The following article was included in the Southern Oregon Digital Archives through thecourtesy of the Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR, publisher.

Originally published as:

Robbins, Harvey1933 Journal of Rogue River War, 1855. Oregon Historical Quarterly 34:

345-358.

C Oregon Historical Society; reprinted with permission.

Courtesy, Oregon Historical Society, Portland, OR, publisher.

www. ohs .or&/publications

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hese two men that lasted as longooks and the latest scientific pub-ray into Dr. Condon's library, inmaterial freely given to easternhe became a contributor to the

itry.er of the faculty of Pacific Uni-in 1876 he accepted the chair of[ the University of Oregon. He

f the great scientists of Oregon.perhaps, was that of the little

rst discovery of the fossil horsethe globe.ier scientific investigators whosel the pages of Oregon's scientific,yall, Jeffrey, Suksdorf, Howell,them deserve more than a mere

e is already long, and the relationleft to another chronicler.

JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 1855By HARVEY RoBBINS

THE ROGUE River War of 1855 was the most sanguinary inthe history of Oregon. During the summer there were num-erous acts of mutual hostility. Attacks and counter attacks,reprisals and counter reprisals followed each other until themurderous outbreak of October 9. Small bands of Indians,acting simultaneously in different parts of the settlements,killed 16 persons. The alarm in the Rogue River and Umpquavallies spread to the Willamette Valley and throughout the ter-ritory. The only military protection in the vicinity consistedof the troops at Fort Lane, numbering 90 dragoons. Formationof volunteer companies began immediately, and on October 15,Governor Curry issued a proclamation calling for five com-panies of mounted volunteers to constitute a northern battalionand four companies to form a southern battalion. The northernbattalion was composed of two companies from Lane Countyand one each from Linn, Douglas and Umpqua counties. Itproceeded to Roseburg and on October 30, elected William J.Martin as major. The temper of the campaign is shown by Ma-jor Martin's instructions that "in chastising the enemy you willuse your own discretion provided you take no prisoners."

The journal here presented was kept by Harvey Robbins, avolunteer from Linn County, who had come to Oregon fromIndiana in 1852 and settled on a donation land claim near Har-risburg. He served also in the Yakima War in 18 5 6.

JOURNAL

OCTOBER 23, 1855, TUESDAY. Lynn County, 0. T. The In-dians of Rogue River Valley having broke the treaty of 1853,and commenced hostilities against the whites by breaking outabout the loth of this month and killing a great many citizensand miners of that valley, and destroying a great deal of pro-perty by fire, and stealing such stock and property as they couldtake with them, killed a large amount of stock and burned thehouses and grain, spreading death and desolation over the land,the citizens of that valley have become much alarmed and sentpetitions to the Willamett praying for assistance, the Governor

L.

pp.�

r

346 HARVEY ROBBINS

immediately issued a proclamation calling for 3 companies ofmounted volunteers from Lynn and Lane counties to go andchastise the savage murderers, which call was readily respondedto, the southern counties furnishing their quota also, the north-ern counties having already turned out their brave and noblehearted boys to quell the savage and indiscriminating murderersof the North, who have been for years past perpetrating theirbloody deeds on the emigrants while passing through their coun-try and there has been many bloody deeds committed by themon explorers, traders, and missionaries. Nothing but a severedrubbing will ever quell them. Today by order of our enrollingofficer, Colonel Helms, we met at Harrisburg, elected our offi-cers. For Captain we elected Jonathan Keeney, first lieutenant,Stanard,' second lieutenant, Joseph Yates. We then marchedout of town a mile and encamped for the night.OCTOBER 24, WEDNESDAY. This morning we were on the lineof march by 8 o'clock. We arrived at Eugene City at 1 o'clockP. M. and were mustered into service and our animals andequipage appraised. We then camped near the town on theWillamet River.OCTOBER 25, THURSDAY. This morning our officers are busilyengaged in making necessary arrangements for our trip. At 1o'clock we paraded with Captain Buoy's2 company of Lanecounty, and Mr. Michel of Lane co. and Mr. I. N. Smith ofLynn Co. delivered us a very patriotic speech, each. We thentraveled 10 miles and camped for the night on the coast forkof the Willamet River. A middling poor show for cooking,owing to the scarcity of cooking utensils, which we will get atRoseburg.OCTOBER 26, FRIDAY. Today we traveled 25 miles and campednear the foot of the Calapooya mountains for the night.OCTOBER 27, SATURDAY. Today we crossed over the Calapooyamountains, encamped for the night in the Umpqua valley after12 miles march over very bad roads.

JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIv

OCTOBER 28, SUNDAY. Traveled 12night on the Chamas Swaile [CamasOCTOBER 29, MONDAY. Last nightsenger appeared at our camp withwhich is headquarters, calling for ago and quell some Indians on Cole'sing hostile threats towards the citiz(men were detached immediately t

the remainder of the company marcagainst 6 o'clock A. M. We campeuntil our detail of last night comesplace seem to treat the volunteers -wOne man has even forbade our cuttiljust went to his wood that was alreacselves. At 3 o'clock in the evening o10 Indian prisoners, which were takgun. They were delivered up to tAbout night there was a guard callerprotect the Indians from the viol(threatening their lives, others threatetain told them that if they would bihe would guard them.OCTOBER 3 0, TUESDAY. Rained allyet. The citizens will not even letperson may very easily imagine whaiteers begin to have for Umpquaiarsuperior officer to command the A

that we may make a wise choice, knwar depends entirely on the superiCaptain William Martin is the chomously elected, having no opposer atrace. We left Roseburg at 4 o'ccamped for the night.OCTOBER 1, THURSDAY. Last nightbrought the news that Captain Bailequa volunteers together with the so

'A. W. Stanard.2Laban Buoy, captain of company B, second regiment of Oregon

mounted volunteers. 3Joseph Bailey, captain of company A,

PLVEY ROBBINS JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 18 5 3347

lamation calling for 3 companies ofLynn and Lane counties to go and

ers, which call was readily respondedurnishing their quota also, the north-ly turned out their brave and noblevage and indiscriminating murderers

*een for years past perpetrating theirnts while passing through their coun-ny bloody deeds committed by themmissionaries. Nothing but a severe

em. Today by order of our enrollingmet at Harrisburg, elected our offi-

ed Jonathan Keeney, first lieutenant,t, Joseph Yates. We then marchedamped for the night.

This morning we were on the linee arrived at Eugene City at 1 o'clockI into service and our animals andthen camped near the town on the

OCTOBER 28, SUNDAY. Traveled 12 miles and camped for thenight on the Chamas Swaile [Camas swale].OCTOBER 29, MONDAY. Last night at about 12 o'clock a mes-senger appeared at our camp with an order from Roseburg,which is headquarters, calling for a detachment of 30 men togo and quell some Indians on Cole's prairie, who had been mak-ing hostile threats towards the citizens of that place. The 30men were detached immediately under Lieutenant Stanard,the remainder of the company marched to Roseburg, 18 miles,against 6 o'clock A. M. We camped near the town to remainuntil our detail of last night comes up. The citizens of thisplace seem to treat the volunteers with but very little respect.One man has even forbade our cutting wood on his claim. Wejust went to his wood that was already chopped and helped our-selves. At 3 o'clock in the evening our detachment arrived with10 Indian prisoners, which were taken without the firing of agun. They were delivered up to the authority of the place.About night there was a guard called for from our company toprotect the Indians from the violence of the citizens, somethreatening their lives, others threatening to release them. Cap-tain told them that if they would bring them back to his camphe would guard them.OCTOBER 30, TUESDAY. Rained all night. We have no tentsyet. The citizens will not even let us sleep in their barns. Aperson may very easily imagine what kind of respect the volun-teers begin to have for Umpquaians. Today have to elect asuperior officer to command the whole battalion. We hopethat we may make a wise choice, knowing that the glory of thewar depends entirely on the superior officers. It seems thatCaptain William Martin is the choice of all. He was unani-mously elected, having no opposer at all. He runs a very strongrace. We left Roseburg at 4 o'clock, traveled 5 miles andcamped for the night.OCTOBER 1, THURSDAY. Last night an express arrived here whobrought the news that Captain Bailey's3 company and the Ump-qua volunteers together with the southern battalion, and Capt.

This morning our officers are busilyry arrangements for our trip. At 1Captain Buoy's2 company of Lanef Lane co. and Mr. I. N. Smith ofcry patriotic speech, each. We thenped for the night on the coast forkk middling poor show for cooking,)oking utensils, which we will get at

lay we traveled 2 5 miles and campedoya mountains for the night.today we crossed over the Calapooyahe night in the Umpqua valley afterid roads.

mpany B, second regiment of Oregon3Joseph Bailey, captain of company A, first battalion.

�Ml_

348 HARVEY ROBBINS

Smith4 with his regulars had attacked the Indians. By daylightwe were on the march through the canyon. We traveled 20miles and arrived at the Six-bit house,' which is a house in theGrave Creek hills. It is now called Fort Bailey. When we ar-

rived here we were informed that they were fighting the In-

dians about 15 miles from this place. They are in the moun-tains between Grave Creek and Cow Creek. Captain Keeneywanted to push a head to their assistance, but Major Martinwould not permit him to go. At 4 o'clock P. M. some of thevolunteers arrived from the field bringing the news that thewhites were all retreating with 40 killed and wounded. They

had fought two days without any provision, consequently they

were obliged to leave the field to the Indians. It is not knownhow many Indians killed, neither is it known how many wereengaged in the fight. There seems to be a diversity of opinion

as to the number of Indians, some say from 200 to 300, othersas high as 500. I guess them that was not there has about asgood an idea of the number of Indians engaged as those that

were there. They had taken a position on the top of a highmountain, which was covered with timber and a thick growth

of chaparral and manzanita brush. The thickness of the brushwould not admit of a charge and whenever attempted by thewhites they were repulsed with a heavy loss. They kept them-

selves close concealed until an opportunity presented itself forthem to make a sure shot, then the keen crack of the rifle would

warn the white man that Mr. Indian was close at hand. Andso was fought the battle of Hungry Hill,' as it has since been

4Andrew Jackson Smith, (1815-97) commander of Fort Lane, JacksonCounty; graduated at West Point in 1838, served with distinctionin the Mexican and Civil wars; in May, 1869, resigned from thearmy and was appointed postmaster at Saint Louis.

