A Blockhouse, a Murder, and a Rumor of War

For the last few days the people of this county have been greatly excited, and in some cases seriously alarmed, by reports of an approaching Indian outbreak and war. So great has been the alarm that most of the settlers on the Puyallup placed their wives and children in the blockhouse, where they still remain. In support of the assertion by some of them that there is no danger, and no foundation for the present alarm, we insert by request the following:

To the Editor of the Puget Sound Herald.

Puyallup Valley, Jan. 1, 1861.

I left Steilacoom on Sunday last, and found the people were alarmed about the Indians in our new country. Have not seen any signs of hostilities with them, and apprehend none. The Indians all say the murderer that is demanded is not in this valley, and has not been here; he does not belong to our tribe, and they are not friendly with him.

I am satisfied that if we attend to our business, and let the Indians do the same, we will have no difficulty with them.

David E. Lane.

Mr. Lane occupies, with his family, a place not less exposed than any of those on the Puyallup, and his judgment and opinion in the matter are therefore entitled to consideration. The present alarm originates entirely in the murder of Gorter, on the Snohomish, and the efforts made to capture and punish the murderers, who were said to have fled to the Puyallup valley. As yet we have been unable to learn anything reliable of their whereabouts, and cannot speak with certainty of the real designs of the Indians, if any they have. In the existing state of uncertainty, we can only counsel prudence and patience.