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You are here: Introduction / Nez Perce Council
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Excerpted from the Journal of Operations of Governor Isaac Ingalls Stevens of Washington Territory in 1855:
December 6th Thursday Evening. We took up our line of March for the Nez Perce country, crossed the Spokane and encamped, having travelled only 3 miles. Our animals had strayed and it was late in the day before we could start. We were therefore compelled to encamp after travelling only six miles. December 8th Saturday. We made an early start, our route lay over a rolling grassy country
covered with open Pine woods, and well watered by several small brooks. At 25 miles from our camp of last night we reached Camash Creek and encamped in a fine Grove of Pine. Here we met two Frenchman making their way from Walla Walla to the Spokane. They reported the Valley overrun with hostile Indians. The Walla Wallas, Cayuses, and Umatillas; the John Day, Des-Chutes and Tih River Indians, were encamped on the headwaters of the Walla Walla and all hostiles. All the settlers save a few French, married to Indian women, had gone below for protection, and their houses had been burned, and stock driven off by the Savages. December 9th Sunday. The weather is very inclement, snowing and raining all day. Our route lay up the Creek for 12 miles where we crossed and thence over a high rolling prairie destitute of timber, but covered with good grass. At ten miles from the Creek we left our trail and turning to the East in four miles more struck into the trail along the base of the mountains over which we had travelled in June last about twelve miles this side of the Palouse River. The snow is here eight inches deep, and it has been from four to six inches deep since leaving the Spokane but is rapidly dissolving under the heavy rain which continues to fall. Made today 26 miles. December 10th Monday. The rain ceased while we were packing up. Pushed on, crossed the Palouse, and then the low Camash grounds, before noticed in this Journal, and encamped at some springs in the base of the high wooded ridge, bounding the Camash Grounds on the south east. It commenced to snow and rain again, about noon and still continues. The snow is here 10 to 12 inches deep. Travelled today 30 miles. December 11th Tuesday. We pushed on as rapidly as the state of the roads, very heavy and slippery from the rain and melting snow, would permit, and at 20 miles reached the Clear Water opposite the mouth of the Lapwai and succeeded in crossing the River, which was barely fordable, but with the loss of two of our horses—they got into deep water and were drowned—making no effort to swim. In seven miles more we reached Craig's place, and encamped near his house around which are 208 Nez Perce Lodges, containing not less than 2000 men, women and children, and able to muster 800 warriors. We found but little news of importance here. It was certain that the Walla Walla Valley was filled with hostile Indians. A part of 100 Volunteers had been some weeks at the site of the old Agency on the Umatilla, and it was expected they would soon be reinforced and march against the Enemy.December 12th Wednesday. The Lawyer with several principal chiefs of the Nez Perces came to Mr. Craig's to have a friendly talk with the Governor, to hear and to tell the news. The Governor read a letter from Mr. Nathan Olney, Indian Agent in Oregon, which was interpreted by Mr. Craig. Governor Stevens then said to them, "My friends, in November just as we were leaving Fort Benton I heard news of the war. That the Yakimas had commenced it, and it was supposed the Walla Wallas, Cayuses and Umatillas would join them. "I was sure the Nez Perces would take no part in that war. Many Nez Perce Chiefs had been with me all the summer. Those Chiefs were not with me when I heard the news of the war, but they all met me at Hell Gate. Then I talked with Looking Glass, and Spotted Eagle. They were sure the Nez Perces were friendly and thought the Cayuse and Umatillas were. "From the Bitter Root Valley we travelled together. We reached the Coeur d'Alene Mission. There we saw many of the Coeur d'Alenes. I talked with them. They had killed no Whites, and when I left, promised to take no part in the war. "Looking Glass can tell you about our talk on the Spokane. He knows the hearts of the Colvilles, the Coeur d'Alenes and the Spokanes. I thought when I left, those Indians at the Spokane Council were well satisfied. "But I found there many false reports as to what had been said at the Walla Walla Council. Such for instance, as that the Whites had said at that Council, they would take the Spokane and Coeur d'Alenes country, if they did not give it willingly. And that I had said, that the lands, and woman and children, and cattle of the Indians, were mine, and I would take them. I told them this was all a lie. That I had never thought or said such a thing. "Since coming here I have got information from Captain Olney's letter, that the Walla Wallas had joined in the war, and it was feared the Cayuses would. I would like to know what the Chiefs think from what they have heard. Lawyer said, "I have all along been thinking that the Walla Wallas, Cayuse, and Umatillas, would not join in the war. "But when I heard that they had plundered Fort Walla Walla, and no person was living there; and here five days since, heard news of their fighting there; and since have had no news; I don't know what they are doing. I don't know what to think. But we do hear that the Chiefs say no; we won't fight, but we cannot stop our young men. Joseph and Red Wolf came from there and said, the Chiefs have given it up; they cannot stop their young men. We have heard that they are fighting and do not know their