The Dalles in his new dignity of colonel. Officers were
resigning and men deserting; the former, because their
private interests were suffering, or because they had some
personal grievance; and the latter a small number to
enrich themselves by the timely appropriation of Indian
horses, which they stealthily drove into the Wallamet
valley over the Mount Hood road as soon as the spring
was far enough advanced.
The company under Captain Joseph M. Garrison, which was enlisted in March to reenforce Colonel Gilliam, had proceeded as far as The Dalles before that officer s death became known, and had been instructed to remain at that post for its better protection ; but owing to domestic affairs Captain Garrison was compelled to return home, leaving his company under the command of the first lieutenant, A. E. Garrison, who was in doubt about the captain s re turn. Captain William Martin resigned his command about the last of April, his lieutenants with him, and about a dozen of his men. An election for new officers resulted in the choice of G. W. Burnett for captain.
These changes so soon after his appointment to the col onelcy annoyed Lee, as perhaps they were in some in stances intended to do. He reorganized as rapidly as possible, preparing to take the field, leaving Fort Lee un der the command of Brevet Captain R. W. Morrison, who was ordered to observe the most strict military rules, no Indian being permitted to enter the fort after sunset, ex cept upon special business, and under guard. When chiefs came or sent on friendly missions, they were to be well treated, but not given any information which could be turned to the prejudice of the army. He was to remem ber that Indians were deceitful and treacherous exceedingly; to make them no promise he could not meet in good faith, nor utter any threat he was unable to execute. He was to look after the morals as well as the military improvement of his men, and " never allow the soldiers to equalize them selves with the Indians." 10
10 Oregon Archives, MS. 2009.
