304 PETER H. BURNETT. home on the Tualatin Plains in 1844. He called at my house. and, finding I was in the woods at work, he came to me there. This was the last time I ever saw him. Our relations were of the most cordial and friendly character, and I had the greatest respect for him. I consider Dr. Whitman to have been a brave, kind, devoted, and intrepid spirit, without malice and without re- proach. In my best judgment, he made greater sacrifices, endured more hardships, and encountered more perils for Oregon than any other one man; and his services were prac- tically more efficient than those of any other, except perhaps those of Dr. Linn, United States Senator from Missouri. I say perhaps, for I am in doubt as to which of these two men did more in effect for Oregon. The news of this bloody event thrilled and roused our people at once; and within a very short time, considering the season and other circumstances, we raised an army of some five hundred brave and hardy men, and marched them into the enemy's country. Several battles were fought, the result of which is well and concisely stated by Governor Aber nethy, in his message to the Legislative Assembly of Oregon, under date of February 5, 1849: I am happy to inform you that, through aid of the terri- tory to go in pursuit of the murderers and their allies, and of those who contributed so liberally to the support of our fellow citizens in the field, the war has been brought to a successful termination. It is true that the Indians engaged in the massacre were not captured and punished ; they were, however, driven from their homes, their country taken pos- session of, and they made to understand that the power of the white man is far superior to their own. The Indians have a large scope of country to roam over, all of which they were well acquainted with, knew every pass, and by this knowledge could escape the punishment they so justly merited. In view of this the troops were recalled and dis- banded early in July last, leaving a small force under the command of Captain Martin to keep possession of the post at Wailatpu, and a few men at Wascopum. Captain Martin remained at Wailatpu until the middle of September, when
