to prevent the citizens from executing vengeance on the the Indians with him; but having obtained the papers required, finally led his party safely away. A two days' march brought them to the stronghold of the criminals, who had prepared for just such a visit as this by fleeing to the jurisdiction of Sam on Rogue river, Sam having already declared war.
The casus belli of this chief combined two accusations against Dr. Ambrose, a settler; first, that the doctor had taken the land which he habitually occupied with his people for a winter residence; and, second, that the doctor refused to betroth his infant daughter to Sam's infant son.
On learning these facts, Tolo, Philip, and Jim withdrew from Steele's party, but substituted two young warriors, who were pledged either to find the murderers or to suffer in their stead. The company then divided, a party under Ben Wright going to the mines on the Klamath river, and Steele to Rogue river. He received confirmation of the war rumor while crossing the Siskiyou from two of Sam's warriors whom the party captured, one of whom was shot in attempting to escape, under the following circumstances: When rumors of murder and Sam's declaration of war reached Jacksonville, a company of seventy-five or eighty men was organized under John K. Lamerick, captain. On hearing of this the agent, Skinner, hastened to remonstrate, and obtained a promise from the volunteers that time should be given him to hold a parley with the Indians. A committee of four was appointed to accompany the agent, who found Sam at his encampment on Big bar, two miles from the house of Dr. Ambrose, and near the site of Camp Stuart. He made no objection to meet Skinner, and declared himself for peace, but proposed to send for Jo and his band, who could not arrive before the morrow. To this proposition Skinner and the committee agreed.
Before the meeting took place, Steele arrived at Jacksonville to demand of Sam the surrender of Scarface and Bill;
