A[bner] H. Francis to Frederick Douglass, March 12, 1856

For Frederick Douglass' Paper.

LETTER FROM ABNER H. FRANCIS.

On board the U. S. Mail Steamer "Columbia," bound for Steilacoom, Puget Sound, W. T., March 12th, 1856.

DEAR DOUGLASS:—I have just spent a few hours in reading your last number of January and first of February papers. By a letter in one of those numbers, I am reminded of my promise to keep you advised of the doings on this part of the Pacific. For the last two months there has been so much inactivity in the Border war department, I have not deemed it important to write you on the subject.

A battle was fought in January at Walla Walla, between the Volunteers and Indians; the Indians were routed, the Fort retaken, and their great Chief Pee-Peu-Peu-Mox-Mox, and a large number of others killed. Since then there have been no engagements until the presentweek. Some twelve hundred Regulars from the Atlantic States have been sent here at an expense of nearly half a million, resting quietly in their quarters for the last three months, by order of the renowned General Wool, Commander-in-Chief. The General felt his dignity assailed, because the press of Oregon condemned him for his reprehensible inactivity in not marching into the field immediately after the arrival of the Regulars from the States. The Volunteers had already routed them from their strongholds, and were ready to join the Regulars and bring the war to a termination. The General appeared to be jealous of the laurels already gained by the Volunteers, and ordered them from the field, which they properly refused. To use a now familiar phrase

Where is General Wool? Quietly resting in his saddle." This delay has given the Indians time to rally. Emboldened with former success they have again commenced their work of destruction and death. A few days since, they gathered at one of the landings near Portland, and prevented the steamer from landing a load of Volunteers. New massacres are daily occurring of a revolting nature. The General and Staff, with some hundred and fifty Regulars, are on board, going to the Sound, where they have made a bold attack, and threatening the town. Several hundred left Fort Vancouver last week to join others at Fort Halls. A force has also left for Fort Orford, where they have already murdered Captain Wright and a number of others. I hope soon to hear, as in days that are past, a repetition of his prowess and valor. My opinion is that age has had some counter affect upon the old General's movements; if I judge rightly, it will affect his standing as a Commander. He seems nervous and excitable, as old men are.

In that letter referred to, you should have said Oregon, not Kansas. Apt to become, after a brilliant career, that has thrown such a halo of glory around them, (old and childish,) I think it vain for him to expect to occupy the seat in the White House for the four years from the 4th of March next. We have had for the last two months delightful weather.

13th, 9 o'clock. Passed Cape Flattery, near the entrance to the Straits of Fuca, Vancouver's Island on the West of the Straits. This portion of the British possessions, of which so much has been said, extends some four hundred miles along the coast, mountainous, and as destitute of trees and verdure as a portion of the Coast of Central America and California.— On a small Island of Rocks, at the entrance

of the Cape, Indians appear in great numbers. With the glass, small bark houses were seen between the ledges of rocks. Several boat loads of females were out in their frail barks, at least five miles to sea. But few of the males were to be seen, all indicating that they were already in the field.

12 o'clock. Met the U. S. Steamer Active. Commanding Officer reports a battle fought.—9 Regulars wounded, 1 killed. From the entrance to the Straits of Fuca to Port Townsend, about ninety miles, Port Townsend lies at the entrance of the Sound. This great and grand body bears South from Port Townsend, thus leaving Vancouver's Island West, giving us the American shore on either side of the Bay.—The fleets of the world could repose upon these majestic waters. For one hundred miles on the Sound good and safe anchorage is found near the shore; the tide makes it here some 200 miles from the Ocean, at about seven knots per hour. About seventy-five miles from the mouth of the Straits of Fuca on the East side of Vancouver's Island, lies Victoria, the principal town in the South. Oysters, clams, cod and other choice fish are found in abundance.

14th. Landed the troops at Steilacoom.—Now on our way to San Francisco. I have prolonged this too far, and will close by saying, another battle has been fought near this place, between the Volunteers and Indians. Fifteen Indians killed, only one white wounded. I expect to be in Portland again in about one month, and will write you again.

Yours, as ever,

A. H. FRANCIS