CHAPTER XXVIII

INDIANS OF THE UPPER COLUMBIA

Manly Indians--Ten Great Tribes--Nez Perces--Missionary Spalding--His work--Abandons mission--Escorted in safety by Nez Perces--Intractable Cuyuses--Religious rivalry--Dr. Whitman--Yakimas, Spokanes, Coeur d'Alenes, Flatheads, Pend Oreilles, Koutenays--Upper country free from settlers--Indian jealousy--Conspiracy to destroy whites discovered by Major Alvord--Warnings disregarded--Governor Stevens thrown in gap--Prepares for council--Walla Walla valley chosen by Kam-i-ah-kan--Journey to Dalles--Incidents--Unfavorable outlook--Escort secured--Trip to Walla Walla--"Call yourself a great chief and steal wood?"--Council ground--Scenes--General Palmer arrives--Programme for treaty--Officers--Lieutenant Gracie, Mr. Lawrence Kip, and escort arrive--Governor Stevens urges General Wool to establish post there 16