Back on this date in 1858, Colonel George Wright's punitive military expedition through the Paulouse turned extra punitive. We know of the famous reprisals that the U.S. Army undertook against the native populations in this land. Most seem to have taken place on the plains or in Colorado or the southwest. You don't think Washington State, when you consider times the Army ran amok with the natives. But we had our had our share, on both sides of the state.
George Wright had set out from Fort Walla Walla on September 1st, to avenge Lt. Colonel Steptoe's defeat. He had fought a few small battles in the preceding 25 days, and not to be overlooked killed 800 Indian horses and destroyed food supplies. So by 1858 standards a good month. By the 25th Wright had made it to the Ned-Whauld River and made camp. He then ordered all local tribes surrender or face extermination. Chief Owhi of the Yakama was the first to surrender, but Wright also wanted Owhi's son Qualchan, as Wright considered both to be the cause of the discontent. So in order to avoid having his father hung, Qualchan came foward and within 15 minutes was hanging from a tree. Later in the day 10 Palouse warriors surrenders and were hung. In all some 17 Indians where hung along the Ned-Whauld River, forever to be known as Hangman Creek, at least by the Federal Government. Washington State is uneasy with the reference and calls it Latah Creek.
As for Owhi he was not one of 17 that were hung, instead he was taken prisoner and was to be taken back to Fort Walla Walla, but he tried to escape and was shot by Lt. Michael Morgan and when he laid dying, Morgan ordered Sergeant Edward Ball to finish him, Ball had been routed with Steptoe's men back in May 1858. Ball placed his pistol to Owhi head and pulled the trigger. After that the story goes, the resistance collapsed and Eastern Washington was free to be settled by Tea Party Republicans and frequented by liberal wine tasters.
Tonight a photo of the Paulouse from the Steptoe Butte.
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