Negotiated Proceedings of the Treaty
Made at Wasco, near the Dalles of the
Columbia River-Proceedings of the Wascoe
Council
Office Superintendent Indian Affairs
Dayton O.T. July 9th, 1855
(Please note: No grammatical errors have been changed. This document has been copied as written in original. Negotiations recorded by William C. McKay, recording secretary for the treaty council, and approved by Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Oregon Territory. Transpiring near the Dalles on the Columbia.)
To Go To:
Sir
I have the honor to enclose you herewith a triplicate copy of a Treaty entered into on the 28th ultime with the Taih of Upper Des-Chutes Band of Wallawallas, the Tenino and Dock-Spus of John Days River Band of Wallawallas, and the several Bands of Wascoes or Dalles Indians; all of whom have been confederated with the view of locating them upon a Reservation commencing about 45 miles south of the Dalles of the Columbia River and extending South between the Des Chutes River and the Cascade Mountains, averaging probably a distance of twenty-five miles. A map of this reservation is herewith enclosed, but as no surveys have been made in that region it can only approximate to accuracy.
With the exception of a few families who ultimately reside on either bank of the Columbia River between Dog River on the south and White Salmon River on the north, and the Cascade Falls, on the banks residing and claiming lands within this purchase, have acceded to its provisions and signed the treaty. I called upon Mal-Le-Chein who claimed to be chief of the band referred to, and who is now with most of his people residing on the North Bank of the Columbia River at the Cascade Falls, but he declined signing the Treaty, alleging as a reason that his people could not subsist away from the Columbia River, and declaring, "I have said that I would not sell my country and I have but one talk."
There is but little doubt however that he and his people will ultimately desire to be embraced in this treaty. But in the event of their refusal the fourth proviso of Article first, secures to others their rights under the treaty and guards the Government against the imputation of wrong dealing with his people. The country lying in this Territory claimed by his band is between Dog River and the Cascades, embrasing only a narrow margin on the bank of the Columbis, and except a small distract near Dog River, where a few claims have already been taken, the country is valueless. The real cause of the band’s declining to enter into the treaty is existence of personal difficulties between them and the Wascoes.
The Country embraced in the purchase effected by this treaty contains about eleven thousand square miles the greater part of which is well adapted to grazing, and much of it good farming land.
The Cascade Mountains on the west and the Blue Mountains on the east are the only sources from which a supply of timber can be obtained, the intervening region being entirely destitute of timber suitable for building and fencing. A narrow margin along the Columbia excepted, the whole country abounds in luxuriant grass on which domestic animals subsist throughout the year.
The reservation contains about six hundred and twenty five square miles, more than one half being rugged mountains, unsuited to cultivation. It lies immediately east of Mount Jefferson and is isolated from any country likely ever to be occupied by white settlers, being bounded on the East by the Des Chutes River which here runs between precipitious walls of basaltic rock, on the West by the Cascade Mountains, on the North by a lofty range called Mutton Mountain, and on the South by one of the Main branches of Des Chutes River approachable only at a few points on account of elevated and precipitous cliffs. The Indians seriously objected to this district on account of the small quantity of agricultural land, many of them having adopted the habits of the whites, and being engaged in farming to a considerable extent. As I had not a thorough knowledge of the amount of agricultural land, having only once passed through the district, the second proviso to Article first was incorporated, as a matter of justice to the Indians to satisfy their doubts and convince them that we sought really to promote their good. This proviso they regarded as meeting the case, many of them presuming that a region might be found east of the Des Chutes river, about the head waters of John Day’s River better adapted to an Indian settlement. I am, however, of a different opinion.
The consideration to be paid these Indians is believed to be the lowest possible amount adequate to meet their necessities, and consonant with human policy of the Government. The only essential point in which it differs from the Treaty with the Cayuses, Wallawallas and Umatillas, is that in Treaty, the farmer, blacksmith and wagon and plow maker are to be paid by the Government for fifteen years instead of twenty years as in the treaty referred to: and the articles given are a part of the consideration named in the treaty. With the exception of a few suits of clothes given the Chiefs.
The reservation is well watered and timbered, and is well adapted to the growing of stock. There are no white settled within its limits.
The goods, materials etc., designed for those Interior tribes, if purchased in the Eastern Markets should be shipped so as to reach our ports early in the spring. I am persuaded however that building materials and many varieties of merchandise can now be purchased in San Francisco, California upon terms as favorable as in the Eastern Markets.
It may be proper to state that the Eastern Boundary of this purchase conflicts a little with that of the Cayuse purchase for if we follow the Summit of the Blue Mountains Northerly to a point due east of the head waters of Willow Creek, we should doubtless strike the boundary of the purchase made of the Cayuses. This however can be no objection to the ratification of the treaty as the boundaries of the Indians are not very well defined, and the entire country is included in the purchase to the Western boundary of the Snake Country. I enclose herewith a map of the Umatilla Reservation.
