patience during the heat and excitement of the presidential contest. By the time you receive this that contest will be over, and I confidently trust Buchanan & Breckinridge triumphantly elected.
    You will probably remember that some years ago I spoke to you about a claim I have against the U.S. govt for the destruction of my property by the Cayuse Indians, which claim I was unable to present at the time the appropriations were made by Congress to indemnify those who had suffered in that war. You promised your influence to get a bill through Congress for my relief. I took the necessary steps to bring the matter before Congress that winter.
    I wrote to John G. Bryant, then a claims agent in Washington, and employed him to assist me in the business. That winter I went to the mines on the coast where, having no mail communication, I did not get Bryant's answer until it was too late to present my claim to Congress that session. Since then I have been in the mines and have had no opportunity to prosecute my claim. I was at the mines at the mouth of Rogue River last winter when the Indians broke out. I with my wife and five small children barely escaped with our lives, and without a blanket or a change of clothing, and in this condition (with others) were surrounded for thirty-three days by a large body of Indians, we being in a mud fort which we hurriedly constructed. The Indians burned and destroyed our dwelling house and all that we had on earth. I understand that commissioners have been appointed to audit and adjust claims growing out of that war. I merely allude to it to enlist your sympathy and to show you that I have been stripped of all my property, and with a large family am reduced to utter poverty, and most earnestly do crave your influence and assistance to get my Cayuse claim allowed by Congress.
    I have taken steps to have an agent in Washington attend to the matter. Will you not lend me your valuable aid? You know my character and standing. You know my claim is just. And I most earnestly entreat you in the name and the memory of that friendship which has existed between us during our acquaintance in Oregon and in the name of "those other" sacred ties which bind us together, to do all you can for me.
    My petition to Congress is prepared, and embodies a statement of the facts which with the proper affidavits will be forwarded to Washington, and I know you can present it to Congress in such a manner as will be sure to result favorably.
    And now may I ask you to answer this letter? I have not had the honor to receive a line from you since you first went to Congress! Although I have always been one of your strongest friends and supporters through thick and thin.
    Will you do me the honor to answer this?
    My wife joins me in wishing you health and prosperity.
                        I have the honor to be
                            Most respectfully
                                and Fraternally yours
                                    Wm. J. Berry
P.S. Please direct your letter to Crescent City California.



Hon Joseph Lane
    Dr. Sir,
        I wrote in Oct by express, and I presume you did not receive it in relation to my claim against government in Fort Lane, taken from me by government for a fort. I should be pleased if you would present it to the Secretary of War as soon as convenient, at least while you are at Washington, as I am greatly in need of it. If you will use your influence in obtaining it for me I will compensate you for your trouble. Write to me on receipt of this and also about a month previous to your returning to Oregon so that I may meet you on your arrival at San Francisco.
    You will perceive by this that I have removed from Rogue River and now reside at this place.
                        I remain very Respectfully
                            Your Obt Svt
                                Albert B. Jennison


Gen. Lane
    Dear Sir. I have frequently thought of writing you a few lines, but knowing that your good old generous spirit is almost taxed to death with various communications from different parts of the Territory, that has caused me to put off writing from time to time until the present. Nor would I attempt to write at present was it not that I did not want to be put in possession of a few speeches and documents and general. I believe your generous old soul has never turned a man away empty when called upon.
    I know that your task is hard, but greater will be your rewards. I would like very much to write you the news, but I am sorry to tell you that I have not got any to write. You know, General, it is almost impossible for the mail to come regularly to Pleasant Hill or Eugene City (this time in the year), in consequence of the high waters. The mail is sometimes 2-3 & 4 weeks coming up and by that time, the news can almost go to Washington City. As it regards the Indian difficulties, Gen., I hear of nothing being done since the volunteers came in. Everything seems to be as tranquil as if no hostilities existed. I fear it will be some time before those hirelings will bring the savage redskins to cry out for peace, without the aid of volunteer service.
    Now, Gen., as it regards the change in the judiciary department--that of allowing courts to be held only in three different places in the Territory does not seem to go down very well with the free people of Oregon. After they have been at a great deal of trouble and expense in building the court houses and then to be deprived of the privilege of holding courts in them, and to be forced off some sixty, seventy or one hundred (as the case may be) to attend to attend to their business, or have it unattended to does not appear altogether right and just. It seems to me in this kind of light like as if you was to build you a house and some strong man would come along and force it away from you and say you should not occupy it.
    Though, Gen., I have no doubt but that it will have a good effect finally. It will force the people to assert their rights and assume the reins of a state government. And as the question of convention or no convention is to be submitted to the people again at the next June election, I have no doubt that convention will carry, as most everybody is now in favor of a state government, even to Old Tom Dryer himself.
    There is one great question, you know, Gen., that has to be settled by the people previous to assuming the reins of a state government; that is slavery or no slavery.
    I fear she (Oregon) will come in a slave state. Though for the welfare of the state, I hope not. Already, priestcraft and the abolitionists are beginning to appeal unto the sympathies of the people for the poor, downtrodden and suffering Negro. They seem to pity the poor Negro with their lips, whilst their hearts is far from it. Should any class of people cause Oregon to come in a slave state, it will be those above mentioned. Now, Gen., I have intruded on your generous old spirit longer than I expected when I took my seat. You will please to send the following named speeches, and such other documents and speeches on both sides of the question as you may think of interest and receive my best wishes both for your present and future welfare.
Gen. Joseph Lane
Phipps, or Phillips, speech of Missouri, in regard to the difficulty in Kansas.
Senator Sumner's speech that caused the assault of Brooks of South Carolina upon him.
The report of the committee on the Kansas difficulties, &c. &c.


    Sir,
        I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a report of Captain A. J. Smith, Comdr Fort Lane, Oregon, dated May 10, 1855, which contains the information you requested in regard to Jennison's claim to the site of Fort Lane.
                    Very respectfully,
                        Your obt servt
                            Jeffn Davis
                                Secretary of War
Hon. Jos. Lane,
    House of Reps

Colonel,
    I have the honor to enclose herewith a map of the reserve of this post, with the following explanation. At the close of the Indian difficulties in this valley in September '53, I was directed to look out a good location for a military post. After examining the country thoroughly I selected this spot as the most eligible, being directly opposite the Indian reserve and between the Indians and the settlers of the valley.
    Lieut. Col. Wright, who arrived at my camp on the 25th Sept., approved of the selection and directed me to commence building at once.
    Mr. Albert B. Jennings [sic] had selected this half section (now forming the north part of this reserve), under the "Oregon donation laws" in the fall of 1852, and resided upon it with his family about one year previous to the war, but being in close proximity to the Indians congregated at Table Rock he was compelled to move his family to Jacksonville, intending to return to his claim as soon after peace was restored or was believed consistent with safety.
    The Indians burnt Mr. Jennison's house and some 30 tons of hay, which is to be paid for out of funds set apart by the Indian department. I found a small field of some three or four acres in corn & vegetables, under fence, with cattle yard &c.
    In the absence of Mr. Jennison I took possession of this, his claim, under the law of Congress passed I think during the session of '52 & 3, "limiting military reserves in this Territory to 640 acres and pointing out the mode of paying for improvements if taken" &c and immediately had the survey made to enclose 608 acres, intending to prolong the east and west lines to the river and include the islands which would about take up the 640 acres (see map).
    I most respectfully call your attention to the claims of Mr. Jennison, allowed by the law alluded to, for improvements made by him on his claim previous to the government's taking possession.
    I forwarded to your office a small map of the survey, with a similar explanation, in the latter part of October 1853.
                        I am Sir Very respectfully
                            Yr Ob St.
                                A. J. Smith
                                    Capt Dragoons
                                        Comds Post
Col. S. Cooper
    Adjutant Gen. U.S.A.
        Washington D.C.


Dear General
    Please pardon my long silence; I have been in very poor health for the last six months; and being located in an isolated portion of the country, I neither see nor hear anything that would interest you. Matters have come to an alarming state in the Indian Department: The Indians are all collected on the reservation, which has cost the government over fifty thousand dollars. Now are we to allow them to return to their native land, and thus have all this money and labor thrown away, or will the government place at our disposal the means necessary to raise a subsistence for them another year, and to instruct them in agricultural pursuits, which is the first step towards civilization. Supt Hedges informs me there is no money to defray the expense of farming operations, and it is impossible for me to do anything without aid from the government.
    Another war is inevitable unless something is done soon; for God's sake let us avert it if possible. I for one will never survive it, and hope to perish when our efforts prove a failure. There are many of the Indians now in a suffering condition, and will soon be in a perishing condition if the government does not afford them relief. There has been immense sums expended at the Grand Ronde, but the Indians have derived but little benefit from it. I know you will do everything in your power to aid us when you know a failure would be attended with the most disastrous consequences, and my reason for saying so much is that you may know the condition in which we are placed and call the attention of the government to the subject. Gen Palmer leaves on this str [steamer] for Washington. What he has in view I am unable to say; I understand he will prefer charges against me as being favorable to the killing of some Indians at Grand Ronde, which are as false as the archives of hell, and no one but a man pregnant with malice could make a charge so wholly unfounded and unsupported by anything resembling truth. Old Tyee Sam is his authority.
    Please let me hear from you soon that I may know something of your wishes or designs for the future. You deserve a better situation than Oregon can give you, and I hope to see your name enrolled as one of the Cabinet for [the] next four years, but if you return to Oregon there is no one who will welcome you with a warmer heart than myself.
                    Ever your most devoted
                        friend & Obt Servt
                            R. B. Metcalfe



Dear General
    I have forwarded by this mail to the Commissioner a special report on Martin's land claim. I wish you would see him (the Comr.) and if he cannot approve the issuing [of] a certificate (of which I have my doubts) I wish you would get a special act passed for his relief. The papers show fair on their face. He lived two years on it and made valuable improvements--he then made an arrangement to enter it and under the supposition that it was entered, he left it--shortly after the war broke out and then he was appointed Receiver and had to reside here. The proof of all this is his own affidavit which may not satisfy the Commissioner but would make it easy to get through Congress. If he could get his title it would help him out of his difficulties.
    There is no political news. Your opponents think since they have been compelled to withdraw their opposition to you, that therefore their friends should fill all the offices--as there is a future I do not propose to accede to this proposition. We have them where we want them and I'll try and keep them there.
    The family are well including Minnie & Charlie. Give my love to John & Fayette and all my friends.
I enclose a letter from Clugage--and fully endorse the plan.


Gen. Joseph Lane,
    Dear Sir,
        It is some time since I received a letter from you, but I know you are very busy and cannot spend your valuable time in writing letters. "The Old Apostle," Fred Waymire, says every man has a right to address the "servants" of the people including the President, to whom he writes yearly.
    So if I cannot interest you with items from this locality, please consider me as standing on one of the "Apostle's" rights.
    To begin with item No. 1, we now have a garrison at Umpqua four miles below here, on the north side of the river near its mouth, consisting of about 100 men under the command of Bvt. Capt. J. S. Stewart. The selection for a post was a good one--keeping the whites from and the Indians on the reserve. Peace cannot be preserved unless they are kept separate. We have rumors of dissatisfaction among the Indians up north, but on the south part of the reserve, under Drew, there is no trouble--the Indians are satisfied. They draw rations however, and if they ever cut off I fear there might be trouble. It is reported that the three hundred thousand dollar appropriation is used up and that the agents will have no more funds for six or eight months and perhaps not then unless Congress makes another appropriation. How rations are agoing to be continued to these Indians (south) I know not. Drew says he has been only half supplied with funds from the beginning, and he has had to buy on credit, and some credits are still standing over six months back. Under this state of affairs people will soon refuse to trust the agent, and he will be out of supplies--then will come the test. It has been published that there were nuts on the reserve on which Indians can live. This is not true of the southern portion, and I think not of the northern. There is plenty of fish in the streams and some game, though not very plenty, in the hills. On the whole I think a better place for a reserve could not have been selected; still, the Indians must be fed or there will be trouble, in my opinion.
    E. P. Drew has given very good satisfaction as sub-agent and kept the Indians in his dist. quiet during all the troubles, and I wrote a recommend [sic] for him to be appointed full agent. Still, if he is not appointed, there will be no muss and no one will be offended. Ned is not a very active politician, and he will not do much for or against anyone. It is also reported that Capt. Hedges has resigned and that Col. Nesmith has been appointed in his place. This is mere rumor; I have not heard it from anyone who is supposed to know. In fact I am so far [to] one side and our mails have been so irregular this winter that I am not posted up in political gossip. Still I think a better man for Supt. than "Ness" could not be found. I have no acquaintance with Capt. Hedges.
    The people of Coos County are complaining of you because they have no mail facilities by sea or land in their county. Winchester and I defend you as best we can, but when they say, "Has not Gen. Lane influence enough with the Department to have service put on from Port Orford to Umpqua?" We don't like to give it up. Can't you get the letting advertised again and have time enough given so that bids from Coos can reach Washington in time.
    At present I know but little of the political movements of the Territory. I think it is understood that you are willing to be returned again, and from what I can see you will be nominated again with about as much unanimity as heretofore. Chadwick, who has been about some, writes me so. There is still a soft movement here, but I think they can't do much, even if they unite with the Whigs. Leland of the Standard heads them, and it is said Kelly will join them [at the] first favorable opportunity. Still I have not been in a position during the last winter to know how matters are going.
    I shall go to Winchester first of next month and will thereafter send you a letter to meet you at San Francisco.
                            Very Respectfully
                                Your friend
                                    A. C. Gibbs.



