by Win Blevins
The appointment of officers I have allways been favourable to the appointment of official agents from the Neighbourhood or country whare their services ware required and I think in this country of all others a selection from her owm citizens would be best Quallified to give general satisfaction Both to the government and the governed
July 19 1845
19 morning Quite warm the afternoon windy and cool
20 morning cool and clear the days begin to [be] verry long
21 raim and hail cool & windy & disagreeable the flowers of this region seem to be well filled with honey but the bees are wanting
22 Continues cool with light showers of rain & hail
23 Cool and clear with a north wind about this time the farmers begin to think that all their spring wheat should be sown & but a few are still sowing and the crop is never intirely all finished untill the first of June allthough you may commence sowing again by the first of august the rains haveing then intirely ceased the grain will not grow before october or when the winter rains again commence
24 Cloudy with the appearance of rain Received Letters of Introduction From Doct. McLaughlin and official Documents from Dr White directed to the authorities of California impowering myself to (to) inquire into the cause of the death of one of the Skyeuse chiefs
Notes on Chapter Ten:
While Clyman was traveling around Oregon in the winter of 1844–45, he apparently recorded some of his observations for the benefit of Elijah White, who was leaving for Washington “in the hopes of obtaining the gubernatorial chair.” The section in this journal titled “The Oregon Trail” was part of this work, and was written on notebook pages sewn by hand into Notebook Four of Clyman’s journals.
Chapter 11
The Hedding Murder
Clyman’s diary entry for May 24 indicates he was carrying “official Documents” directing him to inquire into the death of one of the “Skyeuse” chiefs, Elijah Hedding. The incident was one of those fairly typical of the frontier, and may have had far-reaching consequences. Hedding, an educated son of the Wallawalla chief Peupeumoxmox, was killed by a white man, Grove Cook, at Sutter’s Fort in a quarrel over a stolen mule. Camp says Cook was a “notorious killer of Indians, without provocation, or at the slightest provocation.”
Dr. Elijah White, “U.S. Sub. Indian Agent” for Oregon Territory, realized the serious implications of the killing, and sent letters to the Secretary of War; to Thomas O. Larkin, the U.S. Consul; to the Governor of the Mexican Territory, Pio Pico; and to Sutter, asking that they investigate the killing. Sutter, in turn, wrote to Larkin, giving him details about the incident. White asked Clyman to carry these various documents to the authorities, and empowered him to investigate personally. Nothing came of the investigation which followed. The unavenged murder, says Camp, was probably one of the causes of the later Whitman massacre (in which one of the children murdered was Joe Meek’s daughter by Mountain Lamb, Helen Mar Meek) and the later disastrous Indian wars in the Northwest.
Letter from Sutter to Larkin
regarding the Hedding affair
New Helvetia 21th July 1845.
Thomas O. Larkin Esqre. U. S. Consul
Dear Sir!
I received a letter of the U. S. Sub Indian Agent Dr. E. White from the Oregon Territory from the same Gentleman you will receive letters concerning the Wallawalla Affaire, likewise he wrote to the Government of California about the same. Dr. White writes me that he reported this affaire to the Secretary of War.
It is not unknown to you what happened here; but now I will give you every particulars: When this people arrived here, consisting out the Wallawalla Chief Piopiopio, and his Son Leicer [Elijah] educated by the Methodists on the Wallamett, the young Chief of the Skyuses, Capcapelic the Nez-percez Chief, Latazi an other Chief with some people of the three different tribes amounting to about 36 Men, with their Women and Children. As I was acquainted formerly with this Dignitaries when I passed through the Oregon to fort Van Couver, I received this people well and with great Hospitality, gave them good Advice how to behalf them self in this country, and gave them in my Official Capacity Passports and Permission to hunt within the limits of my Jurisdicion and no further, Knowing very well that the would have plenty of Difficulty’s if the would go in the Settlements.