hearts now, nor how many have joined, or how few. "I think their hearts were for a fight. How can they listen now, men have fallen on both sides. "But few Indians are for peace, and they are living in this upper country. "All we know is, they are fighting down there. We do not know how many, who are at it, pushing it on, or who trying to stop it." Looking Glass said, "I would like to have a talk with thos people below to know what they are about—what they are doing, and what they are going to do, now I cannot tell." Some more remarks were made by Looking Glass and the Lawyer to the other Chiefs, and then, Governor Stevens said, "It seems to me that the Indians who are engaged in fighting, and who have killed White men, are the enemies of the Whites, and of all good Indians. "I think all the Nez Perces who have arms had better go with me, and then we can see how it is. "The Indians who are fighting we will treat as we always do our enemies, they are the enemies of the Nez Perces too. The Indians who are friendly and have been so, we will treat as we do our friends. "Think it over, and tomorrow we will have a Council." Lawyer said, "Hush, my friend do not say you are going at such a time, we will get things ready as soon as we can and then let you know. "We want to talk and find out our hearts just as they are." Looking Glass said, "It is better to find out all our hearts before you start. There are people in the way blocking up your road. We do not know what they will do. Although most of those people have been waiting, and the Chiefs telling them to stop—they did not—the young men went off to war. "The last we heard they were fighting-there were bodies lying on the Prairies on both sides. "The old Chiefs have been waiting for you and me to come to hear what we would say. The young men did not listen to them. "I told that man, (the Humpback, a Nez Perce, who came to-day with news of fighting below, mere rumor) when I saw him here, you will go tomorrow and carry the news that the Governor and us Nez Perces have arrived here safe, and tell them all the news. Then the Whites will know the Governor's heart, and the Indians will know mine. They will know that you and us have come here safe together, and know our hearts. "And I thought to get here before those guns were fired, but the young men have slipped away in spite of their Chiefs, and I don't know how the country is now. I cannot make up my mind as to how you will travel. I told you long ago that the Nez Perce trail to Walla Walla was the road for you to travel on. Although they may be fighting, it is the road, there is no other. "You remember I told you that the Spotted Eagle said to me, 'You depend too much upon your word among the people (the Nez Perces) my people are above yours on Clear Water. When he told me his people were above, I answered him that I did not think it was only a little place I had to talk in,—a Chief must talk to all the people. "I am merely telling what he said—that they would not listen to my talk. But I must be listened to. He told me, I am a man and a Chief, and I said, if I am a Chief, why will not all my people look on me as a Chief, all my people? They will do it. When he talke to me in that way. I had but one heart. It was to call a few of my people and go along and we see when they would meet me and kill me with a club. "I look upon a Chief to be a Chief ong all people who come into his country, or about it and not to be hemmed up in a little place. A Chief is a Chief every where. "This is all I wished to say, to show the talk Spotted Eagle and I had, the day we parted at Coeur d'Alene Mission."Governor Stevens said, "Were the Chiefs below still deliberating and undecided as to what to do, then one man could go and do a great deal towards peace? But when they are fighting and bodies are laying on both sides, what can one man do? "Looking Glass, thought the Cayeses, would not do any thing, that they would wait until he saw them. It seems they did wait some time, but now they are at war. "Perhaps we may have heard false reports. If we find them friendly we shall not fight them, but if we find them with arms in their hands, we shall. "The Cayuses, and Walla Wallas know that the Nez Perce are friendly to the Whites. What will they do to a Nez Perce who goes to the Danlles to get his winter supplies? Did not the Cayuses and Umatillas and Walla Wallas agree in the Treaty that the Nez Perces might travel in peace on all the roads through their country, the road to the Dalles? "We agreed in the Treaty every Indian should have a right to travel on the road, yet now the hostile Indians are blocking it up. "Speaking of Chiefs: what did Pee-opee-mox-a-mox say to Joseph (a Nez Pence Chief)? I am told he said, that he, Pee-opee-mox-a-mox was the Chief of all the country; and now he is blocking up the road. "And Joseph has told you whether the Cayuses have listened to him, and yet he loves the Cayuses because he is related to them." After some more talking and smoking among themselves the Chiefs went home. December 13th Thursday. At 1 P.M. the Governor was notified that the Indians were ready for the Council, and accordingly the Governor accompanied by Secretary Doty and Interpreter Craig, proceed to the Council Lodge. This was an immense Lodge about 100 feet in length constructed in the usual manner of poles, mats, and skins, in which were assembled some 200 Nez Perce including all the principal Chiefs; Lawyer presiding. Of the ox killed for them in the morning, they had prepared a feast. The meat was simply roasted or boiled at fires in the Council Lodge, by young men who officiated for the occasion as Cooks, and cut up in small square pieces. Soon after the Governor's entrance the meat was handed around in large pans, placed so that from four to six persons