Dear General
    It is with some anxiety I write to you, as I am anxious to know of your welfare and to know what prospects you have for doing something for Oregon, as my sympathies are stronger for Oregon than for any other part of the United States. The three years I spent with the high-minded, honorable and hospitable citizens of the Pacific shores will never be erased from my mind. I have been anxious to know what your success and prospects are in having appropriations for the Oregon war. Will anything be done for the volunteers of Oregon the present session? I had hoped to have been in Washington on the 4th of March next to have witnessed my old friend James Buchanan take his seat in the White House, but circumstances prevent.
    Honored Sir
        Permit me to ask you one other question. I turned over some property in the Oregon war and I would like to get the pay.
    As I am not a citizen of O.T. if I was to make out my bill and present [it] to Congress do you think there would be a probability they would order it paid? By my setting forth the facts that I was not a citizen of O.T. I was there on government business, in other words, surveying government land. The Indians became hostile; I could have stepped on a steamer and left for home, but justice demanded of every true-hearted American citizen when he sees his country invaded by an enemy, when the helpless women and children is scalped around me my mind would not have been at ease if I had not rendered all the aid in my power. I think when these facts would be laid before Congress they could not well refuse paying me for my horses and arms that I turned over to the service. I will give you a list of what property I turned over for the use of the volunteers with the valuation of each article as valued by men sworn and appointed for that purpose, viz:
    One black horse value        $225
    One roan mare value            225
    One gray mare value            220
    One mule              "               200
    One saddle and rigging          55
    One rifle gun                           65
    One holster pistols                  60
    One large size navy revolver 70
    One six-inch             revolver 40
                                                  1130
    Cash paid out for sundries    300
                                                  1430
    My own services of four or five months in a rugged winter campaign, half fed and without tents, suffering untold hardships. But if I get pay for my property the noble-hearted citizens of O.T. is welcome to all the protection I gave them. You know the commanding officer on such campaigns has greater hardship to endure than any soldier.
    Perhaps if I would come forward and present this bill before Congress it would show to some of the members that it was not a war of speculation in O.T., as I felt it my duty to turn this over for the defense of the country though not a citizen. Be so good as to inform me on this matter as soon as you receive this. I have no proof nearer than the adjutant's office in O.T. as it stands on the muster roll, all but the cash.
    My own affidavit would be all the proof.
                        Yours with Respect
                            A. N. Armstrong
    N.B. Sir I have wrote out and have it ready for the press A History of the Oregon War. I have taken great care to give it justice, giving the name and manner in which every person was killed in the territory. I have given the Oregonians justice, showing the position of Gen. Wool and of the two governors.
    It will contain about 300 pages octavo. I shall have about 30,000 copies struck.
    I am not situated to move to O.T. this spring, but I will be a citizen of O.T. before many years.
                                    A. N. A.
To Hon. Joseph Lane


Joseph Lane Esqr
    Dr. Sir,
        I see an account in the San Francisco paper of your return to Oregon. I wish to know whether you received my letter addressed to you at Washington in relation to my land claim. Please write to me what you have done with it. If you have done nothing about it, will you not lay it before the new Secretary of War.
    Can you give me any information in relation to the Indian spoliation of 1853? When it will be paid. Any information in relation to either or both will be thankfully received.
                    I remain very Respectfully
                        Your Obt Servt
                            Albert B. Jennison



Jacksonville O.T.
Aug. 10th A.D. 57
    Gen. Joseph Lane
        Dr. Sir
During your last visit to Washington City, I (in consequence of false instruction) sent to your honor's charge a power of attorney to collect moneys and to obtain a land warrant for services rendered by me as a volunteer to subdue Indian hostilities in the state of California. You returned the power to collect money but seem to have retained the portion to obtain the land warrant.
    If you obtained a land warrant for me and will forward it to the auditor of Jackson Co. (Hoffman), I will pay the charges and remain truly your friend and servant.
To Hon. Jos. Lane



    Sir:
        My object in addressing you is to request the favor of your influence and assistance in obtaining an appointment or transfer into one of the infantry regiments. I was placed in the artillery much against my will, and have been trying for some time, but without success, to get a transfer. From your knowledge of army affairs, I am confident you can procure me a consummation of my wishes. I would prefer an appointment in the 4th Regt. of infantry to any other. Although by entering the infantry I shall lose rank, still I am willing to make the sacrifice, and enter as a new appointment.
    I again request that you will use your influence in my behalf, and earnestly hope that you may be successful.
    It would afford me pleasure to hear from you on the subject, before you leave for Washington.
    Mr. Faulkner, who procured me my appointment, will no doubt cooperate with you, as I wrote to him on the subject some time ago.
I remain sir
    Your obdt. servt.
            T. M. Saunders
                2nd Lieut. 3rd Artillery
                    U.S.A.
Hon. Joseph Lane, M.C.
    Winchester, O.T.


Dear General,
    In one of your eloquent vindications of our people during the last session of Congress, I remember a reference to Mrs. Mary A. Harris of our county, eulogistic of her noble self-devotion in defense of her dying husband and her wounded daughter, at the same time expressing an intention on your part to endeavor to obtain for her a pension from the general government.
    In furtherance of this laudable design, I am induced to inquire if it might not be advisable to prepare a memorial to Congress, during the approaching session of the assembly, in behalf of the widows and orphans left destitute by our Indian difficulties and barbarities. There are many such among us, who deprived of the support and protection of a manly arm, are reduced to the humblest drudgery and toil for a subsistence, and though sharing largely in the sympathies and kindness of the communities by which they are surrounded, are, in many instances, quite destitute.
    They who have lost more than the world can again return to them--the companions of life's early joys and sorrows, many of whom fell in the front of battle, where brave men, the pioneers of our nation, upheld our country's flag--have a right to expect the only recompense a grateful land can give--the pittance of a support.
    Mrs. Harris, to whom you made reference, is at present a resident of our town and earns a meager support for herself and daughter by "taking boarders." Her daughter has never fully recovered the use of her wounded arm and is unable to perform any arduous manual service.
    There are several other unfortunates suffering of this class in our vicinity, all of whom are in great need of a generous provision from our government.
    Many of these brave women furnish rare instances of heroic sacrifice and self-devotion, and if the Trojan mothers were worthy of our administration and fit subjects of historic eulogy, the deeds of these noble matrons are not less so.
    In the lofty devotion of Mrs. Harris are displayed the finer attributes of humanity--Attacked in her home by a numerous band of savages and armed with a rifle, for nearly twenty-four hours she held her assailants at bay. The fears of the woman were merged in the devotion of the wife and the mother, till even the savage foe shrank back before the pale, determined brow and flashing eye of that noble woman.
    Through long and weary hours she stood the defender of her dying husband and her wounded child, and only in the hour of rescue came back to her heart the tide of anguish which nearly dethroned her reason.
    But you will pardon my extended and verbose epistle. I had only intended to briefly consult you in regard to the expediency of a memorial, and to assure you that all efforts in furtherance of this laudable design will be gratefully acknowledged, not only by the recipients of any favors your efforts may bring, but by the unanimous sentiment of the entire community. Answer soon--
    With a sincere appreciation of your many good qualities of head & heart permit me, sir, to subscribe myself,
                        Yours Very Truly
                            H. H. Brown
Hon. Jos. Lane


My dear wife
    The Commodore is in and reports that the Columbia will not be here till about this day week, but I will wait for her. She is much the safest boat.
    My friend, Mr. Jo. Burnett, will take my bay horse home. Now I wish you, my dear, to see Joseph and have him take care of him till I come home. He must be kept dry and well fed, and if he cannot take him, Simon must see to him, feed him well and let him run out in the pasture as much as he can. His shoes must be taken off, and run barefooted all winter. By feeding him and letting him run in the pasture where Mr. Martin lives he will get in fine order.
    Mary and her children are all well; Fayette is well.


Genl J. Lane
    Respected Sir
        Your attention is so constantly summoned to the affairs of others that I have no doubt you have forgotten the individual who now addresses you. However, I was a soldier under you when you were wounded and in the last Indian war. I served as a surgeon in Capt Bledsoe's company of Or. volunteers.
    Our company was on detached service and we were all ignorant enough in regard to getting our papers regulated. Now I am told that I have been reported both as a private and as a surgeon. I really did perform the duties of both, but I am told that I can receive pay but for one office. If I am thus doubly reported can you have me struck from the private roll? If you can be so kind as [to] do so and [omission] I shall feel most grateful. You will get all the information on this head necessary from Capt Bledsoe. I not only performed all the duties of a surgeon, but for upwards of three months I furnished all the necessary medicines at my own expense. This, Dr. Barkwell says, will not be allowed me, as I have neglected to report in time. For this I care but little, but the other is a point of great importance to me. Will you be so kind as [to] write me and say if this business can be regulated and by whom.
        I am
            Respected Sir
                Yours to Command
                    G. S. Ramsay M.D.
    P.S. I took very copious notes in regard to everything that transpired in my vicinity during the war; should any or all of them be of use to you they heartily at your service.
    P.P.S. Genl. Lamerick knows what duties I performed.
                G. S. R.


    Dear General
        A short time after you left my agency where you found everything quiet, Old John started out with the declaration that his heart was sick seeing so many of his people die, and that he intended to kill some person--that he wanted to die by bullets and was not going to stay on the reserve and die with sickness. They were evidently going down to the lower prairie to murder some white men who I had sowing wheat, but on the road they met with a Siletz Indian, drew their revolvers and killed him on the spot, then returned. I called upon John to know why he had murdered the Siletz Indian, and he gave me to understand that it was none of my business, that he would kill who he pleased. I then told them they must give up their arms, when John told his boy (Cultus Jim) to keep his arms and fight with them. I then called upon the military to assist me in disarming them, but when we went to John's house he and his boys left for the brush, leaving word that they would give up their arms, which they did the following day; but Cultus Jim, who had been the principal man in the murder of the Siletz Indian, had to be arrested and punished. Lt. Garber and myself attempted to arrest him when he drew a concealed revolver and fired at me. The ball passed near my head but did no harm. I then returned the fire, shot him three times and killed him dead on the ground. Since that, all is quiet and they have given up twenty-five rifles, eight revolvers and nine single-bore pistols; notwithstanding Lt. Sheridan said they had but two or three guns. Peace must and shall be maintained in my agency if the military will cooperate with me. The [state] constitution will carry and a free state in spite of our efforts for a slave constitution. If there are any more appointments to be made in the Ind Dept please have Geo. H. Abbott appointed agent or subagent, and I will be responsible for his faithful performance of duty. He is a good Democrat, and one whose past services entitle him to the situation.
    No news of interest except I learn our friend Hibben is about to make a small investment in dry goods, which we will of course deny, but I am inclined to believe the report from the history he gave me of the old lady. (On a horn! Hibben)
                    Very Respectfully
                        Your friend
                            & Obt Servt
                                R. B. Metcalfe
Hon Jos Lane
Washington
    D.C.
The parenthetical line above was added in a different hand--presumably E. C. Hibben's.



