Oregon Rangers - Battle Creek Incident

Battle Creek Incident

A small group of Native Americans had come to the east Willamette Valley in June 1846. They had come from The Dalles and camped on the Santiam River. Soon rumors were floating around the pioneer settlements that these natives were stealing and eating the livestock of Hamilton Campbell. Campbell had purchased the cattle from the Methodist Mission when it was dissolved a few years earlier. Various other accusations of stealing were also levied. So a messenger was sent to Waldo’s farm, where the Oregon Rangers were drilling, to seek assistance. Captain Bennett was not there, and the company was drilling under first lieutenant Robinson. Soon about forty of the Rangers headed towards the area occupied by the natives, near what became Battle Creek in Marion County, Oregon. This cavalry rode about 14 miles to the encampment and come upon the natives to the surprise of both parties. Soon a skirmish ensued and David Daily shot one of the natives. The Rangers soon retreated a short distance and then opened fire with their longer range rifles. After a short time the firing stopped and the two parties talked to each other. The natives were upset and angered by the seemingly unprovoked attack, and they denied any infractions against any of the settlers. There was no proof offered against them, so the Rangers offered a horse and some blankets as reparations for the injured native, who may have recovered. This was the only casualty of the skirmish. However, this poor judgment and action by the Rangers led to ridicule by fellow settlers and the company was disbanded.