I regard the plan of providing for the erection and support of shops, Schools, Mills and C. directly by the Government as better calculated to promote the interest of the Indians than by adding a supposed adequate amount to their annuities for those objects. The recent discovery of gold in the interior, while it enhances greatly the value of the country purchased, will add correspondingly to the cost of erecting and maintaining these establishments. The benefits to be derived by the Indians should not be made to depend upon the fluctuating prices likely to follow the development of rich mines in that country.
The accurate enumeration of the Indians is very difficult, as an entire tribe can seldom be collected at one point. The number at the Wasco Council becoming parties to this Treaty were 264 men, 299 women, 175 boys, and 139 girls; total 877 souls. Exclusive of these were a part of the Dog River (a part of the band whose Chief declined to sign this treaty) and several bands from the North side of the Columbia River, whom Kamiyaken head chief of the Yakimas claims as his people, but who allege that they owe no allegience to him. These with the Dog Rivers may be rekoned at about 500, making a total of 1355 men, women and children to be located on this Reservation.
Very respectfully,
Hon. Geo. W. Manypenny Your obt. Servant,
Commissioner Ind. Office (Sgd) Joel Palmer
Washington City, D.C. Superintendent
The back of Palmer’s Report is endorsed
as follows:
______________________
Oregon Supt. #436
Joel Palmer
Dayton, o.t. July 9, ‘55
_______________________
Enc. Treaty made at Wasco, near the Dalles
of the Columbia River-Proceedings of the
Wasco Council, and maps of Umatilla and
Wasco Reserves.
Maps-1072 & 1072 filed with Droughtsman Brodie
Tube 698
________________________
For Council proceedings (3 encs) see
File box – "Indian Talks, Councils, & C."
Recvd September 11, ‘57
Rept. To Secy Int. July 9, ‘56
(Treaty not found within- Feb. 24/85.)
Wasco Council
Proceedings
June 22nd, 1855
First Day of Council
Dear Sir
You will proceed without delay to the Dalles of the Columbia and collect all the Indians inhabiting the country between Willow Creek and the Cascade Falls, and between the Columbia River and the 44th parallel of North Latitude.
The object as you are aware in collecting these Indians is if possible to effect Treaties of purchase for the extinguishment of their title to the land claimed by them.
The point at which they are to be assembled is left at your own discretion, remarking however that it should be as convenient to the Dalles as suitable ground can be selected.
The time of assembling about the 20th of June, but of this you will be able to judge upon your arrival at the Dalles.
It is persued we will be able to perfect arrangements with these Tribes in a few days, so that no very extensive preparations need be made for the subsisting the Indians.
But you will make such purchases and preparations as you deem the circumstances will require, having in view the accomplishment of the objects sought to be obtained, and a due regard to economy. I have already about 8,000 lbs. Of Flour, 200 lbs. Sugar and 32 lbs. Tea, 168 lbs. Tobacco and half Barrel of Crackers at the Dalles designed for use of the Council.
Respectfully yours
(Sgd) Joel Palmer
Superintendent of Ind. Affairs
O. T.
To: R. R. Thompson
Indian Agent
Dalles, June 21st, 1855
Commandant
Fort Dalles
Sir
Information has just been received that a man by the name of John Edwards has been exciting the Indians in this vicinity by representing that we were about to rob them of their country and advising them to fight for it instead of selling it and that they would be fools to enter into a treaty with us, with many other inflammatory representations well calculated to disturb the peace and quietude of this settlement as well as to render nugatory our efforts to perfect treaties of purchase. I have therefore to request that you will afford Agent R.R. Thompson such aid as will enable him to arrest this individual that peace may be maintained and the laws of Congress regulating trade and intercourse with Indian Tribes carried into effect.
I have the Honor to be
Dear Sir
Your obdt. Servt.
(Signed) Joel Palmer
Superintendent of Indn. Affairs
Oregon Territory.
Wasco Council
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Proceedings at Indian Treaties in Wasco near the Dalles of Columbia
Oregon Territory June 22nd, 1855
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Present, Indians Common to the vicinity of the Dalles vis. Wascoes Upper & Lower De Chutes, John Day’s River Indians and Dog River Indians.
Officers of the Treaty
Gen. Joel Palmer |
Supt. Of Indn. Affairs O.T. |
R.R. Thompson |
Agent |
R. B. Metcalf |
Agent & Commisary |
Wm. C. McKay |
Secty. Treaties |
Mathew Doffa |
Interpreter |
John Flett |
Interpreter |
Dominic Joundre |
Interpreter |
Also many Citizens
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Census of the Wascoes, Upper & Lower De Chutes, John Days River Indians and Dog River Indians.