5According to William Hanley the name was derived from the price ofaccommodation. A less pleasing origin is given by George W. Rid-dle, who says that an Indian boy was wantonly hung by some law-less whites, but just before the execution the tavern keeper de-manded six bits from the victim in payment of a debt; Oregon His-torical Quarterly, XXXIII, 126, note; Riddle, Early Days in Ore-gon, 57.

CFor account of battle, with names of killed and wounded, see Walling,History of Lane County, 251-53 and Victor, Early Indian Wars,353-54.

JOURNAL OF ROGUE Riv

named. 40 of us went to assist in tEbeing one of the nearest rendezvouswere carried in on litters by hand.NOVEMBER 2, FRIDAY. This morniireturn back as far as Cow Creek, an,that valley that have not been murvillains. There are but 3 houses lethe rest have all been burnt by the Iand stolen and farms laid waste. 1

Smiths' on Cow Creek. 40 remainto the canyon.NOVEMBER 3, SATURDAY. 20 of uscanyon. As soon as they return witgive the Indians another round.NOVEMBER 4, SUNDAY. This mornscout. We went to the summit of aof the canyon. Returned in the evdiscovery.NOVEMBER 5, MONDAY. Nothingescort travelling parties from this pNOVEMBER 6, TUESDAY. A largethe canyon loaded with provision.NOVEMBER 7, WEDNESDAY. Cold iout tents. 30 of our men that wburgh arrived this evening all safe aNOVEMBER 8, THURSDAY. We drmountain about 3 miles to grass.nearly all the grass out here last sunall the grain so our feed has to be brNOVEMBER 9, FRIDAY. Cold andbegin to shiver and wish themselvesNOVEMBER 10, SATURDAY. Snowof 3 inches in the valley and much

NOVEMBER 11, SUNDAY. Marched

NOVEMBER 12, MONDAY. Makingfort. It is expected that this will b

7William Henry Smith.

EY ROBBINS JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 18 5 5 349

attacked the Indians. By daylightugh the canyon. We traveled 20*bit house, which is a house in ther called Fort Bailey. When we ar-d that they were fighting the In-his place. They are in the moun-and Cow Creek. Captain Keeneytheir assistance, but Major Martin

At 4 o'clock P. M. some of thefield bringing the news that the

ith 40 killed and wounded. Theyt any provision, consequently theyId to the Indians. It is not knownither is it known how many wereseems to be a diversity of opinionsome say from 200 to 300, others

rn that was not there has about asof Indians engaged as those that

n a position on the top of a highd with timber and a thick growthbrush. The thickness of the brush'e and whenever attempted by theith a heavy loss. They kept them-in opportunity presented itself for-n the keen crack of the rifle wouldr. Indian was close at hand. AndHungry Hill,6 as it has since been

named. 40 of us went to assist in the wounded to this place, itbeing one of the nearest rendezvous to the battle field. Theywere carried in on litters by hand.NOVEMBER 2, FRIDAY. This morning we are under orders toreturn back as far as Cow Creek, and guard the few citizens ofthat valley that have not been murdered by those treacherousvillains. There are but 3 houses left standing in this valley,the rest have all been burnt by the Indians, the stock all killedand stolen and farms laid waste. 11 o'clock P. M. arrived atSmiths 7 on Cow Creek. 40 remain here and the rest proceedto the canyon.NOVEMBER 3, SATURDAY. 20 of us escorted a pack train to thecanyon. As soon as they return with ammunition we expect togive the Indians another round.NOVEMBER 4, SUNDAY. This morning 20 of us went out on ascout. We went to the summit of a high peak on the west sideof the canyon. Returned in the evening without making anydiscovery.NOVEMBER 5, MONDAY. Nothing to do but cook and eat andescort travelling parties from this place to Fort Bailey.NOVEMBER 6, TUESDAY. A large pack train arrived throughthe canyon loaded with provision.NOVEMBER 7, WEDNESDAY. Cold rain. The most of us with-out tents. 30 of our men that were detailed to guard Rose-burgh arrived this evening all safe and sound.NOVEMBER 8, THURSDAY. We drove our horses off into themountain about 3 miles to grass. The grasshoppers destroyednearly all the grass out here last summer, and the Indians burntall the grain so our feed has to be brought from the Willamet.NOVEMBER 9, FRIDAY. Cold and raining. Some of the boysbegin to shiver and wish themselves back home.NOVEMBER 10, SATURDAY. Snow fell last night to the depthof 3 inches in the valley and much deeper in the hills.NOVEMBER 11, SUNDAY. Marched to Fort Bailey and camped.NOVEMBER 12, MONDAY. Making preparations for building afort. It is expected that this will be our winter quarters.

97) commander of Fort Lane, JacksonPoint in 1838, served with distinction

-ars; in May, 1869, resigned from the;tmaster at Saint Louis.he name was derived from the price ofsing origin is given by George W. Rid-t boy was wantonly hung by some law-

the execution the tavern keeper de-tim in payment of a debt; Oregon His-126, note; Riddle, Early Days in Ore-

nes of killed and wounded, see Walling,51-53 and Victor, Early Indian Wars,

TWilliam Henry Smith.