Leicer the pupil of the Methodists behaved very saucy and haughty and more independent as the Chiefs, in the first place He Killed a young Man of his own people when encamped close by the fort, whose body was eat up by the Hogs, which was the discoverers. On the road from here to the San Joaquin he would have Killed an other of his people, if Mr. James Williams had not taken away his rifle in the Moment he wanted to Kill him, this boy was the terror of the old Chiefs he had the whole rule over them, and no doubt he would have become a great tyrant amongs his people. When I returned from Monterey the last Winter they was encamped again close by the fort, a good deal of Complains came in, by the people here, Mr. Grove Cook was among them, he claimed a Mule which they got from the Horse thiefs or the wild Horses. Mr. Cook could prove that the Mule was his property and they would not give her up to him, and Leicer told him to go and take the Mule when he is brave enough, taking his Rifle, and after a few Words leveled the Rifle on Cook. When I called them here to tell them in my Official Capacity to come here with all their Horses in my Corall, to part all the Horses which do not belong to them, out; and that they are entitled to some recompense for their trouble of getting this Horses from the Horsethiefs or from the wild Horses; but the did refuse to give them up, saying that the Rule by them was, to Keep every thing what the can get in this Way.
When I was explaining to them that after the laws of the Country the would have to give up all the Horses which dont belong to them, and that I compell them to give them up.—then I was interrupted and called by Dn. Pedro Kostromitinoff (the Russian Agent) who was on a visit here, I was about ½ an hour with this Gentleman, when we heard a shot, we went to see, and there was Leicer death, shot by Mr. Cook in my house, and in my Office in presence of about 15 foreigners and the Chiefs of these Indians, which fled immediately and I did no more see one of them. Leicer called Cook a Lyar after or in a quarrel which they had together.—It was very disagreeable for me that this happened in my house. I though the Chiefs will come here and deliver the Horses, but the moved Camp and travelled fast the whole Night. The next Morning by day break I did send about 30 armed Men after them, to compell them to give up the Horses; but they could not overtake them and lost their tracks. They was encamped several days near Mr. Lassensfarm about 100 Miles from here above in the Valley, they did not molest him at all, and they told him nothing what has happened here. I though all time that some of them would return here to see me; but they did not, Nearly all of them have a few head of Cattle to receive from me, for Leatherpantalons, Buffalo Robes, Rifle and some Curiosity’s etc. for this they have all Orders to receive this Cattle at any time on my farm on feather River.—Doctor White speake of their property which they fled and left here, to give him an account of it; that is all what they left, and the best would be to sell their Orders to people of the Wallamett who intends to come here to buy Cattle, by presenting this Orders the Cattle will be delivered at anny time.—
Doctor White states also that they are very willing to give up the Horses which dont belong to them, or as many and as good ones, on Condition that their property be returned and the Murderer be delivered up either to him or to the Indians. – The Call the Name of (Cook) Knight. Dr. White say that Leicer (the pupil of the Missionary) was by no means viciously inclined, but we believe here all that Leicer was a great Rascal. –
I have the Honnor to remain with entire Respect
Your
Most Obedient Servant
J. A. SUTTER
Elijah White had also written to Thomas Oliver Larkin, recently appointed American Consul for California, sending him a copy of his letter to the Indian Department about the Hedding Affair. (This letter is reproduced in the 1960 edi
tion of Clyman’s journals by Camp.) In the letter, White suggests that the Hedding Affair must be quickly resolved, since it is agitating the Indians and thus endangering the small group of Americans in the region. White refers Larkin to Clyman as a source of information on the subject, and says Clyman “has kindly proffered to render us every service in his power in getting the Matter Satisfactorily adjusted.”
White further suggests that the quickest and safest matter to resolve the whole problem is to send the murderer to him, but remarks that this may be impracticable, and that he leaves the whole matter “in the hands of Yourself and Mr. Clyman for adjustment and rectification Not doubting but You will do every thing in Your power to bring it as Speedily as possible to the happiest possible issue,” thus tossing it into someone else’s lap, an action that most of the officials seemed to emulate.
