augmented by a portion of Magone's command, only five of whom, however, remained. These were men who had enlisted to serve until the 15th of September; and the object in leaving the garrison was to afford protection to the immigrants who might pass by the Columbia route,[1] and also hold the enemy's country until they should be compelled to give up the murderers.
At Fort Lee seventeen men only were left, under command of Lieutenant A. L. Rodgers; the remainder of the regiment, which was joined at the Dalles by Magone's detachment, proceeding to Oregon City by the Barlow road over the Cascade Mountains, commanded by Captain Hall, while Colonel Waters with the missionary party took a boat from the Dalles to that place, expecting to arrive in advance and meet the companies at McSwain's, on the Clackamas. Not being able to do so on account of adverse winds, the regiment arrived at Oregon City before Waters, and was disbanded by Captain Hall, on furlough, subject to the order of the governor,[2] by whom they were subsequently mustered out.
The foregoing history of the winter and spring campaign has been written from the official documents, as far as they can be found, which, although somewhat meagre, afford a sufficiently clear account of the Cayuse war to show the spirit in which it was conducted, and the hardihood of the volunteers in marching back and
- ↑ I find a copy of a circular in Lee's handwriting evidently intended to be forwarded to meet the immigration at Laramie or Fort Hall, it being according to the act of the legislature creating the office of superintendent of Indian affairs, that he should give instructions to persons emigrating how to maintain peace with the Indians. In this circular they are warned of the existing hostilities with the Cayuses and Columbia River Indians, and informed of the establishment of military posts in their country. They were advised, unless they were protected by United States troops, to form themselves into military companies, and consider themselves as soldiers, and their families and property as their ordnance and baggage train; to give no unnecessary offence, and show no fear. ' Experience has taught us that the best way to keep the Indians really friendly is to keep them afraid of us.' Or. Archives, MS., 161-3.
- ↑ Rept. of Col. Waters, in Or. Spectator, July 27, 1848; Polynesian, v. 2; S. F. Californian, Aug. 14, 1848.
