The Whitman Massacre Trial: 1850 - Five Cayuse Braves Arrested
Five Cayuse Braves Arrested
Two more years passed before U.S. troopers arrested Chief Telokite and four other Cayuse braves and brought them over two hundred miles to Oregon City to be tried for the murder of Dr. Marcus Whitman, his wife Narcissa, and the other victims. On Tuesday, May 21, 1850, Judge Pratt appointed three defense counsel (Secretary Pritchette and two calvary officers) to represent the five prisoners, who remained in chains throughout the trial. Two interpreters were also there to assist the defense.
On Wednesday, defense counsel presented three separate motions to the court. The first pleaded for a dismissal because the United States had no jurisdiction over an alleged crime that occurred eight months prior to U.S. takeover and that was committed on lands of the Cayuse nation. Judge Pratt denied the motion. The second motion asked that the trial be moved because townsfolk in Oregon City were hostile and sought vengeance against the prisoners. The motion was denied. The third motion sought a postponement of the trial in order to gain time for a defense witness (over two hundred miles away in Waiilatpu) to get to Oregon City. The judge denied the motion and ordered that the trial begin the next morning.
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9 months ago
sara » yay ((at)) egg dot com
The Idians were guilty. It was Self Defense. The only reason the Settlers won was b/c it was an Ameican court. Unjust!!!!
about 1 year ago
jose » leticiablue007 ((at)) yahoo dot com
the whitmen brought it upon them selfs
over 2 years ago
Angela » a dot piece1992 ((at)) hotmail dot com
They were guilty!!!!!!