could help themselves from each pan, to such delicate morsels as best suited their palates. During the Feast, Timothy, Red Wolf and others came from below, bringing news that a large body of Volunteers had defeated the Indians in a battle near Dr. Whitman's old Mission. Killed a great many and dispersed the remainder in all directions. "Five Crows", alone, was seen fleeing down the Tucannon. After the Feast the pipes were passed around and Lawyer arose and said, "When all those people we have just heard of being killed were yet living, and they heard of War in the Yakima Country, I said then why do you not say to your people, listen to your Father and your Chiefs? And I could not hear of the Young people saying, 'Yes, my Father and my Chiefs, we will listen and obey', and we now fear that there is fighting on both sides, and bodies of each lying on the Plain. "But we never heard of our Great Father telling his children to go to war and kill each other. For we hear the words of the President to his Children, 'Do not shed blood.' "His words have been spread all over the country even to the Blackfeet, far off. Our Chiefs have all heard it, and listened to it and kept it in their hearts. "The word was given to those people who are at War. You have heard that they have all thrown it away—they have not listened to it—and I speak to you for the good of the children and the parents. "It is from the President's message to us that our Reservation is marked out, and that land is not to be tramped upon by any people for nothing. It shall never be tread upon, without trouble by people who do not listen to the word and keep their promises. "That is why I have spoken to you, my people, when I heard that some of you were going to war." Joseph said, "You asked me when I came to tell you the news, and I said I would tell you to-day. "But news has come that all the people I was to speak of are killed and I think perhaps it is better to let it be as it is—to say nothing of them. But if you insist I will tell what they said when I went there to try and stop them from going to war, though I had rather not speak of them since they are all dead." Governor Stevens said, "I do not urge Joseph, let him do as he thinks best about it." After some conversation among the Indians concerning the news just arrived Looking Glass said, U-ute-san-male-ee-can said, "Our hearts are made up—our hearts are made up. We are listening for you Chiefs from other parts of the country to speak. "When we first heard of the war among the Yakimas the news came to us in the upper country—up the Clear Water. "Then I sent word to the people below not to speak for me. I told them to respect those two streams-the boundaries of our Reservation. That they had all heard what was said at the Council at Walla Walla and all that talk had been sent to the President. From those who did not respect that Council, their hearts must separate. "I sent word to all the Chiefs to have respect for what had been said at that Council, for what they said, and that a part of my people had gone on carrying this law that had been spoken to nations on the other side of the mountains. "I heard of those people fighting on the other side of the Columbia, and I turned my face from them towards where my Chiefs and young men had gone to make a peace with the Blackfeet, and I said to my people, 'the laws already given to as will not be lost, if they are killed in that country;' and I looked to see them come towards home, and kept my face towards where my Chiefs and young men were coming, and never turned it to see where they were fighting over the Columbia. And I also told them that those people like ourselves, had the laws given to them; and they did not listen. "Listen to Looking Glass and Spotted Eagle, that's what I said when I heard of the war. "And here you have all got back safe and find your country and your people as you left them. "And that is still my heart, my Chiefs, and my young men—although I have heard a good deal of news from below, it has in no way changed my mind. "When Mr. Olney spoke to me, I said yes my friend, you think rightly of me, you speak well. "That is my heart." Spotted Eagle said, "In the summer we heard that Kam-i-ah-kun's people were killing the Americans, and since that, the fighting has continued. "And I also heard that some of the Walla Wallas had gone to war, and some had not. "I also heard that some of the Cayuses were dancing the war dance, and that a part of the Palouses had joined in the war. "When I heard all that, I changed my course. I had intended to cross the Bitter Root Mountains on snow shoes by the Southern Trail, but I changed my course, and joined Gov. Stevens. "And here I see my people gathered together and saying, 'where are our Chiefs?' "When we heard of the war it was in the Bitter Root Valley. I told Gov. Stevens; my Chiefs at home were not going off into bad ways. I told him that, as if I could see my Chiefs. "And now I have got home to this place, and when I came I heard the Cayuses were fighting and that some were afraid. But most were for war. Then I thought I would like to see my friends among them, keep out of it. "Now we hear they are all fighting. Now my friends there is no chance for my heart to be moved; it is your hearts I am speaking to. Your hearts are not large; they do not reach far. In my opinion my friends, the Cayuses cannot stand long. I have long thought it was but for a short time they could do right, and now we hear they are driven in every direction, and we cannot do any thing for them. "My friends how could I have changed my heart from what it has always been, and even if I could, how long would it stay changed? I do not want to do it. That is all I have to say." James said, "You have heard our Chiefs. I have heard how your hearts