Governor Abernethy; and Peter Skeen Ogden of the Hudson's Bay Company immediately departed for |he scene of the tragedy, his object being to rescue the women and children taken captive. On December 19th, he addressed the Cayuse chiefs at Fort Walla Walla, censuring them for permitting the murderous deed. After reminding them of the probable vengeance that would be visted upon them Ogden told the chiefs that his whites were traders and neutrals, who wished to buy the captives and prevent further trouble and bloodshed. Ogden made liberal presents to the chiefs and upon his threats the captives were released. Nine days later they arrived at Oregon City amidst much rejoicing.
"Oregon Rifles" Sent to The Dalles. Upon learning of the Whitman Massacre, Governor Abernethy, on December 6, sent to the legislature a message concerning the seriousness of conditions and also issued a call for volunteers. The same day a company of forty-five volunteers was organized in Oregon City for the purpose of protecting The Dalles, which at that season of the year was the "Pass of Thermopylae," through which the Cayuse Indians and their allies were compelled to go before entering the Willamette Valley. This company, which was the first military force organized for the protection of Oregon, was called the "Oregon Rifles";[1] because the members of the company furnished their own rifles and equipment.
The Cayuse War. In addition to other troubles with Oregon Indians, there have been five wars with them. They were the Cayuse War (1848), The Rogue River Indian War (1851-1856). The Modoc War (1873), War with the Nez Perces ( 1877), and the Piute-Banock War (1878). The----
- ↑ Those without rifles and ammunition were supplied on their personal credit by Doctor McLoughlin, who hesitated to trust the Provisional Government because he lacked confidence in its financial stability. The "Oregon Rifles" went into camp at The Dalles, Dec. 21, 1847. The "Oregon Rifles" will not be mistaken for the "Rifle Regiment," which came to Oregon in 1849.