��l

350 HARVEY ROBBINS

NOVEMBER 13, TUESDAY. All hands at work, each mess build-ing their own house to winter in.NOVEMBER 14, WEDNESDAY. This morning every man seemsto be stirring and making all the noise possible.NOVEMBER 15, THURSDAY. Clear and pleasant.

NOVEMBER 16, FRIDAY. Rained all night. Quite a number ofus are without tents yet, but there is no chance for dodging.Here we have to stand and take it or lay down to it as wechoose.NOVEMBER 17, SATURDAY. This morning the sky is clear andthe sun is just peeping over the mountain in all his beauty. Anexpress has just arrived at our camp bringing the news of theIndians burning houses on Jump-off Jo, and a request fromMajor Bruce' of the Southern Battalion to Capt. Keeney for hiscompany to meet him there to try to take the rascals in. 4o'clock P. M. We have two bears barbacued ready for themarch, and the fighting too, if we get the chance. Capt. Keeneysent an express back to the Canyon for a pack train to followon after us with provisions.

NOVEMBER 18, SUNDAY. This morning by 8 o'clock we wereon the march. We traveled 9 miles and met some men thatinformed us that Capt. Bob Williams had attacked the Indians30 or 40 in number, and had completely cleaned them out, hav-ing killed 5 of them and put the rest to flight. 1 man wounded.They think that the Indians have retreated down toward themouth of Grave Creek. We went back 3 miles to Grave Creek,thence down this stream 4 miles and encamped for the night.NOVEMBER 19, MONDAY. This morning Capt. Keeney havingdetermined to proceed down Grave Creek to Rogue River onfoot, we sent all our horses back to Fort Leland. Captain sentback 15 men to hurry up the muck-a-muck, our rations being

already nearly exhausted. We traveled 12 miles down GraveCreek and camped. This is a rough and mountainous country.The creek winds its way through rocky canyons. There issome gold in these mountains. From the appearance of the

JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVE

labor that has been done along thisbeen several dimes taken out here.NOVEMBER 20, TUESDAY. This mornbeing sore, after climbing mountainsging their knapsacks. Half rations fowound on a stick and baked, and atuted my meal. Having concluded t(wait for provision, Capt. ordered 40proceed down the creek to its moutdIndians passed down that way on forto a high peak that lay to our nortiany discovery made in that quarter.this peak we were startled by the firinalso the report of 3 guns some distarposed that the Indians had attackwent back to camp with all haste.marched up the creek with the expelWe marched 4 miles and met 8 of chorses packed with provisions. It M~

that we heard firing up the creek.eat our dinner. Send 10 men backpack animals, as all attempts had yettain 2 miles. Camped with grass, ple

NOVEMBER 21, WEDNESDAY. Remai30 men on scout. We went to thethat we were camped on 3 miles whe,whole country. Many of the snoithemselves to our view. Indians invantage on the army. They have sthat see the army wherever they go.be termed the Indian's home. Deethese mountains.

NOVEMBER 22, THURSDAY. This m,of march for Rogue River, down Gover a mountain 8 miles, which the bin honor of a young man [illegible]down Grave Creek to the mouth, th

where the pack trail strikes the river

P-

'James Bruce, captain of company D, second regiment of Oregonmounted volunteers.

7EY ROBBINS

k1l hands at work, each mess build-er in.

(. This morning every man seemsI the noise possible.

Clear and pleasant.

ined all night. Quite a number ofat there is no chance for dodging.I take it or lay down to it as we

This morning the sky is clear and-he mountain in all his beauty. Anour camp bringing the news of theJump-off Jo, and a request fromn Battalion to Capt. Keeney for his

to try to take the rascals in. 4vo bears barbacued ready for theif we get the chance. Capt. KeeneyCanyon for a pack train to follow

his morning by 8 o'clock we were1 9 miles and met some men thatWilliams had attacked the Indianscompletely cleaned them out, hav-

the rest to flight. 1 man wounded.s have retreated down toward thewent back 3 miles to Grave Creek,[iles and encamped for the night.Ehis morning Capt. Keeney havingi Grave Creek to Rogue River oniack to Fort Leland. Captain sentte muck-a-muck, our rations beingWe traveled 12 miles down Gravea rough and mountainous country.hrough rocky canyons. There isns. From the appearance of the

JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 18 5 5 351

labor that has been done along this stream I judge there hasbeen several dimes taken out here.NOVEMBER 20, TUESDAY. This morning all hands complain ofbeing sore, after climbing mountains all day yesterday and lug-ging their knapsacks. Half rations for breakfast; a little doughwound on a stick and baked, and a small slice of beef consti-tuted my meal. Having concluded to remain in camp today towait for provision, Capt. ordered 40 men out on scout; 20 toproceed down the creek to its mouth to see if there have anyIndians passed down that way on foot; the other 20 to go onto a high peak that lay to our north, to see if there could beany discovery made in that quarter. While on the summit ofthis peak we were startled by the firing of guns up Grave Creek,also the report of 3 guns some distance to the west. We sup-posed that the Indians had attacked our pack train. Wewent back to camp with all haste. We all gathered up andmarched up the creek with the expectation of having to fight.We marched 4 miles and met 8 of our men with some of ourhorses packed with provisions. It was Capt. Buoy's companythat we heard firing up the creek. We halted and cooked andeat our dinner. Send 10 men back to make another trip forpack animals, as all attempts had yet failed; thence up a moun-tain 2 miles. Camped with grass, plenty of water.NOVEMBER 21, WEDNESDAY. Remained in camp today, except30 men on scout. We went to the summit of the mountainthat we were camped on 3 miles where we could see all over thewhole country. Many of the snow capped peaks presentedthemselves to our view. Indians in this country have all ad-vantage on the army. They have spies all over the mountainthat see the army wherever they go. I think that it may safelybe termed the Indian's home. Deer, bear and elk abound inthese mountains.NOVEMBER 22, THURSDAY. This morning we took up the lineof march for Rogue River, down Grave Creek 4 miles, thenceover a mountain 8 miles, which the boys named Mount Rubbingin honor of a young man [illegible]. 15 of us volunteer to godown Grave Creek to the mouth, thence down Rogue River towhere the pack trail strikes the river, which is 6 miles of a deep