are, young men and Chiefs. "Our hearts were not lost, Looking Glass, when you and other Chiefs were absent. "The President sent good words to us from afar - he spoke well-and when they heard it, all the people said yes to it, and I have now the message delivered to us from the President. "When I heard, that beyond the Columbia they were fighting, I spoke to my children to be still. "When Pearson was passing here, carrying you news of the war, I told him my people were not going to fight. "I did not think it was any use for me alone to speak to the Cayuses. My heart was with the "Looking Glass" and "Spotted Eagle" in the country where they were making a Peace: a Peace with the Blackfeet. "And I was ashamed for I knew the Governor was telling those people that the Indians had made Treaties on this side, and were friendly. "My heart has always been the same in your absence, and it is the same now you have returned. "I thought we could have everything when our Big Chief (Gov.S.) should come. "It seems only a day since he spoke to us at the Council, and I think his heart will be glad to find we have listened. "When Mr. Olney's letter came to us, I saw that the people below, were for war. "It is long since we had the laws sent among us. The Law was, to love the White people. "If my children go into the lower country to war, and their bodies are left there,—I cannot look toward them, it will be there own faults. "It is those people below, who will not listen that are making us tired." Bald Eagle said, "My heart is the same as it was at the Walla Walla Council. I hold the Book in which the talk at that Council was written. I kept it. "I can never lay it down and turn my face to where those Indians are doing bad. "The Bible teaches, to not go to war. "There is our Chief (pointing to Lawyer) he has spoken that in our hearts." Billy said, "I speak to you my children. "We hear what our chiefs have said. I have no different heart. Their heart is mine. What U-ute-san-male-e-can, said is our hearts. We have spoken of it among ourselves. "When we first heard they were fighting on the other side of the Columbia, we turned our faces towards the Blackfeet Country where our Chiefs were gone. "They were not entirely separated from us when they went to the far country, they were following and carrying to the Blackfeet the Laws we had already received. "And how could we say we will take guns and go to war against the Americans? That was not our hearts. "And we said, there is the Lawyer, he will speak his mind, and there is no one who will speak ahead of him." Red Wolf said, "I have listened to the Chiefs from above, and the Chiefs from below. Our hearts are one. "Our hearts are for these people encamped near us (meaning Gov. Stevens Party) and for William, who has a house here. (meaning Col. Craig) "Where is the man to pick up a gun, and turn against the Whites? "I was on the Spokane at the Council held there by the Indians last summer, when runners sent by Kam-i-ah-kun, came then to get all the people to go to war. "Lately, Til-co-wi-ick, since they heard the Pee-opee-mox-a-mox was dead, sent word to us to come there, he had plenty of horses to give us. "And then I thought what would my Chiefs say? "I thought of people below. You are fighting, well, fight on. "These people have separated their hearts from us and gone to war. Let them go to war. Our hearts were turned to our people, far in our enemies country, and when the report came that they were all killed, I said yes, it is good, the Whites are our people, died side by side, all died together. That's what I said when the report came. "When I was at the Walla Walla Council, I said some of you are talking strange." Talking Tobacco said, "My Chiefs, I am going to speak to you, and show you my heart as it is. "When I heard what the President said to me, I said yes to his law, and said for him to keep my words. And I have the laws he gave me. I am holding them. I am showing you what my heart is. "Though I heard they were fighting in Kam-i-ah-kun's country; it never was my heart to join them in a War. "That is what I have to show you my Chiefs." Sco-tum said, "Boys, listen to what your Chief the Gov. has said; Chiefs, listen to what your Chief has said. You have all heard it plainly. He has not spoken obscurely to us from the President. "The bad people go to war: It does not change my heart. And all the Chiefs hear what I say, and they all say yes it is a good law. Kam-i-ah-kun did not speak from his heart, when he said yes, to the law. The same with the Cayuse and Umatillas. But they all heard what the Governor said. And as if something bright came to me, I heard too. So if my own children, from my own body do bad, it is their hearts. "The Chief Pee-opee-mox-a-mox sent us word and so did the Cayuses. They have sent us word many times, but we have always turned our faces from them, and kept to the Law. And now my friends we hear this day they are poor, and here is the Governor asking us what we think of it. The Governor who has just come and Looking Glass and Spotted Eagle, and a number of young men, — they have come from the fighting country living and well, and i have spoken to you. Listen young men, to what has been said to you to day." Lone Bird said, "I see the hearts of the Chiefs that are in this country. When I was gone to Buffalo, I heard what had been done in this country. I was not present at the Walla Walla Council, but what the Governor has said was told to me. I was among other people when it was told to me and I heard. That has been our hearts ever since. "Our hearts are with our Chiefs, and why should I not, being here have something to say. My heart is with our Chiefs and is the same. "Though the hearts of the people in this country were hidden from me, I now see them here, and find them