wrote a letter to Blanchet and Brouillet to assure them of his safety, and also to settle the question of policy towards the Cay uses. It runs as follows:
To the bishop of Walla Walla, or either of the Catholic priests:
Reverend and Dear Friend: This hasty note may inform you that I am yet alive through the astonishing mercy of God. The hand of the merciful God brought me to my family after six days and nights from the time my dear Mend furnished me with provisions, and I escaped from the Indians. My daughter is yet a captive, I fear, but in the hands of our merciful heavenly father. Two Indians have gone for her.[1] My object in writing is principally to give information through you to the Cayuses that it is our wish to have peace; that we do not wish the Americans to come from below to avenge the wrong; we hope the Cayuses and Americans will be on friendly terms; that Americans will no more come in their country unless they wish it. As soon as these men return, I hope, if alive, to send them to the governor to prevent Americans from coming up to molest the Cayuses for what is done. I know that you will do all in your power for the relief of the captives, women and children, at Waiilatpu; you will spare no pains to appease and quiet the Indians. There are five Americans here (men), my wife and three children, one young woman, and two Frenchmen. We cannot leave the country without help. Our help, under God, is in your hands, and in the hands of the Hudson's Bay Company. Can help come from that source? Ask their advice and let me know. I am certain that if the Americans should attempt to come it would be likely to prove the ruin of us all in this upper country, and would involve the country in war; God grant that they may not attempt it. At this moment I have obtained permission of the Indians to write more, but I have but a moment. Please send this or copy to Governor Abernethy. The Nez Pereés held a meeting yesterday; they pledged themselves to protect us from the Cayuses if they [we] would prevent the Americans from coming up to avenge the murders. This we have pledged to do, and for this we beg for the sake of our lives at this place and at Mr. Walker's. By all means keep quiet and send no war reports; send nothing but proposals for peace. They say they have buried the death of the Walla Walla chiefs son, killed in California. They wish us to bury this offense. I hope to write soon to Governor Abernethy, but as yet the Indians are not willing, but are willing I should send those hints through you. I hope you will send by all means and with all
- ↑ They did not succeed in bringing her away.