pany D, second regiment of Oregon

- �

3 52 HARVEY ROBBINS JOURNAL OF ROGUE RI

canyon, and entirely impassable for anything else but a footman and so near impassable for them that I never want to tryit again. Where the trail strikes the river there is an Indianranch or village of about 25 huts, which we burnt. From ap-pearance we supposed the Indians had been gone about 2 days.We think that they were probably frightened away by our firstday's travel down Grave Creek. Had we not gone back whenwe heard Capt. Buoy's guns, we would I think have given thema close chase. There had some 30 or 40 Indians come downthe river, supposed to be mostly squaws and children. Theywere undoubtedly badly frightened. Children and all had beenrunning with all haste. We camped here this evening. Capt.Buoy's company arrived here and camped with us. We wereout of meat. They had two beeves killed, one divided with us.NOVEMBER 23, FRIDAY. Today lying still. Myself and 2 othermen follow an Indian's track 4 miles where he had gone lastnight. Major Martin arrived this evening with about 150 vol-unteers, 10 days provisions and Capt. Juday' with 50 regulars,

have burnt their village. Capt.marched down a deep ravine 2 milcdown the creek 1 mile to the river.tance from the river, John Rogers, adiscovered something under a largeing, was found to be a cache eitherers; supposed to be miners. It consi40 lbs., salt 10 lbs., 1 valise, I peckbooks many other articles too nume6 men in each, 50 yds apart for theIndians that might attempt to passNOVEMBER 26, MONDAY. This morcame down the river. The spy of y,camp, reported that the Indians -appearances, preparing to fight. Itinguish one amongst them that vKeeney's company was ordered to ctbattalion. While preparing rafts tattacked by the Indians from theKilled one mani wounded 22 mor(The river runs here in a deep canycIndians were is covered with fir tim'we could not see them. The side oiwith the exception of a few scatteifiring commenced Capt. Keeney ordchoose a position behind somethingsight. 10 minutes before he advisework, to get behind something and Idians, but the boys were disposed tocommenced at about I o'clock, contiwhen seeing that it was impossible teven do any good in any way, we ]killed and wounded with us to ourknown whether any were killed orboys say they are certain they killed E

one canon.

NOVEMBER 24, SATURDAY. Today Major Martin with about400 men marched 15 miles over a mountain. Snow 12 inchesdeep for 3 miles. Encamped on the meadows. Excellent grass.3 o'clock in the evening the vanguard discovered an encamp-ment about 4 miles distant in Rogue River Canyon, which afterexamining with a glass were thought to be Indians, though notpositive; as Capt. Williams is expected down on that side of themountain it may be he.

NOVEMBER 25, SUNDAY. 2 men started at 2 o'clock last nightas spies to see whether it was Capt. Williams or Indians that wehad seen on yesterday evening. 12 o'clock today spies of lastnight not returned yet. 1 o'clock Williams arrived, came downon the same side of the river on which we did, which confirmedus that it was Indians that we had supposed to be Williams.Capt. Judah and Major Bruce went on to a mountain to takeanother look with the glass. Returned, report that the Indians

!Captain H. M. Judah, of the regular army. He used a 12-poundhowitzer in the campaign.

°OWilliam Lewis; Walling, 256.11"At least one Indian bit the dust, for

and carried his scalp tied to his horsE

RVEY ROBBINS JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 185 353 53

assable for anything else but a footle for them that I never want to try

strikes the river there is an Indian25 huts, which we burnt. From ap-Indians had been gone about 2 days.robably frightened away by our first,reek. Had we not gone back whens, we would I think have given themsome 30 or 40 Indians come downmostly squaws and children. Theyightened. Children and all had been7e camped here this evening. Capt.ere and camped with us. We wereo beeves killed, one divided with us.oday lying still. Myself and 2 otherack 4 miles where he had gone lasted this evening with about 150 vol-and Capt. Juday" with 50 regulars,

