New York Tribune

THE INDIAN WAR.

NEED OF VOLUNTEER CAVALRY.

COL. PERRY AND CAPT. WHIPPLE SURROUNDED—THE UPPER SETTLEMENTS ON THE PELOUSE IN DANGER—SETTLERS FLEEING TO WALLA-WALLA.

PORTLAND, Oregon, July 9.—The following dispatch has been received from Lewiston dated July 6th, via Walla-Walla the 9th instant:

A courier express just in from Col. Perry, who was en route for Gen. Howard with a pack team and escort of thirty men, says that he was attacked on the 4th instant, and that ten soldiers and two citizens were killed. Capt. Whipple, who is in command at Cottonwood, came to the rescue, and repulsed the Indians. The Indians are in force around Col. Perry and Capt. Whipple, who have only force enough for defense. The route to Cottonwood is unsafe.

This bold stroke by Joseph and his band is reported by signal to the Indians of the Northeast, and will stir them up to the offensive. Men just from the Spokane country report that all the settlers except five men between Spokane, Lower Bridge and Palouse Landing have left their homes and fled to Walla, Walla. The Indians have destroyed some fields and gardens and rifled some dwellings. It was reported at Alzeta last night that Colfax was quiet and that the first excitement has cooled. The news here this morning indicated the purpose of Joseph to meet or act with the Indians on the Spokane. Such a move will imperil all the upper settlements on the Palouse. It is evident that volunteer cavalry in large force should be put in the field to reinforce Gen. Howard and stop this uprising before it assumes larger and more definite proportions. Such a force under his command would do the work, as it would be familiar with the country and Indian. The alarm spreads dismay through the whole upper country which must soon bring distress upon the immigrants. There is imminent danger along the borders now, and business will be suddenly paralyzed. This is the moment for quick and vigorous action, such as our people know how to take. The Indian uprising can be suppressed in a few weeks. The military command can and will arm mounted volunteers who will enlist here for service in a regular organization for the field.