My dear Winnie
    I arrived here on last night in a very dilapidated condition, having suffered excessively from that boil. I find that there is no court to be held at Josephine and that Deady is to return in the morning. I would return with him but it is absolutely impossible for me to ride or scarcely to sit, but as soon as I can I shall return, for I am very anxious to see you and the baby. I now think I shall leave here Thursday morning so as to be home by Saturday night. God bless and keep you & our own dear Charles.


Gen. Lane--
    Dr Sir: The conversation that took place between us on our way to San Francisco in regard to the establishment of a mail route from Crescent City, Cal., to Jacksonville O.T. via Kerbyville, Sailor Diggings &c., which you promised through your influence to procure for us, since my return here, I have met and conversed with a great many citizens of Southern Oregon, and I assure you sir, they appeared to feel grateful to you when I informed them that you intended to have service put upon the route and thereby offer them postal facilities which they never before possessed.
    I have now a favor to ask of you (although you may think it presumptuous of me, being, I might almost say, an entire stranger to you). My friend and a very prominent Democrat in Southern Oregon (and commanding considerable influence), T. A. Jackson, Esq., wishes to get the contract to carry the mail over the proposed route, and a better or more deserving one you could not get if you was to look all over Southern Oregon. Mr. Jackson is a warm political friend of [omission] and done you good service in Josephine County during the last campaign. He has also filled some very important positions during the last Indian war. He was commissary to the 2nd Regiment during the whole war and discharged its duties ably and efficiently. You know him well if you could replace [sic] him in your memory.
    He wants to get this contract so that he can be enabled to bring his family from Texas to the Territory. And I know should he receive the contract that it will give universal satisfaction to the people of Southern Oregon, for which I will pledge my honor.
    He would have sent on a regular bid by this steamer to you, to have handed to [the] P.O. Dept., if he would have had the form to go by; he has sent to San Francisco for it, and I will send it to you by the next steamer, and if you will use your influence for him I will consider it a personal favor to myself, and should an occasion ever occur in which I could repay it, you will not find me wanting.
                Yours Truly
                    W. B. Freaner
    P.S. Col. Washington appointed me Inspector here as I expected. Dr. Watkins, a Black Republican and late member of the convention from Josephine Co., is here waiting for the steamer on the way to the States. No election news yet. W.B.F.



Dear General:
    I arrived back here on the 28th ult. from San Francisco, and the next day got from McCracken a letter written by Bush dated the 25th October, in anticipation of my return, in which he says that an immediate sale will be preferable to him, although he would like to retain the editorial control until the close of the present volume. However, if I wanted immediate possession to follow the purchase, he would give it. Thus matters stood until last week, when I went to Salem and called on Bush to close the matter at once. He surprised me by answering that he had since concluded not to sell. I said that I must ask a reconsideration of his last resolve, and wished him to state at what time he would give me a final answer. His reply was in just these words: "I can't tell yet; Nesmith is not in town." He then went on to say that he was bound in gratitude to some friends in the Territory for past favors, and that soon the most important political crisis ever known in the Territory would occur--that these friends were greatly interested in the results which could occur therefrom, and that since they heard of his intention to sell to me, almost all of them had either written to or called upon him not to do so until the full canvass was over. They would deem it desertion upon his part if he sold out to me, of them and their interest. These were about the reasons he gave for his change of mind in the matter.
    I have since learned something more of the meaning of all this. On the day of my return here, Nesmith called upon me and in a quiet way wanted to know what paper I was going to take hold of.  I declined telling him. That day at noon he started (in a fierce rain storm, too) for Salem. The next day, Bush dispatched a letter to John McCracken, in which he withdrew his offer to sell to me, but while this letter was coming to Portland, I was on my way to Salem. At Salem, I called to see Nesmith. His clerk told me he was not in although I know that he was, for I had seen him just before I opened the door, and he left so sudden that his hat and coat were lying upon the table still. I did not endeavor to see him again. Bush also acted singularly. He was to meet me at his office on Friday afternoon. I called four times and found no one in. I saw him once rushing over from his office to his house, and he turned and saw me, but only hurried on the faster. He is to send me written final answer here this week. Should it come before the mail steamer sails I will inform you of its import.
    On my way down from Salem, I stopped one night at Wm. Barlow's, a farmer living some ten miles from Oregon City. There I met a man who had overheard a conversation between Judge Williams and another gentleman a few evenings before while the two lay in bed in an adjoining room to him.
    Williams stated that Deady was positively in the field for Senator, and that he regretted it, for it might injure his own chances. He did not think the people would stand two ex-judges of the Supreme Bench, and the election was certain to come off for the Southern District first. Therefore, if Deady beat you, Nesmith would be almost sure to triumph over himself (Judge W.). (From Nesmith's clerk, I gleaned that some time since he intended to resign the Indian Superintendency, but he has since resolved not to do so.) Williams further stated that he feared Bush would support Nesmith in preference to himself, and that he would make every effort for Deady, because when he (Bush) first came to the country he was penniless and Deady assisted him more than any other man. Curry's name was used by Williams, but he spoke of him as Bush's and Nesmith's catspaw. He thought that for Congress, Bush would throw [off] Smith and support Grover, because the latter had managed to make his (Brook's) father-in-law Territorial Surveyor. You may know what this means. Of course I have not been here long enough to be posted. Smith was looked upon as reaching for the Senate certain, though his friends claimed only Congress for him.
    There is one matter I now wish to speak of to you in this, and I shall duplicate this portion of the letter by the Columbia, in order that you may know it without failure if the mail steamer should not connect at San Fran.
    I have not yet got Bush's answer. If it comes a negative to my wishes, I shall then purchase Carter's interest in the Times and assume control of it. I am positive I can do you greater benefit there than Hibben, for he has somehow got honeyfuggling with Bush, and I am not sure that he is sweet enough to fool Bush; therefore Bush must fool him. Then, the recent affair between Hibben and that poor wretch Leland has not added laurels to Hibben's reputation, so far as I can ascertain. Neither has his late course in following the usual abusive style of the Oregon press done him any good.
    I shall conduct the paper in a dignified manner at least. No man shall be abused by me in virulent personal manner, and I shall take good care that no one shall abuse me the second time.
    From the letter you wrote to Capt. Cain in my behalf, he does not feel himself at liberty to draw upon you in any other event than the purchase of the Statesman. I wish to know if you cannot, and if you will not, render me the same assistance in the purchase of the Times. The security shall be under the same arrangements, viz: upon the office together with one half of the building. I ask for no bequest. I request a loan and wish the whole transaction upon a strict business basis. In the event of your assent or dissent to the proposition here made, let me know if you please by first mail succeeding the receipt of this.
    Please remember me to Dr. Gwin, Mrs. G. and Miss Lucy when you see them, and to Gen. Denver, Gov. Stevens, Mr. Hibben, Broderick, and accept the assurance that I am


General Lane:
    Dear Sir: 
        I sent by the Commodore yesterday a long letter to you, of part of which this is duplicate.
    Last week I went to Salem to make fiscal arrangements with Mr. Bush for the purchase and conveyance to me of the Statesman. Before leaving this place, Mr. McCracken showed me a letter just then received from Bush, wherein he stated that he was anxious to make the sale at once, but would like to keep possession for a short time longer. But upon this latter point he would urge, if it were not agreeable to me.
    On my arrival at Salem, fully prepared to close the bargain and sale, I called on Bush, when after some hesitation he handed me a copy of a letter he had sent to McCracken but a few days previously, and which had passed down [the Willamette River] while I was on my way up.  It contained the withdrawal of his intention to sell. I instantly told him he must reconsider the matter; that he had offered to sell to me, in writing--that I had agreed fully to his terms--that he had accepted my offer to purchase, and that I was then prepared to close the transaction. He replied that he would again think of the matter, and would inform me soon of his final resolve. I pressed him for an answer that day. He at last told me he could not, for Nesmith was not in town. He then went on to say that since it was rumored that he was to sell the paper to me, most of his prominent political friends had either written to or called on him and insisted that he must not leave the conduction of the Statesman until after the approaching important canvass.  Some of them, he was free to tell me, were candidates for high positions, and they would deem him recreant to every principle of honor and gratitude if he were to now leave the paper, at the very crisis when they most needed his support. Therefore, he had concluded  not to sell, but would remain here until 1860.
    I think, General, that I can see through this movement. Nesmith and Deady are the chief two who have thus influenced Bush. Nesmith was in town the second day I was in Salem. I called at his office to see him. Before entering I saw him. When I entered he was not in, and his clerk so informed me. His hat and coat were lying on a table in the office. I did not again seek him. Bush was to meet me that afternoon at his office. I called four times, but found the door locked and nobody in each time. Once in going from the office I saw Bush walking rapidly towards his dwelling. He turned, saw me, and hurried faster homeward. All this sort of action I can well understand now. In good time I hope to be able to clearly fathom everything connected with this refusal to sell the Statesman. I ascertained one fact which is somewhat evidence in the premises: The day I reached here from California, Nesmith came to see me early in the morning, and endeavored to know from me what paper I intended to take control of. I declined giving any information upon the subject. That day at noon he left for Salem, which place he reached the next day, and the evening of that day Bush wrote the letter to McCracken of his determination not to sell.
    I have not yet received Bush's final answer. If it comes before I have to mail this, I will tell you what he says.
    Should he not sell, I will purchase Carter's interest in the Times. He owns one half of the office and of the building. I have his promise to the bargain. I desired Capt. Cain to let me have a portion of the draft you were kind enough to give towards my purchase of the Statesman, and upon the same style of security, viz: the office and building, but he seems to think it not in accordance with your instructions. I shall therefore make the purchase without assistance, but I trust, General, that by return of mail you will authorize me, through Capt. Cain, or whomever else you care to appoint, to draw against you. Or, to facilitate the matter, will you not empower Capt. Cain to let me have the sum you placed at my disposal for the purchase of the Statesman at once. I will give the entire interest bought from Carter in security. The office has more material and is of double the intended value of Bush's. Besides, the building is as much additional. With this aid I can get along handsomely, and I trust will be enabled to assist you proportionately. One thing you may rely upon. I shall never be caught in any clique at whose hands you are likely to suffer, neither by accident nor design. I am satisfied that in your absence a powerful organization is sought to be built up against you. Men who are really candidates for the highest places, but who declared while you were here that they were not, are working strenuously to form such combinations as will defeat you. Williams, Deady, Nesmith, Smith and Kelly are positively in the field for the Senate, let them deny it now much as either of them may.
    I shall see Curry next week. By next mail I will write you fully.
Hon. Jos. Lane



To Hon. Joseph Lane
    My dear Genl.
        Yours of Oct. 3rd from Portland [received] some time since, but waiting to give you some news of our election, I deferred thus long from answering.
    Full returns of this county have not all got in yet, but enough to show that the constitution gets a small majority of about twenty votes, for slavery seventy, which is hardly as much as I expected. Josephine County has gone against slavery by a large majority. I am afraid we will have a free state.
    The very kindly and flattering manner [in which] you are pleased to speak of my services as a Democrat and a soldier I must attribute more to your partiality than my own merits, but I will endeavor to deserve them by always using what little influence I have to the advancement of Democratic men & measures, and it will give me great pleasure to lend my aid to elect to the Senate the man who has above all others defended the people of Oregon, both in the council and in the field. Should the constitution be adopted (and I think it will) I will stay here until the June election and you may rest assured that this county will be instructed to vote for Jo Lane in joint ballot for US Senator.
    A petition has gone to W. City from Yreka, Cal. to appoint R. B. Snelling Indian agent for the Modoc Indians in Northern Cal. Part of this country is in Oregon. I understand also a petition has gone from the same source to appoint Geo. W. Heard to the same office. Snelling is the most capable and the best Democrat. He is pro-slavery also. I write you these items lest you may be called upon, and as Oregon is partly interested, you are of course.
    I am glad to be able to inform you that should the constitution be adopted, you stand first in this county for Senator. Some of Deady's friends have sent out feelers, but it is no go; most of all the Democracy go for you first, then they are divided who shall take the next place. Grover D. Smith or Gov. Curry, all of them worthy. As for Grover he is young and can lay back a little. I am in hopes Smith will be sent to the Senate and Curry to the House.
    I am of the opinion that I will remain until you are elected U.S. Senator and then [head] for the States to see my friends.
    Wishing prosperous times this winter at Washington and the same next summer in this new state.
    I remain as ever forever your friend,
                                John K. Lamerick
To Genl. Jos. Lane
    W City DC


