Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 5.djvu/313

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RECOLLECTIONS OF AN OLD PIONKKI: 303 fully to the utmost of his ability; and his ability was ample for that time and that country, lit- fully comprehended tin 1 exact situation, and acted upon the maxim, "Make haste slowly," believing that such was not only the best policy, but the best justice. Time amply vindicated the wisdom and efficiency of the course he pursued. We attained all our hopes and wishes by peaceful means. "Peace hath her tri- umphs." greater than those of war, because ihe triumphs of peace cost so much less-. It is a matter of doubt whether, in the settlement of any portion of America by the whites, any greater wisdom, forbearance, and pood sense have been shown, except in the celebrated case of William Penn. MASSACRE OP DR. WHITMAN AND OTHKRS INDIAN WAR- ITS RESULT. On Monday, November 29, 1847, the most horrible massacre of Dr. Marcus Whitman, his lady, and others, by the Cayuse Indians, took place; which event, in the just language of Mr. Douglas, was "one of the most atrocious which darken the annals of Indian crime." Within a few days other peaceful Americans were slaughtered, until the whole number of victims amounted to from twelve to fifteen. This painful event was made known at Oregon City on De- cember S, 1847, as already stated. I knew Dr. Whitman well ; I first saw him at the rendez- vous near the western line of Missouri, in May. 1843; saw him again at Kort Hall: and airain at his own mission in th- fall of that, year, as already stated. I remember that the h'rst. I heard of the false ami un_rrateful charge made by a portion of our immigrants (an account of which I have already given) was from his own lips. I was standing near his house when he came to me with the painful expression of deep concern upon his countenance, and aske 1 me to come with him to his room. I did so, and found one or two other gentlemen there. He was deeply wouiuleil. as he had ample cause to be, by this unjustifiable conduct of some of our p. pie. He stated to us the facts. I again saw him at my