Estimated at 1377
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Council opend 5 ½ O’clock.
Present officers of the Indian Department and few citizens and the above names, Tribes and Bands of Indians amt. To about 500.
After the usual routine of smoking etc., Gen. Palmer opened the Council by saying thus:
Gen. Palmer That when our great chief speaks to the Red People, he calls them his children. I speak for him and I call you my children. I do not expect too say much tonight, but we have come here to see you. We have something to say to you. Our great chief the President of the United States has directed me to treat with his read children and by his order I come among you. The first thing to be done is to select good interpreters, men who will state correctly what I may say to you, and interpret correctly what you may say to me in return, have you any person that
You would wish to act as interpreter? I have selected M. Doffa and John, Flett, are you satisfied with these men as interpreters, if so they will be sworn. The persons named then took the following oath:
You do each of you solemnly swear that you will well, truly and correctly interpret all that may be said to the Indians assembled in this council by Joel Palmer, Superintendent of Indian Affairs on the part of their respective tribes so help you God.
After which Gen. Palmer said, "My friends these men have called God to witness that they will interpret correctly, and should they tell a lie, our laws would punish them for it. I expect they will speak correctly.
You have been told a long time ago that by and by a chief would come to buy your lands. None has ever come until now. The President has directed me to do so and I am here. I have just returned from holding council with the Nez Perces, Walla Wallas, Cayuses and the Umatillas, they have all sold our chief their lands, except two reservations which has been designated for them to live on. Many of these people were opposed to selling their country, but after we explained fully what we wanted to do for them, and what we wanted them to do, they all agreed to sell their country, and have signed the treaty. We were there many days talking about it, until we all got tired, when the treaty was signed I gave them few goods and I have just arrived here. Now I want you to listen to what I have to say, for it is a matter that you are all interested in, I want you to understand fully for I do not want to deceive you. We have found that the white man and Indian cannot live together in peace, that it is better that lines should be drawn, so that the white man will know where his land is and the Indian where his land is. We may then live without quarreling. The whiteman has come among you, others are coming.
I want you to make a bargain so t hat we may always live in peace. I want you to sell our great chief you country and we will designate a tract of land where you may reside and no white man but such as are working for you shall be allowed to live on it, but the balance of the country will be for the whites to live on. If we can agree upon the terms of a treaty you will be permitted to fish and hunt and gather berries on all lands unoccupied by whites as heretofore, on this reservation no whites will be permitted to fish or hunt but you will be permitted to do both outside the reservation in common with whites. You will be permitted to graze your horses and cattle outside the reservation on all unclaimed land in common with whites. We will build for you on this reservation a saw mill, and flouring mill, a Blacksmith shop, a Wagon and Plow maker shop. A Hospital and School house. The Mechanics, Doctor and Teacher will be paid by the Government for a number of years and their time will be devoted to your interests.
The Millers and Farmers will also be paid by the Government and will labour for you. All will aid and assist you to live better than you now do. You can have bigger and better fields, better fences, better homes. You can have plenty in your houses for your women and children to eat. Clothing to cover them from the storm and cold, but I will read and have explained a treaty which I have drawn up for you. You will then know what we want and can think about it. Here the treaty was read section by section and was interpreted to them. Gen. Palmer then said. The reservation here described is in you own country that you would be driver away to some strange land perhaps onto an island, where you would all starve. Now you know this is all a lie. You should pay no attention to those flying reports. We have some people running about who are great fools. They tell you lies. I have explained in part this treaty tomorrow. We will meet again and I will talk more to you. I think when you hear it all you will say it is good: A portion of you Chiefs have heard what was said at the Walla Walla Council ground. The same provisions are contained in this treaty that are in the treaties with those people. We wish to treat you alike. This is the first day that we have met. We will not say too much at this time. Mr. Thompson will supply you all with beef and flour. We have invited you here. We will feed and shall Charge nothing for it.
The council adjourned 7 o’clock
Approved
(Sgd) Joel Palmer
Supt. Ind. Affairs
Saturday June 23rd
Council opened 2 ½ o’clock
Gen. Palmer My brothers, we have again met to talk to you. We met yesterday read and explained part of the treaty. As there are a few here that were not here yesterday, we will again explain. I said we had made treaties with Nez Perces, Cayuses, Walla Wallas & Umatillas. I said we had purchased their country, and made reservation for them to live upon. I have come here to make a bargain with you. As we had done with them we want to treat all the Indians in the Country alike, experience had taught us the White and Red Man cannot always live together in peace. When I speak of white people, I mean all people, French and Americans. When there are but a few whites then we can get along very well & not quarrel, but when there are a great many they will have difficulty. When they live together there will be difficulties, little difficulties will get to be great difficulties. It is not long since the White man first came among you.