General,
    I have not written to you for some time, not having had anything of moment about which to write that would interest you & especially as both of us doubtless have had our hands full in our respective avocations.
    It occurs to me however that in regard to the settlement of the expenses of our Indian wars, in '55 & '56, as well as of '54, in Oregon & Northern California, by the United States, that it would be well to give you data which is reliable (as I filled an official station) in regard to our war here in the great lake country, and known as the Modoc War of 1856 under Genl. Cosby.
    There were 3 companies of 80 men in the field for 3 mo. and the pay of troops, on the muster rolls, together with all pay for service of horses & mules, including ordnance, forage (actually used), subsistence, medical stores, for most supplies & transportation, was only $200,000. The rolls & accounts were made out under my own supervision.
    The state government was settling & adjusting this amount having issued bonds & taken receipts of the parties.
    These bonds are without interest, and are simply an order on the United States.
    Now the question is will the United States accept the order.
    For the purpose of giving you full information, I have respectfully to say that in getting our Modoc War bill through, a general law was passed & bonds issued for Indian wars & depredation throughout the state, which amounted to $410,000, including of course the $200,000 appropriation for Modoc War.
    Now the question is will the next Congress pay it. They ought to do so--this coast has been neglected long enough, and the United States are the recipients of immense benefits already from the early settlement & development of the resources of this coast--with its necessary Indian troubles, and it seems to me that the justice of Congress will not be applied to in vain, if the proper course is taken by the Oregon & California delegation to lay the matter before them.
    Myself, together with many others here interested who have served in said war, have great confidence in your known energy & ability in properly representing our just claims at Washington, and it is at the instance of these persons that I respectfully address to you this note.
    Our California delegation--who are already advised as I am informed--will no doubt act in concert with you in this matter.
                    I am, Dear Sir, Very Respectfully
                    Your friend & Obedient Servant
                    James P. Goodall.
Hon Joseph Lane
Washington
    D.C.


Dear Sir
    It is not my desire to trouble you often as I am well aware of your great press of business. Oregon has decided by an overwhelming vote that the people approve of their constitution and are opposed to having slaves. This is as I expected. Bush says slavery is not of itself a matter [of] which a national political issue can be made. This I think is a mistake, yet I am willing to admit it ought not to be the case.
    Young America and Democracy, the constitution and the decision of the Supreme Court are the truest work I fight by, and if any abolitive Black Republican attempts to elect a President or any other officer in opposition be it national or sectional I shall oppose him.
    Genl, I wish to have a regular semi-monthly correspondent at Washington during the present Congress. Try and get me one. I want young America, no old fogey.
    Will Congress admit us? Will Washington Territory give us our boundaries as stated in our constitution? Will the Chinese claim be stricken out? Is Burns [?--unclear] going to be elector at the Umpqua? Who is going to be judge in place of Olney? If Oregon is admitted will Deady be ousted [as] states judge for this district? The judge has lost popularity with the pro-slavery party since you left.
    Col W J Martin of Winchester is spoken [of] for Gov of Oregon. I'll be [illegible] if he is a candidate if I don't go for him.
    Grover, Williams, Delazon Smith and Deady are working hard for U.S. Senate. Smith & Williams will be hard to beat, for the free state men will urge their claims.
    Tell Keitt of SC to send me all the pro-slavery documents he can.
    What a left-handed lick the President hit Dreyfuss about his father-in-law. Stephen [Douglas] will have hard work to win the President. Breckinridge, if any man from a slave state can be elected, is the man for 1860.
    I saw Floed the other day; all was well.
    My family are quite afflicted but are getting a little better.
    I would be glad to hear a little from you occasionally to publish.
                        Yours truly
                            W G T'Vault


Gen. Joseph Lane
Dear Sir
    I want you to assist me in collecting my war claim. I have sent the vouchers and affidavits of Cap. Jno. Miller, Col. J. E. Ross, Dr. Ambrose and Ruben Rynos by Mr. Wagoner of our valley, who went to Iowa last spring. He writes me he employed a Mr. Jones to collect them, which he has not, or cannot get the attention of the auditor. I will write to him by this mail to go through Washington and call on you. If you will please see the auditor, as you are aware of all the facts, you will confer a great favor for which I will feel under lasting obligation. If I can't get any money now with the depositions of the best men in the valley I want you to assist me, then if I can't get it I will give it up with the conclusion that U.S. is ungrateful. If I had only kept my wheat and potatoes I should not be heels over head in debt. I had but just commenced farming, and I let the government have nearly all I raised that season and never received a cent. It left me a hard row to hoe for a living. Please write.
            Respectfully Yours
                John B. Wrisley


Dear General:
    Since I last wrote I have been to Jackson County, and everything looks fair for your prospects; in fact, the sentiment of the people all over the Territory are now decidedly in your favor, and I think with proper encouragement there need be no difficulty in your election. In this county, Old Sol Fitzhugh wants to be a candidate for Senator, and Col. Martin I think has the foolish notion in his head of resigning and running for the same office. If he does this, it won't do for me to run for the House, and I am undecided in my course at present. I think Martin is getting tired of being in one place. He is settled and apparently dissatisfied. This, however, is mostly my suspicions only. I shall take an opportunity soon and ascertain what his plans are. You know by this time that the Constitution has been adopted and Oregon is a free state; not a county voted for slavery. Even Jackson gave 20 free state majority. I was sharp enough to put myself right in time, and while I voted for slavery I believe that I have not made myself obnoxious to the free state men by any ultra views. I have just made considerable reputation by winning Mayer & Co's case, after a hard fight with Pratt & Campbell. Pratt came up in October and made a motion to dismiss, but slipped up, and when he found he had too heavy a contract he sent Campbell up. We had a hard fight but succeeded in getting a verdict. They say that I did myself great credit. At all events, I satisfied the people that Pratt was not the only lawyer in Oregon.
    R. M. Hutchinson wants two new post offices as follows: Oakland--this is an old office that is now at Lowe's. They want it moved to Baker's old mill, where they have laid out a town of Oakland. The office need not be changed except that Ethiel C. Lord [sic--Erastus C. Lord] be appointed postmaster. He is a brother of the Lord in Scottsburg; he has a store at the mill and the change should be made.
    Locust Grove P.O., Richard Smith, P.M. This will be a new office at the head of Yoncalla Valley, halfway between Yoncalla P.O. and Oakland. I hope you will attend to this.
    By the way, what has become of the military road?  We have no news of the officer detailed for the service.
    The family are all well, and Charlie is the finest and best boy you ever saw. Give my love to LaFayette & John, Pugh, Pendleton & all my old friends.
    I will keep you advised of the way things are progressing in this part of the state


Dear Sir:
    There has been considerable excitement amongst the Indians at this agency for the last six or eight days. The war dance & war whoop can be heard at all times--day or night. Shooting arrows into our horses, and burning our fences, are the strongest indications I have seen of their hostile intention, and it is to be feared they will make an effort to burn our houses and kill what few there are of us at the agency. They do not hesitate to declare their intention to kill me the first opportunity, believing if I were out of the way there would no longer be any opposition to their returning to Rogue River. I will be on the alert, and take no measures to arrest them until they have committed themselves, and then punish them in such a way as to deter them for all time to come. I have been out of beef for several days, and only enough flour to last about fifteen days. The river has been up so that it is almost impossible to get out to the Valley.
    My returns for the 3rd qr. have been completed two weeks, but I have not had a safe opportunity to send them. My returns for the 4th qr. will be completed by the 15th Jany, at which time I will go out to the Valley.
                    (Signed) R. B. Metcalfe
                        Ind Agent
To J. W. Nesmith, Supt
    Salem




Genl Joseph Lane--
    Dear Sir:
        Enclosed I send you an affidavit of the principal merchants of Jacksonville relative to the prices of army supplies from the first settlement of Shasta Valley to the present time. You know them to be as reliable men as any in Oregon, and I hope it will be of service to you. Show it to Messrs. Miller & Brandenburg and to Governor Stevens.
    The legislative assembly has called for all the correspondence and affidavits relative to the hostilities of the Indians and protection of the emigrants in 1854, and a thousand copies have been ordered to be printed. It contains much valuable information and as soon as it is published I will forward copies to Messrs. Miller & Brandenburg, Gov. Stevens and to you. Genl. Palmer has written me a strong letter in favor of the expedition, and Squire Steele and Rosborough, the Indian agent of Siskiyou County, have written to Drew giving a detailed history of the Indian hostilities in Southern Oregon from the time you were tyee of the whites and Indians in Scotts Bar to the present time. All of which were transmitted to the legislative assembly by Governor Curry on Friday last. Soon as they are printed I will send copies to all I know around Washington.
    I remain yours very respectfully,
        B. F. Dowell
   
Depositions taken before Wm Hoffman, a Notary Public, within and for the county of Jackson and territory of Oregon, at his office in Jacksonville, in said county.
   
John W. McCully aged 36 years, Daniel Kenney aged 35 years, W. W. Fowler aged 44 years, Sigismund Ettlinger aged 30 years, J. A. Brunner aged 35 years, Wm Hesse aged 37 years, John Anderson aged 34 years, Benjamin T. Davis aged 36 years, all merchants or traders and residents of Jacksonville, Oregon Territory, after being duly sworn state that Rogue River Valley is situated in Southern Oregon, and Shasta Valley in Northern California; that these valleys are surrounded with rough and rugged mountains which make them very difficult of access; that these valleys are bounded on the west by the Coast Range of mountains, on the east by the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges; that the Grave Creek Hills and Umpqua and Calapooia mountains separate Rogue River Valley from steamboat navigation on the Willamette River and Mount Shasta and the Trinity Mountains separate Shasta Valley from steamboat navigation on the Sacramento River, and Shasta and Rogue River valleys are divided by the Siskiyou Mountain which runs near due east and west and close to the dividing line between Oregon and California. The principal towns in these valleys are Jacksonville in Oregon and Yreka in California. These towns are noted for their rapid increase in population, the frequent changes and fluctuations in their markets, rich gold mines, frequent Indian wars and high prices, but it will be seen by the following prices that the government has not been asked to pay as high prices to prosecute these wars as individuals have frequently paid in time of peace for the necessaries of life, while pursuing their common avocations. Yreka was settled in 1851 and Jacksonville in 1852. The price of flour in Yreka in 1851 varied from 16 cents to a dollar per pound and sugar, coffee and salt from 40 cents to a dollar and twenty-five cents per pound. Since the settlement of Jacksonville prices have generally been higher in Yreka than in Jacksonville, and for the last five years these affiants have been merchandising or trading in the latter place, and the following are some of the prices which they or some of them have at different times sold bacon, flour, sugar, coffee and salt, and the price of beef is the price they have paid for their own use.


