never boasted of their valor at the battle of the Abiqua;[1] but the lesson inflicted preserved that part of the Willamette Valley from any further threatening demonstrations during the Cayuse war.
On account of the feeling of Insecurity occasioned by the conduct of the Klamaths and Molalles, Felix Scott was appointed sub-agent of Indian affairs for south-western Oregon by Superintendent Lee on the 10th of April; and at the same time informed that it was desirable for him to raise an independent company of rangers for the defence of the southern frontier, the governor being ready to commission the officers whenever elected. At the same time it was not concealed that there was no money, and no appropriation made for paying either sub-agent or military companies.[2] But according to the views of such men as the Scotts and others, this was a good reason for accepting a commission. When money is plenty men seek offices; when money is not to be had, the offices seek men, of the better sort.
On the 12th of May Scott reported to Lee that as he proceeded up the valley he found the inhabitants much excited in consequence of the bad behavior of the Indians, and their continued robberies. Some offenders had been flogged; but that not putting an end to their thieving practices, a resolution had been passed, and a copy sent to the governor, declaring that in future robberies would be punished with death. The killing of the Klamaths at the Abiqua was referred to by the Molalles, with whom they were
- ↑ It has been a matter of dispute that such a battle was ever fought as the engagement on the Abiqua; and, according to Minto, this blunder was the reason of the silence. Those who were not concerned in it laughed at those who were for 'killing squaws;' and it was tacitly agreed to say nothing about it. The matter almost passed out of recollection, when it was revived and discussed in 1877, and the facts brought out. It shows that the early Oregon settlers did not wantonly kill Indians and boast of it, as they were accused of doing at a later period. Minto's Early Days, MS., 41–6; J. Henry Brown and H. L. McNary, in Willamette Farmer, Mar. 24, 1877; Brown's Or. Miscel, MS., 57-8.
- ↑ Lee's letter to Captain Scott is in the Or. Archives, MS., 168-9.
