assistant. Her brother Mr. Hart, and a Mr. Jackson usu
ally at the mission, were absent, one on a visit to the
Spokane station, and the other on the road from Waiilatpu,
which place he left with a pack train of flour only three
hours before the massacre. The only other American in
the- Nez Percés country was William Craig, a mountain
man, who had a place ten miles up the Lapwai creek, the
mission being at its mouth. There was nothing therefore
to be hoped for from the people of her own race, and she
determined to throw herself upon the generosity of the
Nez Percés before they had time to hear from the Cayuses.
Fortunately, two influential chiefs were at the mission,
Jacob and Eagle, whom she at once informed of what had
taken place at Waiilatpu, deputizing one to break the
news to the camp, and sending the other with a letter to
Mr. Craig. 11
It was thought best by the Indians for Mrs. Spalding to remove to Craig s place where they had their winter camp on account of wood, and to this she consented. Although the Nez Percés expected the Cayuses, and kept guard at night, Mrs. Spalding refused to leave the mission before Monday, but waited to see Craig, who came down during Saturday night, and endeavored to get some Indians to carry expresses to Walker and Eells, and to her daughter. This was no easy matter, but Eagle finally consented to undertake the dangerous duty.
On Monday the family at the mission was removed to Craig s, where Mr. Jackson arrived on Tuesday. And now came the test of character with the Nez Percés. While those immediately under Mrs. Spalding s influence re mained friendly, Joseph, a principal chief in the absence of Ellis, and a member of the church at Lapwai of eight years standing, with others of his following, a number of whom were also church members, joined with a few
11 Mr. Spaldiiig names, besides Jacob and Eagle, Luke and his two brothers, mem bers of his church, and James, a Catholic, who was particularly friendly to himself and family, with most of their people : Oregon American, August 16, 1848.
