Historic Fort Steilacoom 4 under a warrant issued by U.S. When Casey returned, his family to reach a decision as to who owned Commissioner J. M. Bachelder for accompanied him. Kautz was pleased, the Islands, an incident occurred selling alcohol to Indians. Leschi even though the Caseys would evict that brought the whole thing to a was spared for a time. him from his house. The household head. An American, Lyman Cutler, The citizenry became incensed. was a busy one, consisting of Mrs. shot a British pig. British authori- Meetings were held, proclamations Abby Perry Pearce Casey, daughters ties threatened to arrest him. were issued. Leschi supporters Clark, Abby Pearce Casey (19), Elizabeth In August 1859 Col. Casey was Vol. 25, No. 3 Fort Steilacoom, Washington Autumn, 2008 Bachelder, and Col. Casey were Goodale Casey (13), and son Edward ordered to bring the soldiers from hung in effigy in front of Governor Wanton Casey (7). Two of the Casey Fort Steilacoom to the San Juan Steven’s office in Olympia. When children were not at Fort Steila- Islands aboard the steamer Julia, they were cut down, Stevens is coom. Thomas Lincoln Casey, a and upon arrival remove the steamer Casey in Washington Territory rumored to have remarked that graduate of West Point like his Massachusetts’ guns to reinforce by Kenneth A. Morgan wiser heads should prevail before father, was an Assistant Professor of Pickett’s camp. Although Casey fully their effigies were removed. Engineering there. Silas Casey III appreciated the possible consequences This article is a continuation of Col. Casey and other Fort Steila- was attending the U.S. Naval of this action, and personally dis- “On the New Frontier: Casey’s Pacific coom officers, most notably Lieutenant Academy. agreed with it, he could not disobey Coast Service” from Ken Morgan’s Kautz, opposed the execution. They The Caseys had an active social his orders. biography of Silas Casey. Part I, were opposed because, among other life. Dinner parties were frequent The governments in London and “California and Oregon,” appeared reasons, it would violate the rules of and included as guests post officers, Washington were becoming alarmed in the Fort Steilacoom newsletter, war. Prisoners of war were not tried gentlemen of the Hudson’s Bay over the situation. Neither wanted Vol. 21, No. 4, Winter, 2004. in civil courts. Kautz investigated Company, and Steilacoom citizenry. war. President Buchanan dispatched the circumstances around Moses’ Newly arrived officers were often Lieutenant General Winfield Scott n March 1855 Congress author- death and proved that Leschi was houseguests of the Caseys. Both of to meet with Rear Admiral R. Lambert ized the activation of four Army not in the area at the time. Nonethe- the Casey girls brought a special Baynes, the British Pacific Station regiments: the 9th and 10th less, Leschi was taken from Fort brightness to the post. Dances were commander. After considerable con- II st nd Infantry, and the 1 and 2 Cavalry. Steilacoom, because Casey would not frequent, although Col. Casey, a sultation, they agreed to a joint These regiments were to serve on let the execution occur at the fort, strongly religious man, worried occupation of the Islands. Things the western frontier. Casey’s brevet and hung on February 19, 1858. about the appropriateness of them cooled off. Both the Royal Marines of Lieutenant Colonel was made While most of the Leschi affair for his young daughters. Abby and American soldiers settled in to permanent in the new 9th Infantry. was occurring, Col. Casey was absent particularly enjoyed the company of the occupation and cordiality prevailed. Colonel George Wright was com- Photo donated by Beth Julian from Fort Steilacoom. He was on the post officers, but had eyes for Casey returned to his post at Fort mander with Casey second in com- This barn, once on the Flett property in Lakewood, Washington, was used leave from mid January until mid only one, Captain Lewis Cass Hunt. Steilacoom to good news. His son mand. The 9th was activated at as a blockhouse during the 1855-1856 Indian War. December 1857. Captain Maloney was They were married at the fort on Thomas was being posted to the Fortress Monroe and made prepara- the senior officer present. Changes November 28, 1860. fort. Thomas was bringing his wife tions for western service. several militia