The above prices have been taken from the books and accounts of these affiants, and from them it will be seen that in 1852 and 1853 flour raised in Jacksonville from 16 cents to one dollar and twenty-five cents per pound, bacon from 40 to 75 cents per pound, coffee from 40 cents to one dollar, sugar from 30 cents to one dollar, salt from 35 cents to four dollars and beef from 25 to 35 cents per pound. These affiants are informed and verily believe that during the same time in Yreka, a distance of only sixty miles, flour sold from 16 cents to two dollars per pound, salt and tobacco from one dollar to fourteen dollars per pound, and that thousands of persons during the winter of 1852 & 1853 lived in Jacksonville and Yreka for upwards of six weeks upon beef, straight! that as late as March 1853 thousands of pounds of flour were sold in Yreka for cash, at one dollar per pound. In 1854, the roads and pack trails were better and prices lower and more uniform, flour varying from 14 cents to 40 cents per pound, bacon from 35 cents to 75 cents per pound, sugar from 20 to 40 cents per pound, coffee from 30 to 75 cents per pound, and salt from 15 cents to 40 cents per pound, and everything else in proportion. In the latter part of the summer and first of the fall of 1854 the Quartermaster General of Oregon was wholly unable to get flour at 40 cents, sugar 50 cents, bacon & coffee at seventy-five cents, enough in Jacksonville to supply Captain Jesse Walker's company of mounted volunteers ninety-six days, while in active service on the credit of the Territory and the faith of the United States, but was compelled to apply to the merchants of Yreka, California for the necessary supplies for the use of the company and the indigent immigrants who were then on their way to Southern Oregon and Northern California. We know this of our own knowledge, for we were applied to and urged to furnish the necessary supplies at the above prices. As late as December 1854 flour sold at 16 cents per pound in Jacksonville and as high at the same time as twenty and twenty-three cents in Yreka, but in the spring of 1855 it fell to twelve and thirteen cents, and this article has never been above thirteen cents since in this market, and now these affiants are selling an excellent article of flour for five cents per pound, bacon at thirty-five cents, sugar and coffee at thirty-three cents, and salt as low as twelve cents per pound; however, flour has declined more in price than any other article, owing to large and fine crops of wheat being raised in Rogue River, Shasta and Scotts valleys in the immediate vicinity of probably the best gold mines on the Pacific coast, while sugar, coffee, salt and dry goods are still transported here from San Francisco, California. Since the first settlement of these towns, to the present, the great body of merchandise which have been sold in Jacksonville and Yreka have been transported on the backs of pack mules, either from the head of steamboat navigation on the Sacramento River, a distance of two hundred and fifty miles, or from the head of steamboat navigation on the Willamette River, a distance of two hundred miles, or across the Coast Range of mountains from Crescent City, a distance of one hundred and twenty miles. Freight upon whole stocks of goods and groceries have frequently been from fifteen to twenty-five and thirty cents per pound from these places to Jacksonville and sometimes as high as fifty cents on unhandy articles to pack. As late as November 1854, the said Fowler was compelled to pay fifty cents per pound for packing some billiard tables from Crescent City to Jacksonville, only a distance of one hundred and twenty miles, and as late as the fall of 1855, many of the merchants of Jacksonville paid upwards of sixteen cents per pound freight on whole cargoes of their goods, from San Francisco to Jacksonville, and as late as April 1856 they paid upwards of thirteen cents, but during the last summer it only cost them from five to six cents. The great change so recently in the price of transportation doubtless may be attributed to the removal of the hostile Indians to the Coast Reservation from the immediate vicinity of the roads and pack trails over which the Jacksonville merchandise had to pass. Now there is less danger of Indians, the pack animals are employed more constantly and more pack animals have come on the route from lower California, which has caused greater competition between the packers. From the first settlement of Shasta and Rogue River valleys to the time of the removal of the Indians to the Coast Reservation in 1856, the roads and trails leading to and through these valleys have been considered more or less dangerous, and many transportation animals that would have been employed on these trails owing to the hostilities of these Indians have been kept employed on other roads and trails where the Indians were considered less dangerous. These numerous fluctuations and high prices have been caused by a variety of facts and circumstances, such as hostility of Indians, scarcity of capital, high price of interest, muddy & snowy roads, rough and rugged mountains over which the merchandise had to pass, the scarcity of transportation animals and the high price of labor. Interest from the first discovery of the gold mines in Shasta Valley to the present time has been from three to five percent per month, hence merchants could only buy or sell on very short credits, and the miners have made from nothing to one hundred dollars per day to the hand. Under these circumstances, common laborers who have no claims will not work for less than from two to six dollars per day. Witnesses further state that they are acquainted from common reputation with the general character of the Shasta, Modoc and Paiute Indians and know something of the dangers, difficulties, trials and hardships that many of the overland emigrants have to encounter, and the hostilities of these Indians in the summer of 1854, at the time Captain Jesse Walker's company was called into active service--and they believe the company was actually necessary for the safety of the lives and property of the immigrants, that the regular army stationed in the vicinity of the emigrant road was small and wholly failed to keep the peace within the settlements between the whites and Indians.
    These witnesses have no interest in these claims for supplies, &c. furnished Captain Walker's company, but make this affidavit at the request of the claimants, that justice may be done.
    (Signed in duplicates)
        J. W. McCully
        D. W. Kenney
        W. W. Fowler
        S. Ettlinger
        J. A. Brunner
        Wm. Hesse
        John Anderson
        Benj. T. Davis
   
Territory of Oregon
Jackson County ss.
    I, William Hoffman, Notary Public within and for said county, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing affidavit was taken before me and reduced to writing by myself, on the 12th day of November A.D. 1857 at my office in Jacksonville, and that the said affidavit was carefully read to said witnesses and then subscribed and sworn to by them. I further certify that the said affiants are credible persons and that I have no interest in the claim.
    In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my notarial seal at Jacksonville, this 12th day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-seven.
        Wm. Hoffman
        Notary Public
    At the request of B F Dowell Esqr I hereby certify that I am acquainted with J. W. McCully, D M Kenney, W W Fowler, S. Ettlinger, J A Brunner, Wm. Hesse, John Anderson and Benj. T Davis, whose names appear signed to the foregoing affidavit, and William Hoffman, the notary public before whom the affidavit appears to have been taken, that I am familiar with the handwriting of said Hoffman, and believe the said affidavit and jurat was written and attested by said Hoffman, that I have frequently seen the signatures of the said affiants Benj. T. Davis, John Anderson, S. Ettlinger, and D M Kenney, and from the knowledge so derived believe their signatures affixed to said affidavit to be genuine and that the signatures of the remaining affidavit are genuine because the said notary has so certified, and that said affiants are held and esteemed in the community in which they live as credible persons, that there are no usury laws in Oregon and that for the five years last past money has been worth in Oregon from ten percent per annum to five percent per month, and in the valleys of Rogue River and Shasta it has generally been worth during said period from three percent to five percent per month. But as to the matters and things contained in said affidavit I say nothing. Witness my hand this 17th day of Nov. AD 1857.
        M P Deady Associate Justice
        Supreme Court Oregon


Gen. Lane,
    Dear Sir:
        At the request of Mr. John B. Wrisley of this vicinity, I address you in relation to a claim he has against the government for supplies furnished during the Rogue River Indian War in the year 1853. Mr. W. employed me to prepare his vouchers, which were forwarded to Mr. Jacob Wagoner of this valley, who had gone to Iowa. Mr. Wagoner received the documents and had placed them in the hands of a gentleman who was about to visit Washington City from Iowa. We have not learned anything since in relation to the claims. Mr. Wrisley asks of you the kindness to assist him in having his claim allowed, especially as you are cognizant of the fact that he furnished supplies at the time. Should Mr. Wagoner return to Oregon before any allowance is made on the claims, he has been instructed to place the papers with you in the hope that your influence with the department would secure a speedy adjustment of the claims.
                        Very respectfully
                        Your ob'd serv't
                        Wm. Hoffman
P.S.
I am under obligations to you for "public documents" during the past session; may I ask a renewal of similar favors?


Mr. Joseph Lane Sir
    As I am losing all of my hair and there is no possible way for me to get a wig in this country, you will confer a favor upon me by getting one for me, one that will cost from $25 to $40. I will send the measure of my head, also some of my hair. If that amount of money don't get a good one go as high as $60. If it will be safe to send it by mail do so, if not bring me one when you come home. Your money will be ready for you when you return. Please to write if you will attend to it. By complying with the above request you will much oblige your
Mr. Dillard
Mr. Carland Booth says they will see that you are paid for your trouble. I wrote in haste; excuse all mistakes.
Gen J. Lane
Please to answer this letter.


Dear General:
    At last I am fixed in business. On Tuesday last I purchased the Standard office for six thousand dollars, and on Thursday next it will appear under my conduction. Capt. Cain loaned me $750.00 towards its purchase. Other friends assisted us further.
    I still have my suit against Bush, which shall or shall not be prosecuted agreeably as I hereafter conclude shall be for the benefit of yourself and my own interests. However, dollars shall not overcome policy in the matter with me. So far, he has kept his columns free from attack on me. The first offset by him will bring me out in a personal way. I can never stoop to reply to Billingsgate by Billingsgate. My paper shall never fall below decency, come what may. Hibben has acted scurvily in the whole transaction but was powerless for harm to me. I disregard him. I may lead, but shall never follow him.
    Avery, Kelly, Farrar, Quinsby, Brown, old Kinney and some dozen others owned the Standard. All of them acted handsomely with me. Farrar at first opposed, from having somehow heard in California that you had backed me in the proposed purchase of the Statesman. At last, Capt. Cain showed him your letter regarding the affair, and from that moment he became my warmest friend in the purchase. Capt. C. also showed Avery the letter after the sale was concluded, who was in time perfectly satisfied, as his liberal conduct best evinced. In fact, I am now certain that none of these men opposed you because of any other reason than from belief that you were an advocate of Bush & co. and the Salem Clique. Now they seem to be your friends, since Capt. Cain proved to them you had no faith in Bush.
    There is to be a successful attempt to throw overboard the platform and present apportionment, I believe from all I can hear. In my next you shall know all about it. At present, I am kept so busy in clearing up the office to get to work in good shape, that I am constrained to write you more briefly than otherwise.
    Capt. Cain told me he would write to you in favor of your sending him the $750.00 he loaned me. Let me ask you to make it $1500.00 for the following reason. Brown, one of the owners, declined to give me longer than three months to pay his $600.00 in, and he will be a troublesome fellow. Then there is another note of $217.00 made payable in ninety days, to a man who, I am told, will not wait. These are the only notes due under one year, or bearing interest. I wish to be rid of their pressure. There is not a penny of lien of any sort upon the office, and from debts due me on the books I hope to realize enough to pay off everything within the year.
    Capt. Cain declined taking a lien for the amount advanced, but Farrar has endorsed the note. If you will send me $750.00 more, making $1500.00 altogether, I will be relieved of all trouble. Do it if you can, for God's sake.
    In intrinsic value, the Standard office is worth double what the Statesman is. Type, press and everything in good condition. This much assistance to me now will be of paramount benefit, and you shall be well secured. But I must have it early, if at all.
    There is no longer any doubt that Bush's favorite candidates are Deady and Nesmith first, Delazon Smith second--for the Senate. That whole clique are certain to oppose you, save Curry, who is being fooled by them, I fear. He is honest, but unfortunately, not keen enough.  Of Boice, I cannot speak.
    I told Williams all about my affair with Bush, who had pledged him his word that there was never a word said by him to me about selling the Statesman, and a week ago he (Williams) started up to Salem fearfully angry at Bush. I have not heard from him since.
    Should the Territory be admitted as a state, I think you have nothing to fear. I have never met your son, Nat. He seems a strong Bush man, and I prefer to let his mind be disabused the natural way.
    Present my regards to Gen. Dawes, and say to him I got the pub. docs. he sent by last mail--also to Dr. Gwin, Broderick, &c. 
I shall not change the name of the Standard.


