HISTORIC INDIAN COUNCILS 279 



replies but promised that the chief members of 

 the tribe would be present on the following day. 



The Commissioner was warned not to hold the 

 council of October 9th at the Indian Agency, far 

 from possible help from the Post. He was re- 

 minded of the Canby massacre of only six months 

 before, which happened while peace negotiations 

 were in progress. He refused to listen and the 

 council was held. 



There were present at this council Commis- 

 sioner Smith, his interpreter McCloskey, Dr. 

 Clary, Jack Stillwell, and myself. If there was 

 another white man I do not recall him. Ward 

 was sick and when I looked for a companion I 

 was told that no one with any sense would go 

 unless he had to. I did not borrow a pony for 

 the trip but walked to the Indian Agency. The 

 Commissioner was there talking to McCloskey, 

 who looked worried. The room was filled with 

 Indians, most of whom had a surly or savage look. 

 My only comfort was that Iron Mountain, Quirtz 

 Quip, and some of his band were there. I saw 

 Jack Stillwell sitting on a bench by a window. 