Following is a copy of Larkin’s answer to White.
Larkin’s answer to White
Sir.
Your letter under date of May 16th 1845. by Mr. Clyman, I received to day.
I have heard of the death of the Indian, and Know the murderer, that is, I presume it’s the same (you mention no name) I know but little how the murder took place, nor did I Know what tribe the deceased was from.
I cannot take up this affair, on your part, your letter does not come to me in an official shape; nor is it accompanied with documents, nor do you even name the murderer; you say Mr. Clyman will assist me, he can do nothing as a single man, nor has he and I right, to do in the case, what we may see proper as you mention.
I have no known authority to take up the person you mention, no funds to retain him, nor have I from any person orders to receive him: in fact, from your letter, I can do nothing.
In my opinion, if in your letter to the Governor of California (which I shall send to him) you as an Officer of the United States of America, have made a formal demand for the murderer, and have pointed out what you want done; it will be attended to, the Governor, Pio Pico, will not let the affair pass in silence.
I shall with your letter send to the Governor, the copy of your letter to the Department in Washington, and request him to act in the case, as he may see fit.
You can from me say to the father of the youth who was Killed, that he may, alone go from one end of California to the other in safety; and should he from you or the proper authorities of your part of the country, present themselves to this Government, he will be attended to, and justice done him both in the horrid case in question, and in the property he left here.
You can also say to the Father of the deceased and to the Chiefs of the Tribe, that they should by no means act premature in this business; justice may be slow, but it will be sure, untill they, or some proper person makes a demand on the Government of California, they cannot expect redress, and whenever they shall make this demand, they may depend on my attending to the case, to the best of my Knowledge.
The Chiefs of course are sorry and disappointed from the loss; should they come to California, to redress themselves, they would injure a people who not one in a hundred, Know anything about the affair, and cause trouble to themselves and this Government, who I am sure will give them justice and satisfaction, when ever they demand it, should they commence a warfare against our Countrymen, it would end in misiries to hundreds of both parties, and no satisfaction be obtained.
You will request this Tribe to wait, untill this affair can be thoughroughly sifted and attended to, tell them through some proper person, to demand their property of the Government of California, and justice for the crime commited; and believe that the Californians will do towards them and all Foreigners, justice and impartiality; as the distance is great between us, much time will be required to settle this affair.
I am Sir, with the highest respect,
your most obedient servant
THOMAS O. LARKIN.
E. White, Esqr.
U. S. Sub-
Agent, for In
dian affairs
“started for the California rendavous”
[May 24, 1845 to June 7, 1845]
Heard that a small party of men started for the states about a month since ware stoped by the snake Indians on account of Two of That nation being killed by some Stragling americans that came through the latter part of the winter
This circumstance shews the great necesity of some authority being Established along this rout it being allmost amatter of necessity that people should be able to pass and repass in measureable security from and to the states
25 It rained all night and the morning looked dark and Disagreeable five of us packed up and started for the California rendavous about noon it commenced raining and rained all the afternoon made 15 miles and encamped in the applegate settlement on the South branches of the yam hill I could not admire the Applegate selection all though the soil is good But a portion of the country is a complete mudhole and the settlement is inconvieniently situated The hills as usual as beautiful and picturesque and in many places covered Belly deep to our Horses in clover
26 A disagreeable rainy night left our incampment passed over a beautifull undulating country near the Killamook mountains made about four miles and encamped on La Creole a handsome clear running stream with fine rich prarie intervales on either side some settlements have commenced to be made on this creek during the past winter and a mill is now in building a few miles above our camp This La Creole or Rockreole is finely adapted for Hydraulic purposes as well as for agracultureal timber is however in many places rather scarce
