FURTHER COUNCILS. 731

Sticcas, Camespelo, and some lesser Cayuse chiefs, had returned to the Umatilla, and were profess- ing to be friendly, but it was thought from the nu- merous herds in the valley that they were taking care of the stock belonging to the murderers, who had fled from the country. Welaptulekt was in confine- ment at Fort Waters, awaiting the judgment of the superintendent upon his conduct. Between some of the Cayuses and Nez Perces there was considerable ill feeling because the majority of the latter still de- clined to be forced into a war. 45 On being requested by the Nez Perces to appoint a high chief, Lee nominated Richard, on account of his superior attain- ments; and also appointed Meaway, a man of little note, as war-chief, telling the natives if the selections made did not meet their approbation, to make a choice for themselves; but they simply left the matter in abeyance. 46

After settling affairs with the Nez Perces, Lee held a council with the Walla Wallas and the Cay- uses of the Umatilla, and found that the accession of men and ammunition to Fort Waters had not been without effect. " The friendship of the Indians," re- marked Colonel Waters, "increases with our num- bers."

Peupeumoxmox, on being reminded of his threat to turn murderer, expressed much shame at having been guilty of such folly. "I told him, and all that were present," says Lee, "that we were bound to hold this country until the murderers were pun- ished, the stolen property returned, and that which had been destroyed paid for; and then asked them what they were going to do. Whether they would try to settle the matter, and let us go home about our business, and leave them to theirs, or would

4b 0r. Archives, MS., 139-40

46 Richard does not seem to have acted as the head of the Nez Perces. Gray says that he was ' murdered by a Catholic Indian ' after his appointment. His nomination appears to have been unpopular with the oldor and more inlluuntial men of the Nez Perces.