There are now a good many white people living among you. There will soon be a great many more. We cannot prevent them from coming to settle in the country. If an Indian sees a piece of ground and wishes to live on it, it will be but a little while when the white man comes, and sees it. The white man says I want this land, you go away, far away.
Suppose the Indian goes away, and selectes another piece of land, it will be but a little while before the white man will do the same as the other. In this way the white man takes possession of the country. The agents try to prevent it and protect them but cannot do it while they live together, if there were but a few white men we could then protect you. It is wise then before so many people come here to mark out the lines so the white men can know where to live, and the Indian can know where to live, this is one of the reasons why we want to make a reservation.
I will be but a few years before the whole country will be filled up with whites, then where will the Indians have his home. If we enter into a treaty now, before the country is filled up with whites, we can select a home for you, where no whites live. We have done so with other tribes, why not do so with you.
I told you yesterday where I proposed to make the Reservation. We select that because we believe it is good country for you. There is enough of good land, that every one may have a farm. There is plenty of grass to graze your horses & your cattle, there is plenty of timber that might be sawed & cut to build your homes.
It is your own country. You are all acquainted with it. It is but a little way to your fisheries. It is but a little way to your root and berry grounds. I told you that you would always have the privilege to hunt, gather roots and berries, and fish. If we make a treaty now we can prevent the whites from going there; if we wait a little longer, they will go there, and where will you go. I told you that we would give you $150,000. That is to be paid in annuities in 20 years. I told you that we would build you a saw mill, that we would build you a flouring mill to grind your corn. That we would build you a blacksmith shop, tin & gun smith shop attached to it. That we would have a man to make your plows, harrows, and wagons, and help you to build your homes. That we would build a Hospital and have a doctor, medicines, & c. I said we would build you a school house, and that we would employ millers, blacksmith and school teachers. That we would employ a farmer to show you how to raise corn & potatoes, so that you would have plenty of provisions in your house. That you would have plenty of clothing. Your women and children have plenty to eat. Your old people have plenty to eat and clothing, you will be supplied with guns, powder & balls. We would help you in catching fish. Give you teams. You will soon be able t o live like white people. This has been the way with the Indians on the East side of the Mountains, when they have made a bargain. We would help them.
But those who refuse, they are moving about from place to place and have no houses. Their women and children are crying for bread. They have nothing to cover them from the cold and storm. It is the duty of the Chiefs and these old men to provide for their people; then let us act like wise men and make a bargain when we can.
Other chiefs have come to talk with you, but have done nothing for you. Long time ago Mr. Perkins came and lived with you. Mr. Frewer and Waller came and lived amongest you. I suppose they give you a very good talk, but did they build you houses and cloth you, did they propose to buy your country, and give you homes. Perhaps they give you a little clothing, maybe they showed you how to plant corn, potatoes and c., maybe they sometimes give you bread. But they did not build you houses, farms, and c, for you. They did not build you mills and furnish you tools unless you paid for it. I come to buy your country, and give you good homes and good hearts. So that you may live at peace with all the whites and with each other. We do not want to divide you, we want you all to have one heart, we come to you with good heart. I don’t want you to throw my talk away or put it behind you. I shall not lie to you, what I promise you, you can rely upon. I do not come among you as a trader. I come by direction of the great Chief. I talk for him and he doesn’t lie to his people. If I did not wish to do you good, I would not come to see you. I have a wife and children. I have a field of wheat peas, & potatoes, why should I leave them and come among you, because I have a good heart, and wish to do you good, then I hope you will receive my talk and not throw behind you: When I hear you speak then I shall know your hearts, I see among you old people, and you have left some of your people at home. They have but a few years to stay among us, and I want to do them good. If you receive my talk then I can do them good. I can do you all good. I have some goods at The Dalles for you if we make a bargain I shall let you have them, and if not I cannot do so. If we make a bargain I expect to give each of these head Chiefs a suit of clothes. We expect to give every man and woman something, and what we give, it will be so much paid you towards your lands; when a trader comes among you he charges you $12.00 to $14.00 a pair for blankets. When I let you have blankets for your land I charge you $7.75 per pair for Scarlet Blankets and $6.50 per pair for the White ones. A hoe the trader would charge you $1.50 each I will let you have it on your land 42 ¢ each & c.
As I said before it is good to get the Government to make you laws. We want the privileges of building roads through your country on the reservation.
If we make this bargain, and you sign this paper, we will send it to our great Chief. He and his council will examine it, and if he says it is good, he sends it back to us and the money. Then we will go to work and build you the mills. Until then you will continue to reside where you are.
