US War Department - Exploration and survey for a railroad route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean.

Abstract

"Memorial states that early in October of '55, the people of Wash. and Oregon territories were 'startled by a general outbreak among nearly all the Indian tribes in the western and middle portion those territories.' Hostilities unprovoked by whites and characterized by usual modes of Indian warfare, indiscriminate slaughter, pillaging, burning of dwellings, destruction of property. Volunteers have nobly discharged their duties and are still in the heart of the enemy's country, combating the Indians, or holding possession of the country which they have conquered."