ship of the immigrant wagons and property left at Barlow s
gate of the mountains, was also considered treacherous by
Dr. Henry Saffarans, Indian agent at The Dalles by ap
pointment of Governor Abernethy, but without apparent
justification at this time, as he was retained in service by
the volunteers, and proved a useful auxiliary. 2
But so shaken was the confidence of the white residents at The Dalles, in all Indians, that it could not be restored. Mr. Hinman, who it will be remembered accompanied McBean s messenger to Fort Vancouver, returned with Ogden to The Dalles for his family, whom he was advised to remove, until peace was restored, to the Wallamet. On their way down the river, Saffarans, being behind him, was alarmed by seeing a fleet of canoes approaching, and Hinman also mistaking Lee s company for Indians, fled into the woods. SafFarans, however, subsequently returned to The Dalles, and resumed his duties as agent, finding the Indians about his agency, either through fear or friend ship, more tractable than he expected.
Before the army, which was congregating at Portland, could move up the river, it was necessary to establish a base of supplies at the cascades, and a few men were sent to that point by the commissary-general about the last of December to erect a storehouse, and possibly a block house. 4 The only structures he succeeded in erecting were some cabins at the upper landing, and these with the greatest difficulty. But the place was dignified by the name of Fort Gilliam, although the volunteers more often spoke of it as "The Cabins."
The history of this little post in the heart of the great
- His services were certified to by Captain Maxon, in order that he might collect pay. The certificate is dated April 26, 1852.
3 Gilliam wrote his wife he had a tedious time in Portland. He " had to be colo nel, major, adjutant, captain, sergeant, and everything else."
4 Says Abernethy in a letter to Lee, January first : " I think, if there is any pros pect of a general war with Indians, of building a blockhouse at the cascades, keep ing a small force there, and, if possible, mount one or two guns " : Oregon Archives, MS. 851.
