The Chief Who Just Wanted to Be Left Alone
While Washington settlers braced for potential conflict with Chief Moses in 1878, a local merchant argued the indigenous leader was being provoked by a political usurper, not a desire for war.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
Gen. Howard received a dispatch yesterday from Col. Cuvier Grover, of Fort Walla Walla. I have received a letter dated May 10th, dictated by Chief Moses, complaining that reports are constantly made to him that the whites do not believe his professions of peace. Moses reiterates all he has said; says he wants peace, and that he and his people are trying to do right. We have just interviewed Mr. J. A. Shandy, a gentleman who is engaged in merchandising at Ellensburg, Yakima County, Washington Territory, in regard to the reported Indian difficulties. Chief Moses and his people reside in that section of country adjacent to Ellensburg. Mr. Shoudy says he has had much to do with Moses and his tribe. They have purchased supplies for a long time at his store, and he says the Indians are fair and honorable in their dealings, and seem peaceable and well disposed generally. Moses appears to be a man of much influence among the Indians and is greatly respected by all. Should there be a war, Mr. Shoudy is of the opinion that Moses could summon to his aid not less than 1,000 warriors. He says that he has repeatedly declared that he is in favor of peace. He does not wish to have any trouble with the whites. All he wants is to be let alone and allowed to remain where he is. The country where Moses and his people live is not suitable for white settlement and is not desired. Moses says he has never received any annuities from the government, and does not want a blanket or a pound of rations from Uncle Sam. He and his people are perfectly independent. Tonasket, it is claimed, is a usurper and wants to get possession of authority. His claim for control is contested by Moses, and that is why Tonasket wants the military to step in and enable him to maintain his authority. Much of the present difficulty is said to be directly attributable to this would-be usurper.
“All he wants is to be let alone and allowed to remain where he is.”
This 1878 dispatch reflects the familiar pattern of territorial encroachment and the manipulation of military force to resolve internal indigenous political disputes. Much like current debates surrounding land sovereignty and tribal self-determination in Washington, the story highlights the disconnect between the peaceful intent of tribal leaders and the alarmist reports of settlers.
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