July 11, 1877

THE INDIAN OUTBREAK

Indians Reported Quiet, But Whites Apprehensive

Washington, D. C. June 28-- The following telegram has been received by the 
Commissioner of Indian affairs from Ft. L Lapwai June 27: " Messengers from 
Spokane, Coeur, Datens and other tribes in the North report the Indian quiet, 
but the whites are apprehensive.  Columbia River renegades have not joined Joseph.  
The Umatilla are quiet.  Troops on Salmon River anticipate an engagement soon.  
General Howard is commanding person.
	“(Signed) E. C Watkins Inspector.”

OUT THROUGH SAFELY
	San Francisco, June 28--Press dispatch; A Portland special correspondent 
sends the following from out Idaho, under date of 25th instant: "Got through 
safely to General Howard's headquarters, on the Cottonwood, at six o'clock this 
morning.  The command has since marched 15 mi. to this point, were it has been 
joined by the balance of the detachment commanded by Col. Perry.  Officers and 
men are in excellent health and spirits.  We move this afternoon to Johnson's 
ranch, 10 mi. beyond here.  Troops from Ft. Lapwai are expected tomorrow evening, 
which will place the total force under General Howard of troops and volunteers at 
bout 600.  Latest intelligence at headquarters from the Indians is to the effect 
that
Joseph and Followers
are in camped near Salmon River, at the mouth of the White Bird Creek, about 6 mi. 
from the scene of the late fight with the troops under Col. Perry and 18 mi. from 
out Idaho.  There are said to number all the way from ninety nine to 400 warriors, 
accounts differing.
	A great number of renegade Indians from different bands have joined Joseph 
on Salmon River.  Lieutenant Tremble, with his company and a volunteer detachment 
will tonight be at Slate Creek, were about 50 citizens have fortified and held the 
place.  General Howard intends to reconnoiter and keep Joseph and check till the 
balance of his troops from the forts arrive to help.
BATTLE MAY BE EXPECTED
	No further murders have been reported, though the latest information is that 
the Indians all on Hangman’s Creek are getting very restless and a portion have 
refused to accept any part of the reservation and left with one of their peaceful 
chiefs.  It is reported that Joseph is anxious to have a fight with the troops and 
he will probably have an opportunity within a few days.
	The agent at Lapwai is confident that a few of the treaty Indians will joined 
Joseph and parties claiming to be well-informed claim that the Indians north of Snake 
and Clearwater Rivers will not assist him, as the Nez Perce declined to help them in 
the war of 55-6.  Umatilla will be prevented from joined the hostile Indians with much 
of a force and from Boise section there are no Indians to come.