the same as I believed. "I am showing the people here that our hearts were not separated then, and are not here. "The Governor said to us on the road. `I will come this way and find out the hearts of the people.' He has asked them to show their hearts, and now they are doing so." We-ah-scah-sit said, "The 'Lone Bird' has spoken of what they heard over yonder. "Some of those Coeur d'Alenes he met, carried the news, that I had gone to war. And now where are the men who told that? Who heard me say that I was going to war? One of my ears have always been to listen to the Lawyer, and the Lawyer knows what I have always been saying, and there never was any such thought or talk with me. The Spotted Eagle has already spoken from my lodge and what my heart is." Stoop-took-nin said, "I do not rise because my heart is different from those who have spoken. "The Governor has spoken to the Chiefs, and they all said yes to him at the Council and when I heard what he had said—although it was after the Council,—I said yes, too. "My heart is not divided—it is with the hearts of these Chiefs here. I always put myself behind the Chiefs. I never speak ahead of them. My heart was to wait till all had spoken, that I might speak last, for why have we Chiefs unless it is for us men to follow after them? Three Feather said, "Why don't you get up and say that you are all going with Governor Stevens? We said it before coming here. He is anxious to start—why don't you speak? We said before coming here, they should go over our bodies before they came to him. That is our hearts now." Several Chiefs expressed fears that the friendly Cayuses with Raymond might be disturbed by the Volunteers. The Governor told them he thought not. He had received a letter from Raymond giving the names of those who were friendly, and no doubt the troops would be informed that they had not joined in the War. Looking Glass said, "You are so far off, how can I make you hear me or see who I am speaking to in the far end of this Lodge. "Who am I speaking to—to these people who are fighting or to the President? "They speak as though they had been cheated by the Americans, and by our people. "I thought they would have looked at each other from both sides before they commenced fighting. But now my children are lying on the Prairie. "Although my children are dead, my heart is not, it is living as always. My heart is not changed from what it was, when I showed it to the Governor, when we were travelling together. He told me he was glad to hear my heart, and his heart was thankful for hearing it so. "Our hearts have not separated. We have both the same yet. We have still to hold a long talk with each other. "I told him the Walla Walla country was blocked up by bad Indians, and that we should not separate until we reached the Dalles. "Then he would go to his country, and I to mine. "I told him that between this and Dalles the trouble was, and then I would go ahead, and he behind, and that's my heart now that he says he will go. I will not stop here. I shall get up and go with him. "I did not think those people below, the White and Indians, would have shot at each other so soon. "I have not a long speech to make. You have heard these other people speak, and now you have my heart. Though my children are lying on the Prairie, it has not changed my heart, my friend, from what I told you on the road. They have brought this trouble upon themselves. "IThat is what I have to show you my children." Jason said, "There is no one to say what I shall do. It is my own heart I follow, not the Chiefs who tell me what to do. "I have heard it said, that it would be about the Laws; this Country would be in blood, and last year when Majr. Haller was going to the Snake country I went with him. It was the Law, the strong Law of Major Haller I followed, and not because I had been ordered, that I went. My friends spoke to stop me, but still I went. "And when at the Walla Walla Council I heard Governor Stevens say that he was going to the Blackfoot Country, I took my own horse and gun and went, and there was no man gave me a horse and gun and told me to go. It was for my own country and people I did so. "Before the Looking Glass, came last summer, I had turned my face towards the Blackfoot country to make friends. He came on there and was poor, and I helped him all I could." Looking Glass said, "Now let none of you turn your face from what has been said. Your old people have spoken, and where is the man will turn his back on it?" Governor Stevens said, "My heart is glad to see you and hear you speak as you have done. "When I heard of the war below here, I was in the Blackfoot country near Fort Benton. Your Chiefs had gone before me on their way home. I rode fast and we met at Hell Gate, all said, the Looking Glass said, they knew the heart of their Nation, the Nez Perces were all right. I did not, I do not doubt it. The Nez Perces had never shed the blood of the White man, they had always been friends. "And Pearson who came through your country brought me news of the War. He brought me the words of your Chiefs and your people, that you were our friends and I never could doubt it. "Your Chiefs were coming over the short route on snow shoes, they made up their minds to travel with me on the other route. "We came among the Coeur d'Alenes, and found them well disposed. At the Coeur d'Alene Mission, Spotted Eagle, with William and part of your people, turned off and came here to bring you the news. Looking Glass, Three Feathers, Jason and Captain John, went with me to the Spokane. There I sent for, and saw all the Chiefs of the Spokanes, Colvilles and Coeur d'Alenes. "As yet I had made no Treaties with them—they had not received the Laws. Runners had come to them, as to you, offering them cattle and horses, to join in