The volunteers performed the duty of holding the
Cayuse country, and patroling the immigrant road to the
satisfaction of the Oregon government and the immigra
tion. Since the opening of the road, never had the Indians
behaved so well. The murderers, reduced to poverty, and
without ammunition, kept out of the way of hoth volun
teers and immigrants. Thus the Cayuse war came to an
end, it might be said, for want of powder. The murderers
had not been hung, but they had been severely punished,
and the Cayuse nation, as such, had lost its prestige
forever.
As might have been expected, some of the more restless tribes in western Oregon were affected by the war rumors, and early showed signs of insurrection. These were the Molallas and Klamaths, who ranged about the head of the Wallamet valley, and over into the Klamath basin. Be lieving that the warriors among the white men had all gone to give battle to the Cayuses, these Indians made several incursions into the settlements, committing acts
Indian falsehood and obtaining truth, I came here ( to Walla Walla fort) today to see him, and I find that he places the utmost confidence in the report. He is also of opinion that there is a prospect of serious difficulty between Young Chief and Yellow Serpent, owing to some recent misunderstanding. I give it to you as I hear it. I am not responsible for its authenticity. No news from the United States. I m becoming impatient. I am looking for the troops every day. We did not forget that yesterday was the fourth of July. Indeed, we paid to it all the deference and honor of which in our circumstances we were capable, with guns, songs, hymns, and national an thems. Everything passed off quietly, and in genteel military order. I have sent Mr. Wait (editor Spectator) some scraps. See him for particulars. I am anxious to know what will be done by the United States government in relation to this country. I have no interest in the place at Fort Waters, and so many have taken claims already up here, that I deemed it not improper to at least secure that place for Perrin ( Whit man), provided it be lawful to take claims here now, and yourself nor the governor do not want it for a military post, or agency, and the missionaries do not claim it for the board on account of previous occupancy. Then, if you think it expedient to enter it for Perrin before it is taken by others, you will call for a beginning stake three- fourths of a mile southwest of the old buildings ; thence north one mile to a stake : thence east one mile to a stake ; thence south one mile to a stake ; thence west one mile to the beginning, including the improvements of the late Dr. Whitman. The corn is silking, and our wheat is ripe for harvest. The boys are cutting today. I think we will have between two hundred and three hundred bushels. I find some half dozen commissions among the waste papers in the loft and send them to you for disposition. My respects to the governor and family, and General Palmer and family, <fcc. Three of McBean s horses, branded " H. B.," have been taken to the valley. Tell the quartermasters to please see to it. Dr. Lydan, the poet, and all the boys, send you their compliments :" Oregon Archives, MS. 1009, 1026. In such friendly and unmilitary fashion did the whilom adjutant address his late