companies organized the west side. The two forces were to were being made in the appearance The Hudson’s Bay Company oper- Emma and son Thomas Jr. The Regiment left Fortress Monroe under the authority of C. H. Mason, join in the fight. Additional support of the fort. A major reconstruction ated a farm in the San Juan Islands, by steam ship, the St. Lewis, for acting territorial governor. A series was requested from two vessels was taking place under the supervi- and several Americans had settled Aspinwall on December 15, 1855, of blockhouses, to act as places of stationed in Puget Sound, the sloop sion of Lieutenant Kautz. there. While the diplomats worked arriving there a few days later. They refuge for the population and bases Decatur and the revenue cutter crossed the Isthmus of Panama by of operation for the militia and Jefferson Davis. The call for addi- rail and boarded ships for California. army, had been constructed through- tional militia companies continued. Historic Fort Steilacoom Casey and four companies were out the Puget Sound region. Slaughter’s party was to cross the P.O. Box 88447 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage aboard the Golden Age, while the The problems started when the mountains by way of Naches Pass. Steilacoom, WA 98388 PAID remainder sailed on the Oregon. Yakima Indians killed some settlers The regulars and a company of Tacoma, WA They arrived at San Francisco in Permit No. 660 in the fall of 1855. Isaac I. Stevens, militia commanded by Captain Hays January 1856 and soon departed for the territorial governor, was absent, started for the pass, but having Washington Territory. After a stop so acting governor Charles H. Mason learned of the large band of Indians at Fort Vancouver, Casey and two oversaw the territory. Mason took it awaiting them, being short on rations companies, D and H, arrived at upon himself to call out the militia and fearing early winter mountain Steilacoom. Casey took command of and requested the assistance of the storms, aborted the trek. the fort and the District of Puget army at Fort Steilacoom and Vancou- A flood of correspondence amongst Sound. ver. A force from Fort Vancouver, the participants accompanied this Casey and the 9th arrived at Fort commanded by Major Granville O. movement in the field. Letters giving Steilacoom in the midst of the Haller, was dispatched up the east orders, telling of the situation, re- “Puget Sound Indian War.” The 4th side of the Cascades, while a similar questing supplies and other support, Infantry from Fort Steilacoom had force under Lieutenant William A. and relaying the possible location of already taken to the field, as had Slaughter left Fort Steilacoom on the Indians were exchanged among (Continued on page 2) Historic Fort Steilacoom 23 Autumn, 2008

ment, and guides us in our future. fled to the protection of Fort Steila- more. could protect the frontier without HISTORIC FORT STEILACOOM Thomas Carlyle maintains that coom, which was being defended by Casey went into the field. He the aid of the volunteers presently ASSOCIATION “history is the essence of innumer- a small number of soldiers com- marched from Fort Steilacoom on in service to the Territory. Stevens President...... Carol Neufeld Stout able biographies.” Francis Bacon manded by Lieutenant John Nugen. February 26, crossed the Puyallup flatly refused, saying that there were Past President ...... C. Gideon Pete claims “history makes men wise.” In early November a large body of River and arrived at the camp no volunteers available, he would st 1 Vice Pres...... Thomas A. Melberg Come to learn history at Fort Indians attacked Maloney in his established by Captain Maloney on not release the volunteers from active nd 2 Vice Pres...... Robert Demorest Steilacoom! Colonel Casey (aka Ken camp from across the river. Several Lemmon’s Prairie. Captain Keyes service, and under no circumstances Secretary ...... Joseph W. Lewis Morgan) will be here to greet us and of the Indians were killed or wounded, was the designated officer of the day would he allow any of his militia to Treasurer ...... Kenneth A. Morgan Directors: Bill Arends, Bernard Bateman, tell about his life on November 16 in but only one soldier was killed when and as such was responsible for be “under the command of the Lawrence Bateman, Steve Dunkelberger, Quarters 2 at 2 p.m. a tree he