the British residents to join with them in forming a joint organization, which both parties knew to be temporary, and only to be maintained by mutual concessions. After much petitioning, congress had at last ordered to be raised and equipped a regiment of mounted riflemen, to establish posts, and patrol the road to Oregon. But instead of being sent at once to this country it was ordered to duty in Mexico, from there sent back to Fort Leavenworth at the close of the war with Mexico, and its decimated ranks filled up with raw recruits. Of these movements isolated Oregon was in ignorance, and unable to account for the non-appearance of the regiment known to have been raised for her exclusive benefit, still strained her eyes toward the east, always looking for some sign, and listening for some news of the promised aid. For this Dr. Whitman was waiting when he delayed too long to leave the Cayuse country. For this the volunteers at Fort Waters waited until October, performing the duty the federal government had been pledged to perform; and for this Oregon was still waiting when Governor Abernethy was called upon to assist the United States.
After answering Governor Mason's letter, on the same day the governor addressed the following communication to President Polk:—
James K. Polk, President of the United States:
DEAR SIR : I am aware that much of your time is occupied, and shall be brief in my remarks, hoping the importance of the case will excuse this liberty. A copy of the memorial passed by the legislature at its last session, together with papers containing the account of the massacre of Dr. Whitman and others at Waiilatpu by the Cayuse Indians, were forwarded to congress by Mr. J. L. Meek. I also forwarded an application via California. As Mr. Meek left Walla Walla on the fourth ultimo, he will, no doubt, reach you in May. I send with this a file of the Spectator, and an extra issued today, together with my proclamation, by which you will perceive that we are carrying on a war with the Indians of the interior. Sometime since, commissioners were sent up to treat with the different tribes and endeavor to detach them from the Cayuses. They effected a great deal; the Walla Wallas, Nez Percés, and other
