[Governor Curry’s letter to General Lane, dated September 20, 1854.] edit
Territory of Oregon,
Executive Office, Salem, September 20, 1854.
Dear Sir: Since my letter to you of the morning of the 18th instant I have received information of an official character that the force already in the field is quite inadequate for the apprehension or punishment of the perpetrators of the unprecedented outrage in the vicinity of Fort Boisé. I have therefore issued a proclamation calling for an additional force of two companies of mounted volunteers. I hope to have this reinforcement in motion for the theatre of action by the 25th instant.
Other acts of violence have been committed by the Indians on other trails into this Territory. A company of volunteers, by order of Governor Davis, made an excursion on the south route to meet the immigration and protect it from apprehended danger. A small detachment of this command was attacked by a large body of Indians (in ambush on both sides of the road) near the sink of Lost river. On the middle or new route, coming in, as you remember, from Malhuer into Lane county, a Mr. Turner’s party was attacked and one man was killed—young Stewart, of Corvallis. I cannot but deplore the necessity that demands the enforcement of measures involving such an expenditure of money. But I beg to assure you that the greatest care will be exercised, and the most rigid economy practised, in the contracting of liabilities. So long as the people of Oregon are left to protect themselves, to punish Indian depredations, and repel Indian hostilities, the expenses incident thereto ought cheerfully to be paid by Congress, as I have no doubt but that they will be.
In haste, yours always, sincerely,
GEO. L. CURRY,
Acting Governor of Oregon.
Gen. Joseph Lane,
Delegate in Congress from Oregon.