DOCUMENTARY 233
publicly said he had nothing to do with us) to address these Indians in our establishment, and in case Mr. A. McKindly* might not know how to act and this might bring us into trouble with Indians, to avoid this and all misunderstanding hereafter on the subject, I addressed Mr. McKindly the following letter and handed it for perusal to Dr. White, after which I sealed and delivered it to Dr. White, with the request he would give it to Mr. McKindly which the Doctor did.
36. Vancouver, 14th April, 1843. Mr. A. McKindlay,
Dear Sir
Dr. White is, I understand, on his way to Walla Walla. You will observe that until our Government has given up its claims to the country and recognized the rights of the U. States and we are officially informed of it, we cannot recognize Dr. White as an Indian agent and he can only be known to us as a private individual and as such to be treated with all the Courtesy his conduct deserves but you cannot permit his hold- ing council with Indians in the Fort, and you will remember that the goods sent to you are to be employed in trade with Indians but you may of course sell him any, or give him on credit, such articles as are usually supplied gentlemen on the voyage. I am
Yours truly
John McLoughlin.
N. B. To avoid misapprehension, you will attend no Indian Council with Dr. White.
37. Dr. White went to visit the Indians and saw the Cayouse and Nez Perces tribe together about twenty-five miles from W'alla Walla, at which it is said he principally spoke to them of religion and advised them to become farmers. At the first meeting the two tribes in consequence of natural jealousies were on the point of coming to blows but the assembly broke up quietly.
- McKinlay.