have burnt their village. Capt. Keeney with his footmenmarched down a deep ravine 2 miles to the small creek, thencedown the creek 1 mile to the river. On this creek a short dis-tance from the river, John Rogers, a young man in our companydiscovered something under a large rock, which after examin-ing, was found to be a cache either put here by Indians or min-ers; supposed to be miners. It consisted of flour, 50 lbs., coffee40 lbs., salt 10 lbs., 1 valise, 1 peck of chestnut acorns, severalbooks many other articles too numerous to mention. Camped,6 men in each, 50 yds apart for the purpose of cutting off anyIndians that might attempt to pass down the river.NOVEMBER 26, MONDAY. This morning the Southern battalioncame down the river. The spy of yesterday morning arrived atcamp, reported that the Indians were, he thought from allappearances, preparing to fight. He said that he could dis-tinguish one amongst them that was Charco Boston. Capt.Keeney's company was ordered to cross the river with Southernbattalion. While preparing rafts to cross the river we wereattacked by the Indians from the opposite side of the river.Killed one maniO wounded 22 more, Capt. Keeney's company.The river runs here in a deep canyon. The side on which theIndians were is covered with fir timber and brush so thick thatwe could not see them. The side on which we were was openwith the exception of a few scattering trees. As soon as thefiring commenced Capt. Keeney ordered his men, every one tochoose a position behind something to shelter us from theirsight. 10 minutes before he advised us, all that were not atwork, to get behind something and keep a close lookout for In-dians, but the boys were disposed to laugh at him. The firingcommenced at about 1 o'clock, continued till 8 o'clock at night,when seeing that it was impossible to accomplish our object oreven do any good in any way, we left the field, carrying ourkilled and wounded with us to our camp. Of the 25 it is notknown whether any were killed or not, though some of theboys say they are certain they killed some."1

Today Major Martin with about; over a mountain. Snow 12 inchesA on the meadows. Excellent grass.ie vanguard discovered an encamp-in Rogue River Canyon, which aftere thought to be Indians, though notis expected down on that side of the

! men started at 2 o'clock last night,s Capt. Williams or Indians that weing. 12 o'clock today spies of last)'clock Williams arrived, came down, on which we did, which confirmed. we had supposed to be Williams.ice went on to a mountain to take

Returned, report that the Indians

* regular army. He used a 12-poundl0William Lewis; Walling, 256.""At least one Indian bit the dust, for George Cherry killed a brave

and carried his scalp tied to his horse's bridle;" Walling, 257.

3 54 HARVEY ROBBINS

NOVEMBER 27, TUESDAY. This morning a melancholy duty re-mained for us to do, that was the burying of our dead man,which we did with the honor due to him who had lost his life indefense of his country. Major Martin and Major Bruce, seeingthat their forces were inadequate sent for reinforcement, alsofor supplies and provisions.NOVEMBER 28, WEDNESDAY. Very cold, snowing and rainingall day. This morning, seeing our 10 days' provisions were go-ing to fall short, we were put on half rations.NOVEMBER 29, THURSDAY. Continues blustery weather. Ourcompany is out of flour, nothing but beans without salt, andcoffee to eat.NOVEMBER 30, FRIDAY. It still continues to rain and snow. TheIndians still hold their position. They fire on every man thatgets within 6 hundred of them.DECEMBER 1, SATURDAY. Quite pleasant. Today we obtainedfrom the Southern battalion a few bushels of wheat which wecooked and eat. This evening a small pack train arrived withprovisions.DECEMBER 2, SUNDAY. Snow fell last night to the depth of 6inches. This morning Major Martin and Major Bruce seeingthat we were in danger of being bound in here by snow, deem-ing it unwise to remain here longer, ordered their forces tomarch back for the settlement. By 8 o'clock we were on marchcarrying our wounded men on a litter, all but the ones who wereable to ride horseback. We had a mountain of 16 miles to cross.Today beginning snow on the summit 18 inches deep. Wecamped within 2 miles of Whiskey Creek, having traveled 14miles.DECEMBER 3, MONDAY. Cold and snowing. This morning westarted early. Traveled to Whiskey Creek 2 miles, thence overMount Robin to Grave Creek, 8 miles, thence up the creek 4miles and encamped for the night.DECEMBER 4, TUESDAY. Raining today. We arrived at theGrave Creek House or Fort Leland with our wounded man,having carried him 40 miles in two days and a half over moun-tains and through snow and rain. Encamped at Fort Leland.DECEMBER 5, WEDNESDAY. Continues to rain. Going to re-

JOURNAL OF ROGUE ]

main at this place until after thetenant-colonel which will come odates have been shouting here todwhat they would do if elected. Ifwoe unto the Indians.DECEMBER 6, THURSDAY. Cold acompany went mostly for Capt. 'jor Martin for Lieutenant-colonel.DECEMBER 7, FRIDAY. Continues

returns of the election from the So,DECEMBER 8, SATURDAY. Contini

ordered to march back into the Urtain sustenance for ourselves andeither one here. Snow on the hillsour horses is about 2 4 feet deep.lucky escape in getting out of the iDECEMBER 9, SUNDAY. This mor-for the Umpqua leaving our woun3 men to take care of him. Rainedfast. The creeks all very full, scanimals. Camped at the canyon feDECEMBER 10, MONDAY. Today vyon, the roads very muddy. Encmile from the mouth of the canyonDECEMBER 11, TUESDAY. Remair

scarce. We have no flour, we are ICapt. Buoy's Company is camped h,visions plenty, but take care to eat iDECEMBER 12. WEDNESDAY. Thisof flour for our breakfast. We doany more. It seems as though thmasters are trying to manage so as tseveral pack trains here idle and having to hinder them from going badDECEMBER 13, THURSDAY. A rain