27 Cloudy packed up and moved 10 miles to the Lukimute passed over a fine roling country the Lukimute is [a] clear gravelly stream falling out of the Killimook mountains and has some fine rich prarie Bottoms the hills as usual covered with Oak & Firr the white[s] extend this [far] south their being two or three farms commenced here this spring one year ago the nearest house was Thirty miles north so goes the settlments in the willhamet vally
28 It commenced raining yestarday about noon and still continues to rain we Expect to rimain here about a week waiting for the party [to] collect as we are now in advance of the main camp which are collecting [at] rikreole 12 miles in our rear rode out over the hills and shot severals g[r]ous found the grous quite plenty
It is remarkable to see the great Quanty of esculent roots that grows in all parts of this vally Ten or Twelve acres of cammace in one marsh is Quite common and in many instances it will yield 20 Bushel to the acre the calapooyas live exclusively on roots but whare hogs are introduced they soon distroy the cammerce fields these extensive fields are allways on wet land and in many places no other vegitable is found to intermix with it Three of our party arived at our camp in the evening
29 Thick fogy morning continued showery the day thorughout rode out in the evening saw some beautiful small vallis near the mountains one of our party killed a small deer
30 Had some sunshine during the day a Large party of Klickatat Indians came from the south and encamped near us had a view of the Killamook mountains in the afternoon the rise commencing about four miles west these mountains are low compared with the cascades but are verry ruged and covered with timber to their tops
Preparation of camas roots
31 The day proved to be verry warm in the low vally The Indians our neigbours ware out early diging roots this operation is performed by sinking a strong hard stick in the ground near the roots to be dug then taking pry on the outer extemity of the stick a portion of earth containing frorm 2 to six roots is taken up the roots being the size of a small onion and much resembling the onion in appearance They are then washed and clensed a hole of suitable size is dug in the earth filled with wood and stones after the earth and stones becomes well heated the fire is taken off and a Layer of green grass laid over the hot stones the roots [are] piled on the grass and a Layer of grass laid over the roots then a thin layer of earth over the whole and a fire outside of all which is kept up some 24 hours when it is allowed to cool down and the rooots are ready for u
se or for drying and putting away for future use when dry they keep for months or years
“M[oses] Harris visited our encampment”
June the First 1845 M. M[oses] Harris visited our encampment Last night and [I] Received lettrs from my Esteemed Friend Dr. White as Likewise from Dr McLaughlin Both wishing me success on my hazardous Journey back to the states the acquaintance I leave in this vally are but few thos few However (are of) are Euqal to any I have ever found in warmth of feeling kindness and generosity with out any of that selfishness so often seen in the States
2 It Rained all day in showers and made camping verry disagreeable
3 still continues to rain we moved camp However for the purpose of getting red of our pilfering neighbours the Klickatats crossed over the East Fork of Lickemute River and encamped near the hills this last stream is a deep mudy creek about 20 yards wide and we had to carry our packs over on a drift The Brances of this stream unite a few miles Below our camp forming a large vally of fine rich land the stream uniting with the willhamet about 8 miles below Both Branches of the Lukimute are bold and noble mill streams Timber However is inconvenient to many fine farming tracts the oak which abounds on the hills is shrubby and short Three men arived at camp making our cup [company] 12 men strong
4 The sun arose nearly clear and we have the prospect of a feew hours sun shine I noticed in many places in the hills that the substrata was a formation of soft shelly rock or (or) indurated clay which washes down by the winter rains and becomes verry soft and impassable for a horse bearing a man
rode out over the hills s. E. of our camp had an extensive view of hill vally and mountain far to the North and East passed over some beautiful farming Lands The day proved fair & the grass became dry some showers of rain fell in the afternoon low grumbling thunder heard at a distance and I think this is the third time I have heard thunder in the Teritory as thender and Lightning is verry rare From what cause I cannot tell it may possibly be on account of the lowness of the clouds which rest on the mountains and in fact on the earth even in vallies