the War. Many lies were set afloat to get them to join. "Although they had not received the Laws, they said they would wait and see the Governor, and learn from him what to do. They all waited therefore till they saw me. I explained every thing to them, and they were satisfied. They said we will remain friendly and send word to Kam-i-ah-kun, take back your horses, we will not receive them. "Sorry am I, that Kam-i-ah-kun and Pee-opee-mox-a-mox and the Cayuses had not waited in like manner. They were well satisfied as you know for you were all present at the Walla Walla Treaty. "Kam-i-ah-kun told me the last thing, that he was well satisfied. The Reservation was a good one, and the other telms of the Treaty suited him. Pee-opee-mox-a-mox was equally pleased. You all recollect his smiling face. I thought the hearts of all were glad, and I set out with a light heart, with you Nez Perces to make peace with the Blackfeet, to do something for you Indians this side of the Mountains. "You all know the Blackfeet, their numbers. They are more numerous than the Nez Perces, Yakimas, Cayuses, and Umatillas, together, and there we were three months, making peace. The Flatheads, and Pend d'Oreilles, and the Nez Perces and Blackfeet, together, three months, and we made peace. "Have not all your Chiefs come home alive? See, we leave the country of your enemies, and come here to find bodies lying on the Prairie, and all the Indians who are fighting, parties to the Walla Walla Treaty. "Have you heard that the Yakimas were first killed by White men? or their property plundered? No! Then why did they not wait till I came back? Why did they not all wait? Cayuses, Umatillas and Walla Wallas? "We parted as friends—did they really believe I was their enemy, and would they no trust to the agreements made with them? "Sorry am I, and sad is my heart that they did not wait—you know the result. "It will be my special business to take care of the Cayuses and Walla Wallas who are with Raymond, and who have been friendly. "Lies have been told about the Nez Perces - even about my old friend Looking Glass. It will be my business to set that right. I know the hearts of the Nez Perces and when I speak, you will listen. " Tomorrow I wish to start for the Walla Walla Valley. I want the Nez Perces, who have horses and guns to go with me."Recollect my friends, in the Treaty of Walla Walla, you had the right guaranteed to you, to travel on all the roads to the Dalles, all the roads through the Lower Country. Yet those roads have been blocked up against you, as well as against the Whites. Get ready therefore, we will start tomorrow if we can, and open the road. There will be payment made you for this service, when the President can be written to, and we receive his answer. You will be paid like the White Volunteers." The Chiefs expressed their hearty concurrence in the sentiments expressed by the Governor, and said their Warriors should be ready if possible tomorrow. The Looking Glass said he would go to his own Village, prepare his men, and join the Governor at the Red Wolfs Ground. The Council then broke up. Friday December 14th. The Indians are preparing to accompany us and our men are packing up. The Train moved late in the day and encamped four miles below at forks of Lapwai Creek. Governor Stevens, Mr. Toppan and Mr. Doty remained at Craig's, and in the evening an express came to the Governor bringing letters from Col. B. F. Shaw and others, who are at the Battle Ground, Walla Walla Valley, giving details of the battle, from which it appears that after four days fighting the Volunteers defeated the Indians, completely routed them, and drove them across Snake River and towards the Nez Perce Country; it is supposed. Saturday Dec. 15th. Left Craig's at an early hour and overtook the Train just as they were ready to move. Passed on and camped at the junction of Clear Water and Snake River. Sunday Dec. 16th. The Indians with their canoes ferried us across Snake River. cTravelling down Snake River we found that all the Nez Perces who usually reside on this side, had crossed the River, taking all their stock, and not leaving a single canoe on this side. This was done in order that the hostile Indians disposed by the troops might have no opportunity either to steal their stock, or cross into their country. Following the usual trail we encamped on the Al-po-wah-we, four miles from Red Wolfs Ground. In the evening our Nez Perces discovered a strange Indian, who, on being brought to camp, proved to be the son of Ume-how-lish, known as the War Chief of the Cayuses. The son said that his father with one man and a number of woman was in Camp four miles above us; that he had fled from Walla Walla on the last day of the battle; that he had not been engaged in it, and had moved this way in order to intercept Gov. Stevens and have a talk with him, etc.This story was not believed as our information would go to show, that Ume-how-lish, was engaged in the battle, and it was determined to make him a prisoner if possible. It was deemed impracticable to surprise him as he was unquestionably on the watch. The Governor therefore concluded to send word by the son as follows: "If Ume-how-lish would come in and deliver himself up to the Governor as an unconditional prisoner, he should have a trial by the White man's law on reaching the settlements, and an opportunity to prove whether or not he was engaged in the War." Monday Dec. 17th. This morning ammunition was issued to the Nez Perce auxiliaries. Sixty-nine had guns and 30 others acted as horse guards. Each warrior having brought with him on an average, three fine horses. Lieut Pearson with four men was detailed as a scouting party—keeping several miles in advance of the Train. Our Nez Perces also were scouting in every direction. Saw no