Palouse Topics – Page 2 of 2

Army Life on the Pacific

Col. Lawrence Kip highlights the often-overlooked sacrifices of army officers stationed on the frontiers, where they endure extreme hardships while combating elusive foes. Despite risking their lives for the safety and expansion of the nation, they frequently face criticism and disdain from those in more comfortable circumstances. Kip reflects on the bravery of fallen soldiers and the challenges faced during military expeditions, emphasizing that their contributions and suffering are largely unrecognized by the public and government alike.

Reckoning with the Palouse and Walla Walla

On September 25, 1858, Colonel G. Wright reported to Fort Vancouver after recovering the remains of Captain Taylor and Lieutenant Gaston from a recent battlefield. Following a somber visit to the site, Wright led his troops toward the Palouse River, encountering remnants of past conflicts along the way. By September 30, peace was reestablished with the Pelouse and other tribes after a series of punitive measures against hostile actions. Wright secured hostages and promised future treaties while reflecting on the heavy toll of war.

Retribution for Previous Losses

On September 9, 1858, Colonel G. Wright, commanding U.S. forces against Northern Indians, reported on troop movements and interactions with local tribes post-battle. He encountered Spokane and other tribes expressing a desire for peace but imposed strict conditions for negotiations, demanding disarmament and submission of hostages. Following previous military successes, he sought retribution for hostilities, leading to the capture of 900 horses and subsequent destruction of property belonging to the hostile tribes. Wright’s strategy aimed to consolidate control and enforce peace through strength.

Measuring Strength with the Northern Indians

In August 1858, Colonel Wright led an expedition against Northern Indian tribes, facing ominous signs of hostility as they moved into enemy territory. Initial scouting revealed the enemy’s preparedness for battle, prompting tactical adjustments. The campaign culminated in the Battle of Four Lakes on September 1, where Wright’s troops, employing effective strategies, successfully engaged and routed the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Pelouse Indians with minimal casualties. The victory bolstered troop confidence and reshaped perceptions of Indian capabilities, highlighting the evolving nature of warfare in the region.

Wright’s Order 6

On August 19, 1858, Colonel Wright issued Orders No. 6, establishing Fort Taylor at the Snake River’s mouth, named after Captain Taylor who died in combat. Captain Keys was tasked with garrisoning the fort and preparing for an imminent crossing of the river. Despite harsh weather conditions and wildfires affecting supplies, Wright planned to advance on August 25. A severe windstorm on August 21 delayed operations, but by the morning of August 26, the troops and artillery successfully crossed the river, aided by local Nez Perce support.

Wright’s Order 5

Colonel Wright issued Orders No. 5 from Camp Near Fort Walla Walla on August 14, 1858, outlining the troop movements and structure for the upcoming northern expedition against hostile Indians. He emphasized cautious advancement and specified that no firearms were to be discharged without authorization. Wright expressed concern about the enemy’s guerrilla tactics and the challenges posed by the season, stating that provisions must be managed carefully if the enemy burned the grass in their rear. He conveyed confidence in his troops while acknowledging potential hardships ahead.

Palouse incite Coeur d’Alene and Spokane Indians

The expedition led by Colonel Steptoe encountered signs of Indian presence as they advanced toward the Coeur d’Alene and Spokane territories. Reports indicated that Spokane tribes might resist the soldiers’ passage, surprising the expedition, which initially expected cooperation. After marching and encountering a large body of armed Spokane, Steptoe attempted to clarify his intentions of maintaining peace. However, the situation escalated, and the Spokane expressed their unwillingness to allow the soldiers to cross their territory, setting the stage for potential conflict.

Indian Grievances and Camp Stevens Treaty

Before the Indian Wars, the U.S. government sought to address Native American grievances, often stemming from misinterpretations of policies or encroachments by settlers. In 1858, unrest among tribes in the northwest indicated potential conflict, particularly surrounding unratified treaties made by Governor Stevens. General Clarke, recognizing the dissatisfaction over these treaties and fearing hostilities, advised against their enforcement until ratification was complete. Efforts were made to reassure tribes about their lands, yet complications arose from conflicting statements by Indian bureau representatives, exacerbating tensions.

Treaty of June 9, 1855 – Yakima

On June 9, 1855, at Camp Stevens in Walla Walla Valley, Governor Isaac I. Stevens and representatives of the Yakama, Palouse, and other tribes signed a treaty ceding their lands to the United States. In exchange, the tribes were granted a reservation and promised monetary support, education, and infrastructure development. The treaty outlined rights for hunting, fishing, and land use while affirming the tribes’ dependence on the U.S. government. It included regulations on liquor use and obligations for peaceful relations with settlers and other tribes.

Palouse Indians

Palouse Indians were located in the valley of Palouse River in Washington and Idaho and on a small section of Snake River, extending eastward to the camas grounds near Moscow, Idaho. The Palouse were included in the Yakima treaty of 1855 but have never recognized the treaty obligations and have declined to lead a reservation life.

Conquest of the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane and Palouse

The expeditions led by Colonels Steptoe and Wright into the Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, and Palouse regions were undertaken with little public attention and were characterized by a sense of duty towards uncharted territories. The lack of detailed accounts from those involved left later settlers with scant information about the conflicts faced. This work aims to document the significant yet often overlooked experiences of the early pioneers, highlighting their challenges and contributions to settling the region. The author expresses gratitude to various individuals who assisted in the research.