But we don’t want to interfere with the whites. They have the privilege to settle on any part of the country outside of the Reservation. They should not interfere with your garden and fields this is the proposition I make:
This amount is more money that you can count. But our Chief wants to do you good. My heart is that it is good! When you speak, I will then know your hearts. For the present I have nothing to say. I will listen to you if you have anything to say.
Wn. Chinook says we do not wish to answer to day. I am not tired listening. The Indians have not got much sense. If you had said that you wished to cut the timber, we ‘ould say yes, because it would grow again. You asked us formerly when we wished to travel we had no fences to stop us, we can go on a straight road. I think in a little while it will be all fenced up here: and on that account we wish to think of it. We will give you an answer in a few days.
Gen. Palmer. I understand that William Chinook speaks for all of his people. There may be some of the other people that wish to say something.
Council adjourned 4 ½ O’clock
Approved:
Joel Palmer
Supt. Ind. Affairs.
Monday 25th
Council opened 10 O’clock
Gen. Palmer. Well my brothers. We have met again in council today. The Wascoes have not yet came but they will be here. We need not wait for them. I expect to hear you speak this morning. I have shown you my heart. Now I want to know your heart. Let your Chiefs speak for you and We’ll listen to it. I am in hopes you have come with one heart. I want all to be together today. I will hear you speak.
Sim-tus-tus. I wish to talk now. The Chiefs talk right. I take his words, my heart is glad to hear you speak and all my people he speaks right and straight and I am glad: Our hearts is soft, not so hard as it was, they have asked for our land sometime ago. Now, I have given my word and will stick to it. It is true I think about what he has said: the reason that you have told him to think of the words. It is true the whites have taken pity on us. I am afraid of their words. M. Doffa knows my country, and I am going to talk of it. What we talk of. I know what I am talking about, for myself and people. The De Chutes have sustained us in fish. The Falls where we catch the fish, we would like to reserve it. You have seen our country where we get our roots, this is the country that I spoke about. I wish to keep the section of country beyond the Tigh about the Mutten Mountain & between the Mutton & Jefferson Mountains, there we gather our berries, about Jefferson Mountain there lies the big road leading to our berry ground, about the Big Branch of De Chutes. We wish also to reserve the Country that lies south on Tama0la-ws River to the wagon road, call the middle road to Oregon: then following the stream down to De Chutes then down to the De Chutes Falls.
Locks-quissa. I have but a few words to say. You know the piece of land that we ask to keep. You can see the quantity of land that sim-tus-tus asked for. (Here He was interrupted by Kuckup) he sat down.
Kickup said. They are not here to keep you waiting as long as the Cayuses and others did non the other council.
I believe your words. It is for our good that you wish to place us on a place. We will go and live where you have told us to go. I think that we will be well there, and will not be sorry for it. It is good that you placed us there, so that we would not be in the middle of a settlement. We do not wish to have our Garden joining the white mans. I wish now, to do as you have said, to live a side from the whites. We did not think that it would do us any harm that you have placed us there. (Here are our Blankets) who has seen them first, since the whites came to us, when we first saw their things.
The piece of ground that you wish us to stay on. It appears that you are showing us the things that I was talking about, when our children learn to read and write. I will be the same as bringing them to light, as it were, we have been a sleep, and just waked up, when we could read and write. I have spoken what I have to say. What you have said my ears were opened, I have heard them. I do not wish to speak longer. I have heard you speak: sat down.
Alexee. I wish to speak as Sim-tus-tus has done. I don’t wish to throw the Chiefs words away. I do not wish to tire him. I am willing to give my word and land. Our fishing place on the Columbia we wish to keep. The country that you have shown us we are glad to live on it. That is all I have to say, I only to talk of fishing ground.
Gen. Palmer. We have now heard the hearts of the Fish & Tenino people. Now we wish to know the hearts of the Wascoes and lower De Chutes.
Sim-tus-tus came forward and signed the treaty, and followed by his sub-chief.
Stocketly. I like a piece of my land as my heart. I have already given a piece of my land, the others have already given a part of their country. I also think it is good for me to do the same. My heart is I will not speak about the Reservation you speak of. I wish to have a piece of land on the east side of De Chutes River that is all I have to say. I wish to have a piece of land on the spot I spoke of, the rest you can have. My heart is to chose this piece of ground that I speak of from the Columbia to the Blue Mountains, also my fishing place of Columbia De Chutes Falls. This is all I have to say.
Iso says. This land belongs to you, my land that I had, my Garden is yours. I also wish to reserve the piece of land that Stocketly spoke of, also the Fisheries. That is all I have to say.
Gen.Palmer said. I wish to reply to Stocketly & Iso.
Poyet said. I have a few words to say. Our Chief has spoken, Our Head Chief. His word is our word, although we speak after him, but his word is ours. All the places our Chiefs have mentioned is also our bears.