12The quartermaster and commissary 4administered throughout the war; M

c ROBBINS JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 18 3 53 5

is morning a melancholy duty re-s the burying of our dead man,[ue to him who had lost his life in

Martin and Major Bruce, seeingiate sent for reinforcement, also

Very cold, snowing and rainingour 10 days' provisions were go-

ln half rations.'ontinues blustery weather. Ourling but beans without salt, and

main at this place until after the election of Colonel and Lieu-tenant-colonel which will come off on Thursday. The candi-dates have been shouting here today, telling us their views andwhat they would do if elected. If they make their words good,woe unto the Indians.DECEMBER 6, THURSDAY. Cold and snowing. Capt. Keeney'scompany went mostly for Capt. Williams for Colonel and Ma-jor Martin for Lieutenant-colonel.DECEMBER 7, FRIDAY. Continues to snow. Today received thereturns of the election from the South. Williams elected Colonel.DECEMBER 8, SATURDAY. Continues to snow. Today we wereordered to march back into the Umpqua to where we could ob-tain sustenance for ourselves and animals as we could not geteither one here. Snow on the hills where we had been herdingour horses is about 2' 4 feet deep. We think that we made alucky escape in getting out of the mountains before the storm.DECEMBER 9, SUNDAY. This morning we started on the marchfor the Umpqua leaving our wounded man in the hospital with3 men to take care of him. Rained all day. Snow melting veryfast. The creeks all very full, some of them swimming ouranimals. Camped at the canyon for the night.

1 continues to rain and snow. Thei. They fire on every man that

ite pleasant. Today we obtainedfew bushels of wheat which wea small pack train arrived with

I fell last night to the depth of 6Martin and Major Bruce seeing

ig bound in here by snow, deem-longer, ordered their forces toBy 8 o'clock we were on march

a litter, all but the ones who wered a mountain of 16 miles to cross.ie summit 18 inches deep. We-iskey Creek, having traveled 14

DECEMBER 10, MONDAY. Today we marched through the can-yon, the roads very muddy. Encamped on Canyon Creek, 1mile from the mouth of the canyon in Umpqua Valley.

DECEMBER 11, TUESDAY. Remain in camp today. Provisionscarce. We have no flour, we are living now on rice and meat.Capt. Buoy's Company is camped here with us. They have pro-visions plenty, but take care to eat it themselves.

DECEMBER 12. WEDNESDAY. This morning we had half rationsof flour for our breakfast. We do not know when we will getany more. It seems as though the quartermasters and pack-masters are trying to manage so as to starve us out.12 There areseveral pack trains here idle and have been 5 or 6 days and noth-ing to hinder them from going back.DECEMBER 13, THURSDAY. A rainy and disagreeable day. This

and snowing. This morning weiiskey Creek 2 miles, thence over, 8 miles, thence up the creek 4ight.ining today. We arrived at theLeland with our wounded man,L two days and a half over moun-uin. Encamped at Fort Leland.Continues to rain. Going to re-

l2The quartermaster and commissary departments were inefficientlyadministered throughout the war; Walling, 253.

I

P_

3 56 HARVEY ROBBINS

morning the pack animals that were laying here started northfor supplies of provisions for ourselves and forage for our ani-mals. [Remainder illegible.]DECEMBER 14, FRIDAY. Continues to rain this morning. Themountains all around are covered with snow. General Barnumand Colonel Martin passed here today on their way to DeerCreek. This morning we were out of meat, and the quarter-master would not get any, so there being some very fine hogsrunning about the camp, we just killed one.DECEMBER 15, SATURDAY. Continues to rain. Cold and dis-agreeable weather.DECEMBER 16, SUNDAY. This morning we are out of meat, andhaving made several applications to the quartermaster for meat,and could not get it, Captain had discovered in the quartermas-ters house a keg of syrup which he called for, and the quarter-master swore that he should not have it. Captain swore that hewould. He came to camp and took a few boys with him andjust walked in, carried it out, and said, "Here boys, take it,"and Mr. Quartermaster took care not to cheep.DECEMBER 17, MONDAY. Cold and disagreeable this morning.Mr. Bolen sent out 4 men to hunt up what government cattlehe had in his care, going to take to grass, as they had got sopoor that the volunteers would not eat them. The cattle areabout 4 miles distant. After they had gone a while they re-turned very much frightened with only a part of their cattleand said that they had heard a cap snap near them which theysupposed to be an Indian. We think that they are afraid andwant us to hunt the cattle for them.DECEMBER 18, TUESDAY. Today Captain Keeney received aletter from Lieutenant Yates at Grave Creek. He says he doesnot expect to get here for something like a week.DECEMBER 19, WEDNESDAY. This morning Lieutenant Mc-Kiney started back to Fort Leland. This evening a pack trainarrived with clothing.DECEMBER 20, THURSDAY. Cold and snowing. The pack trainthat came here yesterday said that he would stay here a few daystill after the storm, but Captain Keeney told them that theymust go on to Fort Leland, for his men that were there were out

JOURNAL OF ROGUE I

of provision and destitute of clostate of suffrance.DECEMBER 21, FRIDAY. The weamorning Capt. Buoy's company ledown toward Deer Creek to takehad become much alarmed about.pany moved some 4 or 5 miles Ibetter camp.DECEMBER 22, SATURDAY. Snowii

the men that were detached to gback. One of the men was sick.Cow Creek in 2 days.

