The tragic news of the Whitman Massacre, which occurred in late November 1847, quickly reached the provisional Oregon Territorial capitol in Oregon City by early December. This horrific event spurred an immediate and decisive response to the Whitman Massacre from the fledgling government, setting in motion a series of events that would ignite the long and bitter Cayuse War.
The provisional government, recognizing the gravity of the situation and the threat to settler safety, wasted no time in mobilizing. Steps were immediately taken to raise a volunteer regiment. Cornelius Gilliam, a seasoned Oregon pioneer and former military officer in the U.S. Army, was appointed colonel to lead this newly formed force, known as the Oregon Volunteers. Tasked with prosecuting the Cayuse tribe, who were held responsible for the massacre, Gilliam quickly organized a formidable force of approximately 600 men.
Mobilization and Initial March of the Oregon Volunteers
The company of Oregon Volunteers embarked on their mission in the first week of January 1848. Their route led them along the trail to a point above the Cascades, from which they proceeded to The Dalles. The soldiers operated under the strong belief that the Cayuse, along with the Walla Walla, Nez Perce, Yakama, and other tribes, had formed a unified front against the white settlers. This perception led to a policy of engaging any Native Americans they encountered, reflecting the tense and often misinformed atmosphere of the time.
In reality, while the Cayuse had indeed attempted to rally other tribes to their cause, most were hesitant to join, and notably, the Nez Perce actively worked against them. By February 12, a significant force of 537 officers and men had successfully reached The Dalles. Four days later, Colonel Cornelius Gilliam strategically left 20 men to guard Fort Lee (which would later become Fort Dalles), securing a vital outpost before continuing his march deeper into the interior of the Indian country.
Early Engagements and Key Battles
The Oregon Volunteers experienced their first significant encounter with Native American groups on January 30th, along the Des Chutes River. During this skirmish, the opposing forces were driven off, and casualties on both sides remained relatively few. Despite the limited scope of the engagement, this initial “victory” proved to have a positive and morale-boosting effect on the soldiers as they pressed further into unfamiliar territory.
As the campaign progressed, two more pivotal battles unfolded over the subsequent months, marking critical points in the early stages of the Cayuse War:
- The Battle of Sand Hollows: Fought on February 24th, this engagement further tested the mettle of the Oregon Volunteers.
- The Battle at the Touchet River: Taking place on March 14th, this battle demonstrated the ongoing commitment of the volunteers to their mission and their determination to confront the Cayuse and their sympathizers.
These encounters, while not always decisive, solidified the presence of the provisional government’s military force in the region and signaled their unwavering resolve.
Shifting Leadership and Diplomatic Maneuvers
By May 1848, leadership of the Oregon Rifles had transitioned to Colonel Henry A.G. Lee. Continuing the relentless pursuit of those responsible for the Whitman Massacre, Lee, alongside Captain Philip F. Thompson and approximately 400 troops, intensified efforts to locate and apprehend the murderers. Recognizing the complex tribal dynamics, Lee attempted a strategic diplomatic approach, offering the Nez Perce several hundred dollars worth of merchandise in exchange for their assistance in capturing the perpetrators.
As the various tribes observed the growing strength and determination of the American army, a notable shift in allegiances began to occur. Many tribes that had previously shown sympathy towards the Cayuse started to distance themselves. A clear demonstration of this changed attitude came from the Walla Walla, who captured and hanged one of the known murderers, sending word that they were actively pursuing another. Facing increasing pressure and diminishing support, the Cayuse soon left the immediate area, seeking refuge and concealment within the rugged Blue Mountains.
Conclusion of the Campaign and the Continuing Cayuse War
Although the immediate military campaign had not resulted in the capture of all the Whitman murderers, the sustained pressure from the Oregon Volunteers led to a significant decrease in overt hostilities. By June, with the initial objectives partially met and the Cayuse dispersed, the Army decided to abandon the campaign for the season. The troops began their journey home, arriving at Oregon City around June 20, 1848, where they were promptly mustered out of service.
However, the cessation of this particular campaign did not signify the end of the conflict. The Cayuse War, ignited by the Whitman Massacre response, continued sporadically for several years. The Cayuse, despite their retreat, periodically launched strikes against white settlers before once again withdrawing into the protective confines of the Blue Mountains. This prolonged period of unrest irrevocably altered the landscape of settler-Native American relations in the Oregon Territory, leaving a lasting legacy of conflict and complex interdependencies.