Gen. Palmer said. Sometime ago Gov. Gains and dr. Dart made Treaties. There was many different bands then, like this council, when they made a treaty they gave Dlaeakamsas, the Yam Hill, the Twolatie, the Lockasute, and the Santeams each a Reservation, They made a treaty with those Indians they sent this treaty to the President, when he saw there Reservations. Here, there and all over. Amongst the whites he said no, it is not good. When he saw the whites were allowed to live all around there Reservations, he said they could not have schools, Mills andc., When he saw this paper he said it is not good. You stand aside. When he wrote to me. He directed me to make a treaty with all the people. He directed me not to make a Reservation here, there and all over, and if I were to make a treaty with these people he would say no, that is the reason that I cannot permit these people to have so many reservations. I would like to accommodate these people. But the President will not allow them to live with the whites, because the Red and White man cannot agree. I have made a treaty with all these people in t he Willamette Klackamas and c., they have all agreed to live on one reservation, the Walla Wallas, Cayuses and Umatillas they have all agreed to live on one Reservation, the Reservation that I have made for them is not as large as this, I have made for you. We cannot allow them to have a Reservation across the Deschutes but we have agreed on the paper to allow them to fish on their old fishing ground. When they are through with their fishing season then they can go home and say, this is my home: And it is for this reason I wish to secure them a home. Our Chief cannot build them mills and houses and c., all over the country. But he can build them on the Reservation and accommodate all the people. They can travel all over the country, over these roads as usual they can fish, hunt, and gather roots & berries as formerly. It will be good for them to say I have a home, where no white man can come and trouble me. If I know where there is a better country I would say welllet that be the Reservation. But I don not know of any better. If this paper is signed as it is now, if your people, the Wascoes, Tigh and Upper Deschutes would rather have another reservation. The Wascoes would select 3 men, the Stocketly’s people also 3 men, and Tigh people, also 3 men. These nine men would go with me or my agent to see the country, before these people go to the reservation, or before the mills and improvements have commenced. If we could find a place any better than this where there are no whites and can agree with me I shall say yes it is good. This shall be your home instead of the one named in the treaty. What I want is to get you a good home.
But that home must be where there are not whites, the price that I have agreed to give you is more than your country is worth. But we propose to do you good. But if you live scattered allover the country. We cannot do you any good. I am in hopes you will sign the treaty as it is. I want to know the hearts of t he Wascoes and I will listen to them what they have to say.
Mark says. What has Sim-tus-tus said. I wish to hear, we did not hear him, and have it explained to us. Gen. Palmer then explained to him what Sim-tus-tus had said. Also what the tigh & tenino people had agreed to.
Gen. Palmer, then said, I do not know that the whites can settle or would in that country along the Tamaloms, but I cannot allow the line to go as far as that, that the Tigh Indians do not pretend to sell the Wascoes country, only their own.
Mark said. That is good what he has said. What he the General has said it is good. We are as wild animals. We are afraid of what we have heard, like when we are near some wild animal that we are afraid of.
That the others have said, they take your word, they are good, that is my heart. The place that you have mentioned I have not seen. There is no Indians now whites there yet, and that is the reason I say I know nothing about that country.
That is all my Heart. I hear from you at the other council good words from you. When there is good land everything produces well. Where you have given the land it is a large country. When first we commenced with a small garden then it will enlarge, now and after this we can say look, the whites have taken a pity on us. That is my heart. I am speaking now those things that are to come after me. When I heard that our children would be taught to read and write, I am afraid of that country. I wish the line to start from Tigh. My Country lies from Dog River to the Tigh. It is not for nothing that I am thinking, you will see my heart. I am speaking the same as if I had only one good and fast horse, the country that you have already named to us there is only a small piece of it that is good. We claim the country from two miles below the Dog River, to the Mutton mt. we want the line to commence from the tigh and up. If you take pity on me; then I will speak to Stocketly.
Gen. Palmer said: The Wagon Road passes through that country, and I cannot give it up. The Line is at Mutton Mountain. I have told you already.
To-simph said: There is no wood there, what shall we saw. He said he is going to build a saw mill.
