"The attempted settlement of the Indian difficulties by Governor I. I. Stevens, by treaty or otherwise, resulted in the sending of United Stated troops to Walla Walla in the fall of 1856, and in locating of the present post where it now stands, in the spring of 1857, but the continued unfriendliness of the Indians; the killing of miners, stealing from settlers, and the petitioning of the citizens of Colville Valley for protection, induced Lieutenant-Colonel Steptoe in May, 1858, to start for Colville Valley..."