was cutting fell on him. camp security. He had posted guards regular service.” Christine Finnigan, Nancy Keller-Scholz, Enjoy the sights and sounds of Additional skirmishes occurred around the camp, paying particular Stevens, who referred to himself Walter T. Neary, John McPherson, Laurie “Christmas at the Fort” on Decem- throughout the month. More soldiers attention to the hill and the winding as Commander-in-chief, did not hold Sterling ber 13, 2008, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. arrived from Ft. Vancouver com- road ascending it. Beyond the hill General Wool, commander of the Editor & Publisher ...... Orville H. Stout Colonel Casey and his family will manded by Captain Erasmus D. was hostile territory, believed to be Department of the Pacific, in great Telephone ....(253) 582-5838 or 756-3928 entertain guests; officers and their Keyes. Calls for more militia went occupied by Kanaskat and his band. regard. Stevens and the general Web Site.www.historicfortsteilacoom.com ladies will dance to the tunes of the out. Soldiers were moving through- Kanaskat was perhaps the most disagreed over the use of volunteers fiddlers; carolers will serenade; the out the Puyallup Valley, searching militant of the local Indian leaders from both Washington and Oregon President’s Message sutler will display his wares; and for the hostile Indians. and was feared because of his as an adjunct to the regular army. children may craft a Christmas tree Lt. Slaughter once again took to reputation as a night fighter. Private Stevens wanted to control it all. In a I live in two ornament. the field. Fort Steilacoom soldiers Kehl of D Company was standing at letter to Secretary of War Davis, Though I (as we all do) live in both met up with volunteers and a de- his post when a party of Indians Stevens demanded that Wool be worlds—the pre- the present and the past, I wonder Ken Morgan portrays Col. Silas tachment from the Jefferson Davis approached just before daybreak. removed as he had “shown an utter sent and the past. what the future holds for Fort Casey during Christmas at the Fort. and were later joined by other U.S. Kehl, following Keyes’ orders to incapacity” in executing his duties. In the present I Steilacoom. We plan to continue Regulars. They were attacked by make every shot count, waited until Stevens claimed that his authority go about a daily interpreting the fort through living Indians led by Kitsap and Kanasket they were very close before firing at was superior because he held office household rou- Coming Events history, tours of the quarters, of the Klikitats, who were supported the first in line. It was Kanaskat. by presidential appointment. Stevens tine. Time is also historical displays and educational November 16: “Silas Casey, by members of the Nisqually and In early March, Casey divided his and Wool would feud until Steven’s spent reading, re- programs. In addition, we want to American Warrior,” by Kenneth Niscope bands. Slaughter lost forty command sending Keyes to the death in the Civil War. searching and writing, viewing edu- increase our membership and have Morgan, 2 p.m., Quarters 2. horses but no soldiers in the attack. White River where Lieutenant Kautz The militia was still in the field cational channels and the occasional volunteers who can help us accom- On December 3rd he split his com- was entrenched. They were soon searching for Chief Leschi. Lechi mystery program on television. Being December 13: “Christmas at plish our goals. Volunteers are needed mand and proceeded with about attacked by a band of about one and his followers had gone east of with my family, my husband Orville, the Fort,” 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to work at all these tasks, especially sixty men to a camping place on hundred hostiles. During the battle the Cascades, but returned in the my sons, their wives and grand- at the door. docenting at the museum for events Brannan’s Prairie. While conducting Lt. Kautz was hit in the leg. Lieu- fall of 1856. Leschi intercepted an children is important. and during our Sunday open hours. a council of war in a small cabin on tenant David B. McGibbins, Kautz’s express party carrying messages Working with Historic Fort Steila- During the fall and winter months the evening of December 4th, Lt. subordinate, successfully drove the from the field to Fort