Gen. Palmer said: What did we give all this money for, and all these improvements we propse to put them up a mill, School, smith Shops, a Hospital & c. Where will they send their children to School & go to Mill. It will be too far. There is not much good land on Tigh &c. When we came to put you all on the reservation, when we find there is not land enough for all of you. Then we extend and make the Reservation a little larger. I think it will be too far. There is not much good land on Tigh & c. When we came to put you all on the reservation, when we find there is not land enough for all of you. Then we extend and make the Reservation a little larger. I think it will be better for you all to take it as it is. We do not want to occupy your country without paying you something for it. The whites will come and we cannot keep them out. If we do not make a treaty before two years the country will be settled and also this country that we are talking about. We know these thing. That is the reason I talk as I do. If you act wisely, you will enter into this treaty. If I did not believe it would be better for you to do so, I would not have said so. I want you to sign the paper. If you do not do so I shall go home with a heavy heart. When you see all the Indians around you provided for by our Great Chief then you would think you were foolish. Perhaps some of them think they know much. When they get wise they will think better. We have been learning ever since we were boys. We do not know as much as we wish we did. But we know this is a great deal better for them to sign the paper. But it is for them to say so. If they say yes, well, it is good. We then can do them good. I do not see why we have much more to talk about. If they wish to sign the Paper it is ready. We shall then have some goods for them. They are down at Mr. Thompsons. When they do this then I shall send to the President and if he approves it then I shall send to the President and if he approves it then he will send the means to make these improvements. We shall then be able to provide something for all of you. And then men that have signed will get something. I have told them before. It will be probably two years before we want them to remove on the the Reservation if the desire. I shall probably let them have Powder & Ball.
Wn. Chinook. I think this is good. We will not leave the old people and children. How could we say yes when there is only two of us that agree. I had said yes, it would be like leaving my people. I like the old men and all to open their ears and hear it all. I do not know the heart of my people. There Ears are stopped-up. They cannot understand. That is what has kept me back so long. They do not know all our hearts yet. And how could they say yes. You see all that it there, when they can see. What is good then they will say yes. I know that you buy the lands from us, but my people do not think so, they think you are taking it away from us.
It is true we are long talking about it but by talking slowly we will all understand it. That is all I have to say, now some of the other chiefs will have something to say.
Gen. Palmer. It is right that your people should all understand it. I want them to understand it. If there are any more that wish to talk, I shall be glad to hear them.
Mark. I do not wish to speak more. I know that the country you speak of is not a good country. And that is the reason that I won’t the tigh. The cayuses have given you good land, and they have also kept a good piece of land. I do not say that I do not give you this land, I have already given it. There I good timber and good range for horses.
The winder comes, the snow falls deep. There is not a country to raise my produce the fost kills it all, if it is a good country, I would have said yes long ago. This country is not yet filled up it is still opened. I do not wish to tire our Chief Gen. Palmer. We will trade.
Kas Kolla. The others talked and I have listened. I do not wish to hurt your feeling. I am glad that you have spoken good to us. I want the little piece of ground at Tigh. We wish to live on it. That our hearts will be glad. We spoke about the land that we are on. Very true that you have given us good talk for our country. But still I think much of my country. But I think we will make a trade for the Country. If you had spoken loud as to try and frighten them, I would not talked as I am doing. My Heart is glad, the same as if I were wounded. If I do Not get the piece of land I want, at the same time if you would take pity on me to give me that piece of land. If you would say yes, I am ready to give you all the rest and I am done. I do not wish to speak any more but I wish to hear that I ask for this piece of land and I wish to live on it immediately that is all I have to say.
Gen. Palmer. I would like to accommodate him but the Great Chief know this country. He has Hope. He knows where the Wagon Head lies. His instruction to me is to put the Reservation off from the White Settlements the Cayuses had a Road through their Reservation. But I made arrangements to put another Road further south, where is there a chance to put another Road sout of the Tigh. There is no chance. There are two mountains running this way and that way. If I give you the Reservation as you asked the President will say no, it is not good, and what we have done will be good for nothing. I believe there is more good land in the reservation than they speak of. They drive cattle there to winter. Deer also come down from the mountains into the valley. There is plenty of game there. I am not angry with them. I wish them to understand it. If they do not object, then they understand. There is no use of my talking more. Here is Stocketly and his people. I would like to hear from them I want to treat them all alike.
Stocketly. I hold to my words, my heart is still as it was. When will be the time, that I shall run to this place. I can see my country, there is few places that I can make a garden in it. My heart is to have that country that I spoke of, from Deschutes to John Day’s River, from the Columbia River to the Blue Mountains.
Gen. Palmer. He is Chief, he talks for his people. There is no use talking about it I have given him the reasons why I did not allow any land to be given across the Deschutes, he has heard me say that when we could find a better place, than the one selected, upon which no whites live we would select it in place of this. If he is unwilling to act for the good of the people, be it so.
I do not expect always to be their Chief. The next that comes may not do as well by them. If they think it is best to throw my talk behind them, the can do so.
Stocketly. The reason that I said no, is because I think t hat you like best where there is plenty of timber.
Gen. Palmer. I do not wish them to settle all over the country. The President will not allow it. I have told you the result of the Treaties in the Willamette Valley, by Gov. Gains and others, the same would follow this treaty if we were to divide the country into little patches.
