196 Oregon Mission duct or that of his father, or most likely that of both, caused him to be shot dead by Americans in California. When the party returned, (about the middle of winter) a very great excitement was produced. Whether or not, there was any serious intention of taking the life of Dr. Whitman, or Mr. Spalding, I do not feel prepared to say, but there was certainly much talk of doing so. The excitement has passed off, without any particular violence, and the other day Dr. W. informed me that apparently, there is at present a friendly and pleasing state of feeling existing toward himself, and a disposition to cultivate friendly intercourse with Ameri- cans. A great number of emigrants this year. Much love and esteem to your family, in which my wife most cordially unites. Yours truly, C. EELLS. Under date of October 15, 1846, The Friend publishes the following: By the arrival of the "Brooklyn," Richardson, 15 days from Santa Barbara, and 21 from Monterey, important news has been received from California. A file of the "Californian" from August 21, to September 19, has been received. From its columns and other sources we pre- sent our readers with the following summary of intelli- gence : The Indian difficulties are somewhat serious. A party of the Walla Walla Indians went from Oregon to trade in California, a distance of 700 or 800 miles. While there in a predatory excursion, they took some horses and mules from Mexicans. The Mexicans demanded their restitution. The affair was argued at General Sutter's residence, and he endeavored to pacify the parties. One Cook, finding that the Indians had taken a mule of his, demanded that it be restored. Delay ensued — he took justice in his own hands and shot dead a Walla Walla chief, named Elija, who was educated at the Methodist Mission in Oregon. These occurrences have given rise to much excitement. "The Indians," writes a correspondent
