A Survivor's Recollections Of The Whitman Massacre

MATILDA J. SAGER DELANEY

Publication: Esther Reed Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, 1920, Spokane

First Edition. Stiff Printed Wrappers. 46pp. Illustrated with a photographic portrait of the author and a drawing of the layout of the Whitman Mission. A unique and important historical record presenting the authors memories of the tragic events at Waillatpu, known as the Whitman Massacre. As a child survivor, Delaney recounts the events leading up to, during, and following the massacre, in which members of the Cayuse tribe killed missionary Marcus Whitman, his wife Narcissa, and several others. The narrative describes growing tensions between the missionaries and the Cayuse, worsened by the spread of disease that devastated Native communities and was blamed on the mission. Delaney provides vivid details of the violence, captivity of surviving children and women, and the fear and uncertainty that followed. She also recounts the eventual rescue of the captives and the lasting emotional impact of the event on her life. A few words written across bottom portion of front wrapper, and some light general soiling. Very good copy of this scarce account. This copy is from the Everett D. Graff Collection of Western Americana, "in a blue cloth case".