Steilacoom. coom is and has been a priority since the fort is open on the first Sunday Casey (continued from page 1) Slaughter was shot and killed. Indians off, losing only two soldiers. Militia Colonel A. B. Moses was 1992. This entails both present and of the month from 1 to 4 p.m. We acting governor Mason, Major Raines Activities continued in the field, but Later in March the militia, led by killed. Stevens declared Leschi to be past. Helping keep the current four need additional people to keep the at Fort Vancouver, Captain Maloney some of the enthusiasm was gone Major Hayes, encountered a large a murderer and was to stand trial 1858 fort buildings and programs fort open. Call 582-5838 if you are at Fort Steilacoom, the captains of after Slaughter’s death. Attempts Indian force on Connell’s Prairie. A for it. Sluggia, Leschi’s nephew, running is a continuing activity. The available. two vessels, and the army and militia were being made to find and capture fight ensued and the Indians were turned him in for a reward of fifty Board and others are also deeply Thank you to all of our members officers in the field. Leschi with no success. driven off. This was to be the last blankets. Leschi was brought to involved in this task. and friends for your support. If you Lt. Slaughter established his camp In January 1856 the settlement in battle of the Puget Sound Indian Olympia and a trial was ordered to Interpreting Fort Steilacoom’s his- haven’t already renewed your mem- on the White River and was rein- Seattle was attacked, but the Indians War. The loss of Kanasket and the take place in Steilacoom. The trial tory requires delving into past bership, take time to do it now. The forced by more soldiers from Fort were driven off by militia and the loss at Connell’s Prairie disheartened resulted in a hung jury. A second events and the lives of people who rates are: Seniors and students $15, Steilacoom and its commander, sloop Decatur without losses on the Indians. The militia and regulars trial was held in Olympia in March lived and worked here when the fort Individuals $20, Family $35, Life- Captain Maurice Maloney. There had either side. Also, in mid January remained in the field in pursuit of 1857. Leschi was defended by Frank was operating from 1849 to 1868. time $300. Our mailing address is: not yet been any killings on the west Governor Stevens returned to Olympia small groups of Indians. Some were Clark, who had been the prosecutor Many members of the Board, Asso- Historic Fort Steilacoom, P.O. Box side of the mountains, but soon there and Lt. Col. Casey arrived at Fort captured, others scattered. Despite for the first trial. The verdict was ciation, and friends of the fort also 88447, Steilacoom, WA 98388. would be. Steilacoom with two companies of ongoing hit-and-run raids, on May guilty; hanging was the sentence. do research. Some assume the persona We look forward to seeing you on In mid October several families were the 9th Infantry. Both of these men 19th Casey reported the war west of The Supreme Court upheld the of past fort people for living history November 16 and December 13 for killed in King County, militiamen were now in charge; Stevens com- the Cascades over. findings and execution was to occur events such as “Christmas at the the last programs of 2008. Be pre- who were attempting to visit Chief manding the militia and civil govern- The war in the field may have in January 1858. Fort.” When we research we are pared to celebrate Fort Steilacoom’s Leshi were killed on Connell’s Prairie, ment, Casey the U.S. Army. ended, but the war of words was just Leschi was brought to the guard- living in the past. 160th year during 2009. as were another militia party carry- Governor Stevens approved the beginning. Casey suggested, in a house at Fort Steilacoom to be hung. Why is this important? Knowing Carol Neufeld Stout ing dispatches to Fort Steilacoom. actions Mason had implemented with letter to Governor Stevens, that with When Sheriff Williams and Deputy and understanding history helps us Because of these killings the inhabi- one exception—not enough militia two additional companies of militia McDaniel arrived at the post to carry understand ourselves, our environ- tants of the Puyallup River Valley had been called. Stevens called up mustered into federal service, he out the sentence, they were arrested