DECEMBER 23, SUNDAY. Continu(

near as fast as it falls.

DECEMBER 24, MONDAY. Very cToday there is considerable of m.way we are getting treated here.in fact we have no suitable equipand it seems that there is no exertthe exception of Captain.

DECEMBER 25, TUESDAY. This mthis place brought out a bucket fucompany.

DECEMBER 26, WEDNESDAY. Last

to escort the pack to Renoise arrivcDECEMBER 27, THURSDAY. This n

DECEMBER 28, FRIDAY. Arrived C

DECEMBER 29, SATURDAY. Left R.

DECEMBER 30, SUNDAY. Crossed I

DECEMBER 31, MONDAY. Arrived

JANUARY 10, 1856, THURSDAY.

according to the orders of our Cal

s3Captain Keeney's company were dissafor a furlough, and being denied, briCharges of disobedience were prefsuspended by the governor. Later:were restored to all rights and priv

r ROBBINS

t were laying here started north3urselves and forage for our ani-

inues to rain this morning. Thered with snow. General Barnum2re today on their way to Deer-e out of meat, and the quarter-there being some very fine hogs

ast killed one.ontinues to rain. Cold and dis-

morning we are out of meat, andns to the quartermaster for meat,lad discovered in the quartermas-zh he called for, and the quarter-)t have it. Captain swore that hed took a few boys with him and, and said, "Here boys, take it,"are not to cheep.

Id and disagreeable this morning.hunt up what government cattleLake to grass, as they had got soId not eat them. The cattle arethey had gone a while they re-with only a part of their cattle

a cap snap near them which theyTe think that they are afraid andthem.

Ioday Captain Keeney received aat Grave Creek. He says he does-ething like a week.

This morning Lieutenant Mc-land. This evening a pack train

old and snowing. The pack trainhat he would stay here a few daystain Keeney told them that they

his men that were there were out

JOURNAL OF ROGUE RIVER WAR, 18 5 5 3 57

of provision and destitute of clothing and consequently in astate of suffrance.DECEMBER 21, FRIDAY. The weather very disagreeable. Thismorning Capt. Buoy's company left here, a part of them to godown toward Deer Creek to take some squaws that the citizenshad become much alarmed about. The remainder of the com-pany moved some 4 or 5 miles for the purpose of getting abetter camp.DECEMBER 22, SATURDAY. Snowing this morning. Today 2 ofthe men that were detached to go with the pack train cameback. One of the men was sick. They only went as far asCow Creek in 2 days.DECEMBER 23, SUNDAY. Continues to snow, but it melts prettynear as fast as it falls.DECEMBER 24, MONDAY. Very cold, the ground frozen hard.Today there is considerable of murmuring in camp about theway we are getting treated here. We are very poorly clad, andin fact we have no suitable equipment for a winter campaignand it seems that there is no exertion used for our relief withthe exception of Captain.DECEMBER 25, TUESDAY. This morning the quartermaster ofthis place brought out a bucket full of brandy and treated ourcompany.DECEMBER 26, WEDNESDAY. Last night 9 of the men that wentto escort the pack to Renoise arrived.DECEMBER 27, THURSDAY. This morning we left the canyon."DECEMBER 28, FRIDAY. Arrived at Roseburg.

DECEMBER 29, SATURDAY. Left Roseburg.

DECEMBER 30, SUNDAY. Crossed the Calapooya mountains.DECEMBER 31, MONDAY. Arrived at Eugene.

JANUARY 10, 1856, THURSDAY. Met today at Calapooya,according to the orders of our Captain, made our monthly re-

13Captain Keeney's company were dissatisfied and homesick. He askedfor a furlough, and being denied, broke camp and left for Roseburg.Charges of disobedience were preferred against him and he wassuspended by the governor. Later, however, he and his companywere restored to all rights and privileges; Walling, 261.

L

35 8 HARVEY ROBBINS

port, returned home with orders to meet at the same place thefirst day of February.FEBRUARY 1. Met today at Calapooya and was discharged fromthe service by order of the Governor.

r

VOYAGES OF THE PAL]1843.

By AVERY S

(In two parts

WE GOT along very comfortablition,2 and had a very pleasant pa!Port George on the 23RD of APRII

the land to be covered with wilcraspberries as big as a thimble. 'to down east at the same time, atence in regard to climate, thoughnorth than where you live, and inthere at all.

Edmund3 had a very goodclimate, being there all winter. Ivery little ice, and by the middiriver were more or less covered wikeep in the ground all winter, alare very troublesome, as they inteever may be sowed there the nextsalmon begin to run here in greatvery few caught until the middhsuperstition prevailing among thesell or otherwise dispose of them Iripe called a salmon berry, they wimore return, unless by a great dethose who should commit so baseput into the mouth of a fish, destrliberty to sell to anyone who withemselves the heart. What was t

'Part I was published in the Oregon1933, pages 259-72. Sylvester hadfor the Columbia River April 1, 1i

2There were 37 passengers, whom S3ture of all classes, sects and prnexpected, as many different dispo:

3Brother of the writer. He later fou