James O'Meara Esqr
    My Dear Sir
        Yours of the 22nd & 27th November have been read, and I thank you for them. That portion of your letters in relation to the disposition of our Indians I have referred to the Secretary of the Interior, that he may know the condition of affairs, and that we may be able if possible to avert the horrors of another Indian war. I shall urge the sending of troops to our frontiers to hold the Indians in check. I have no doubt but the Mormons will incite the Indians to take up the tomahawk. Brigham must be broken up!
    Now in reference to political matters, I cannot get my consent [sic] to believe that Nesmith has been playing the game that Davidson charges him with; it would be too barefaced; but if it should be found true, then I will take steps to prevent a fire from that quarter--but it cannot be possible that Nesmith, Bush or Curry can feel unkind to me! You know that I love Curry. I have always been a friend of Bush; have stood by Nesmith as no man ever stood by another, and why should they want to be at me? What have they to expect of Deady? I have under all circumstances been true to my friends and true to the interests of the people of Oregon--true to the Union; true to the Constitution and true to the rights of the States north and south, and would take with me to the Senate the kind wishes of the people of a large portion of this country.
    My Dear Sir, may not Mr. Davidson have misjudged the conduct, misunderstood the words, misinterpreted the actions of Mr. Nesmith? I am rather inclined to believe this than to entertain charges against a man whom I have hitherto so highly esteemed and the integrity of whose past life ought to be and really is to me a guarantee for his future honorable bearing towards me. Permit me to reiterate that I cannot even for one moment give room to suspicion, much less to act on such suspicion. I will however add that I accept your communication as a further proof of your kind feelings towards me, and allow me to assure you that I fully appreciate your friendship and hope that it will continue with increased vigor throughout life.
                    I am Sir with much
                        Respect yr. Obt. Svt.
                            Joseph Lane


Gen Joseph Lane
    Dear Sir
         I write to you in regard to some forage scrip of [the] '53 war. This scrip I have spoken of before to you, when you were here last. I believe I told you something about the circumstances. I think it was not properly entered on the muster roll. This I think I told you about; it is made out in the name of my former husband Martin Angel. Now I want you to understand the matter fully, as I might have omitted something when I was speaking to you about it. Mr. Angel lost this scrip gaming and gave his bond for the payment when it was paid to him. After his death suit was entered against the estate to recover the amount, but those entering suit were nonsuited, as they failed to make out a case, and now I being the proper one to receive this money ask you as a gentleman and friend to use your influence for the purpose of trying to collect the same, and I am perfectly willing to pay you any reasonable charge for any trouble you may be put to in the collection of said scrip. Besides being under many obligations I shall muster up all the proofs I can and send by J H Reed, as he will leave here on the 20th of next month for Washington, and he is my attorney. I shall need your testimony in the case, as you are better acquainted with the matter than anyone else. Charley Drew's testimony will be about as strong as anyone's as he was acting agent or quartermaster. This is all of business matters. Now for a little friendly talk. I suppose you have heard long since that I was married again. I was married on the 27th August to Charles Williams. I had been living at Oregon City previous to my marriage and was married while on a visit to Jacksonville. I since went below and brought out my children and am sending them to school. We are all getting along as well as could be expected. This now is about all I can say, trusting this may find you in the enjoyment of good health. I remain your friend and well wisher.
                            Yours, Anna Williams


Dear General--
    Allow me to wish you a happy New Year--I am quite unwell, having caught a severe cold lately that settled in my lungs, but am now much better, though somewhat troubled with the "blues." I am disgusted with everything and like Tittlebat Titmouse in the story, feel like damning them all. You of course are aware of the attack that Bush has made upon you; this provokes me much and the more as I am not able to go out, and the confounded mail has ceased to come. We have had no letter mail from the States since the 1st Nov. last and are not likely to get one until next June or later. The last letter I had from you was written before you went to Indiana. I know nothing of your wishes or what course you intend to take, or have taken, what our chances of admission are, or of the war-debt being paid--in fact, I know nothing. I can tell you something, however, of the effect produced by Bush's attack. With the state legislature it has made no change. With the Democratic masses, it is Bush's funeral sermon. The would-be politicians and aspirants for place are watching to see which way to jump. Their object is to elect Nesmith or Deady, whichever can command the most votes, to the Senate in place of the man who draws the short term, and as soon thereafter as possible elect the other man--so that it is decreed that Nesmith & Deady are to be our future Senators and Bush or Drew our next Congressman. You may say to Mr. Smith that they intend to put him to the sword, and I know it. He will recollect that I once before warned him, and he found it well timed. The only obstacle to the success of this plan is the want of votes, although they will come nearer success than they have ever done before. They count much on our having no paper; they expect to buy T'Vault and perhaps O'Meara. They make all sorts of promises, are giving away offices--Deady will not in any event qualify as State Judge; he threatens to publish your letter in which you tell him what Buchanan says of his opinions, &c. if he is not made Dist. Judge.  If he is appointed he is still a candidate for the Senate--Nesmith, however, will be the stronger man; he has more money and more patronage. To give you a sample, Lamerick, who is most undoubtedly a friend of yours, was in the Statesman office shortly after the article was published accusing you of preventing the admission of Oregon. Bush, Deady & Nesmith were there and Lamerick denounced their course pretty strongly. The next day Drew asked Lamerick if he would not like the appointment of Indian Agent on the Klamath Reservation! And it may be that they will recommend him; if Smith or Grover want the appointment, let them have it. I would like to see him appointed, yet if you were to secure the appointment for him they would call him a gambler. But they cannot buy him. This will show you the game they play--T'Vault says that he could do so and so if he had money. He wants money and if he don't get it from us, he will from them, I think. Col. Kinney of Benton is strongly for Nesmith. I do not know that he is as against you, but I fear so. Aaron Rose is with them as he always was, and is electioneering against you because the Land Office is not at Roseburg. I know of no other changes, but I have no doubt that there are others. I have no fears of the result, but it will require work, and they will crowd us. We must beat them in the convention this spring or the party is gone sure. Should your term expire in 1859, the present legislature will reelect you, but I wish you were here, or at least that I could hear from you. Of course, I'll give them the best fight that I can.
    Excuse this hasty scrawl, but you may get an idea from it of the state of affairs.
    I forgot to say that Barlow asked me to say that they had consented to Joe's appointment without consulting him, and that he does not want it. Joe is at Portland at school, doing well, I learn. Andy, Jr. has a natural love of fighting, and if he ever graduated would make a good soldier. Everybody neglects him for Joe until the poor fellow thinks that he is of no account, and if some care is not taken with him, he will be so. The family are all well. I suppose you know that Ella has another boy named LaFayette. I have forgotten how many grandchildren this makes, but it is upwards of a good many and a good prospect. Minnie, Charlie & Hannah send love. Give mine to John & Lafayette, Pugh, Pendleton & all friends.


Dear Sir:
    There is an important document for the interest of the war scrip now in the hands of Mr. Bush the public printer, but it will not be printed in time for me to send it in this mail. It is in reference to the claims of 1854, but it shows a variety of facts and circumstances that will be of great service to all the Indian wars.
    Having nothing of importance to do I have determined to write and send you by this mail a list showing as far as I know the number, places and names of citizens killed by Rogue River Indians and their allies in southern Oregon and northern California since 1851, including those killed during the existence of Indian hostilities, by Indians, supposed at the time to be friendly to the whites:
1851
May:
Mr. Dilly, killed near Camp Stuart
October:
Mr. Moffet, waylaid and killed on the road leading up Stuart Creek
June:
Calvin Woodman, killed in Scotts Valley. The murderer was arrested and hung in California.
June or July:
James L. Treaner, John Brando, Cayuse Jackson, John Adobe, a Mexican. This party was viewing a road from Sacramento to Oregon and they were all massacred in Pitt River. I suppose you know more of the facts than I do.
1852
August:
Mr. Coats, John Ornsby, James Long and 32 or 33 emigrants. These gentlemen were residents of Yreka and went to meet the emigrants, and all of them and the emigrants were all massacred near Lost River.
1852 December:
Wm. Grendege, Peter Hunter, James Bacon, Mr. Bacon, Mr. Bruner, Mr. Allen and Mr. Palmer were all massacred on Rogue River near the mouth of Galice Creek by Taylor's band of Rogue River Indians. The Indians reported a freshet washed them all away, but finally they acknowledged it after quite an amount of their money and clothes were found.
1853
Aug. 4th:
Edward Edwards, murdered in his house on Stuart Creek.
Aug. 5th:
Thomas Wills, killed within a few hundred yards of Jacksonville.
Aug. 6th:
Richard Nolan, killed in his cabin 1 mile above Jacksonville. These three murders were the commencement of the Rogue River war of 1853.
Aug. 17:
John Gibbs, Mr. Huggins & one more were shot and killed by the Stuart Creek Indians. They had petted, fed and clothed their murderers.
Oct. 6th:
James C. Kyle, killed at the Willow Springs about two miles from Fort Lane. The murderer, and the murderers of Mr. Edwards and Wills, were all three arrested in the spring of 1854, tried and convicted before Hon. O. B. McFadden and hung.
    Notwithstanding the various crimes that have been committed by whites and Indians against the natural rights of each other, and notwithstanding there has been a small dragoon force stationed at Fort Lane ever since 1853, these three Indians and one white man are the only criminals that have ever been brought to justice and punished by the civil authorities of southern Oregon.
1854
January:
Hiram Hulen, John Clark, John Oldfield, Wesley Mayden were all massacred in the mountains by Shasta & Modoc Indians while in pursuit of stolen horses belonging to Mr. Price, Lupper and Lupton.
April 15th:
Edward Phillips, murdered on Applegate Creek, about twenty miles from Fort Lane, by Tipsu Tyee's band.
June 15th:
Daniel Gage, waylaid and murdered on the Siskiyou Mountain near the summit, on the main road from Oregon to Yreka.
June 24:
Capt. McAmy, killed by Shasta Indians at DeWitt's ferry, on Klamath River near halfway between Fort Lane and Fort Jones.
1855
May 8th:
Mr. Hill, killed on Indian Creek by John's band of the Rogue River Indians about thirty or thirty-five miles from Fort Jones.
June 1st:
Jerome Dyer and Daniel McKew killed on the road from Jacksonville to Crescent City by the Illinois Indians and John's band.
June 2nd:
Mr. Philpot, killed by same Indians on same creek.
July 27th:
Mr. Peters, killed on Humbug Creek, by Klamaths & John's band of Rogue River Indians.
28th:
Wm. Hennessy, Edward Parrish, Thomas Gray, Peter Hignight, John Pollock, four Frenchmen & two Mexicans were all massacred by John's band and Klamath Indians on Buckeye Bar close to the mouth of Humbug Creek.
September 2nd:
Mr. Keene killed by Modocs on the southern Oregon emigrant road.
        "         24:
Mr. Fields and Mr. Cunningham, waylaid and massacred with fourteen head of oxen on the Siskiyou Mountain by John's or Tipsu's band.
Sept. 25:
Samuel Warner and an Indian boy mining with the whites on Cottonwood Creek, by the same band of Indians.
    These murderers were tracked by the citizens of Rogue River Valley along the mountain towards the camp of Jake's band on Butte Creek, which caused the attack upon Jake's band on the 8th of [October] 1855. Jake's band were a roguish thieving band of bad Indians, and the citizens believed and still believe the murderers were in the camp and that they were hostile to the settlers. This attack was reported to have been on the reservation, which caused the government's "10th order" to be issued. No Indian ever was killed on the reserve by whites.
Oct. 9th:
Mrs. J. B. Wagoner; Mary Wagoner, a little girl; Mr. & Mrs. Jones; Mr. & Mrs. Haines; George W. Harris; David W. Harris; Frank A. Reed, Wm. Gwin, James W. Cartwright, Mr. Powell, Mr. Burch, Mr. Fox & Mr. Hill were all killed by Rogue River [Indians] and John's band on the road between Evans ferry and Grave Creek, on the morning of the 9th of Oct. 1855. Soon after this news reached Col. John E. Ross, he on the 12th of the same month called out the militia of Jackson County, which was the commencement of the volunteer service in the late war. The citizens rose in mass, took up arms with a determination to avenge the death of their neighbors and conquer a lasting peace. Open war with all its horrors was preferable to pretended peace.
Oct. 10th:
Mr. Hudson and Mr. Wilson. Both were packers and traders. They were killed on the road to Indian Creek by Klamath & Scotan Indians.
16:
Holland Bailey killed on the road in Cow Creek Valley by Cow Creek and Rogue River Indians.
Nov. 6:
Charles Scott and Theodore Snow were killed on the road to Scotts Bar by messengers passing from the Rogue River Indians to Klamath Indians. The Klamaths soon after commenced hostilities.
1856
February 23rd:
Capt. Ben Wright, H. Braun, E. W. Howe, Mr. Wagoner, Barney Castle, George McClosky, Mr. Lara, W. R. Tullus, James Seroc and two sons, Capt. John Poland, Mr. Smith, Mr. Warner, Jno. Geisel and three children, S. Heidrick, Pat. McCullough & four other names unknown were all massacred near the mouth of Rogue River by the Lower Rogue River Indians, who at the time were under the charge of Indian Agent Ben. Wright. This may be termed the commencement of the war with the Saltchuck Rogue River Indians. They professed to be friendly to the agent up to the time they killed him and his comrades.
June:
Charles Green and Thomas Stewart were murdered on McKinney Creek, close to Fort Jones, by the Shasta Indians.
1857
January or Feb.:
Harvey Lockhart, Z. Rogers, Adam Boles, D. Bryant and John A. German were all killed by Pitt River Indians in Pitt River Valley.
    It will be seen from the foregoing list that upwards of one hundred and thirty of our citizens have at various times in the last six years suffered the extreme penalty of Indian treachery and barbarity. I have heard of several other massacres at different places that have fallen by the hands of the savages, who pretended to be friendly to the whites.
    I am credibly informed that as far back as 1834 a party of about thirty Americans under Capt. Smith were all massacred near the mouth of Umpqua River, and in June 1835 George Gay, a citizen of Polk County, informs me that himself and Samuel Miller, Edward Burns, Sanders, an Irishman called Tom, Dr. Bailey, John Turner and John Woodworth were all attacked near Birdseye's on Rogue River. Mr. Miller, Mr. Burns, Mr. Sanders and Tom were all killed. The others were all severely wounded. The Indians came into the camp friendly with salmon to sell one by one until a large band were all around them. And all at once they commenced shooting at them with arrows and beating them with clubs and tomahawks. He thinks they committed it for plunder, that they gave the Indians no provocation whatever. The Indians captured forty-nine horses and killed four, took all the provisions and camp equipage, clothing and one gun.
    Mr. Gay says the first cattle were brought to Oregon from California in 1838, and that he was one of the party that drove the cattle, and that in August they camped in the same prairie and the next morning he rode up the creek after the cattle alone, and he was again shot with an arrow in the back. This shows them to be inveterate enemies to the whites from the time the Rogue River Indians first saw a white man up to the close of the late war in May 1856.
    1850 or 1851. I am also informed that Col. Wm. G. T'Vault (who made his escape) and eight or ten others were attacked at the mouth of Coquille River, and nearly all were massacred, and that in 1851 a party of whites were killed on Grave Creek. The Indians killed them without cause for the purpose of taking their horses, which treacherous conduct caused Major Kearny of the U.S. army in the spring of 1851 to give them a severe chastisement, on Rogue River, at the time Lieutenant Stuart was killed.
    I have no memorandum of any of their names; doubtless Col. T'Vault can give you a full and accurate history of all these massacres and at some future time I will get the facts and send you a corrected list of names of those killed in times of pretended peace and also a list of those killed during the several wars in southern Oregon.
    I remain yours very respectfully,
                                        B. F. Dowell
Hon.
Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.
    Recapitulation of the whites murdered in Southern Oregon and Northern California by Indians pretending to be friendly,
In 1834 Capt. Smith party about  30
 "  1835 Mr. Gay's party                   4
 "  1851                                              7
 "  1852                                            43
 "  1853                                              7
 "  1854                                              8
 "  1855                                            39
 "  1856                                            26
 "  1857                                              5
            Total                                   169
    I have no doubt upwards of two hundred have been murdered.
                                                                            B.F.D.



