two days of Lapwai, and being aware that now that the snow was off the mountains the Cayuses could find sustenance without their herds, Colonel Waters determined upon closing the campaign, should it meet the approval of the governor. Feeling, also, that it w T as better that all the white inhabitants should remove out of the Indian country, he despatched captains Thompson and Nesmith to Craig's place on the Clearwater to escort him and his family and goods to the fort; and ordered Major Magone with fifty-five men to the Chemakane mission to give Walker and Eells an opportunity to leave the country, advising them by letter that in his judgment they would do well to accept it.
These measures were adopted without waiting for the sanction of Governor Abernethy, as shown by the dates of the correspondence and reports.[1] Colonel Waters left Waiilatpu June 8th to proceed to the Dalles, the letter of the governor directing him to do so being dated June 15th, which could not have been received before he reached the Dalles. That the orders of the governor agreed so well with the previous acts of the field-officer is evidence that the latter suggested to the former his course.[2]
At Fort Waters, which was placed under the command of Captain William Martin, Colonel Waters left fifty-five men, which number he expected to be
- ↑ Magone left camp for the Chemakane May 26th, and Thompson must have started for Lapwai a day or two later. He returned to Fort Waters the day that Magone left Chemakane with the mission families, and the colonel, without waiting for the major's detachment, left at once for the Dalles.
- ↑ 'Oregon City, June 15, 1848. Sir: On receipt of this you will hold a council with the superintendent of Indian affairs and come to a decision in regard to remaining in the upper country. In order that the remainder may return without delay, I would recommend that one company of 85 men, rank and file, be formed out of the volunteers that may offer their services to remain until the U. S. troops arrive. Of this company, 15 could be stationed at Fort Lee and 70 at Fort Waters. Of the latter, 40 or 50 could proceed at the proper time to meet the emigrants. A company under Capt. Scott will leave the head of this valley in time to escort the emigrants on the southern route, I think treaties can be made holding the chiefs responsible and protecting the emigration from molestation.(Signed) Geo. Abernethy.
'Col. Waters.'
Or. Archives, MS., 144.