hostile Indians during the day nor did anything of importance occur. Encamped on the Tucannon near the Crossing. In the evening Ume-how-lish came into camp and surrendered himself an unconditional prisoner, saying that he had done nothing bad, and was not afraid to be tried by the White man's law. December 18th Tuesday. Travelled over the usual Trail and encamped on the Touchet below the ruins of Chose's house burned by the Indians. A band of wild horses belonging to the enemy were brought into camp this evening. Dec. 19th Wednesday. Pushed on and encamped at Dry Creek, or Sattoh-snee-mah as it is called by the Nez Perces. In the evening Col. B. F. Shaw and several others came to us from the Volunteer Camp. They confirmed the news that the Indians had been completely routed and stated that none had been seen since. Dec. 20th Thursday. Moved early. At Mill Creek found the friendly Cayuses and Walla Wallas encamped. The number about 100 among whom are several of the principal Cayuse Chiefs, as Stich-as, Tin-tim-meet-see and How-lish-wam-poo. They are in charge of special Agent Trevett, and Capt. Conoyer, Oregon Territory Volunteers, with a guard of 25 men, formed principally of the French and Half-breed settlers, who remained in the Valley when the War broke out. It is worthy of remark that the little flock of Indians professing the Catholic religion under the ministration of Rev. Father Chirouse, in charge of the Catholic Mission near Waye-lab-poo have without an exception so far as we know, remained friendly to the Whites, and this has resulted from the teaching and influence of the Father. Soon after leaving Mill Creek, the Governor was saluted by Major Chinn, Conndy and other officers of the Volunteers who had ridden out to meet him. On reaching the Volunteer Camp, the troops about 400 strong, were drawn up in a hollpw square, a Salute was fired and Gov. Stevens being then introduced to the Regiment addressed them in a brief speech. He complimented the troops upon their energy in pushing forward at this inclement season, their gallantry in engaging and completely routing a superior force of the enemy, and tendered the thanks of his Party for the service rendered by the Oregon forces in opening the road. He dwelt upon the advantage—the necessity of a winter campaign, if a termination of the war was aimed at or expected. Strictures were drawn upon the course pursued by the Commander of the Regular forces, in failing to chastise the enemy, or occupy their Country, leaving the citizen soldiers alone to fight the battles and gaint eh victories. The Train then moved up the Walla Walla to a point opposite the Mission and formed a camp. Here we remained the 21st, 22nd and 23rd. The weather was intensely cold. The thermometer ranging as low as 27° below zero at midnight. Nevertheless Gov. Stevens kept the officers employed in collecting information with a view to military operations—as number, and direction, and character of trails, crossing of rivers, etc., etc. December 24th Monday. The intensely cold weather continued, the snow is a foot deep and it is impossible for the train to move any considerable distance, while the weather is so cold. To-day we moved up stream four miles and formed camp in a sheltered position, where there was an abundance of wood. We found here a deserted house which the Governor and suite occupied as Head Quarters, and we were enabled to make ourselves comparatively comfortable. December 25 Tuesday. The Governor had a conference with Major Chinn relative to pushing against the Indians beyond Snake River, it is agreed, that at present the weather is too cold to permit a movement. But even were it not, the troops are not in a condition as regards rations and transportation to push forward. Dec. 26, 27th, and 28th were passed in camp, the weather continuing severely cold. A number of horses in the Volunteer Camp, though not much poorer than many of ours, were frozen to death. The Governor deeming his own party amply sufficient in point of numbers to march to the Dalles, he determined upon sending the Nez Perce auxiliaries to their own country under command of Lieut Col. Craig on, Dec. 29th Saturday, the Governor called the Indians together and said to them: "My friends we will separate here. The road is now open—small parties come and go between here and Dalles. The weather is very cold, when it moderates, I will go below and you will return home with Mr. Craig. We will have a list made out containing the names of each one who has come here with me and send on to Washington, so that you may be paid for this trip. "When you go home, remember me to all the people and tell the Chiefs how much I am obliged for what you have done for me and my party. "You have seen how badly off these people are whose hearts are for war. "I want you to send word to the Spokanes letting them know why your hearts are for Peace. It is true they have already heard so, but still there will be no harm in letting them know it again. "When Mr. Craig wants to send a message to the Spokanes or Colvilles he will call upon you to send a messenger and I trust you will assist him in any way you can. "If at any time you lose any animals by their straying into the country where the hostile Indians are, let Mr. Craig know it, and he will keep a list of them. Get all your loose bands to the other side of Snake River. Send for Kay-Kay-mass and the Shay-hat-poos. We want every care taken to prevent any Nez Perces from being mixed up with Indians whose hearts are bad and against whom troops may move. "I do not know when troops will go against the hostile tribes, but a large number are coming up. "We want to prevent Indians who are hostile from going into your country or the Spokane Country, and shall look out for them and stop them if possible. We want