I  have  recently  heard  from  the  Nez  Perces,  the  Coeur
d'Alenes,  and  the  Spokanes.  The  former  are  firm  in  their
allegiance ;  but  the  Spokanes  urge  me  to  have  a  military  force
on  the  great  prairie  between  them  and  the  hostile  Indians,  so
these  latter  may  not  be  driven  to  their  country,  and  thus  incite
their  young  men  to  war.     The  letter  of  Garry,  chief  of  the


CAUSTIC  REPLY  181

Spokanes,  is  a  most  earnest  and  plaintive  call  for  help,  so  his
hands  may  be  strengthened  in  keeping  his  people  to  their
plighted  faith;  and  the  coincidence  is  remarkable,  that  this
Indian  chief,  a  white  man  in  education  and  views  in  life,  should
have  asked  me  to  do  the  very  thing  I  have  urged  upon  you;  for
you  will  remember,  in  my  memoir  I  urge  that  the  troops,  in
operating  against  the  Indians,  should  be  interposed  between
the  friendly  and  hostile  tribes  to  prevent  those  now  friendly
from  joining  in  the  war.  I  have,  sir,  studied  the  character  of
these  Indians,  and  my  views  as  to  the  influence  upon  the  friendly
Indians  of  the  mode  of  carrying  on  the  war  against  the  hostiles
are  confirmed  by  the  only  educated  Indian  of  either  Oregon  or
Washington,  and  the  head  chief  of  the  tribe  in  reference  to
which  I  made  the  recommendation  and  felt  the  most  solicitude.
