the Cayuses was provocation to justify revenge in the sav
age mind all of which, however true, was futile to
unsettle the conviction in civilized minds that the death
penalty alone could secure indemnity from similar atroci
ties in the future. The verdict of the jury was, "guilty as
charged," and the sentence of the judge was that they be
hung on the third of June. A new trial was asked for
and denied. Governor Lane being absent in the southern
mines at the time, Pritchett declared his intention, as
acting governor, of reprieving the condemned Indians
until an appeal could be taken to the supreme court of
the United States. These declarations caused much ex
citement, and the marshal of the territory was at a loss
how to proceed; but Pratt instructed him that as there
was no certain evidence that Lane was absent from the
territory, Pritchett s acts would be unauthorized. This
opinion coming to the ears of the secretary, he withdrew
his opposition, and the execution took place as ordered.
All through the trial perfect order and decorum pre vailed. There was some fear that a rescue might be attempted on the day of execution, and many persons present came armed, but here again perfect order was maintained. Father Veyret (Catholic) attended the doomed men to the scaffold, and, according to Blanchet, exclaimed, "Onward, onward to heaven, children; into thy hands, Lord Jesus, I commend my spirit." Let us hope the unhappy creatures were comforted. Thus was completed the final act of the most tragic chapter in Orgon s history for many years.
Taking into consideration the condition of the country at the time of the Cayuse war, and the rush of event fol lowing it, the papers and accounts relating to it were pre served with remarkable care, and the business transacted in the main with fidelity. The last provisional legislature of 1848-1849 was informed by Governor Abernethy in his message that "the expenses incurred for the services of