you to keep them out of your country, and also want the Spokanes to keep them out of their Country. "If any of those Indians come to kill you tell Mr. Craig and he will send word below and we shall try and send troops to assist you. "Some of our people may want to cross Snake River. If so we will send word to Mr. Craig to get canoes from you, etc. "I have little more to say to you except that I will leave your friend Mr. Craig to take care of you and will send word to you as often as possible during the winter and to be able to visit you in your own Country in the spring. "I am obliged to each one of you for coming with me, and shall keep the name of each so I may know him when I come into your country, or see him elsewhere. "I want you now to understand from me that Mr. Craig is your Agent, and you don't want me to say to you, that Mr. Craig will do the best he can for you. You know that already. "I will say to my friend the Looking Glass that I feel very sorry he did not get here six weeks sooner; things might have been entirely different. We came as fast as we could, but came too late. "The few friendly Indians here will be taken care of through the winter. "Before you leave you will want a good supply of meat and Mr. Craig will attend to that. "Ume-how-lish will be taken to see Genl. Palmer. His family will be taken care of." Three Feathers said, "I think the Spokanes have almost two hearts. We were both there and heard them speak. I will go myself and talk to them if possible. "George Montour here knows those people—they are his. I told him what they said and he replied they did not know what they were talking about, and he would try and go with Three Feathers to talk to them. "Some Cayuses, who were away did not fight. Every body knows it. What will become of them?" The Governor said, ""It is best for all those who did not fight to come in and show that they were friendly. "Here are Stich-as, How-lish-wam-poo and others that you know-they staid. We regard those who staid as friendly and those who ran away as enemies, and they will have to show that they were friendly." Cut Finger said, "It was the news of the troops coming that made the Cayuse run." Looking Glass said, "It was news their own people brought. Lies about the Whites coming." Governor Stevens explained to them that there were some we knew to be friendly like Stich-as and others present, who had remained with the Settlers in the Walla Walla Valley-others had refused to join the Camp of friendly Indians, and we must regard them as enemies unless one can show that he was friendly all through. Looking Glass said, "Now you see what people come to for not listening to good advice. The young men of these fighting Indians were always slighting the good advice of their Chiefs, and now you see what it has brought them to. "I have no doubt that a few ran off from fright at the tales their own people had brought. I don't know them, but I think there are a few. Those I have pity for, the others I do not." Stich-as said, "Last fall when Olney started down from here I went to have a long talk with him. "I told him to tell the people below, I was afraid that something bad would happen. But that I would do all I could to keep the peace. "Messengers from Karn-i-ah-kun's country set my people wrong. "You have spoken straight always. It is not difficult to tell who has done wrong. "My heart is sore but not on account of what I have done. It is others who have made my heart sore. The way my people acted here is what hurts my heart. My relatives who were sick they left to die and they died. "My son-in-law who was in the Buffalo Country and Tah-wat-tus' son are innocent in this War. I do not know many who are but these I know. The Yellow-Hawk, every body knows talked straight—he talked as I did. "I did not come here to tell a lie. I think people who tell lies are poor. "We have come down to see you to-day to know if we may move to the Nez Perce country—to Looking Glass country, where the Nez Perces go." Here Looking Glass remarked, "I said no bad words should come to my country, but as these good Indians wish it, I do not refuse." Stich-as said, "I am really afraid of these Whites down here, these Volunteers. I see many of my old friends—they look at me as if I ought to be afraid and I wish to go." Joseph said, "I think it will be good." Spotted Eagle said, "I am glad to hear these Indians say so. It looks as if they wished to live and do right when they speak of joining the Nez Perces." Governor Stevens said, "It must be considered. I cannot give you an answer to-day. You will hear from me tomorrow." And the Council then adjourned sine die." The friendly Cayuses and Nez Perces were notified by Governor Stevens that it would be impossible at present to comply with the wish of the Cayuses to be allowed to move to the Nez Perce Country. A place would be provided for them and an Agent appointed to take care of them in the Walla Walla Valley. December 31 Monday. The cold weather continuing with almost unabated severity so as to render a general movement of our train of jaded animals impracticable and Governor Stevens deeming his presence imperatively required in the Territory upon Columbia River and the Sound, determined to start below tomorrow. The following General Orders and instructions were issued and published: General Orders.
(Signed Isaac I Stevens, Governor and Commander in Chief Head Quarters Camp W. T. Doty, James. Edward J. Kowrach, ed.Journal of Operations of Governor Isaac Ingalls Stevens of Washington Territory in 1855. Fairfield, Washington: Ye Galleon Press, 1978. |
aving procured by purchase and exchange a number of fresh horses, and also Rifles purchased of the Indians to arm the "Spokane Invincibles" and made all necessary arrangements in accordance with orders No. 3.