    Friend Mosher
        At the request of Mr James Clugage, I write to apprise you of certain proposals for the conveyance of the mail between Portland & Winchester, which he has recently forwarded to Washington. He desires to make Winchester the distributing office, and his proposals provide for a mail twice a week between Corvallis & Winchester.
    He proposes to carry the mail according to the advertised schedule between Oregon City & Corvallis, i.e., to leave Oregon City on Mondays & Thursdays & arrive at Corvallis on Fridays & Tuesdays. Between Corvallis & Winchester he proposes to carry the mail as follows--viz--leave Corvallis on the Yoncalla route on Wednesday and arrive at Winchester Thursday evening--
    To leave Corvallis on the Eugene City route on Saturday and arrive at Winchester on Sunday. In this way the mail from Oregon City for Winchester which leaves the former place on Monday will go through to Winchester on the Star's Point and Yoncalla route, while the mail for Winchester which leaves Oregon City on Thursday will go through to Winchester direct on the Eugene City route. The return mails from Winchester will follow the same course, viz--those which leave Winchester on Monday will go direct through by the Eugene route, while those which leave on Friday will go direct north by way of Yoncalla, &c.
    Clugage wishes you to write to Gen Lane about the matter and solicit his aid with the department to have his proposals accepted & facilities increased. Clugage desires only two days on either route between Corvallis & Winchester.
    I write in a great hurry, as Bush & Nesmith are waiting for me to attend an oyster supper to the Legislature given by Bush, and Clugage wishes this to go by E. S. Kearney in the morning. No news on [sic] interest--
                    Yours truly
                        J. W. Drew
    (P.S.) Clugage wishes you would obtain the certificate of the postmaster at Winchester to show that the mails between Corvallis & that place are too heavy to be carried on horseback and also that a semiweekly mail is necessary &c--
                    Yours D.
    Enclose the certificate to Gen. Lane--letters to Gen. Lane on the subject have been forwarded by Hibben & others--who desire to encourage the plan.



    Gen Lane
        My Dear Sir
I have just received a letter from Jas. Clugage Esqr of O.T. stating that when Major Alvord of the U.S. army paid off the volunteers of the Indian war of 1853 in Rogue River Valley, he refused to pay him (Clugage) the amount of my claim on account of some informality in the power of attorney which I gave to Jas. Clugage before starting home. Clugage writes me to apply to the 2 or 3rd auditor at Washington D.C. & he will send me the amount due me on my satisfying him that I am the proper person to receive it. Jim writes that T. McF. Patton has my certificate of discharge & service & that he resides in Salem, O.T., but that it is not necessary for me to have it in order to get the money that the proof of the fact of service is all that will be required. Therefore, Genl., I am troubling you with this letter in addition to your other arduous duties, as you are the only one there who knows of my having served under you from the first day till the last emigrant wagon arrived in on the Klamath route, where we were sent by you under Capt J. Miller to aid & comfort. I volunteered on the day that Thos. Wills was shot in August of 1853 & served under Capt J Lamerick during the whole length of the war until your commissioners effected a treaty when I joined Capt J. Miller's company & went out to fight the Klamath Indians, furnishing my own horses & etc. I have been kept apart of [sic] the thousand or five hundred dollars more or less now for a long time on account of the fact above stated. I have been dealing pretty largely in land since my return & need a few hundreds now badly to finish paying up. I have taken the liberty Dear Sir to ask you if you will be kind enough to call upon the auditor & collect whatever money may be due me. Take from it enough to pay yourself for all trouble & remit me a draft on St Louis for the balance. I will refer you to John P. Shields, an attache in the House of Reps. for the proof of this my autograph, also for any other vouchers of character or etc. I can also refer you to Hon. S. A. Douglas, Lyman, Trumbull of the Senate & Robt. Smith of the House, a gentleman with whom I have been long acquainted, especially the two latter. I was with you at the battleground in which you & Capt. Alden were so seriously wounded & in the carrying out litter service. You remarked, "Boys! If there should ever come a time in which I can do any of you a favor, don't fail to call on me & by thunder I'll do it." My dear & honored sir that time has come to me. With sentiments of real friendship & high regard I remain yours Respty. E. H. Blanchard



General Joseph Lane:
    Dear Sir: Enclosed I send you the Governor's message and accompanying documents relative to the protection of the emigrants in 1854. Permit me to call your attention to it particularly. The affiant of Dr. McCully & others relative to the prices in Jacksonville may be of great service before the committees and A. M. Rosborough, Indian agent at the time in Yreka, shows conclusively the necessity and Genl. Palmer's letter to me and his official reports corroborates the statements of Mr. Rosborough.
    Mr. Bush recommends that Capt. Smith be appointed to report upon the necessity of the expedition. We know Capt. Smith has always opposed it, while all the Indian agents in the vicinity corroborates the necessity.
    On the 11th of September 1854, Genl. Palmer reports to Agent Culver, "I wish you if practicable to send a messenger to meet me at Klamath Lake between the 12th and 17th of August and inform me of the movements of troops relative to the southern road."
    Mr. Culver answers, "Fortunately, some volunteer troops were at Klamath Lake about the time you mentioned."
    I have no objection to Capt. Smith setting upon the justice of the claims, but not upon the necessity.
    I am anxious for an investigation, and if you can do no more, get a commission appointed like the one for the late war. The prices are high, but they are lower than the best business men would furnish them, which will be seen from the affidavits of McCully & others, page 37.
    It will be seen from the letter of Genl. C. S. Drew and others who got up the expedition. They are men of truth and veracity, and Dr. Cleaveland, McIntire and Judge O. B. McFadden never had a dollar in the expedition.
    There were 37 volunteers under Capt. Olney the same year that have not been paid a cent for their services. Justice requires that all should be paid, at least the prices allowed in the late war.
    I agree with you; all good men ought to support the views of Mr. Buchanan on the Kansas question.


Dear Sir:
    The citizens of Southern Oregon feel a deep interest upon the subject of the mails and new mail contracts, and to promote this interest upon that subject I have determined to send you a diagram of the mail routes from Oregon City to Yreka Cal., from which it will be seen there are two stage routes from Corvallis to Oakland and from Oakland to Scottsburg. Both of these routes ought to extend to Winchester, and then from Winchester to Scottsburg. This would give Winchester a tri-weekly mail, with as little cost to the government and more profits to the citizens and contractors. The passengers traveling in the stage to the land office at Winchester and on business to the town would more than compensate the contractors. The Umpqua River is frequently during the rainy season difficult to cross; by making Winchester the principal point and the end of both routes, the contractors could keep their coaches on both sides of the river. Then in times of high water the coaches would not have to cross the river, and the mails could be carried over in small boats, with but little danger at any season of the year.
    Again--if the bids under any circumstances possibly justify it, the mail ought to be carried in coaches from Winchester to Yreka. The mail is large now, and if it is made a weekly or tri-weekly route, it will increase the mail fourfold, and tend to destroy the express business. Uncle Sam is ten years behind the times. For the last twelve months there has been coaches running twice and three times weekly between Jacksonville and Yreka carrying the express, yet during the same time the United States mail has only been carried over the same route once in two weeks or only twenty-six times in a year. The consequence is but little of anything is carried by mail on the route, while the expresses run regularly and make fortunes at the expense of the public. You would do well for many of your constituents to make some of these suggestions and urge their adoption by the departments.
    It is a strange anomaly that express coaches can be seen daily, yet the United States mail is only able to go over the same route once in two weeks.
                    I have the honor to remain
                    yours very respectfully,
                                                B. F. Dowell.
Hon. Joseph Lane
    Washington City
        D.C.


Dear Sir
    I have sent bids to the post office department to run coaches & carry the mail from Corvallis to Yreka Cal. I wish you to act as my agent & make the changes suggested if necessary in Mr. Dowell's letter of this date. I will carry the mail for the same price with the change to run direct in both roads from Corvallis to Winchester. The distance is only 12 or 15 miles farther, and I am satisfied the passengers would more than pay [the] difference. Anything you can do for me will be considered as a great favor & I will try to carry the mails in a better condition than they have.
                    I Remain your most obt.
                            Jas. Clugage
Hon Jos Lane





    Joint Resolution relative to the payment of the volunteers called into service for the protection of the emigrants in 1854.
    Resolved, by the Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Oregon, that the secretary of the territory be and he is hereby requested to transmit copies of His Excellency the Governor's communication of the 18th of December last and the accompanying documents, and copies of this resolution, to His Excellency James Buchanan, President of the United States, and to Hon. James B. Floyd, Secretary of War; also, to send copies of the same to Hon. Joseph Lane, delegate in Congress from Oregon, and that he be requested to present the same to Congress and urge an appropriation to pay the Oregon volunteers who were called into service for the protection of the emigrants in eighteen hundred and fifty-four, and all just and necessary expenses.
    Adopted in the Council
        February 3rd 1858,
                                                Ira F. M. Butler
                                                    Speaker of the House of Representatives
    Adopted in the House
        February 3rd 1858
                                                H. D. O'Bryant
                                                    President of the Council
A true copy.
   