Yise. My opinion is that it is good that all the people should be put together after hearing the words of the Chief.
Gen. Palmer. If Stocketly and his people failed to enter into a treaty with us now, it will be to late when he wants to, the whites will come in and we cannot prevent them.
And if he acts like a wise man and like a Chief he will do so. His people may think they know best, they do not know the whites as well as I do. I should be glad to have him and other Chiefs sign the Treaty. But if they do not do it, the can not say that I have not done my duty. If Stocketly and his people know so much more than we do, they take my words and throw them away. I shall not cry about it.
Iso. I wish to go to the Reservation. I give up all the country, Wished to have a piece of country on the other side of Deschutes, at the Kouse Country. I wish to go there every spring to dig Kouse if you give me the privilege. My Heart will be glad . I am done.
Mark, He sees the Wagon Road, It is very true that I would like to have that piece of country. I do not call the Tigh a good country. He can see the Wagon Road plain; I am doubtfuled getting a good piece of land to Raise a garden. If it is possible for me to show you my Heart I would do it. I think Stocketly speaks right about getting a good piece of land on the other side. Very true you have chosen a place where there is plenty of wood.
And they have chosen where there is no wood. If there was any good land near the Hot Spring I would not talk so long. That is the reason my friend, I am speaking. It is not for anything that is good about Tigh that I wish to have it. Ever since three years since we have been mixed up with the whites, we have learned to do several things. There is not much good land about the Tigh, only a piece on the upper end. The rest is all rocks. The children would learn to read & write. It would be like throwing it away. There will be no good country form them to work at.
My friend my Heart is very hungry form the Books on the lower and of the Tigh. I am very much in trouble to find a good piece of land to live on.
Gen. Palmer. I had said in the event that they did not like this Reservation that they would send 3 men with an agent to look and see if they could find a better country. A country where they are all willing to go.
I selected this place, I suppose it was better than any other place. I have told them already if the Reservation is not large and good enough we will extend the Reservation.
Mark. I had one of the best running Horses that ever was in this country, and now we all take this land. Now we know, every little piece of good land that we have in our country now we give it up. This day the same as if I had given my fortune. What amount of things will you give to cover us with. What amount of money. How much to each man.
Gen. Palmer said. I don not know how many there are of your people. We give you in all $150,000 besides we build you a flouring mill, a saw mill, blacksmith, tin & gun shops. Hospital, plow & wagon shops, school house. Also give you men to do all these things, then we build a house for each of the Head people of Wasco, Tenino, Upper & Lower Deschutes, and fence and plow 10 acres of land. Then all these people will chose a head chief. We will plow and fence 10 acres for him. We will give him $500.00 a year. He will be the headman and have to attend to the people. And when this head Chief dies or superseded by another this new one is to give and occupy it as the other. I do not know how much it will amount to a single person. I know this much we give more that the country is worth. They will find they will never regret they have gone into this reservation. I am afraid the Great Chief will say I am doing too much for them. We do a great deal more than we did the Cayuses and Walla Wallas, and you have not so much good country. When I left my home away on the East, I thought great deal of it, but came here because I think I could do better.
Mark says. He does not give enough money. In Willamette they sell half mile claims for one thousand dollars, we expected that $150,000 to each nation. We want so much money each, today commence to pay today.
Gen. Palmer. We have nothing to pay to them but goods today. Till the President say it is good, and may say no. We do not give any money till the Treaty is ratified.
It is true that in some country they sell a mile square for $800.00 dollars (He does not sell any country here he gives it away). The price I give for their country is more than any country that I have paid in Willamette, Umpqua, Rogue River & c., I ask them is it not better for them to take what I offered than nothing. It would be much better for the President to pay the money down, and think no more about it. But no, it would not be treating these people right.
To-symph said. We want the money now.
Gen. Palmer said. It is no use talking about ti. We pay no money. Suppose we give the money. They go down in one of the stores, they would have to give $7.00 for one blanket, we would let you have the same kind of blanket at $3.50 Shirting they will charge you 20¢ per yard. But I will charge you 4¢ per yard. A how will cost you $1.50, but I will charge you 42¢ each.
The great Chief will deliver these thing to you. Does not cost you anything for bringing it here.
I have been talking and you have been talking. Now I am tiered. I am going home. And I want you to hear what I have to say, and you know what I have aid. I am going home with a heavy heart. When I come again, they will see men.
I have other people to see beside these people, those that have signed will be provided for. The Wascoes if they see fit to sign it let them come up. And I call upon Mark first, Head Chief of the Wasco Tribes, who came forward and signed the Treaty, followed by his sub-Chiefs and head members of the Tigh Tribe-and all the other tribes.
Council adjourned 4 ½ O’clock
Approved
Joel Palmer
Supt. Ind. Affairs.