of Spokanes, Cayuses, and Walla Wallas from California under circumstances which led him to fear for the safety of the settlers in the upper country,[1] as Elijah Hedding, the son of Peupeumoxmox, had been killed by an American. Before the excitement caused by this information had subsided, White was surprised by a visit from Ellis, high chief of the Nez Percés, who came to recount to him the particulars of this unfortunate affair. The story told by Ellis was that the natives had seized upon the idea of procuring cattle from California, and taking their surplus furs and horses to exchange for cows, had set out on this expedition under the leadership of Peupeumoxmox, or Yellow Serpent, who was accompanied by his converted son, Elijah Hedding. The journey was fraught with danger, as they were obliged to pass through a country inhabited by tribes with whom they were not friendly; but being well mounted and equipped, they reached California in safety, and were well received by the white population at Sutter Fort. An agreement to trade was entered into; all went well until the natives in hunting met with a band of freebooters from whom they took a prize of twenty-two stolen horses. On returning with them to the settlements, the animals were claimed by their former owners. The Oregon chiefs remonstrated, saying that in their country the horses, having been recovered from an enemy at the risk of life, would belong to those who recaptured them. But the others insisted that according to the laws of California the animals must bear a transfer mark before they ceased to be the property of their original owners. As the Indians refused to take that view of it, a ransom of first ten and then fifteen cows was offered for the captured estrays. But Peupeumoxmox was sulky, and would not reply, so the negotiations were broken off.
A day or two later, an American, seeing a mule which had been stolen from him among the animals,
- ↑ Honolulu Friend, iv. 29.
