CIVIL WAR EVENTS
September 1862- Information was gathered showing that a small party of Indians had contemplated an attack on Government officials between the Snake River and Ft. Colville. Units of the First Washington Territory Infantry and First Oregon Cavalry was sent out to investigate and report.
October 1862- C H Hale, Superintendent of Indian Affairs Washington Territory, reports that there is much uneasiness and dissatisfaction among the Nez Perce tribe and these feelings are spreading to other tribes. He requests military authorities to not remove any troops from the area and to use them to break up whiskey shops and remove trespassers.
February 1863- US Army establishes Ft Boise and launches another of a series of expedition against the Snake Indians. Expeditions against the Snake Indians last for a few years and with casualties taken on both sides. The military increases it present to guard against Snake Indian attacks upon white settlers and miners.
November 1863- US Consul Allen Francis, on Vancouver Island, writes in response to a received letter speaking about rumored plots of rebel sympathizers to raise a privateer ship in Victoria. He wrote to the US Navy requesting that a warship be sent to Puget Sound in case events proved to be true. The request was denied.
April 1865- Reports maintain that all is quiet around the Ft. Colville area and that there is not trouble or treaties with the Indians of the region. However, friendly relationships must be maintained with the Indians because of the increase mineral discoveries of the area.
May 1865- US Army's line of post travels from Ft. Colville to Ft. Lapwai, near Lewiston. Camp Lyon protects mining operations on the Owyhee River. It was suggested that all Indians west of this line be placed in reservations so as to prevent attacks on white settlements. Also it was reported that Fort Klamath must be maintained due to Indian activity in the region; Forts Yamhill and Walla Walla could be abandoned soon. Fort Dalles could be abandoned immediately. Fort Vancouver served as the depot for supply for the Department of the Columbia.
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