In Maxon's report of the death of Colonel Gilliam he had intimated that Major Lee would be acceptable to the army as its colonel, and the governor, ignoring the next in command, had commissioned Lee, leaving vacant the position of major, which was filled by Lieutenant Magone of the 1st company of Oregon mounted riflemen. Palmer having resigned the office of superintendent of Indian affairs, Lee was appointed to that place also, a combination of powers which it was believed by some would go far toward securing peace. But however Lee's promotion might affect the Indian question, a difficulty arose between Captain William J. Martin's company of the new organization and the colonel, with regard to priority in regimental number, Martin's company being numbered the 10th, when according to his belief it was the 9th, and considering himself unfairly treated, he deserted at the Dalles with his two lieutenants and twelve privates, and returned to Portland,[1] from which place Colonel Lee had departed on the 20th of April with three companies, and a second supply of flour and ammunition.
The policy determined upon by the governor and Lee, to be pursued toward the Indians, was to treat all as enemies who should be found armed in the Cayuse country after notice should be given. News of the appointment of a new superintendent of Indian affairs having reached Fort Waters in advance of the reinforcement, Lee was met by an express from the Nez Perces on John Day River, who brought a request from the tribe for a council, to settle, among other matters, who should be head chief in place of Ellis, on which account he hastened forward, arriving at Waiilatpu on the 9th of May, in advance of the wagons and volunteers. He found that Tauitau,
- ↑ E. Bidwell and H. D. Martin were the lieutenants. The complaint was that they were marched in the rear; were not always allowed beef when the other companies were; and could not have their horses shod in time to march with them from the Dalles, but were ordered to follow and overtake the companies of Pugh and Nesmith. Or. Spectator, June 1, 1848.
