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Willamette, March 18, 1844.

SIR-On the evening of the first February, the two following letters came to me, finding me in the upper settlement of the Willamette, distance forty miles:

Willamette Falls, January 24, 1844.

"DEAR SIR-The undersigned would take this occasion to inform you that there has been of late in this place some few cases of intoxication from the effects of ardent spirits. It is currently reported that it is distilled in this place, and the undersigned have good reason to credit such reports. Whilst, therefore, the undersigned will not trouble you, sir, with a detailed exposition of the facts, they must be permitted to express their deliberate conviction that that which has inflicted so much injury upon the morals, the peace, and the happiness of the world, ought not to be permitted to be manufactured in this country under any circumstances. And your attention is respectfully invited to this subject. "We have the honor to be, dear sir,

"Dr. E. WHITE,

"PETER H. HATCH, President.

"A. F. LOVEJOY, Vice President. “A. F. WALLER, Secretary.

Sub-Agent of Indian Affairs for Oregon Territory.

"Willamette Falls, January 26, 1844.

"DEAR SIR-I do not know but you have been written to already on the subject which is the cause of no inconsiderable excitement at this place, viz:-The manufacture and use of that most degrading, withering, and damning of all the causes that has ever visited our race since the fall of

Adam. As much as we regret it, deplore it, and anathematize the man who made it, it is nevertheless made, and men, or rather biped brutes, get drunk. Now, we believe if there is any thing that calls your attention in your official capacity, or any thing in which you would be most cordially supported by the good sense and prompt action of the better part of the community, it is the present case. We do not wish to dictate, but hope for the best, begging pardon for intrusions.

"I am, dear sir, yours truly, W. H. WILSON. “E. WHITE, Sub-Agent Oregon Territory,"

CHAPTER XXI.

Manufacture of liquors-Breaking up a distillery-Conduct of Cockstock, an Indian-Affray-Killing of Cockstock-Deaths from poisoned arrows-Interview with the Indians-Previous frightful affair with Cockstock-Alarming visit of fifteen Indians-Cold Blooded murder-Presents to Cockstock's widow-Protection required—Letter from Mr. Hines--Meeting of the legislative body-Resolution—— Unhappy affray-Conduct in courts-Resources of the country-Soil of Oregon-Arrival of Rev. Mr. Desmitt, nuns and priests-PortExports Imports--Tour-Schools--Quiet among the IndiansNote from Mr. Littlejohn-Fidelity of the Indians-Reasons for preventing the sale of liquor-Enactment of the legislative committee of Oregon-An act to provide ways and means.

I ACCORDINGLY left at sunrise on the following morning, and reached the falls at sunset. Without delay, I secured the criminal and his distillery, broke his apparatus, and buried it in the Willamette river. I put the aggressor under bonds, in the strongest penalty the nature of the case would admit, three hundred dollars-few being willing to be his bondmen even for this amount.

Mr. Pettygrove, a merchant of good habits and character, being accused of keeping and selling wine and brandy, I searched, and found, as he had acknowledged, a half gallon of brandy, and part of a barrel of port wine, which has been used and occasionally parted with only for medicinal purposes; and, to avoid all appearance of partiality, I required the delivery of the brandy and wine on the delivery of the enclosed bond, which was most cheerfully and cordially given

amount one thousand dollars. I searched every suspicious place thoroughly, aided by the citizens, but found no ardent spirits or wine in the colony. Since this period, no attempt has been made to make, introduce or vend liquors; and the great majority of the colonists come warmly to my support in this matter, proffering their aid to keep this bane from our community.

On the evening of February 29, I received the following communication, accompanied by corroboratory statements from Mr. Foster, of Oregon city:

"Willamette Falls, February 16, 1844.

"SIR-I beg leave to inform you that there is an Indian about this place, by the name of Cockstock,' who is in the habit of making continual threats against the settlers in this neighborhood, and who has also murdered several Indians lately. He has conducted himself lately in so outrageous a manner, that Mr. Winslow Anderson has considered himself in personal danger, and on that account has left his place, and come to reside at the falls of the Willamette; and were I in circumstances that I could possibly remove from my place, I would certainly remove also, but am so situated that it is not possible for me to do so. I beg, therefore, that you, sir, will take into consideration the propriety of ridding the country of a villian, against the depradations of whom none can be safe, as it is impossible to guard against the lurking attacks of the midnight murderer. I have therefore taken the liberty of informing you that I shall be in expectation of a decided answer from you on or before the 10th of March next; after that date I shall consider myself justified in acting as I shall see fit, on any repetition of the threats made

by the before-mentioned Indian or his party. I am,

with respect,

&e.,

"JAMES D. SAULES.

"Dr. E. WHITE, Superintendent, &c."

As I well knew all the individuals concerned, I resolved to repair immediately to the spot, and, if possible, secure the Indian without bloodshed, as he was connected with some of the most formidable tribes in this part of the territory, though a very dangerous and violent character. Aecordingly, I started, and reached the falls the following evening, collected a party to repair to the spot, and secure him whilst asleep, knowing that he would not submit to be taken a prisoner without resistance. The evening was stormy, and the distance some eight miles, through thick wood and fallen timber, with two bad streams to cross. Being on foot, my party declined the attempt till morning-a circumstance I much regretted ; yet, having no military force, I was com- · pelled to yield. In the morning I headed the party of ten men to take this Indian, who had only five adherents, in hopes to surprise and secure him without fighting-enjoining my men, from many considerations, not to fire unless ordered to do so in self-defence. Unfortunately, two horses had just been stolen and a house plundered, and the Indians absconded, leaving no doubt on our minds of their being the thieves, as after tracking them two or three miles into the forest, they had split off in such a manner as to elude pursuit, and we were forced to return to town unsuccessful, as further pursuit was little more rational than chasing an eagle to the mountains. Cockstock had sworn vengeance against several of my party, and they thirsted for his blood. Having no other means of securing him, I offered one hun

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