Your committee to whom was referred the Governor's message and resolution No. ____ relative to the protection of emigrants in 1854, with instructions to report as far as practicable the number, date, places and names of persons killed by Oregon Indians and their allies in times of peace, and those killed in times of war by Indians supposed to be friendly, submit the following report. The deadly hostility of the Indians inhabiting the extreme northern and southern portions of our Territory may be traced back to a very early period:
    As far back as 1834, a party of about thirty persons under the control of a Captain Smith were massacred near the mouth of the Umpqua River.
    In June 1835, George Gay, Daniel Miller, Edward Barnes [sic], Dr. Bailey, Mr. Sanders, John Turner, John Woodworth and an Irishman called Tom. were attacked by Rogue River Indians near where Mr. Birdseye now lives in Rogue River Valley and Mr. Miller, Mr. Burns [sic], Mr. Sanders, and Tom. were killed. The other four were badly wounded, but made their escape.
    In August, 1838, as a party of citizens of Oregon were driving the first cattle from California to this Territory, they were attacked near the same spot where the party was attacked in 1835, by the same Indians, and Mr. Gay, who was of the party of '35, was again wounded.
    In the fall of 1846, a sick immigrant was killed on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road, near Lost River, by Modoc Indians.
    On the 29th Nov. 1847, Dr. Whitman, a Protestant missionary, his wife, two orphan children, a Frenchman, and about eleven emigrants were massacred at and near the mission in Walla-Walla Valley by Cayuse Indians. This was the commencement of the Cayuse War.
    In 1851, an exploring party of eight or ten men were attacked near the mouth of the Coquille River, in Southern Oregon, and six of the number killed.
    Early in the spring of 1851 two men were killed on Grave creek and one or two more on Rogue River, by Rogue River Indians, for which they were chastised by Maj. Kearny, U.S. army. It was in some of Maj. Kearny's engagements with those Indians that Capt. Stuart, U.S. army, was killed.
    In May 1851 Mr. Dilley was killed near Camp Stuart, in Rogue River Valley, by R.R. Indians.
    In October, Mr. Moffitt was killed near the same place and by the same Indians.
    In June 1852 Calvin Woodman was killed in Scotts Valley, California, by R.R. Indians.
    In June 1852 James L. Treanor, John Brando, "Cayuse" Jackson and "Adobe" John, a Mexican, were killed by Pitt River Indians, in the valley of that name, while viewing a wagon road from Sacramento Valley to the southern boundary line of Oregon.
    In August 1852 Mr. Coats, John Ornsby, James Long and thirty-three immigrants were murdered by the Modoc Indians on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road.
    In December 1852 William Grendege, Peter Hunter, James Bacon and brother, Mr. Bruner, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Palmer were massacred by Rogue River Indians on Rogue River near the mouth of Galice Creek.
    In 1853, Aug. 4th, Edward Edwards was killed by Rogue River Indians in his own house on Stuart Creek.
    Aug. 5th, Thomas Wills was mortally wounded by Rogue River Indians within three hundred yards of the town of Jacksonville.
    Aug. 6th, 1853, Richard Nolan was killed by Rogue River Indians on Jackson Creek, one mile from the town of Jacksonville.
    Aug. 17th, 1853, John Gibbs, William Hudgins, and three others whose names are not known, were killed in Rogue River Valley by Rogue River Indians.
    Oct. 6th, 1853, James C. Kyle was killed by Rogue River Indians two miles from Fort Lane and about six from Jacksonville. The actual murderer of Mr. Kyle, and those who murdered Edwards and Wills, were subsequently arrested, and were tried for their offenses before the Hon. O. B. McFadden, in the spring of 1854, and were convicted and hung. These three Indians, with those chastised by Major Kearny in 1851, are the only ones ever punished for crime by either the civil or military authorities in southern Oregon.
    In January 1854 Hiram Hulen, John Clark, John Oldfield and Wesley Mayden were killed between Jacksonville and Yreka by Rogue River, Shasta and Modoc Indians.
    April 15th 1854 Edward Phillips was killed on Applegate Creek, near Fort Lane, by Rogue River Indians.
    June 15th 1854 Daniel Gage was killed while crossing the Siskiyou Mountains between Jacksonville and Yreka.
    June 24th 1854 Captain McAmy was killed at DeWitt's ferry, on Klamath River, by Shasta and R.R. Indians.
    August 20th Alexander Ward, his wife and seven children, Mrs. White and child, Samuel Mulligan, Dr. Adams and brother, William Babcock, John Fredrick, and Rudolph Schultz, Mr. Amens and a Frenchman, name unknown, were massacred by Snake Indians on the Northern Oregon Emigrant Road near Fort Boise.
    September Mr. Stewart was killed by Indians on the middle route to Oregon, via the plains.
    May 8th 1855 Mr. Hill was killed on Indian Creek by Rogue River Indians.
    June 1st 1855 Jerome Dyer and Daniel McKew [were] killed by Rogue River Indians on the road between Jacksonville and Illinois Valley.
    June 2nd 1855 Mr. Philpot, killed in Deer Creek Valley by the same Indians next above mentioned.
    July 27th 1855 Mr. Peters was killed on Humbug Creek by Klamath, Shasta and R.R. Indians.
    July 28 1855 William Hennessey, Edward Parrish, Thomas Grey, Peter Highnight, John Pollock, four Frenchmen and two Mexicans, names unknown, were killed by the Indians next before referred to, at Buckeye Bar, on Klamath River.
    September 2nd Mr. Keene, killed by Modoc Indians on the Southern Oregon Emigrant Road, near Rogue River Valley.
    September 1855 Mrs. Clark and a young man were killed in Yamhill County by Coast Indians.
    September 1855 Elisha Plummer and four others, names unknown, were killed at Grand Ronde, east of the Blue Mountains, by Cayuse and Walla Walla Indians.
    September 1855 Indian Agent A. J. Bolen, ____ Matteese and two others, names unknown, were killed by the Yakima Indians east of the Cascade Mountains.
    September 24th 1855 Fields and Cunningham were killed by Rogue River Indians on the Siskiyou Mountains between Jacksonville and Yreka.
    September 25th 1855 Samuel Warren, killed by the same Indians next above referred to.
    October 9th 1855 Mrs. J. B. Wagoner, Mary Wagoner, Mr. & Mrs. Jones, Mr. & Mrs. Haines and two children, George W. Harris, David W. Harris, F. A. Reed, William Gwin, James W. Cartwright, Mr. Powell, _____ Bunch, _____ Fox, _____ Hamilton and _____ White were killed by Umpqua and Rogue River Indians near Evans ferry on Rogue River. This is known as "the Wagoner Massacre."
    October 10th 1855 Messrs. Hudson and Wilson, killed by Rogue River and Klamath Indians on the road between Crescent City and Indian Creek.
    October 16th 1855 Holland Bailey was killed by Umpqua and Cow Creek Indians in Cow Creek Valley.
    November 6th 1855 Charles Scott and Theodore Snow, killed on the road between Yreka and Scotts Bar by messengers from the Rogue River to the lower Klamath Indians.
    February 23rd 1856 Capt. Benj. Wright, Capt. John Poland, H. Braun, E. W. Howe, Mr. Wagoner, Barney Castle, George McClusky, Mr. Lara, W. R. Tullus, James Seroc and two sons, Mr. Smith, Mr. Warner, John Geisel and three children, S. Heidrick, Pat. McCullough and four others whose names are unknown were killed by Indians in charge of agent Capt. Benj Wright near the mouth of Rogue River.
    March 26th 1856 George Griswold, Norman Palmer, Mr. & Mrs. Brown, William Watkins, James St. Clair and eleven others, names unknown, were killed by Cascade Indians.
    This is known as "the Cascade Massacre."
    June 1856 Charles Green and Thomas Stewart, killed on McKinneys Creek near Fort Jones by Shasta Indians.
    Jany or Feby 1857 Harry Lockhart, Z. Rogers, Adam Boles, D. Bryant, and John, a German, killed in Pitt River Valley, by Pitt River Indians.
    It will be seen from the foregoing list that prior to 1851, upwards of fifty citizens were murdered by Oregon Indians. Since 1851 upwards of one hundred and forty citizens have been murdered by the Indians of Southern Oregon and their immediate allies; and about fifty by the Indians of Northern Oregon and their allies, since 1851. Many more names could be obtained from papers and living witnesses, but your committee have not time to investigate any farther.
    Your committee report the resolution back without amendment, and recommend that it be adopted. All of which is respectfully submitted.
                        Nathaniel Ford
                        Chairman Military Affairs
Feby. 3rd 1858.
   
Dear Bush
    Your letter of the 23rd Feby has this moment been recd. By some accident it is several days behind the mail. It is now 9 at night and at 9 tomorrow morning I will be at the State Dept. and see if any attempt has been made to have the printing of the laws changed from the Statesman and Times. It will not be done.
    By last mail I wrote you (for publication) in regard to dissensions and discord that appeared to be springing up in our new state. I hope you will publish.
    I have all my life belonged to the Democratic Party. The principles held by that party are the true principles of the government, and must be maintained. This can only be done by the harmony and union of the party. I shall never abandon the party, or fail to give my most earnest support to the regular nominees of the party. I never have for a moment favored or in any way countenanced any movement calculated to divide or disturb the peace or harmony of the party, nor I never will. I could part with my wife and all my children as easy as I could do anything to weaken the Democratic Party, or disturb its organization, and I assure you that I shall do neither the one nor the other. My advice to all Democrats has been, and will be, to come together, act together and go together in support of principles that cannot be compromised, and bury all ill feeling, personal animosities and private grievances on the altar of the public good. This ought to be done, and I earnestly hope will be, and that the party may present an unbroken front and continue united and strong.
    I am anxious to be one of the first Senators, and I believe that I could be useful to the people of Oregon and also to the whole country. Knowing as I do that our Democratic friends in Congress and throughout the country desire and expect it, and also knowing well that my defeat would not advance the interests of the people of Oregon, I could not, would not, seek or desire a seat in the Senate at the expense of the party. I must be permitted, however, to say that I have not a particle of doubt about the feeling of the Democrats of Oregon in regard to myself. Nine out of every ten of them would if the question was presented to them go for me for the Senate, and the fears of many are that some unfair means is to be or will be resorted to for the purpose of defeating me. Now I desire to say that I have no fears of the kind who is the man that could be so base as to undertake to do that which his party almost to a man would regard as corrupt, dishonest, dishonorable and in violation of their wishes and interests in a matter so essential to them and to the peace, harmony and success of the party. No man of our party or set of men will undertake any such thing. I have no fears in regard to the matter, but this is a matter that I will not discuss. I want to be elected to the Senate, but as before stated not at the expense of the Democratic Party.
    You are aware that I look upon you as an able and faithful supporter of Democratic principles, an able defender of the principles of the party. As an editor you have done your duty. You are also aware of my confidence in your friendship. You said to me that Judge Deady would not be a candidate for the Senate, that you should support me. I know you meant what you said, and all letters to the contrary will not move me a peg. I am true to my friends; I have never deceived one, nor will my friends deceive me.
Hon. G. H. Williams
    Dear Sir
        I enclose you a copy of a letter addressed by Gen Lane to a voter in Oregon. I have reason to know that O'Meara has been addressed to the same import substantially.
Dear Sir
    Your letter of the 1st ult has been received; from it and letters from other persons as also from the press, I learn that a queer state of things exists out there, I mean politically. I may not understand all about it, but one thing I do understand, that is: that no good can come of dissension and discord in the Democratic ranks. I have been a member of that party for many years, and never saw any attempt to divide and distract the party that did not result in injury to the organization. And though small at first, if allowed to grow the breach becomes wider and wider until the party is broken down. It is vain to talk of success with our strength broken by unnecessary and suicidal divisions and dissensions, and I must confess that I cannot understand by what process of reasoning anyone can be made to believe that the strength of the Democratic Party can be increased by a division in its ranks. Now I take it that some will agree with me in the conclusion that division would not strengthen the party but on the contrary would weaken it. If I am right in this conclusion, I submit whether it would not be wise to heal dissensions and discord in the party, and unite in support of the principles of the party. For they are the true principles of the government and must be maintained. But can we have success and maintain those principles so dear to every Democrat unless we unite and stand together? To do this the organization of the party must be maintained, conventions must be held, candidates placed in nomination; this done, and every Democrat should give them his hearty support. Such has been the usage of the party from the time of its organization, and in this way only can we expect to be successful, and if abuses exist in the Democratic ranks, if wrongs have been committed and injustice done to individuals, there is the place to correct them. The honest Democratic masses will always correct errors of their own and of the party, while they will take good care to preserve the organization of the party, defend its principles, and support its regular nominees.
    I know the Democracy of Oregon and know them to be as honest, as intelligent, as patriotic, and as devoted to the Constitution and the Union as any people in America, and I appeal to them to stand by the organization of the party. It is indispensable to success, indispensable to the peace, welfare and happiness of the country. I therefore beg of them to bury all ill feeling and personal animosities, and sacrifice all personal wrongs and prejudices on the altar of public good, and put an end at once to all dissensions among us. Present a united front and all will be well.